Quality Control of Nepeta menthoides Boiss & Buhse using Micromorphological Analysis and Phytochemical Screening

Nepeta menthoides Boiss & Buhse is a species from Lamiaceae family. It is used as a herbal medicine with common name “Ostokhodus” in Iranian traditional and folk medicine but there is not enough information about its quality and quantity control methods. In this study we use micromorphological and phytochemical evaluations for qualitative and quantitative control of N. menthoides powder. Macroscopic and microscopic characteristics، phytochemical screening and flavonol quantification were done on N. menthoides powder. Results showed that all of these assessments can use as quality control parameters for authentication of N. menthoides، particularly micromorphological specifications. Our study shows the importance of micromorphological evaluation in authentication of this herbal medicine but further investigations are needed to complete these data.