Pharmacognostical Studies On Four Species Of Tu-er-feng Derived From Ainsliaea In Sichuan Province China

Based on literature date, related specimens, market and field investigation , botanical origin of Tuerfeng was clarified. It was found that Tuerfeng used in Sichuan comes from many species in Ainsliaea DC.of Compositae family and Gerbra piloselloide (L.) Cass. None species of Ainsliaea DC. was found in herb market. Ainsliaea fragrans Champ., A. lancifolia Franch. and A. glabra Hemsl. distribut widely in many parts of Sichuan, while Ainsliaea yunnanensis Franch. only distributs in Liangshang Yi minorities region and to the south part of it.Systematical studies on external and internal struture were carried out on whole herbs of four species for the first time.As a result, Ainsliaea ftagrans Champ. A. lancifolia Franch. A. glabra Hemsl.and-A. yunnanensis Franch. could be distingushied by external characteristics such as florescense, shape and size of leaf, characteristics of non-glandular hair.They could also be differentiated by transverse section characteristics of leaf, presence of non-glandular hair or not and characteristics of non-glandular, shape of stomata, which all can be the important identificational characteristics.Volatile oils of four species were also extracted and the contents were determined by GC/MS for the first time.The results showed that the main constituents of four species were sesquiterpenoids.To provide scientific basis for clinical using, pharmacology of four species have been performed for the first time.The results indicated that the extracts of water,95% ethanol, AcOEt and petroleum ether can relieve cough and be expectorant. The extracts of water and 95% ethanol also have the effect of antibacterial action.