Nuphar lutea
Nuphar lutea · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Nuphar lutea is an aquatic plant known for containing unique bioactive compounds such as 6,6'-dihydroxythiobinupharidine. Scientific investigations into its medicinal potential often focus on the chemical properties found within the plant's leaf. Researchers frequently utilize methanolic plant extracts to study the biological activity of these specific leaf preparations. Recent studies have particularly explored the efficacy of these extracts against parasitic conditions like Leishmania and Leishmania major. This makes the plant a subject of significant interest in the search for new therapeutic agents.
- Synonyms
- Nuphar Grandiflora · Nymphaea Lutea Var. Minor · 35 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Nymphaeaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Nuphar lutea is a fascinating aquatic plant known by a diverse array of regional names. In some areas, it is affectionately referred to as the Aillout d'eau or the Ambudillo. Local dialects also offer unique variations, such as the name Bwltis. Furthermore, the plant is identified as Bwltis Lili Melyn y Dŵr in specific linguistic contexts. Finally, the common designation Bwltys serves as yet another way to recognize this distinctive species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Nuphar lutea is a complex botanical species that has been categorized under various names throughout history. Scientific literature frequently lists Nenuphar luteum as a primary synonym for this aquatic plant. Researchers have also identified Nuphar affinis and Nuphar fluviatile as alternative designations within different taxonomic contexts. Furthermore, the plant is often referred to by the names Nuphar grandiflora and Nuphar grandifolia. Understanding these overlapping synonyms is essential for accurate identification in botanical studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Nuphar lutea is a fascinating aquatic species that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this biological realm, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. Its taxonomic journey continues through the order Nymphaeales, which defines its evolutionary lineage. This plant is a distinguished member of the genus Nuphar, showcasing unique morphological traits. Finally, it finds its place within the Nymphaeaceae family, anchoring its identity among its closest botanical relatives.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Nymphaeales |
| Family | Nymphaeaceae |
| Genus | Nuphar |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Nuphar lutea exhibits a widespread geographic presence that spans across several distinct continents and regions. In Africa, the species can be found throughout the northern reaches of the continent, specifically within Algeria. Its range extends significantly into the Asia-Temperate zone, where it thrives in the Caucasus and Transcaucasus regions. The plant is also well-established in Central Asia, appearing frequently in countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This broad distribution highlights the remarkable adaptability of the species to diverse environmental landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Nuphar lutea is a self-supporting herb that thrives in aquatic environments. This plant exhibits a flexible growth form, allowing it to adapt to various water depths. Its size can vary significantly, with some specimens reaching a minimum height of only 0.03 m. However, many individuals grow much larger, typically maintaining a minimum height of 0.5 m. Under optimal conditions, the plant can reach a maximum height of 2.5 m.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Nuphar lutea exhibits significant therapeutic potential in the treatment of Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Research indicates that the plant effectively treats Leishmania, specifically targeting the Leishmania major species. The extracts and purified compounds from the plant demonstrate strong anti-leishmanial activity against L. amastigotes. In vitro studies further confirm that Nuphar lutea treats L. amastigotes by eliminating intracellular parasites. Ultimately, these findings establish that Nuphar lutea treats Leishmania major and its amastigote forms through its potent bioactive alkaloids.
Preparations
Nuphar lutea is prepared as leaf extracts to investigate its potential anti-leishmanial properties. Various forms of the plant are utilized in research, including general extracts and specific methanolic plant extracts. The preparation of Nuphar lutea as a methanolic extract has demonstrated high effectiveness against both Leishmania promastigotes and amastigotes. Additionally, the plant is prepared as a semi-purified extract containing major nupharidine components to study its therapeutic benefits in vivo. These diverse extraction methods allow for the identification of active compounds like 6,6'-dihydroxythiobinupharidine.
Parts used
Nuphar lutea, commonly known as the Yellow Water Lily, offers significant medicinal potential through its specific botanical components. Research highlights that the leaf of this plant contains potent extracts capable of fighting parasitic infections. Specifically, the sesquiterpene thio-alkaloids found within these leaves have demonstrated strong anti-leishmanial activity. Scientists have successfully utilized purified compounds from the leaf, such as DTBN, to treat Leishmania major in both laboratory and animal models. These findings suggest that the plant's leaves may serve as a vital source for developing new treatments for cutaneous leishmaniasis.