Semen Nelumbinis
Also known as: Lotus seeds, Lotus seed extract, Nelumbinis semen
Overview
Lotus seeds, derived from the *Nelumbo nucifera* plant, have been utilized for over 7,000 years in various cultures as both a food and traditional medicine. These seeds are low in calories and rich in nutrients, including essential amino acids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Lotus seeds are known for their reported health benefits, particularly their anticancer and cardiovascular protective properties. Emerging research highlights their potential for managing conditions like atherosclerosis and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, although high-quality clinical studies supporting these benefits in humans are currently limited. Their primary applications include culinary uses and herbal supplements, emphasizing their role as functional foods due to their bioactive components.
Benefits
Lotus seeds exhibit significant *in vitro* anticancer effects, particularly demonstrated by their capacity to inhibit ovarian cancer cell lines with reported IC50 values ranging from 79.73 to 138.86 μg/mL for methanolic extracts. Additionally, they show promise in cardiovascular health management due to their multiple bioactive compounds that could assist in controlling disorders like atherosclerosis and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Although these benefits are promising, they are primarily derived from laboratory studies, and the clinical significance in humans needs further validation. The populations that may gain the most from lotus seeds are those seeking natural solutions for cancer prevention and cardiovascular support, though the evidence regarding the time course and clinical outcomes remains unclear.
How it works
The anticancer properties of lotus seeds may be attributed to mechanisms such as apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest in malignant cells. For cardiovascular benefits, bioactive compounds from lotus seeds likely interact with lipid metabolism pathways and exert antioxidant effects, thereby improving heart health. These interactions occur through modulation of various proteins, including potential targets like the survivin protein, essential for cell survival. However, further research is necessary to clarify the absorption and bioavailability in humans, which remain underexplored.
Side effects
Lotus seeds are generally considered safe when consumed as food, but comprehensive safety data for long-term supplement use is lacking. Common side effects have not been thoroughly documented; however, some reports suggest potential gastrointestinal upset and allergic reactions, albeit infrequently. Rare side effects remain unknown due to the limited availability of human clinical studies. Caution is advised for individuals taking anticancer medications or medications targeting cardiovascular diseases, as potential interactions have not been thoroughly evaluated. Additionally, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid lotus seed supplements due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with known allergies to lotus products are also advised to exercise caution.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for lotus seeds as a supplement has not been clearly established. Typically, they are consumed in traditional settings without standardized dosing guidelines. The optimal dosage ranges remain undefined, with no maximum safe dose determined through clinical studies. There are no specific recommendations for timing or consumption patterns, and lotus seeds are commonly taken as whole seeds or concentrated extracts. Factors affecting absorption, such as the method of extraction and the form consumed, may vary and influence efficacy. Identification of required cofactors for enhanced absorption has not been established.
FAQs
How to consume lotus seeds safely?
Lotus seeds are generally safe when consumed as food; however, caution is advised with supplements due to limited safety data.
What are the timing recommendations for lotus seed consumption?
There are no specific timing recommendations for consuming lotus seeds, either as food or supplements.
What health benefits can I expect from lotus seeds?
Potential health benefits include antioxidant effects and support in cancer prevention, although evidence in humans is still limited.
Are there any misconceptions about lotus seeds?
Lotus seeds should not be viewed as a substitute for medical treatments, as robust clinical evidence is still lacking.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/chemistry/articles/10.3389/fchem.2024.1505272/full – This study highlights the significant anticancer properties of methanolic extracts of lotus seeds against ovarian cancer cell lines, demonstrating their potential as therapeutic agents. However, it notes the absence of human trials to confirm these findings.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39734578/ – This network pharmacology study identifies multiple bioactive compounds present in lotus seeds and suggests potential therapeutic effects for managing cardiovascular diseases and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, although these findings require further experimental validation.
- https://www.nrfhh.com/pdf-175559-96731?filename=A+comprehensive+network.pdf – This comprehensive review discusses various therapeutic potentials of lotus seeds, including their antioxidant and anticancer properties. It emphasizes the need for systematic reviews to evaluate their health benefits quantitatively.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8269573/ – This review points out the historical and recent uses of lotus seeds in traditional medicine and suggests future research directions for exploring their health benefits and molecular mechanisms.
- https://www.nrfhh.com/A-comprehensive-network-pharmacology-study-of-Nelumbinis-semen-Lotus-Seeds-phytochemicals,175559,0,2.html – The study provides insights into the pharmacological properties of lotus seeds, proposing several molecular targets and mechanisms that could underlie their health benefits, but it underscores the need for experimental confirmation.
