Substances
Nuciferine — Compound Profile
Nuciferine 2D structure of Nuciferine (C19H21NO2) — source: PubChem CID 10146 Chemistry CID: 10146 · PubChem Formula: C19H21NO2 Molecular weight: 295.4 g/mol IUPAC: (6aR)-1,2-dimethoxy-6-methyl-5,6,6a,7-tetrahydro-4H-dibenzo[de,g]quinoline CAS: 475-83-2 Family & pharmacology Family: Aporphine alkaloid Pharmacological class: Dopamine receptor modulator (documented D2 antagonist activity); also reported interactions with serotonin (5-HT2A) and adrenergic receptors in in-vitro studies Natural source: Occurs primarily in the leaves and flowers of Nymphaea caerulea (Egyptian blue lotus) and Nelumbo nucifera (sacred lotus). Present alongside related aporphines such as apomorphine and nornuciferine. Historical context Nuciferine is one of the principal alkaloids in Nymphaea caerulea, the blue water lily that played a central role in ancient Egyptian religious, funerary and symbolic life. Though the compound itself was only isolated and characterised in the 20th century, the plant containing it has one of the longest continuous documented ceremonial records of any psychoactive botanical, stretching from Pharaonic Egypt through classical antiquity into modern ethnobotany. Traditional use Referenced in the Ebers Papyrus (c. 1500 BC), one of the oldest surviving medical texts, among roughly 800 botanical recipes of ancient Egypt (Ancient Origins; Bertol et al. 2004). Depicted in the Egyptian Book of the Dead and in the Book of the Dead of Hunefer as part of afterlife and rebirth imagery — the flower's daily cycle (opening around 9:30 AM, closing around 3:00 PM) mirrored the solar journey and became a symbol of resurrection. Found in Tutankhamun's tomb on a gold-plated shrine showing the pharaoh holding a giant Nymphaea alongside two mandragora fruits, a pairing that has been interpreted as evidence of deliberate combination of psychoactive botanicals (Bertol et al. 2004). Shown in the Tomb of Nebamun (Dynasty XVIII, Thebes; British Museum) in ritual dance and banquet scenes, with garlanded women and vases emitting 'golden emanations', and in the Turin Papyrus in the context of temple wine cults restricted to priests and royalty. Historically attributed with aphrodisiac properties and traditional use for pain, low mood, anxiety, digestive upset and sleeplessness — these are historical attributions, not modern medical claims. Modern re-emergence Nuciferine was isolated from Nelumbo nucifera in the early-to-mid 20th century and has since been studied in pharmacological research for its dopamine D2 antagonist profile, with additional published work exploring serotonergic binding and metabolic effects. Interest in Nymphaea caerulea preparations has grown again through the ethnobotanical and smartshop scene in Europe, where the flower is sold as a traditional botanical rather than a pharmaceutical product. Safety Pharmacological literature (PubChem, published in-vitro studies) describes nuciferine as a dopamine D2 antagonist with additional receptor activity; this profile suggests a meaningful potential for interaction with dopaminergic, serotonergic and antipsychotic medications. Data on isolated nuciferine in humans is limited — most human experience is with whole Nymphaea caerulea flower preparations, where alkaloid content varies between batches. Combinations with other CNS-active substances are not well characterised. Not suitable during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or alongside psychiatric medication without professional guidance. amama POV Sourcing: amama does not sell isolated nuciferine. The compound reaches our customers exclusively through whole Nymphaea caerulea flower, sourced from established partner farms in Egypt and Thailand where the plant has a long cultivation history. We focus on whole-flower and properly dried petal material rather than concentrated alkaloid extracts. Quality measures Every batch of blue lotus flower is lab-tested for pesticides, heavy metals and microbiological load before it reaches the shelf Certificate of Analysis available on request for each batch Visual and organoleptic checks on arrival — intact petals, characteristic colour, clean aroma — before the batch is released Stored cool, dark and dry in sealed packaging to protect the alkaloid fraction (including nuciferine and apomorphine) from oxidation and UV degradation Batch traceability from partner farm to store shelf, so any lot can be tracked back to its origin harvest Experience: amama has carried blue lotus since 2021 across both Berlin stores and amama.space. Because we operate two physical shops in Neukölln, the team hears real-time qualitative feedback in person every day — depth that online-only sellers simply do not have access to through short reviews and emails. Customer feedback: Customers tell us in the store that blue lotus is most often used as a gentle evening tea or in tinctures, and the questions we hear in person regularly are about combining it with cannabis or wine (historical Egyptian pairing) and about the difference between whole flower and concentrated extracts — nuances that almost never show up in written reviews. Explore further Blue Lotus — the complete guide — pillar article on effects, history and sourcing Apomorphine — Compound Profile — the related aporphine alkaloid, often confused with nuciferine Blue Lotus at amama — whole flower, tinctures and extracts, lab-tested Sources PubChem CID 10146 — Nuciferine Wikipedia — Nuciferine Wikipedia — Nymphaea caerulea Ancient Origins — Blue Lotus: The Ancient Egyptian Dream Flower Bertol, E., Fineschi, V., Karch, S. B., et al. (2004). Nymphaea cults in ancient Egypt and the New World. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 97(2), 84–85. Ebers Papyrus (c. 1500 BC, primary historical source) Farrell, M. S., McCorvy, J. D., Huang, X.-P., et al. (2016). In vitro and in vivo characterization of nuciferine. PLOS ONE, 11(3), e0150602. Haddad, C. G. (2021). Uppsala University thesis on ritualistic use Hammond, C. (2021). Blue Lotus: The Ancient Egyptian Dream Flower
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