Bean of India
Nelumbo nucifera
Nelumbo nucifera, commonly known as the sacred lotus or Indian lotus, is a traditional plant with roots in various Asian cultures. Traditionally, it has not been extensively used for medicinal purposes, though its leaves and seeds have been employed in some culinary and ritual practices. Scientific studies have shown promising results, particularly regarding extraction methods for alkaloids such as nuciferine from the leaves, which can yield improved yields of total alkaloids and nuciferine. Additionally, research indicates that seed extracts exhibit varying biological activities; ultrasonic-assisted extraction tends to enhance antioxidant properties, while Soxhlet extraction is more effective in demonstrating antimicrobial activity. However, there is limited evidence available on these specific uses, and further investigation is needed to confirm the full range of potential benefits. No significant safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded for Nelumbo nucifera, but caution should be exercised as with any plant material, especially when considering its use in combination with other treatments or medications.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study optimized the heat reflux method for extracting nuciferine from Nelumbo nucifera leaves, achieving improved yields of total alkaloids and nuciferine.
- A regulatory network involving NnTPS1, NnTRX, and NnSnRK1 modulates energy allocation and flower bud abortion in lotus under low light conditions.
- The study found that Nelumbo nucifera seed extracts showed varying biological activities, with ultrasonic-assisted extraction yielding better antioxidant properties while Soxhlet extraction demonstrated stronger antimicrobial activity.
- The study found that soil organic carbon content increased with restoration years but decreased in stability, varying among different vegetation types in Hongze Lake wetland.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bean of India?
Bean of India (Nelumbo nucifera) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Bean of India?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Bean of India; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study optimized the heat reflux method for extracting nuciferine from Nelumbo nucifera leaves, achieving improved yields of total alkaloids and nuciferine.
How strong is the evidence for Bean of India?
The strongest finding for Bean of India carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Bean of India safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Bean of India in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Bean of India interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Bean of India in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Bean of India?
Bean of India is also known as: лотос орехоносный, lotus sacré.
Is Bean of India a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 A regulatory network linking NnTPS1, NnTRX and NnSnRK1 modulates energy allocation and flower bud abortion in lotus. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Selective extraction of nuciferine from Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. leaves via heat reflux method: process optimisation and efficiency evaluation. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Characteristics of soil organic carbon and its stability under different vegetation types and restoration years in Hongze lake wetland, China. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Integrated In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation of Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) Seed Extracts for Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Antidiabetic Potentials. literature abstract metadata