Nymphaea alba Linn- An Overview

 

Lakshmi T.¹*, Madhusudhanan N.², Rajendran R.³

¹Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Chennai.

²Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Sathyabhama Dental College & Hospitals, Chennai.

³Green Chem Herbal Extracts &  Formulations, Bangalore.

*Corresponding Author E-mail: lakshmi085@gmail.com

Nymphaea alba commonly known as white water lily, an aquatic flowering plant. It contains the active alkaloids nupharine and nymphaeine, and flowers possess sedative and acts as an aphrodisiac.  Roots and stalks are used in traditional herbal medicine along with the flower, the petals and other flower parts are the most widely used for medicinal purpose. In modern herbal practice it is used as a remedy for dysentery. The aim of the article is to update the pharmacological actions of the plant for the basis of future research.

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION:

Nymphaea alba belongs to the family Nymphaeaceae, commonly known as white water lily, is an aquatic plant with perennial rhizomes or rootstocks anchored with mud. It is widely distributed in Europe, North Africa, Southwest Asia, India, China and Russia.

 

It is rich in tannic acid, gallic acid, alkaloids, sterols, flavonoids, glycosides, hydrolyzable tannins .All the parts of the plant have medicinal uses in traditional system of medicine.¹

 

It is used as an aphrodisiac, anodyne, antiscrophulatic, astringent, cardiotonic, demulcent, antioxidant, sedative and anti-inflammatory. It also produces calming and sedative effects upon the nervous system, and is useful in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety and similar disorders.Its anticarcinogenic action and inhibition of renal oxidative stress and hyperproliferative response were reported. Externally it can be used to make a douche to treat vaginal soreness or discharges.²

 

A decotion of the root is used in management of diarrhea caused by irritable bowel syndrome.it is used to treat bronchial catarrh & kidney pain.it is taken as gargle for sore throat.studies reported the decotion is used in uterine cancer. It is also used in treatment of diaphoresis³

In combination with slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) or flax (Linum usitatissimum) it is used as a poultice to treat boils and abscesses.⁴

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Angiosperms

Order: Nymphaeales

Family: Nymphaeaceae 

Genus: Nymphaea

Species: Nymphaea Alba

 

Common names

White Lotus

Waterlily

European White Waterlily

Nenuphar

 

Figure 1: Nymphaea alba

 

Description 

White lotus is an aquatic perennial. It grows from an underwater stem. It has large and round, leathery leaves (30 centimeters in diameter). Beautiful multi-petaled, white flower, with bright yellow stamen in the centre, appears during spring (from June to September). Seeds are smooth, olive green in color.⁵

 

Figure 2: Water Lily –Nymphaea alba

 

Parts used: Rhizome, flowers

Useful components: Alkaloids, glycosides, resin, tannins

Phytochemical constituents

Relationship between the Composition of Flavonoids and Flower Colors Variation in Tropical Water Lily (Nymphaea) Cultivars was investigated .In this study, using an HPLC-DAD/MS analytical method is employed to characterize flavonoids of water lily petals within 50 min, finally 34 flavonoids have been identified at 525 nm and 350 nm, respectively, in which three anthocyanins, twelve flavonols and one chalcone were discovered for the first time in petals of water lily. The research provides theoretical basis for outcross breeding and developing health care products from this plant.⁶

 

Morphological studies

Developmental morphology of seeds and ovules of Nymphaeales were examined in Nupar japonicum and Nymphaea alba. The micropyle and hilum are separated by an intervening testa. Developmental data on the formation of the outer integument, from semi annular to hood-shaped vs. from annular to cup-shaped, are useful for inferring the morphology of the outer integument from the relative position of the micropyle to the hilum in seed fossils. In Nymphaea alba .The parenchymatous subdermal layer of the outer integument does not thicken well during the seed maturation.The early Cretaceous suggests the hood-shaped outer integument may be primitive in the Nymphaeales which needs to be tested by examination of this feature in other groups of basal angiosperms. This study and previous reports indicate Nymphaea has a cup-shaped outer integument.⁷

 

Pharmacological aspects

Antioxidant activity

Free radicals or reactive oxygen species have deleterious effects on human body, foodstuffs and fats, which developed an urge to find antioxidant substances from natural sources, which either delay or inhibit oxidation.

