The structures that secrete and store hypericin and volatile oil, the main medicinal com-ponent of Hepericum erectum Thunb. , were studied using Sudan black, 5% NaOH solution and 0.5%methanolic magnesium acetate on semi-thin sections of H. erectum. Results showed that hypericin was pro-duced and stored in the secretory cell nodules, while the volatile oil was produced and stored in its secreto-ry sac and canal. The distribution and denseness of these 3 secretory structures in various organs were de-scribed to provide a scientific basis for the rational utilization of different parts of this medicinal plant.

Object In order to choose high hypericin content variety and its useful part, the study on the correlation between nodule density of different organs and hypericin content in Hypericum perforatum L was carried out Methods The nodule density of leaf, calyx and petal were observed under a Leica DMLB microscope; the hypericin contents of different organs were determined by HPLC Results Hypericin and its derivatives were not obtained from the root, fruit and leaf central part of H perforatum The hypericin contents of leaf margin, calyx, petal were 0 145 6%, 0 065 3%, 1 268 2%, respectively Conclusion The organs and parts with nodules contain hypericin and its derivatives There is positive correlation between the hypericin content and nodule density, but the other organs or parts without nodules don't contain such materials

Object To explore the content of aloin in the leaves of Aloe arborescens Mill at different leaf age and its difference reason Methods The aloin content was determined by HPLC and anatomical structure of the leaves was studied with semi thin section Results The aloin content declines and the volume of large parenchymatous cell in vascular bundle atrophies from top to bottom with leaf growth in the same plant Conclusion The above results may provide references of the best time for collecting the leaves of A arborescens

Anthraquinones present in the leaves of Aloe L. are the main active principle for medical purposes. Therefore, to study their relationship is of great interest to the medical profession. Methods　Leaves of 11 species of Aloe L. were studied by phytotomy, histochemistry and phytochemistry. Results　The structures of the aloe leaves were basically similar as characterized by the presence of the large, well developed parenchymatous cells in the phloem pole where anthraquinones were stored. Some positive correlations exist between the contents of anthroquinones in the leaves of different species and different parts of leaves of the same species, and some phytotomic factors including the density of vascular bundles, the ratio of large parenchymatous cells in phloem and the thickness of the chlorenchyma. Conclusion　Results of the study may provide references during purchasing and for the selection and breeding of new improved species.