Acmella oleracea: A Comprehensive Study of Anatomical and Diagnostic Characteristics

The article describes anatomical and diagnostic characteristics of a promising source of biologically active substances – Acmella oleracea. A. oleracea belongs to Asteraceae family and is native to Brazil and Peru, grows in India; it also can be introduced in humid continental climate of Moscow region, but only as an annual plant due to its sensitivity to frost. It is a well-recognized traditional remedy for toothache and gum diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated its antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, and analgesic activity. The plant is very rich in various chemical substances, namely N-alkamides, flavonoids, coumarins, polysaccharides, and terpenoids. Recent publications have introduced several methods of quantification of these components. However, no studies were specifically devoted to comprehensive description of anatomic and diagnostic features of all aerial parts of A. oleracea, which can be important for authentification of herbal drug products containing this herb. Therefore, the aim of the study was to describe anatomical and diagnostic characteristics of A. oleracea that can be used to distingush the plant from contaminating species and prevent adulteration and falsification of herbal drugs. The study was conducted using dried aerial parts of the herb which were separated into flowers, leaves, and stems. The slides for microscopic examination were prepared and examined according to the Russian State Pharmacopoeia requirements. The authors conclude that the results of the study can be used for identification purposes and in regulatory documents development.