Echinacea Angustifolia Root Extract is a naturally derived compound from the plant Echinacea Angustifolia belonging to the Asteraceae family.
Industrial Production Process
The production of Echinacea Angustifolia root extract, a plant known for its immunostimulating properties and used in dietary supplements and herbal products, follows an extraction process that aims to preserve the active ingredients of the plant. Here is a detailed overview of the process.
- Harvesting. The roots of Echinacea Angustifolia are harvested, preferably from plants that are 3 to 4 years old, when the content of active ingredients, such as polysaccharides and alkylamides, is highest. The roots are then cleaned and cut into pieces or dried.
- Extraction. Echinacea Angustifolia root extract is obtained using solvents, such as ethanol or water, to extract the bioactive compounds from the root. The extraction process can vary in terms of temperature, time, and solvent/plant material ratio, depending on the specific method used.
- Filtration. After extraction, the obtained solution is filtered to remove root solid residues. The filtered solution can then be concentrated under vacuum to remove some of the solvent and increase the concentration of active ingredients.
- Purification. In some cases, further purification may be necessary to remove impurities or to isolate specific bioactive compounds. This can include techniques such as chromatography.
- Quality Control. The Echinacea Angustifolia root extract undergoes quality control checks to verify the presence and concentration of active ingredients, as well as the absence of contaminants. These tests can include spectroscopic, chromatographic, and microbiological analyses.
Form and Color. Echinacea Angustifolia root extract typically appears as a dark brown liquid or as a fine brown powder, varying depending on the extraction method and concentration.
What it is for and where
Cosmetics - INCI Functions
Hair conditioning agent. A significant number of ingredients with specific and targeted purposes may co-exist in hair shampoo formulations: cleansers, conditioners, thickeners, matting agents, sequestering agents, fragrances, preservatives, special additives. However, the indispensable ingredients are the cleansers and conditioners as they are necessary and sufficient for hair cleansing and manageability. The others act as commercial and non-essential auxiliaries such as: appearance, fragrance, colouring, etc. Hair conditioning agents have the task of increasing shine, manageability and volume, and reducing static electricity, especially after treatments such as colouring, ironing, waving, drying and brushing. They are, in practice, dispersants that may contain cationic surfactants, thickeners, emollients, polymers. The typology of hair conditioning agents includes: intensive conditioners, instant conditioners, thickening conditioners, drying conditioners. They can perform their task generally accompanied by other different ingredients.
Nail Conditioning agent. It is an agent that creates protection against harmful or chemical substances by strengthening the nail structure against external elements and can repair any chipping, cracking or brittle nails. It helps keep the nail's outer layer and keratin protein in good condition. It can also prevent cracking and peeling of the nail.
Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.
CAS 84696-11-7
EC number 283-631-6
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Echinacea Angustifolia, also known as narrow-leaved coneflower, is a perennial plant in the Asteraceae family. Native to North America, it is well-known for its medicinal properties, particularly for boosting the immune system.
Chemical Composition
The plant contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including alkylamides, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds, which provide immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
Activities.
Extracts of Echinacea Angustifolia have shown significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Research has highlighted its potential in enhancing immune response and reducing inflammation.
Therapeutic Potential.
Traditionally, Echinacea Angustifolia has been used to treat colds, flu, and other respiratory infections, as well as being used to strengthen the body's natural defenses.
Applications.
Extracts of Echinacea Angustifolia are used in the production of dietary supplements and pharmaceutical products due to their health-beneficial properties. They are also used in the cosmetic industry for their beneficial skin properties.
