Blue Lotus
Nymphaea nouchali
Nymphaea nouchali, also known as the Indian lotus or water lily, is a traditional plant primarily found in Sri Lanka. While its use in traditional medicine is not well-documented, studies have shown promising results for this aquatic plant. Scientific evidence indicates that Nymphaea nouchali flowers exhibit significant antitumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cell lines and induce apoptosis. Additionally, the flowers demonstrate strong antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase activities, with 185 secondary metabolites identified in its organs. In a study of four edible aquatic plants from Bangladesh, Nymphaea nouchali was found to have moderate crude protein content (25.14%) and high mineral content, particularly calcium and potassium. Safety data for Nymphaea nouchali is currently limited but does not indicate any major issues. There are no recorded drug interactions associated with this plant at present. However, further research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks in various applications.
- 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
- Nymphaea nouchali Brum flowers showed significant antitumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cell lines and induced apoptosis.
- The study provided a comprehensive metabolite profile of Nymphaea nouchali organs and found varying antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase activities.
- The study identified novel endophytic fungi from aquatic plants in Sri Lanka and found variations in their enzymatic productions.
- The study found that Nymphaea nouchali, among four edible aquatic plants, had moderate crude protein content (25.14%) and was rich in minerals like calcium and potassium.
Frequently asked questions
What is Blue Lotus?
Blue Lotus (Nymphaea nouchali) 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: Nymphaea nouchali Brum flowers showed significant antitumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cell lines and induced apoptosis.
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: Звёздный лотос.
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 Anticancer potential of Nymphaea nouchali Brum flowers against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cell lines. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Nutritional and biofunctional characterizations of four novel edible aquatic plants of Bangladesh. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Ectophoma salviniae sp. nov., Neottiosporina mihintaleensis sp. nov. and four other endophytes associated with aquatic plants from Sri Lanka and their extracellular enzymatic potential. 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