Morphological and anatomical features of Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. and Vaccinium myrtillus L. fruits

Introduction. In the pharmaceutical practice we may use not only pharmacopoeial plant material as source of biological active compounds, but also plant material from closely related species. Fruits of Vaccinium arctostaphylos L., endemic of North Caucasus, may be used as source of substances for preventive therapy of glaucoma and diabetes with Vaccinium myrtillus L. fruits. Primary and additional source of plant biological active compounds must be subject to authentication assessment. At the same time, the regulatory document indicates the distinctive and similar external and microscopic characteristics of the types of raw materials acceptable for collection.

The aim of investigation. Description of the main diagnostic external and microscopic characteristics of Vaccinium arctostaphylos fruits compared to Vaccinium myrtillus fruits, which should be find during authentication assessment.

Material and methods. We investigated air-dried fruits of two blueberries species, which were collected during fruiting. We used light microscopy.

Results. The main external characteristics of V. arctostaphylos fruits unlike V. myrtillus fruits are larger sizes, elongated berries, there are remains of the calyx in the form of a protruding ring rim. Specific microscopic characteristics are not detected except in addition to more calcium oxalate drusen, as well as cells with calcium oxalate sand along the vascular bundles.

Conclusion. We investigated external and microscopic characteristics of V. arctostaphylos and V. myrtillus fruits. These results may be included in the regulatory document “Vaccinium myrtillus and V. arctostaphylos fruits” after comparative phytochemical analysis.