Lotus – A potential nutraceutical source

Scarcity of protein rich food and food supplements are responsible for protein-energy malnutrition particularly among children and lactating women in the developing countries. Legumes and some dicotyledonous seeds constitute important sources of protein as well as energy. Bioprospecting of such unconventional sources is able to provide food security, agricultural development, self-dependence and enhancement of economy of developing countries. Interestingly, seeds of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) are edible, medicinally versatile and used as an important raw material of age-old traditional medical practices like Ayurveda and folk medicine. Tender rhizomes, stems and leaves of lotus are edible and its seeds are rich in protein as well as minerals. Petals are useful as garnish, while the stamens are used in flavoring the tea and the roasted seeds can be used as coffee substitute. Powdered popped seeds are eaten dry and useful in bread preparation. Seeds are raw material for Ayurvedic and folk medicines to treat many ailments such as tissue inflammation, cancer, diuretics, skin diseases and as poison antidote. Lotus plants provide several bioactive ingredients like alkaloids, flavonoids, antioxidants, antisteroids, antipyretic, anticancerous, antiviral and anti-obesity properties.