Microstructure and histochemical localization of flavonoids in leaves and stem in Sarcandra glabra

Microscopic and histochemical methods were used to investigate flavonoids localization in the leaf and the stem of the Sarcandra glabra. The results indicated that flavonoids distributed mainly in epidermis, collenchyma, vascular bundles, secretory cells and palisade tissue of leaf. In the stem, they distributed mainly in epidermis, collenchyma, phloem and secretory cells. Histochemical localization of flavonoids using 5% solution of NaOH is convenient, rapid and reliable. The content of flavonoids in the leaf was higher those than in the stem. For sustainable utilization of the resources we suggested that only the leaves could be harvested.