Anatomical study and histochemical analysis of Artemisia leucodes Schrenk

The study of anatomical structure of the aerial part of Artemisia leucodes Schrenk. was carried out, and in this regard, the anatomical and diagnostic features of A. leucodes raw materials were revealed: epidermal cells of an elongated shape, mesophyll in the leaves is columnar, the stem has a fascicular structure, collenchymal mechanical structures are present in the stem ribs. Histochemical analysis shows that the secretory structures of A. leucodes produce sesquiterpene lactones and essential oils, as was confirmed by a chemical study of the aerial parts of A. leucodes. Sesquiterpene lactones anhydroaustricin, matricarin, leucomisin, grossmizin, 5β(H)-austricin, were isolated from the ethanol extract of A. leucodes by column chromatography on silica gel. By hydrodistillation of anthodium, buds, and leaves an essential oil was obtained, according to chromatography-mass spectrometry, the major component of which was l-camphor - 39.00% and camphene - 9.31%, 1.8-cineole (eucalyptole) - 6.20%. The obtained data on diagnostic features, determination of the localization of secondary metabolites and chemical composition allow us to identify and standardize the medicinal raw materials of A. leucodes, what guarantees quality, and also allow more rational use of A. leucodes in pharmaceutical production.

Keywords: Anatomy; Artemisia leucodes Schrenk.; Camphor; Diagnostic features; Essential oil; Histochemical analysis; Leucomisin; Sesquiterpene lactones.