Lotus Oil

Lotus Oil

Lotus Oil Benefits & Features

  • Nelumbo Nucifera, commonly known as Lotus, is an aquatic perennial plant cultivated in most provinces of China and even across many parts of the world. (Chun-Yun Zhang, 2020)
  • The flower of N. nucifera was primarily used for personal health care products, such as body lotions and bath soaps, or for producing scented substances in green tea. (Chun-Yun Zhang, 2020)
  • Many bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, lipids, glycosides, triterpenoids, vitamins, and carbohydrates have been isolated from several lotus organs like flowers.  (Xu Zhao, 2023)
  • Flavonoids are a group of plant polyphenols having promising potential in physiological efficiencies, such as antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.  (Xu Zhao, 2023)
  • Alkaloids possess antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and sedative effects.  (Xu Zhao, 2023)
  • Lipids, including fatty acids, phytosterols, and glycerides, possess anti-inflammatory effects and exert potential protective effects against Alzheimer’s disease etc. (Xu Zhao, 2023)
  • The lotus petals are utilised to impart a scent to tea leaves. Palmitic acid was analysed as a predominant component of lotus plumule oil. It is known to induce melanogenesis. (Songhee Jeon, 2009 )
  • The whole lotus plant was traditionally used as an astringent, emollient, and diuretic.  (Keshav Raj Paudel, 2015 )
  • The major essential oil components are extracted by the steam distillation method. The essential oil extract of lotus flowers increases melanogenesis, representing a potential use for photoprotection. (Songhee Jeon, 2009 )
  • The chemicals in essential oil from N. nucifera flower were the alkene aldehydes and alcohols, n-alkenes and n-alkanes. (Chun-Yun Zhang, 2020)
  • In the steam distillation method, two olefine aldehydes were found to be the major components of essential oil. (Chun-Yun Zhang, 2020)
  • The lotus flower & flower buds have been used to treat vomiting blood, bleeding caused by internal and external injuries, and various skin diseases and as a sedative and an anti-inflammatory agent in traditional Asian medicines. (Toshio Morikawa, 2016)
  • Flowers, with their parts or extracts, possess antimicrobial activities, vasodilating effects, antihypertensive and antiarrhythmic abilities, aphrodisiac activity, and antioxidant and free radical scavenging capacity. (Sheikh, 2014)
  • Lotus has been reported as a highly effective whitening & anti-wrinkling agent and hence is widely utilised in anti-ageing cosmetics preparations.  (Sable Namita V., 2014)
  • Research said the essential oil derived from an extract of the lotus flower, which included the petals and stamens, was effective in melanogenesis in human melanocytes. (Songhee Jeon, 2009 )
  • Linoleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid, reduces melanin contents in melanoma cells, whereas palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid, increases it. Thereby indicating that it may regulate melanin content. (Songhee Jeon, 2009 )
  • Lotus flower extracts are suggested to reduce the activity of sebum overproduction and help to balance sebum secretion. (T Mahmood, 2013)
  • Polyunsaturated fatty acids and incorporating zinc compounds may all contribute to reducing sebum secretions associated with pathophysiological conditions like acne. (T Mahmood, 2013)
  • Containing palmitic acid methyl ester-induced melanogenesis due to increased tyrosinase expression. Thus, the results suggest that lotus flower oil may help to develop grey hair prevention agents. (Songhee Jeon, 2009 )

Lotus Oil

Lotus Oil Benefits & Features Lotus Oil Info: Our Product with Lotus Oil Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Essential Oil Components: Geeky Research Finding: Lotus flower extract: Lotus flower extract in skincare: Lotus flower extract for acne: Lotus flower extract benefits for Dry skin: Lotus oil for hair: Uses of Lotus Essential oil: Precautions: Frequently Asked Questions:  Suggested Research Papers for Further Reading: References:

Lotus Oil Info:

INCI:  Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract

Synonyms: Lotus flower essential oil

CAS Number #: 85085-51-4 

CosIng information:

All Functions: Skin conditioning

Description: nelumbo nucifera flower extract is an extract of the flowers of Nelumbo Nucifera, Nymphaeaceae.

