Fragrant Waterlily Root Extract
Also known as: Fragrant Waterlily, American White Waterlily, Fragrant Waterlily Root Extract, Nymphaea odorata
Overview
Fragrant Waterlily Root Extract is derived from the rhizomes (roots) of *Nymphaea odorata*, an aquatic herbaceous plant native to North America. Traditionally used in herbal applications and increasingly in cosmetics, particularly hair care, this extract is recognized for its potential to improve hair manageability and offer protection against environmental pollutants. The extract contains various bioactive phytochemicals, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which are believed to contribute to its antioxidant and protective effects. While its use in traditional medicine is noted, scientific research specifically on Fragrant Waterlily Root Extract is limited but emerging. Current evidence, primarily from in vitro and small-scale human studies, suggests benefits in cosmetic applications. However, there is a notable absence of large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or systematic reviews, indicating that the overall quality of evidence for its broader health claims is currently low to moderate.
Benefits
The primary evidence-based benefit of Fragrant Waterlily Root Extract is in hair care. A small controlled study (n=20) demonstrated that shampoo containing 1% Water Lily Root Extract significantly improved hair combability, detangling, and overall hair quality compared to a placebo. This suggests enhanced hair manageability and reduced frizziness, likely due to the extract's ability to form a protective barrier on hair fibers and reduce damage from urban pollution. The strength of this evidence is moderate, limited by the small sample size and lack of blinding in the study. While direct evidence for antioxidant activity of *Nymphaea odorata* is lacking, related species like *Nelumbo nucifera* (lotus) have shown significant in vitro and in vivo antioxidant effects, including free radical scavenging and enzyme modulation. This suggests a potential for similar antioxidant properties in Fragrant Waterlily Root Extract, though this remains an inference rather than a direct finding. There is no strong evidence for systemic benefits or specific conditions that benefit most from this extract.
How it works
Fragrant Waterlily Root Extract is believed to exert its effects primarily through its rich content of antioxidant phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds. These compounds are known to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which could contribute to protective effects. In hair care applications, the extract is thought to form a protective barrier on the hair fibers. This barrier may help to reduce damage caused by urban pollution and improve the overall smoothness and manageability of the hair surface. While these mechanisms are proposed, the specific molecular targets and the absorption profiles of these compounds in humans, particularly when applied topically or if consumed orally, remain poorly characterized and require further research.
Side effects
Based on the limited human studies available, no significant adverse effects or toxicity have been reported for Fragrant Waterlily Root Extract, particularly in topical applications. The small controlled study on hair care indicated that the 1% extract in shampoo was well-tolerated. However, the safety profile is not extensively studied, and there is no data on potential drug interactions or contraindications. Ecological studies have observed some phytotoxic effects on plant seedlings, where rhizome extracts inhibited root growth of certain plants, but this is not directly relevant to human safety. Safety in special populations, such as pregnant or lactating individuals, and children, has not been established, and caution is advised due to the lack of specific research. Given the limited research, long-term safety and potential systemic effects from oral ingestion are unknown.
Dosage
For topical applications, specifically in hair care formulations, an effective concentration of approximately 1% Fragrant Waterlily Root Extract has been demonstrated. This concentration was used in a study where it improved hair combability and quality. There are currently no established oral dosing guidelines or data available for systemic supplementation, as clinical trials for such uses are lacking. Therefore, optimal dosing and timing for any other applications, beyond topical hair care, remain undefined. Due to the limited research, upper limits and safety thresholds for this extract, particularly for internal consumption, have not been determined. Users should adhere to concentrations found in commercially available products and consult with a healthcare professional for any concerns.
FAQs
Is Fragrant Waterlily Root Extract safe for topical use?
Current limited evidence suggests that topical use of Fragrant Waterlily Root Extract, particularly in hair care formulations at a 1% concentration, is safe and well-tolerated with no reported adverse effects.
Does Fragrant Waterlily Root Extract have systemic benefits?
No high-quality clinical evidence currently supports systemic benefits or the efficacy of oral supplementation with Fragrant Waterlily Root Extract. Research has primarily focused on topical applications.
How soon can effects be seen when using Fragrant Waterlily Root Extract in hair care?
Improvements in hair manageability and quality were observed after regular use of a shampoo containing the extract in a short-term study, though the exact duration for noticeable effects was not specified.
Is Fragrant Waterlily Root Extract effective against hair loss?
There is no clinical evidence or research to support claims that Fragrant Waterlily Root Extract promotes hair growth or is effective in treating hair loss.
Research Sources
- https://www.bio-haoyun.com/UpLoadFile/20221109/LK_SOFW_2210_Water%20Lily%20Pro_EN.pdf – This controlled within-subject trial, conducted by Bio-Haoyun in 2022, involved 20 women and found that a shampoo containing 1% Water Lily Root Extract significantly improved hair combability, detangling, and overall hair quality compared to a placebo. The study supports the extract's benefits in hair care, though it was limited by its small sample size and lack of reported blinding.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4710907/ – This study by Ghosh et al. (2015) investigated the antioxidant activity of *Nelumbo nucifera* (lotus) seeds in both in vitro and in vivo (rat) models. It demonstrated significant antioxidant effects, including increased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, and reduced lipid peroxidation. While not directly on *Nymphaea odorata*, this research provides indirect evidence for potential antioxidant properties in related aquatic plants.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8833568/ – Zhang et al. (2022) conducted a systematic review focusing on the phytochemicals of *Nelumbo nucifera* (lotus), highlighting their potential anticancer and antioxidant properties. This review, while comprehensive for lotus, offers indirect relevance to *Nymphaea odorata* by suggesting similar bioactive compounds may be present and contribute to health benefits.
- https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Ecological-Risk-Screening-Summary-Fragrant-Waterlily.pdf – This Ecological Risk Screening Summary from the USFWS includes laboratory tests on the allelopathic effects of Fragrant Waterlily. It found that rhizome extracts inhibited the root growth of some plants, indicating bioactivity. However, this research is ecologically focused and provides no direct data relevant to human supplementation or safety.