Objective If radix aconiti kusnezoffii was infiltrated into or was regarded as radix
scrophulariae by mistake,the medicinal
effect of radix
scrophulariae will be weakened.And particularly radix aconiti kusnezoffii can cause strong poisoning easily.This research aims at explorating a new method of distinguishing the decocting pieces of radix scrophulariae from those of radix aconiti kusnezoffii and those of their mixtures.Methods By description observing,microscopic examination,TLC,and ultraviolet spectrometry.Results Description observing and microscopy showed that there was a certain difference but not obvious between radix scrophulariae and radix aconiti kusnezoffii.At the same time ,it was very diffcult to distinguish these irregular decocting pieces of herbal medicines only by the two methods;but other ways of TLC and ultraviolet spectrometry can make accurate
identification.Conclusion This research developed two scientific methods to distinguish radix aconiti kusnezoffii from radix scrophulariae,and to determine whether mistakenly,radix scrophulariae was adulterated with radix aconiti kusnezoffii.These methods can be used to control the quality of decocting pieces of radix scrophulariae.