Characterization of the phytochemical content, antioxidant activity and inhibition capacity against α-glucosidase of different flower parts of seven lotuses (Nelumbo)

In an era that highly emphasizes health and eating art, consumption of edible flowers, such as lotus, with pretty appearance and high nutritive quality is becoming increasingly attractive. Therefore, this study assessed the three flower parts, receptacle, stamen and petal of 7 different lotuses for their nutritional qualities, in terms of total polyphenol content (TPC), flavonol content and constituent, antioxidant activity and inhibition capacity against α-glucosidase. The results showed that the antioxidant activity of each plant part was significantly correlated with TPC. The receptacle of ‘Yijian Lian’ (Nelumbo) had the highest TPC, the highest antioxidant activity and a very high inhibition capacity against α-glucosidase. The receptacle of ‘Bianlian’ (Nelumbo) had the highest inhibition capacity against α-glucosidase. 14 flavonols were identified in all 7 lotus flowers. The American lotus contained the highest flavonol levels in any of the three flower parts compared to the others. Our characterization of these different lotuses provides valuable insights and resources which may accelerate the development of food or medicine from lotus flowers.