Nelumbo nucifera

Related Terms

Adenine, alkaloids, aporphine, arbutin, ascorbic acid, asimilobine, astragalin, bean of India, benzylisoquinoline, beta-ionone, beta-sitosterol glucopyranoside, bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, carbohydrates, catechin, chungyang, coclaurine, flavonoids, gallic acid, garam, geranyl acetone, hexahydrofarnesyl acetone, hyperin, hyperoside, inchisa, Indian lotus, isoliensinine, isoquercetin, isorhamnetin glycosides, kaempferol, lian fang, lian xu, lian zi, liensinine, lirinidine, lotus leaf extract, lotusine, methyl gallate, muan, myo-inositol, neferine, negferine, Nelumbium spp., Nelumbo spp., Nelumbonaceae (family), norcoclaurine, nuciferine, nuciferone, O-nornuciferine, pentadecyl acrylate, phenolics, procyanidins, pronuciferine, quercetin, red lotus, rutin, sacred lotus, sacred water-lily, saponins, triterpenoids, tryptophan, vitamins.
Note: This monograph does not include plants from the Lotus or Nymphaea genera, as these are distantly related plants from other plant families.

Background

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) has been used throughout Egypt, the Middle East, India, and China since ancient times, primarily as a food, but also as a medicine. The flowers, seeds, leaves, fruit, and rhizomes of the lotus are all edible. The petals of the flower are used as a wrap for foods in Asia, and the rhizome is a common ingredient in soups and stir-fries.
Lotus flowers, leaves, seeds, and fruit have been used traditionally to treat a variety of conditions, including diarrhea, abnormal bleeding, poor digestion, fever, and insomnia. There is not enough scientific research on the use of lotus for treatment of any condition.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older):
There is no proven safe or effective dose for lotus in adults.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Lotus may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Lotus may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Lotus may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
Lotus may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, CNS depressants, sedatives, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
Lotus may also interact with antibiotics, anticancer agents, anti-inflammatory agents, antiobesity agents, antivirals, calcium channel blockers, cholesterol-lowering agents, drugs that affect the gastrointestinal system, drugs that affect the immune system, drugs that may damage the liver, drugs that treat irregular heartbeat, fertility agents, fever reducers, and laxatives.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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