Lotus
Lotus

Background

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is an aquatic plant that grows in parts of Asia. 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.

People use lotus for anxiety, bleeding, cough, diarrhea, insomnia, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
When taken by mouth: Lotus flower, seed, leaf, and underground stem are commonly consumed in foods. As medicine, there isn’t enough reliable information to know if lotus is safe. Side effects seem to be rare, but lotus might cause allergic reactions such as skin itching in some people.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if lotus is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Surgery: Lotus might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using lotus at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Effectiveness

There is interest in using lotus for a number of purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions

Dosing & administration

There isn’t enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of lotus might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Lotus might lower blood sugar levels. Taking lotus along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Lotus might slow blood clotting. Taking lotus along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Pentobarbital causes sleepiness and drowsiness. Taking lotus along with pentobarbital might cause too much drowsiness. But there isn't enough information to know if this is a big concern.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Lotus might lower blood sugar. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might lower blood sugar too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, bitter melon, cassia cinnamon, chromium, and prickly pear cactus.
Herbs and supplements that slow blood clotting: Lotus might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 16/11/2023 11:00:00 and last updated on 04/12/2014 19:12:45. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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