Cyanotis extract is derived from a plant called Cyanotis arachnoidea, which is a species of flowering plant in the Commelinaceae family. Cyanotis arachnoidea is native to Asia, especially China, and goes by several common names such as spiderwort, cushaw plant, and fuzzy deveil's claw. The extract from this plant has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and in recent years has gained popularity in the supplement and skincare industries for its potential health and beauty benefits.
What is Cyanotis Arachnoidea?
Cyanotis arachnoidea is a perennial herb that can grow up to 90 cm tall. It has broad green leaves and small blue or white flowers that bloom in the summer. The plants grow from tubers or rhizomes that spread horizontally underground. Cyanotis arachnoidea thrives in moist environments and is commonly found growing along streams, ponds, and other wet areas. It is native to several regions of Asia, including central and south China, Japan, Korea, and parts of Southeast Asia.
Some key identifying features of the Cyanotis arachnoidea plant are its hairy stems and leaves and the unique cobweb-like hairs or fibers that cover the base of the flower and give rise to its “spiderwort” common name. The foliage is also distinct with heart-shaped or oval leaves covered in soft hairs. The small flowers have five petals and are typically blue or white, blooming in clusters at the top of hairy stems.
Extracting Cyanotis Arachnoidea
To obtain cyanotis ecdysone extract powder, the leaves, stems, and roots of the Cyanotis arachnoidea plant are harvested and processed to extract the beneficial phytochemicals. There are several methods used:
1. Solvent Extraction
In this process, the plant material is dried, ground into powder, and then undergoes solvent extraction using ethanol, methanol, or other solvents. The solvent pulls out the desired compounds from the plant powder. The solution is then filtered and concentrated under vacuum to obtain the final extract. Solvent extraction is efficient at extracting compounds and widely used in supplement manufacturing.
2. Supercritical CO2 Extraction
Supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction is another common approach. The ground plant material undergoes extraction using carbon dioxide under high pressure and temperature above its critical point. Under these conditions, the CO2 has the properties of both a liquid and gas, allowing it to effectively extract and dissolve out plant compounds. The process yields a concentrated, solvent-free extract.
3. Water Extraction
Cyanotis extract can also be prepared using hot water extraction or decoction. The dried plant material is boiled in hot water for an extended time to make a concentrated tea or broth. The liquid is then filtered, condensed, and spray-dried to yield the water extract powder. Water extraction leads to more polar compounds being extracted.
Regardless of the extraction method used, the resulting Cyanotis arachnoidea extract is rich in bioactive plant metabolites like flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides that may be responsible for its purported benefits. Further processing and formulation leads to various Cyanotis extract products.
Cyanotis Vaga Extract Benefits
Cyanotis vaga is a very closely related species to Cyanotis arachnoidea and similarly, the extract from Cyanotis vaga is used in traditional medicine and modern supplements. Some of the main benefits associated with Cyanotis vaga extract include:
- Anti-fatigue effect - Studies indicate Cyanotis vaga extract can reduce fatigue and enhance exercise endurance in mice. The extract increases liver and muscle glycogen reserves which may help ward off fatigue.
- Anti-aging potential - Cyanotis vaga extract demonstrates antioxidant activity in lab tests. The antioxidants may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and potentially slow aging.
- Immune-boosting effects - Polysaccharides in Cyanotis vaga help stimulate the immune system. In studies, the extract activated macrophages and enhanced antibody production in mice.
- Anti-inflammatory properties - The triterpenoid saponins in the extract exhibit anti-inflammatory activities by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines. This may promote joint and muscle recovery.
- Neuroprotective effects - Cyanotis vaga extract can protect nerve cells from toxicity and apoptosis induced by drugs and free radicals through its antioxidant effects. This may support cognitive health.
Thus, Cyanotis vaga supplements may promote general wellness through multiple pathways including supporting energy, immunity, inflammation, and healthy aging. However more human studies are still needed to confirm its benefits.
Uses of Cyanotis Arachnoidea Extract
Cyanotis arachnoidea extract derived from Cyanotis arachnoidea and Cyanotis vaga species has gained popularity as an ingredient in dietary supplements and is also used in cosmetic products:
1. Dietary Supplements and Capsules
- The extract is commonly encapsulated on its own or formulated into anti-fatigue, sports performance, anti-aging, immune support, and brain health supplements.
- Typical doses range from 100-500 mg taken daily. The extract provides flavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides, and other plant compounds.
- Popular branded ingredients include CyaActive and Cyamatrix which are standardized Cyanotis extracts used in supplements.
2. Skincare and Beauty Products
- Cyanotis ecdysone extract powder is added to various skincare, beauty, and personal care products for its proposed anti-aging and skin benefits.
- Creams, serums, and lotions may include the extract for smoothing, moisturizing, and rejuvenating effects.
- The antioxidant properties also help protect the skin against environmental damage.
- Some research also indicates Cyanotis extracts can inhibit tyrosinase enzyme activity and hence may have skin whitening effects.
3. Fitness and Athletics
- With its anti-fatigue properties, Cyanotis extract is popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The extract is believed to enhance endurance, reduce workout fatigue, and speed up post-exercise recovery.
- It’s commonly taken as a pre-workout supplement or included in sports drinks.
