A brief review on pharmaceutical uses of Nelumbo nucifera

Abstract

Nelumbo nucifera is placed in Nelumbonaceae family and has several vernacular names like Indian lotus, Chinese water lily, etc. It is an aquatic as well as perennial plant. It has wide geographical distribution and relatively a great biological diversity. Scientists through their researches or pharmacological studies revealed that N.nucifera possesses several activities like antioxidant activity, anticancer property, antiviral, antipyretic, anti-ischemic, as astringent, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and diuretic activities. It also has antifertility, anti-analgesic properties and as well as does gastrointestinal regulation. Lotus's bioactive constituents are mainly alkaloids and flavonoids. This review is to combine pharmaceutical information on Nelumbo nucifera. It also discusses the physiological benefits of the plant.