• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.43-51
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• 2018

Objectives : Pharbitidis Semen, the seeds of Ipomoea nil (L.) Roth or I. purpurea (L.) Roth, is well-known traditional herbal medicine in Korea. But it is often marketed as a different seed or mixtures of its closely related species. Thus, the present study aims to provide external and micromorphological characters and identification key by using stereoscope (ST) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) for discriminating authentic of Pharbitidis Semen. Methods : A discrimination on external morphological characteristics of sepals, fruits, seeds, and hilum, testa cell micromorphology in the original plants and its congeneric species was carried out using digital calipers, ST, and SEM. Results : Number of valves (degree of apex of each valve), number of seeds per locule, hairy in capsules and size, luster, density of hairy, hilum shape in seeds and shape of cell, anticlinal, periclinal wall in testa may have high discriminative value. The seeds of Ipomoea nil as an original plant of Pharbitidis Semen were distinguished from other species by the relative larger in size, ovoid-trigonous in shape, mostly flabellate or triangular to trapezoid in outline (c.s.), dull, and puberulent in surface and thicken anticlinal wall. Conclusions : On the basis of the results, an identification key of Pharbitidis Semen and closely related species is provided. Our observations suggest that the combination of morphological characters and other studied results could be helpful in the successfully identified authentic herbal medicines. Moreover, micromorphological characters using SEM could be useful for discriminating authentic medicines.