Aroma:  Vary from sweet and floral to slightly green & herbaceous, depending on the variety of lotus used & the extraction method.

Rosehip Seed

Nelumbo nucifera, commonly known as lotus, is an aquatic perennial plant cultivated in most provinces of China and even across many parts of the world. (Chun-Yun Zhang, 2020) Lotus is a perennial plant with both aerial and floating orbicular leaves. Flowers vary in colour from white to rosy and are pleasantly sweet-scented, solitary, and hermaphrodite. (Keshav Raj Paudel, 2015 ). It has mainly been used as an aquatic vegetable, and almost all parts of N. nucifera are instrumental in traditional herbal medicines or healthcare foods. The flower of N. nucifera was primarily used for personal health care products, such as body lotions and bath soaps, or for producing scented substances in green tea. Its medicinal value is rarely reported but considered associated with aromatherapy, e.g., treating respiratory problems. (Chun-Yun Zhang, 2020)

Nelumbo nucifera comes under the family Nelumbonaceae, which has various local tribal names (Indian lotus, bean of India, Chinese water lily, and sacred lotus) and several botanical names (Nelumbium nelumbo, N. speciosa, N. speciosum, and Nymphaea nelumbo). (Chun-Yun Zhang, 2020)

As far as history is concerned, this beautiful flowering aquatic plant has been honoured by three countries: China, India, and Egypt. Pictorial representation of the flower can be seen in the art of all these countries' cultures, symbolising perfection, purity, and beauty. Mostly, lotus plants are popular in Australia Pacific, China, India, Korea, and Japan. (Keshav Raj Paudel, 2015 )

Different parts and organs of lotus have been used to treat inflammation, cancer, skin diseases, nervous system disorders, leprosy, and poisoning. Many bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, lipids, glycosides, triterpenoids, vitamins, and carbohydrates have been isolated from several lotus organs. Flavonoids are a group of plant polyphenols having promising potential in physiological efficiencies, such as antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hemostatic effects. Alkaloids, a group of compounds containing basic nitrogen atoms in plants, have been found to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, sedative effects, etc. Lipids, including fatty acids, phytosterols, glycerides, and other esters present in food, also play physiological roles in the human body. Lipids possess anti-inflammatory effects and exert potential protective effects against Alzheimer’s disease etc. (Xu Zhao, 2023) (Keshav Raj Paudel, 2015 )

The seeds of the lotus are utilised in the management of a variety of conditions, including tissue inflammation, poisoning, cancer, and leprosy. The rhizomes have been shown to have antioxidant properties. The leaves are utilised to stanch bleeding in traditional Chinese medicine. The stamens of the lotus can be dried and made into a fragrant herbal Chinese tea, indicating antioxidant effects in kidney homogenates. The lotus petals are utilised to impart a scent to tea leaves. Palmitic acid was analysed as a predominant component of lotus plumule oil. It is known to induce melanogenesis. (Songhee Jeon, 2009 )

The bioactive constituents of lotus are mainly alkaloids and flavonoids. The whole lotus plant was traditionally used as an astringent, emollient, and diuretic.  (Keshav Raj Paudel, 2015 ) (Keshav Raj Paudel, 2015 ) (Xu Zhao, 2023) (Keshav Raj Paudel, 2015 )

The major essential oil components are extracted by the steam distillation method. The essential oil extract of lotus flowers increases melanogenesis, representing a potential use for photoprotection. (Songhee Jeon, 2009 )

Its lipid composition was assessed to verify the effective components of the lotus flower oil. It was found to be comprised of palmitic acid methyl ester (22.66%), linoleic acid methyl ester (11.16%), palmitoleic acid methyl ester (7.55%) and linolenic acid methyl ester (5.16%). (Songhee Jeon, 2009 )  (Keshav Raj Paudel, 2015 ) (Xu Zhao, 2023) (Keshav Raj Paudel, 2015 )

Our Product with Lotus Oil

LOTUS ESSENTIAL OIL


Potent source of Antioxidants, Flavonoids, and Polyphenol along with linoleic acid and protein, Rejuvenates & Revives Dehydrated, Dry & Sensitive skin. Antioxidants improve the skin's elasticity by protecting collagen & elastin from free radicals that damage the skin. Purifies the skin by extracting toxins from the pores and creating fresher skin. Anti-inflammatory properties heal skin problems like acne through its Astringent quality Nourishes Dry & Sensitive Skin.


