NEED OF BIOTECHNOLOGICAL STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY PRODUCTION OF Nelumbo nucifera- AN ORNAMENTAL PLANT WITH HIGH NUTRITIVE AND THERAPEUTIC VALUE

Lotus is an aquatic, perennial plant native to India having important medicinal, nutritional and ornamental values. Lotus extracts obtained from several different parts of the plant (lotus leaves, flowers, pods, roots/ rhizomes etc.) have been found to show a number of biological activities. A number of active compounds that are extracted from lotus can directly produce an effect in the medicinal field. Several studies and experiments are being conducted on lotus to map out the herb at a genetic level. Having some unique properties, lotus can easily attract researchers from the scientific community to ease the understanding of its different traits. This article aims to systematically review the need of different biotechnological strategies and techniques to improve and enhance the therapeutic and nutritional value of lotus along with the importance of the latest biological advancements and the ongoing studies and experiments that are being performed on the herb to enhance its quality and quantity of production.