Plant extracts

A series of metabolic biochemical processes have been carried out during plant growth, forming and accumulating a variety of chemical substances that constitute the chemical constituents of plants. Plant extracts are complex, and there are many types of chemical components, and the composition of different parts is different. General plants contain the following types of chemical constituents: alkaloids, glycosides, organic acids, resins (including resin acids, resin alcohols, and resinous hydrocarbons), volatile oils, sugars (including starch, inulin, gums, and mucilage). , amino acids, proteins and enzymes, tannins, plant pigments (including chlorophyll, carotene, flavonoids, beetroots and terpenoids), oils and waxes, and inorganic components (trace elements). There are many kinds of plant extracts, and its main functions in skin medicines, curative cosmetics and cosmetics include: anti-irritation, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, anti-infection, sterilization, moisturizing, and protecting the skin. Whether it is a single plant extract or a compound extract, its efficacy is often varied. In particular, the clinical efficacy of the compound extract is reflected in the comprehensive effect and overall effect of the compound compatibility, and its efficacy is sometimes more effective than separation and purification. The composition of the ingredients is effective. The plant extracts according to the dosage form can be divided into: water-soluble plant extracts (including water and extracts of propylene glycol, propylene glycol, butanediol and glycerin), oil-soluble plant extracts (including various vegetable oils such as sunflower oil, coconut oil, olives). Oil extract, sometimes using nutmeg isopropyl ester extract), essential oil, spray-dried dry powder, enzymatic hydrolyzed vegetable protein powder, pure active ingredient, dried powder of peeled fruit core, liposome-encapsulated microcapsule, polysaccharide Or other polymer-encapsulated microcapsules and extracts absorbed by porous microspheres, and the like. Freshly prepared fruit or vegetable juices are also used in professional beauty salons or in home beauty. Plant extracts use different plant parts and different active ingredients, including: roots, stems, leaves, skins, flowers, corollas, fruits, seeds and shoots. This classification method is more meaningful in the preparation, use, storage and transportation, and some plant extract manufacturers use it more. With the development of the extraction and separation of the active constituents of medicinal plants, the determination of their composition and structure, and the study of pharmacological effects, some isolated and purified plant extracts have begun to receive attention. Some companies that produce plant extracts are actively researching and developing such new products. Some large cosmetic companies have also carried out a lot of research work to separate and prepare pure extracts and apply them to various products. These plant extracts have high active ingredients, no or little other unrelated substances, one or several relatively pure components, accurate component content and structure, and relatively clear quality standards and tests. Methods, products have undergone pharmacological testing, clinical trials and activity tests. The use of such plant extracts is more effective and practical, facilitating product preservation and quality control, but at a higher cost than using general extracts. Some of the isolated and purified plant extracts that are used in cosmetics and that have a clear understanding of their composition and structure are discussed below. China's plant extract industry has a unique development advantage due to the influence of traditional Chinese medicine culture. With its abundant resource advantages and technological advantages, China has become one of the most important suppliers of plant extracts in the world. According to China Customs statistics, in 2010 China's export of plant extracts reached 815 million US dollars, accounting for 41.9% of China's total exports of Chinese medicine. Extract products have become the main driving force for China's Chinese medicine export growth. At present, there are more than 2,000 companies engaged in the production and trade of plant extracts in China, and thousands of products are exported abroad each year. The data shows that in the first half of 2011, the export value of plant extracts in China was 525 million US dollars, up 47.68% year-on-year, and the proportion of plant extracts in the export of traditional Chinese medicine products gradually increased. As a product of "natural medicine" and "homeopathic", plant extracts have a very stable market in the international market.