Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is an aquatic plant cultivated in Asia.
It has culinary uses in many Asian countries, and portions of the plant and its extracts have been used in classical medicine for thousands of years.
Today, studies continue to explore its conceivable benefits. For example, some lotus compounds possibly have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (1).
Here are five imaginable benefits of lotus, as well as precautions to take.
Lotus is scientifically known as Nelumbo nucifera. It is also sacred lotus and Indian lotus.
It is cultivated in many parts of the world, but especially in Asia, especially India and Southeast Asia. It grows in water and occasionally with water lilies, which is characterized by having a bowl shape with petals and green leaves. Its flowers can be white, pink, red or blue.
The lotus plant has been consumed as food for 7000 years in Asia. Its stem and roots are added to soups and stir-fries, but its leaves, flowers, and seeds are also used for cooking (1, 2, 3).
Lotus flowers are popular decorative plants in Asia. They symbolize longevity, purity and good looks in Buddhism and Hinduism, hence the nickname sacred lotus (2).
In addition, its stems, seeds, leaves and flowers have long been used in preparations of classical medicine. Lotus is used to treat diarrhea, infections, cough, high blood pressure, and fever, among other situations (1, 2).
Lotus can be taken in many preparations, adding dried roots, teas, powders, pills and extracts.
Today, it is being studied for its imaginable health benefits. Researchers are interested in the plethora of favorable compounds discovered in the plant, adding flavonoids and alkaloids (4).
The lotus is an aquatic plant grown mainly in Asia. It is used as food, decorative plant and classical medicine.
The lotus plant contains many flavonoid compounds and alkaloids that would possibly act as antioxidants (4).
Antioxidants neutralize reactive molecules called free radicals. If loose radicals accumulate in your body, they can cause oxidative stress, which damages cells and contributes to disease progression (5).
Some of the antioxidant compounds in lotus come with kaempferol, catechin, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin. The antioxidant activity of the lotus seems to be concentrated to the maximum in its seeds and leaves (6, 7, 8).
Although there are few studies on the effects of lotus consumption on human health, it is believed that these antioxidant compounds would possibly oppose diseases that are manifested by oxidative stress.
In particular, they could have anticancer effects, unlike Alzheimer’s disease and prevent liver damage (8, 9, 10).
A test tube found that leaves, petals and stamens, the component of the plant that produces pollen, had strong antioxidant activity and inhibited enzymes involved in Alzheimer’s disease (9).
Still, more human studies on the antioxidant and preventive effects of lotus are to better perceive its potential benefits.
Many parts of the lotus plant are loaded with antioxidants. Some studies suggest that those compounds would possibly oppose diseases related to oxidative stress, but more human studies are needed.
Lotus compounds would possibly also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Chronic inflammation can result from long-term infection, exposure to destructive substances, poor diet, smoking, and lack of exercise. Over time, inflammation can damage tissue and contribute to diseases such as clogged arteries and central disease, cancer, and diabetes (11, 12).
Your body’s inflammatory processes involve macrophage cells. Macrophages secrete proinflammatory cytokines, which are small proteins that sign immune responses (11, 12).
Studies show that some of the lotus compounds, such as quercetin and catechin, would possibly save it or alleviate those inflammatory pathways (13).
Lotus leaf extracts and seeds would likely exhibit those anti-inflammatory properties (14).
One test-tube study found that lotus leaf extracts can simply inhibit pro-inflammatory compounds, adding tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), nitric oxide (NO), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) (12).
Another test-tube examination of mouse cells found that extracts of lotus seeds and leaves reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory genes (14).
Although those findings suggest that certain portions of the lotus plant fight inflammation, human studies are needed.
Compounds in lotus leaves and seeds have been shown to suppress inflammatory processes. However, it is known whether they would exert this effect in humans.
Lotus has been studied for its antibacterial effects, unlike bacteria in the mouth.
It is unclear how lotus exhibits antibacterial properties, but it is very likely that the many compounds it contains play a role.
Studies show that lotus leaf extract can fight bacterial species that cause cavities and gum infections. It therefore has potential as an element in toothpaste and other oral hygiene products (15, 16).
However, it is important to note that those studies were conducted in control tubes. Human research is needed to better understand the possibilities of lotus to treat oral infections.
Lotus leaf and pod extracts have antimicrobial effects opposed to bacteria, some of which can cause dental problems. However, it is known whether they would exert those effects in humans.
Animal studies suggest that lotus compounds might lower blood sugar levels. High blood sugar is not unusual in other people with diabetes and can cause complications.
One study found that lotus leaf extract particularly lowered blood sugar in diabetic rabbits than a diabetes drug (17).
Another showed that mice given lotus seed extract had lower blood sugar levels (18).
In addition, studies in rats with gestational diabetes found that a polysaccharide, one of the carbohydrates, in lotus leaf lowered fasting blood sugar (19).
Although unclear, it is speculated that the antidiabetic effects of lotus extracts may stem from the antioxidants they contain (19).
Keep in mind that, just like the ultimate lotus research, there are more human studies when it comes to the plant’s effect on blood sugar.
Animal studies suggest promisingly that lotus extracts might help lower blood sugar. As such, it has potential for diabetes management, warranting further research, especially in humans.
Given the imaginable health benefits of lotus, you can load it into many of your recipes to boost its nutritional content.
In many cases, adding lotus flowers to foods can turn them from general foods into functional foods, i. e. those involving ingredients with positive health effects.
For example, scientists have attempted adding lotus stem powder to sausages to increase fiber and antioxidant content without diminishing quality or acceptance (22).
Similarly, lotus seed flour has been used as wheat in cookies to boost health-promoting properties. One study found that cookies made with this flour were well tolerated and had a high point of acceptability among participants (23).
The use of lotus in food continues to be explored.
You can also use lotus in home cooking in dishes like stir-fries and soups.
Lotus is being explored as an imaginable addition to foods to develop its fitness benefits. You can also use the new lotus in home cooking.
There are no standardized dosages for the many lotus preparations.
Eating lotus in amounts commonly used in food, such as when lotus root is used in Asian dishes, is considered safe.
The dosages of powders, pills and lotus extracts vary widely. Recommendations range from 1 to 2 grams of lotus pills to 15 grams of lotus root powder daily.
There is also a lack of studies on the protection of lotus preparations. Be sure to consult your health care professional before looking for lotus supplements. If you are taking medication, learn about possible interactions.
Pregnant or nursing women deserve to avoid taking lotus supplements, as their potential side effects in those populations are unknown.
The use of lotus in cooking is safe, but there is little data on the protection of other lotus arrangements and supplements. Consult a doctor before looking for lotus and avoid lotus supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The lotus plant has long been used in Asian cuisine and medicine.
It contains many compounds that have health benefits, adding antioxidant and antibacterial effects. However, more studies are needed to better understand how consuming servings of this herb or its supplements might be for human health.
If you’re curious about trying a lotus supplement, talk to a medical professional first, as the protection and side effects of this one remain largely unknown. That said, lotus in the kitchen is sometimes considered safe.
Try this today: Want to try how to cook with lotus?If you live in the United States, look for lotus root in Asian markets or online. You can prepare it in the same way as other root vegetables, adding it to stir-fries or soups. Just search for a recipe online and get ready.
Last review on 11 October 2021
Our experts monitor the area of fitness and wellness, and we update our articles as new data becomes available.
Current version
July 12, 2023
Written by
Lizzie Street
Edited by
Daney Helgadottir
Copy edited by
Christina Guzik, BA, MBA
October 11, 2021
Medically reviewed by
Amy Richter, MS, RD
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