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Micro‐morphological identification study on Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. and its adulterants based on stereo microscope and desktop scanning electron microscope
Author(s) -
Kang Shuai,
Nie Lixing,
Zheng Yuguang,
Zuo Tiantian,
Wang Ying,
Shi Jia,
Ma ShuangCheng
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
microscopy research and technique
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.536
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1097-0029
pISSN - 1059-910X
DOI - 10.1002/jemt.23749
Subject(s) - cordyceps , traditional chinese medicine , scanning electron microscope , microscope , biology , electron microscope , botany , materials science , optics , pathology , medicine , composite material , physics , alternative medicine
The Chinese Materia Medica, Cordyceps sinensis (called “Dongchongxiacao” in Chinese), used as a tonic for nearly 600 years by Traditional Chinese Medicine, which has been recorded by Chinese Pharmacopoeia. This drug is rare and precious, which in turn lead to the emergence of adulterants derived from the same genus of Cordyceps . The adulterants which can be commonly found in the market are Cordyceps gunnii (called “Gunichongcao” in Chinese), Cordyceps liangshanensis (called “Liangshanchongcao” in Chinese), and Cordyceps gracilis (called “Xinjiangchongcao” in Chinese). This study combined a desktop scanning electron microscope and stereo microscope to distinguish C. sinensis from the above three adulterants especially on their different characters of caterpillar parts. Referring to the professional entomological literature, the micro‐morphological features including the cuticle of the abdomen and the planta of abdomen prolegs were observed, photographed, and expressed based on the description of macroscopic characters. The identification method studied in this article is more convenient, quick, and environmental friendly.