Studies of the Genus Bupleurum (Umbelliferae) from Nepal (I). A Histological Study of Leaves and the Botanical Origin of Tibetan Crude Drug TUNAK CHUNGA

Abstract

To clarify histological diagnostics of the Bupleurum plants and the botanical origin of the crude drug TUNAK CHUNGA, leaves of eight Nepalese Bupleurum varieties were studied. The eight Bupleurum taxa were distinguished from each other based on the following anatomical features of leaves on the middle portion of stems: outlines of midrib and leaf margin in cross section, quantity of collenchyma tissue in leaf margin, number of oil canals in midrib and leaf blade, presence or absence of pappilae on epidermis, and number of stomata on the adaxial surface. Anatomical characteristics of each variety are described. The Tibetan crude drug TUNAK CHUNGA was identified as the whole plant of B.falcatum subsp.falcatum var. gracillimum, which is one of the most common Bupleurum plants in the alpine zone of the Nepal Himalayas, and is the first record as the botanical origin of Tibetan crude drug.