Lotus leaf extract is the dried leaf extract of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.), a plant of the water lily family, which contains a variety of biologically active components with a wide range of applications and a variety of efficacy. The following is a detailed analysis of lotus leaf extract:
1.Main components
Lotus leaf extract mainly contains the following categories of components:
Flavonoids: such as quercetin, kaempferol, rutin, quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, quercetin-3-propyl ester, isoquercitrin and chrysin. Flavonoids are scavengers of most oxygen free radicals, and have significant effects on the treatment of coronary heart disease, hypertension and other diseases, as well as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Volatile oils: mainly monoterpenes, saturated fatty acids, alkaloids and aliphatic hydrocarbons, the components include trans stigmasterol, trans isocitrulline, calamus oil terpenes and so on.
Organic acids: including tartaric acid, citric acid, malic acid, oxalic acid, gluconic acid, succinic acid, gallic acid and so on.
Other components: also contains β-sitosterol, carotene, β-carotene, tannins, saponins, steroids, vitamin C, lotus leaf polyphenols, proanthocyanidins, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, lotus leaf polysaccharides and antimitotic alkaline components.
2.The efficacy and function
Clearing heat and relieving heatstroke: the lotus leaf in the lotus leaf, citric acid, malic acid and other components have the effect of clearing heat and relieving heatstroke, suitable for the treatment of summer heat and thirst, summer dampness and diarrhea and other diseases.
Lowering blood lipids and cholesterol: the flavonoid components of lotus leaf have the effect of significantly lowering serum cholesterol (TC) and lowering serum triglycerides (TG) in hyperlipidemic rats, which helps to regulate cardiovascular diseases.
Antioxidant: Flavonoids in Lotus leaf extract is a potent antioxidant, which can scavenge free radicals in the body and slow down the aging process.
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory: Lotus leaf extract has an inhibitory effect on a variety of bacteria and fungi, such as Penicillium, yeast, Aspergillus niger and red yeast.
Weight loss: Lotus leaf extract can reduce the digestive capacity of the muscle, reduce the absorption of lipids and carbohydrates, strengthen the regulation of lipid metabolism and energy loss, thus effectively resisting obesity.
3.The field of application
Lotus leaf extract has a wide range of uses, mainly applied to the following industries:
Food industry: Due to its rich nutrition, fine powder, good fluidity and high dissolution rate, lotus leaf extract is a good food raw material, which can be used to make all kinds of food, drinks and other lotus leaf flavored products.
Pharmaceuticals and health care products: Lotus leaf extract has a variety of pharmacological activities, and can be used to develop medicines and health care products with the efficacy of lowering blood lipids, cholesterol, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
Cosmetics: The antioxidant components in lotus leaf extract can be used to make cosmetics with anti-aging, whitening and other effects.
4.Precautions
Dosage: The recommended dosage of lotus leaf extract is 3-9g (dried), while that of fresh product is 15-30g. The dosage of lotus leaf charcoal is 3-6g, but the specific dosage should be determined under the guidance of doctor according to the individual’s physical condition and medical condition.
Contraindications: Lotus leaf extract should be used with caution by the physically weak, those with cold spleen and stomach, pregnant women and children. Those who are allergic to lotus leaf should not take it.
Storage conditions: Lotus leaf extract should be stored in a ventilated and dry place to prevent moths.