Acknowledgement

Abstract
Introduction
Aims & Objectives
Review of Literature
Summary & Conclusion
References

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I AMRITA SAHA, student of M.sc 4th semester FOOD & NUTRITION of CALCUTTA
UNIVERSITY let me express the deep sense of gratitude & thanks to my teacher PROF.KAZI
LAYLA KHALED, whose kind guidance, suggestion and inspiration had made this work possible.
Whenever I faced any problem , the valuable suggestion & kind words have shown me way.
I would also like to thanks all my teachers, who candle the spirit of learning and
training by their presence and guidance, Providing me knowledge for turning my project to a
success.

DATE:

AMRITA SAHA

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Nelumbo nucifera, now placed in the mono-generic family Nymphaeaceae, has numerous common names (e.g. Indian lotus, Chinese water
lily and sacred lotus) and synonyms (Nelumbium nelumbo, N. speciosa, N. speciosum and Nymphaea nelumbo). Worldwide, there are only
two species of Nelumbo: N. lutea Willd. (synonyms: N. pentapetala (Walter) Fernald and Nelumbium luteum Willd.) and N. nucifera
(synonyms: N. speciosa Willd, Nelumbium speciosum Willd, Nelumbium N. Druce and Nymphaea N. L) N. nucifera Gaertn., the Indian or
sacred lotus, is found throughout Asia and Australia, whereas N. lutea, the American lotus or water chinquapin, occurs in eastern and
southern North America. N. lutea is considered to be a subspecies of N. nucifera. In India, N. nucifera, commonly known as lotus, kamala or
padma, is an aquatic species, requiring plenty of space and full sun in order to thrive. It has stout, creeping, yellow rhizomes and green
fruits. Leaves are large, of both types, aerial as well as floating orbicular 20-90 cm. in diameter, abruptly acute to form a short tip, petiolate,
entire glaucous, non-wettable, strong cupped in case of aerial leaves and flat in case of floating ones. Fruit is an aggregate of indehiscent
nut-lets. Ripe nutlets are ovoid, roundish or oblongish upto 1.0 cm long 1.5 cm broad, with hard smooth, brownish or grayish black pericarp
which is faintly longitudinally striated, pedunculated and one seeded. Seeds fill in the ripe carpel .There are two varieties of kamala: one
has white flowers and is commonly called pundarika or sveta kamala; the other has pink or reddish-pink flowers and is called rakta
kamala. The whole plant with flowers is known as padmini, the rhizomes as kamalkand, the tender leaves as sambartika, the peduncle
as mrinal or visa, the stamens as kirijalaka, the torus as padmakosa, the seed askarnika or padmaksya, and the honey formed in the
flowers by the bees feeding upon padma is known as makaranda or padma- Madhu. The sepals, petals and stamens are spirally arranged,
passing gradually one into another . The plant is often cultivated for its elegant sweet scented flowers, which are the national flower of
India. The present review is a comphrensive account of traditional uses and ethnobotonacial, phytochemical and pharmacological
investigations carried out on the plant, which may explain the multifaceted role of this medicinal herb.

The Botanical Plant Families of Lotus

Kingdom Plantae (Plants)
Subkingdom Tracheobiota (Vascular plants)
Superdivision Spermatophyta (Seed plants)
Division Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
Class Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
Subclass Magnolidae
Order Nymphaeales
Family Nelumbonaceae (Lotus-Lily family)
Genus Nelumbo adans (Lotus)
Species Nelumbo nucifera (Sacred Lotus)
Source: The Sacred Lotus, Nelumbo nucifera, A Plant Study by Share Siwek

Images of different kinds of lotus

Nishkruti R Mehta et al(2013)

DESCRIPTION OF DIFFERENT PARTS OF NELUMBO NUCIFERA

Fruits and seeds

The seeds of N. nucifera are rich in asparagin, fat, protein, starch and tannin. The lotus seed is composed of three parts integuments,
plumule and cotyledons, which comprise 3.74%, 3.03% and 93.23% of the mass, respectively. The average weight of 100 seeds is 87.35 g.
A large amount of glutathione is contained in the plumule (l3 g per plumule) and cotyledons (164 g per cotyledon) of N.nucifera; the
amount of total plumule increases gradually in the maturing seed. The reduced form of glutathione is dominant in the early stages, while the
amount of oxidised form exceeds that of the reduced form at the end of maturation. The amount of the reduced form of glutathione in the
unripe fruit decreases markedly upon storage for l year. In general, the rate of germination of the stored seeds seems to be closely related to
the content of reduced glutathione. Normally, lotus seeds are rich in protein, amino acids.
Nutritional Composition(per 100g)
chromium (0.0042%)
sodium (1.00%)
potassium (28.5%)
calcium (22.10%)
magnesium (9.20%)
copper (0.0463%)
zinc (0.0840%)
manganese (0.356%)
iron (0.1990%)
total ash (4.50%),
moisture (10.50%),
crude carbohydrate (1.93%),
crude fibre (10.60%)
fat (72.17%)
protein (2.70%)
energy 348.45 cal
Active Components
dauricine
lotusine
nuci-ferine
pronuciferine
liensinine
isoliensinine
roemerine
neferine
armepavine
Procyanidin
gallic acid
D()-3 0- bromo-O-methyl-armepavine
D1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6-methoxy-1-(p-methox benzly) -2-methyl-7-isoquino- linol
saponins

Leaves

Active Components
Two benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, (+)-1(R)-coclaurine and ()-1(S)-norcoclaurine
Six non-phenolic bases were identified;
Roemerine
Nuciferine
ano- naine
pronuciferine
N-nornuciferine
liriodenine
Two phenolic bases
armepavine and N-methyl-coclaurine
Other components:
Dehydro- emerine
dehydronuciferine
dehydroanonaine
N-methylisococlaurine
O-nornuciferine
remerine
armepavine
liensinine
isoliensinine,
negferine,
asimilobine
quercetin
leuco-anthocyanidin
quercetin 3-O-a-arabinopyranosyl--galactopyranoside
quercetin-3-O--D-glucuronide
rutin
(+)-catechin
hyperoside
isoquer-citri
astragalin

Rhizomes

The rhizomes of lotus are consumed as a vegetable in Asian countries. They are used as
health foods because of their mineral content. Abundant starch grains are present throughout
the tissue.

Nutritional Composition(per 100g)

31.2% starch
83.80% water
0.11% fat,
1.56% reducing sugar
0.41% sucrose
2.70% crude protein,
9.25% starch, 0.80% fibre
l.10% ash and 0.06% calcium
thiamine (0.22 mg/100 g)
riboflavin (0.6 mg/100 g),
niacin (2.10 mg/100 g)
ascorbic acid (1.5 mg/100 g)
amino acid (2%)
oxalate 84.3 mg/100 g.

Flower

Chemical Composition
kaempferol 3-O- -D-galactopyranoside
kaempferol 3-O--D-glucopyranoside
kaempferol 7-O- -D- glucopyranoside
kaempferol 3-O-a-L-rhamnopyranosyl-( 1-D-glucopyranoside
kaempferol 3-O-a-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-2)- -D-glucopyranoside
kaempferol 3-Oa-L-rhamnopyranosyl -(1-2)- - D-glucurono-pyranoside
kaempferol-3- O- - D-glucurono-pyranoside
kaempferol 3-O--D-glucuronopyranosyl methylester
myricetin 3 0 ,5 0 -dimethylether 3-O- -D-glucopyranoside
quercetin 3-O- -D-glucopyranoside
nelumboroside A
nelumboroside B
isorhamnetin 3-O--D-glucopyranoside
isorhamnetin 3-O-a-L-rhamnopyranosyl - -D-gluco- pyranoside
adenine
myo-inositol
arbutin
-sitosterol glucopyranoside

Pulok et al(2009)

Chemical constituents
A wide variety of chemical constituents are isolated from various parts of N.nucifera. The structures of major chemical constituents of plant are
shown in figure.
I. Fruit & Seeds

L .iensinine (Borsch et.al.1994)

Isoliensinine (Nagarajan et.al 1966)
Neferine(Anon 1982)

Daurine

lotusine
Nuciferine (Sayre 2004)
N-Nornuciferine (Chatterjee et.al.1991)
O-Nornuciferine (Indrayan et.al.2007)

Pronuciferine

Roemerine (Chopra et.al.1958)

Procyanidin (Khare 2004)

D()-3-bromo-O-methyl-armepavine (Chopra et.al.1956)

D-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6-methoxy-1(p-methoxybenzly)-2-methyl-7-isoquinolinol (Liu et.al.2004)

Dehydroemerine (Chen et.al.2007)

Dehydronuciferine (Mukherjee et.al.1996)
Dehydroanonaine (Toyoda et.al.1966)

Anonaine (Kirtikar et.al.1975)

Coclaurine (Onishi et. al.1984)

Norcoclaurine (Mukherjee et.al.1996)

Liriodenine (Varshney et.al.1976)

Nelumboside (Wu et.al.2004)

Remerine (Tomita et.al.1965)

Asimilobine (Wang et.al.1991): R1 = H

Lirinidine (Qian 2002): R1 = CH3

Quercetin-3-O--D-glucuronide (Das et.al.1992)

N-methyl-coclaurine (Ling et.al.2005): R1 = R3 = CH3; R2= H

N-methylisococlaurine (Wu et.al.2007): R1 = H; R2 = R3

Quercetin (Liu et.al.2006)

Hyperoside (Luo et. al.2005)

= CH3

Rutin (Bergen et.al.1997)

Leucocyanidin (Furukawa et.al.1965): R1 = H

Leucodelphinidin (Furukawa et.al.1966): R1 = OH

Isoquercitrin (Kunitomo et.al. 1973)

(+)-Catechin (Rai et.al.2006)

Astragalin (Tomita et.al.1961)

Flower

Kaempferol (Kashiwada et.al.2005): R1 = R2 = H

Kaempferol 3-O--D-galactopyranoside (Kupchan et.al.1963): R1 = Gal; R2 = H
Kaempferol 3-O--D-glucopyranoside (Shoji et.al.1987): R1 = Glc; R2 = H
Kaempferol 7-O--D-glucopyranoside (Ohkoshi et.al.1993): R1 = H; R2 = Glc
Kaempferol 3-O--L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1,6)- -D-glucopyranoside (Nagarajan et.al.1966): R1 = Rha-(16)-Glc; R2 = H
Kaempferol 3-O--L-rhamnopyranosyl-(12)- -D-glucopyranoside (Kochket et.al.2006): R1 = Rha-(12)-Glc; R2 = H
Kaempferol 3-O--L-rhamnopyranosyl-(12)- -D-glucuronopyranoside (Jung et.al.2003): R1 = Rha-(12)- Gln; R2 = H
Kaempferol 3-O--D-glucuronopyranoside (Hyun et.al.2006): R1 = Gln; R2 = H
Kaempferol 3-O--D-glucuronopyranosyl
Methylester (Lim et.al.2006): R1 = Gln-Me; R2 = H

Arbutin (Chauhan et.al.2009)

Myricetin3,5-dimethylether 3-O-- D glucopyranoside (Mukherjee et.al.2006)

Nelumboroside A (Mukherjee et.al 1997)

Nelumboroside B (Kim et.al.2006)

Quercetin 3-O--D-glucopyranoside (Mukherjee et.al.1995)

Isorhamnetin 3-O--D-glucopyranoside(Sohn et.al.2003)

Isorhamnetin 3-O--L-rhamnopyranosyl- (16)--D-gluco pyranoside (Lin et.al.2006)
-sitosterol glucopyranoside (Mutreja et.al.2008)

Rhizomes

Betulinic acid (Li et.al.1989)

Nishkruti R Mehta et al (2013)

Traditional Uses
Plants have been used as source of medicine by mankind since ancient times. The indigenous knowledge of many tradition communities has
been formulated, been documented and eventually become organized systems of medicine such as ayurveda, siddha, unani, and other systems
out of India. In Ayurveda this plant is used as a diuretic and anthelmintic and in the treatment of strangury, vomiting, leprosy, skin diseases and
nervous exhaustion. In popular medicine it is used in the treatment of tissue inflammation, cancer, skin diseases, leprosy and as a poison
antidote. Rhizomes are prescribed as demulcents for haemorrhoids and are beneficial in dysentery, chronic dyspepsia, and have nutritive,
diuretic and cholagogue activities. The stem is used in indigenous Ayurvedic medicine as a diuretic, anthelmintic, to treat strangury, vomiting,
leprosy, skin disease and nervous exhaustion. The leaves are used for the treatment of haematemesis, epistaxis, haemoptysis, haematuria,
metrorrhagia and hyperlipidaemia. The flowers are useful in the treatment of diarrhoea, cholera, fever and gastric ulcers. The seeds and fruits are
used as a health food in Asia and to treat many ailments, including poor digestion, enteritis, chronic diarrhoea, insomnia, palpitations,
spermatorrhoea, leucorrhoea, dermatopathy, halitosis, menorrhagia, leprosy, tissue inflammation, cancer, fever and heart complaints, and as an
antiemetic, poisoning antidote, diuretic and refrigerant. Lotus seedpods are sometimes used as a traditional medicine for haemostatic function .
The seed powder mixed with honey is useful in treating cough . Embryos of lotus seed are used in traditional Chinese medicine to overcome
nervous disorders, insomnia, high fevers (with restlessness) and cardiovascular diseases (e.g. hypertension, arrhythmia).

