Nymphaea lotus
White lotus
Nymphaea lotus, commonly known as the white water lily, is a captivating aquatic perennial valued for its therapeutic properties. Historically utilized in traditional medicine, this plant offers calming effects and anti-inflammatory benefits. Its delicate blooms serve as a symbol of purity while providing essential bioactive compounds for wellness.
- Scientific name: Nymphaea lotus
- Family: Nymphaeaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is placed in the order Nymphaeales and the family Nymphaeaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is completed by its classification under the genus Nymphaea.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Nymphaeales | WCVP |
| Family | Nymphaeaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Nymphaea | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Nymphaea lotus, is recognized by various common names across different languages and regions. In Slovakia, it is referred to as lekno egyptské, while in Poland, it is called grzybienie egipskie. Its Catalan name is lotus egipci, and in German, it is known as Tigerlotus. Finally, in Japan, the plant is identified as ヨザキスイレン.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| sk | lekno egyptské | Wikidata |
| pl | grzybienie egipskie | Wikidata |
| ca | lotus egipci | Wikidata |
| de | Tigerlotus | Wikidata |
| ja | ヨザキスイレン | Wikidata |
| cs | leknín posvátný | Wikidata |
| my | ကြာဖြူပန်း | Wikidata |
| hsb | Egyptowska lotoska | Wikidata |
| sv | Egyptisk vitlotus | Wikidata |
| ar | نيلوفر اللوتس | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution that spans across multiple continents. In Southeastern Europe, its presence can be documented in Romania. Moving toward Northern Africa, the species is found within the borders of Egypt. Its range extends significantly into West Tropical Africa, specifically appearing in the nations of Benin and Burkina. Additionally, the distribution continues further west into the country of Gambia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southeastern Europe | Romania | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea-Bissau | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Liberia | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Nymphaea lotus, is a species of water lily where the medicinal properties can be derived from the whole plant, including its roots, stems, and flowers. The leaves are large, floating structures that provide essential surface area for photosynthesis within its aquatic habitat. While the leaves are typically singular and expansive, the structural arrangement of the plant's foliage is often characterized by these broad, rounded blades which function as the primary vegetative organs.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| whole plant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaflets | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Nymphaea lotus has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, 22-Desoxycarpesterol, 7,22-Ergostadienol, Quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside, kaempferol-3-O-galactoside.
- Total chemicals
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 10
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 22-Desoxycarpesterol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 7,22-Ergostadienol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| kaempferol-3-O-galactoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| nitrites | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxacyclohexadecan-2-one | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phytosterols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pyrogallol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Nymphaea lotus has 4 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, Mutagenic, Neuroprotective.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mutagenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Nymphaea lotus has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, anxiety, erectile dysfunction, skin aging.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anxiety | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| erectile dysfunction | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| skin aging | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |