Nelumbium speciosum Willd. (SVETA KAMALA)

Padma or kamala is extensively described and used in the Brihat Trayi, texts. Almost all the Nighantu granthas have delineated it. Sveta kamala the white variety of lotus is considered to be “Pundarika”. Similary the red variety is known as “KokanŒda” and blue variety as “Indivara” (B.P.) Therefore three varieties of Kamala are described in the texts. Susruta compared the shape and colour of the heart to white lotus bud (pundarikena sadrsam hrdayam – S.S.Sa.3.).

Botanical Description – It is a perennial aquatic herb bearing the famous red or white lotus flowers. It is found in the fresh water ponds and lakes in India.

Major Chemical Constitutents–

Flower- robinin (a glucoside),

Leaves- nuciferine (alkaloid); asmilobine & lirinidine

Root- isoliensinine; neferine, armepavine (seeds).

Part Used- whole plant (mainly flowers, seeds and tuber), stamens (Padma Kesra)

Dosage– Fresh juice of tuber- 10-20 ml; seed powder 3-6 g.