Laboratory for Cellular Metabolism and EngineeringResearch Organisms
Research Organisms
Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is an ancient perennial aquatic plant native in tropical Asia and Queensland, Australia. It is one of two species in the genus Nelumbo, the other being Nelumbo lutea, native to North America and the Caribbean. Currently, the genus Nelumbo is assigned to its own (monotypic) family Nelumbonaceae in the order Proteales.
The sacred lotus leaves are round, reaching up to 24 inches in diameter, and can be floating or emergent. The fragrant flower stands high above the water and reaches up to 12 inches in diameter. Its center is a very characteristic, usually yellow, flat-top carpellary receptacle which develops into a dry brown seed capsule after pollination. The peduncle (flower stalk) dries out and shrivels as the seed matures, allowing the seed capsule to tilt and spread the seed.
Sacred lotus is a widely cultivated species highly prized in Asian and traditional Chinese medicine and Asian cooking. Medicinal uses include among others fungal infections, digestive disorders, and fevers. Phytochemical studies have identified alkaloids (aporphine-type such as nuciferine), triterpenes, and certain flavonoids as candidate active agents. The plant is almost entirely edible; especially its starchy nutritious rhizomes are valued both by humans and (semi-)aquatic animals. It is considered sacred in India, and symbolizes purity and perfection in Egypt. The beauty and fragrance of its flowers make it a prized ornamental plant.
For scientists, one of the most remarkable features of Nelumbo is floral thermoregulation, the capability to maintain flower temperature within a narrow range despite significant ambient temperature fluctuation during anthesis. This could be an adaptation in order to offer an energy reward for cold-blooded pollinators, or to provide optimal conditions for floral development, or to help volatilize scent compounds. The underlying molecular mechanisms are being studied.
Use. Sacred lotus has been investigated (primarily in vitro and in animal studies) for various activities, including antioxidant, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-infective, hyperlipidemic, and psychopharmacologic.
The plant has a special adaptation that allows it to live in water. Its leaves and flowers are coated in a waxy substance that repels water, allowing them to float on the surface.
Despite the many claims of blue lotus flower's health benefits, there's only limited research on the plant. Historically, it's been used recreationally and medicinally, with most advocates claiming it can improve sleep, reduce anxiety, assist with erectile dysfunction, and act as a natural aphrodisiac ( 1 , 7 ).
Plants with a double structured surface like the lotus can reach a contact angle of 170°, whereby the droplet's contact area is only 0.6%. All this leads to a self-cleaning effect. Dirt particles with an extremely reduced contact area are picked up by water droplets and are thus easily cleaned off the surface.
In general, however, the lotus commonly serves as a sacred for purity, rebirth, and strength. Because lotuses rise from the mud without stains, they are often viewed as a symbol of purity.
As per traditional Chinese medicine, dried sacred lotus flower can be brewed as a herbal tea to help relieve stress, anxiety and improve sleep quality. Drinking this tea will help you maintain a balanced and peace of mind. It's the perfect caffeine-free way to relax and unwind.
The flower, seed, leaf, and underground stem are used as medicine. Lotus contains chemicals that seem to breakdown fat tissue. These effects might help with weight loss. It also contains flavonoids, such as quercetin, which have anti-inflammatory effects.
In fact the whole sacred lotus plant is edible. The boiled young leaves are eaten as a vegetable and are common as a wrap for rice and steamed dishes. Even the stamens of the lotus are used, for flavouring tea, and the dried petals are also used to make tea.
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