The macroscopic, microscopic and histochemical analyses of aerial parts of Achillea salicifolia growing in the Republic of Kazakhstan

Today, the medicinal raw materials play an important role in the pharmaceutical manufacturing, which have not been researched and analyzed before. This paper describes the macroscopic, microscopic and histochemical analyses of Achillea salicifolia of Asteraceae family. The raw materials were collected in the flowering phase in August, 2023 in the vicinity of Kernay settlement, the Karaganda region, the Republic of Kazakhstan. This plant attracts interest by its chemical composition and pharmacological properties. Terpenoids are the main chemical components of the essential oil. Achillea salicifolia has not been studied before. Data of the Achillea L. genus are described only for Achillea millefolium in the State Pharmacopoeia of the Republic of Kazakhstan (II Vol.). Thus, the aim of our research is to identify the diagnostic features of raw materials at the macro- and microscopic, histochemical levels of the aerial organs (stems, leaves, flowers) of Achillea salicifolia. The macroscopic analysis determined the main morphological features. The microscopic analysis provided the anatomical structure to define the characteristic diagnostic features. We established the presence and localization of the biologically active substances using the histochemical study. The study revealed the main distinguishing features of Achillea salicifolia from the rest of the species. The results can be used for authentication, identification and standardization of the aerial part of Achillea salicifolia. The data can be a basis to develop a drafting of regulatory document for the medicinal plant raw materials.