Neferine ((R)-1,2-Dimethoxyaporphine), a natural component of Nelumbo nucifera, has antitumor efficiency. Neferine induces apoptosis in renal cancer cells. Neferine prevents autophagy through activation of Akt/mTOR pathway and Nrf2 in muscle cells. Neferine strongly inhibits NF-κB activation. Neferine possesses a number of therapeutic effects such as anti-diabetic, anti-aging, anti-microbial, anti-thrombotic, anti-arrhythmic, anti-inflammatory and even anti-HIV.