Аңдатпа
Introduction. Modern phytotherapy includes numerous plant species widely used in traditional medicine whose pharmacological properties remain insufficiently studied. One such species is Nepeta densiflora, growing in the flora of the Turkestan region. The present study investigates the morphological and anatomical characteristics of Nepeta densiflora herb and identifies its macro- and microscopic diagnostic features. Objective. To determine the anatomical and morphological characteristics of the aerial parts of Nepeta densiflora collected in the Turkestan region. Materials and Methods. The research object was dried Nepeta densiflora herb growing in the Turkestan region and insufficiently studied from a pharmacognostic perspective. Plant samples were collected during the flowering period (May–June 2025) in the Tolebi district of the Turkestan region. Macroscopic, microscopic, and histochemical analyses were performed in accordance with the general methodology of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Examination and microphotography were carried out using an MT4300L trinocular digital microscope equipped with a “MEIJI Techno” (Japan) microscope at magnifications ×40, ×100, ×400, and ×1000. Temporary microscopic preparations were prepared from thin transverse sections of leaves and flowers placed in chloral hydrate solution and covered with a cover slip. Sudan III staining was used to detect essential oil glands, while calcium oxalate crystals were identified by treatment with 10% hydrochloric acid. The study was conducted on five independent samples, each analyzed in triplicate. Results and Discussion. Anatomical and diagnostic features were determined based on microscopic analysis. The cell walls of the upper leaf epidermis are slightly sinuous. The upper leaf surface is covered with simple 2–3-celled trichomes. The stomatal apparatus is of the anomocytic type. Essential oil glands are present on the leaf surface. Unicellular and multicellular trichomes, essential oil glands composed of 6–8 secretory cells, and calcium oxalate druses were identified. Conclusion. A morphological and anatomical study of Nepeta densiflora herb was conducted. As a result of macroscopic and microscopic analyses, indicators were identified that allow the verification of the authenticity of the herb. For the macroscopic study, the above-ground parts of the plant (leaf, flower, stem) were examined, including their type, color, shape, smell, taste, arrangement of flowers on the stalks, and other morphological features. Transverse sections of the plant parts were prepared, and diagnostic characteristics were studied, such as the shape of epidermal cells, type of stomatal apparatus, structure of trichomes, and others. The identification of the macro- and microscopic features of Nepeta densiflora herb enables confirmation of the authenticity of the medicinal raw material and allows further research to be carried out. Keywords: Nepeta densiflora, herb, microscopic analysis, macroscopic analysis, diagnostic features.