A review on nelumbo nucifera gaertn
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: A review on nelumbo nucifera gaertn
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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Pulok K. Mukherjee, R. Balasubramanian, Kakali Saha, B.P Saha, M. Pal
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: A review on nelumbo nucifera gaertn
Year: 1996
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn, belonging to the Nymphaeaceae family, is a prominent aquatic herb native to regions of China, Japan, and India. Known in ancient medicinal literature as "Kamala," this plant exhibits a variety of medicinal uses across its different parts, including leaves, flowers, seeds, and rhizomes. The review aims to consolidate existing research on N. nucifera to highlight its significant phytochemical, pharmacological, and microbiological properties, showcasing its importance in traditional medicine, particularly within Ayurvedic practices.
Medicinal Properties of Leaves
The leaves of N. nucifera are notable for their composition of various alkaloids and biologically active compounds. They contain nor-nuciferine, nuciferine, and other alkaloids that exhibit serotonin antagonistic properties, affecting the contraction of blood vessels. The presence of nelumboside, a glycoside that can produce quercetin upon hydrolysis, enhances its pharmacological profile. Research demonstrates that certain alkaloids found in the leaves exert a significant influence on cardiovascular activity, with nelumbine acting as a cardiac poison and having various therapeutic benefits. Collectively, these constituents suggest that the leaves possess vast potential for further medicinal applications and warrant in-depth exploration.
Conclusion
This comprehensive review underscores the multifaceted medicinal uses of Nelumbo nucifera, emphasizing its historical significance and potential in contemporary medicine. The extensive range of pharmacological effects exhibited by the plant's different parts reflects its rich heritage in traditional practices. Continued research on N. nucifera, especially concerning its phytochemical properties and therapeutic benefits, is essential for unlocking further medicinal applications. The ancient knowledge coupled with modern scientific inquiry could lead to valuable insights into the utilization of this aquatic plant in health and wellness.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Nelumbo nucifera and its common names?
Nelumbo nucifera, also known as Kamala or Pundarika, is a large aquatic herb from the Nymphaeaceae family. It has two forms: one with white flowers (Pundarika) and another with pink flowers (Rakta Kamala), and is native to China, Japan, and India.
What are the medicinal properties of Nelumbo nucifera?
Various parts of Nelumbo nucifera have been attributed with medicinal properties, including anti-diabetic, diuretic, and cardiotonic effects. Its leaves, flowers, seeds, and rhizomes are used in traditional medicine and possess significant pharmacological activities.
How do the seeds of Nelumbo nucifera behave in dormancy?
The seeds of Nelumbo nucifera exhibit remarkable dormancy. They can maintain the ability to germinate for over 150 years, highlighting their resilience and longevity compared to other flowering plants.
What are the culinary uses of Nelumbo nucifera?
The rhizomes and seeds of Nelumbo nucifera are edible and can be consumed in various forms, such as roasted, boiled, or ground into flour. They are considered nutritious and beneficial for health, and used in culinary dishes.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淎 review on nelumbo nucifera gaertn鈥�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Kamala (Kamal膩, K膩mal膩, K膩m膩la, Kama-la):
Kamala is the Sanskrit name for Nelumbo nucifera, a plant revered in ancient medical literature. This term encapsulates the cultural significance of the lotus in Ayurvedic medicine, symbolizing purity and offering a range of medicinal properties. It represents the holistic view of health found in traditional practices.
2) Nelumbo nucifera:
Nelumbo nucifera, also known as the lotus plant, is a prominent species in the family Nymphaeaceae. Its leaves, flowers, seeds, and rhizomes are extensively studied for their medicinal benefits. This aquatic herb is considered a national symbol of India and holds a pivotal role in traditional and modern medicine.
3) Sugar:
The term 'Sugar' in the context of Nelumbo nucifera relates to its role as a reducing sugar, which is present in various parts of the plant. Sugar is significant for energy metabolism and has implications for hypoglycemic activity, which is relevant in treating diabetes and managing blood glucose levels.
4) Cina (C墨na, C墨n膩, Ci峁塧, Ci峁壞�, C墨峁壞�, Cin膩):
China is mentioned concerning the native habitat and cultural significance of Nelumbo nucifera. The plant is cultivated there for its edible parts and ornamental uses. Its importance in traditional Chinese medicine reflects a long history of utilizing natural resources for health and wellness.
5) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological refers to the study of the medicinal effects of substances derived from the Nelumbo nucifera plant. Research demonstrates its potential benefits in treating various disorders, including hyperglycemia and respiratory issues, highlighting its role in developing natural drugs and therapies.
6) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical denotes the study of chemical compounds found in plants. In the case of Nelumbo nucifera, various alkaloids, glycosides, and other compounds have been isolated, each with unique health benefits. Understanding these phytochemicals can lead to new medicinal applications and therapeutic uses.
7) Pundarika (Pu峁囜笉ar墨k膩, Pu峁囜笉ar墨k膩, Pu峁囜笉ar墨ka, Pundar墨ka, Pundar墨k膩, Pumdarika):
Pundarika is another Sanskrit term describing one of the forms of Nelumbo nucifera distinguished by its white flowers. This term is integral to recognizing the diverse nomenclature and cultural significance associated with the plant, linking it to ancient wisdom and herbal medicine.
