Morphological and anatomical structure of Satureja hortensis L. herb

Abstract

Considering the fact that morphological and anatomical characteristic of this or that medicinal herb is rather sufficient for both identification and determination of the quality parameters of herbs, the analysis of diagnostic macroscopic and microscopic features of the unofficial herb of Summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) is relevant direction of pharmaceutical research. Aim of our research was morphological and anatomical study of the Satureja hortensis herb. Methods. Aerial part (herb) of Summer savory was collected in 2014-2015 during full bloom period under cultivation in the Western Podillya region. Microscopic analysis of the dried and fixed in ethanol-glycerin-water (1:1:1) mixture herb was carried out according to the conventional methods. Prepared cross-sections and surface samples of stems, leaves and flowers was studied using МS 10 microscope and Sаmsung PL50 camera. Color, shape, surface character of the herbal material constituents were identified at morphological study, as well as their taste and odor. Results. The complex of specific morphological and anatomical diagnostic features of the species, which allow to identify the herb and to avoid impurities of other species during collecting and using of Summer savory herb were determined. Conclusion. The main morphological and anatomical features of stems, leaves and flowers of the unofficial herb of Summer savory (Satureja hortensis) were determined. The obtained data will be used for the herbal material standardization and development of the normative documentation “Summer savory herb” as a promising source for herbal substances creation