Abstract

PADMA (NELUMBIUM SPECIOSUM WILLD) - A REVIEW

Dr. Swarup De MD (Ayu) and Dr. Baby Ganeriwala MD (Ayu)*

Abstract

Padma (Nelumbium speciosum Willd) is perennial aquatic herb bearing the famous red flower. It is found in ponds, lakes, marshes and flooded fields. Padma have been known by these name as scared lotus, Indian lotus, or Asian lotus, lotus root, east Indian lotus etc,. It is extensively described in almost all classical of Ayurveda that reflects its great medicinal value. It is edible used for food and medicine both. It is a perennial aquatic herb with rhizomes growing in the mud at the bottom. It has miraculous cooling effect and anti-hemorrhagic property other than ant diabetic, antiplatelet, hepato-protective and ant estrogenic effect. Its flowers, seeds, leave and root contains several alkaloids and flavonoids which are beneficial in treating different morbidities. The plant as a whole is also used to treat many pathological conditions. This article review the Ayurvedic literature, photochemistry, traditional uses, alkaloids present in different parts of the plant and its therapeutic benefits of N. nucifera.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Padma, Nelumbium Spciosum, Indian Lotus.