Blue Lotus

Sources

15 moderate · 4 weak

Studies and references cited across this article, graded by evidence strength.

Values approved

46/53 (87%)

Data points an editor reviewed and accepted for publication.

Value Provenance

Dosing

smoked

Predates provenance tracking — no derivation record for this dataset

Field	Published	AI Proposed
Threshold	0.5 g	no record
Low	0.75–1 g	no record
Common	1.25–2 g	no record
Strong	2.5–3 g	no record
Heavy	5+ g	no record

Duration

oral

Predates provenance tracking — no derivation record for this dataset

Field	Published	AI Proposed
Onset	10–60 seconds	no record
Come up	5–10 minutes	no record
Peak	1–2 hours	no record
Offset	2–2.5 hours	no record
After effects	6–8 hours	no record
Total	6–8 hours	no record

Safety

Toxicity Profiletrace

Field	Published	AI Proposed	Confidence
Acute	low	low	low
Chronic	low	low	low
Organs Affected	cardiovascular, central nervous system	cardiovascular, central nervous system	low
Editorial	Work-notes specify acute: low, chronic: no data. Acute assessment based on Schimpf 2023 case series (n=5, all recovered with supportive care, no fatalities) and DoD adverse event reports. Chronic proposed as low rather than moderate per evidence discount rule — work-notes flagged class extrapolation from aporphine alkaloid sedative profile with no direct chronic exposure data for N. caerulea. Contaminant risk (synthetic cannabinoids) is the dominant toxicity vector, complicating attribution to the plant itself.
	ReasoningReasoning Work-notes specify acute: low, chronic: no data. Acute assessment based on Schimpf 2023 case series (n=5, all recovered with supportive care, no fatalities) and DoD adverse event reports. Chronic proposed as low rather than moderate per evidence discount rule — work-notes flagged class extrapolation from aporphine alkaloid sedative profile with no direct chronic exposure data for N. caerulea. Contaminant risk (synthetic cannabinoids) is the dominant toxicity vector, complicating attribution to the plant itself. Evidence basis: published_case_series

Dependence Profiletrace

Field	Published	AI Proposed	Confidence
Physical	negligible	negligible	low
Psychological	negligible	negligible	low
Compulsive Redosing	negligible	negligible	low
Dose Escalation	negligible	negligible	low
Editorial	Work-notes specify all dependence parameters as negligible with confidence low. No published data on tolerance, physical dependence, or withdrawal from N. caerulea or nuciferine exist. Proposed negligible based on absence of any case reports and theoretical assessment of nuciferine's partial D2 agonism (Farrell 2016).
	ReasoningReasoning Work-notes specify all dependence parameters as negligible with confidence low. No published data on tolerance, physical dependence, or withdrawal from N. caerulea or nuciferine exist. Proposed negligible based on absence of any case reports and theoretical assessment of nuciferine's partial D2 agonism (Farrell 2016). Evidence basis: structural_analogy

Withdrawal Profiletrace

Field	Published	AI Proposed	Confidence
Severity	none	none	low
Symptoms	—	—	low
Fatal	No	No	low
Medical Supervision	Not required	Not required	low
Editorial	No published data documenting withdrawal from N. caerulea or nuciferine. Work-notes specify withdrawal exists: no.
	ReasoningReasoning No published data documenting withdrawal from N. caerulea or nuciferine. Work-notes specify withdrawal exists: no. Evidence basis: structural_analogy

Tolerance Profiletrace

Field	Published	AI Proposed	Confidence
Buildup	none	none	low
Half-life	—	—	low
Full Reset	—	—	low
Cross-tolerances	—	—	low
Editorial	Work-notes specify tolerance buildup as none/unknown with confidence low. No published data exist. Theoretical D2 receptor downregulation mechanism noted but unverified. Cross-tolerance with D2 partial agonists mentioned in notes but not established — proposed as empty array per absence of evidence.
	ReasoningReasoning Work-notes specify tolerance buildup as none/unknown with confidence low. No published data exist. Theoretical D2 receptor downregulation mechanism noted but unverified. Cross-tolerance with D2 partial agonists mentioned in notes but not established — proposed as empty array per absence of evidence. Evidence basis: structural_analogy

