Comparision of morphological characters and chemical constituents of the powders and actual marketed medicinal materials of Clematis armandii (Franch) (Aristolochiaceae)

Abstract

Powders of the herbal item Moc thong in Vietnamese (Clematidis Armandii Caulis) and the medicinal material were morphologically comparatively investigated. Their chemical constituents were also subjected to fingerprint comparison by TLC and HPLC to provide a reliable basis for identification These would be significant for quality control practice. Noticeably, while the Clematidis Armandii Caulis is officinal in Vietnamese pharmacopoeia, other species of Moc thong must be exacly identified and clearly distinguished to avoid misuse of species other then the officinal one, especially those are toxic due to aristolochic acids.