The Lotus ( Nelumbo nucifera ) is a widely cultivated aquatic plant throughout Asia and India, and various parts of this plant are edible, medicinal, and have many health benefits. Here are some of the most interesting:
In two studies published in 2015, researchers found that lotus plant alkaloids increased the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), as well as serotonin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and dopamine. The alkaloids therefore exert sedative-hypnotic and anxiolytic effects via binding to the GABA receptor and activate the monoaminergic system. 1,2
One study also found that an extract of the Sacred Lotus flower contained elements linked to several key receptors in the brain and nervous system known to promote relaxation : two cannabinoid receptors and four opioid receptors. 3
Lotus flower is rich in flavonoids, among others, it contains kaempferol which is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals. According to one study, kaempferol was found to have the highest level of antioxidant activity among 35 types of flavonoids examined. 4
Another study found that many parts of the lotus flower have the best anti-inflammatory properties ; they have long been used in natural medicine to treat inflammation and wound healing. They are said to soothe irritation and redness. 5,6
A symbol of eternal youth in Japan, this majestic flower with its light, soothing fragrance is simply seductive!
References:
1. Kumarihamy M, León F, Pettaway S, Wilson L, Lambert JA, Wang M, Hill C, McCurdy CR, ElSohly MA, Cutler SJ, Muhammad I. In vitro opioid receptor affinity and in vivo behavioral studies of Nelumbo nucifera flower. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015 Aug 7: JEPD1501341. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.08.006.
2. Yan MZ, Chang Q, Zhong Y, Xiao BX, Feng L, Cao FR, Pan RL, Zhang ZS, Liao YH, Liu XM. Lotus Leaf Alkaloid Extract Displays Sedative-Hypnotic and Anxiolytic Effects through GABAA Receptor. J Agric Food Chem. 2015 Oct 28;63(42):9277-85. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5b04141.
3. Sugimoto Y, Nishimura K, Itoh A, Tanahashi T, Nakajima H, Oshiro H, Sun S, Toda T, Yamada J. Serotonergic mechanisms are involved in antidepressant-like effects of bisbenzylisoquinolines liensinine and its analogs isolated from the embryo of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertner seeds in mice. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2015 Aug 5. doi: 10.1111/jphp.12473.
4. Cos P, Calomme M, Sindambiwe JB, De Bruyne T, Cimanga K, Pieters L, Vlietinck AJ, Vanden Berghe D. Cytotoxicity and lipid peroxidation-inhibiting activity of flavonoids. Planta Med. 2001 Aug;67(6):515-9. doi:10.1055/s-2001-16472. PMID: 11509970.
5. Zhou M, Jiang M, Ying PLoS One. 2013 Nov 29;8(11): e81971. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0081971. PMID: 24312388; PMCID: PMC3843740.
6. Liu SH, Lu TH, Su CC, Lay IS, Lin HY, Fang KM, Ho TJ, Chen KL, Su YC, Chiang WC, Chen YW. Lotus leaf (Nelumbo nucifera) and its active constituents prevent inflammatory responses in macrophages via JNK/NF-κB signaling pathway. Am J Chin Med. 2014;42(4):869-89. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X14500554.
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