8) Medicine:
Medicine represents the practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing ailments using various methods, including herbal remedies. Nelumbo nucifera has a long history in traditional medicine practices such as Ayurveda, where its diverse parts are utilized for their healing properties.
9) Activity:
Activity refers to the physiological and pharmacological effects exhibited by different parts of Nelumbo nucifera. The extensive literature indicates activities like hypoglycemic effects and diuretic properties, which are critical for evaluating the medicinal potential of this plant in clinical applications.
10) Science (Scientific):
Science embodies systematic and empirical investigation into the properties of Nelumbo nucifera. This includes studies on its phytochemical composition, pharmacological effects, and microbiological activities, contributing to evidence-based approaches in traditional and modern medicine.
11) Padma (Padm膩, P膩dma):
Padma is a Sanskrit term synonymous with lotus, often used to refer to Nelumbo nucifera's entire plant. This name is significant in Ayurvedic texts, emphasizing the spiritual and medicinal attributes of the plant and its parts in ancient healing practices.
12) Water:
Water is essential for the growth of Nelumbo nucifera, as it is an aquatic plant. Its presence in the plant's habitat symbolizes life and purity, significant concepts in traditional medicine where hydrophilic properties signify nourishment and healing.
13) Honey:
Honey, referred to as 'Makaranda' in the context of Nelumbo nucifera, is produced when bees pollinate the lotus. This natural sweetener is utilized in traditional medicine for its tonic properties and health benefits, linking natural resources to human welfare.
14) Saha (S膩ha, Shaha):
Saha is likely a reference to one of the authors of the review on Nelumbo nucifera. It highlights the collaborative nature of scientific research, underscoring the importance of teamwork in evaluating the medicinal and pharmacological properties of the lotus plant.
15) Drug:
Drug refers to any substance used in the treatment or prevention of diseases. In the context of Nelumbo nucifera, the discovery of various bioactive compounds positions it as a significant source for developing natural drugs for various health conditions.
16) Makaranda (M膩karanda, Makaramda):
Makaranda is the term for honey derived from the lotus flowers. It symbolizes sweetness and nourishment in traditional medicine, emphasizing the therapeutic properties associated with natural substances derived from plants, enhancing their holistic benefits.
17) Vomiting:
Vomiting is a symptom that can be alleviated using the seeds of Nelumbo nucifera. Historically, its seeds have been noted for their anti-emetic properties, showcasing their role in digestive health and traditional treatments.
18) Lakshmi (Lak峁墨):
Lakshmi is a Hindu goddess symbolizing wealth and prosperity, often associated with the lotus flower. The link between Lakshmi and Nelumbo nucifera emphasizes the plant鈥檚 cultural and spiritual significance in rituals and traditional practices, symbolizing beauty and abundance.
19) Karnika (Kar峁噄ka, Kar峁噄k膩):
Karnika refers to the seeds of Nelumbo nucifera, which are used medicinally for various therapeutic purposes. Their recognition in traditional texts underscores the significance of each plant part in holistic healing approaches.
20) Padmini (Padmin墨):
Padmini is a term for the entire plant of Nelumbo nucifera in the Ayurvedic context. This name reinforces the plant鈥檚 integral role in traditional medicine and signifies the holistic relationship between humans and nature in healing practices.
21) Leprosy:
Leprosy is a disease for which the seeds of Nelumbo nucifera are traditionally considered an antidote. This highlights the plant's historical role in addressing serious health issues and the importance of ethnobotanical knowledge in developing treatments.
22) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, including their structure, properties, and biochemical processes. Research on Nelumbo nucifera contributes to our understanding of plant biology, offering insights into its medicinal properties and ecological significance.
23) Madhu:
Madhu refers to honey from lotus flowers, valued for its health benefits in ancient medicine. Its association with natural sweetness emphasizes the role of honey as a therapeutic agent in promoting wellness.
24) Rakta (Rakt膩):
Rakta is the Sanskrit term designating the reddish-pink flowered variant of Nelumbo nucifera. Differentiating between Rakta and Sveta forms acknowledges the diverse appearances and uses of the lotus in traditional medicine.
25) Shveta (艢vet膩, Sveta, 艢veta):
Sveta refers to the white flowered variety of Nelumbo nucifera. This classification is relevant in traditional contexts, emphasizing the plant's diversity and the significance of flower color in its symbolic and medicinal attributes.
26) Glass:
Glass refers to the historical experimentation with Nelumbo nucifera seeds, which retained germination abilities after years in glass containers. This aspect highlights the longevity and resilience of the plant's seeds, contributing to studies in botany and seed preservation.
27) Visha (Vi艣a, Visa, Vi峁, Vi峁Ｄ�, V墨艣a):
Visa references the peduncle of Nelumbo nucifera, demonstrating the detailed knowledge of plant anatomy in traditional literature. Each part denotes specific uses and therapeutic properties, showcasing the comprehensive understanding of plants within ancient medical systems.
28) Worm:
Worm is associated with the medicinal applications of Nelumbo nucifera in treating skin diseases. This term emphasizes the plant's significance in addressing various ailments and its role in traditional remedies for external infections.
29) Salt (Salty):
Salt's relevance in the context of Nelumbo nucifera can relate to the therapeutic properties of the plant. In traditional practices, balancing the intake of various elements, including minerals like salt, is essential for maintaining health, further linking it to holistic dietary practices.
Other Science Concepts:
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