Vol. 12, Issue 5 (2023)

Author(s):
Ranchana P, SP Thamaraiselvi, Baranidharan R, Mangaiyarkarasi R, Arunkumar M, Mirunalini SP and Keren Praiselin

Abstract:
The national flower of our country [Nelumbo nucifera, (2n = 16)} should tie in with the culture, history and heritage of a nation. There are two species in lotus - Nelumbo nucifera and Nelumbo lutea. The alkaloids of lotus embryos were found to possess hypotensive effects. The plant parts of lotus are edible and are used as food sources. They are the natural bioactive compounds found in plants, which are solely responsible for their medicinal activity. The secondary metabolites viz., alkaloids, steroids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, etc. play a major role against various activities. In the traditional system of medicine, the different parts of the plant are reported to possess beneficial effects for the treatment of common infections, skin, respiratory and reproductive diseases. Hence, it is considered as an ornamental and medicinal plant for the current era. Here, we comprehensively reviewed floral biology, medicinal, nutritional, ornamental importance and so on. This will kindle the interest of the researchers to take up studies on pharmaceutical aspects.