Lotus leaf extract is a dried leaf extract of Nelumbonucifera Gaertn, which mainly contains alkaloids, flavonoids, volatile oils and other components. Flavonoids, most of the oxygen free radical scavenger, has significant effects on the treatment of coronary heart disease, hypertension and other diseases, and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. It can not only be used as an API for cardiovascular diseases, but also widely used in functional food, health food, beverage, food preservative and preservative and cosmetics.
Nuciferine is an aporphine-type alkaloid extracted from the dried leaves of the lotus plant of the Nymphaeaceae family. It is the main lipid-lowering active ingredient in lotus leaves. It is extracted from dried and crushed lotus leaves using a series of methods including cellulase pretreatment, dilute hydrochloric acid extraction, ultrasonic-assisted extraction, and chloroform extraction.
1. Anxiolytic and Sedative Properties
Nuciferine has shown potential anxiolytic (anti - anxiety) and sedative effects. It acts on the central nervous system by modulating neurotransmitter systems. For example, it can interact with gamma - aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps to reduce neuronal excitability. Nuciferine may enhance the activity of GABA receptors, leading to a calming effect. In animal studies, rodents treated with nuciferine exhibited reduced anxiety - like behaviors in tests such as the elevated plus - maze and open - field tests.
2. Neuroprotective Role
It also has neuroprotective functions. Nuciferine can scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the brain. Oxidative stress is involved in many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. By neutralizing free radicals like superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals, nuciferine helps to protect neurons from damage. Moreover, it may also regulate cell survival pathways and inhibit apoptosis (programmed cell death) of neurons, thereby maintaining the integrity of the nervous system.
3. Anti - Obesity Effects Nuciferine has been found to have anti - obesity properties. It can influence lipid metabolism. In cell culture studies, nuciferine has been shown to reduce the accumulation of triglycerides in adipocytes (fat cells). It may act by regulating the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism, such as those involved in fatty acid uptake and triglyceride synthesis. In vivo studies on obese animal models have also demonstrated that nuciferine can lead to a reduction in body weight and fat mass, potentially through increasing energy expenditure and decreasing fat absorption.
4. Blood Glucose Regulation
It plays a role in blood glucose regulation. Nuciferine can improve insulin sensitivity. Insulin is a hormone that helps cells take up glucose from the blood. By enhancing insulin sensitivity, nuciferine enables cells to more effectively utilize glucose, which helps to keep blood glucose levels in a healthy range. In diabetic animal models, treatment with nuciferine has been associated with a decrease in hyperglycemia.
5. Anti - inflammatory Effects
Nuciferine exhibits anti - inflammatory activity. It can inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines (e.g., interleukin - 6 and tumor necrosis factor - alpha) and prostaglandins. These inflammatory mediators are involved in various inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. By suppressing their production, nuciferine can help to reduce inflammation and associated pain.
6. Antimicrobial Properties
It also has antimicrobial capabilities. Nuciferine can inhibit the growth of a range of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. For example, in vitro studies have shown that it can inhibit the growth of common pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The exact mechanism of its antimicrobial action may involve disrupting the cell membranes of microorganisms or interfering with their metabolic processes.
7. Blood Pressure Regulation
Nuciferine can help regulate blood pressure. It may act on the cardiovascular system by relaxing blood vessels. This relaxation is mediated through the modulation of ion channels and receptors in the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels. By dilating blood vessels, nuciferine reduces peripheral resistance and consequently helps to lower blood pressure.
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