Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera): A Short Review

Abstract

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., commonly known as sacred lotus, is an aquatic plant belonging to the family Nelumbonaceae. It has been valued for centuries as a food, ornamental plant and medicinal herb, particularly in Asian countries. Almost every part of the plant, including rhizome, seeds, leaves, flowers and seed embryos, has nutritional and therapeutic significance. Lotus rhizomes and seeds are sources of carbohydrates, proteins, dietary fibre, minerals and bioactive compounds. Phytochemical investigations have identified alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, terpenoids and glycosides. Experimental studies suggest antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic, anti-obesity, hepatoprotective and neuroprotective activities. Lotus seeds, in particular, have attracted interest as a functional-food ingredient. However, much of the evidence comes from laboratory and animal studies, and further well-designed human clinical studies are required. This review summarizes the nutritional composition, major phytochemicals and potential health benefits of N. nucifera.