PRO-VITAMIN B5-  


Excellent humectant, attracts moisture & profoundly hydrates the skin & improves softness & elasticity by balancing pH levels. Reducing TEWL (trans epidermal water loss) & protect skin from photo-aging damage. Accelerates resurfacing in the skin by renewing cell regeneration through nourishment & healing the facial inflammatory lesions by regulating hydration to improve the skin texture & soothe the skin from redness caused by acne & sunburn.

 

Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Essential Oil Components:

Essential oil components of Nelumbo nucifera flowers from cultivated and wild lotus samples were analysed and compared using three different extraction techniques, i.e., headspace extraction (HE), steam distillation (SD) and solvent extraction (SE). The major essential oil components are extracted by the steam distillation method. The solvent extraction method is different from steam distillation, and the Head extraction method demonstrated a possibility to be used simplest way for extracting the essential oil components from raw materials. (Chun-Yun Zhang, 2020)

To facilitate large-scale use of this plant material, including the cultivated material sources and multiple extraction methods is important to account for potential variation in the essential oil components. Therefore, the analysis of the essential oil components of N. nucifera flowers, including components extraction, separation and identification, and the comparison of the essential oil components extracted by different techniques. (Chun-Yun Zhang, 2020)

According to research work, the wild N. nucifera flower extracts using the three techniques, i.e., headspace extraction (HE), steam distillation (SD) and solvent extraction (SE), were analysed by GC-MS (one type of system) under the same operating conditions. (Chun-Yun Zhang, 2020)

It was found that the chemicals in essential oil from N. nucifera flower were the alkene aldehydes and alcohols, n-alkenes and n-alkanes, which were also reported on the essential oil components from other aromatic plant species, such as Osmanthus fragrans, Thymus vulgaris and Lavandula angustifolia. Among them, terpene aldehydes and alcohols were reported as common chemicals with promising bioactivities. Different chemical information, including composition and contents, was obtained from the three extraction techniques as follows…

 (Keshav Raj Paudel, 2015 ) (Xu Zhao, 2023) (Keshav Raj Paudel, 2015 )

Rosehip Oil Chemical Structure
Rosehip Oil Chemical Structure

No common component was found between the headspace extraction (HE) and solvent extraction (SE) methods except the 11 common components among the three extraction techniques. Steam distillation (SD) and Solvent extraction (SE), used as the conventional methods, can obtain more similar results in essential oil composition, and the headspace extraction (HE) method is preferable for components with relatively higher volatility. Unsurprisingly, the three ways resulted in different essential oil profiles in the extraction.

In the headspace extraction method, acetic acid had the most significant relative content of 38.1%, more likely due to its high volatility. While in the steam distillation method, two olefine aldehydes were found to be the major components of essential oil. However, in the solvent extraction method, the main components of essential oil were two olefine acids, i.e., n-hexadecanoic and octadecadienoic acid. (Keshav Raj Paudel, 2015 ) (Xu Zhao, 2023) (Keshav Raj Paudel, 2015 )

Overall, the Solvent extraction (SE) and Steam distillation (SD) methods are more suitable for achieving broader coverage of the essential oil components for both analytical and production purposes. In contrast, the Headspace extraction (HE) method is preferable for targeted analysis of highly volatile components. (Chun-Yun Zhang, 2020)

Therefore, N. nucifera flowers from different growing environments, i.e., cultivated and wild samples, showed differences in relative contents of essential oil but not in chemical components.  (Chun-Yun Zhang, 2020)     (Chun-Yun Zhang, 2020)

