LONGAN FRUIT EXTRACT

Longan Fruit Extract is rich in a variety of beneficial ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and a variety of bioactive compounds. 
Longan Fruit Extract is a powder extracted from longan fruit. 

CAS Number: 90131-25-4
EC Number: Not specifically assigned

SYNONYMS:
Morpholyss Sveltessence, Dimocarpus Longan Seed, Longan Fruit Extract, Dimocarpus longan fruit extract, Euphoria longan fruit extract, Longan arillus extract, Dragon's Eye fruit extract, Long yan rou extract, Longan pulp extract, Arillus longanae extract,

Longan Fruit Extract is a powder extracted from longan fruit. 
Longan Fruit Extract is rich in a variety of beneficial ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and a variety of bioactive compounds. 
These ingredients give it unique functional properties. 

Longan is the fruit of Nephelium longana, a tropical tree native to China from the Sapindaceae family. 
The fruit of Nephelium longana has a yellow-brown shell, which has a translucent white pulp inside that surrounds a black seed, which is why it is called a "dragon's eye". 

The fruit looks like an eyeball when peeled, which earned it the name “dragon’s eye” in Chinese.
The fruit, flowers, and seeds of longan are all used to prepare traditional remedies. 
Longan flowers are sold in herb markets, have a fruity aroma, and are used to prepare an infusion in Taiwan. 

The powder of dried longan seeds is traditionally used to reduce bleeding, relieve swollen lymph glands, and soothe eczema.
Longan Fruit Extract is succulent and has gained popularity as an exotic refreshment. 
Thanks to this demand, Longan Fruit Extract is now produced in large quantities in China. 

Wine from the Longan Fruit Extract is also considered a “functional food” in TCM, used for various ailments.
However, Longan Fruit Extract supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use. 
Supplements generally lack solid clinical research. 
Regulations set manufacturing standards for them but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective. 

USES and APPLICATIONS of LONGAN FRUIT EXTRACT:
Longan Fruit Extract is widely used in the food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries to add nutritional value, provide antioxidant support and promote health.

Longan Fruit Extract is used as in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a sleep aid, relaxant, to improve digestion, alleviate nerve pain, reduce fever, clean parasites, and even as an antidote to snake poison.
Longan Fruit Extract has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years as a remedy for many diseases, ranging from insomnia to snake bites. 

Researchers suspect that active compounds and antioxidants in Longan Fruit Extract may support cognition, brain and heart health, and immune defense – but how strong is the existing evidence? 
In traditional oriental medicine, Longan Fruit Extract is mainly used for its anti-inflammatory properties.

-Traditional Uses of Longan Fruit Extract:
Longan (Dimocarpus Longan) is a fruit grown in China, India, Thailand, and many other Asian countries. 
Longan Fruit Extract belongs to the same family (soapberry) as fruits like lychee.

-Anti-cellulite action of Longan Fruit Extract:
The increase in adipose tissue can be determined by hormonal effects, lifestyle, and age. 
An excessive rise in adipose tissue leads to the appearance of cellulite, seen as the appearance of orange peel skin. 

Cellulite has recently been recognized as an inflammation of adipose tissue caused by a release of adipokines (inflammatory molecules specific to this tissue).
Longan Fruit Extract, rich in polyphenols, prevents the increase in adipose tissue, helps prevent or reduce cellulite's appearance, and maintains a slim and slender figure. 

The main polyphenol present is corilagin, Longan Fruit Extract prevents the increase in adipose tissue by inhibiting the PAI-1 metabolic pathway.
Adipokine PAI-1 (Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1) acts as a global regulator of the increase in adipose tissue. 
Longan Fruit Extract is synthesized by adipose tissue, to promote its expansion. 

This serine protease inhibitor is a newly investigated biochemical marker for weight control.
Nephelium Longan Fruit Extract is a natural alternative to synthetic anti-cellulite ingredients. Incorporated in advanced body care applications, Longan Fruit Extract lessens the "orange peel" appearance, smooths skin surface, and reduces fat cells' volume, exposing improved silhouette, body contours, and figure.

