View source for Blue Lotus

'''''Nymphaea nouchali'' var. ''caerulea''''' (Commonly known as '''Blue Lotus''') is a water lily found throughout most of the eastern half of Africa.
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    |NameCommon=[[Blue Lotus]], [[Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea]], [[Lotus]]
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The flower has been used for over 2000 years in teas, herbal blends and in perfumes. 

Like other species in the genus, the plant contains the psychoactive alkaloid [[aporphine]] which is thought to be the main constituent causing the effects of the flower, however, it is more likely a group of aporphine alkaloids are working in conjunction to create the various effects as opposed to just aporphine. High potent extracts when ingested or smoked in high doses are reported to produce [[euphoria]] and [[Hallucination|hallucinations]]. 

==History and culture==
Blue Lotus is thought to be the primary for the fruit of the lotus tree eaten by the mythical Lotophagi (Lotus Eaters) in Homer's ''Odyssey.'' The Lotus Eaters were a race of people living on an island dominated by the lotus tree, after they ate the lotus, they would forget their home and loved ones and long only to stay with their fellow lotus-eaters, falling into a infinite euphoric stupor. Those who ate the plant never cared to report or return.

This lotus has been used to produce perfumes since egyptian times. According to a 2023 preprint study, traces of ''[[Peganum harmala]]'', and Blue Lotus were identified in an Egyptian ritual Bes-vase, of the 2nd century BCE

The plant and flower are very prominent and frequent in Ancient Egyptian art, cuisine and perfumes.
==Chemistry==
The plant has been found to contain [[aporphine]] and similar alkaloids as well as Nuciferine. The effects of Blue Lotus are thought to be down to these compounds but other various Quinoline alkaloids could play a role. 

==Pharmacology==
[[aporphine]], thought to be the main active component, dopamine receptor agonist targeting the D1 and D2 receptors. Nuciferine, also a prominent alkaloid, is an antagonist at [[5-HT2A receptor|5-HT<sub>2A</sub>]], 5-HT<sub>2C</sub>, and 5-HT<sub>2B</sub> receptors, but is also a partial agonist at D2, D5, and 5-HT<sub>6</sub> receptors, and an [[agonist]] at 5-HT<sub>1A</sub> and D4 receptors. Additionally, it inhibits the dopamine transporter (DAT). 

[[Apomorphine]], the active metabolite of Aporphine, has a catechol structure similar to that of dopamine.

==Subjective effects==
{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}}

{{effects/base

|{{effects/physical|
Blue Lotus most potent effects are the sedation and muscle relaxation it causes. This leads many to use it as a sleep aid or lucid dreaming aid. 

You may select physical effects to add below [[Subjective effect index#Physical effects|here]].

*'''[[Effect::Pain relief]]''' 
*'''[[Effect::Sedation]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Muscle relaxation]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Headache]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Nausea]]'''



}}
{{effects/visual|
While subtle, if enough is ingested (Most often through smoking), Blue Lotus can cause visual effects and enhancements.

You may select visual effects to add below [[Subjective effect index#Visual effects|here]].

====Enhancements====
*'''[[Effect::Visual Color enhancement]]'''

====Distortions====
*'''[[Effect::Visual Tracers]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Brightness alteration]]'''

}}

|{{effects/cognitive|
Blue Lotus has most of its cognitive effects manifest themself in sleep. This leads many to use it as a sleep aid or lucid dreaming aid. 

You may select from a list of cognitive effects to add below [[Subjective effect index#Cognitive effects|here]].

*'''[[Effect::Increased music appreciation]]''' 
*'''[[Effect::Empathy, affection, and sociability enhancement]]''' 
*'''[[Effect::Dream potentiation]]''' 
*'''[[Effect::Derealization]]''' 
*'''[[Effect::Sleepiness]]''' 
*'''[[Effect::Disinhibition]]''' 
*'''[[Effect::Focus suppression]]''' 

}}
{{effects/auditory|
Blue Lotus most prominent auditory effect is the enhancement of music. This can be described as the music sounding sharper or more clear.

You may select from a list of auditory effects to add below [[Subjective effect index#Auditory effects|here]].

*'''[[Effect::Auditory acuity enhancement]]'''


}}


}}
===Experience reports===
{{Experience reports|Blue Lotus|https://www.erowid.org/experiences/subs/exp_Lotus_I_Lily_Group.shtml}} <!-- Check the link to see if it exists -->

==Toxicity and harm potential==
The toxicity of Blue Lotus is misunderstood and poorly researched. Only the pure alkaloids have been tested with little toxicity, however, mixing Blue Lotus with other substances could present a risk.

It is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible use|harm reduction practices]] when using this substance.
===Lethal dosage===
There are no studies on aporphine in animals. However, studies on subcutaneous apomorphine injection, the bioactive form of aporphine, have been carried out. In a 5-day study, mice were administered up to 10 mg/kg apomorphine subcutaneously daily. No adverse effects were observed other than a slight increase in dopamine levels.

===Tolerance and addiction potential===
Blue Lotus is not thought to be addictive. Its compounds have been used in the treatment of alcohol and morphine addiction.

===Dangerous interactions===
The main and absolute contraindication to using Blue Lotus, is the concurrent use of adrenergic receptor antagonists; combined, they cause a severe drop in blood pressure and fainting.

<small>L</small>-DOPA and Blue Lotus could pose risks and cause symptoms such as [[sleepiness]], [[dizziness]], [[Runny nose|runny nose]], [[sweating]] and [[Muscle twitching|tremors]].
{{DangerousInteractions/Intro}}

==Legal status==
''Nymphaea caerulea'' has been illegal in Latvia since November 2009. It is a schedule 1 drug. Possession of large quantities can be punished by up to 15 years in prison.

''Nymphaea caerulea'' was also banned in Poland in March 2009.

''Nymphaea caerulea'' has been illegal in [[Russia]] since April 2009.

''Nymphaea caerulea'' is completely prohibited in the state of Louisiana, making it the only state to ban the flower.

''Nymphaea caerulea,'' if sold for human consumption, could fall under the UK's ''Psychoactive Substances Act 2016,'' however, this law is rarely imposed on plants and small scale possession. 

==See also==

*[[Responsible use]]

==External links==
(List along order below)

*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nymphaea_nouchali_var._caerulea Blue Lotus (Wikipedia)]
*[https://www.erowid.org/plants/lotus/ Blue Lotus (Erowid Vault)]

==Literature==

*APA formatted reference

Please see the [[citation formatting guide]] if you need assistance properly formatting citations.

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Psychoactive substance]]

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