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ABSTRACT:
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.
KEYWORDS: Nymphaea alba, white water lily, sedative, alkaloids
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
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
Parts...