Cereus Grandiflorus Extract is a product of natural origin derived from a cactus known as the "Queen of the Night" and belonging to the Cactaceae family.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• Cereus Grandiflorus is the scientific name for a plant commonly known as the Night-blooming cereus. This cactus is renowned for its large, fragrant flowers that bloom only at night.
• Extract indicates that the product is a concentrated form obtained from processing parts of the Cereus Grandiflorus plant, which may include flowers, leaves, or the stem.

Industrial Production Process

Collection of plant material. Parts of the Cereus Grandiflorus plant, such as flowers, leaves, and sometimes the bark or twigs, are harvested, primarily during peak blooming periods or when the plant is richest in active ingredients.

Preparation. After harvesting, the plant material is cleaned and cut to facilitate the extraction process.

Extraction. The prepared material is immersed in a solvent such as ethyl alcohol or water to extract active compounds. Extraction can be performed using traditional methods like maceration or through more advanced techniques such as supercritical fluid extraction.

Filtration. After extraction, the extracted liquid is filtered to remove solid plant residues.

Concentration. The filtered extract is concentrated under vacuum to remove excess solvent and increase the concentration of active ingredients.

Quality control. The extract undergoes rigorous quality testing to verify the presence and concentration of bioactive compounds, ensuring purity and the absence of contaminants.

Storage. The extract is stored under optimal conditions to preserve its effectiveness until final use.

What it is used for and where

Thids product is used in cosmetic products for its moisturizing and regenerative properties. It is known to help hydrate and soothe the skin, making it particularly suitable for products aimed at dry or sensitive skin. The abundance of antioxidants found in the flowers also provides anti-aging benefits, helping to protect the skin from free radical damage and promote a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance.

Cosmetics - INCI Functions

• Antioxidant agent. Ingredient that counteracts oxidative stress and prevents cell damage. Free radicals, pathological inflammatory processes, reactive nitrogen species and reactive oxygen species are responsible for the ageing process and many diseases caused by oxidation.
• Cosmetic astringent. This ingredient exerts a direct effect on the skin by tightening dilated pores by contracting stratum corneum cells and removing superfluous oil.
• 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.
• 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    8007-78-1

EC number    232-364-3

Main uses and benefits of Cereus Grandiflorus Extract

Antioxidant Properties. Rich in antioxidants, it helps protect the skin from free radical damage and combats signs of premature aging.

Soothing Effects. It is known for its ability to soothe irritated skin, making it ideal for post-sun exposure products or for sensitive skin.

Hydration. Provides a mild level of hydration, helping to keep the skin soft and smooth.

Skin Regeneration. It stimulates cell regeneration, helping to improve the appearance of damaged skin and promote a more even and radiant complexion.

Purifying. It can help purify the skin by removing impurities and toxins, thereby improving skin clarity and overall health.

Versatile Applications. This powder can be incorporated into various cosmetic products, including facial masks, creams, lotions, and serums, leveraging its multiple skin care benefits.

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Rashmi, R., & Mishra, D. (2016). Pharmacognostical and phytochemical evaluation of Cactus grandiflorus (L.) Britton and Rose. Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy, 10(3), 167-171.

Abstract. Background: Cactus grandiflorus (L.) Britton and Rose, Family: Cactaceae is an evergreen shrub with creeping aerial roots, used in Homoeopathy for atheromatous arteries, angina pectoris, and constriction of heart muscles, endocarditis, and heart weakness due to arteriosclerosis. Flowering stems are used in the preparation of medicine. Objective: The pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies are carried out to facilitate identification of correct species and standardized raw materials. Materials and Methods: Pharmacognostic studies of stem of authentic samples of Cactus grandiflorus (L.) Britton and Rose have been carried out according to Trease and Evans, 1983, and Youngken 1959. To determine physicochemical constants, Indian Pharmacopoeia, 1970, was consulted and preliminary phytochemical properties were studied as per methods described by Trease and Evans, 1983. Results: Stem available in segments of variable length and thickness, roundish structure with 5 or 6 ridges and furrows with aerial roots, isodiametric cavities in cortex containing mucilage; aggregates of acicular and rhomboidal calcium oxalate crystals scattered in parenchymatous region are the key identification characteristic. Thin layer chromatography of chloroform extract of mother tincture reveals five spots with blue and violet colors. Conclusion: The macroscopic, microscopic, physicochemical, and phytochemical analysis of the authentic raw material were indicative to establish the standards for ensuring quality and purity of the drug.

(2) Bernardo J, Ferreres F, Gil-Izquierdo Á, Valentão P, Andrade PB. Medicinal species as MTDLs: Turnera diffusa Willd. Ex Schult inhibits CNS enzymes and delays glutamate excitotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells via oxidative damage. Food Chem Toxicol. 2017 Aug;106(Pt A):466-476. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2017.06.014. Epub 2017 Jun 9. PMID: 28606766.