A Hairy Water Lily (Nymphaea Pubescen):

A Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review

Kazi Shifa Abdul Wadood*, Kashtriya Jayshri prakash, Shaikh Samrin Mohd Tufail 

JIIU’s Ali- Allana College Pharmacy, Akkalkuwa, District Nandurbar, MS, India

*Correspondence: kazishifa16@gmail.com

DOI: https://doi.org/10.71431/IJRPAS.2025.4316  

INTRODUCTION

The hairy petiole and pinkish flowers of Nymphaea pubescens Wild., a kind of aquatic lily, set it apart from other species. It is a perennial herb that grows widely in temperate and tropical Asia's shallow lakes and ponds. This macrophyte is grown for horticultural purposes and is utilised as a temple offering and in traditional diabetic treatment. Its seeds were utilised as a substitute for rice and as a possible supply of raw materials for the food sector.However, in nations like Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom, this species is said to be invasive of aquatic environments and seasonal tanks.Serious issues with water quality were caused by the overabundance of aquatic organisms. [1]

TAXONOMICAL CLASSIFICATION:

The Kingdom Plants, or Plantae, are a subkingdom of Vascular plants (Tracheobionta): Superdivision Division of Spermatophyta: Seed Plants Magnoliophyta: Plants with flowers
The class Order of Magnoliopsida: Dicotyledons Subclass Magnoliidae Water-lily family Nymphaeales Family Nymphaeaceae
Waterlily, genus Nymphaea L. [10]

COMMON NAMES:

Willard Wood's Castalia pubescens (Engl.) HairyWater Lily
Paxton devoniensis Nymphaea ex Lindl. (Engl.) Pink Water Lily
Thomson & Hook, f. Nymphaea lotus var. pubescens (Willd.) English for "red water lily"
Pubescens nymphaea Willy. (English) Nymphaea purpurea, or white water lily F. Henkel & Rehnelt
Lehm. uses Nymphaea semisterilis.
A species that is recognised is Nymphaea pubescens Willd. Important: Online Plants of the World
The list of synonyms in other compilations is more extensive. N. esculenta Roxb., N. edulis (Salisb.) DC., N. lotus var. pubescens (Willd.), and Nymphaea rubra Roxb. ex Andrews Thomson, N. magnifica (Salisb.) Hook, F. & Thomson, N. purpurea Rehnet & F. Henkel, N. rosea (Sims) Very nice. [3].

REGIONAL NAMES :

ASSAMESE: Mokua, Nal.
Shapla, Shaluk in Bengali.
Chinese: ye shui lian rou mao chi.
HINDI: Sandaka, Kanval, Koka, and Koi.
INDIA: Kannaidile (Kannada), Ambal, Kamal (Malayalam), and Sengkaluneer (Tamil).
Olu, Et-olu, Allitamarai, and Alagandha are Sri Lankan.
THAI: Bua sai.
VIETNAMESE: People sing.[3]

DESCRIPTION :

Thin stolons are produced by the rhizomes.Its leaf blades are heart-shaped below 15 feet and circular above.The hairy water lily is an aquatic plant with papery, abaxially densely pubescent erect perennial rhizomes or rootstocks that anchor it to the mud in a 26–50 cm diameter. The majority of the emerging leaves merely float on the water's surface, but some rise slightly above it in the lotus position supported by their stem. The undyed edges of the floating leaves provide a crenellate impression.The hairy water lily is marketed as an aquarium plant as well. Because of the species' attractive underwater leaves, aquarists frequently remove the floating leaves to maintain the plant's complete subaquatic status.[5]T

When completely opened, the flowers have a diameter of roughly 15 cm, making them rather enormous. They usually open wide at night and close throughout the day. Depending on the hybrid or variety, they can be white, pink, mauve, or purple.[9]

DISTRIBUTION :

Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Guinea, Sri Lanka, India, and the Philippines.
Distribution in India
Bihar, Odisha, Maharastra, and Assam. [5]

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STUDIES ;

