Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lotus seed (Nelumbo nucifera), known as "lian zi" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been used historically to address sleep disturbances, including restlessness and insomnia. In TCM, lotus seed is thought to nourish the heart and calm the spirit ("Shen"), making it a common ingredient in herbal formulas targeting sleep issues. The traditional use is based on the belief that lotus seed possesses sedative properties and can alleviate symptoms of palpitations, anxiety, and disturbed sleep by reinforcing the function of the heart and kidneys, which are considered to influence mental calmness in TCM theory.

From a scientific perspective, there are limited but emerging studies examining the potential sedative-hypnotic effects of lotus seed extracts. Some animal studies suggest that certain bioactive compounds in lotus seed, such as alkaloids and flavonoids, may influence neurotransmitter systems related to sleep regulation (such as GABAergic pathways). However, these findings are preliminary, mostly from preclinical research, and robust human clinical trials are lacking. Therefore, while traditional texts and historical usage strongly support the role of lotus seed in managing sleep disturbances, scientific validation remains limited. Overall, the evidence for its effect on sleep is primarily traditional, with a modest but unproven scientific basis.

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