Description

Spiraea ulmaria, commonly known as meadowsweet or dropwort, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Rosaceae family, native to Europe and parts of Asia. The extract derived from its flowers is valued for its beneficial properties and is used in various applications.

Chemical Composition and Structure:

Key active compounds in Spiraea ulmaria flower extract include:

Salicylic Acid: An aromatic acid known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Flavonoids: Such as quercetin and rutin, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Tannins: Polyphenolic compounds with astringent and antimicrobial properties.
Saponins: Complex glycosides contributing to the extract’s therapeutic effects.
The chemical structure of salicylic acid, a major component, features a benzene ring with a hydroxyl group (–OH) and a carboxyl group (–COOH) attached.

Physical Properties:

Appearance: Usually a yellowish to light brown powder or liquid.
Odor: Slightly sweet and floral.
Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol.
pH: Generally slightly acidic, but can vary depending on the formulation.

Production Process:

Harvesting: The flowers of Spiraea ulmaria are collected during the blooming period, typically in summer.
Extraction: The flowers are dried and ground into a fine powder. Extraction is generally performed using solvents like ethanol or water, sometimes in combination to optimize the extraction of active compounds.
Purification: The extract is filtered to remove insoluble materials and concentrated to achieve the desired potency.
Standardization: The extract is standardized to ensure consistent levels of active compounds, particularly salicylic acid and flavonoids.
Formulation: The standardized extract is incorporated into various products.

Applications:

Cosmetics and Skincare: Used for its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties in skincare products to treat irritations, reduce redness, and improve skin appearance.
Pharmaceuticals: Incorporated into formulations for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
Herbal Remedies: Utilized in traditional medicine for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Environmental Impact: Sustainable harvesting of Spiraea ulmaria is crucial to avoid overexploitation and to preserve natural habitats. Organic cultivation methods are preferred to minimize environmental impact.
Safety: The flower extract is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic and medicinal products when used as directed. Individuals with allergies to aspirin or related compounds should exercise caution due to the salicylic acid content.

INCI


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.
Synonyms:

CAS: 84775-57-5 EC number 283-886-3