There are many stamens in the flower, grouped in a spiral pattern. The stamens undergo incremental changes that result in their transformation into petals. Dorsiventral and flat are the stamens. Both the anthers and the filaments are flat. The adaxial side of the stamen contains the pollen chambers. The anther dehisces in a vertical line, and the chambers are vertically enlarged. The hue of sepals is green, oblong, and obtuse. The hue of the petals is white. There are pink striations in the middle of the petals and sepals [8] A big berry is the fruit . The septa's surface is where the seeds are affixed. The rhizome is soft, fleshy, and thick, spherical. Many root hairs that taper towards the end are found in the roots .
The anther is composed of two adaxial theca (dithecous), each of which has two chambers, as can be observed in the transverse section ). The outer epidermis, middle layer of endothecium, and inner layer of endodermis make up the pollen chamber's outside wall. The cells have thin walls and a spindle form, and the epidermis is thin . Wide and radially extended are the endothecial cells. They have annular thickenings that give the anther wall stiffness. The pollen grains are elliptical to spherical, and the anther wall is 6.0 μm thick. The pollen's exine, or outside wall, is smooth and devoid of any noticeable markings . The diameter of the starch grains is 30 μm.
The root has hydromorphic characteristics. It is made up of a thin layer of shrunken cells called the epidermis. The cortex is aerenchymatous and broad. This structure is made up of multiple layers of huge, polygonal air chambers. Thin, uniseriate divider filaments divide the air chambers from one another . The vascular cylinder has a diameter of 700 μm and is round. It is composed of roughly ten clusters of phloem that alternate with the xylem and ten radial arms of exarch xylem strands. The arrangement of the xylem and phloem strands is radial . The xylem strands are made up of 7–10 thin-walled, angular cells. The metaxylem elements have a diameter of up to 80 μm. The vascular cylinder's ground tissue is made up of dense, thin-walled parenchyma cells.[8]

The rhizome is soft, meaty, and thick and round. Its diameter is 1 cm. It has a membrane covering it that is easily pulled off. Small, thin-walled parenchyma cells make up the sheath. There is a dark band of dense, compact cells with thick walls inside the membrane covering. The thickness of the black area is 200μm. This zone is black because its cells are made of sclerenchyma with lignified walls that are packed with tannin. The entire rhizome contains homogenous parenchymatous tissue inside the black sclerotic zone. Sclereids of different sizes and shapes, including round, amoeboid, elongated, and irregular, are dispersed throughout the rhizome. The lignified wall of the sclereids is extremely thick, and its lumen is tiny. Additionally, tanniferous cells are observed, particularly

In the ground tissue, the vascular strands can be seen sporadically. They differ in size and shape. The vascular bundles contain well-developed phloem elements and a few diminished xylem parts. There is no bundle sheath visible. Dense starch granules fill nearly all ground tissue. The starch grains are single and simple. Some of these have a central hilum that is round and concentric, while others have an exeutic hilum that is elongated, elliptical, or spindle-shaped. Under a polarised light microscope, the starch grains show "+" shaped dark markings in the concentric type and "y" shaped markings in the elongated type .
The starch grains measure 30 μm for the circular form and 50 μm for the elongated type. The histochemical analyses provide an initial regarding the kinds of substances and how they build up in plant tissues. notion of the kinds of substances and how they build up in plant tissues. Histochemical analyses of the root revealed the presence of proteins in the phloem cells, tannins in the phloem cells and partition filaments, alkaloids between the vascular bundle, and pith and starch in the ground tissue's partition filament. The parenchymatous cells, ground tissue, tannin in the inner sclerotic zone, and alkaloids, proteins, and starch in the rhizome were all histochemically stained . Quality control in fundamental research and the biosynthesis of phytoconstituent accumulation in aquatic plants are both highly interested in this. Pubescens Nymphaea [8]

PHYTOCHEMISTRY

Pink water lilies, or Nymphaea pubescens, have long been used to treat a variety of ailments. Phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, anthraquinones, saponins, and tannins are abundant in N. pubescens [7].

ALKALOIDS

The following is a broad list of alkaloids and related substances found in Nymphaeaceae plants, including species of Nymphoides: Plants with therapeutic qualities frequently contain isoquinoline alkaloids, a broad and varied class of alkaloids. Although there aren't many thorough investigations on Nymphoides pubescens, alkaloids in this category can include: Papaverine (found in poppies, but occasionally in other species) Many plant species contain berberine, an alkaloid that has antibacterial qualities.
Hydrastine Quinoline Alkaloids: Nymphoides species may contain this kind of alkaloid, which is also occasionally discovered in plants of the Nymphaeaceae family. Quinine, a well-known alkaloid with antimalarial qualities, is uncommon among the Nymphaeaceae but noteworthy nonetheless.
FLAVONIODS:

Kaempferol is frequently linked to antioxidant qualities.
Quercetin is well-known for its possible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Apigenin is acknowledged for its diverse biological functions.[7]

TANINS :

The tannins found in Nymphaea pubescens can be broadly divided into two groups:
1. Hydrolysable tannins: These tannins, which usually contain gallic or ellagic acid, can hydrolyse and break down into smaller units. They can have antibacterial qualities and are frequently found in different plant tissues.
2. Tannin Condensation: These tannins, which are also referred to as proanthocyanidins, are created when flavonoids polymerise. They are frequently present in a wide variety of plants and support astringency and antioxidant activity.[5]

PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDIES :

Antidiabetic/Whole Plant: The study assessed the ethanolic extract of Nymphaea pubescens's whole plant's antidiabetic properties. The results demonstrated significant inhibitory effects of α-amylase and α-glucosidase.
Guggultetrol/Glucokinase Inhibitors: Guggultetrol was assessed in the study as an inhibitor of Glucokinase (PDBID:IV4S), a verified medication target enzyme associated with type 2 diabetes.

