Nymphaea odorata
Nymphaea odorata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Nymphaea odorata, commonly known as the fragrant water lily, is a botanical species of significant interest in pharmacological research. Recent studies have focused on the therapeutic potential of its ethanol extract, particularly regarding its effects on prostate cancer. Chemical analysis reveals that the plant contains bioactive compounds such as Afzelin, Myricitrin, and specific glycosides like Myricetin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside and Myricetin 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside. These phytochemicals are being investigated for their ability to influence cancer cell progression and metabolic pathways. Understanding these constituents provides a foundation for developing new natural strategies in oncology.
- Synonyms
- Castalia Odorata · Leuconymphaea Odorata
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Nymphaeaceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Nymphaea odorata is a versatile aquatic plant known by several different names depending on the region and context. It is most frequently recognized by its common names, the American water-lily and the American white waterlily. Some enthusiasts also refer to it as the American white water-lily to highlight its distinct coloration. In certain cultural settings, it is affectionately called the Apapatla. Ultimately, its delightful scent often leads people to call it the Fragrant Waterlily.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Nymphaea odorata is a beautiful aquatic plant that is known by several different botanical names. In many scientific texts, you will find it referred to by its synonym, Castalia odorata. It is also frequently categorized under the alternative designation Leuconymphaea odorata. These various names reflect the complex taxonomic history associated with this fragrant species. Understanding these relationships is essential for anyone studying the diverse classification of water lilies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Nymphaea odorata is a distinguished member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it belongs to the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further classified under the order Nymphaeales, showcasing its unique evolutionary lineage. It finds its specific place within the genus Nymphaea, a group known for its striking aquatic beauty. Ultimately, this species is a celebrated representative of the Nymphaeaceae family.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Nymphaeales |
| Family | Nymphaeaceae |
| Genus | Nymphaea |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Nymphaea odorata exhibits a broad geographical range that spans across both the European and North American continents. In Europe, this species is commonly found throughout Middle Europe and throughout Germany. Its presence in North America is particularly notable across the eastern reaches of Canada. Specifically, it can be located in the provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia. Furthermore, the plant successfully thrives within the diverse aquatic environments of Ontario.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Nymphaea odorata is characterized by its distinctive herb growth form. This aquatic plant is naturally self-supporting, allowing it to maintain its structure within its environment.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Nymphaea odorata serves as a rich source of diverse phenolic compounds, including several significant flavonol glycosides. Chemical analysis has identified key constituents such as nymphaeoside A and icariside E4 within the plant's extracts. Furthermore, the species contains myricitrin and myricetin 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside, both of which contribute to its complex chemical profile. Notably, the presence of afzelin in Nymphaea odorata has demonstrated promising anti-cancer potential against specific prostate cancer cell lines. These various phytochemicals highlight the plant's significant therapeutic interest in modern medicinal research.
Conditions
Nymphaea odorata contains the flavonol glycoside afzelin, which demonstrates significant potential in treating prostate cancer. This plant-derived compound effectively targets the proliferation of androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells. Additionally, it shows therapeutic efficacy against androgen-independent PC-3 cells by blocking their cell cycle in the G0 phase. These anticancer effects are primarily achieved through the inhibition of LIM domain kinase 1 expression. Consequently, the components of Nymphaea odorata serve as promising agents for addressing various forms of prostate cancer.
Preparations
Nymphaea odorata is prepared as an ethanol extract to facilitate the study of its chemical constituents. This specific extraction method allowed researchers to conduct assay-guided fractionation of the plant material. Through this process, several important phenolic compounds were successfully identified from the liquid medium. The resulting extract yielded two distinct lignans along with six known flavonol glycosides. These identified substances were then subjected to spectroscopic analysis to establish their exact chemical structures.