Morphological And Anatomical Evaluation Of Herbal Drugs Sold Under The Name Of Gul (Rosa Damascena Mill.) In Turkey

Rosa damascena Mill. (Rosaceae) is commonly cultivated all over the world due to its fragrances, aromatic and medicinal properties. The plant has been usually utilized as astringent, analgesic, cardiac, and intestinal tonic in traditional medicine. This plant is cultured in mainly Isparta, Burdur, Afyon and Denizli in Turkey and known as "Isparta gulu, Sam gulu, yag gulu". The goal of this study was to determine whether or the samples in different cities of Turkey sold with the name of "gul" carry qualities appropriate for the definition of herbal drug. Roses samples were obtained from 5 different cities in Turkey. Morphological characteristics of all samples were investigated and their purities were checked. The standard sample was obtained from Isparta. The cross and surface sections from the sepals and petals were investigated and determined. Furthermore, the characteristic anatomical structures of the powdered samples (standard sample and purchased samples) were determined. It was observed that the samples sold were usually composed of rosebuds. In anatomical examinations, unicellular non-glandular trichomes were densely observed in the sepal and petal. Calcium oxalate crystals and glandular trichomes with multicellular head and stalk were seen both the sepal and the petal, but glandular trichomes were seen rarely on the petal. Conical papillae and striated cuticle with epidermal cells were observed on the petal. As a result, it was found that the samples examined did not have the necessary properties to be herbal drugs.