Hepatoprotective Antioxidant/Anti-Inflammatory Flowers: An investigation of Nymphaea pubescens flower extracts in water, methanol, and chloroform revealed that the water extract had the strongest free radical scavenging activity, with an IC50 <100 μg/mL.
Anticancer/Apoptosis and Suppression of Cancer Cell Progression: Using antioxidants, the study assessed how N. pubescens extracts affected B16 melanoma cells' apoptosis, invasion, and migration. Compared to N. stellate, Nymphaea pubescens had a greater potential for scavenging free radicals and a higher phenolic content. B16 melanoma cells were poisoned by N. pubescens.

The study assessed the antioxidant activity of several N. pubescens rhizome extracts for their capacity to scavenge free radicals using a variety of in vitro models, including DPPH, hydroxyl superoxide, ABTS, and reducing power. The activity of the methanol extract was stronger. Standard ascorbic acid/trolox was used to compare the in vitro antioxidant activity.
Neuroprotective against Trimethyltin (TMT)-Induced Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration / Seed: Using a mouse model, the study assessed the neuroprotective effects of water lily seed extract on TMT-induced neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment. The decrease in memory and spatial cognition in TMT-induced impairment was effectively reversed by the water lily extract at dosages of 100–400 mg/kbw .[4]

MARKETED PREPARATION :

Nymphaea pubescens, commonly known as the white water lily or the fuzzy water lily, is often marketed in various forms for its aesthetic and potential medicinal uses. Here are some common preparations

1.      Ornamental Aquatic Plants: Sold as potted plants for garden ponds and water features.

2.      Dried Flowers: Available for use in herbal teas and infusions.

3.      Herbal Extracts: Liquid extracts or tinctures for potential health benefits.

4.      Capsules/Tablets: Standardized herbal supplements.

5.      Essential Oils: Used in aromatherapy and skin care.

6.      Topical Creams/Ointments: Incorporating extracts for skin health.

7.      Powdered Form: Used in smoothies or as a dietary supplement.

8.      Bath Products: Incorporating extracts for a relaxing bath experience.[2]

USES :

Nymphaeaceae, commonly known as the water lily family, has various uses across different fields:

1.      Ornamental Use: Water lilies are popular in garden ponds and water features for their beauty and ability to attract wildlife.

2.      Culinary Uses: Some species' seeds and tubers are edible. The tubers can be cooked or eaten raw, and the seeds are often used in snacks and traditional dishes.

3.      Medicinal Uses: Various parts of water lilies have been used in traditional medicine for their potential anti-inflammatory, sedative, and antioxidant properties.

4.      Ecological Benefits: They provide habitat for aquatic life and help in maintaining water quality by stabilizing sediments and absorbing nutrients.

5.      Cultural Significance: In many cultures, water lilies hold symbolic meanings and are used in religious and artistic expressions.

6.      Craft and Decoration: Dried flowers and leaves are used in crafts, decorations, and arrangements.

CONCLUSION :

The research on Nymphaea pubescens has provided a holistic understanding of its significance across multiple domains, including pharmacology, pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, and traditional uses. This aquatic plant, a member of the Nymphaeaceae family, showcases a remarkable array of bioactive compounds, contributing to its diverse therapeutic potential .[11]

ACKNOLEDGEMENT : We would like to express my special gratitude to Dr. G. J. Khan, Principal, JIIU'S Ali Allana College of Pharmacy Akkalkuwa and Management of Jamia Islamia Ishaatul Uloom Akkalkuwa for their continuous motivation and providing all necessary facilities during completion of this work.

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2.        Majumdar,p. Harisha,C.R., & Shukla ,V.J (Year).A Comparative pharmagonostical studies and phytochemical study on the different plant source of nymphaceae pubescens . world journal of pharmaceuticals research.

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4.         Angadi, K.K., Kandru, A., Rahaman, A., 2013. Antihyperglycaemic, antihyperlipidaemic and antioxidant assays (in vivo) of Nymphaea pubescens leaf extract. International Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences 4, B624–B630.

5.         Sathasivampillai, S.V., Rajamanoharan, P.R.S., Munday, M., Heinrich, M., 2016. Plants used to treat        diabetes inSri Lankan Siddha Medicine – An ethnopharmacological review of historical and modern sources. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 198, 531–599.

6.        USDA GRIN Taxonomy, retrieved April 20, 2015 

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