Rosa Laevigata Fruit Extract is derived from the fruit of Rosa laevigata, commonly known as the Smooth Rose or the Rose of the China Sea. This rose species is native to East Asia and is known for its distinctive, smooth-skinned fruit. The extract is valued in cosmetic and skincare formulations for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties.
Chemical Composition and Structure:
The extract from Rosa laevigata fruit contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including:
Flavonoids: Such as quercetin and rutin, which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Phenolic Acids: Including caffeic acid and ferulic acid, which contribute to the extract's antioxidant properties and help in protecting the skin from oxidative stress.
- Triterpenoids: Such as ursolic acid and oleanolic acid, known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
- Saponins: Compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and skin-conditioning benefits.
- Carotenoids: Including beta-carotene, which offers antioxidant support and helps maintain skin health.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Essential nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin E, as well as minerals such as zinc, which are important for skin health.
These compounds typically feature aromatic rings for flavonoids and phenolic acids, and cyclic structures for triterpenoids and saponins.
Physical Properties:
Appearance: The extract is usually a dark reddish or brownish liquid, or it can be a powder, depending on the concentration and extraction method used.
Odor: It has a natural, slightly fruity aroma characteristic of rose fruits.
Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol-based solvents; generally insoluble in oils.
Production Process:
- Harvesting: The fruits of Rosa laevigata are harvested when ripe to ensure maximum concentration of active compounds.
- Extraction: The fruits are processed to extract their bioactive components. This may involve maceration in solvents like ethanol or water, or advanced techniques such as ultrasonic extraction or supercritical fluid extraction.
- Purification: The extract is purified to remove impurities and concentrate the active ingredients, typically through filtration and concentration processes.
- Formulation: The purified extract is incorporated into various cosmetic formulations or skin treatments, such as serums, creams, and masks.
Applications:
Cosmetics: Used in facial products such as anti-aging serums, moisturizing creams, and masks for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties.
Skincare: Beneficial for reducing signs of aging, soothing irritated skin, and enhancing overall skin appearance.
Haircare: May be included in shampoos and conditioners to provide moisturizing and conditioning benefits.
INCI Functions:
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.
Environmental and Safety Considerations:
Environmental Impact: The production of Rosa Laevigata Fruit Extract is generally sustainable if the fruits are cultivated responsibly and the extraction process is managed in an environmentally friendly manner.
Safety: Rosa Laevigata Fruit Extract is generally safe for topical use.
References__________________________________________________________________________
Li BL, Yuan J, Wu JW. A Review on the Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Rosa laevigata: A Medicinal and Edible Plant. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2021;69(5):421-431. doi: 10.1248/cpb.c20-00743.
Abstract. Rosa laevigata Michx., a medicinal and edible plant in China, has exerted a variety of medicinal values and health benefits. This present review aims to achieve a comprehensive and up-to-date investigation in the phytochemistry and pharmacology of R. laevigata. According to these findings in the literature, approximately 123 chemical ingredients covering triterpenoids, flavonoids, tannis, lignans and polysaccharides, have been characterized from various parts of this species. Among these isolates, 77 triterpenoids have been isolated and thus regarded as the primary and characteristic substance. Based on the chemical structures, most of the obtained triterpenoids can be classified into polyhydroxy triterpenoids and readily divided into four categories: ursane-type, oleanane-type, lupinane-type, as well as seco-triterpenoids. The crude extracts and the purified compounds have demonstrated various pharmacological effects in vitro and in vivo, such as antioxidant activity, immunomodulatory effect, anti-inflammatory effect, liver protection, kidney protection, cardiovascular protection, neuroprotective effect and improvement of diabetic cataract. Noticeably, these pharmacological results of R. laevigata provide evidences for its traditional uses. In addition, these different chemical ingredients existing in the title plant may have synergistic effects. In conclusion, the chemical profiles, including ingredients and structures, together with the modern pharmacological properties have been adequately summarized. These evidences have revealed this plant to be a valuable source for therapeutic foodstuff and more attention should be paid to a better utilization of this plant.
Choi SJ, Kim MJ, Heo HJ, Kim HK, Hong B, Kim CJ, Kim BG, Shin DH. Protective effect of Rosa laevigata against amyloid beta peptide-induced oxidative stress. Amyloid. 2006 Mar;13(1):6-12. doi: 10.1080/13506120500535636.
Abstract. The amyloid beta (Abeta) peptide is known to increase free radical production in nerve cells, leading to cell death. To investigate the effect of Rosa laevigata against Abeta-induced oxidative damage, in vitro assays and in vivo behavioral tests were performed. R. laevigata showed cell protective effects against oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity. MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) reduction assay exhibited significant increase in cell viability when rat pheochromocytoma (PC 12) cells were treated with R. laevigata extracts. Administration of R. laevigata extracts to mice significantly reversed the Abeta-induced learning and memory impairment in in vivo behavioral tests. These results suggest that R. laevigata extracts can reduce the cytotoxicity of Abeta in PC 12 cells, possibly by the reduction of oxidative stress, and these extracts may be useful in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
Zeng N, Shen Y, Li LZ, Jiao WH, Gao PY, Song SJ, Chen WS, Lin HW. Anti-inflammatory triterpenes from the leaves of Rosa laevigata. J Nat Prod. 2011 Apr 25;74(4):732-8. doi: 10.1021/np1007922.
Abstract. Bioassay-guided fractionation of an EtOAc extract of the leaves of Rosa laevigata afforded two new 19-oxo-18,19-seco-ursane-type triterpenes (1 and 3), a new ursane-type nortriterpene (2), a new ursane-type triterpene lactone saponin (4), and two new oleanane-type triterpenoids (5 and 6), together with eight known triterpenoids (7-14). Compound 1, a 19-oxo-18,19-seco-28-norursane, possesses a conjugated diene between C-12 and C-17. Several of the isolated compounds (1, 5, 7, 11, and 13) exhibited moderate activities in anti-inflammatory assays in vitro.
