The pollen morphology of 3 species of the Echinacea Moench. from China and other coun-tries was examined under LM and SEM. 3 species were palynologically reported here for the first time. Theresults showed that the pollen morphology of the Echinacea species mentioned above was basically consis-tent, but some differences in pollen size, aperture and exine sculpture were found.

Objective To study the chemical constituents in the whole herb of Dicliptera chinensis.Methods Separation and purification were conducted by silica gel column chromatographic and preparative TLC methods,the structures were identified by IR,NMR,and MS.Results Thirteen compounds were isolated from petroleum ester extract fraction.Their structures were identified as hexatriacontanol(Ⅰ),stearic acid(Ⅱ),lupenone(Ⅲ),lupeol(Ⅳ),4-sitost-4-en-3-one(Ⅴ),stigmast-5-en-7-oxo-3?-yl palmitate(Ⅵ),?-sitosterol(Ⅶ),oleanolic acid(Ⅷ),3?,6?-stigmast-4-en-3,6-diol(Ⅸ),6?-hydroxy-stigmast-4-en-3-one(Ⅹ),3?-hydroxy-stigmast-5-en-7-one(Ⅺ),dehydrovomifoliol(ⅩⅡ),and vomifoliol(ⅩⅢ).Conclusion All the compounds except Ⅱ and Ⅶ are obtained from the plants of Dicliptera Juss.for the first time.

Object To provide a basis for the identification and development of Echinacea angustifolia DC Methods Pharmacognostical studies were carried out by phytotomy, macroscopic and microscopic analysis Results Detailed description of its pharmacognostical characteristics were accomplished and described Conclusion The results can be used for quality standardization of commercial product of E angustifolia

Echinacea is a most famous "immune herb" in western countries, and continues to be the best selling herb for many years. For the last five years, our research group has cooperated with Institute of Medicinal Plants in Huairou District of Beijing, carrying out studies on Echinacea purpurea, which involved botany, cultivation, pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, quality control, pharmacology and toxicology of the species. Two other species introduced from Canada, Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea pallida, were also included in the taxonomic, cultivated and pharmacognostic studies. The results acquired have opened up the path to introduce Echinacea species into Traditional Chinese Medicine, thus established the possibility of developing more promising drugs from them.