NYMPHAEA STELLATA: A POTENTIAL HERB AND ITS MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE

Abstract

Nymphaea stellata is a perennial aquatic herb belongs to family Nymphaeaceae, with a short ovoid and acute root stock. It is found in ponds, lakes and ditches throughout Bangladesh, Africa and warmer part of India. Commonly referred to as “Water Lilies”, these plants have adapted to living in total water environment. Flower of N. stellata contain a lead compound Nymphayol (25, 26- dinorcholest-5-en-3β–ol) The structure was determined on the basis of X-ray crystallography and spectral data.The flowers of plant contain flavonoids, gallic acid, astrgalin, quercetin, and kaempferol. The activity has been reported the antihyperlipidaemic and antihepatotoxic. Recently, Nymphaea stellata flowers have been reported to have hepatoprotective activity against CCl 4 -induced hepatic damage