Pharmacological activities
N.nucifera has been screened scientifically for various pharmacological activities like anti-ischaemic activity, antioxidant activity,
hepatoprotective activity, anti-inflammatory activity, anti-fertility activity, anti-arrhythmic activity, anti-fibrosis activity, antiviral activity,
antiproliferative activity, anti-diarrhoeal activity, psychopharmacological activity, diuretic activity, antioxidant activity, antipyretic activity,
immunomodulatory activity, hypoglycaemic activity, aldose reductase inhibitory activity, antibacterial, aphrodisiac activity, antiplatellet activity,
cardiovascular activity, anti-obesity activity, lipolytic activity, hypocholesterolaemic activity, hepatoprotective activity, anticancer activity.

Seeds
I. Anti-ischaemic activity
The seed of N. nucifera shows potent anti-ischaemic effects in the isolated rat heart. The effective amount of seed extract against ischaemia
induced in the isolated rat heart was assessed by measuring cardiac output, blood pressure, aortic flow and coronary flow; doses of 0.130
mg/ml were tested. Maximal recovery was seen at a dose of 10 mg/ml, although cardiac output was similar after treatment with 3 or 10 mg/ml
doses (63.5 3.2 and 65.8 4.0 ml/min, respectively). Thus, the 3 mg/ml dose was determined to be the optimum dose for anti-ischaemic
effects in the rat. N.nucifera extract has distinct anti-ischemic effects through calcium antagonism.

II. Antioxidant activity

The ethanol extract of the seed has been evaluated for its antioxidant activity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical assay.
Potent free radical scavenging effects were seen, with a median inhibition concentration (IC50) of 6.49 mg/ml. Procyanidin and condensed
tannin isolated from the seed pod of N. nucifera have several pharmacological activities, including lipid auto-oxidation, lipoxygenase inhibition
and free radical scavenging comparable to butylated hydroxytoluene (0.1%). At a concentration of 62.5 mg/ml, procyanidin inhibited
lipoxygenase activity by more than 90%, with an IC50 value of 21.6 mg/ml. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the hydroalcoholic extract
of seed has been reported using the DPPH and nitric oxide methods. The hydroalcoholic extract exhibited strong free radical scavenging
activity, with IC50 values of 6.12 0.41 mg/ml in the DPPH assay and 84.86 3.56 mg/ml in the nitric oxide assay. These values were lower
than those of rutin, a standard free radical scavenger. Administration of the hydroalcoholic extract of seed to Wistar rats at 100 and 200 mg/kg
for 4 days before carbon tetrachloride treatment caused significant dose-dependent increases in the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and
catalase, and a significant decrease in the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. These changes observed at 100 mg/kg were
comparable to those observed with vitamin E at 50mg/kg.

III. Hepatoprotective activity

An ethanolic extract of the seed of N.nucifera was studied for hepatoprotective effects in carbon tetrachloride and aflatoxin B1-induced
hepatotoxicity models. Cell death caused by carbon tetrachloride was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by the ethanolic extract
at concentrations between 10 and 500 mg/ml. The same extract reduced the genotoxicity of aflatoxin B1, showing complete inhibition at a
concentration of 250 mg per plate.

IV. Anti-inflammatory activity

The seed extract of N. Nucifera, at a dose of 10 mg/kg, inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor-a (TNF-a)
and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in female BALB/c mice with systemic inflammation induced by an intraperitoneal injection of
lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Studies in LPS-challenged mice showed that a high dose of 20 mg/day of seed extract significantly decreased TNF-a
levels in the serum and significantly increased the levels of IL-10 produced by peritoneal macrophages. This result demonstrated that
administration of the N.nucifera seed extract before systemic inflammation attenuates acute inflammation in vivo.

V. Anti-fertility activity
Chauhan et al evaluated the effect of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (Nymphaeaceae) on male reproductive function and fertility, 50% ethanolic
extract of its seeds was administered orally to male rats at the dose levels of 50, 100 and 200 mg/rat per day for 60 days. The body weights were
not affected, whereas the weights of reproductive organs decreased significantly after this treatment. Significant suppression of cauda
epididymal sperm count and motility was observed. Fertility was decreased in this treatment by 100% in Nelumbo nucifera-treated rats. The
testosterone level of serum was declined significantly.Thus the ethanolic extract of N.nucifera seed was antispermatogenic effect in male rats. [53]
The 50% ethanol extract of N.nucifera seed has been reported to possess anti-fertility activity in inbred Wistar strain cyclic female albino rats
at a dose of 800 mg/kg. oral administration of N.nucifera extract brought about a significant decline in the weight of Ovary; Control
(434.75mg), N.nucifera extract treated (253.86mg), Uterus; Control (2360.004mg), N.nucifera extract treated (2140.007mg) and Vagina;
Control (2210.002mg), N.nucifera extract treated (1780.003mg). In addition, the diestrous phase of the estrous cycle was found to be
prolonged; Control (1.810.21) days, N.nucifera extract treated (3.620.42) days. N.nucifera extract has the anti-estrogenic nature without
altering the general physiology of the female rats.

VI. Anti-arrhythmic activity

Neferine, an alkaloid isolated from the seed embryo of N. nucifera, has been reported to have anti-arrhythmic effects on from neonatal rats.
Neferine inhibits the slow transmembrane Na+ and/or Ca2+ current of the myocardium, which leads to its anti-arrhythmic action. Neferine causes
non-specific inhibition of the Na+, Ca2+ and K+ cardiac transmembrane currents in guinea-pig papillary muscles and atria, which relates to its
anti-arrhythmic activity. Experiments in anaesthetised cats showed that neferine, when administered intravenously, at concentrations of 110
mg/kg dose-dependently decreased the amplitude and prolonged the duration of the monophasic action potential, decreased left ventricular
pressure and prolonged the sinus cycle length. These effects demonstrated that neferine has similar electromechanical properties in the heart as
quinidine. Liensinine is another alkaloid isolated from the seed of the lotus which has been reported to have anti-arrhythmic effect; its
mechanism may be related to blockade of Ca2+ and Na+ influx. Intravenous liensinine at dose 3 mg/kg temporarily inhibited all parameters of
haemodynamics in anaesthetised and pithed rats. Its effects were slightly stronger than those of quinidine (3 mg/kg); the inhibitory effects of
liensinine (12 mg/kg) on all haemodynamic parameters were comparable to those of verapamil (1 mg/kg). The haemodynamic effects of
liensinine may be similar to verapamil but different from quinidine. Liensinine at 10100 mM was shown to concentration-dependently decrease
the amplitude of the action potential. The effects of liensinine on slow action potentials and slow inward currents have also have been studied
and suggest that liensinine possesses calcium antagonistic effects.

VII. Anti-fibrosis activity

The inhibitory effect of isoliensinine isolated from the seeds of N.nucifera was studied on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.
Administration of isoliensinine remarkably suppressed the increase in hydroxyproline content and abated the lung tissue injury induced by
bleomycin. It enhanced SOD activity and decreased the malondialdehyde level in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, isoliensinine
significantly inhibited the over-expression of TNF- and transforming growth factor- (TGF- ) induced by bleomycin. These results indicated
that isoliensinine possesses significant inhibitory activity against bleomycin -induced pulmonary fibrosis, probably due to its antioxidant and/or
anti-inflammatory activities and inhibitory effect on TNF-a and TGF-b induced by bleomycin.

VIII. Antiviral activity

Ethanol extract of the N.nucifera seed (100 mg/ml) significantly suppressed replication of herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), with an IC50 of 50
mg/ml. Furthermore, a sub-fraction of N. Nucifera (NNFR) has an inhibitory effect on HSV-1. NNFR at a concentration of 50 mg/ml inhibited
HSV-1 replication in HeLa cells by up to 85.9%, attenuating aciclovir-resistant HSV-1 propagation.[61] In a bioassay-guided fractionation, NNFR
significantly blocked HSV-1 multiplication in HeLa cells without apparent cytotoxicity. The production and mRNA transcription of infected cell
protein was found to be decreased in NNFR-treated HeLa cells. The antiviral actions of NNFR is therefore likely to be mediated through
inhibition of immediate early transcripts, such as infected cell protein (ICP) 0 and ICP4 mRNA and then blocking the downstream accumulation
of all viral products.

IX. Antiproliferative activity

The ethanolic extract of N. nucifera seed suppressed cell cycle progression, cytokine gene expression and cell proliferation in human peripheral
blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). To study the effects on PBMC proliferation, resting cells or cells activated with phytohaemaglutinin (PHA)
were treated with 100 mg/ml of an ethanolic extract of N. nucifera seed. Cell proliferation was determined on the basis of uptake of tritiated

thymidine. PBMC proliferation was not affected by DMSO treatment. Ciclosporin blocked PHA-activated PBMC proliferation. Ethanolic
extract of N. nucifera seed (100 mg/ml) significantly suppressed PBMC proliferation stimulated with PHA. The ethanol extract of N. Nucifera
suppressed proliferation in PHA-activated PBMC. The stimulated cell cycle progression in PHA-activated PBMC was significantly arrested at
G0/G1 stage, and gene expression and production of interleukin(IL)-2, IL-4, IL-10, interferon gamma (IFN-g) and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 in
activated PBMC were also decreased by N. nucifera extract[13]. Liu and co-workers have isolated (S)-armepavine (C 19H23O3N; molecular
weight 313) from N. nucifera seed extract. (S)-Armepavine inhibited the proliferation of human PBMCs activated with PHA and gene
expression of IL-2 and IFN-g without direct cytotoxicity, which leads to the improvement of autoimmune diseases in MRL/MpJ-lpr/lpr mice.
The mechanism involved in these inhibitions is blockade of membrane-proximal effectors such as IL-2- inducible T cell kinase and
phospholipase C g in a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent manner. An isoliensinine alkaloid isolated from the seed embryo had inhibitory
effects on the proliferation of porcine coronary arterial smooth muscle cells induced by angiotensin II. Its mechanisms were investigated by
counting cultured cell number, the MTT assay, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Angiotensin II (0.1 mM) significantly evoked cell
proliferation by 42%, which could be dosedependently inhibited by 0.013 mM isoliensinine; the percentage of inhibition of isoliensinine was
25% at 0.01 mM. These results suggest that isoliensinine possesses antiproliferative effect, which is related to a decrease in the over-expression
of platelet-derived growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor and proto-oncogenes c-fos, c-myc and hsp70. The effect of neferine on platelet
aggregation, thromboxane A2/prostaglandin (PG) I2 and cAMP/cGMP balance were studied using turbidimetry and radioimmunoassay. It
significantly inhibits rabbit platelet aggregation induced by ADP, collagen, arachidonic acid and platelet-activating factor with IC50 values of
16, 22, 193 and 103 mM, respectively. Neferine was found to increase vascular 6-keto-PGF1a and platelet cAMP levels in a dose-dependent
manner, but inhibited arachidonic acid-stimulated thromboxane A2 release from platelets.

X. Immunomodulatory
The immunomodulatory activity of N.nucifera seed extract was evaluated using various in vivo models including the total and differential
leukocyte count (TLC and DLC), nitroblue-tetrazolium reduction (NBT) test, neutrophil adhesion test, phagocytic response and delayed type
hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction. Sheep red blood cells (SRBC, 5109 cells/ml) were used to immunize the animals. N.nucifera seed extract at
the doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg was administrated. A dose-dependent potentiation of DTH reaction induced by SRBC was observed from the
extracts. The percentage of neutrophil adhesion to the nylon fiber was increased in rhizome extract treated groups (54.86 and 54.23%).The
extract of seeds of N. nucifera altered the total and differential WBCs count, potentiated the effect on DTH response and phygocytosis. Thus
extract of seed of N. nucifera stimulate defense system by modulating several immunological parameters.