Geeky Research Finding:

Lotus flower extract:

The lotus flower, the flower buds of N. nucifera, has been used to treat vomiting blood, bleeding caused by internal and external injuries, and various skin diseases and as a sedative and an anti-inflammatory agent in traditional Asian medicines. The bioactive constituents from the flower buds of N. nucifera, are isolated several alkaloids, e.g., nuciferine (1), nornuciferine (2), N-methylasimilobine (3), asimilobine (4), pronuciferine (5), and armepavine (6), with melanogenesis inhibitory activities.As a result, the lotus flower is a possible cosmetic for skin whitening; there is a strong demand for efficient quality control measurements to ensure the authenticity and content of the active constituents in such products and to verify the labelled claims. (Toshio Morikawa, 2016)

Lotus flowers, floral parts or their extracts have also been used against many diseases like hypertension, cancer, weakness, body heat imbalance, consolidation of kidney function, male 

sexual disorders, syphilis, stopping bleeding, and eliminating stagnated blood. Flowers, with their parts or extracts, have been shown to possess antimicrobial activities, vasodilating 

effects, antihypertensive and antiarrhythmic abilities, aphrodisiac activity, and antioxidant and free radical scavenging capacity. (Sheikh, 2014)

Lotus flower extract in skincare:

Nelumbo nucifera has been used in herbal cosmetics as an active ingredient for ages. The roots, leaves, seeds, flower, stigma and stem have activities that can be used in cosmetics. Lotus has been reported as a highly effective whitening & anti-wrinkling agent and hence is widely utilised in anti-ageing cosmetics preparations. Several other cosmetically beneficial effects of lotus have also been reported. (Sable Namita V., 2014)

According to Research, the Whitening effect, anti-wrinkle effect and elastase inhibition assay of Nelumbo nucifera’s leaf, seed and flower extract was measured. The whitening effect of Nelumbo nucifera’s leaf, seed and flower extract was 59%, 57% and 50%, respectively; the anti-wrinkle result showed 56%, 49%, and 54% by leaf, seed and flower extract. Water cream, including 4% Nelumbo nucifera root, leaf, flower, and stem extract, did not cause significant skin irritation and was stable for 30 days under various temperature conditions. From the study, Nelumbo nucifera’s leaf, flower and seed extracts showed a strong possibility for whitening and anti-wrinkle functional cosmetic agent. (Tagon Kim, 2010)

Melanocytes perform a crucial role in photoprotection. Melanin is derived from tyrosine with oxidation by a series of enzymes, including tyrosinase, and is the major determinant of skin colour. Uneven skin colour, caused by hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, is stressful for many afflicted individuals. Research said the essential oil derived from an extract of the lotus flower, which included the petals and stamens, was effective in melanogenesis in human melanocytes. (Songhee Jeon, 2009 ) 

Among the lipid components, Linoleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid, has been shown to reduce melanin contents in melanoma cells, whereas palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid, increases it. Thereby indicating that it may regulate melanin content. (Songhee Jeon, 2009 )  Another invention was completed by confirming that they can be used to prevent or treat pigment-related skin diseases. (KR, 2008)

Besides, Alkaloids, Phenols and Flavonoids in flowers provide considerable antioxidant & effective antibacterial activity. (Venkatesh & Dorai, 2011 )

Lotus flower extract for acne:

Acne vulgaris is one of the leading ubiquitous diseases around the world. Sebaceous glands are related to this problem. Sebaceous glands are responsible for producing sebum, a product that is a mixture of lipids composed mainly of triglycerides, wax esters, squalene, free fatty acids and smaller amounts of cholesterol, cholesterol esters and diglycerides. Various hormones cause excessive sebum secretion. Acne forms mainly due to the peroxidation of squalene and a decrease in the level of the major sebum antioxidants. (T Mahmood, 2013)

