The sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) - phytochemical and therapeutic profile.
OBJECTIVE
Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (Nymphaeaceae), also known as sacred lotus, is a well known medicinal plant. This article reviews the traditional uses, phytochemistry and therapeutic reports on different parts of N. nucifera viz. the seeds, rhizomes, leaves and flowers. This review also describes various compounds isolated from different parts of this plant and the therapeutic benefits derived from those phytoconstituents.


RESULTS
There are several therapeutic benefits of this plant for which different parts are used. The extracts of rhizomes, seeds, flowers and leaves have been reported to have varied therapeutic potential. Several bioactive compounds have been derived from these plant parts belonging to different chemical groups, including alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, triterpenoid, vitamins etc., which all have their own therapeutic impact. Thus, the pharmacological effects and various active ingredients of different parts of N. nucifera are well understood.


CONCLUSIONS
In this review we explore the current pharmaceutical, phytochemical and pharmacological knowledge about this well known plant species as well as several emerging aspects for research on N. nucifera.
Mukherjee
Pulok K
PK
School of Natural Product Studies, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India. pulokm@gmail.com
Mukherjee
Debajyoti
D
Maji
Amal K
AK
Rai
S
S
Heinrich
Michael
M
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008518:Medicine, East Asian Traditional; D031653:Nelumbo / Q000737:chemistry*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018514:Plant Structures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry; D051381:Rats
D010936:Plant Extracts