Honeysuckles (Lonicera, syn. Caprifolium Mill.) are arching shrubs or twining vines in the family Caprifoliaceae, native to the Northern Hemisphere, mainly in China. Widely known species include Lonicera periclymenum (European Honeysuckle or Woodbine), Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle, White Honeysuckle, or Chinese Honeysuckle) and Lonicera sempervirens (Coral Honeysuckle, Trumpet Honeysuckle, or Woodbine Honeysuckle). Hummingbirds are attracted to these plants because they have sweetly-scented, bell-shaped flowers that produce sweet, edible nectar, thus it is named honeysuckles. The name Lonicera stems from Adam Lonicer, a Renaissance botanist.
Honey Suckle Flower Extract is extracted from plant honeysuckle buds or flower, the main ingredient is chlorogenic acid.
Honeysuckle flower is a traditional Chinese medicine, distributed throughout China; has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying. Main treatment exogenous wind fever or febrile fever, heat stroke, heat-toxic blood dysentery, carbuncle swelling furuncle, laryngeal arthralgia, a variety of infectious diseases, It can also be used in skin care and makeup products.
The Function of Honeysuckle Extract
- Antibacterial and Antiviral
- Honeysuckle extract shows strong antibacterial activities. It can effectively inhibit the growth of many common pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. It disrupts the bacterial cell wall and membrane structure, interfering with their normal physiological functions. In addition to antibacterial effects, it also has antiviral properties. It can inhibit the replication of viruses such as influenza virus and herpes simplex virus. For example, it helps to prevent and treat respiratory tract infections caused by bacteria and viruses.
- Anti - inflammatory
- It has excellent anti - inflammatory effects. The extract can reduce the production of inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins and cytokines. By doing so, it can alleviate inflammation in the body. For example, in cases of sore throat and tonsillitis, it can reduce redness, swelling, and pain.
- Antioxidant
- Honeysuckle extract is rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids. These antioxidants can scavenge free radicals in the body, including superoxide anion radicals and hydroxyl radicals. By neutralizing free radicals, it helps to prevent oxidative damage to cells and tissues, and slows down the aging process.
The Application of Honeysuckle extract
- Medical Field
- Honeysuckle extract is widely used in both Chinese and Western medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is often used to treat fevers such as wind-heat colds and fever. In Western medicine, it is used as an important ingredient in the formulation of some anti-infective and anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition, it can be made into tablets, syrups or tinctures to relieve symptoms such as sore throat and cough, providing patients with effective treatment methods.
- Cosmetics Industry
- In view of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of honeysuckle extract, it is widely used in various products such as creams, lotions, and essences in the cosmetics industry. It helps to improve skin color, reduce skin inflammation, prevent skin aging, and enhance skin health and vitality. For example, adding honeysuckle extract to anti-acne products can effectively reduce the redness and inflammation caused by acne, providing a natural solution to skin problems.
- Food and Beverage Industry
- In the food and beverage industry, honeysuckle extract is used as a natural preservative and flavoring agent. It not only prolongs the shelf life of the product, ensures the stable quality of food and beverages, but also adds a pleasant floral flavor to the product. It is commonly found in herbal tea, soft drinks and some traditional Chinese desserts, bringing consumers a unique taste experience.
