Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicity of the Genus Nymphaea L.: A Review

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.