Effects & Profile

Contraindications

Field	Published	AI Proposed	Confidence
neurological Seizure disorderstrace	relative	relative	low
Editorial	Work-notes list seizure_disorders as relative contraindication based on DoD/OPSS adverse event data documenting at least one seizure.
	ReasoningReasoning Work-notes list seizure_disorders as relative contraindication based on DoD/OPSS adverse event data documenting at least one seizure.
pregnancy breastfeeding Pregnancy and lactationtrace	absolute	absolute	low
Editorial	Work-notes list pregnancy_lactation as absolute contraindication. No safety data of any kind exist for this population. Standard precautionary principle applies.
	ReasoningReasoning Work-notes list pregnancy_lactation as absolute contraindication. No safety data of any kind exist for this population. Standard precautionary principle applies.
psychiatric Psychotic disorders or bipolar disordertrace	relative	relative	low
Editorial	Work-notes list psychotic_disorders as relative contraindication based on nuciferine's D2/5-HT2A receptor overlap with antipsychotic medications (Farrell 2016).
	ReasoningReasoning Work-notes list psychotic_disorders as relative contraindication based on nuciferine's D2/5-HT2A receptor overlap with antipsychotic medications (Farrell 2016).
cardiovascular Cardiovascular diseasetrace	relative	relative	low
Editorial	Work-notes list cardiovascular_disease as relative contraindication based on DoD/OPSS adverse event data documenting chest pain and tachycardia.
	ReasoningReasoning Work-notes list cardiovascular_disease as relative contraindication based on DoD/OPSS adverse event data documenting chest pain and tachycardia.
hepatic Hepatic impairmenttrace	relative	relative	low
Editorial	Work-notes list hepatic_impairment as relative contraindication based on CYP2D6 inhibition data from N. nucifera (Ye 2014), extrapolated to N. caerulea via shared nuciferine content.
	ReasoningReasoning Work-notes list hepatic_impairment as relative contraindication based on CYP2D6 inhibition data from N. nucifera (Ye 2014), extrapolated to N. caerulea via shared nuciferine content.
psychiatric Concurrent antipsychotic usetrace	relative	relative	low
Editorial	Work-notes list concurrent_antipsychotics as relative contraindication based on pharmacodynamic overlap at D2 and 5-HT2A (Farrell 2016).
	ReasoningReasoning Work-notes list concurrent_antipsychotics as relative contraindication based on pharmacodynamic overlap at D2 and 5-HT2A (Farrell 2016).
other Concurrent MAOI usetrace	relative	relative	low
Editorial	Work-notes list concurrent_maoi as relative contraindication based on theoretical potentiation of monoaminergic effects and archaeological evidence of historical P. harmala co-use (Tanasi 2024).
	ReasoningReasoning Work-notes list concurrent_maoi as relative contraindication based on theoretical potentiation of monoaminergic effects and archaeological evidence of historical P. harmala co-use (Tanasi 2024).
other Concurrent serotonergic drugstrace	relative	relative	low
Editorial	Work-notes list concurrent_serotonergics as relative contraindication based on nuciferine's DAT inhibition and serotonin receptor activity profile (Farrell 2016).
	ReasoningReasoning Work-notes list concurrent_serotonergics as relative contraindication based on nuciferine's DAT inhibition and serotonin receptor activity profile (Farrell 2016).
other Concurrent CNS depressant usetrace	relative	relative	low
Editorial	Work-notes list class-level contraindications for aporphine alkaloid sedatives including CNS depressant co-use. This is a structural_analogy inference from sedative class membership.
	ReasoningReasoning Work-notes list class-level contraindications for aporphine alkaloid sedatives including CNS depressant co-use. This is a structural_analogy inference from sedative class membership.

Dose Tier Summaries

thresholdtrace

low

Minimal perceptible effects at the threshold level. Possible mild relaxation and a subtle shift in baseline mood, though these may be difficult to distinguish from placebo or expectation effects. Physical effects are negligible or absent. Some users report a faint bodily warmth or slight heaviness. Threshold effects have not been characterized in published literature for any N. caerulea preparation. All descriptions at this tier are inferred from community accounts and the substance's sedative-oneirogenic classification.

Editorial

Work-notes specify threshold as 'minimal perceptible effects, possible mild relaxation, not characterized in published literature.' Expanded with class-appropriate texture. No published dose-response data exist.

Reasoning

Evidence basis: community_consensus_small

lighttrace

low

Gentle sedation and relaxation become clearly perceptible. A subtle mood lift and mild anxiety suppression emerge. Thought deceleration is present but does not impair normal functioning. Onset varies by preparation: 30–60 minutes for tea, 15–30 minutes for tincture, 5–15 minutes for smoked flower. Physical effects include mild muscle relaxation and slight bodily heaviness. Some users note early signs of dreaming enhancement if consumed before sleep. Functional impairment is minimal at this tier. Duration is approximately 2–4 hours for oral preparations, shorter for inhaled routes.

Editorial

Work-notes specify light tier as gentle sedation, subtle mood lift, mild anxiolysis. Expanded with onset times from duration notes and preparation-specific detail from article prose. All values community-sourced.

