Morphological and Anatomical Characteristics of Medicinal Fructus in Apiaceae

Background : As the characterization of medicinal plants is an important aspect of traditional Asian herbal medicine, this study examines the morphological and anatomical characteristics in four fructus form medicinally important plants belonging to the family Apiaceae. Methods and Results : Fruit morphology of four genera was examined using microtome sections and light microscopy. The Anethi Fructus, Anethum graveolens (Siraja) has unique wing-like and membranous lateral ribs that are, approximately 500 ㎛ wide. The Coriandri Fructus, Coriandrum sativum (Hoyuja) does not have oil ducts at the dorsal region of the mericarp and differs in the development of the dorsal ribs. The ribs appear upon drying and therefore, consist of primary and secondary ribs. The Foeniculi Fructus, Foeniculum vulgare (Hoehyang) characteristically develops three dominant dorsal ribs and has a strong aromatic fragrance. Finally, the Cnidii Fructus, Torilis japonica (Sasangja) has many oil ducts at the dorsal and carpophores regions and develops many hooked trichomes one the fructus surface. Conclusions : We conclude from this study that each plant has several prominent and distinguishing morphological and anatomical characteristics. Therefore, fruit morphology is very useful for identifying these medicinal plants. In addition, the correct use and herbal name need to be standardized for plants used traditionally in Asian medicine within Korea, China, and Japan.