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

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.