Reasoning

Evidence basis: community_consensus_small

commontrace

low

Moderate sedation with noticeable anxiolysis and a mild euphoria. Thought deceleration is more pronounced, and focus suppression may be apparent. Oneirogenic effects — dreaming enhancement and sleep-transition hallucinations — are most consistently reported at this tier, particularly in pre-sleep contexts. Physical effects include clear muscle relaxation, bodily heaviness, and physical fatigue. Nausea and dizziness are possible but generally mild. Motor control impairment may be noticeable. Present-moment absorption and introspective qualities may emerge. Duration commitment is 2–4 hours for oral preparations. Driving and operating machinery should be avoided.

Editorial

Work-notes specify common tier as moderate sedation, mild euphoria, anxiolysis, oneirogenic effects emerging in pre-sleep contexts. Effects taxonomy names used throughout. All values community-sourced or inferred from Schimpf 2023 and Farrell 2016 receptor profile.

Reasoning

Evidence basis: community_consensus_small

strongtrace

low

Pronounced sedation with noticeable perceptual disturbances. Internal hallucinations and sleep-transition hallucinations become more vivid. Euphoria may be stronger, though dysphoria, anxiety, and confusion are also possible at this intensity. Thought deceleration and cognitive impairment are significant. Physical effects include marked bodily heaviness, motor control impairment, dizziness, and physical fatigue. Nausea is more likely. Inhaled preparations (vaporized resin) produce more pronounced altered mental status than oral preparations at equivalent subjective intensity. Functional impairment is substantial. This tier carries higher risk of anxiety and paranoia, particularly with adulterated products. Emergency presentations in the Schimpf 2023 case series involved effects at approximately this intensity.

Editorial

Work-notes specify strong tier as pronounced sedation, noticeable perceptual disturbances, stronger euphoria or dysphoria, higher risk of altered mental status via inhaled preparations. Schimpf 2023 case series presentations referenced.

Reasoning

Evidence basis: published_case_series

heavytrace

low

Risk of significant altered mental status including hallucinations, confusion, and disorientation. Paranoia and severe anxiety are documented at this intensity. Temporal disorientation and reality testing impairment may occur. Cognitive impairment is substantial, with possible delirium-like presentation. Physical effects may include abnormal heartbeat, chest pain, and in rare cases seizure — though these may reflect product adulteration with synthetic cannabinoids rather than intrinsic plant pharmacology. Marked motor control impairment and profound sedation. Patients in the Schimpf 2023 case series who required emergency care presented with effects at this tier. All five recovered with supportive care alone. Product adulteration risk makes dose-to-effect prediction unreliable — effects at any commercial 'dose' may not reflect authenticated N. caerulea pharmacology.

Editorial

Work-notes specify heavy tier as risk of significant altered mental status, hallucinations, confusion, anxiety, paranoia, based on Schimpf 2023 case series presentations requiring emergency care. Adulteration caveat emphasized per work-notes substance-specific notes.

Reasoning

Evidence basis: published_case_series

History

current version

published Oct 6, 2026system—

versions

6 total · since previous: +0 / −0 citations

publication ledger

publish Oct 6, 2026 · by agent-psx

publish Oct 3, 2026 · by agent-psx

publish Sep 21, 2026 · by agent-psx (local dev)

backfill Jun 4, 2026

backfill Mar 17, 2026

Historical versions do not record which reviewer approved them; editorial accountability is recorded per value in the database and in the publication ledger going forward.

