# Kamala

> Kamala (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Nelumbo nucifera is listed in WHO traditional medicine references and multiple Asian pharmacopoeias including Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Indian Pharmacopoeia, and Japanese Pharmacopoeia.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Nelumbo nucifera is listed in WHO traditional medicine references and multiple Asian pharmacopoeias including Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Indian Pharmacopoeia, and Japanese Pharmacopoeia. GRAS food status supports topical safety. CIR safety review completed 2025.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kamala |
| Latin/Botanical | *Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Neferine](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#neferine) (bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid - primary bioactive)
- [Liensinine](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#liensinine) (alkaloid)
- [Nuciferine](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#nuciferine) (aporphine alkaloid)
- [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/) and kaempferol-3-O-robinobioside ([flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/))
- [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) and [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)-3-glucuronide
- [Anthocyanins](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#anthocyanins) (cyanidin, delphinidin derivatives)
- [Hyperoside](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#hyperoside) (flavonoid glycoside)
- Gallic acid and other [polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols)

## How does it work?

- Neferine anti-photoaging through UVB mitochondrial protection: Neferine inhibits UVB-induced oxidative stress-mediated autophagy and mitochondrial dysfunction, providing robust photoprotective activity for skin cells
- Flavonoid tyrosinase and collagenase dual inhibition: Kaempferol derivatives and [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) glucuronide simultaneously inhibit tyrosinase (reducing melanin synthesis) and MMP-1/MMP-3 collagenase (preventing collagen breakdown), providing combined brightening and anti-aging effects
- NF-kB and MAPK anti-inflammatory signaling: Lotus flavonoids and [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) modulate NF-kB, MAPK, and COX-2 pathways, suppressing TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, NO, and PGE2 production for anti-inflammatory skin protection
- Liensinine and [isoliensinine](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isoliensinine) MMP-3 inhibition: Molecular dynamics studies identified liensinine and isoliensinine as potent MMP-3 inhibitors, preventing extracellular matrix degradation and maintaining skin structural integrity

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Skin brightening and complexion (Varnya): Validated by clinical trial showing significant whitening effect in 21 volunteers with lotus callus extract cosmetics
- Anti-aging and skin rejuvenation: Validated by in silico and in vitro studies identifying kaempferol-3-O-robinobioside as potent inhibitor of skin aging [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes)
- Anti-inflammatory skin soothing (Pitta-shamana): Validated by demonstrated NF-kB, MAPK, and COX-2 modulation reducing inflammatory mediators in skin

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Nutho B, Tungmunnithum D 2023. [Exploring Major Flavonoid Phytochemicals from Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. as Potential Skin Anti-Aging Agents: In Silico and In Vitro Evaluations](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38068894/). *International journal of molecular sciences*. PMID [38068894](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38068894/) · [doi:10.3390/ijms242316571](https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242316571)  
  Among seven flavonoids studied, kaempferol-3-O-robinobioside showed the highest docking scores against three skin aging-related enzymes (MMP-1, elastase, tyrosinase), identifying it as the most promising anti-aging candidate from lotus.
- Moon SH, Kim E, Kim HI and others 2023. [Skin-Whitening Effect of a Callus Extract of Nelumbo nucifera Isolate Haman](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38068559/). *Plants (Basel, Switzerland)*. PMID [38068559](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38068559/) · [doi:10.3390/plants12233923](https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12233923)  
  Clinical trial with 21 volunteers confirmed significant whitening effect of cosmetics containing lotus callus extract, with demonstrated tyrosinase and collagenase inhibition in vitro supporting skin brightening and anti-aging claims.
- Choo JH, Lee SY, Min K and others 2025. [Chemical Composition and Bioactivity of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Flower Extract Fractions: In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41614829/). *Current issues in molecular biology*. PMID [41614829](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41614829/) · [doi:10.3390/cimb47121065](https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47121065)  
  Flower extract fractions demonstrated potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, with stamen extracts showing strongest tyrosinase and collagenase inhibition relevant to anti-aging and skin whitening applications.

## Recent safety updates

- Nelumbo nucifera has food-grade safety status globally; all parts (seeds, rhizomes, leaves, flowers) are consumed as food in Asian cuisines. Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel assessed lotus-derived ingredients for safety in 2025
- Nuciferine alkaloid may have sedative effects at high oral doses. Topical lotus extracts are generally well-tolerated with no significant adverse effects reported in clinical studies. Standardization of kaempferol content recommended for cosmetic consistency

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Neferine
- Liensinine
- Nuciferine
- Kaempferol
- Flavonoids
- Quercetin
- Quercetin
- Anthocyanins

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder - flower, seed, root used differently), Capsule, Tablet, Kashayam (decoction), Taila (seed/flower oil), Lepa (paste), Beeja Churna (seed powder)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g flower powder twice daily; 500mg-1g extract; 3-5g seed powder; 50-100ml root decoction

**Bioavailability:** Nelumbo nucifera (sacred lotus) contains alkaloids (nuciferine, liensinine, neferine), flavonoids (kaempferol, [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides)), and megastigmanes. Nuciferine has moderate oral bioavailability (~20-30%) with good lipophilicity (logP 3.2) and crosses blood-brain barrier. Neferine has ~35% oral bioavailability in animal models. Liensinine shows variable absorption. Seed contains resistant [starch](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#starch) acting as prebiotic. Different plant parts have distinctly different phytochemistry and applications.

**Optimal Timing:** Flower preparations: with cool water between meals. Seed: as snack or with milk. Leaf extract: before meals for weight management. Root decoction: before meals.

**Standardized Extract:** Leaf extract standardized to 2% nuciferine (weight management applications); seed extract standardized to 1% neferine (cardiac applications); flower extract standardized to 5% total flavonoids (antioxidant applications); stamen extract per traditional methods

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (flower/leaf/seed powder); 3 years (standardized extract capsule/tablet); 1 year (fresh rhizome); 2 years (dried rhizome)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place below 25°C, protected from light and moisture. Flower preparations particularly sensitive to light and moisture. Seeds in airtight containers. Nitrogen-flushed packaging for standardized extracts.

**Marker Compounds:** Nuciferine (leaf), Neferine (seed embryo), Liensinine (seed embryo), Isoliensinine, Kaempferol-3-glucoside, [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), Megastigmane glycosides (flower), Nelumboroside A

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction of leaves/flowers (70:30) for alkaloid and flavonoid fraction
- Aqueous extraction of rhizome (starch-rich)
- Seed protein and starch extraction
- Ethanol extraction of stamens for flavonoid-enriched extract
- CO2 supercritical extraction for alkaloid-enriched fraction
- Cold pressing of seeds for oil

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/) for female reproductive health (flower)
- With [Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/) for cognitive enhancement (leaf/nuciferine)
- With [Chandana](/herb/chandana/) (sandalwood) for Pitta-pacifying formulations
- With Amalaki for antioxidant synergy

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/kamala/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.