Alkaloids from lotus (Nelumbo nucifera): recent advances in biosynthesis, pharmacokinetics, bioactivity, safety, and industrial applications

Abstract

Different parts of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) including the seeds, rhizomes, leaves, and flowers, are used for medicinal purposes with health promoting and illness preventing benefits. The presence of active chemicals such as alkaloids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and terpenoids (particularly alkaloids) may account for this plant's pharmacological effects. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview and summarize up-to-date research on the biosynthesis, pharmacokinetics, and bioactivity of lotus alkaloids as well as their safety. Moreover, the potential uses of lotus alkaloids in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors are explored.Current evidence shows that alkaloids, mainly consisting of aporphines, 1benzylisoquinolines, and bisbenzylisoquinolines, are present in different parts of lotus.The bioavailability of these alkaloids is relatively low in vivo but can be enhanced by technological modification using nanoliposomes, liposomes, microcapsules, and emulsions. Available data highlights their therapeutic and preventive effects on obesity, diabetes, neurodegeneration, cancer, cardiovascular disease, etc. Additionally, industrial applications of lotus alkaloids include their use as food, medical, and cosmetic ingredients in tea, other beverages, and healthcare products; as lipidlowering, anticancer, and antipsychotic drugs; and in facial masks, toothpastes, and shower gels. However, their clinical efficacy and safety remains unclear; hence, larger and longer human trials are needed to achieve their safe and effective use with minimal side effects.

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) and Its Bioactive Phytocompounds: A Tribute to Cancer Prevention and Intervention

“…However, to the best of our knowledge, a comprehensive state-of-the-art review of all available anticancer studies has not been performed. Most of the previous reviews mainly focused on traditional and ethnopharmacological uses, biosynthesis, phytochemical analysis, industrial applications, and broad-spectrum health benefits of N. nucifera in which an overview of anticancer potential represents a minor representation [29,[31][32][33][34]37]. Several prior publications highlighted pharmacological activities of selected phytochemicals of N. nucifera, and these reports did not have a sole focus on cancer [25,35,36,38,39].…”

Recent advancements in pharmacological strategies to modulate energy balance for combating obesity

“…61,62 It is suggested that capsaicin activates thermogenesis via the sympathetic nervous system through physically interacting with the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor, leading to weight loss. 60,63 Capsaicin binding to the TRPV1 receptor in sympathetic neurons releases the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which regulates energy metabolism. 64,65 Capsaicin has also been proven to enhance lipid oxidation and trigger thermogenesis in BAT by increasing UCP1 activity, enhancing energy expenditure and lowering body weight.…”

Metabolite profiling and screening of callus browning‐related genes in lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)

“…Lotus has earned the moniker of “sacred lotus” in China due to its significant benefits and has long been revered as a symbol of purity and spiritual transcendence in traditional Chinese culture, Buddhism, and Hinduism. The total cultivated land area of lotus in China is estimated to be over 330,000 ha (Wang et al, 2021b). To date, approximately 4500 cultivars are available in the lotus germplasm (Qi et al, 2022), which have been obtained primarily through traditional crossing, while a few were developed by chemical or space‐induced mutations.…”