MICROSCOPIC DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES OF WHOLE, MILLED AND POWDERED PLANT MATERIAL “RHIZOMES OF COMMON TURMERIC”

Aim - the determination of microscopic diagnostic features of rhizomes of common turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Materials and methods. We have studied whole, milled and powdered plant material of turmeric from different manufactures. The study was carried out with the use of the digital microscopes “Motic DM111” (Korea) and “Motic DM-39C-N9GO-A” (Korea). Results. It was determined that the microscopic diagnostic features of rhizomes of turmeric include the presence of cells with sinuous walls and structured content in the form of colored folding in the parenchyma; closed collateral vascular bundles lie scattered in the parenchyma, their conductive elements have narrow lumen. Vascular bundles contain pigment cells considerably smaller in comparison with the size of vessels. Pigment cells with drops of orange-red essential oil are also found in the parenchyma. In milled and powdered plant material, the fragments of all these elements are observed. In the fragments of powdered rhizomes of turmeric, numerous cells with yellow content are found; the parenchyma cells have less expressed folded structure. Fragments of vessels are found both in milled and powdered material. Conclusion. The results of this study were included in the section “Microscopy” of the project of pharmacopoeial monograph “Curcuma longa L. rhizomes”.