 

Nymphaea alba rhizome ethanolic extract shows significant antioxidant activity due to presence of tannins and phenolic compounds. IC50 values for DPPH, NO and superoxide radical-scavenging activity were 63.9, 49.21 and 79.56 μg/ml, respectively. The IC50 of extract is more comparable to the standard drug for scavenging superoxide anion than the other methods. The antioxidant activities of N.alba ethanolic extract was moderate in comparison to the standard antioxidant ascorbic acid, achieved by the scavenging ability observed against DPPH, NO radicals and superoxide anions.⁸

 

Nymphaea alba flower aqueous and ethanolic extract were tested for its antioxidant abilty by performing DPPH radical scavenging assay, Hydroxyl radical scavenging assay and nitric oxide scavenging assay. All the assay concluded the ethanolic extract of N.Alba showed significant antioxidant activity when compared to the aqueous extract tested. ⁹

 

Anxiolytic activity

Ethanolic extract of Nymphaea alba extract was assessed in mice model for its motor activity by performing foot shock induced aggression test (FSIAT) and rota rod test (RRT). In the study Diazepam 1 mg/kg served as a standard anxiolytic drug, administered orally. The result obtained in the study proves the anxiolytic activity and muscle relaxant property of N.alba. ¹⁰

 

Urolithiac activity

In a study, urolithiasis was induced by inserting zinc disc in the urinary bladder which was followed by supplementing 1% ethylene glycol in drinking water. The reduction in weight of the stones was used as criteria for assessing the preventive or curative regimen, ethanolic extract of dried leaves of Nymphaea alba Linn was administered orally in wistar albino rats. This was evaluated for its antiurolithiatic potential, the study reported that the oral administration of the Nymphaea alba Linn has resulted in significant reduction in the weight of bladder stones compared to the control group used.¹¹

 

Central depressant activity

The ethanolic extract of the rhizome is used for studying the central depressant activity of Nymphaea alba .¹²

 

The behavioral effect of the extract (75, 150 and 300 mg/kg) was evaluated in mice using diazepam induced sleep test, holeboard test, beam walking assay, staircase test, open field test and elevated plus maze assay.

 

Diazepam-induced sleep in mice

By potentiating the diazepam induced sleep, the ethanol extract of N. alba seems to possess sleep inducing properties.

 

Hole-board test

The ethanol extract significantly reduced the number of head dips comparable to that of the standard agent (Diazepam)

 

Beam walking assay

The ethanol extract did not significantly increase the number of foot slips. However, diazepam significantly      (P < 0.05) increased the number of foot slips.

 

Staircase test

The ethanol extract significantly reduced both the number of upward steps climbed as well as number of rearings. Diazepam, the standard agent significantly (P<0.05) reduced the number of rearings but increased (P<0.001) the number of upward stairs climbed.

 

Plus maze test

The elevated plus maze is a commonly used test in the search of anxiolytic agents to study the behavior of the animal in this study the rodent typically avoids the open arms of the maze due to fear or anxiety induced by the open space.

 

The study concluded that N. alba rhizome ethanolic extract shows significant sedative property due to presence of bioactive constituents present in it.

 

Analgesic activity

Nymphaea alba rhizome ethanolic extract was investigated for its analgesic activity by acetic acid- and formalin-induced analgesia. The extract at a dose of 600 mg/kg was found more potent in acetic acid induced pain and showed more licking activity in both the phases of formalin acid induced pain than the standard drug.⁸

 

Antifertility and contraceptive activity

Nymphaea alba is used orally with other ingredients as a contraceptive and antifertility for both male and female.¹³ In a study, Patients of anovulatory infertility with menstrual irregularities and polycystic ovarian disease in the age group of 20-40 years were randomly allocated to test (n=20) and control (n=10) groups. Unani formulation consisting of Withania somnifera, Anogeissus latifolia, Nymphaea alba and Barleria prionitis was administered in powdered form 12 gm (in two divided doses) daily from 5th day of menstrual cycle for 5 days along with milk for three consecutive cycles. In control group clomiphene citrate in 50 mg dose was administered once daily for the same duration. Primary outcome measure was ovulation. Secondary outcome measure was conception rate. Results were analysed using Student ‘t’ test, Chi-square (χ2) and Fisher Exact test. Ovulatory rate was found to be 40%, 35.3% and 68.8% in 1st, 2nd and 3rd cycle in test group, while in control group it was 60% in 1st cycle and 55.6% in each 2nd and 3rd cycle, respectively. Conception rate was 10% and 18.8% in 1st and 3rd cycle in test group, while in control group it was only 10% in 1st cycle during treatment. The study concluded that the effect of unani formulation can be used as an alternate therapy for ovulation induction.¹⁴

 

Anti solar activity

In this study, seven medicinal, plants: Achillea withelmsii L., Calendlda officinalis L., Ruta gravelens L., Fumuria parviflora Lam, Lawsonia inermis L., Nymphaea alba L. and Punica granutum which contains high amounts of flavonoids. Because of flavonoids contents, this plants may have some active of against sun rays. Therefore, the aim of this study is the evaluation of sun protection activity of these plant extracts by semid dilution method. For this aim total extraction, ethyl acetate extract was obtained and their UV spectrum and SPF value were deternined. ¹⁵

 

