Description

Spiraea ulmaria, commonly known as Dropwort or meadowsweet, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Rosaceae family, native to Europe and parts of Asia. The extract obtained from the leaves of Spiraea ulmaria is valued for its beneficial properties and is used in a variety of products.

Chemical Composition and Structure:

Key active compounds in Spiraea ulmaria leaf extract include:

Salicylic Acid: An aromatic acid with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, though present in lower concentrations compared to the flowers.
Flavonoids: Such as quercetin and rutin, which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Tannins: Polyphenolic compounds that offer astringent and antimicrobial properties.
Saponins: Complex glycosides with 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: Typically a light brown powder or a light brown liquid.
Odor: Herbaceous and slightly earthy.
Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol.
pH: Generally slightly acidic, but can vary depending on the specific formulation.

Production Process:

Harvesting: The leaves of Spiraea ulmaria are collected during the plant's active growing season, typically in spring or summer.
Extraction: The leaves are dried and ground into a fine powder. Extraction is performed using solvents such as ethanol, water, or a combination of both to obtain the 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, improve skin texture, and reduce redness.
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 leaves is crucial to prevent overexploitation and preserve natural habitats. Organic cultivation methods are preferred to minimize environmental impact.
Safety: The leaf 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 presence of salicylic acid.

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