Morphological and Anatomical Study of Aerial organs of Nepeta pannonica L.

The study of local medicinal plants has practical interest for the pharmaceutical industry in Kazakhstan, since the volume of domestic production satisfies not more than 10% of the total volume of consumed drugs. Nepeta pannonica L. is widespread herb used in folk medicine. The species can be used as a source of anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antispasmodic and other agents. To introduce the species into the State Pharmacopoeia of Republic of Kazakhstan, its macroscopic and microscopic examination was carried out. Medicinal raw materials were studied using morphological and anatomical methods. Based on the results of macroscopic analysis, the following characteristic features were determined: the shape and color of the stem, the structure of the leaf (upper and lower sides, the type of venation), the shape of the inflorescence, the structure and color of the calyx and corolla. The following were identified as diagnostic features at the microscopic level: the shape and structure of the epidermal cells of the leaf and sepal, the degree and severity of pubescence, the shape and location of essential oil glands, the structure of the leaf and stem on a cross-section. The results obtained were included in the draft analytical regulatory document for medicinal vegetative raw materials of Nepeta pannonica L.