Abstract: The traditional Chinese medicine identification characteristics of Periplaneta americana L. were summarized via pharmacognosy and molecular pharmacognosy. The purpose of this study is to ensure the safety of P.americana when used as a traditional Chinese medicine component. First, the morphological and microscopic characteristics of P. americana were observed and recorded using a high-performance stereomicroscope and a biological digital microscope. Then, the molecular identification method was used to perform PCR amplification and sequencing on the DNA of P. americana. To verify the accuracy of pharmacognosy identification, the obtained sequencing results were compared with the data in the DNA bar code identification system of traditional Chinese medicine and the detection results were compared with the morphological identification results. The body wall fragments of P. americana are attached to a scaly texture, and the inner and outer layers of the body wall are distinct. The bristles of P. americana are segmented into coarse and fine types, and their color differences are obvious. The compound eye fragments of P. americana have obvious characteristics. The result of molecular pharmacognosy was P. americana (Insecta: Blattodea: Blattidae). The homology was 100%. Through this experiment, we can confirm the identification characteristics of P. americana as a Chinese medicinal material and provide experimental basis for its safe use.

Key words: Periplaneta americana L., microscopic identification, morphological identification, molecular pharmacognostical identification