Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (Lotus): Importance in reproductive healthcare

Abstract Reproductive problems such as leucorrhea and menorrhagia are very common problems in females, and due to various lifestyle changes, it is increasing on a regular basis. The use of many medicinal plants such as Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. has been mentioned in Ayurvedic references for the management of female reproductive disorders. The ongoing scientific studies on lotus to validate its role in reproductive health, when supplemented in food, is an interesting and encouraging study; hence, on the basis of available literature, the present article has been documented in order to compile a comprehensive literature related to sacred lotus and highlight the role of its different parts in managing various gynecological disorders. The literary records emphasize the use of plant parts as a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and other contents in daily dietary habits, as described in Ayurveda as the “ aahara-vihara ,” with a significant role in healthy and disease-free life. As per this literature review, in the quest to address gynecological issues in women, extensive literary surveys have been conducted. These surveys focus on gathering information from various sources, including scholarly databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed. The primary objective was to compile a comprehensive collection of literature related to sacred lotus and highlight the role of its different parts in managing various gynecological disorders. The use of N. nucifera Gaertn. plant parts in the regular diet ensures protection from reproductive disorders in women and is thus being recommended for regular use in diet. This article creates a platform for its clinical trials on human beings.