The Benefits of Fruit Extract

Fruit extracts are ideal ingredients to add natural vitamins, minerals and nutrients into cosmetic recipes. They are water-soluble and blend well with your finished product.

Monk fruit extract (Siraitia grosvenorii) has been found to be Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA.

Please do a skin test before using this ingredient.

Minerals

Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances that form the solid elements of rocks and soil. They are homogenous in composition, have a definite chemical structure and a highly ordered atomic arrangement that gives them a distinct external shape called a crystal form. Minerals also exhibit some physical properties that are unique to minerals, such as their resistance to corrosion and their ability to conduct electricity.

Some minerals, such as feldspar and mica, are used to make ceramic tiles and glass. Others, such as quartz and stishovite, are used to make gemstones and teeth. The term mineral may also be applied to some crystalline organic compounds such as coal, diamonds and graphite. The term mineral can also be applied to some amorphous natural solids such as glass and opal, but these are more correctly referred to as mineraloids.

The minerals that are essential to human health are called major minerals fruit Extract (macrominerals) and trace minerals (microminerals). Minerals help maintain proper fluid balance, nerve transmission and muscle contraction. They are found in foods such as table salt, soy sauce, and processed meats; and in small amounts in milk, breads and vegetables.

The mineral content of food is affected by the type of plant, the soil and the growing conditions. This is why a variety of different foods from all food groups is important for a well-balanced diet. The minerals in our bodies are supplied mostly by food, and for best results it is important to avoid processed foods and eat unprocessed, fresh produce. The mineral content of foods can also be affected by cooking, storage, and preparation methods. The current ‘Guidance for submissions for the authorisation of new food additives’ and the EFSA Scientific Committee Guidance on the safety assessment of botanicals and botanical preparations have been followed by the Panel for the evaluation of Monk fruit extract.

Antioxidants

Many fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, which are substances that protect the body from damage. They neutralize free radicals, which are byproducts of normal bodily processes and exposure to toxins such as cigarette smoke and UV light from sunlight. Free radicals can lead to oxidative stress, which may contribute to heart disease, cancer and other conditions. Antioxidants include vitamins C and E, carotenoids and flavonoids. They are found mainly in plant-based foods, especially berries, tomatoes, carrots, kale and green tea. They are also available as supplements and in some cosmetic products.

Studies suggest that lycopene, an antioxidant in watermelon fruit extract, has skin-protecting properties. It decreases inflammation, promotes cell renewal and inhibits DNA damage caused by UV rays. Watermelon fruit extract is used in skin care products because of its hydrating and anti-aging effects. It is rich in vitamin C and contains alpha hydroxy acids, which can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, brighten the skin and improve complexion.

A variety of natural substances, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, lignans and alkaloids, have cytotoxic (killing) effects against tumor cells and may be effective in preventing or treating certain cancers. They are often used in conjunction with conventional treatments, such as surgery and radiation therapy.

While antioxidants can be found in supplements, it is best to get them from whole foods, such as a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables. Always consult your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you have a medical condition. Some antioxidants can interfere with medications or have side effects. Also, it is important to take them in combination with other nutrients. For example, vitamin C is needed to absorb selenium and copper.

Anti-inflammatory

Adding anti-inflammatory foods to your diet can help restore cellular health and balance the immune system. Inflammation is caused by oxidative stress and the accumulation of free radicals, which can cause damage to cells and tissue. The best way to fight inflammation is by eating foods that contain antioxidants, which can help to neutralize free radicals. Fruits are rich in natural anti-inflammatory nutrients, including vitamins C and E and polyphenols. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that can protect against cell damage and reduce the risk of cancer.

The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) has established that Monk fruit extracts with 25% or 55% content of mogroside V (Go-Luo(r)-25 or Go-Luo(r)-55) are safe for use as flavourings fruit Extract in foods. Monk fruit extracts with the different mogroside V concentrations were tested in the bacterial reverse mutation assay and did not induce structural or numerical chromosomal mutations.

Kiwi and pomegranate plant extracts have been shown to exhibit anti-proliferative activities in leukemia cell lines. Mixtures of two extracts have been shown to exert stronger anti-proliferative activity. In addition, encapsulated Garcinia mangostana (guabiroba) fruit extract in PLGA nanoparticles displayed enhanced cytotoxic activities compared to encapsulated in methylcellulose particles.

The anti-inflammatory properties of fruits can be attributed to their high content of polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, and alkaloids. Polyphenols, such as catechin and quercetin, are known to act as a natural antioxidant, and scavenge free radicals. Other phenols, such as kaempherol, myricetin, and quercitin, also have antioxidant properties. Other polyphenols, such as oleanolic acid and betulinic acid, have been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Other phytochemicals, such as the alkaloids matrine and sanguinarine, have been reported to have anti-proliferative activity.

Anti-aging

Several of the active compounds in fruit extracts have been found to be effective in preventing and/or postponing the aging process. These active components include polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenes. Polyphenols such as catechin and quercetin exhibit antioxidant, lipid-lowering, antiproliferative, and anticancer properties. Polyphenolic compounds such as squalene, oleanolic acid, ellagic acid, betulinic acid, lupeol, and lanosterol also have cytotoxic activity. In addition, flavonoids such as kaempherol, quercetin, and rutin have been shown to possess cytoprotective properties. Alkaloids such as asmatrine also have anticancer properties.

During the aging process, the skin loses its natural radiance and firmness. Many powder fruit extracts help slow down this aging process and promote healthy, vibrant skin by preventing dryness and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. They also help to balance the skin tone and even out suntans, hyperpigmentation and other types of discoloration. They also regulate oil production, remove blackheads, and soothe irritated skin.

Many skincare and cosmetic companies incorporate fruit extracts in their products due to their powerful anti-aging and rejuvenating properties. The main reason is that fruit extracts contain naturally occurring Alpha Hydroxy acids (AHA’s) which are believed to revitalize the skin by dissolving dead skin cells and assisting in minimizing imperfections and promoting vibrant, glowing, youthful looking skin.

Monk fruit extract has been deemed safe for use as an ingredient in food by the EFSA ANS Panel after following the ‘Guidance for submission for assessment of novel foods and their ingredients’ (EFSA ANS Panel, 2012). The monk fruit extract was assessed according to the ‘Guidance for evaluation of the safety of additives based on the toxicity database’ and found to be of ‘low concern’.