Research lauds Chinese “king of flowers” as metabolite resource with antioxidant benefits

06 Sep 2022 --- The Paeonia lactiflora flower may have applications in nutraceuticals and functional cosmetics, according to a study carried out by researchers in China. The researchers found a total of 1102 metabolites in the plant traditionally used in Chinese medicine.

In recent years, there has been growing evidence that P. lactiflora flowers possess not only ornamental and edible applications but also present high nutritional value and healthcare function with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

Antioxidant activity, a significant function of P. lactiflora flowers, is closely related to the prevention and treatment of skin photoaging, age-related diseases, cancer and diabetes mellitus.

“As the most important functional demand in the market, antioxidant activity has always been the research hotspot in food, drug, health product and cosmetic industries,” the study states.

The research was funded by the Open Research Fund Program of Institute of cosmetic regulatory science, Beijing Technology and Business University. 

P. lactiflora flowers possess high nutritional value and healthcare function with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties (Credit: Beijing Technology and Business University). Natural biofunctions 
In this study, the 1102 metabolites that were detected could be categorized into more than ten different classes, including 249 flavonoids, 190 phenolic acids, 156 lipids, 106 amino acids and derivatives and75 organic acids. 

Additionally, 73 saccharides and alcohols, 60 nucleotides and derivatives, 52 alkaloids, 46 tannins, 43 terpenoids, 15 lignans and coumarins, one steroid and 36 other metabolites were identified.

Oxidative stress is the main culprit of most cosmetic and dermatological problems, so supplementing the skin and body with antioxidants is considered the best approach for both preventative and therapeutic treatments, found a separate study.

“The application of P. lactiflora flowers has been restricted because its nutritional values and functional active ingredients have not been explored in depth. Until now, only a few kinds of metabolites of petals and stamens have been investigated,” the study underpins.

Skin health 
Flavonoids are natural substances found in fruits, vegetables, grains, bark, roots, stems and flowers and are well known for their health benefits. 

Apart from the flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins and alkaloids are also dominant antioxidant substances in P. lactiflora flowers.

Some highly accumulated compounds are shown to possess beneficial bioactivities that possess antioxidant and anti-melanin production activities. 

Both arbutin and its derivatives 6’-p-coumarylarbutin have a strong inhibitory effect on human tyrosinase activity and arbutin is commonly used as a powerful skin whitening agent in cosmeceuticals.

In addition, camelliaside A can relieve burns by inhibiting inflammation and enhancing collagen synthesis, showing evident neuroprotective activity.

“The formation of stamen petaloid tissue has determined the enrichment of crucial bioactive components and the higher pharmaceutical activities, revealing that the stamen petaloid tissue may become a preferable pharmacologically active resource,” the study states.

Edited by Radhika Sikaria