Blue Lotus
Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea
Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea, commonly known as blue lotus, is a traditional plant with origins in various parts of Asia and Africa. While its use in traditional medicine has not been extensively recorded, it has gained attention for its potential therapeutic properties. Scientific studies have shown that the root tuber of Dioscorea preussii exhibits antioxidant and antihemolytic activities, while volatile compounds identified from blue lotus products include 22 key aroma compounds, with β-ionone and trans-α-bergamotene highlighted for their potential role in aroma perception. Additionally, a comprehensive metabolite profile of Nymphaea nouchali organs revealed high antioxidant activities correlated with flavonoids, anthocyanins, and alkaloids, particularly from the flowers. The 1997 publication on its superhydrophobic plant surfaces reducing pathogen adhesion has sparked significant research interest but lacks robust clinical evidence for medicinal use. No major safety issues or recorded drug interactions have been identified to date.
- 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 found that Dioscorea preussii root tuber hemagglutinin has antioxidant and antihemolytic properties.
- The study identified key volatile compounds responsible for the aroma profiles of blue lotus concrete, essential oil, and hydrosol.
- This study provided a comprehensive metabolite profile of Nymphaea nouchali organs and found that flowers showed high antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase activities.
- The 1997 publication on Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea's self-cleaning properties sparked significant research and applications in materials science but the underlying physics remains partly unknown.
Frequently asked questions
What is Blue Lotus?
Blue Lotus (Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea) 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 Blue Lotus?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Blue Lotus; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that Dioscorea preussii root tuber hemagglutinin has antioxidant and antihemolytic properties.
How strong is the evidence for Blue Lotus?
The strongest finding for Blue Lotus carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Blue Lotus safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Blue Lotus in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Blue Lotus interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Blue Lotus in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Blue Lotus?
Blue Lotus is also known as: Nénuphar.
Is Blue Lotus 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 Volatile compounds and characteristic aroma perception in blue lotus (Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea) three processed products: insights from flavoromics and molecular docking literature abstract metadata
- T2 Hemagglutinin from the Root Tuber of Dioscorea preussii Pax. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Unravelling Egyptian blue Lily (Nymphaea nouchali) organs' metabolome via UHPLC/PDA/ESI-QTOF-MS and in relation to their antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase effects. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The purity of sacred lotus: superhydrophobic self-cleaning plant surfaces and the consequences revisited. literature abstract metadata