What Current Research Says About Egyptian Blue Lotus

Throughout history, many cultures have used a variety of ancient botanicals for various purposes. Although these plants are passed down from generation to generation, many eventually outlast the civilizations that popularized them.

The Egyptian blue lotus — or Nymphaea caerulea — is one such plant. Its usage dates back to Ancient Egypt, where it played a prominent role in Egyptian mythology and may have been used to promote blood flow and slow aging.

Like the Ancient Egyptians, today’s researchers are still fascinated by the blue lotus’s effects. Their studies continue to shape the modern understanding of this timeless flower — and in turn, determine its future.

What is Egyptian Blue Lotus?

The blue lotus flower is a water lily that originally grew throughout East Africa before spreading to South and Southeast Asia. Its name is somewhat of a misnomer, as the plant isn’t a lotus, but rather, a water lily. In addition, blue lotus is distinguished by white petals with yellow centers and only exhibits a slightly blue tint. Nonetheless, the plant is often referred to as “blue water lily” or “blue Egyptian water lily.”

For decades, researchers studying the Nymphaeaceae family of plants were convinced that blue lotus’s effects were limited and that the plant didn’t possess any notable psychoactive or therapeutic properties. However, a researcher named William Emboden challenged this conviction upon discovering psychoactive descriptions of the plant in Mayan culture. His findings renewed interest in exploring the previously unknown pharmacological properties of blue lotus, and subsequent research continued to progress.

Today, the Egyptian blue lotus is best described as a sedative. We now know that blue lotus’s effects are a byproduct of several organic compounds contained within the plant, called “alkaloids.” Together, the alkaloids nuciferine and aporphine promote relaxation and heightened mood by interacting with various receptors in the brain.

Nuciferine in Blue Lotus: Potential Applications & Uses

Among the alkaloids responsible for blue lotus’s effects, researchers have taken a particular interest in nuciferine. This alkaloid behaves as a dopamine receptor antagonist, meaning that it prevents dopamine from binding in its usual capacity. Because many pharmaceutical drugs operate similarly, some researchers believe that nuciferine could have a broad range of therapeutic applications.

For instance, some recent research supports the notion that nuciferine may be an effective treatment for schizophrenia. The alkaloid also shares many similarities with clozapine — an effective but deleterious antipsychotic drug. As a result, some researchers are convinced that nuciferine could be the foundation of a new class of antipsychotic drugs with less adverse side effects.

Other research has indicated that given nuciferine’s role in blue lotus’s effects, it may have applications as an anti-inflammatory. Due to the alkaloid’s interactions with Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPAR), nuciferine could be used to address a variety of inflammatory conditions, including neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and inflammation-related depression.

However, despite nuciferine’s emerging potential as a therapeutic agent, clinical trials regarding its uses in these areas have never been conducted. In years to come, it’s possible that further study will ultimately determine the medicinal value of Egyptian blue lotus and its constituents.

Product Forms: Resins, Oils & More

Although Egyptian blue lotus is readily available as a powdered product, various other forms of the plant have gained popularity among consumers. While most research revolves around blue lotus’s effects as a raw powder, some recent studies have corroborated the effectiveness of alternative blue lotus products, which include resins, oils, and extracts.

Blue Lotus & Vaping

In a study published in 2017, the authors observed that nuciferine — one of blue lotus’s primary alkaloids — could be successfully aerosolized by wicking a rebuildable dripping atomizer, a type of electronic cigarette, with blue lotus resin. Their findings suggest that the plant’s intersection with the e-cigarette or vaping market could generate additional interest in blue lotus and nuciferine.

Safety & Legality

Although researchers have conducted studies on the safety of lotus plants in the Nymphaeaceae family, little is known about the adverse short-term or long-term effects of blue lotus, or Nymphaea caerulea. Nonetheless, blue lotus is legal to buy, sell, grow, and distribute in most countries of the world, except Latvia, Poland, and Russia.

Like most psychoactive substances — botanical or otherwise — Egyptian blue lotus use is associated with some adverse side effects. Due to blue lotus’s psychoactive properties, other research suggests that pregnant individuals should abstain from using the plant entirely. Similarly, those with diabetes should avoid blue lotus use, as consumption may lower blood sugar levels to critical levels in some people.

The Future of Egyptian Blue Lotus

Given the psychoactive effects of blue lotus, the plant’s future remains uncertain. In recent years, legislators and various governments have taken punitive action against other similar botanicals, including kratom. As of now, blue lotus’s under-researched and relatively unknown status suggest that the plant may continue to be accessible for most of the world’s consumers. However, the plant’s exact future is liable to change as researchers uncover more information regarding blue lotus’s properties and risks.

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