Rhizomes
I. Antidiarrhoeal activity
The antidiarrhoeal potential of N. nucifera rhizome extract has been reported. A study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of methanolic
extract of rhizomes of N.nucifera Gaertn for its antidiarrhoeal potential against several experimental models of diarrhoea in rats. The extract
produced significant inhibitory effects against castor-oil-induced diarrhoea and PGE2-induced enteropooling; the propulsive movements of a
charcoal meal were also reduced significantly.

II. Hypoglycaemic activity

The oral hypoglycaemic effect of N. nucifera was demonstrated using an methanolic extract of the rhizome, which markedly reduced the blood
sugar level of normal, glucose-fed hyperglycaemic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, when compared with control animals. The extract
(300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg, orally) caused a reduction of blood glucose levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by 53% (p<0.001) and
55% (p<0.001) respectively at the end of 12 h. The results of this study indicate that the methanol extract of the rhizome possesses favourable
hypoglycaemic activity in hyperglycaemic animals taking chlorpropamide as a standard. An anti-diabetic constituent (tryptophan) has been
isolated from the nodes of lotus rhizome by the analysis of spectroscopic evidence.[ 68] In glucose-fed hypoglycaemic mice, the methanolic
extract of nodes at a dose of 400 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of isolated tryptophan showed potential anti-diabetic activities.

III. Psychopharmacological activity

The methanol extract of the rhizome of N. nucifera produced significant psychopharmacological actions in rats and mice. Reduction in
spontaneous activity and a decrease in exploratory behaviour in the head dip and Y-maze tests were reported. Thus, the extract possesses most of
the pharmacological characteristics of a minor tranquilizer.

IV. Diuretic activity

The diuretic activity of N. nucifera rhizome was reported. The methanol extract of the rhizome induced significant diuresis in rats at doses of
300, 400 and 500 mg/kg. There was a dose-dependent increase in the volume of urine, with Na+ and Cl- excretion, accompanied by a significant
excretion of K+. The increase in volume of urine was less than with the standard diuretic Furosemide (20 mg/kg). There was a significant
increase in natriuretic and chloruretic activity but kaliuresis was less than natriuresis.

V. Anti-inflammatory activity
The anti-inflammatory activity of the methanol extract of N.nucifera rhizome as well as of betulinic acid, a steroidal triterpenoid isolated from
it, were evaluated on carrageenin and serotonin induced rat paw oedema. The rhizome extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, and betulinic acid
at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg (administered orally) showed significant anti-inflammatory activity; the effect was comparable to that of the
standard drugs phenylbutazone and dexamethasone.

VI. Antioxidant activity

Yang and coworkers have performed in-vitro studies of the antioxidant activity of methanol and acetone extracts of the N. nucifera rhizome
using the DPPH assay.[71] The methanol and acetone extract showed highest DPPH scavenging activity, at 66.7 and 133.3 mg/l, respectively; the
methanol extract exhibited a higher antioxidant activity coefficient than ascorbic acid. The rhizome knot also exhibited radical scavenging
activity, measured spectrophotometrically and by electron spin resonance.

VII. Antipyretic activity

The methanolic extract of N. nucifera rhizome showed antipyretic activity in rats with yeast-induced pyrexia. Yeast suspension (10 ml/kg, s.c.)
increased rectal temperature after 19 hr of administration. Oral doses of the extract of 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg produced significant dosedependent lowering of normal body temperature and yeast-provoked elevation of body temperature in rats. The result was comparable to that of
the standard antipyretic drug paracetamol (150 mg/kg intraperitoneally).

VIII. Immunomodulatory activity

The immunomodulatory activity of N.nucifera rhizome extract was evaluated using various in vivo models including the total and differential
leukocyte count (TLC and DLC), nitroblue-tetrazolium reduction (NBT) test, neutrophil adhesion test, phagocytic response and delayed type
hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction. Sheep red blood cells (SRBC, 5109 cells/ml) were used to immunize the animals. Rhizome extract at the
doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg was administrated. The TLC and lymphocyte count increased significantly but the neutrophil count was decreased
for rhizome extract treated groups compared to the control. A dose-dependent potentiation of DTH reaction induced by SRBC was observed
from the extracts. The percentage of neutrophil adhesion to the nylon fiber was increased in rhizome extract treated groups (63.22 and 62.91%).
This finding suggests that the extract of rhizome of N. nucifera stimulate defense system by modulating several immunological parameters.

Flower
I. Hypoglycaemic activity
Sun-dried flower powder of N.nucifera, as well as the aqueous and alcoholic extract of the flower, produced significant hypoglycaemia in
fasting normal albino rabbits. There was no significant difference in the activities of 1000 mg/kg of the test drug (sun-dried powder of the
flower) and equivalent amounts of the extracts. Glucose tolerance studies with normal rabbits showed that oral doses of both extracts, equivalent
to 1000 mg/kg of the test drug, produced significant depression of the peak rise in fasting blood sugar after glucose load; the effects of both
extracts were 50% to that produced by 250 mg/kg of tolbutamide. A study of glucose tolerance curves shows that the duration of
hyperglycaemia was also notably reduced compared with the controls. In normal rabbits, the extract at a dose of 1000 mg/kg significantly
lowered hyperglycaemia induced by subcutaneous injection of 0.5 mg/kg adrenaline hydrochloride.

II. Antioxidant activity

The potential of N. nucifera stamens to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals and peroxynitrites (ONOO), and the
inhibition of total ROS generation by kidney homogenates using 2v,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCHF-DA) was examined.The
methanol extract showed strong antioxidant activity in the ONOO system and marginal activity in the DPPH and total ROS systems. Similarly,
seven known flavonoids were isolated from lotus stamens, most of which also showed potent antioxidant activity. The glycosides nelumboroside
A, nelumboroside B, isorhamnetin glycoside and isorhamnetin rutinoside isolated from N. nucifera stamens showed potent antioxidant activity
in DPPH and ONOO assays.[45] Yunyupju, a liquor made from the blossoms and leaves of lotus, has been reported to have antioxidant
activity. The maximum scavenging activity on hydroxyl radicals (40%) could be achieved when lotus liquor was more than 500 g. Lotus liquor
also has a potent superoxide radical scavenging activity with value of 0.93 unit mg1 as superoxide dismutase equivalents with an IC50 value of
1.07 0.04 mg.

III. Antipyretic activity

The ethanol extract of stalks of N. nucifera was evaluated for its antipyretic potential on normal body temperature and yeast induced pyrexia in
rats. In the model of yeast provoked elevation of body temperature, the stalk extract showed significant activity in both models at oral doses of
200 and 400 mg/kg. The stalk extracts showed dose-dependent lowering of body temperature up to 4 h; the results were comparable to those
with paracetamol.

IV. Aldose reductase inhibitory activity

Two glycosides, namely kaempferol 3-O-a-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1,6)-_-D-glucopyranoside and isorhamnetin 3-O-a-Lrhamnopyranosyl-( 1!6)-_D-glucopyranoside, isolated from the methanol extract of stamens of N. nucifera exhibited a high degree of inhibitory activity against rat lens
aldose reductase in vitro, with IC50 values of 5.6 and 9.0 mM, respectively.

V. Antibacterial Activity
The hydroethanolic extract of flowers of N.nucifera Gaertn in vitro was reported to possess antibacterial activity. The antibacterial activity was
screened against different bacterial strains like Escherichia coli Klebsiella pneumonia Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bacillus Subtilis Staphylococcus
aureus by detecting zone of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The maximum zone of inhibition was exhibited by
N.nucifera flowers against Escherichia coli (14mm), Bacillus Subtilis (13mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (11mm). The moderate zone of
inhibition was found against Klebsiella pneumonia (10mm) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8mm). Gram-negative bacteria were more susceptible
to the N.nucifera flower extracts than gram-positive bacteria which contradict the previous reports that plant extracts are more active against
gram-positive bacteria than gram-negative bacteria. These results were compared with the standard antibiotic chloramphenicol (30g/ml)[76].
VI. Aphrodisiac activity
Adult wister albino rats were used for aphrodisiac activity protocol. Sexual behavioural parameters were observed on wister albino rats. Blood
samples were collected from control and experimental rats to measure hormone testosterone. Testosterone levels showed significant increase in
experimental animal compared with control. The test drug may be effective as aphrodisiac through mechanisms such as vasodilation, generation
of nitric oxide, elevation of androgens and gonadotropins. Stamens of N. nucifera white variety uniformly suspended in 2% Carboxy Methyl
Cellulose (CMC) in water (Test drug) to obtain 100mg/ml concentration as stock solution has definite positive effect on male sexual behaviour
and increased in hormone profile. The test drug at 500mg/kg body weight, both Mount frequency (MF) and Intromission frequency (IF) were
increased (P<0.01) compared to the 2% CMC in saline-administered control and body weight also significantly increased. Sildenafil citrate was
used as standard. The MF of the test drug treated animals was remarkably altered and it was statistically significant. Administration of single
dose of test drug at 500mg/kg body weight the EF increased significantly (P<0.01). Test drug at the dose of 500mg/kg body weight could be
used as a stimulator of sexual behaviour in male rats and also indicates the profound increase in improvement of sperm health and possesses
aphrodisiac activity.

VII. Antiplatellet activity

The antiplatelet activity of hydroethanolic extract of N.Nucifera flowers using platelet-rich plasma in different concentrations (100 500g/ ml)
was reported. N.nucifera flower extracts showed dose-dependent effective antiplatelet activity with maximum activity at 500g/ml
concentration; prevention of platelet aggregation was 50% of that achieved with standard aspirin.

Leaves
I. Cardiovascular activity
Two alkaloids that act as serotonin antagonists, namely asimilobine and lirinidine, were isolated from the leaves of N.nucifera. Both alkaloids
inhibited serotonin-induced contractions in isolated rabbit aorta (10 -6).

II. Antioxidant activity

Hydrogen peroxide-mediated cytotoxicity in Caco-2 cells was used to investigate the potential antioxidant activity of the methanol extract from
the N.nucifera leaf. A dose-dependent protective effect against reactive oxygen species (ROS)- induced cytotoxicity was observed when Caco-2
cells were treated with 10 mM hydrogen peroxide in combination with the methanol extract of the N.nucifera leaf (0.10.3 mg/ml). The
N.nucifera extract also exhibited concentration-dependent antioxidant activities against haemoglobin-induced linoleic acid peroxidation and
Fenton reaction-mediated plasmid DNA oxidation.

III. Antiviral activity

The 95% ethanol extract of N.nucifera has been reported to show anti-HIV activity (EC50 < 20 mg/ml). Some anti-HIV principles, including
(+)-1(R)-coclaurine, ()-1(S)-norcoclaurine and quercetin 3-O-_-D-glucuronide, were found in N. nucifera leaves. Both (+)-1(R)-coclaurine and
()-1(S)-norcoclaurine showed potent anti-HIV activity, with EC50 values of 0.8 and < 0.8 mg/ml, respectively, and therapeutic index values
above 125 and 25, respectively, whereas quercetin 3-O-_-D-glucuronide was less potent (EC50 2 mg/ml). Other potent anti-HIV
bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids such as nuciferine, liensinine, negferine and isoliensinine have also been isolated from the leaves of N. nucifera,
with EC50 values below 0.8 mg/ml and therapeutic index values of 36, > 9.9, > 8.6 and > 6.5, respectively.

IV. Anti-obesity activity

Ono et al reported the effects of leaf extract on digestive enzymes, lipid metabolism and theromogenesis, together with the anti-obesity effect
using mice with obesity induced by a high-fat diet. The extract showed a concentration- dependent inhibition of the activities of a-amylase and
lipase, and up-regulated lipid metabolism and expression of uncoupling protein-3 mRNA in C2C12 (mouse myoblast cell line) myotubes. It also
prevented increases in body weight, parametrical adipose tissue weight and liver triacylglycerol levels.

V. Lipolytic activity
A 50% ethanol extract of N. nucifera leaves was reported to stimulate lipolysis in the white adipose tissue of mice. Chromatographic analysis of
the extract showed that the phytomolecules responsible for lipolytic activity included quercetin-3-O-a-arabinopyranosyl-(12)-galactopyranoside, catechin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin and astragalin.

VI. Hypocholesterolaemic activity

The aqueous extract of N.nucifera leaves was studied for its effects on serum lipids in a rat model. The rats were fed a high-fat diet containing
1.5% cholesterol and 1% cholic acid. Subsequent oral treatment with a crude aqueous extract of lotus leaves resulted in sharp decreases in serum
total cholesterol, free cholesterol and phospholipids compared with the highfat- loaded control group. The effect of N.nucifera leaf extract for
the improvement of lipid metabolisms and the alleviation of liver damage in high fat diet treatment was studied in hamster model. The effects of
flavonoid-enriched N. nucifera leaf extract supplement and two lipid-lowing drugs; silymarin and simvastatin, on the disorders induced by high
fat diet were investigated. Flavonoid-enriched N.nucifera leaf extract supplement may significantly improve the high fat diet-induced abnormal
blood lipids and liver damage as significantly as the common drugs.
VII. Hepatoprotective Activity
An ethanolic extract of the leaves of N. nucifera was studied for its hepatoprotective activity against CCl4-induced liver toxicity in rat. It was
reported that the hepatoprotective activity of N.nucifera leaf extract (LLE) at doses of 300 and 500 mg/kg was comparable with that of a
standard treatment comprising 100 mg/kg of silymarin.

VIII. Anticancer Activity

Methanol and acetone leaf extracts were used for anticancer activity by MTT assay. About 6.25 g/mL to 100 g/mL of
sample was used for MTT assay. Methanol leaf extract showed 27% and acetone leaf extract showed 7% in 100 g/mL of MCF-7 breast cancer
cell line. Both extracts showed less anticancer activity against breast cancer. armepavine (Arm, C 19H23O3N), an active compound from N.
nucifera, has been shown to exert immunosuppressive effects in in vitro. Arm (1-10 M) concentration dependently attenuated TNF-- and
LPSstimulated -SMA protein expression and AP-1 activation by HSC-T6 cells without adverse cytotoxicity . Arm also suppressed TNF-induced collagen deposition, NFB activation and MAPK (p38, ERK1/2 and JNK) phosphorylation.

Activity

Part of plant used

Aldose reductase inhibitory

Anti-arrhythmic
Anti- bacterial
Anticancer
Anti-diarrhoeal
Anti-fertility
Anti-fibrosis
Anti-ischaemic
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-obesity
Antioxidant
Antiplatellet
Anti-proliferative
Antipyretic activity
Antiviral
Aphrodisiac
Cardiovascular activity
Diuretic activity
Hepatoprotective
Hypocholesterolaemic
Hypoglycaemic
Immunomodulatory
Lipolytic
Psychopharmacological

Flower
Seed
Flower
Leaves
Rhizome
Seed
Seed
Seed
Seed, Rhizome
Leaves
Leaves, Flower, Rhizome
Flower
Seed
Flower, Rhizome
Seed, Leaves
Flower
Leaves
Rhizome
Seed, Leaves
Leaves
Flowers, Rhizome
Seed, Rhizome
Leaves
Rhizome

Mukherjee D et al(2010)

Dosage
Most animal studies document a dosage range of 100 to 400 mg/kg, depending on which
portion of the plant is used. Commercial manufacturers offer sacred lotus in various dosage
forms, including powder, tincture, dried petals, seeds, and leaves, and combination products
in capsule form. Lotus root is also available as a health beverage and food. Sacred lotus is
used cosmetically in mascara, eye shadow, lipstick, nail polish, creams, perfumes, shampoo,
tonics for preventing gray hair, and tanning reagents.

Interactions
Sacred lotus may interact with drugs used to treat diabetes, liver conditions, and infections, as
well as with lipid-lowering, psychotropic, cardiac, or erectile dysfunction medications.

Adverse Reactions
Due to potential drug interactions, sacred lotus should be used cautiously by patients being
treated for diabetes, high cholesterol, psychiatric or cardiac conditions, or erectile dysfunction.

Contraindication
Avoid use if hypersensitivity exists to any constituents of sacred lotus .

Toxicology

No mortality or behavioral changes were observed in acute toxicity studies of an alcoholic

seed extract in mice up to a dose of 1,000 mg/kg body weight for 24 hours. The plant species
may contain high levels of cadmium, copper, and lead.

Rai et al(2006)

Aims
A systematic review was conducted with an objective to search
and explore the phytochemical profile and traditional uses of
plant Nelumbo nucifera.

Objectives
To

develop knowledge about Nelumbo nucifera for empowerment

with regard to property of medicinal values, its use in beauty
product, antioxidant property, antidiabetic effect etc.
To

compile the information about Nelumbo nucifera on medicinal

values, ingredients used in beauty products, antioxidant property
etc.
To

identify researchable issues on Nelumbo nucifera relating to

its properties.
To

develop a readymade first hand document on Nelumbo

nucifera.

Review of Literature

Pharmacognostical profileofrhizomeof nelumbo nucifera gaertn.

Mukherjee et. al.(1998) investigated the macro and microscopically characters of

rhizome along with studies on some physical constants, behavior of powdered
rhizomes on treatment with different chemical reagents and florescence
characteristics on exposure to U.V light, which would help in identification of the
drug.
Antioxidative enzymes in seedlings of Nelumbo nucifera germinated under
water.
Ushimaru et.al.(2001) investigated investigated antioxidative enzyme changes in
N. nucifera seedlings responding to oxygen deficiency. The activity of superoxide
dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR; EC 1.8.5.1)
and glutathione reductase (GR; EC 1.6.4.2) were lower in seedlings germinated
under water (submerged condition) in darkness (SD seedlings) than those found in
seedlings germinated in air and darkness (AD seedlings).
Antioxidant principles of Nelumbo nucifera stamens.
Jung et al.(2003) reported the antioxidant activity of Nelumbo nucifera stamens
was evaluated for their potential to scavenge stable 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl
(DPPH) free radicals, inhibit total reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and
scavenge authentic peroxynitrites (ONOO-). A methanol (MeOH) extract of the
stamens of N. nucifera showed strong antioxidant activity in the ONOO- system,
and marginal activity in the DPPH and total ROS systems.

 Antioxidant principles of Nelumbo nucifera stamens.

Jung et.al.(2003) investigated identity antioxidants from natural sources, the
antioxidant activity of Nelumbo nucifera stamens was evaluated for their potential
to scavenge stable 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals, inhibit total
reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, in kidney homogenatas using 2',7'dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCHF-DA), and scavenge authentic
peroxynitrites (ONOO-). A methanol (MeOH) extract of the stamens of N. nucifera
showed strong antioxidant activity in the ONOO- system, and marginal activity in
the DPPH and total ROS systems.
Isolation, characterization, and determination of antioxidative activity of
oligomeric procyanidins from the seedpod of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.
Ling et.al.(2005) investigated that the extract contains monomers, dimers, and
tetramers of procyanidins, in which the amounts of dimers are greatest, and
catechin and epicatechin are the base units. . The effects of the procyanidins on
lipid autoxidation, lipoxygenase activities, and free radical scavenging were also
studied. The results showed that 0.1% procyanidins have a strong antioxidant
activity in a soybean oil system.
Anti-obesity effect of Nelumbo nucifera leaves extract in mice and rats.
Ono et.al.(2006) examined the effect of NNE on digestive enzyme activity, lipid
metabolism and theromogenesis and evaluated the effects of anti-obesity using
high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice that were treated with NNE for 5 weeks.
NNE caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of the activities of alphaamylase and lipase, and up-regulated lipid metabolism and expression of UCP3
mRNA in C2C12 myotubes. NNE prevented the increase in body weight,
parametrial adipose tissue weight and liver triacylglycerol levels in mice with
obesity induced by a high-fat diet. UCP3 mRNA expression in skeletal muscle
tended to be higher, when mice were administrated by NNE and were exercised.
Therefore, NNE impaired digestion, inhibited absorption of lipids and

carbohydrates, accelerated lipid metabolism and up-regulated energy expenditure.

Consequently, NNE is beneficial for the suppression of obesity.
Isorhamnetin glycosides with free radical and ONOO-scavenging activities
from the stamens of Nelumbonucifera.
Hyun et.al.(2006) investigated two new isorhamnetin glycosides, designated as
nelumboroside A (3) and nelumboroside B (4), as well as the previouslycharacterized isorhamnetin glucoside (1) and isorhamnetin rutinoside (2), from the
n-BuOH fraction of Nelumbo nucifera stamens. The structures of the two new
compounds were then determined, using chemical and spectroscopic techniques.
All isolated isorhamnetin glycosides 1-4 showed marked antioxidant activities in
the DPPH, and ONOO- assays.
Constituents from the leaves of Nelumbo nucifera stimulate lipolysis in the
white adipose tissue of mice.
Ohkoshi et .al (2007) reported thatnelumbo nucifera gaertn. (nymphaceae) has
been used for various medicinal purposes as in chinese herbal medicine, in
particular, the leaves are known for diuretic and astringent properties, and are used
to treat obesity. During research for a plant-derived anti-obesity agent from natural
products, we have found that a 50% ethanol (etoh) extract prepared from the
leaves of n. nucifera (nn) stimulated lipolysis in the white adipose tissue (wat) of
mice and that the beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-ar) pathway was involved in this
effect.
Constituents from the leaves of Nelumbo nucifera stimulate lipolysis in the
white adipose tissue of mice.

Ohkoshi et.al.(2007) investigated that a 50% ethanol (EtOH) extract prepared from
the leaves of N. nucifera (NN) stimulated lipolysis in the white adipose tissue
(WAT) of mice and that the beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) pathway was
involved in this effect. In subsequent experiments, dietary supplementation of NN

resulted in a significant suppression of body weight gain in A/J mice fed a high-fat
diet.
Attenuation of Acute and Chronic Restraint Stress-induced
PerturbationsinExperimentalAnimalsby Nelumbonucifera Gaertn.
Kulkarni et.al.(2008) investigated aqueous extract of leaves of Nelumbo nucifera
on acute stress (immobilization stress)-induced biochemical alterations in Swiss
mice. The animals were also subjected to acute physical stress (swimming
endurance test) and acute chemical stress (writhing test) to gauge the antistress
potential of the extract. . Stimulation of hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis in
stressful condition alters plasma glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, total protein and
corticosterone levels. Pretreatment with the extract significantly ameliorated the
stress-induced variations in these biochemical levels in both acute and chronic
stress models. The extract treated animals showed increase in swimming endurance
time and reduced number of writhes in physical and chemical-induced stress
models respectively.

Effects of extracts and neferine from the embryo of Nelumbo nucifera seeds
on the central nervous system.
Sugimoto et al.(2008) studied the effects of embryos of the seeds of Nelumbo
nucifera on the central nervous system in mice. MeOH extracts of embryos of
Nelumbo nucifera seeds significantly inhibited locomotor activity in mice.
Neferine induced hypothermia in mice and apparently potentiated thiopentalinduced sleeping time. An anxiolytic, diazepam, decreased locomotor activity,
rectal temperature and enhanced sleep elicited by thiopental, similar to neferine.
Novel effects of Nelumbo nucifera rhizome extract on memory and
neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the rat hippocampus.

Yang et. al.(2008) investigated the effect of Nelumbo nucifera rhizome extract on
learning and memory function. A step-through passive avoidance test was
performed with Wistar rats. In addition, immunohistochemistry was used to

investigate cell proliferation and differentiation in the dentate gyrus of the

hippocampus. The methanol extract of N. nucifera rhizome (MNR) resulted in
significant improvements of memory functions and neurogenesis in the dentate
gyrus.
Neferine enhances insulin sensitivity in insulin resistant rats.

Pan et.al.(2009) repoted that the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting
blood insulin (FINS), triglycerides (TG) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha), and the oral glucose tolerance test for 2-h plasma glucose level (2-h PG) all
decreased significantly in the rosiglitazone and neferine groups compared with the
insulin resistance (IR) model group.

Nelumbo nucifera semen extract improves memory in rats with scopolamineinduced amnesia through the induction of choline acetyltransferase
expression.

