Morphological and anatomical structure of flowers and fruits of Sisymbrium officinale (L.) Scop.

Abstract

The genus Sisymbrium L. of Brassicaceae family has up to 90 species of single and perennial herbaceous plants growing in temperate regions of both hemispheres. In Russia there are up to 20 species, of which the most common is Sisymbrium officinale (L.) Scop. This species is widely used in traditional medicine around the world as an expectorant, restorative, diuretic, anthelmintic, for diseases of the digestive and respiratory systems. It is included in the Pharmacopoeia of France. However, it is not included in the State Pharmacopoeia of Russia; the pharmacopoeia article for medicinal plant raw materials has not been approved. The possibility of using a new species in scientific medicine makes it necessary to study the morphological and anatomical structure of the Sisymbrium officinale. Objective: to perform morphological (external) and anatomical (internal) analysis of the structural features of the reproductive organs (flowers and fruits) of the medicinal herb; to establish the signs by which it is possible to make a reliable diagnosis. Materials and methods. The study of morphological and anatomical features of reproductive organs (flowers and fruits) of Sisymbrium officinale was carried out in accordance with the articles of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation of the XIV edition. Freshly harvested, dried and fixed raw materials were used for the study. Results. For the first time macro- and microdiagnostic signs of reproductive organs (flowers and fruits) of Sisymbrium officinale were described. Conclusion. For the first time macroscopic and microscopic signs of reproductive organs (flowers and fruits) of Sisymbrium officinale have been identified and described, which can be used to determine the authenticity of raw materials, as well as to develop sections «External signs» and «Microscopic signs» of modern regulatory documentation.