## 3 _Nelumbo nucifera_
### Antioxidant Health Promoting Effect of Nelumbo uncifera Bioactives and Extracts
#### 3.2.2. In Vivo Antioxidant Effects of _Nelumbo nucifera_'s Bioactives and Extracts
These studies evaluated oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzyme activities and liver health indicators, demonstrating a consistent reduction in lipid peroxidation levels and an increase in antioxidant enzyme activities, particularly SOD and CAT, upon treatment with \(N\). _mucifera_ extracts. Notably, [PERSON] et al. highlighted the extract's potential anti-obesity effects by reducing body weight gain and adipose tissue weight, improving serum lipid profiles, and modulating insulin and adipokine levels [39]. [PERSON] found that the changes observed in antioxidant enzyme levels at 100 mg/kg body weight treatment were comparable to those seen with standard vitamin E at 50 mg/kg treatment [38]. Overall, the in vivo methodologies employed in these studies underscore the diverse health benefits of \(N\). _mucifera_ in various health contexts. Anti-Inflammatory Health Promoting Effect of Nelumbo nucifera Bioactives and Extracts 3.3.1. In Vitro and Ex Vivo Ant-Inflammatory Activity of _Nelumbo nucifera_'s Bioactives and Extracts  
Two studies investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of plant-derived compounds on RAW 264.7 murine macrophages by utilizing lipopolysaccharideacharide (LPS) as an inflammatory stimulus. Both [PERSON] et al. and [PERSON] et al. focused on evaluating the compounds' ability to reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory genes in the macrophages. The linoleic acid study examined the impact of this omega-6 fatty acid on pro-inflammatory gene [inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-\(\alpha\)), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1\(\beta\)) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)] expression [49], while the study on the flavonoid compound quercetin-3-O-\(\beta\)-D-glucuron (Q3 GA) from lotus leaves assessed its ability to decrease LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages [50]. Cell viability assays, such as the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay in the linoleic acid study and the MTT assay in the Q3 GA study, were employed to ensure the safety of the compounds on the macrophages. The results indicated that linoleic acid and Q3 GA exhibited anti-inflammatory properties by reducing pro-inflammatory gene expression and nitric oxide (NO) production, respectively, in the LPS-stimulated macrophages. Additionally, Q3 GA demonstrated a dose-dependent response and cell safety, suggesting its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent. Those studies, along with previous ex vivo research, used cell-based assays to evaluate the compounds' impact on inflammation in macrophages, although specific outcomes may vary due to different compound characteristics and experimental conditions. [PERSON] et al. utilised lotus petal extract in an ex vivo study in which the phyto-chemicals chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid and coumarin were identified as the primary compounds through high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). This investigation showcased the immunomodulatory impact of the extracts by reducing TNF-\(\alpha\) secretion in human macrophages, indicating potential anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting NF-kB-dependent inflammatory responses. The research suggests that _N. nucifera_ flower extracts have the potential to be developed into dietary supplements for individuals with compromised immune functions [27]. Some studies have focused on exploring the anti-inflammatory properties of _Nelumbo_ plant extracts, utilizing different parts of the plant and extraction techniques [51]. The studies diverged in terms of the specific cell models employed (LPS-induced murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells [52] vs. LPS-stimulated HepG2 cells [53] and the plant components investigated, leaf extracts [52] vs. seedpod extract [53]). Methodologies also varied, with [PERSON] et al. examining ethanol and water extracts of _Nelumbo_ leaves [52] and [PERSON] et al. focusing on Lotus Seedpod Extract obtained through hot water extraction [53].