Creeping Jenny
Lysimachia nummularia
Lysimachia nummularia, commonly known as moneywort or creeping jenny, is a traditional plant with origins in Europe and Asia. Traditionally, it has not been used for medicinal purposes across various cultures. Scientific studies have shown that the plant can be effective in reducing kitchen greywater pollutants when incorporated into wall cascade constructed wetland systems. While Lysimachia nummularia performs comparably to Oenanthe javanica in pollutant removal, it is less efficient than Mentha aquatica in water and nutrient uptake. The morpho-anatomical features of the plant have been characterized, and HPTLC fingerprints of its extracts have been established, indicating the presence of various compounds; however, further chemical composition studies are necessary to fully understand its potential applications. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study reveals that Macropis bees collect entire oil-filled trichome heads from Lysimachia nummularia flowers, rather than just floral oil.
- The study found that a wall cascade constructed wetland system with Lysimachia nummularia reduced kitchen greywater pollutants.
- Lysimachia nummularia showed comparable pollutant removal effects to other species but did not outperform them in water consumption or biomass growth.
- The study characterized Lysimachia nummularia's morpho-anatomical features and established HPTLC fingerprints of its extracts, highlighting its compound presence but noting further chemical composition studies are needed.
- The study found that among aquatic plants, free-floating Lemna minor had the highest contribution of sediment-derived carbon (up to 60%), followed by submerged Littorella uniflora (15-17%) and emergent Lysimachia nummularia (up to 10%).
Frequently asked questions
What is Creeping Jenny?
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Creeping Jenny?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Creeping Jenny; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study reveals that Macropis bees collect entire oil-filled trichome heads from Lysimachia nummularia flowers, rather than just floral oil.
How strong is the evidence for Creeping Jenny?
The strongest finding for Creeping Jenny carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Creeping Jenny safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Creeping Jenny in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Creeping Jenny interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Creeping Jenny in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Creeping Jenny?
Creeping Jenny is also known as: Вербейник монетный, Lysimaque nummulaire.
Is Creeping Jenny a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Green walls to treat kitchen greywater in urban areas: Performance from a pilot-scale experiment. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Evaluating a vertical greening system mesocosm for kitchen greywater treatment: Comparison among vegetation species in water consumption, biomass growth and pollutants uptake and removal. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Structural and Functional Co-Adaptation of Plants of the Genus Lysimachia L. (Primulaceae) and Pollinating Insects of the Genus Macropis Panzer (Hymenoptera, Melittidae). literature abstract metadata
- T2 Transfer of sediment-derived carbon into aquatic plants for 14C biosphere assessment. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Morpho-Anatomical and HPTLC Investigations of Lysimachia nummularia L. (Primulaceae) Grown in Switzerland. literature abstract metadata