Affiliation:
1. Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
2. Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé 1, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
3. Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Maroua, P.O. Box. 814 Maroua, Cameroon
Abstract
Background:
Plants from the genus Nymphaea L. have been used for decades to treat
various diseases, including dysentery, diarrhea, uterine cancer, gonorrhea, inflammation conditions,
etc. The present study aims to critically analyze comprehensive literature on ethnopharmacological
uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of Nymphaea L.
Methods:
The available information on Nymphaea L. was obtained from textbooks, theses, as well
as published articles through libraries and electronic databases.
Results:
More than 150 compounds, including flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, miscellaneous compounds,
etc. were identified from Nymphaea L. extracts, and pure molecules from Nymphaea L. exhibited
a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer,
immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, cytotoxic, etc.
Conclusion:
According to in vitro and in vivo studies, Nymphaea sp. are very promising medicinal
plants. However, more in vivo experiments, cytotoxicity tests, and detailed mechanisms of action
of their extracts and compounds are recommended to translate their ethnomedicinal claims into scientific
rationale-based information.
Funder
São Paulo Research Foundation
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Subject
General Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics