Phytochemicals and Medicinal Importance of Nelumbo nucifera

Abstract

The aesthetic and medicinal benefits of the sacred lotus, Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., have been recognized for more than 2,000 years. It is cultivated in many areas of the world. The plant’s various parts (petals, seeds, leaves, and roots) have several nutritional and phytochemical profiles. Several chronic conditions have been treated with this plant, including cancer, anxiety, neurological disorder, insomnia, and cardiovascular disease. There is therapeutic value in its leaves and flowers. The derived bioactive compounds from these plant parts belong to several chemical groups, including alkaloids, flavonoids, essential oils, glycosides, terpenoids, minerals, and vitamins, all of which have therapeutic effects of their own. Thus, different parts of N. nucifera have distinct pharmacological effects and contain different active ingredients. This chapter gives a general overview of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and therapeutic potentials of different parts of N. nucifera, namely, seeds, rhizomes, leaves, and flowers. Several phytoconstituents isolated from various parts of this plant are also discussed in this review, including their therapeutic uses. Moreover, this chapter provides an overview of the new perspectives and challenges facing research into the lotus. © 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.