PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF LOTUS (NELUMBO NUCIFERA) STEM

Abstract

Nelumbo nucifera commonly known as Indian lotus has been used as an indigenous medicine in India. The present study aims to evaluate the phytochemical activity and antioxidant activity of lotus stem. The lotus stem was extracted with solvents like ethanol, acetone, and water. Lotus stem was found to be an excellent source of protein and vitamin C, while it is a good source of fiber and Iron. Carbohydrate, flavanoids, quinones, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, phenol, coumarines, sterols, phyto sterols are present. The Total Polyphenol Content (TPC) was found to be high in acetone extracts (130.88 mg GAE/100 ml). The Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) was found to be high containing in ethanolic extracts (77.8 mg Rutin equivalence/100 ml). Lotus stem can be used effectively as a therapeutic agent in nutritional therapy and phyto-therapy for the alleviation of various diseases. Plant derived nutraceuticals should be produced using Nelumbo nucifera stem.