Oh JH et.al (2009) reported that Nelumbo nucifera semen (NNS) is a traditional

herb with anti-diarrheal, anti-ganacratia, and tranquilizer-like pharmacological
activities. In this study, the anti-amnesic effect of NNS on rats with scopolamineinduced amnesia was examined. Passive avoidance tests, acetylcholinesterase
(ACHE) activity, and choline acetyltransferase (CHAT) expression were used to
evaluate the NNS anti-amnesic effects. The latency time of passive avoidance

significantly increased by 54% in the NNS-treated group compared to the

scopolamine-treated group. The ACHE activity in the NNS-treated group
significantly decreased to 7.35% than that of the control group. CHAT-positive
neurons increased by 51.02% in the NNS group compared to the control group.
These results suggest that NNS extract improves scopolamine-induced dementia by
inhibiting ACHE activity and inducing CHAT expression.
Improvement for high fat diet-induced hepatic injuries and oxidative stress
by flavonoid-enriched extract from Nelumbo nucifera leaf.

Lin MC et. al. (2009) investigated the effects of flavonoid-enriched N. nucifera

leaf extract supplement and two lipid-lowing drugs, silymarin and simvastatin, on
the disorders induced by high fat diet. The results showed that a 10-week
application of a high fat diet to hamsters led to significant increases of body
weight, plasma lipid derivatives (triglyceride, total cholesterol, and lipoproteins),
lipid peroxidation, and liver damage markers (plasma aspartate aminotransferase
and alanine aminotransferase).

Improvement for high fat diet-induced hepatic injuries and oxidative stress
by flavonoid-enriched extract from Nelumbo nucifera leaf.
Linc et al.(2009) reported the effects of flavonoid-enriched N. nucifera leaf extract
supplement and two lipid-lowing drugs, silymarin and simvastatin, on the disorders
induced by high fat diet . The results showed that a 10-week application of a high
fat diet to hamsters led to significant increases of body weight, plasma lipid
derivatives (triglyceride, total cholesterol, and lipoproteins), lipid peroxidation, and
liver damage markers (plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alanine
aminotransferase). These results suggested that the flavonoid-enriched N. nucifera
leaf extract supplement may significantly improve the high fat diet-induced
abnormal blood lipids and liver damage as significantly as the common drugs.

Consequently, it is suggested that the flavonoid-enriched N. nucifera leaf extract

supplement is beneficial for the improvement of lipid metabolisms and the
alleviation of liver damage in high fat diet treatment.

A new lipid and other constituents from the rhizomes of Nelumbo nucifera.
Chaudhuri et.al.(2009) investigated a new ursane triterpenoid ester, urs-12-en3beta-O-9E,12E-octadecadienoate, from the rhizomes of Nelumbo nucifera by
spectral andchemical analyses along with the isolation of seven known
compounds: palmitic acid, linoleic acid, 9E,12E,15E-octadecatrienoic acid, alphaamyrin, beta-sitosterol, betulinic acid, and beta-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside.

Isolation and purification of three flavonoid glycosides from the leaves

of Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) by high-speed counter-current chromatography.
Deng et.al.(2009) investigated by semi-preparative high-speed counter-current
chromatography (HSCCC) for isolation and purification of flavonoid glycosides
from the leaves of Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) by using a two-phase-solvent system
composed of n-hexane-ethyl acetate-methanol-water (1:5:1:5, v/v/v/v). The
targeted compounds isolated, collected and purified by HSCCC were analyzed by
high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A total of 4.6 mg of
isoquercitrin, 9.1 mg of hyperoside and 3.0 mg of astragalin with the purity of
95.8%, 97.5% and 98.3%, respectively, were obtained in one-step separation and
less than 6 h from 80 mg of crude extract from the leaves of N. nucifera.
The expression of manganese superoxide dismutase gene from Nelumbo
nucifera responds strongly to chilling and oxidative stresses.
Li et.al.(2009) investigated a manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) gene,
NnMSD1, was identified from embryonic axes of the sacred lotus (Nelumbo
nucifera Gaertn.). The NnMSD1 protein contains all conserved residues of the Mn-

SOD protein family, including four consensus metal binding domains and a signal
peptide for mitochondrial targeting. . NnMSD1 was highly expressed in developing
embryonic axes during seed development, but appeared in cotyledons only at the
early stage of development and became undetectable in the cotyledons during late
embryogenesis. The expression of the NnMSD1 gene in germinating embryonic
axes, in response to various stresses such as heat shock, chilling, and exposure to
stress-related chemicals, was also studied. Heat shock strongly inhibited the
expression of the NnMSD1 gene, whereas the NnMSD1 transcript level increased
strongly in chilling stress treatment.
Whole body radioprotective activity of an acetone-water extract from the
seedpod of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.
Duan et al.(2010)reported that Procyanidins extracted with acetone-water from
lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) seedpod (LSPCs) were evaluated for in vivo
radioprotective activity against whole body gamma irradiation in Swiss albino
mice and found to be effective in preventing radiation sickness, reducing radiationinduced mortality, increasing mean survival time, promote the levels of red blood
cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), platelets and hemoglobin in peripheral
blood, and prevent spleen and skin damage in irradiated mice, decrease the lipid
peroxidation (LPO) level, and elevate the activities of endogenous antioxidant
enzymes in liver after irradiation.
Antiobesity and hypolipidemic effects of lotus leaf hot water extract with
taurine supplementation in rats fed a high fat diet.

Du et .al. (2010) reported that The body weight gain and relative weights of
epididymal and retroperitoneal adipose tissues were significantly lower in N, HFL
and HFLT groups compared to HF group. HFL and HFLT groups showed lower
concentrations of total cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein
cholesterol in serum. HFLT group showed higher the ratio of high density
lipoprotein cholesterol/total cholesterol compared to HFL group. HFLT group
showed better blood lipid profiles compared to HFL group.

(normal diet, N group; high fat diet, HF group; high fat diet + lotus leaf hot water
extract, HFL group; high fat diet + lotus leaf hot water extract + taurine, HFLT
group).
Immunomodulatory potential of rhizome and seed extracts of Nelumbo
nucifera Gaertn.

Mukherjee et. al. (2010) explored the immunomodulatory activity of extract of

rhizome (NNRE) and seed (NNSE) of the plant. The TLC and lymphocyte count
increased significantly but the neutrophil count was decreased for NNRE and
NNSE treated groups compared to the control. The percentage of neutrophil
adhesion to the nylon fiber was increased in NNRE treated groups (63.22 and
62.91%) compared to the NNSE treated group (54.86 and 54.23%). A potential
phagocytic response was seen on treatment of the extracts, and significant changes
were observed in the formation of formazone crystals.

Evaluation of hypoglycemic activity of inorganic constituents in Nelumbo

nucifera seeds on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats.
Mani et.al.(2010) reported the levels of biologically important trace elements in
the lotus seeds by atomic absorption spectroscopy and evaluating the
hypoglycemic properties of seed ash on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats.
Diabetic rats treated with lotus seed ash at a concentration of 200 mg/kg body
weight orally for 30 days exhibited significant hypoglycemic activity. The presence
of trace elements in appreciable amounts in the seeds may play a direct or indirect
role on insulin secretion or its action in a synergetic manner.
Improvement in high-fat diet-induced obesity and body fat accumulation by
a Nelumbo nucifera leaf flavonoid-rich extract in mice.

Wu CH et.al.(2010) investigated the antiobesity effect of a flavonoid-enriched

extract from Nelumbo nucifera leaf (NLFE) in vivo. C57BL/6 mice were fed with
a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity. NLFE reduced the body weight, body lipid
accumulation, and activities of fatty acid synthase (FAS), glutamic oxaloacetic
transaminase, and glutamic pyruvic transaminase. NLFE also suppressed the
expression of FAS, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and HMGCoA reductase and
increased the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase in the liver.
Second structure of the protein factions from lotus seeds.

Cai et al (2011) followed the sequential Osborne extraction procedure, the proteins
of lotus seeds were classified. The secondary structures of albumin, globulin,
prolamine and glutelin fractions were determined by Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy (FTIR). The FTIR images of amide I and III bands from the four
protein fractions were analyzed using Fourier deconvolution and curve-fitting
technique. The results showed that there were minor differences in every
corresponding peak position and peak area percent of secondary structure between
albumin and globulin as well as between prolamin and glutelin. But there were
differences in every corresponding peak position between albumin (or globulin)
and prolamin (or glutelin). Especially the area percents of the corresponding
nonrandom structures (alpha-helix and beta-sheet) of albumin and globulin were
significantly larger than those of prolamin and glutelin. The contents of nonrandom
structures of albumin and globulin extracted with 0.1 mol x L(-1) NaCl solution
were about 55% and those of prolamine and glutelin fractions were only at round
40%, indicating that the secondary structures of the salt-extraction protein were
ordered and stable.
Proteomic and functional analyses of Nelumbo nucifera annexins involved in
seed thermotolerance and germination vigor.
Chu et al.(2012) investigated Annexins are multifunctional proteins characterized
by their capacity to bind calcium ions and negatively charged lipids. In this study,a
heat-induced annexin, NnANN1 was identified from the embryonic axes of sacred
lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) using comparative proteomics approach.
Moreover, the expression of NnANN1 increased considerably in response to hightemperature treatment. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed that the

transcripts of NnANN1 were detected predominantly during seed development and

germination in sacred lotus, implicating a role for NnANN1 in plant seeds. Ectopic
expression of NnANN1 in Arabidopsis resulted in enhanced tolerance to heat stress
in transgenic seeds. In addition, compared to the wild-type seeds, transgenic seeds
ectopically expressing NnANN1 exhibited improved resistance to accelerated
aging treatment used for assessing seed vigor. Furthermore, transgenic seeds
showed enhanced peroxidase activities, accompanied with reduced lipid
peroxidation and reduced ROS release levels compared to the wild-type seeds.
Thermal-stable proteins of fruit of long-living Sacred Lotus Nelumbo
nucifera Gaertn var. China Antique.
Shen Miller et. Al.(2013) reported that the The pericarp, a fruit tissue that
encloses the single seeds of Nelumbo, is considered one of the major factors that
contribute to fruit longevity. Proteins that are heat stable and have protective
function may be equally important to seed viability. These thermal proteins have
roles in protection and repair under stress. More than half of the Nelumbo thermal
proteins (55%) are present in the archaean Mj(Methancaldococcus jannaschii),
indicating their long-term durability and history.
Neferine isolated from Nelumbo nucifera enhances anti-cancer activities in
Hep3B cells: molecular mechanisms of cell cycle arrest, ER stress induced
apoptosis and anti-angiogenic response.
Yoon et.al.(2013) concluded that hepatocellular carcinoma (hcc) is one of the most
aggressive malignant diseases and is highly resistant to conventional
chemotherapy. neferine, a major bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid derived from the
embryos of nelumbo nucifera, has been reported a few physiological activities.
Results suggested that neferine exhibited cytotoxicity against hcc hep3b cells, but
not against hcc sk-hep1 and thle-3, a normal human liver cell line. Results
demonstrated neferine induced er stress and apoptosis, acting through multiple
signaling cascades by the activation of bim, bid, bax, bak, puma, caspases-3, -6, -7,
-8 and parp, and the protein expression levels of bip, calnexin, pdi, calpain-2 and
caspase-12 were also upregulated dramatically by neferine treatment.

 Neferine from Nelumbo nucifera induces autophagy through the inhibition

of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and ROS hyper generation in A549 cells.

Poornima et. Al. (2013) focused on the action mechanism of neferine in inducing
autophagy in lung cancer cells. Neferine markedly inhibited A549 cell proliferation
in a dose dependent manner. Acidic vesicular accumulation was observed in
neferine treated cells as an indication of autophagy. Neferine could induce the
conversion of LC3B-I to LC3B-II without affecting the expression levels of
PI3KCIII and Beclin1. It has been observed that neferine mediated autophagy is
dependent on inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling by neferine. Neferine
treatment could also lead to the ROS hypergeneration and depletion of cellular
antioxidant, GSH. The results demonstrate that neferine-induced autophagy is
mediated through ROS hypergeneration and mTOR inhibition. Taken together, the
present study unveils a novel mechanism of action of neferine on lung cancer cells
in the induction of autophagy.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Nelumbo nucifera seed extract

and its antibacterial activity.
Tho et.al.(2013) reported that Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using
a Nelumbo nucifera dry seed extract, which is a simple, non-toxic, eco-friendly
"green material". The synthesized nanoparticles were confirmed by the color
changes and characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy. The AgNPs were stable at
room temperature for 2 months. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the
formation of well-dispersed and spherical shapes. Transmission electron
microscopy (TEM) of the synthesized AgNPs showed the formation of spherical
nanoparticles, 5.03-16.62 nm in size. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
(FTIR) indicated the involvement of amine, aromatic and alkynes groups in the
synthetic process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the crystalline nature of
AgNPs. These AgNPs were highly toxic to found to Gram negative bacteria.

