Edelweiss extract

Edelweiss (Leontopodium Alpinum) is not only the symbol of the Alps but has also become famous for its beauty, rarity, and exciting properties as an effective anti-oxidant. The Edelweiss developed protective metabolites that nature has optimized over thousands and thousands of years during evolution. These compounds have useful skin-protecting properties.

In traditional Alpine medicine, Leontopodium alpinum was used to treat diarrhea and dysentery and as an astringent and tonic against coughs and diphtheria. Traditional German names “strahlendes Ruhrkraut” (“radiant dysentery herb”) and “ Bauchwehblume” (“stomach ache flower”) refer to these indications. The use of edelweiss in breast cancer treatment is mentioned, but its action is probably limited to exerting a soothing effect on irritated skin. In the Tyrol, edelweiss ointments were used against rheumatic pain. Another species, Leontopodium haplophylloides, has been used in traditional Tibetan medicine. Bactericidal flavonoids such as galangin have been isolated.

Leontopodium Alpinum extract is derived from organically cultivated Edelweiss flowers grown at high altitudes in the Swiss Alps. There is an environmental impact on the wild stands of the rare protected plant. Plant-derived glycerin is used as the carrier, which provides a well-defined HPLC. Scientific studies revealed free radical scavenging, enzyme inhibitory properties, and soothing benefits of Edelweiss extract.

Leontopodium Alpinum extract exhibits high-performance antioxidant and radical-scavenging properties. The effects of phenolic acids derived from hydroxy-cinnamic acids, such as chlorogenic acid, are potentialized by tannins (inhibition of lipid peroxidation, free radical scavengers, and superoxide ion formation inhibitors, leading to increased type III collagen protection). In addition, the compounds contained in edelweiss display enzyme-inhibiting properties. They have, for example, been shown to inhibit hyaluronidase, 5-lipoxygenase, and elastase activation.