微性状鉴别法鉴别中药红花及其掺伪品

目的 对中药材市场中红花及其掺伪品进行鉴别。方法 采用微性状鉴定法对红花及其掺伪品进行观察鉴别。结果 红花与其伪品、掺伪品存在明显区别，红花花冠颜色和微性状特征可确定是否为正品；花丝与花药颜色及水浸后的花冠颜色可区别是否提取有效成分；红花花冠表面附着物的特征可以区别是否掺杂增加质量，花粉粒颜色为红色即可认定为染色红花。结论 微性状鉴别法可准确区分红花正品与掺伪品，并可作为中药鉴别参考方法。

Identification of Carthamus tinctorius Flower and Its Counterfeits by Microscopic Characteristics

Objective To identify Carthamus tinctorius flower and its counterfeits in the traditional Chinese herbal medicine market. Methods The observation and identification of Carthamus tinctorius flower and its counterfeits were performed by identification of microscopic characteristics. Results There were substantial differences between Carthamus tinctorius flower and its counterfeits. The authentic Carthamus tinctorius flower could be identified by the color and microscopic characteristics of its corolla. The color of filaments and anthers, as well as the color of corolla after being soaked in water, could help tell if the active components were extracted or not. The features of substances attached to the surface of corolla could help tell if extra mass was added in Carthamus tinctorius flower or not. The stained Carthamus tinctorius flower could be identified by the red color of pollen grains. Conclusion Identification of microscopic characteristics can precisely distinguish the authentic Carthamus tinctorius flower from its counterfeits, which can be used as a reference method for identification of traditional Chinese medicine.