 Isolation and antiproliferative activity of Lotus corniculatus lectin towards

human tumour cell lines.
Rafiq et al.(2013) investigated the anti cancer activity of a lectin isolated from
Lotus corniculatus seeds. Morphological observations showed that Lotus
corniculatus lectin (LCL) treated human leukemic( THP-1) cells displayed
apparent apoptosis characteristics such as nuclear fragmentation, appearance of
membrane enclosed apoptotic bodies and DNA fragmentation.
Chemical constituents from Nelumbo nucifera leaves and their anti-obesity
effects.
Ahn et al (2013) investigated that alkaloid compounds present in Nelumbo nucifera
Gaertn. (Nymphaeaceae), significantly inhibited pancreatic lipase and also showed
a strong inhibitory effect on adipocyte differentiation.
The in vitro effects of retrograded starch (resistant starch type 3) from lotus
seed starch on the proliferation of Bifidobacterium adolescentis.
Zhang et al.(2013) repoted prebiotics such as oligosaccharides, fructans, and
resistant starch (RS) stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in large bowel and
modify the human gastrointestinal environment. . It shows that lotus seed resistant
starch, especially P-LRS3, could stimulate the growth of bifidobacteria. The rough
surface of resistant starch and the saturated fatty acids
(SCFAs)produced
during fermentation might influence the proliferation of bifidobacteria.
Neferine exerts its antithrombotic effect by inhibiting platelet aggregation
and promoting dissociation of platelet aggregates.
Zhou et.al.(2013) reported that Neferine, significantly and dose-dependently,
inhibited collagen-, thrombin-, U46619-induced platelet aggregation in mice

washed platelets, or ADP-induced platelet aggregation in PRP (platelet rich

plasma). Neferine treatment decreased platelet dense granule secretion initiated by
collagen, thrombin and U46619. Also, Neferine dramatically and dose-dependently
promoted the dissociation of platelet aggregates pre-formed by various agonists
including collagen, thrombin, U46619 or ADP. Neferine can significantly reduce
the area of mice platelets adhesion to the collagen and inhibit thrombosis in vitro.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of inhibition activity of lotus (Nelumbo
nucifera Gaertn.) leaves against ultraviolet B-induced phototoxicity.
Huang et.al.(2013) investigated showed that lotus leaf extracts (LLEs) have strong
antioxidant effects in vitro and in vivo. The main antioxidants in lotus leaf have
been identified via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Ultraviolet B (UVB)
protective effects have been associated with plant extracts rich in antioxidants. The
current study focuses on the mitochondria model to evaluate the potent inhibition
activity of LLE against UVB-induced phototoxicity. The level of thiobarbituric
acid reactive substances, glutathione, lipid hydroperoxide, conjugated diene, and 4hydroxynonenal were measured. The in vivo activity of LLE was also investigated
in mice model. The results showed that all concentrations of LLE (10, 100, and
1000g/ml) possessed strong protective effect against UVB-induced phototoxicity
in the mitochondria model. The in vivo test showed that LLE have significant
protective effects on the level of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione
peroxidase, as well as the contents of hydroxyproline and malondialdehyde in the
skin samples.
Neferine exerts its antithrombotic effect by inhibiting platelet aggregation
and promoting dissociation of platelet aggregates.
Zhou et.al.(2013) investigated neferine treatment decreased platelet dense granule
secretion initiated by collagen, thrombin and U46619. Also, Neferine dramatically
and dose-dependently promoted the dissociation of platelet aggregates pre-formed
by various agonists including collagen, thrombin, U46619 or ADP. Neferine can
significantly reduce the area of mice platelets adhesion to the collagen and inhibit
thrombosis in vitro. In collagen-epinephrine-induced acute pulmonary thrombus
mouse model, neferine, at 6 mg/kg, significantly attenuated thrombus formation.

 Analysis of fatty acids and phytosterols in ethanol extracts

of Nelumbo nucifera seeds and rhizomes by GC-MS.
Zhao et.al.(2013) investigated that the seeds contained higher concentrations of
fatty acids and phytosterols compared to rhizomes. Linoleic acid, palmitic acid,
and oleic acid were the main fatty acid components in seeds and rhizomes, and
most of them in seeds were in the ester form. In seeds, phytosterols existed mainly
in the free form rather than in steryl-fatty acid ester form. -Sitosterol was the most
abundant phytosterol in seeds and rhizomes.

Protection from antimycin A-induced mitochondrial dysfunction

by Nelumbo nucifera seed extracts.
Im AR et.al.(2013) investigated that the extracts reduced cellular apoptosis;
preserved the mitochondrial membrane potential; protected mitochondrial ATP
production; inhibited p53, Bax, and caspase 3 activities; and induced Bcl-2
production.Results suggested that AMA induced apoptosis in L6 cells via
impairment of mitochondrial function. N. nucifera extracts protected the cells from
this mitochondria-mediated cell death.

Amino acid profiles and quality from lotus seed proteins.

Zheng et al.(2013) investigated protein composition, amino acid profile and
nutritional value of the lotus seed . Its nutritive properties were similar to those
observed in the reference soybean protein. Phenylalanine, tyrosine, leucine and
lysine were the limiting amino acids in the seed proteins. The albumin and globulin

were the main protein fraction, the amino acid profile and nutritional value were
close to the seed protein. The study revealed that the lotus seed protein was
nutritionally well-balanced protein and might be of significant importance in the
formulation of diets for humans.
The mixture of different parts of Nelumbo nucifera and two bioactive
components inhibited tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis.
Jung et.al.(2014) reported that melanin is the pigment responsible for the color of
the eyes, hair, and skin in humans. tyrosinase is well known to be the key enzyme
in melanin biosynthesis. jktm-12 is composed of the flowers, roots, seeds, and
receptacles of nelumbo nucifera (lotus). in this study, jktm-12 was investigated for
its inhibitory effects on tyrosinase activity and melanin biosynthesis in b16f10
melanoma cells. moreover, two main bioactive compounds (hyperoside and
astragalin) were found from the receptacles of n. nucifera, which are used as the
main material of jktm-12. jktm-12 was shown to inhibit tyrosinase activity and
melanin biosynthesis in alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-stimulated b16f10
melanoma cells. hyperoside and astragalin, which are the main bioactive
compounds of jktm-12, not only inhibited tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis
but also tyrosinase-related protein 1 and tyrosinase-related protein 2 mrna
expression without cytotoxicity.
Purification and characterization of aporphine alkaloids from leaves of
Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn and their effects on glucose consumption in 3T3-L1
adipocytes.
Ma C et. At.(2014) reported that aporphine alkaloids from the leaves of nelumbo
nucifera gaertn are substances of great interest because of their important
pharmacological activities, particularly anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, antihyperlipidemic, anti-oxidant, and anti-hiv's activities. Moreover, the effects of four
separated aporphine alkaloids(2-hydroxy-1-methoxyaporphine, pronuciferine,
nuciferine and roemerine) on insulin-stimulated glucose consumption were
examined in 3t3-l1 adipocytes. the results showed that 2-hydroxy-1methoxyaporphine and pronuciferine increased the glucose consumption

significantly.mutant huntingtin through an autophagy-related gene 7 (Atg7)dependent mechanism.

Ethanol extract of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) root exhibits an anti-adipogenic
effect in human pre-adipocytes and anti-obesity and anti-oxidant effects in
rats fed a high-fat diet.

You et.al.(2014) reported that treatment with ELR in human pre-adipocytes

resulted in inhibition of lipid accumulation and attenuated expression of
adipogenic transcription factors such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
gamma and adipocyte marker genes, such as glucose transporter 4 and leptin.
Administration of ELR resulted in a significant decrease in relative weights of
adipose tissues in rats fed a high-fat diet. Consumption of a high-fat diet resulted in
an increase in serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels; however,
administration of ELR resulted in a decrease in the levels of TC and TG.
Administration of ELR resulted in a decrease in the level of serum leptin and
insulin.

Anti-obesity and hypolipidaemic effects of Nelumbo nucifera seed ethanol

extract in human pre-adipocytes and rats fed a high-fat diet
You et al.(2014)investigated the anti-obesity and hypolipidaemic effects of
nelumbo nucifera seed ethanol extract (nsee) in vitro and in vivoand found that
NSEE had a beneficial effect, reducing adipose tissue weights, ameliorating blood
lipid profile, and modulating serum leptin level in rats fed a high-fat diet.
Comparative analysis of antioxidant activity and functional components of
the ethanol extract of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) from various growing regions.
Zhao et al.(2014) reported that free radical scavenging activity, total phenolic and
flavonoid content, and concentration of several specific flavonoids and alkaloids in
the ethanol extracts of lotus were measured. Antioxidant activity and its correlative

total phenolic content varied characteristically depending on the growing region

and dryness. High-perfomance liquid chromatography analysis showed that the
ethanol extracts of lotus seeds from vietnam (ho chi minh city), raw rhizomes from
korea (siheung), and dried rhizomes from japan (nigata) had the greatest specific
flavonoid content. the ethanol extracts of seeds from china (hubei), raw rhizomes
from japan (nigata), and dried rhizomes from korea (siheung) had the greatest
specific alkaloid content. astragaline, rutin, isoquercetin, nuciferine, dauricine,
isoliensinine, and neferine were identified in lotus rhizomes for the first time in
this study.
Purification and biochemical characterisation of acid phosphatase-I from
seeds of Nelumbo nucifera.
Khan et.al.(2015) reported that Acid phosphatase-I (Apase-I) from seeds of
Nelumbo nucifera was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by combination of
ammonium sulfate precipitation, size-exclusion and ion exchange chromatography.
purified enzyme showed maximum activity at 50C and at pH 5. Apase-I activity
was strongly inhibited by Zn2+, W2+; weakly inhibited by Cu2+, Mo2+ and Cr6+ and
moderately activated by Mg2+.
Anti-angiogenic effect of Nelumbo nucifera leaf extracts in human umbilical
vein endothelial cells with antioxidant potential.

Lee et. al. (2015) reported that in vivo anti-angiogenic activity was evaluated in a
chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model using fertilized chicken eggs, in
human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by using cell viability, cell
proliferation and tube formation assays, and by determining intracellular reactive
oxygen species (ROS) in vitro. The antioxidant efficacy of N. nucifera leaf extracts
was determined in various scavenging models, including total phenolic and
flavonoid content.

 Neferine attenuates the protein level and toxicity of mutant huntingtin in

PC-12 cells via induction of autophagy.
Wong et.al.(2015) reported that Mutant huntingtin aggregation is highly associated
with the pathogenesis of Huntington's disease, an adult-onset autosomal dominant
disorder, which leads to a loss of motor control and decline in cognitive function.
Recent literature has revealed the protective role of autophagy in
neurodegenerative diseases through degradation of mutant toxic proteins, including
huntingtin or a-synuclein. Through the GFP-LC3 autophagy detection platform, it
was identified neferine, isolated from the lotus seed embryo of Nelumbo
nucifera, which is able to induce autophagy through an AMPK-mTOR-dependent
pathway. Furthermore, by overexpressing huntingtin with 74 CAG repeats (EGFPHTT 74) in PC-12 cells, neferine reduces both the protein level and toxicity of
mutant huntingtin through an autophagy-related gene 7 (Atg7)-dependent
mechanism.

Summary & Conclusion

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is a perennial aquatic crop and belongs to family Nelumbonaceae. It is
commonly known as water lily. Nelumbo contains two species, Nelumbo nucifera (Indian or
sacred lotus) and Nelumbo lutea (American lotus). The former is distributed in Asia and North
Australia and the latter is found in North and South America. Apart from the decorative value,
the plant is extensively used through out Asia for medicinal and nutritional purposes.
In traditional system of medicine, the different parts of plant is reported to possess beneficial
effects as in for the treatment of pharyngopathy, pectoralgia, spermatorrhoea, leucoderma,
smallpox, dysentery, cough, haematemesis, epistaxis, haemoptysis, haematuria, metrorrhagia,
hyperlipidaemia, fever, cholera, hepatopathy and hyperdipsia. Following the traditional claims
for the use of N.nucifera as cure of numerous diseases considerable efforts have been made by
researchers to verify its utility through scientific pharmacological screenings. The
pharmacological studies have shown that N.nucifera posseses various notable pharmacological
activities like amti-ischemic, antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, antiobesity, lipolytic,
hypocholestemic, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, hypoglycaemic, antidiarrhoeal, antifungal,
antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and diuretic activity anti-inflammatory and diuretic activities.

