Evidence supporting the use of: Lotus seed
For the health condition: Nephritis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Lotus seed (Nelumbo nucifera) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and other Asian medical systems. In TCM, lotus seed (called "Lian Zi") is considered to have properties that tonify the spleen and kidney, stabilize the essence, and support the function of the kidneys. Nephritis, which refers to inflammation of the kidneys, is often addressed in TCM by strengthening the kidney system, and lotus seed is sometimes included in herbal formulas for this purpose. The traditional rationale is based on the seed's supposed ability to "replenish kidney essence" and promote urinary health, indirectly supporting kidney function and helping with symptoms associated with nephritis, such as frequent urination or weakness. However, scientific validation for the use of lotus seed specifically in nephritis is limited. While lotus seed contains bioactive compounds (such as flavonoids and alkaloids) with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, there are few, if any, high-quality clinical studies directly supporting its efficacy in nephritis. Most evidence comes from in vitro or animal research, often focusing on general anti-inflammatory or renoprotective effects, but not specifically on nephritis in humans. Therefore, its use for nephritis is primarily justified by tradition, with limited scientific backing.
Other ingredients used for Nephritis
Aerva lanataAgrimonia pilosa
Albumin
Alisma
astragalin
astragaloside
astragalus
atractylone
Auricularia
bael
bai ji
baicalin
Bassia scoparia
bean
Bergenia
bergenin
bovine kidney
branched-chain amino acids
bupleurum falcatum
Chinese pond turtle
Chinese salvia root
coix
cordyceps
cucumber
Cynomorium
dandelion
Euryale seed
fish protein
fu ling
Galium
Hyperoside
Lactoferrin
Lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
Ligustrum
lotus seed
lovage
Morus
Mulberry
Ophiopogon
perilla
Persimmon
Polygonatum
polysaccharides
Pyrola
reishi mushroom
rhubarb
Rosa laevigata
Rubia cordifolia
Tremella
turmeric
vitamin D
