Background: Plants of the genus Achillea are widely used in both traditional and modern medicine and are known to be rich in biologically active secondary metabolites. Numerous phytochemical and histochemical studies have been con ducted on Achillea millefolium L.; however, Achillea asiatica Serg., which is widely distributed in Mongolia, remains comparatively underexplored. Therefore, investigating the distribution of biologically active compounds, the content of polyphenolic compounds, and the optimal extraction conditions of this species is of significant scientific and practical importance. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify biologically active compounds in Achillea asiatica Serg. using histochemical methods, to determine the content of polyphenolic compounds and optimal extraction conditions, and to evaluate the total and internal absorption coefficients of the plant raw material. Materials and Methods: The aerial parts of Achillea asiatica Serg. were collected in August 2025 from Erdene soum, Tuv province, Mongolia. Histochemical analysis was performed on transverse stem sections and flower petals using potassium dichromate, ferric chloride (III), methylene blue, Lugol’s iodine, and Dragendorff’s reagent, followed by ob servation under a light microscope. The total polyphenolic content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method and expressed as gallic acid equivalents. Extraction experiments were conducted using powdered plant material sieved to par ticle sizes of 1, 2, and 3 mm and extracted with 20–80% ethanol. In addition, the total and internal absorption coefficients of the plant material were determined according to standard procedures. Results: Histochemical analysis revealed the presence of essential oils, polyphenolic compounds (tannins and flavo noids), and starch, while alkaloids were not detected. Polyphenolic compounds were observed in both stems and flow ers, with more pronounced accumulation in the vascular tissues. The highest total polyphenolic content (0.421%) was obtained from the 1 mm particle-size fraction extracted with 70–80% ethanol. Using 60% ethanol, the total absorption coefficient of the plant material was determined to be 5.74, and the internal absorption coefficient was 1.885. Conclution Achillea asiatica Serg. is rich in polyphenolic compounds, and their anatomical distribution is closely as sociated with the plant’s protective and biological functions. The use of 1 mm particle-size material and 70–80% ethanol was identified as the most suitable condition for extracting polyphenolic compounds. These findings provide a scientific basis for the standardization of Achillea asiatica Serg. as a medicinal and phytopharmaceutical raw material and support its further pharmacognostic and phytochemical investigation.

Background: Saponins are secondary metabolites in plants that play an important role in defense mechanisms and physiological processes. Since stomatal cells are crucial for gas exchange and water balance in plant tissues, studying the anatomical and biochemical features of stomatal cells in saponin-rich plant species provides insight into the interactions between these compounds and cellular mechanisms. This serves as the basis of our study. Aim: To determine the structure, types, and functions of stomatal cells in saponin-containing medicinal plants Materials and Methods: During June–September 2024, nine species of saponin-containing medicinal plants were collected from Bulgan, Tuv provinces, and “Gorkhi-Terelj National Park” in Mongolia. Prepared microscopic specimens were examined using macroscopic and microscopic techniques to study the structure, position, number, and epidermal features of stomatal cells. Results: The study revealed that Anemone crinita Juz. exhibited the highest stomatal density (107 stomata/mm²) and epidermal cell density (229 cells/mm²), indicating strong adaptation and protective capacity in arid conditions. Vicia baicalensis (Turcz.) B. Fedtsch. showed the highest stomatal index (39.6), highlighting its significant role in regulating transpiration. Stomatal types varied among species: • Anomocytic stomata were observed in Potentilla multifida and Vicia baicalensis. • Anisocytic stomata were found in Delphinium grandiflorum and Ranunculus borealis. • Paracytic stomata were present in Gentiana algida, Adenophora remotiflora, Helianthemum nummularium, Anemone crinita, and Ranunculus acris. Conclution In the study of the structure, form, and number of stomatal cells in saponin-containing plants growing in Mongolia, Anemone crinita Juz. was found to have the highest number of stomatal and epidermal cells, indicating its high efficiency in gas exchange, water regulation, and protection against external stress. Furthermore, Vicia baicalensis (Turcz.) B.Fedtsch. showed the highest stomatal index, confirming its strong capacity for active regulation of gas exchange. The variation in stomatal cell types among plant species was identified as playing an important role in ecological and biological adaptation as well as protective mechanisms.

