Comparative anatomical and histological research of the roots of Rheum Palmatum L. And Rheum Officinale B.

. The aim of the study is to perform the anatomical and histological analysis of the roots of Rheum palmatum L. and Rheum officinale B., and also to check histochemical reactions for the presence of anthracene derivatives. Material and methods. The methodological basis of the anatomical and histological studies was the standard method for the preparation of micro-preparations of roots of Rheum palmatum L. and Rheum officinale B. described in the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation, XIV edition (OFS.1.5.3.003.15). Results and discussion. Anatomical and histological studies of Rheum palmatum L. and Rheum officinale B. raw materials confirmed the roots of Rheum palmatum L. to have classical secondary structure, while the roots of Rheum officinale B. have classical primary structure. The histochemical reaction to anthracene derivatives with 10% alkali solution was carried out, it resulted in cherry-red staining of core rays and some structures of cortical parenchyma of the fragment of Rheum palmatum L., while the roots of Rheum officinale B. failed to stain. Conclusions. The anatomical and histological studies of the rhizomes and roots of Rheum palmatum L. and Rheum officinale B. demonstrate the difference in the structure of closely related species of plants. It makes possible to identify the medicinal raw material of these plants.