Water Lily (Nymphaea nouchali Burm. f): An Ancient Treasure of Food and Medicine

Abstract

Nymphaea nouchali (Syn. Nymphaea stellata Willd.) from family Nymphaeaceae, is a species of perennial aquatic flowering plant with huge round floating leaves and rhizomes. It is well-known and prominent herb in Ayurveda and Siddha system of medicines with multiple medicinal properties. It comes from southern and eastern regions of Asia, and is a national blossom of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Scientific investigation has revealed that it exhibits vast range of pharmacological actions, namely antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, analgesic, antiinflammatory, antipyretic, antitumor, hepatoprotective, antiulcer, antihelmintic, antinociceptive, immunomodulatory activities etc. Polyphenols, flavonoids, sterols, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, protein, nymphasterol, nymphayol have been recognized as important factors in the medicinal effects of N. nouchali. The present review focuses on pharmacological and phytochemical investigation of N. nouchali.

Biological activities, identification, method development, and validation for analysis of polyphenolic compounds in Nymphaea rubra flowers and leaves by UHPLC‐Q‐cIM‐TOF‐MS and UHPLC‐TQ‐MS

“…7 Therefore, by investigating these unique phytochemicals, the veracity of claims about these plants can be determined, leading to the development of healthier food alternatives, dietary supplements, and potentially essential drugs to treat various ailments. 8 Nymphaea rubra Roxb. ex Andrews (Nymphaeaceae) is an aquatic perennial herb native to Asia, typically found in Bangladesh.…”

“…The aquatic plant genus Nymphaea , with its numerous species, possesses unique and innovative phytochemicals that can be used to substantiate some of the traditional claims made about it 7 . Therefore, by investigating these unique phytochemicals, the veracity of claims about these plants can be determined, leading to the development of healthier food alternatives, dietary supplements, and potentially essential drugs to treat various ailments 8 …”