Lotus flower extracts are suggested to reduce the activity of sebum overproduction and help to balance sebum secretion. Lotus flower extract had significant effects on improving the symptoms of acne vulgaris with various phytoconstituents, including alkaloids, steroids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, and polyphenols, as well as a variety of minerals such as zinc and a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory agent. (T Mahmood, 2013)

 

Polyunsaturated fatty acids and incorporating zinc compounds may all contribute to reducing sebum secretions associated with pathophysiological conditions like acne. The synergistic effect of the lotus appears due to its constituents which have potent anti-sebum secretion & anti-acne effects. (T Mahmood, 2013)

Lotus flower extract benefits for Dry skin:

Various skin care products and cosmetics have unnecessary harsh chemicals as their composition contents, ageing and more powerful environmental effects & free radicals attack that are responsible for skin dryness due to dispute skin-barrier function. The importance of natural skin care products, i.e., essential oils & extracts derived from herbs and medicinal plants, are preferred for use according to the different skin types and healing action.

 

The chemical constituents include alkaloids, steroids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, polyphenols, fatty acids and minerals such as zinc from Lotus flower extracts that make skin hydrated, UV rays protected, reduce inflammation, maintain skin barrier function and treat skin diseases. (T Mahmood, 2013)

These phytochemical substances, like flavonoids and many other phenolic components, have been reported as effective antioxidants, antibacterial, anti-inflammation, immune system promoting, and skin protection from UV radiation and free radical scavenging. (Duangjai Tungmunnithum, 2018)

Lotus oil for hair:

Lotus and the extract are rich in bioactive compounds from different organs of the lotus plant.  The structures and identities of flavonoids, alkaloids, and lipids in other parts of lotus and their biosynthesis were illustrated and updated.  (Xu Zhao, 2023) These phytochemical substances, like flavonoids and many other phenolic components, have been reported as effective antioxidants, antibacterial, and anti-inflammation. (Duangjai Tungmunnithum, 2018) These properties are suitable for scalp and hair growth.

Its lipid composition was assessed to verify the effective components of the lotus flower oil. It was found to be comprised of palmitic acid methyl ester (22.66%), linoleic acid methyl ester (11.16%), palmitoleic acid methyl ester (7.55%) and linolenic acid methyl ester (5.16%). Among these components, Linoleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid, has been shown to reduce melanin contents in melanoma cells, whereas palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid, increases it. Thereby indicating that it may regulate melanin content. (Songhee Jeon, 2009 )

Melanin is derived from tyrosine with oxidation by a series of enzymes, including tyrosinase, and is the major determinant of skin & hair colour. Grey hair colour caused stress for many afflicted individuals. Research said the essential oil derived from an extract of the lotus flower, which included the petals and stamens, was effective in melanogenesis in human melanocytes. (Songhee Jeon, 2009 )

Its lipid composition was found to be comprised of palmitic acid methyl ester (22.66%), linoleic acid methyl ester (11.16%), palmitoleic acid methyl ester (7.55%) and linolenic acid methyl ester (5.16%). Among these components, palmitic acid methyl ester-induced melanogenesis due to increased tyrosinase expression, thereby indicating that it may regulate melanin content. Thus, the results suggest that lotus flower oil may help to develop grey hair prevention agents. (Songhee Jeon, 2009 )

Uses of Lotus Essential oil:

Lotus essential oil is used in skin care products such as massage oils, bath soaps, body lotions and aromatherapy. In Aromatherapy, using essential oils by dry inhalation is very simple. Add a few drops of Lotus essential oil to clean tissue and deeply inhale the warm aromas for a few minutes.

Precautions:

Some precautions should be taken while using Lotus essential oil. The presence of phytochemicals in Lotus causes problems with the medications for high cholesterol, diabetes, cardiac or psychiatric conditions, and erectile dysfunction in patients. It is not recommended to use this oil by pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Before use, always take the doctor’s suggestion.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

1. What is lotus oil?

Lotus essential oil is one of the most expensive essential oils in the world because of the few raw materials and sophisticated extraction. The major essential oil components are extracted by the steam distillation method. Its properties provide extraordinary beneficial effects for our skin and hair.

