Summary
Nelumbo nucifera is an Asiatic medicine known as "sacred lotus" that is used in a variety of dishes and recipes. It has a delicate aroma and apparently has a fair bit of symbolic importance as well.
There are no human interventional studies on Nelumbo nucifera. The herb itself appears to be quite high in polyphenolic compounds such as catechin and procyanidins and possesses very general "healthy" properties secondary to this. There are few studies on unique bioactives in sacred lotus, but these studies seem to be centered on neferine; a constituent which is at the moment unique to Nelumbo nucifera.
Most of the evidence comes from use of either extracts of the plant itself, which supports benefits that can be achieved with other supplements, or use of isolated neferine in relatively high doses. Studies that used isolated neferine noted antidepressant and sedative properties that are seemingly potent and some possible anti-obesogenic (though not necessarily fat-burning) and antidiabetic properties. Some fat-burning properties have been noted with the whole plant, but these are not overly remarkable.
Dosage Information
Not enough information is currently known to suggest an optimal dosage of Nelumbo nucifera for the purpose of supplementation.
