Anatomical characterization of the aerial parts of Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik (Brassicaceae)

Abstract

Contemporary studies on the composition and biological activity of the aerial parts of Capsella bursa-pastoris (Brassicaceae) support the traditional confidence in this medicinal plant, widely used in folk medicine, particularly for the treatment of various types of bleeding. Bursae pastoris herba is listed within Community herbal monographs of European medicines agency (EMA), but it is not official in any modern Pharmacopoeia. Due to the increasing interest in this species, commonly harvested from wild populations, there is a growing need for the evaluation of its pharmacognostic attributes as a medicinal raw material. The aim of this study was to contribute to the characterization of C. bursa-pastoris herb by conducting a comparative anatomical analysis of five samples collected from natural habitats in Serbia. Anatomical features of stems, leaves, and fruits were examined in detail. Among the most prominent microanatomical traits, potentially useful as diagnostic markers of the herbal drug, are branched unicellular trichomes covered with warty cuticular outgrowths on the surface of stems and leaves, a papillose epidermis of the petals, and a striated endocarp of the silicle