Author(s):

Yamini R, M Kannan, SP Thamaraisevi, D Uma and R Santhi

Abstract: Nelumbo nucifera or lotus rhizomes are edible and have been used as an indigenous medicine in India. The healing properties of the plant is due to the presence of active principles such as phenolics, tannins, alkaloids, and flavanoids which constitute of many pharmacologically active compounds. The aim of the present study to evaluate the phytochemical and nutritional analysis of lotus rhizome. The different solvents used for the extraction viz., ethanol, ethylacetate, hexane, chloroform, acetone and aqueous for phytochemical screening. Lotus rhizome extract shows that the presence of primary metabolites viz., Carbohydrates, proteins and lipids and the secondary metabolites such as phenols, flavanoids, tannins, alkaloids, sterols, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, coumarin, quionone on phytochemical screening. The quantification of primary metabolites of the extract indicates its nutritive value and the secondary metabolites were responsible for its medicinal properties of the lotus rhizome. Results showed that phytochemical screening of rhizome extract has various phytochemicals such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, phenols, flavanoids, tannins, alkaloids, sterols, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, coumarin, quionone. Quantification of phytochemicals revealed that the ethanolic extract has the maximum phenols, flavanoids and tannin content compared to other solvents used for the extraction. The lotus rhizome has good nutritional properties being a good source of carbohydrate and proteins with potential usage in flavouring agents, food production and bakery products.

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