Study of the Anatomical, Morphological, and Phytochemical Properties of Conium maculatum L.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify the characteristic anatomical and morphological features and analyze the phytochemical composition of Conium maculatum L. growing in the Almaty region, in order to assess the quality of the medicinal plant raw material. Detailed anatomical investigations were conducted, including microscopy of various plant organs (leaves, stems, and roots), as well as phytochemical analysis using chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods. The results revealed that C. maculatum from the Almaty region is characterized by a high content of alkaloids, such as coniine and conicine, which possess pronounced toxic properties. The anatomical structure of the plant tissues demonstrates adaptive features related to the influence of local climatic and environmental factors. Furthermore, it was found that the phytochemical composition of the plant varies depending on the growth stages and ecological conditions, which may significantly affect its toxicity levels. The findings of this study are important for the development of safe methods for utilizing C. maculatum in pharmaceutical and toxicological practices, as well as for improving the quality of medicinal raw materials.