Tadahisa Katsuki

Histochemistry : IX. Distribution of saikosaponins in bupleurum falcatum root

Abstract The root of Bupleurum falcatum cultivated in Japan was examined by histological and chemical means in order to clarify the distribution of saikosaponins in the various kinds of tissues and parts of the root. By means of qualitative thin-layer chromatographic—densitometric and quantitative high-performance liquid chromatographic analyses, saikosaponins, bioactive principles in the root, were found to be abundant in the outer phloem layer, especially the pericycle and its neighbouring parenchyma cells in the root. It was also found that the highest level of saikosaponins was detected in thinner root hairs and that the level decreased towards the thicker root head.