The lotus is a beautiful and iconic flower. Delicate and pink with rippling petals, it’s suggested that lotuses aren’t just lovely to look at — there are claims that lotus seed extract can also make your skin beautiful.
Lotus oil has been used in ardyuvedic medicine for centuries — including some anti-aging practices — but researchers haven’t studied it as well as some other extracts (Institute for Traditional Medicine). Consumption of lotus seeds in several studies with mice suggest that it could have anti-aging effects when consumed (Water Gardeners International).
Anti-Aging
One of the main components is the protein methyltransferase, which has been shown to limit the accumulation of the damaged proteins that may speed up the aging process (Aging Research Reviews). It’s a component of the cell repair process — however this has been observed within the body, not upon topical application to the skin.
Another study found that lotus seed extract could inhibit nitration of tyrosinase, inhibit DNA damage, and could inhibit the accumulation of excessive nitric oxide (Food Chemistry)
Anti-Oxidant
Lotus flowers have been found to have excellent anti-oxidant potential. In a study testing it against free radical DPPH, researchers found that lotus oil was had a positive antioxidant effect (International Journal of Pharmacological Science).The antioxidant properties have been much better studied than the anti-aging potential. There have been numerous studies done on its abilities.
In a study of 25 common vegetable antioxidants, along with eggplant and winter mushroom, Asian lotus was found to have one of the highest rates of antioxidants out (Journal of Agricultural and Food Studies). In another study on blood circulation found that lotus extract was in the top six out of 50 traditional ingredients (American Heart Association).
Bottom Line
Lotus flower has a lot of potential that has yet to be researched. It could serve as a powerful anti-aging ingredient, but more studies need to be done, not just on this ability, but on its efficacy in topical application. However, it is a well established antioxidant thanks to many studies on the matter that demonstrate how it stacks up against other vegetable antioxidants.