OBJECTIVETo find the difference of the shapes and properties and the microscopic frameworks between wild and cultivated Radix Saposhnikovia.

METHODThe shapes and properties, the characters of transverse section, the powder and disintegrated tissue of roots of medical materials were compared by microscopic measuring.

RESULTWild Radix Saposhnikovia had a long conical or cylindrical root, and fewer root branches. It showed a close annulus grain on top root, cortical section of root in light brown colour, many brown oil spots and possessed typical odor, While cultivated Radix Saposhnikovia had many root branches, and showed less annulus grain on top root, cortical section of root in light yellow brown colour, less brown oil spots and possessed light odor. The difference of microscopic histological structure was that wild Radix Saposhnikovia had phloem transverse section of root with many rotundity oil tube lining up 10-22 rings, xylem vessel with radiate rank, and indistinct annual ring. While cultivated Radix Saposhnikovia had phloem transverse section of root with oil tube lining up 10-11 rings and xylem vessel with distinct annual ring.

CONCLUSIONThere exists several differences between wild and cultivated Radix Saposhnikovia in shapes and properties and differences of microscopic frameworks. The main characteristics are the differences of shapes and numbers of oil tube of phloem transverse section of root. The cultivated Radix Saposhnikovia of 1-4 years can be recognized by annual rings of xylem vessel.