2. What is lotus oil good for?

Research said the essential oil derived from an extract of the lotus flower, which included the petals and stamens, was effective in melanogenesis in human melanocytes. Melanocytes perform a crucial role in photoprotection. It can prevent or treat pigment-related skin diseases and grey hair. The synergistic effect of the lotus appears due to its constituents which have potent anti-sebum secretion & anti-acne effects. Lotus has been reported as a highly effective whitening & anti-wrinkling agent and hence is widely utilised in anti-ageing cosmetics preparations. Besides, Alkaloids, Phenols and Flavonoids in flowers provide considerable antioxidant & effective antibacterial activity.

3. What is blue lotus oil good for?

Instead of steam distillation like other Essential oils, Blue Lotus essential oil is extracted through solvent extraction. It is often used for making skin care products, perfumes, and incense. It has a light floral aroma with mild spicy components.

It acts as an aphrodisiac and euphoric and can be used medicinally as an emetic and analgesic (painkiller). The blue lotus flower is considered soporific (sleep-inducing), euphoric (mood-enhancing) and oneirogenic (dream-inducing).

It is mainly used for inducing lucid dreams, where you are in a dream, yet you remain (mostly) self-aware. 

It is widely used in Aromatherapy massage to calm the internal & external senses and uplift moods.

4. What does lotus oil smell like?

Vary from sweet and floral to slightly green & herbaceous, depending on the variety of lotus used & the extraction method.

5. What does lotus oil do for the skin?

According to research, Lotus flower extracts showed a strong possibility for whitening and anti-wrinkle functional cosmetic agent, increasing the skin's photoprotective action. With antioxidant, effective antibacterial & anti-inflammatory activity, it makes skin soft, hydrated, anti-acne & reduces sensitivity.

6. What is white lotus oil?

White lotus is an aquatic plant that extracts white lotus absolute oil through solvent extraction. It is enriched with soothing and relaxing properties; therefore, it is extensively used in massages, baths etc., to treat various ailments. It can clear up negative thoughts from the mind, which is a significant reason for mental exhaustion. It revitalises the body to live a healthy lifestyle. It is also used for massage & bath purposes. Its therapeutic benefits help in cooling, calming and soothing one’s mind, body & soul. 

7. How many types of lotus flowers?

According to colour, there are white, pink, blue, purple, & yellow colour varieties.  The white lotus is the most common type of lotus. 

There are three variations according to their use… rhizome lotus, seed lotus, and flower lotus.

8.Is lotus oil good for the face?

Yes, Lotus essential oil is good for the face, but before using, always do a patch test and dilute with face gel/ cream or mask.

9. Is lotus flower oil good for acne?

Polyunsaturated fatty acids and incorporating zinc compounds may all contribute to reducing sebum secretions associated with pathophysiological conditions like acne. The synergistic effect of the lotus appears due to its constituents which have potent anti-sebum secretion & anti-acne effects.

10. Is lotus an essential oil?

Nelumbo nucifera flower extract or Lotus oil is an essential oil.

Suggested Research Papers for Further Reading:

  • Xu Zhao, R. Z. ( 2023, January 27). Recent advances on bioactive compounds, biosynthesis mechanism, and physiological functions of Nelumbo nucifera. Food Chemistry. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.135581

  • Songhee Jeon, N.-H. K.-S.-Y.-Y. (2009 , Jul 31). Lotus (Nelumbo nuficera) flower essential oil increased melanogenesis in normal human melanocytes. Exp Mol Med, xxxxi(7), 517–524. doi: doi: 10.3858/emm.2009.41.7.057

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2721149/

  • Chun-Yun Zhang, M. G. (2020, September 16 ). Comparing Three Different Extraction Techniques on Essential Oil Profiles of Cultivated and Wild Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) Flower. Life, x(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/life10090209

References:

 

Sayontan Seth   |   Posted on October 20 2023

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