Recognition technique of the histomorphological images of Radix Curcumae

OBJECTIVE: To set up a new approach for the quantitative analysis and determination of the histological and morphological characterstics of traditional Chinese drugs. METHODS: By computer image analysis, the related stereological parameters of tissues and cells of 16 pieces of Radix Curcumae from China were measured. Then combined with numerical taxonomy, the microscopic features and standards for the comprehensive evaluation and authentication of Radix Curcumae were illustrated qualitatively and quantitatively. RESULTS: The varieties of Radix Curcumae were generally distinguished at the threshold level 8.25 of clustering distauce. The 10 stereological parameters such as average maximum diameter of endodermis, etc. contributed to the microscopic authentication of Radix Curcumae. CONCLUSION: Integrated histomorphological stereology with numerical taxonomy, the new approach of pattern recognition is scientific, and practical, and is especially suitable for the identification of traditional Chinese drugs that are easyconfused or of close affinity.