Morfologia, microscopia e histoquímica de órgãos vegetativos e reprodutivos de Lysimachia nummularia L. (Primulaceae)

Abstract

Lysimachia nummularia L., popularly called “pingo dourado”, "creeping Jenny" or "moneywort", has been known in European folk medicine since the Middle Ages, with studies reporting antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities for the species. However, detailed studies on its morphoanatomy, which is crucial for the quality control of plant raw material, are lacking. To fill this gap, a comprehensive study was conducted using optical and scanning electron microscopy, as well as histochemical tests. The analysis revealed distinct characteristics in its roots, stems, and leaves, differentiating it from other species of the subfamily Myrsinoideae. The stem has glandular trichomes; The leaves are amphistomatic, with anomocytic stomata and a slender cuticle. The research detected lipophilic compounds in all organs studied, as well as proteins, phenolic compounds, among theses, tannins; starch grains were also found in all organs analyzed, except flowers. The absence of alkaloids is also an important characteristic. The set of these characteristics offers a unique anatomical profile. The correct identification of the species, made possible by these results, is essential to ensure the quality and safety of herbal products, in addition to contributing with unprecedented data to the advancement of plant taxonomy.