Variety of sources of raw medicinal plant materials and a variety of environmental conditions in the laying-in places require indicators for researching authenticity of raw materials. The study focuses on comparative assessment of the external and microscopic signs of raw mint stored up in Russia and Vietnam. It is established that the raw material of peppermint and spearmint can be distinguished by size and pubescence of the leaf blade, by the color of petals of corolla, size and quantity of essential oil glands and hairs. Other indications are very similar.

Key words: medicinal plant material, mentha piperita, mentha arvensis.