The following is a taxonomic list of the specific features of external and internal shape and pattern analysis of Paeonia lactiflora PALL. and P. obovata MAX as the standard of herbal medicine.
1. External shape of original plant
P. lactiflora has lancelate and elliptical leaves with no hair on both sides. It bears a flower bud at the shoot apex or leaf axil. On the other hand, P. obovata has obovate leaves with hair on the back side. It has a single flower bud at the shoot apex.
2. Physical characteristics of herbal states
P. lactiflora has a bright and smooth external surface whose color is light red brown, light gray on its section and it is not easy to cut. On the other hand, P. obovata has a coarse external surface whose color is dark brown, pinkish on its section and it is easy to cut.
3. Physical characteristics of herbal state in currents
Paeonia Radix Alba is brown on the external surface, and whitish on its section. On the other hand, Paeonia Radix Rubra is dark brown on the external surface, and yellowish-white on its section.
4. Internal characteristics
Internal shape is correspond to that of Paeonia Radix described in literatures. Only P. lactoflora has a concentrated vascular bundle toward centeral cylinder. On the other hand, P. obovata has a scattered vascular bundle at the cortex.
5. Physicochemical pattern by HPLC
Both P. lactoflora and P. obovata showed the same pattern. Paeoniforin, a main component, appears upon 13.68 in retention time (Rt) in both. In addition, both contain a large amount of paeoniflorin.
Such results will, in the future, be used as basic source for the additional research, such as biological reactions and genetic discrimination.
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