Background: Plants of the family Gentianaceae in Mongolia are rich in bitter iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, and polyphenolic compounds, and have been traditionally used in Mongolian medicine to promote digestion, protect the liver, and reduce fever. However, standardized information on the micro-morphology and histochemical characteristics of the widely distributed species Gentiana decumbens L.f. is scarce, limiting the assessment of its quality as a medicinal raw material. Aim: To identify the morphological and anatomical characteristics of the aerial and underground parts of Gentiana decumbens and to localize the distribution of starch, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds using histochemical methods. Materials and Methods: Plant materials were collected in July 2024 from Tsagaan-Uul soum, Khuvsgul province, andshade-dried. Samples were softened in a water–ethanol–glycerol solution (1:1:1) for 24 hours, and transverse and longitudinal sections of stem, leaf, root, and floral parts (anther, petal, receptacle/bract) were prepared using a hand microtome. Sections were cleared with 10% chloral hydrate. Histochemical reagents included potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), ferric chloride (FeCl3), Lugol’s iodine (I₂+KI), thymol + concentrated H₂SO₄, and methylene blue. Slides were mounted in glycerin and examined under an Olympus light microscope at 40× and 100× magnifications, and images were recorded using a 12 MP digital camera. Results: Leaf: The leaf exhibits a dorsiventral structure with a dense palisade parenchyma on the adaxial side and a loosely arranged spongy mesophyll on the abaxial side. Stomata are hypostomatic, and collenchyma is well developed around the vascular bundles. Histochemical reactions were negative for starch and phenolic compounds. Stem: The stem consists of an epidermis, a wide cortex, a continuous ring of sclerenchyma, 12–15 collateral vascular bundles, and a broad central parenchyma. Histochemical tests showed a brownish-yellow coloration with potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), indicating the presence of polyphenols and lignin, and a brown coloration with Lugol’s iodine, confirming the presence of starch. Reactions with ferric chloride (FeCl₃), methylene blue, and thymol + H2SO4 were mostly negative in cross sections. However, in longitudinal sections, Lugol’s and thymol + H2SO4 showed positive reactions, suggesting the presence of starch and polysaccharides, respectively. Root: The root displays a primary structure with radial xylem and phloem, a distinct endodermis with Casparian strips, and a pericycle layer. Positive reactions were observed with K2Cr2O7 and FeCl₃, indicating phenolic compounds and lignin. Lugol’s iodine showed abundant starch granules in parenchyma cells. Receptacle / Bract: The receptacle is covered by a thick cuticular epidermis with trichomes, and composed of outer and central parenchyma layers containing numerous small closed (amphivasal-type) vascular bundles. Positive reactions were detected with K2Cr2O7 and FeCl₃, indicating polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins; Lugol’s iodine confirmed the presence of starch; thymol + H2SO4 showed partial positivity for polysaccharides. Stamen (longitudinal section): The stamen structure includes epidermis, endothecium, pollen sacs, and a distinct vascular bundle. Positive staining was observed with K2Cr2O7, Lugol’s iodine, and FeCl3, confirming the presence of polyphenolic compounds, lignified elements, and starch. Conclusion The anatomical features of G. decumbens indicate adaptations to dry, high-light environments through well-developed mechanical strengthening (sclerenchymatous ring), efficient photosynthetic structure (compact palisade mesophyll), and nutrient storage (starch-rich pith and cortex). Histochemical analysis revealed the localization of polyphenolic compounds and starch/polysaccharides mainly in the root, stem, and floral organs, while absent in the leaves, demonstrating organ-specific accumulation patterns. These findings scientifically support the plant’s traditional medicinal uses for digestive stimulation and hepatoprotection.