Artemisin: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 18:59, 11 February 2025

Oil extracted from apple seeds

Apple seed oil is a type of vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of apples. It is known for its potential health benefits and uses in cosmetics and skincare products. The oil is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds that contribute to its properties.

Extraction

Apple seed oil is typically extracted through a process of cold pressing, which helps preserve the oil's natural nutrients and properties. The seeds are first cleaned and dried before being pressed to extract the oil. This method ensures that the oil retains its beneficial compounds without the use of heat or chemicals.

Composition

Apple seed oil contains a variety of fatty acids, including oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid. It is also rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from oxidative stress. Additionally, the oil contains phytosterols and polyphenols, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties.

Uses

Cosmetic and Skincare

Apple seed oil is widely used in the cosmetic industry due to its moisturizing and nourishing properties. It is often found in products such as lotions, creams, and serums. The oil is known to improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and provide a protective barrier against environmental damage.

Health Benefits

While apple seed oil is primarily used in cosmetics, it also has potential health benefits when used in moderation. The antioxidants present in the oil may help reduce inflammation and support overall skin health. However, it is important to note that apple seeds contain amygdalin, a compound that can release cyanide when metabolized, so the oil should be used with caution.

Safety and Precautions

Due to the presence of amygdalin, it is crucial to ensure that apple seed oil is properly processed to remove any harmful compounds. Consumers should use products from reputable sources and follow recommended usage guidelines to avoid potential toxicity.

Related pages

Gallery

Apple seeds and oil

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-{{svg-image}}'''Artemisinin''' is a compound derived from the sweet wormwood plant (''Artemisia annua''), which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is best known for its role in the treatment of [[malaria]], a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Artemisinin and its derivatives, such as artesunate, artemether, and dihydroartemisinin, are key components of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), which are the recommended treatment for [[Plasmodium falciparum]] malaria by the [[World Health Organization]] (WHO).
+{{short description|Oil extracted from apple seeds}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-==Discovery==
+'''Apple seed oil''' is a type of [[vegetable oil]] extracted from the seeds of [[apple]]s. It is known for its potential health benefits and uses in [[cosmetics]] and [[skincare]] products. The oil is rich in [[fatty acids]], [[antioxidants]], and other bioactive compounds that contribute to its properties.
-The discovery of artemisinin is attributed to Chinese scientist [[Tu Youyou]], who was awarded the [[Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine]] in 2015 for her work in discovering the compound. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Tu Youyou and her team were part of a secret military project, Project 523, aimed at finding a cure for malaria. By reviewing ancient Chinese medical texts, they identified ''Artemisia annua'' (sweet wormwood) as a potential source of antimalarial compounds. Through extensive research and testing, Tu and her team were able to extract artemisinin, which proved to be highly effective against the malaria parasite.
-==Mechanism of Action==
+==Extraction==
-Artemisinin works by producing free radicals when it comes into contact with the iron-rich environment of the malaria parasite inside red blood cells. These free radicals damage the cell membranes and other structures of the parasite, leading to its death. The exact mechanism of action is complex and involves the interaction of artemisinin with the heme, a component of the parasite's hemoglobin digestion process.
+Apple seed oil is typically extracted through a process of cold pressing, which helps preserve the oil's natural nutrients and properties. The seeds are first cleaned and dried before being pressed to extract the oil. This method ensures that the oil retains its beneficial compounds without the use of heat or chemicals.
-==Use in Malaria Treatment==
+==Composition==
-Artemisinin and its derivatives are used in combination with other antimalarial drugs to enhance efficacy and reduce the risk of resistance development. These combinations are known as artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). ACTs are considered the most effective treatment for [[Plasmodium falciparum]] malaria, and their use has contributed significantly to the reduction of malaria mortality rates worldwide.
+Apple seed oil contains a variety of [[fatty acids]], including [[oleic acid]], [[linoleic acid]], and [[palmitic acid]]. It is also rich in [[vitamin E]], a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from oxidative stress. Additionally, the oil contains [[phytosterols]] and [[polyphenols]], which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties.
-==Resistance==
+==Uses==
-Despite its effectiveness, the emergence of artemisinin resistance in some regions, particularly in Southeast Asia, poses a significant challenge to malaria control efforts. Resistance is characterized by the parasites' decreased sensitivity to artemisinin, leading to longer clearance times in infected individuals. To combat resistance, the WHO recommends the use of multiple first-line ACTs and the development of new antimalarial drugs.
+===Cosmetic and Skincare===
+Apple seed oil is widely used in the cosmetic industry due to its moisturizing and nourishing properties. It is often found in products such as [[lotions]], [[creams]], and [[serums]]. The oil is known to improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and provide a protective barrier against environmental damage.
-==Other Uses==
+===Health Benefits===
-Beyond its antimalarial properties, research is ongoing into the potential use of artemisinin and its derivatives in treating other diseases, such as certain types of cancer and infections caused by viruses and other parasites. However, these applications are still in the experimental stage, and more research is needed to confirm their efficacy and safety.
+While apple seed oil is primarily used in cosmetics, it also has potential health benefits when used in moderation. The antioxidants present in the oil may help reduce inflammation and support overall skin health. However, it is important to note that apple seeds contain [[amygdalin]], a compound that can release [[cyanide]] when metabolized, so the oil should be used with caution.
-==Conclusion==
+==Safety and Precautions==
-Artemisinin remains a cornerstone in the fight against malaria, with its discovery and application being one of the most significant achievements in modern medicine. Ongoing research and monitoring are essential to address the challenges posed by drug resistance and to explore the full potential of artemisinin in treating other diseases.
+Due to the presence of amygdalin, it is crucial to ensure that apple seed oil is properly processed to remove any harmful compounds. Consumers should use products from reputable sources and follow recommended usage guidelines to avoid potential toxicity.
-[[Category:Antimalarial agents]]
+==Related pages==
-[[Category:Chinese inventions]]
+* [[Vegetable oil]]
-[[Category:Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine]]
+* [[Cosmetic product]]
-{{medicine-stub}}
+* [[Antioxidant]]
+* [[Fatty acid]]
+==Gallery==
+<gallery>
+File:Sundown_and_cross_section_2.jpg|Apple seeds and oil
+</gallery>
+[[Category:Vegetable oils]]
+[[Category:Cosmetics chemicals]]