Leaf Epidermal Features for Differentiating Cecropia pachystachya Trécul from its Adulterant Tetrapanax papyrifer (Hook.) K. Koch

Abstract

In the quality control of herbal drugs, analysis of microscopy structures is crucial to detect any adulterants or substitutes. Microscopic analysis is considered one of the first pharmacopeial parameters of pharmacognostic identification. Cecropia pachystachya Trécul (Urticaceae), commonly known as “embaúba” or Ambay pumpwood, is a broadleaved tree species native to South America, from Brazil to Argentina. Cecropia pachystachya is used in traditional medicine as a diuretic, antiasthmatic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hypertensive. Due to the malpractice of adulterating botanicals with other species having similar morphology and therapeutic uses, an unrelated plant Tetrapanax papyrifer (Hook.) K. Koch (Araliaceae) is commonly used as an adulteration of C. pachystachya. Tetrapanax papyrifer was introduced into Brazil and utilized in folk medicine as an antidiarrheal, antitussive, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant. This work aimed to identify and differentiate between the two species using microscopic features of the leaf epidermis. The presence or absence and the morphotype of trichomes are sufficient to identify and differentiate between these species, in whole or pulverized form.

Keywords:
Araliaceae; adulteration; quality control; embaúba; micromorphology; Urticaceae

HIGHLIGHTS

• Microscopy was important in identification and quality control of C. pachystachya.

• Epidermal features helped to differentiate between C. pachystachya and T. papyrifer.

• Trichomes are the main anatomical marker in the differentiation.