Abstract
Introduction. Plants of the genus Crocus L. have a wide spectrum of pharmacological action. To date, many of their species have not been fully studied. Morphological and anatomical features of Crocus alatavicus Regel & Semenow have not been studied and there is no regulatory documentation. The literature review indicates the absence of a specific, complete description of these features that make it possible to identify and standardize Crocus alatavicus raw materials. The aim of this study is to research the features of morphological and anatomical diagnostic features of the plant C. alatavicus. Materials and methods. Morphology of raw materials were studied using a binocular magnifier. Anatomical and diagnostic signs were determined by preparing temporary preparations according to the pharmacopoeia technique using an MS-300 microscope with a camera. Morphological and anatomical features of the reduced stem, leaves, and flower were studied. Results. It has been established that the leaves of C. alatavicus have a unique and peculiar shape in cross-section, like most species of Crocus L. It consists of a central quadrangular "keel" and two side "arms". C. alatavicus differs from other species in the triangular shape of the "keel" and the tips of the "arms" are strongly curved to the "keel". There is a pale stripe in the axial direction along the center of the "keel". The leaves of C. alatavicus are amphistomatic in the arrangement of stomata and belong to the anomocytic type. Conclusions. These signs of plant are used to identify medicinal plant raw materials. It is important to emphasize that the standardization of C. alatavicus domestic raw materials creates new opportunities for its further use in medicine.