Morpho-Anatomical and HPTLC Investigations of Lysimachia nummularia L. (Primulaceae) Grown in Switzerland.

Primulaceae are distributed all over the world, encompassing around 2590 species. The genus Lysimachia is also part of this family. Lysimachia nummularia L., popularly known as moneywort or creeping Jenny, has been used in Europe to treat many diseases. However, there are no reports of a complete morpho-anatomical description for this species. The aim of this study was to characterize the morpho-anatomical features of the plant, as well as to establish High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC)-fingerprints of extracts prepared from the plant by decoction and infusion as well as the organic fractions obtained from these extracts. Standard techniques of light and scanning electron microscopy, as well as histochemical tests, were used; a standard method of HPTLC was applied. The species shows simple, opposite, membranaceous leaves, with rounded roots containing a central medulla and a ribbed stem with endoderm. Amphistomatic leaves bear glandular trichomes on the abaxial surface, also found on the petiole, midrib, petal, and filament. Histochemical analyses confirmed the presence of lipophilic compounds, proteins, starch, phenolics, tannins, and lignin. HPTLC analysis showed some differences in the fingerprints of the organic fractions examined, yet it highlighted the need for further studies regarding the chemical composition of the plant.