Musa Sapientum Extract
The banana (scientifically: Musa) is a completely everyday food for all of us. We enjoy it as a small healthy snack in between meals and use it in cakes, milkshakes, fruit salads and many other treats from the kitchen. Strictly speaking, however, the popular fruit is the dessert banana (Musa × paradisiaca), which is just one of many species in the banana genus (Musaceae). Within this genus there are about 70 different species, not all of which bear edible fruit. Nevertheless, there are common features. For example, all species are evergreen, perennial and herbaceous plants, each with an underground rhizome. However, while the dessert banana mentioned is one of the most consumed fruits in this country, other species are used, among other things, as a pretty ornamental plant (Musa ornata) or for making nets, cordage and yarns. The latter mainly concerns the fiber banana (Musa textilis), which is also known under the names Manila hemp and Abacá. The fact that Musa Sapientum (Banana) Extract can also be used cosmetically is due to its valuable ingredients, which have a positive effect on the skin, hair, and nails.
Effect on the body
Cosmetically interesting is primarily the banana species “Musa sapientum”. This evergreen perennial with a pseudostem up to five meters high has large green leaves and forms beautiful pink flowers. Its fruits are only the size of a finger, which is why Musa sapientum also bears the nickname finger banana. However, the small bananas are not suitable for direct consumption. Nevertheless, they are real power packs! The wild growing perennial feels most comfortable in the uncultivated forest areas of Thailand and loves the sun. Musa sapientum is considered a healing fruit. It gently regulates the acid-base balance in the human organism and is traditionally used to deacidify the body. The banana extract is said to be able to help with excess stomach acid, heartburn, and flatulence as well as with arthritic inflammation and thyroid problems (nodules). It also helps detoxify and relieves the discomfort of colitis and diarrhea. Basically, Musa Sapientum Extract also promotes general well-being, as it makes you feel powerful and happy. So, it is no wonder that it is available as a dietary supplement in capsule or powder form.
Musa Sapientum Extract in cosmetics
As a care additive in cosmetic products, the extract from the banana is currently very trendy. No wonder: the nutrient-rich fruit has countless benefits and is a true skin care booster. It contains plenty of minerals, especially phosphorus, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and copper. In addition, Musa Sapientum Extract is rich in natural flavonoids, vitamin A (acts as an antioxidant) and vitamin C, as well as fiber. The extract of banana leaves, due to its antioxidant activity, it can be used as an anti-aging ingredient. A face mask with Musa Sapientum Extract provides the skin with nourishing nutrients and has a moisturizing effect. But what’s good for the complexion can’t hurt the hair either: Dry hair in particular benefits from a treatment or conditioner with banana extract. For gentle care after the shower, a lotion or body butter with Musa Sapientum Extract is recommended. And even rough hands become velvety soft in no time at all when they are pampered with a cream or hand milk containing the extract of the finger banana. Even for eye care, Musa Sapientum Extract is excellent, as individual cosmetic products from well-known manufacturers have already proven. As a skin softener, Musa Sapientum Extract is also a boon for chapped and dry lips.
And if the lips are already chapped, for example due to cold or dry heating air: the banana is rich in amino acids, which ensure rapid wound healing. By the way, the combination of Musa Sapientum Extract and nourishing oils such as coconut oil is particularly interesting. The oil additionally supports the skin’s moisture barrier and makes the skin beautifully supple. It is said that there is now even banana perfume. Although the temptingly sweet scent makes you happy anyway, it is now also known that banana notes are able to dilate the bronchial tubes. Scientists from the Department of Cell Physiology in Bochum have found this out.
By the way, Musa Sapientum Extract is extremely well tolerated, allergic reactions are extremely rare.
PROFILE
Banana Extract
Extract from the fruit of the banana Musa sapientum
INCI: Musa Sapientum (Banana) Fruit Extract, Musa Sapientum (Banana) Pulp Extract
CAS number: 1224966-12-4
Flower extract
INCI: Musa Sapientum (Banana) Flower Extract
Ingredients: Phosphorus, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Copper, Flavonoids, Vitamin A and C
CAS number: 89957-82-4
EC number: 289-602-4
Applications: Creams, lotions, masks, shampoos, hair treatments, lip care and bath care products.
Sophisticated cosmetic products with Musa Sapientum Extract from Cosmacon
As a super food, bananas are real vitamin bombs, which also prove their qualities in cosmetics. They are full of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, moisturize the skin and help it regenerate. The extract of the tropical fruit is thus virtually predestined for high-quality and natural cosmetic products. Cosmacon will be happy to help you develop innovative preparations with Musa Sapientum Extract. Just ask us!
Sources:
Extraction and characterization of proteins from banana (Musa Sapientum L) flower and evaluation of antimicrobial activities.; Sitthiya K, Devkota L, Sadiq MB, Anal AK. J Food Sci Technol. 2018 Feb;55(2):658-666.
Functional Properties of Banana Starch (Musa spp.) and Its Utilization in Cosmetics.; Thanyapanich N, Jimtaisong A, Rawdkuen S. Molecules. 2021 Jun 14;26(12):3637.
Antiaging Effects of Musa sapientum L. (Banana) Leaf Extract.; Yoo, D. S., Jang, S. J., Park, Y. J., Kim, S. H., & Hwang, H. S. KSBB Journal, 31(2), 126-134.