Aspects of the anatomical structure of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)

Introduction. Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) is widely used in landscape gardening practice. It is also applied as a fodder plant in agriculture. As shown earlier, birdsfoot trefoil herb is a promising plant raw material, as it is rich in biologically active substances and has a diverse spectrum of pharmacological activity. Objective: to identify the diagnostic microscopic (anatomical) signs of cultivated birdsfoot trefoil. Material and methods. The investigation objects were samples of birdsfoot trefoil, Solnyshko (Sun) variety, cultivated in the subtaiga zone of Western Siberia, which were collected during the flowering phase in August 2017. The anatomical structure was examined in accordance with the procedures described in the Russian Federation State Pharmacopoeia (RF SP). Results. The specific signs of the anatomical structure of birdsfoot trefoil herb were identified. The plant leaves were first found to have clavate glandular hairs. Conclusion. The identified microscopic signs can be included in the regulatory documentation and used to diagnose birdfoot trefoil herb raw material.

Lotus corniculatus L, birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), microscopic analysis, diagnostic signs