Common ivy – plants in cosmetics

Common ivy (Hedra helix) is a climbing, perennial, woody plant in the aralia family. A characteristic feature of ivy is the haphazardly distributed rootlets with small clinging discs that enable the plant to climb. The fruit are black berries, about 6 mm in diameter, with a fleshy pulp. Ivy is common in temperate regions from Europe through Asia and north Africa. It grows on fences, in coniferous forests, on rocks and rocky soils. In garden cultivation, there are more than 40 deciduous varieties of ivy.

 

Ivy extract is extracted from its leaves. It has high concentrations of compounds such as flavonoids (mainly rutin), saponins (mainly hederins, polyphenolic, caffeic and chlorogenic acids) and many lower concentration components such as emethionine, polyacetylenes, phytosterols, sesquiterpenes and iodine.

Bluegrass can grow for up to 1,000 years! It only flowers in autumn. Unfortunately, this process does not occur until 10 years after planting. In Poland, ivy in natural sites has been under protection for more than 50 years. It is known by the term “female ivy” or, less commonly, “male ivy” for possessive people who entwine their chosen one, making normal life difficult. Caution it is a plant that is poisonous to humans (all parts of it, but especially the fruit) and especially toxic to children. This is because the harmful saponins have an irritating effect on the skin and conjunctiva of the eyes. On the other hand, when ingested, they can cause burning in the mouth and throat, diarrhoea and cramps, and, in large quantities, respiratory arrest.

 

Medical uses of ivy

Nevertheless, ivy has found use in many cultures as a medicine. In ancient Greece, ivy was also used as an additive to beer. Dried leaves were used to make an infusion used for spasmodic coughs and bronchitis. Ivy was often used to treat gout and rheumatism, and in some parts of the world to treat hypertension. Ivy has also been used topically, for hard-to-heal wounds, inflammations, parasites (lice, scabies) and muscle pain. In Mexico, ivy is used for excessive sweating of the palms and hardened skin. For this reason, this plant has been a popular ingredient in many areas of the world for many ointments, gels and cosmetic creams.

 

Ivy in cosmetology and cosmetics

Health-promoting saponins and flavonoids are present in ivy. Saponins provide action against elastase and hyaluronidase. This is a rather interesting property that is used inanti-ageing products and in the treatment of venous insufficiency. One of the main characteristics attributed to these compounds is their ability to reduce the permeability and increase the resistance of blood vessels. Ivy extract also does a great jobon the skin around the eyes. Lymphatic swelling is very common in this area, which, thanks to the action of the active ingredients contained in ivy, is alleviated through increased microcirculation. As well as improving skin quality, ivy extract is also effective in reducing cellulite.

Disrupted circulation can be a cause of cellulite. By improving circulation, ivy extract supports the reduction of this problem. The caffeic acid and cholorogenic acid present in the extract of this plant have a lipolytic effect, i.e. they stimulate reduction of adipose tissue. Ivy is a great ingredient in preparations developed for dermatoses and sensitive skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties are used in therapies for the treatment of acne, psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis. It is important to note that ivy also has an antimicrobial effect, which is why it is used for acne. The extract also has a positive effect on hair growth as it reduces the keratinisation of hair follicles.