To investigate anti-diabetic component from the node of lotus rhizome (Nelumbo nucifera; Nymphaeaceae), activity guided isolation was conducted. One amino acid was isolated from active fraction of the aqueous methanolic extract. The structure of this compound was identified as tryptophan (1) by the analysis of spectroscopic evidences and comparisons with the data of authentic samples. Tryptophan reduced the blood glucose level significantly in glucose-fed hyperglycemic mice compared with glucose-treated group and exhibited 44.3% of activity compared with tolbutamide,.