| Cuscutae semen, a dried ripe seeds of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. of the Convolvulaceae family, is widely applied to Chinese traditional medicines system. In this study, fifty Cuscutae semen samples were purchased from Chinese herbal stores in Taipei and Taichung areas, Cuscuta chinensis, Cuscuta australis, Cuscuta japonica, Perilla frutescens and Astragalus complanatus were also collected as the authentic materials. Samples were distinguished from the authentic materials by morphology, microscopy and thin layer chromatographic analysis.
The results shown that forty-nine samples were identified as Cuscuta australis and one was Perilla frutescens. We also found that some samples were mixed with tiny stones. Therefore, it is important to confirm botanical origin and quality before using herbal medicines. |