Morphological characters for the identification of Lonicera caerulea var. altaica dried fruits

Dried fruits of Lonicera caerulea var. altaica (Caprifoliaceae) are used in traditional Mongolian medicine to treat liver, stomach and cardiac diseases [1]. Although some previous comparative studies were reported on the Lonicera genus [2], there aren't any studies on the morphoanatomical characterization of the fruits of L. caerulea var. altaica (syn. L. altaica). The aim of this work was to provide botanical markers useful for the identification of this edible dried fruit, as an eventual raw material for the pharmaceutical and alimentary industry. Used methodology includes the macroscopic and microscopic analysis of the whole, sliced and powdered dried fruits by light and scanning electron microscopy. Quantitative microscopy studies were also performed. Macroscopically, the dried fruit is a dark blue berry that presents a conspicuously wrinkled outer surface. The micro-morphological characters that have diagnostic value to characterize the fruit, are as follows: pericarp composed of epicarp with one layer of cells with superficial polygonal contour with anomocytic stomata, red coloured parenchymatic mesocarp and endocarp with sclereids and calcium oxalate crystals druses; a collenchymatic sheath on the peduncle pericycle and vascular bundles; seeds with a spindle-shaped naked without wing; browning exotesta and endotesta layers and the embryo is surrounded by several layers of endosperm cells with droplets of oil and few calcium oxalate crystals druses type on the cotyledons. The powder fruit is characterized by the presence of fragments of the above-named structures. Obtained morphological characters can be included in a future quality control monograph of L. caerulea var. altaica fruit.

References: 1. Ariunaa Z. & Khaidav T. (2008) Book of Abstracts. Medical University of Lublin, Faculty of Pharmacy. Lublin, pps 68.

2. Jacobs B. et al (2009) Annals of Botany 104: 253–276.