Microscopic characterization of five Artemisia crude herbs using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and microscopic quantitative analysis

Artemisia annua, Artemisia argyi, Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia leucophylla and Artemisia lavandulaefolia are five herbal species of Artemisia usually misidentified, adulterated or substituted in commerce. Using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and microscopic quantitative analysis, the transverse sections, morphological, powder and quantitative microscopic features of glandular trichome density and area were observed for correct authentication. The results indicated that microscopic characteristics such as the distribution of fiber bundles in the vascular bundle of the main vein, the shape of xylem, the density and type of non-glandular trichomes, the morphology of T-shaped non-glandular trichomes, the type of calcium oxalate crystals, and the number and size of glandular trichomes can be used to authenticate the five Artemisia crude herbs. Differences in the morphology and density of glandular and non-glandular trichomes are key features for the identification of five Artemisia species. Therefore, our study provides a more comprehensive microscopic identification diagram and additional microscopic evidence for the five Artemisia species. HIGHLIGHTS: This study provides a more comprehensive microscopic identification diagram and statistical information on the glandular trichome density and area for accurate authentication of five Artemisia herbs using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and microscopic quantitative analysis.