Assessment of the identity of horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.) flowers by microscopic analysis methods

Introduction. Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.) is a plant that has long been known in scientific medicine. Chestnut seeds are used as a venotonizing agent in different formulations. In addition to the seeds, buds, bark, leaves, and flowers of horse chestnut can be used in folk medicine. The flowers of horse chestnut are the least studied type of its raw materials. To study the identification characteristics of horse chestnut flowers using classical microscopic analysis methods is relevant, for this is necessary for the development of draft regulatory documentation sections «External signs» and «Microscopy». Objective: to investigate the morphological and anatomical features of horse chestnut flowers. Material and methods. The horse chestnut flowers were harvested in the Voronezh Region during early flowering and underwent air-shade drying. The investigation was conducted according to GPA 1.5.3.0003.15 «Equipment for microscopic and microchemical studies of medicinal plant raw materials and medicinal herbal remedies» in the 14th edition of the Russian Federation’s State Pharmacopoeia. Results. The morphological features of horse chestnut flowers harvested in the Voronezh Region were studied using stereomicroscopy. The nature of the luminescence of the tissues of horse chestnut flowers was assessed. Their main anatomical features were identified and visualized on a model of the leaf surface. Conclusion. Studying the morphological and anatomical structure of horse chestnut flowers has identified and visualized the main diagnostic signs that allow determination of the identity of this type of plant raw materials as both an individual medicine and a part of complex multicomponent mixtures.