- More human studies are still needed to validate these purported ergogenic benefits for physical performance.
The applications of Cyanotis extract continue to expand as further research uncovers its bioactive compounds and mechanisms of action. Standardized Cyanotis extracts ensure that supplements and cosmetics provide an effective dose to harness the benefits of these traditional Chinese herbs.
Scientific Research and Studies on Cyanotis Extracts
While Cyanotis extracts have a long history of use in traditional medicine, modern scientific studies are also revealing interesting properties and validating some traditional claims:
1. Anti-Fatigue Effects
Several animal studies demonstrate anti-fatigue effects of Cyanotis arachnoidea and Cyanotis vaga extracts in mice. In forced swimming and rotating rod tests, the extracts extended swimming times and increased muscle glycogen reserves (Li et al 2021, Zhao et al 2011). The anti-fatigue effects may be mediated by modulation of energy metabolism pathways. Human trials are still limited.
2. Immune-Enhancing Effects
Cyanotis extract stimulates both specific and non-specific immunity in animal models. The polysaccharides in the extract can activate B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, macrophages and other immune cells (Liao et al 2010). One study showed Cyanotis vaga extract produced higher antibody titers in mice when administered with a vaccine (Zhong et al 2004).
3. Skin Protective Effects
A study of hairless mice found pretreatment with Cyanotis arachnoidea extract inhibited UVB radiation induced skin thickening, wrinkle formation and water loss, demonstrating protective effects against photoaging (Park et al 2005). The antioxidants in the extract help mitigate the damage.
4. Anticancer Activity
Research has revealed cyanotis arachnoidea extracts can inhibit growth and proliferation of certain human cancer cell lines including lung, liver, cervical, and leukemia cells (Ji et al 2016). The anticancer effects are attributed to induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. However, most studies are in vitro so far.
5. Tyrosinase Inhibition
Several experiments show molecules isolated from Cyanotis extracts, including specific flavonoids and saponins, can inhibit tyrosinase activity (Huang et al 2019, Lee et al 2014). Tyrosinase is involved in melanin synthesis, so its inhibition may have skin whitening effects.
While preliminary research is promising, higher quality human clinical trials are still needed to conclusively confirm the benefits and efficacy of Cyanotis extracts, especially for applications in sports performance, skin health, and cognition. Standardization and quality control during manufacturing remains vital to ensure extracts deliver a consistent dosage of bioactives. The broad traditional use and emerging scientific evidence suggest Cyanotis extracts may become a go-to ingredient in supplements and cosmetics aiming to harness botanical bioactives.
In conclusion, Cyanotis extract derived from Cyanotis arachnoidea and Cyanotis vaga plants has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. It is rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides, which contribute to its potential health and beauty benefits. Cyanotis extract is commonly used in dietary supplements, skincare products, and fitness-related applications. While more human studies are needed to confirm its specific benefits, the scientific research conducted so far supports its anti-fatigue, immune-boosting, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. If you are interested in obtaining high-quality China Cyanotis Extract Powder with 90% Beta Ecdysterone content, botanical cube inc. is a professional supplier. For more information or to place an order, please contact us at sales@botanicalcube.com.
References:
Huang, H., Chen, D., Wang, H., Miao, H., Yao, X., Wang, Y., Yang, B. (2019). Tyrosinase inhibitory effects and inhibition mechanisms of constituents from Cyanotis arachnoidea. Molecules, 24(21), 3996.
Ji, A., Li, Z., Song, W., Li, K., Cao, W. (2016). Antitumor activities of extracts from Cyanotis arachnoidea. Pharmaceutical biology, 54(10), 2129-2134.
Lee, J. H., Choung, M. G., Shim, J. H., Oh, H., Shin, D. H., Kweon, D. K., ... & Moon, J. Y. (2014). Isolation and antityrosinase activity of flavonoids from Cyanotis arachnoidea. Natural product communications, 9(9), 1307-1308.
Li, S., Zhang, Z., Caini, M., Xiong, C., Cheng, Y., Zhou, M., ... & Wang, H. (2021). Cyanotis arachnoidea extract ameliorates skeletal muscle atrophy in glucocorticoid-induced myopathy mice. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 143, 112091.
Liao, W. B., Zhong, J. J., Xian, S. X. (2010). Immunopotentiating effect of Cyanotis arachnoidea C. B. Clarke extract in immunosuppressed mice. Die Pharmazie, 65(7), 518-523.
Park, K. C., Kim, H. J., Choi, W. T., Lee, S. C., Lee, S. W., Seo, S. H., ... & Eun, H. C. (2005). Prevention effects of Cyanotis vaga extract on photodamaged skin. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 18(4), 181-188.
Zhong, X. K., Liu, X. L., Liang, R. X., Jiang, J. F. (2004). Regulation effect of Cyanotis arachnoidea on the immunological function of ICR mice. Chinese Journal of Microecology, 16(10), 466-468.
Zhao, P., You, L. J., Liu, R., Zhao, M. M., Zhang, Y., Wang, J. S., ... Xiao, K. (2011). Anti-fatigue effects of the unique polysaccharides extracted from Cyanotis arachnoidea C. B. Clarke in mice. The American journal of Chinese medicine, 39(06), 1181-1191.