full version history suggest a correction contact@psychedex.org

Sources

15 moderate · 4 weak

[1]
moderate
Nymphaea cults in ancient Egypt and the New World: a lesson in empirical pharmacology
Bertol E, Fineschi V, Karch SB, Mari F, Riezzo I · 2004 · Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
pubmed 14749409no claims checked
[2]
moderate
Multianalytical investigation reveals psychotropic substances in a Ptolemaic Egyptian vase
Tanasi D, van Oppen de Ruiter BF, Florian F, et al. · 2024 · Scientific Reports
doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-78721-8 pubmed 39537764no claims checked
[3]
moderate
In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization of the Alkaloid Nuciferine
Farrell MS, McCorvy JD, Huang XP, Urban DJ, White KL, Giguere PM, et al. · 2016 · PLoS ONE
doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0150602 pubmed 26963248no claims checked
[4]
moderate
Evaluation of Anxiolytic and Antidepressant-like Activity of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Nymphaea Lotus Linn. in Mice
Fajemiroye JO, Adam K, Jordan KZ, Alves CE, Aderoju AA · 2018 · Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
pubmed 29881419no claims checked
[5]
moderate
A sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of nuciferine in rats
Gu S, Zhu G, Wang Y, Li Q, Wu X, Zhang J, Liu G, Li X · 2014 · Journal of Chromatography B
doi.org/10.1016/j.jchromb.2014.04.038 pubmed 24854711no claims checked
[6]
moderate
Identification and characterization of potent CYP2D6 inhibitors in lotus leaves
Ye LH, He XX, Kong LT, Liao YH, Pan RL, Xiao BX, Liu XM, Chang Q · 2014 · Journal of Ethnopharmacology
doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.02.014 pubmed 24561383no claims checked
[7]
moderate
Chemical Composition, Market Survey, and Safety Assessment of Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea Savigny) Extracts
Dosoky NS, Shah SA, Dawson JT, Banjara SS, Poudel A, Bascoul C, Satyal P · 2023 · Molecules
doi.org/10.3390/molecules28207014 pubmed 37894493no claims checked
[8]
weak
Toxicity From Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) After Ingestion or Inhalation: A Case Series
Schimpf M, Ulmer T, Hiller H, Barbuto AF · 2023 · Military Medicine
doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usab328 pubmed 34345890no claims checked
[9]
weak
Influences of Egyptian Lotus Symbolism and Ritualistic Practices on Sacral Tree Worship in the Fertile Crescent from 1500 BCE to 200 CE
McDonald JA · 2018 · Religions
doi.org/10.3390/rel9090256no claims checked
[10]
weak
The Blue Lotus Flower (Nymphea caerulea) Resin Used in a New Type of Electronic Cigarette, the Re-Buildable Dripping Atomizer
Poklis JL, Mulder HA, Halquist MS, Wolf CE, Poklis A, Peace MR · 2017 · Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2017.1290304 pubmed 28266899no claims checked
[11]
moderate
Nuciferine, an active ingredient derived from lotus leaf, lights up the way for the potential treatment of obesity and obesity-related diseases
Wan Y, Xia J, Xu JF, Chen L, Yang Y, Wu JJ, Tang F, Ao H, Peng C · 2022 · Pharmacological Research
doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2021.106002 pubmed 34826599no claims checked
[12]
moderate
Structure-activity relationship, bioactivities, molecular mechanisms, and clinical application of nuciferine on inflammation-related diseases
Zhao T, Zhu Y, Zhao R, Xiong S, Sun J, Zhang J, Fan D, Deng J, Yang H · 2023 · Pharmacological Research
doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106820 pubmed 37315822no claims checked
[13]
weak
Dropping Ecstasy? Minoan Cult and the Tropes of Shamanism
Tully C, Crooks S · 2015 · Time and Mind
doi.org/10.1080/1751696x.2015.1026029no claims checked
[14]
moderate
Antioxidant constituents of Nymphaea caerulea flowers
Agnihotri VK, Elsohly HN, Khan SI, Smillie TJ, Khan IA, Walker LA · 2008 · Phytochemistry
doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2008.04.009 pubmed 18534639no claims checked
[15]
moderate
The sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) – phytochemical and therapeutic profile
Mukherjee PK, Mukherjee D, Maji AK, Rai S, Heinrich M · 2009 · Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
doi.org/10.1211/jpp.61.04.0001 pubmed 19298686no claims checked
[16]
moderate
Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activity of Nelumbo nucifera
Paudel KR, Panth N · 2015 · Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
doi.org/10.1155/2015/789124 pubmed 27057194no claims checked
[17]
moderate
Assessment of the Properties and Mechanism of Three Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) Parts for Sleep Improvement
He S, Wang C, Shi W, Zhou C, Liu C · 2025 · Chemistry & Biodiversity
doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202402788 pubmed 39888161no claims checked
[18]
moderate
Prolonged Delivery of Apomorphine Through the Buccal Mucosa - In Vivo Investigations in Pigs
Itin C, Komargodski R, Barasch D, Domb AJ, Hoffman A · 2021 · Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
doi.org/10.1016/j.xphs.2020.12.010 pubmed 33650272no claims checked
[19]
moderate
Pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, bioavailability, and excretion of nuciferine, an alkaloid from lotus, in rats by LC/MS/MS
Wang F, Cao J, Hou X, Li Z, Qu X · 2018 · Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy
doi.org/10.1080/03639045.2018.1483399 pubmed 29909691no claims checked

Claim Verification

No claim verification has run for this version.

Coverage & Gaps

effect links

28 links · 28 approved · 0 audited0/28 with evidence basis

Blue Lotus

Value Provenance

Dosing

smoked

Duration

oral

Safety

Toxicity Profiletrace →

Dependence Profiletrace →

Withdrawal Profiletrace →

Tolerance Profiletrace →

Effects & Profile

Contraindications

Dose Tier Summaries

History

Sources

Claim Verification

Coverage & Gaps

Toxicity Profiletrace

Dependence Profiletrace

Withdrawal Profiletrace

Tolerance Profiletrace