Anticarcinogenic activity

The study based on Anti carcinogenic effect of Nymphaea alba against oxidative damage, hyper proliferative response and renal carcinogenesis in Wistar rats. The results showed that Nymphaea alba as a potent chemopreventive agent.¹⁶

 

Bio indicator of metals

Study was conducted to determine chemical characteristics of Nymphaea alba, Nuphar lutea, water, and sediments from fourteen lakes of Pojezierze Leszczyƒskie (West Poland) with different levels of some nutrients and heavy metals. The bioindicative value of both examined species were also studied. Nymphaea alba and Nuphar lutea increases their role as bioindicators because of necessity of conservation of their habitats and limits possibility of their use in common monitoring. Study concluded positive correlations between concentrations of Ba, Co, Mn, and Cu in Nymphaea alba as well as Sr in Nuphar lutea and these elements in their environment suggest that the examined nymphaeids may be useful as the indicator of those metals.¹⁷

 

CONCLUSION:

Nymphaea alba has been used as an therapeutic agent for a variety of diseases, as illustrated in this article. Moreover, numerous research works have proven its uses beyond the ethno pharmacological aspects in experimental models both In vitro and In vivo. Alkaloids and glycosides resins and tannins which were isolated from this plant may be responsible for its pharmacological activities. various part of the plant exhibits anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, analgesic, anxiolytic, antifertility, contraceptive, UV blockade activity.

 

REFERENCES:

1.        http://practicalplants.org/wiki/Nymphaea_alba

2.        http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Nymphaea+alba

3.        Aspects of Asian medicine and its practice in the west by W.C Evans in Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy 15^th edition W.B Saunders publications 2002, pp.no 477.

4.        http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/n/nymphaea-alba=white-water-lily.php

5.        http://www.springerreference.com/docs/html/chapterdbid/69012.html

6.        Zhu M, Zheng X, Shu Q, Li H, Zhong P, et al. Relationship between the Composition of Flavonoids and Flower Colors Variation in Tropical Water Lily (Nymphaea) Cultivars. PLoS ONE 2012;7(4): e34335. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0034335

7.        Toshihiro Yamada^, Ryoko Imaichi and Masahiro Kato Developmental morphology of ovules and seeds of Nymphaeales. Am. J. Bot. June 2001 ; 88 (6 )963-974.

8.        Anindya Bose, Sarbani Dey Ray, Moumita Sahoo.Evaluation of analgesic and antioxidant potential of ethanolic extract of Nymphaea alba rhizome.Oxid Antioxid Med Sci. 2012; 1(3): 217-223.

9.        Madhusudhanan N, Lakshmi T, Gowtham Kumar, Ramakrishanan, Venu Gopala Rao Konda, Anitha Roy, Geetha R.V Invitro Antioxidant And Free Radical Scavenging Activity Of Aqueous and Ethanolic Flower Extract Of Nymphaea Alba.International Journal Of Drug Development and Research 2011; 3 (3): 252-258.

10.     B. S Thippeswamy, Brijesh Mishra, VP Veerapur, Gourav Gupta Anxiolytic activity of Nymphaea alba Linn. in mice as experimental models of anxiety Indian journal of pharmacology.2011;43(1) 50-55.

11.     ShelkeTTa, Bhaskar V Hb, Jha Ua, Adkar PPa, Oswal RJEffect of Ethanolic Extract of Nymphaea alba Linn on Urolithiatic Rats .International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research 2011; 3(3): 55-57..

12.     Anindya Bose & Sarbani Dey Ray & Moumita Sahoo Central depressant activity of ethanol extract of Nymphaea alba rhizome in mice Orient Pharm Exp Med 2013;13;159–164.

13.     Izharul Hasan, Danish Kamal Chishti, Mahaboob Ali Concept Of Contraception In Unani Medicine-A Review, IJRP 2012, 3(1) PP 93-95.

14.     Ghazia Kafeel, Ismath Shameem, Wajeeha Begum Clinical Evaluation Of Efficacy Of Unani Formulation In Ovulation Induction In Anovulatory Infertility, Journal Of Ayush-Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha And Homeopathy.2013;2 (1).

15.     S.K. afshar, P. Khazaeli, M. Mehrabani, A. Mortazavi Evaluation of UV blockage and SPF determination of seven medical. Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2012;7(5).

16.     Khan N, Sultana S Anticarcinogenic effect of Nymphaea alba against oxidative damage, hyperproliferative response and renal carcinogenesis in Wistar rats.Mol Cell Biochem. 2005 Mar;271(1-2):1-11.

17.     17.Agnieszka Klink Et Al Content Of Selected Chemicals In Two Protected Macrophytes: Nymphaea Alba L. And Nuphar Lutea (L.) Sibith. & Sm. In Relation To Site Chemistry Polish Journal Of Ecology 2004;52 (2) 229-232.

 

 

Accepted on 04.07.2013         © RJPT All right reserved