A REVIEW ON THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF NELUMBO NUCIFERA (GAERTN): THE SACRED LOTUS

A REVIEW ON THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF NELUMBO NUCIFERA (GAERTN): THE SACRED LOTUS

Alok Bhardwaj ^{1 *} and K. P. Modi ²

School of Pharmacy ¹, R. K. University, Rajkot, Gujarat, India.

B. K. Mody Govt. Pharmacy College ², Rajkot, Gujarat, India

ABSTRACT: objectives: Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn (Nelumbonaceae) known by numerous common names including Indian lotus, sacred lotus, bean of India, or simply lotus is one of the most important medicinal plants. In this review there is discussion about therapeutic potential of the different parts of the plant (leaves, seeds, flower, and rhizome) which can be used in traditional system of medicine. This review also describes various compounds isolated from different parts of the plant and therapeutic benefits derived from those phytocontituents. The aim of this review is to summarize the pharmacological, phytochemical and therapeutical knowledge of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Key findings: The pharmacological studies have shown that N. nucifera possesses various pharmacological activities like anti-ischemic, antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, antiobesity, lipolytic, hypocholestemic, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, antidiarrhoeal, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and diuretic activities. Several different types of compounds have been derived from this plant belonging to different chemical groups, including alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides triterpenoid, etc., with own therapeutic impact. So the pharmacological effects and various active ingredients of different parts of N. nucifera are well understood. Summary: This review will facilitate to gain all about the past scientific research and will provide the necessary information about the enormous pharmacological activities of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn which will insist the researchers for future research to protect human beings from various types of diseases and may serves as a natural gold for the promotion of mankind

Nelumbo nucifera,

Medicinal plant, Therapeutic benefits, Pharmacological

INTRODUCTION: Herbal Medicine is the oldest form of medicine known to mankind. It is the most widely practiced form of medicine in the world according to World Health Organization figures. Herbal medicine is still the mainstay of about 75 -80% of the world population, particularly in the developing countries, for primary health care. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the use of herbal remedies throughout the world exceeds that of the conventional drugs by two to three times. Nature provides a medicine cabinet full of extraordinary herbs and flowers, which form the basis for many modern medicines ¹.

Herbal medicines are represented as the most important field of alternative medicines all over the world.

Hence, it is very essential to study the medicinal plants in order to promote their proper use and also to determine their potential as the primary source for the preparation of new drugs. The chemical constitutes of the plant may be therapeutically active or in active. Indian system of medicine (Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Yoga and Naturopathy) is primarily based on the medicinal plants which have been developed over a long period of time. Herbal medicines are getting more importance in the treatment of different diseases because the modern synthetic medicines have side effects ².

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn: The Sacred Lotus:

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn (Nelumbonaceae) known by numerous common names including Indian lotus, sacred lotus, bean of India, or simply lotus, is one of two species of aquatic plant in the family Nelumbonaceae. The Linnaean binomial Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn is the currently recognized name for this species, which has been classified under the former names, Nelumbium speciosum </e