Anatomical Characteristics of Leaves and Flowers of Cornus sanguine subsp. australis (C.A.Mey.) Jav.

Abstract

Introduction: Cornus sanguinea subsp. australis (C.A.Mey.) Jav. is a widespread plant of the Caucasus (Russia). This is a small decorative tree with a large mass of raw material of leaves and flowers, which contain phenolic compounds. Currently, this plant is used in traditional medicine in some countries. Materials and Methods: C. australis leaves, and flowers were collected during the flowering period on the Mount Mashuk in Pyatigorsk, Stavropol region, Russia in June 2019. The anatomical structure of C. australis is considered in accordance with the requirements of the State Pharmacopoeia XIV. Results: There are heavily sinuous walls of cells of the upper and lower epidermis in microscopy of the leaves of C. australis, stomatal anomocytic type, Т-shaped trichomes, two types of mesophyll: palisade and spongy. In the vascular system of the leaf and petiole, there are two vascular bundles: small and larger. In the small vascular bundle, the xylem is located from the abaxial surface, the phloem – from the adaxial surface, in the big vascular bundle on the contrary. The lower epidermis of the petal and sepal is covered with T-shaped trichomes. Conclusion: Obtained anatomical signs are necessary for identification, authenticity, standardization for the use of C. australis as raw materials for pharmaceutical purposes.