Abstract: The characteristics and microscopic identification of Psychotria serpens L. were studied. With asperuloside as the reference substance,TLC was applied in the qualitative identification of it. Moisture,total ash,acid insoluble ash and extractives in Psychotria serpens L. was determined based on the approaches in the appendix of Chinese Pharmacopoeia published in 2015,and the content of asperuloside was analyzed by HPLC. The results showed that the characteristics and microscopic identification of Psychotria serpens L. were described,with stable and reliable identification characteristics. The main spots in TLC were clear,with a good separation. The limits for moisture, total ash and acid insoluble ash in Psychotria serpens L. shall be less than 13.00%, 8.00% and 0.9%, respectively, and the limits for the extractives and the content of asperuloside shall be morethan 21.00% and 0.10%. The method established is simple, accurate and reliable, and the standard limit is reasonable, whic can be used to control the quality of Psychotria serpens L.

Key words: Psychotria serpens L., microscopic identification, asperuloside, quality standard