Antiproliferative activity towards human tumour cell lines.

Anti-obesity and hypolipidaemic effects in human pre-adipocytes.
Radioprotective activity.
Improvement for high fat diet-induced hepatic injuries and oxidative stress.
Effects on the CNS.
The in vitro effects on the proliferation of Bifidobacterium adolescentis.
Effect on seed thermotolerance and germination vigor.
Stimulate lipolysis in the white adipose tissue of mice.

 Antithrombotic effect by inhibiting platelet aggregation and promoting dissociation of platelet

aggregates.
Inhibition of tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis.
Effects of aporphine alkaloids on glucose consumption in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Attenuates the protein level and toxicity of mutant huntingtin in PC-12 cells via induction
of autophagy.
Enhances anti-cancer activities in Hep3B cells: molecular mechanisms of cell cycle arrest, ER
stress induced apoptosis and anti-angiogenic response.
Induces autophagy through the inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and ROS hyper
generation in A549 cells.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and its antibacterial activity.

Improves memory in rats with scopolamine-induced amnesia through the induction of

choline acetyltransferase expression.

Enhances insulin sensitivity in insulin resistant rats.

Shows anti-angiogenic effect in human umbilical vein endothelial cells with antioxidant
potential.

Hypoglycemic activity of inorganic constituents on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in

rats.
Improves high-fat diet-induced obesity and body fat accumulation.

 Shows inhibition activity against ultraviolet B-induced phototoxicity.

Reduces acute and Chronic Restraint Stress-induced Perturbations.
Exerts antithrombotic effect by inhibiting platelet aggregation and promoting dissociation of
platelet aggregates.
Protection from antimycin A-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.

References
Anon. Pharmacognosy of Indigenous Drugs, vol. 2. New Delhi: Central Council
for Research in Ayurveda and Sidhha, 1982: 806
Ahn JH1, Kim ES, Lee C, Kim S, Cho SH, Hwang BY, Lee MK. Chemical constituents
from Nelumbo nucifera leaves and their anti-obesity effects. Bioorg Med Chem Lett.
2013 Jun 15;23(12):3604-8. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2013.04.013. Epub 2013 Apr 15.

Bergen, PFV et al. Macromolecular composition of thepropagule wall of

Nelumbo nucifera. Phytochemistry 1997; 45: 601610.
Borsch T, Barthlott W. Classification and distribution of the genus Nelumbo
Adans. (Nelumbonaceae). Beitrage zur Biologie der Pflanzen 1994; 68: 421450.
Chatterjee A, Pakrashi SC. The Treatise on Indian Medicinal Plants, vol. 1. New
Delhi: Publication and Information Directorate, 1991: 9496
Chauhan et al. Pharmacological evaluation for the antifertility effect of the
ethanolic seed extract of Nelumbo nucifera (Sacred Lotus). Pharmacologyonline
2009, 2: 636-643,
Chen Y et al. Separation, identification and rapid determination of liensine,
isoliensinine and neferine from embryo of the seed of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. by
liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detector and tandem mass
spectrometry. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2007; 43: 99104.
Chopra RN et al. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. New Delhi: Council of
Scientific and Industrial Research, 1956: 174.
Chopra RN et al. Indigenous drugs of India, 2nd edn. Calcutta: U N Dhur and
Sons Pvt, 1958: 679.
Cai LH1, Zeng HY, Cai XL, Wang YJ. Second structure of the protein factions from lotus
seedsGuang Pu Xue Yu Guang Pu Fen Xi. 2011 Sep;31(9):2394-8.

Chaudhuri PK1, Singh D. A new lipid and other constituents from the rhizomes
of Nelumbo nucifera J Asian Nat Prod Res. 2009 Jul;11(7):583-7. doi:
10.1080/10286020902813957.
Chu P1, Chen H, Zhou Y, Li Y, Ding Y, Jiang L, Tsang EW, Wu K, Huang S. Proteomic and
functional analyses of Nelumbo nucifera annexins involved in seed
thermotolerance and germination vigor. Planta. 2012 Jun;235(6):1271-88. doi:
10.1007/s00425-011-1573-y. Epub 2011 Dec 14.

Das S et al. Structural studies of a polysaccharide from the seeds of Nelumbo

nucifera. Carbohydr Res 1992; 224: 331335.
Deng S1, Deng Z, Fan Y, Peng Y, Li J, Xiong D, Liu R. Isolation and purification of three
flavonoid glycosides from the leaves of Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) by high-speed
counter-current chromatography. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life
Sci. 2009 Aug 15;877(24):2487-92. doi: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2009.06.026. Epub
2009 Jun 23
Du H1, You JS, Zhao X, Park JY, Kim SH, Chang KJ. Antiobesity and hypolipidemic
effects of lotus leaf hot water extract with taurine supplementation in rats fed a
high fat diet. J Biomed Sci. 2010 Aug 24;17 Suppl 1:S42. doi: 10.1186/1423-012717-S1-S42.
Duan Y1, Zhang H, Xie B, Yan Y, Li J, Xu F, Qin Y. Whole body radioprotective

activity of an acetone-water extract from the seedpod of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.

Food Chem Toxicol. 2010 Dec;48(12):3374-84. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2010.09.008. Epub 2010 Sep
15.

Furukawa H, et al. On the alkaloids of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. XI. Alkaloids of

loti embryo. 4. Structure of lotusine, a new watersoluble quaternary base. J Pharm
Soc Jpn 1965; 85: 472475.
Huang B1, Zhu L, Liu S, Li D, Chen Y, Ma B, Wang Y. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of
inhibition activity of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) leaves against ultraviolet Binduced phototoxicity. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2013 Apr 5;121:1-5. doi:
10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2013.02.005. Epub 2013 Feb 18.
Hyun SK et al. Isorhamnetin glycosides with free radical and ONOO scavenging
activities from the stamens of Nelumbo nucifera. Arch Pharm Res 2006; 29: 287
292.

Hyun SK1, Jung YJ, Chung HY, Jung HA, Choi JS. Isorhamnetin glycosides with free
radical and ONOO-scavenging activities from the stamens of Nelumbonucifera.
Arch Pharm Res. 2006 Apr;29(4):287-92.

Indrayan AK et al. Determination of nutritive value and analysis of mineral

elements for some medicinally adipose tissue of mice. Planta Med 2007; 73: 1255
1259.
Im AR1, Kim YH, Uddin MR, Chae SW, Lee HW, Jung WS, Kim YH, Kang BJ, Kim YS, Lee
MY. Protection from antimycin A-induced mitochondrial dysfunction
by Nelumbo nucifera seed extracts. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2013 Jul;36(1):1929. doi: 10.1016/j.etap.2013.02.015. Epub 2013 Feb 27.
Jung HA et al. Antioxidant principles of Nelumbo nucifera stamens. Arch Pharm
Res 2003; 26: 279285.
Jung HA1, Kim JE, Chung HY, Choi JS. Antioxidant principles of Nelumbo nucifera
stamens Arch Pharm Res. 2003 Apr;26(4):279-85.
Jung HA1, Kim JE, Chung HY, Choi JS. Antioxidant principles of Nelumbo nucifera
stamens. Arch Pharm Res. 2003 Apr;26(4):279-85.
Jung SY, Jung WS, Jung HK, Lee GH, Cho JH, Cho HW, Choi IY. The mixture of
different parts of Nelumbo nucifera and two bioactive components inhibited
tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis. J Cosmet Sci. 2014 Nov-Dec;65(6):377-88.
Khare CP. Indian Herbal Remedies: Rational Western Therapy, Ayurvedic, and
Other Traditional Usage, Botany, 1st edn. USA: Springer, 2004: 326327.
Kim JH et al. Effects of Nelumbinis Semen on contractile dysfunction in
ischemic and reperfused rat heart. Arch Pharm Res 2006; 29: 777785.
Kirtikar KR, Basu BD. Indian Medicinal Plants, 2nd edn. New Delhi
International Book Distributors, 1975: 116120.
Kashiwada Y et al. Anti-HIV benzylisoquinoline alkaloids and flavonoids from
the leaves of Nelumbo nucifera, and structureactivity correlations with related
alkaloids. Bioorg Med Chem 2005; 13: 443448.

Khan S1, Khan S, Batool S, Ahmed M. Purification and biochemical characterisation

of acid phosphatase-I from seeds of Nelumbo nucifera. Nat Prod Res. 2015 Apr
17:1-4.
KochKet al. Chemistry and crystal growth of plant wax tubules of lotus
(Nelumbo nucifera) and nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) leaves on technical
substrates. Crystal Growth Design 2006; 6: 25712578.
Kulkarni MP1, Juvekar AR. Attenuation of Acute and Chronic Restraint Stressinduced Perturbations in Experimental Animalsby Nelumbonucifera Gaertn. Indian
J Pharm Sci. 2008 May-Jun;70(3):327-32. doi: 10.4103/0250-474X.42982.
Kunitomo J et al. Alkaloids of Nelumbo nucifera. Phytochem 1973; 12: 699701
Kupchan SM et al. The alkaloids of American Lotus Nelumbo Lutea. Tetrahedron
1963; 19: 227232.
Li GR et al. Effects of neferine on transmembrane potentials of guinea pig
myocardium. Acta Pharm Sin 1989; 10: 406410.
Lin JY et al. Suppressive effects of lotus plumule (Nelumbo nucifera Geartn.)
supplementation on LPS-induced systemic inflammation in a BALB/c mouse
model. J Food Drug Anal 2006; 14: 273278.
Lin MC1, Kao SH, Chung PJhan KC, Yang MY, Wang CJ. Improvement for high fat
diet-induced hepatic injuries and oxidative stress by flavonoid-enriched extract
from Nelumbo nucifera leaf. J Agric Food Chem. 2009 Jul 8;57(13):5925-32. doi:
10.1021/jf901058a.

Liu CP et al. The extracts from Nelumbo nucifera suppress cell cycle
progression, cytokine genes expression, and cell proliferation in human peripheral
blood mononuclear cells. Life Sci 2004; 75: 699716.
Lee JS1, Shukla S1, Kim JA2, Kim M1. Anti-angiogenic effect of Nelumbo nucifera leaf
extracts in human umbilical vein endothelial cells with antioxidant potential. PLoS
One. 2015 Feb 25;10(2):e0118552. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118552.
eCollection 2015.
Li W1, Qi L, Lin X, Chen H, Ma Z, Wu K, Huang S. The expression of manganese
superoxide dismutase gene from Nelumbo nucifera responds strongly to chilling
and oxidative stresses. . J Integr Plant Biol. 2009 Mar;51(3):279-86. doi:
10.1111/j.1744-7909.2008.00790.x.

Lim SS et al. Rat lens aldose reductase inhibitory constituents of Nelumbo

nucifera stamens. Phytother Res 2006; 20: 825830.
Lin MC1, Kao SH, Chung PJ, Chan KC, Yang MY, Wang CJ. Improvement for high fat
diet-induced hepatic injuries and oxidative stress by flavonoid-enriched extract
from Nelumbo nucifera leaf. J Agric Food Chem. 2009 Jul 8;57(13):5925-32. doi:
10.1021/jf901058a.
Ling ZQ1, Xie BJ, Yang EL.Isolation, characterization, and determination of
antioxidative activity of oligomeric procyanidins from the seedpod of Nelumbo
nucifera Gaertn. J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Apr 6;53(7):2441-5.
Liu CP et al. Inhibition of (S)-armepavine from Nelumbo nucifera on
autoimmune disease of MRL/MpJ-lpr/lpr mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2006; 531: 270
279
Luo X et al. Simultaneous analysis of N-nornuciferine, O-nornuciferine,
nuciferine, and roemerine in leaves of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn by highperformance liquid chromatographyphotodiode array detection-electrospray mass
spectrometry.Anal Chim Acta 2005; 538: 129133.
Ma C1, Wang J2, Chu H3, Zhang X4, Wang Z5, Wang H6, Li G7. Purification and
characterization of aporphine alkaloids from leaves of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn
and their effects on glucose consumption in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Int J Mol Sci.
2014 Feb 26;15(3):3481-94. doi: 10.3390/ijms15033481.
. Mukherjee D, Khatua TN, Venkatesh P, Saha BP, Mukherjee PK. Immunomodulatory
potential of rhizome and seed extracts of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. J Ethnopharmacol .
2010;128(2):490-494.

