Vol. 9, Special Issue 9, Part L (2025)

Nelumbo nucifera, one of the most ancient, perennial aquatic plant having versatile potential is drawing lot of attention in recent times for its ecological, nutritional, medicinal and cultural significance. Rich diversity of cultivars manifests its application in ornamental, vegetable, nutritional and medicinal sectors. The incredible features of lotus such as viability of the seed for long periods, ultra-hydrophobic nature of leaf also known as “lotus effect” and flower thermoregulation underscored its potentiality for scientific research. The increasing interests from scientific community has led to many cultivars with deep water tolerance, shade tolerant bowl lotus, thousand petalled types and cultivars with novel colours. The nutritional significance of its rhizomes and seeds in the food industry widened the scope for lotus cultivation in large scale. Rhizomes of Nelumbo nucifera are rich in starch (31.2%) characterized by a neutral taste and odour and their texture closely resembles that of raw potato. Comparative evaluations of the adhesive and disintegration characteristics of Nelumbo-derived starch against conventional starch sources such as maize and potato have demonstrated its superior efficacy as an excipient in tablet formulations. Furthermore, owing to the presence of nuciferine, neferine, and a spectrum of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids with pharmacological relevance, virtually all parts of the lotus plant have been traditionally and contemporarily employed in the management of conditions ranging from minor ailments to chronic diseases. Ecologically it is valued as good bio indicator of heavy metals and efficient aquatic species for waste water treatment. This comprehensive review with latest advancement of studies on lotus envisaged its versatile significances, breeding approaches, diversity in cultivars, cultivation aspects and preservation strategies.