Pharmacognostic study on the botanical and microscopic characteristics of Breynia fruticosa (L.) Müll.Arg. collected in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam

Abstract

Breynia fruticosa (L.) Müll.Arg. (family Phyllanthaceae) is a shrub widely distributed in tropical Asia, including Vietnam. Previous studies have shown that Breynia fruticosa is a medicinal plant with significant potential for further research and development. However, data on its pharmacognostic characteristics remain limited, necessitating the establishment of identification criteria and quality control standards. This study aimed to describe the morphological, anatomical, and powder microscopic characteristics of B. fruticosa collected in Thai Nguyen, providing a scientific basis for developing pharmacopoeial standards. The results showed that the studied specimens were consistent with standard descriptions and were identified as Breynia fruticosa. Anatomical analysis revealed numerous druse calcium oxalate crystals distributed in the cortex and parenchyma tissues. Powder microscopy indicated the presence of druse crystals (30-40 µm), leaf fragments containing palisade mesophyll, and epidermal cells with anomocytic stomata. These findings provide diagnostic features for the identification of the species and contribute to the establishment of quality standards, supporting quality control and the detection of substandard or adulterated herbal materials.