Mani SS1, Subramanian IP, Pillai SS, Muthusamy K. Evaluation of hypoglycemic

activity of inorganic constituents in Nelumbo nucifera seeds on streptozotocininduced diabetes in rats. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2010 Dec;138(1-3):226-37. doi:
10.1007/s12011-010-8614-4. Epub 2010 Feb 18.

Mukherjee D1, Khatua TN, Venkatesh P, Saha BP, Mukherjee PK. Immunomodulatory
potential of rhizome and seed extracts of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. J
Ethnopharmacol. 2010 Mar 24;128(2):490-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2010.01.015. Epub
2010 Jan 14.
Mukherjee PK1, Pal M, Pal SK, Saha K, Saha BP. Pharmacognostical profile of
rhizome of nelumbo nucifera gaertn. Anc Sci Life. 1998 Apr;17(4):273-9.
Mukherjee PK et al. A review of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Ancient Sci Life
1996; 15: 268276.
Mukherjee PK et al. Antipyretic activity of Nelumbo nucifera rhizome extract.
Ind J Exp Biol 1996; 34: 275276.
Mukherjee PK et al. Isolation, estimation and characterization of starch from
rhizomes of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn (Fam. Nymphaeaceae). Ind Drugs 1995; 32:
392397.
Mukherjee PK et al. Studies on the anti-inflammatory activity of rhizomes of
Nelumbo nucifera. Planta Med 1997; 63: 367369
Mutreja et al. Effect of Nelumbo nucifera seeds on the reproductive organs of
female rats. Iranian Journal of Reproductive Medicine 2008; 6: 7-11.
Nagarajan, S., Nair A.G.R Ramkrishnan S. and Subramanian, S.S., Chemical
examination of the flowers of Nelumbium speciosum willd, current science, 1966;
35(7), 176.
Nishkruti R Mehta*, Ekta P Patel, Pragnesh V Patani, Biren J. ShahIndian Pharm. Biol. Res.,
2013;1(4):152-167

Nagarajan S et al. Chemical examination of the flowers of Nelumbium speciosum

willd. Curr Sci 1966; 35: 176.
Ohkoshi E1, Miyazaki H, Shindo K, Watanabe H, Yoshida A, Yajima H. Constituents from
the leaves of Nelumbo nucifera stimulate lipolysis in the white adipose tissue of
mice. Planta Med. 2007 Oct;73(12):1255-9. Epub 2007 Sep 24.
Onishi E et al. Comparative effects of crude drugs on serum lipids. Chem Pharm
Bull 1984; 32: 646650..

Oh JH1, Choi BJ, Chang MS, Park SK. Nelumbo nucifera semen extract improves
memory in rats with scopolamine-induced amnesia through the induction of
choline acetyltransferase expression.Neurosci Lett. 2009 Sep 11;461(1):41-4. doi:
10.1016/j.neulet.2009.05.045. Epub 2009 May 20.
Ohkoshi E et al. Constituents from the leaves of Nelumbo nucifera stimulate
lipolysis in the white
Ohkoshi E1, Miyazaki H, Shindo K, Watanabe H, Yoshida A, Yajima H. Constituents from
the leaves of Nelumbo nucifera stimulate lipolysis in the white adipose tissue of
mice. Planta Med. 2007 Oct;73(12):1255-9. Epub 2007 Sep 24.
Ono Y1, Hattori E, Fukaya Y, Imai S, Ohizumi Y. Anti-obesity effect of Nelumbo
nucifera leaves extract in mice and rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Jun
30;106(2):238-44. Epub 2006 Feb 21.

Pan Y1, Cai B, Wang K, Wang S, Zhou S, Yu X, Xu B, Chen L. Neferine enhances insulin
sensitivity in insulin resistant rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Jul 6;124(1):98-102.
doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.04.008. Epub 2009 Apr 11.
Poornima P1, Weng CF, Padma VV. Neferine from Nelumbo nucifera induces
autophagy through the inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and ROS hyper
generation in A549 cells. Food Chem. 2013 Dec 15;141(4):3598-605. doi:
10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.05.138. Epub 2013 Jun 7.
Pulok K. Mukherjeea,b, Debajyoti Mukherjeea, Amal K. Majia,

Qian JQ. Cardiovascular pharmacological effects of bisbenzylisoquinoline

alkaloid derivatives. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2002;23: 10861092.
Rafiq S1, Majeed R, Qazi AK, Ganai BA, Wani I, Rakhshanda S, Qurishi Y, Sharma PR, Hamid

A, Masood A, Hamid R. Isolation and antiproliferative activity of Lotus corniculatus lectin

towards human tumour cell lines. Phytomedicine. 2013 Dec 15;21(1):30-8. doi:
10.1016/j.phymed.2013.08.005. Epub 2013 Sep 20.
Rai S, Wahile A, Mukherjee K, Saha BP, Mukherjee PK. Antioxidant activity of Nelumbo nucifera
(sacred lotus) seeds. J Ethnopharmacol . 2006;104(3):322-327.

Sayre J. Native plants: propagation protocol for American lotus (Nelumbo Lutea
Willd). Native Plants J 2004; 1417.

S. Raia and Michael HeinrichbThe sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) phytochemical

Shen-Miller J1, Lindner P2, Xie Y3, Villa S4, Wooding K3, Clarke SG4, Loo RR3, Loo JA3.

Thermal-stable proteins of fruit of long-living Sacred Lotus Nelumbo nucifera

Gaertn var. China Antique. Trop Plant Biol. 2013 Sep 1;6(2-3). doi:
10.1007/s12042-013-9124-2.
Shoji N et al. Asimilobine and liridine, serotonergic receptor antagonists from
Nelumbo nucifera. Nat Prod 1987; 50: 773774.
Sugimoto Y1, Furutani S, Itoh A, Tanahashi T, Nakajima H, Oshiro H, Sun S, Yamada J.
Effects of extracts and neferine from the embryo of Nelumbo nucifera seeds on the
central nervous system. Phytomedicine. 2008 Dec;15(12):1117-24. doi:
10.1016/j.phymed.2008.09.005.

Sohn DH et al. Hepatoprotective and free radical scavenging effects of Nelumbo

nucifera. Phytomedicine 2003; 10: 165169.
Toyoda K. Glutathione in the seed of Nelumbo nucifera. Chem Abstr 1966; 65:
10959.
Tho NT, An TN, Tri MD, Sreekanth TV, Lee JS, Nagajyothi PC, Lee KD. Green synthesis
of silver nanoparticles using Nelumbo nucifera seed extract and its antibacterial
activity. Acta Chim Slov. 2013;60(3):673-8.
Tomita M et al. On the alkaloids of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. 8. Studies on the
alkaloids of loti embryo. 1. Structure of isoliensinine, a new biscoclaurine type
alkaloid. Chem Pharm Bull 1965; 13: 39.
Tomita M et al. On the alkaloids of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. IV. Isolation of dlarmepavine. Jpn J Pharmacol 1961; 81:16441647.
Ushimaru T1, Kanematsu S, Katayama M, Tsuji H. Antioxidative enzymes in seedlings
of Nelumbo nucifera germinated under water. Physiol Plant. 2001 May;112(1):3946.
Varshney CK, Rzoska J. Aquatic weeds in South East Asia, 1st edn. New Delhi:
Springer, 1976: 39.
Wang J et al. Alkaloids of plumula Nelumbinis [Chinese]. Zhongguo Zhong Yao
Za Zhi 1991; 16: 673675.

Wong VK1, Wu AG2, Wang JR3, Liu L4, Law BY5. Neferine attenuates the protein level
and toxicity of mutant huntingtin in PC-12 cells via induction of autophagy.
Molecules. 2015 Feb 18;20(3):3496-514. doi: 10.3390/molecules20033496.
Wu CH1, Yang MY, Chan KC, Chung PJ, Ou TT, Wang CJ. Improvement in high-fat dietinduced obesity and body fat accumulation by a Nelumbo nucifera leaf flavonoidrich extract in mice. J Agric Food Chem. 2010 Jun 9;58(11):7075-81. doi:
10.1021/jf101415v.
Wu JZ et al. Evaluation of the quality of lotus seed of Nelumbon nucifera Gaertn.
from outer space mutation. Food Chem 2007;105: 540547.
Yang WM1, Shim KJ, Choi MJ, Park SY, Choi BJ, Chang MS, Park SK. Novel effects of
Nelumbo nucifera rhizome extract on memory and neurogenesis in the dentate
gyrus of the rat hippocampus. Neurosci Lett. 2008 Oct 3;443(2):104-7. doi:
10.1016/j.neulet.2008.07.020. Epub 2008 Jul 11.
Wu S et al. Preparative counter-current chromatography isolation of liensinine
and its analogues from embryo of the seed of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. using
upright coil planet centrifuge with four multilayer coils connected in series.J
Chromatogr 2004; 1041: 153162.
Yoon JS1, Kim HM, Yadunandam AK, Kim NH, Jung HA, Choi JS, Kim CY, Kim GD.
Neferine isolated from Nelumbo nucifera enhances anti-cancer activities in Hep3B
cells: molecular mechanisms of cell cycle arrest, ER stress induced apoptosis and
anti-angiogenic response. Phytomedicine. 2013 Aug 15;20(11):1013-22. doi:
10.1016/j.phymed.2013.03.024. Epub 2013 Jun 6.
You JS1, Lee YJ, Kim KS, Kim SH, Chang KJ. Anti-obesity and hypolipidaemic effects

of Nelumbo nucifera seed ethanol extract in human pre-adipocytes and rats fed a
high-fat diet. J Sci Food Agric. 2014 Feb;94(3):568-75. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.6297. Epub 2013
Aug 9.
You JS1, Lee YJ1, Kim KS2, Kim SH3, Chang KJ4. Ethanol extract of lotus (Nelumbo

nucifera) root exhibits an anti-adipogenic effect in human pre-adipocytes and antiobesity and anti-oxidant effects in rats fed a high-fat diet. Nutr Res. 2014
Mar;34(3):258-67. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2014.01.003. Epub 2014 Jan 21.

Zeng HY1, Cai LH, Cai XL, Wang YJ, Li YQ. Amino acid profiles and quality from
lotus seed proteins. J Sci Food Agric. 2013 Mar 30;93(5):1070-5. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.5848.
Epub 2012 Dec 4.
Zhao X1, Shen J, Chang KJ, Kim SH.Comparative analysis of antioxidant activity and

functional components of the ethanol extract of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) from

various growing regions. J Agric Food Chem. 2014 Jul 2;62(26):6227-35. doi:
10.1021/jf501644t. Epub 2014 Jun 24.

Zhang Y1, Wang Y, Zheng B, Lu X, Zhuang W. The in vitro effects of retrograded starch
(resistant starch type 3) from lotus seed starch on the proliferation of Bifidobacterium
adolescentis. Food Funct. 2013 Nov;4(11):1609-16. doi: 10.1039/ c3fo60206k.
Zhao X1, Shen J, Chang KJ, Kim SH. Analysis of fatty acids and phytosterols in

ethanol extracts of Nelumbo nucifera seeds and rhizomes by GC-MS. J Agric Food
Chem. 2013 Jul 17;61(28):6841-7. doi: 10.1021/jf401710h. Epub 2013 Jul 8.
Zhou YJ1, Xiang JZ, Yuan H, Liu H, Tang Q, Hao HZ, Yin Z, Wang J, Ming ZY. Neferine
exerts its antithrombotic effect by inhibiting platelet aggregation and promoting
dissociation of platelet aggregates. Thromb Res. 2013 Aug;132(2):202-10. doi:
10.1016/j.thromres.2013.05.018. Epub 2013 Jun 14.
Zhou YJ1, Xiang JZ, Yuan H, Liu H, Tang Q, Hao HZ, Yin Z, Wang J, Ming ZY.
Neferine exerts its antithrombotic effect by inhibiting platelet aggregation and
promoting dissociation of platelet aggregates.Thromb Res. 2013 Aug;132(2):20210. doi: 10.1016/j.thromres.2013.05.018. Epub 2013 Jun 14.
and therapeutic profile. J Pharm Pharmacol . 2009;61(4):407-422.
canine cardiac Purkinje fibers. Acta Pharm Sin 1993; 28: 812816