Kamala Kesara
Nelumbo nucifera
Kamala Kesara (Nelumbo nucifera) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Enhancement strategies include co-administration with Pippali (piperine source) or formulation with lipid-based carriers (self-emulsifying systems) to improve absorption of lipophilic pigments like kaempferol glycosides.
| Botanical name | Nelumbo nucifera |
|---|---|
| Family | Nelumbonaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Proteales |
| Also known as | Kamala Kesara, KamalaKesara |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 2882449 · Wikidata Q16528 · NCBI Taxonomy 4432 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Kamala Kesara |
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Kashaya, Madhura | Primary taste |
| Guna (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| Virya (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | Madhura | Post-digestive effect |
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Churna (powder), Capsule, Lepa (paste for external use), Taila (oil), Kashayam (decoction)
Standard Dosage: 1-3 g of powder twice daily; 5-10 mL decoction twice daily
Bioavailability: Contains flavonoids and carotenoids with moderate oral bioavailability. Enhancement strategies include co-administration with Pippali (piperine source) or formulation with lipid-based carriers (self-emulsifying systems) to improve absorption of lipophilic pigments like kaempferol glycosides.
Optimal Timing: After meals for gastrointestinal comfort; morning and evening for reproductive health applications
Standardized Extract: Standardized to minimum 2% total flavonoids (as kaempferol equivalents) and 0.5% total carotenoids by HPLC
Shelf Life: 24 months for powder in airtight containers; 18 months for capsules; 36 months for oil preparations
Storage: Store in airtight, light-resistant containers at 15-25°C. Relative humidity below 60%. Protect from direct sunlight to prevent degradation of carotenoid pigments.
Marker Compounds: Kaempferol, Quercetin, Myricetin glycosides, Beta-carotene, Nuciferine (trace from associated tissues)
Extraction Methods
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60-70% ethanol)
- Supercritical CO2 extraction for carotenoid-rich fractions
- Cold maceration in sesame oil for Taila preparations
- Sequential water-ethanol extraction
Synergistic Combinations
- Kumkuma (Saffron) for uterine tonic effects
- Nagakesara for hemostatic activity
- Ashoka for menorrhagia management
- Lodhra for gynecological formulations
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses1
Randomised controlled trials1
- 2022. Fat reducing effects of Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract in overweight patientsNatural product research. PMID 34852695 · doi:10.1080/14786419.2021.2010196
Other clinical studies and reviews10
- 2025. Neuroprotective Potential of Major Alkaloids from Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus): Mechanisms and Therapeutic ImplicationsInternational journal of molecular sciences. PMID 40943200 · doi:10.3390/ijms26178280
- 2024. Preparation, structural characterization, and biological activities of lotus polysaccharides: A reviewInternational journal of biological macromolecules. PMID 39216588 · doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135191
- 2024. Advances in the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of Nelumbo nucifera gaertn. Extract nuciferineJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 38670406 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2024.118262
- 2023. Alkaloids from lotus (Nelumbo nucifera): recent advances in biosynthesis, pharmacokinetics, bioactivity, safety, and industrial applicationsCritical reviews in food science and nutrition. PMID 34845950 · doi:10.1080/10408398.2021.2009436
- 2023. Structure-activity relationship, bioactivities, molecular mechanisms, and clinical application of nuciferine on inflammation-related diseasesPharmacological research. PMID 37315822 · doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106820
- 2021. Plumula Nelumbinis: A review of traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and safetyJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 33011369 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113429
- 2019. The Cytoprotective and Anti-cancer Potential of Bisbenzylisoquinoline Alkaloids from Nelumbo nuciferaCurrent topics in medicinal chemistry. PMID 31738137 · doi:10.2174/1568026619666191116160908
- 2017. Applications of Higenamine in pharmacology and medicineJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 28007527 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.12.033
- 2015. Anti-Aging Potential of Phytoextract Loaded-Pharmaceutical Creams for Human Skin Cell LongetivityOxidative medicine and cellular longevity. PMID 26448818 · doi:10.1155/2015/709628
- 2009. The sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) - phytochemical and therapeutic profileThe Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology. PMID 19298686 · doi:10.1211/jpp/61.04.0001
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