Comparative Morphological and Anatomical Analysis of Malus Baccata and Malus Domestica Flowers

Abstract

At the stage of the analysis of scientific literature, the authors revealed the presence of publications characterizing the wide interest of researchers in the new medicinal plant raw apple blossoms of different types and varieties. The data confirming the presence of phenolic substances in the raw materials (coffee, cinnamon, m-coumaric, p-coumaric, ferulic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, salicylic, synaptic, syringic, vanilla and gallic acids) and flavonoid components (apigenin, isoquercitrin, luteolin, quercetin, quercitrin and rutin) were obtained. In the Russian Federation there is a significant stock of both wild and cultivated apple species, among which the domestic apple tree (Malus domestica Borkh.) and the berry apple tree (Malus baccata (L.) Borkh) are of scientific interest. Taking into account the lack of scientific information aimed at standardization of new raw materials, the authors analyzed the external and microscopic signs of apple and berry flowers dried by isothermal drying, as well as frozen. The analysis of external signs was carried out in accordance with the requirements of the OFS.1.5.1.0004.15 Flowers, microdiagnostic analysis was performed according to OFS.1.5.3.0003.15 Technique of microscopic and microchemical research of medicinal plant raw materials and medicinal plant preparations. Morphological features related to the size of flowers and the structure of sepals were revealed during microdiagnostic examination, diagnostic signs common to both species were revealed, as well as specific for each specific species. The general ones include the tortuosity of the epidermis, the type of stomatal apparatus, the presence of essential oil glands, as well as numerous sinuous simple hairs. Also common features are a significant number of calcium oxalate inclusions represented by druses and prismatic crystals. A specific feature of the berry apple tree is the presence of glands on multicellular legs along the edge of the stipule. The results of the work can be displayed in the relevant sections of the regulatory documentation being developed