Abstract: Nelumbinis Plumula is the dried spire and radicle of the mature seeds of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., a plant of the Nymphaeaceae family. It can clear away heart fire and soothe nerves, relieve cough and reduce sputum. Moreover, it has hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, anti-human immunodeficiency virus and antithrombotic effects and protects the liver, lung and kidney as well as the central nervous system. The major chemical components of Nelumbinis Plumula are alkaloids, along with flavonoids, polysaccharides and volati le oils. This paper reviews the methods used to extract the major chemical constituents from Nelumbinis Plumula and summarizes recent progress in understanding the structure and pharmacological effects of some chemical components. This review is expected to provide the basis for the development and utilization of Nelumbinis Plumula.

Key words: Nelumbinis Plumula, chemical constituents, alkaloid, extraction, pharmacological activity