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Overview: Lotus is a plant called Nelumbo nucifera. Different parts of the plant, including the leaves, seeds, seed embryos (plumules), roots, and flowers, are used to make supplements, most often as a tea, capsule, tablet, or extract. People take lotus for weight management, blood sugar control, cholesterol, and to improve overall health, although its benefits are not well defined. Common side effects include stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. Before taking lotus, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have, especially heart rhythm problems, and any medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is lotus used for?

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is commonly used for the following purposes, although its benefits are not well defined.

  • To improve weight loss
  • To lower cholesterol levels
  • To lower blood sugar levels
  • To improve overall health
  • Blood pressure

Note: The FDA has not reviewed lotus for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does lotus work (mechanism of action)?

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is a water plant that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and other traditional medicine systems. Different parts of the plant, including the leaves, flowers, seeds, seed embryos (plumules), and roots (rhizomes), are used to make lotus supplements, and each part may contain different amounts of active chemicals.

Lotus contains many natural chemicals, including alkaloids such as nuciferine and neferine, along with flavonoids and polysaccharides. These chemicals are thought to act on several pathways in the body. Some may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, affect how the body stores and breaks down fat, or affect calcium channels involved in heart and muscle function. But research on lotus is limited, and it is not clear if or how these chemicals may work in humans. Its benefits for any use are not well defined.

Herbal products, such as lotus, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific lotus product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store lotus?

You should store lotus according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of lotus?

There isn’t enough research to know what the common side effects of lotus may be. Side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of lotus that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of lotus?

While less common, the most serious side effects of lotus are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Lotus may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking lotus and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use lotus?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take lotus.

  • Indian lotus
  • Lotus
  • Nelumbo nucifera
  • Sacred lotus
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific lotus products they stock.

What should I know about lotus before using it?

Lotus is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease. Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep lotus out of the reach of children.

Lotus supplements may be made from different parts of the plant, such as the leaf, seed, seed embryo (plumule), root, or flower. Each of these plant parts contains different chemicals that may have different effects on the body. It is important to read the product label to confirm which part of the plant was used to make that product.

Lotus is also available in many different forms, including teas, powders, capsules, and liquid extracts. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.

Herbal products, such as lotus, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific lotus product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

The FDA has not tested lotus products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using lotus?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if lotus is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following before using lotus.

  • Heart rhythm problems, such as QT prolongation, or a family history of these conditions
  • Diabetes

Other Medicines and Supplements. Before taking lotus, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how lotus could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if lotus passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does lotus interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between lotus and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect lotus.

Does lotus interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using before taking lotus.

The interactions between lotus and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with lotus is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking lotus with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much lotus?

If you or someone else has used too much lotus, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Lotus supplements come in several forms, such as teas, capsules, tablets, and extracts, and there is no established or standard dose. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to use lotus safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.

This content was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.