FUNCTIONS OF LONGAN FRUIT EXTRACT:
*Anti-celluliteSkin conditioning

ACTIVE COMPOUNDS AND MECHANISM OF LONGAN FRUIT EXTRACT:
Longan flowers, seeds, pulp, and the whole fruit contain a unique combination of bioactive compounds, many of which are still poorly understood.
Longan flowers and seeds are rich in polyphenols, which are antioxidants. 
They contain proanthocyanidins, which are also the main active compounds in grape seed extract and have been researched for supporting heart and immune health.

Longan fruit, pulp, and extracts contain:
*Antioxidants, such as ellagic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol
*Polysaccharides, which may boost immunity 
*Adenosine, which is implicated in sleep and relaxation. 
*Adenosine is also produced naturally in the body and is suspected to boost restorative deep sleep (opposite to caffeine).
*Uridine, which seems to boost cognition and mood in animals 
*Chlorogenic acid, which might support weight loss and protect the heart
*GABA, the main “calming” and “relaxing” neurotransmitter 
*Vitamin C 
*Corilagin, which is being researched for reducing blood pressure

POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF LONGAN FRUIT EXTRACT:
Insufficient Evidence for:
The following purported benefits are only supported by limited, low-quality human studies.

There is insufficient evidence to support the use of Longan Fruit Extract for any of the below-listed uses. 
Remember to speak with a doctor before taking Longan Fruit Extract supplements. 
Longan Fruit Extract and TCM remedies should never be used as a replacement for approved medical therapies.

1) Anemia
In a study of 200 pregnant women with anemia, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) combination, which included Longan Fruit Extract increased red blood cell count and hemoglobin. 

As an add-on remedy, Longan Fruit Extract had a stronger effect than just the standard treatment (ferrous fumarate, vitamin C, and folic acid) after 2 weeks.
The same combination used for 2 weeks could also boost red blood cell, hemoglobin, and improve anemia in older people and in women with anemia.

In all three of the above studies, Longan Fruit Extract was used as part of “dietotherapy,” a TCM approach that involved 6 g dried pulp and 2 eggs per day along with other specific herbs. 
The exact contribution of Longan Fruit Extract to the observed effects is unknown. 

2) Insomnia
Dried seeds of Longan Fruit Extract have long been used as a traditional remedy for insomnia. 
The indication in TCM for Longan Fruit Extract is to “revitalize the heart & spleen, nourish blood & calm the mind.” 
And although Longan Fruit Extract’s still commonly used as a sleep aid, no clinical studies can attest to this effect.

Adenosine is sometimes viewed as the body’s natural sleep aid, and one that caffeine blocks.
Scientists hypothesize that the adenosine content in Longan Fruit Extract may help explain its traditional use for sleep and anxiety, but proper clinical trials are required to verify this.

Lacking Evidence (Animal Research):
No clinical evidence supports the use of Longan Fruit Extract for any of the conditions listed in this section.

3) Brain Health
The authors suspect Longan Fruit Extract protected dopamine neurons in the brain from damage. 
Scientists are also investigating whether Longan Fruit Extract can boost antioxidants and reduce inflammation in brain cells.

In another animal experiment, polysaccharides from Longan Fruit Extract reduced brain damage in rats with stroke and increased antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione and SOD in the brain. 
They also increased the activity of genes that are hypothesized to protect brain cells (Bcl-2).

This herbal mix was thought to activate an antioxidant protein (HO-1) in the brain’s memory hub, the hippocampus.
Remember, however, that the effects of Longan Fruit Extract on brain health in humans are unknown due to a lack of clinical data.

4) Immune Defense
Scientists investigated how longan pulp increases the activity of white blood cells in cell studies.
The polysaccharides in longan are hypothesized to be its strongest immune-boosting compounds, but this hasn’t been confirmed. 
Researchers only suspect that the immune-enhancing effects might be stronger in a less acidic environment – at least in test tubes.

In one cell study, scientists explored whether Longan Fruit Extract polysaccharides increased in the number of spleen immune cells (splenocytes), whether these immune cells can ingest and degrade harmful foreign materials, and if Longan Fruit Extract can activate natural killer cells.
Different polysaccharides in Longan Fruit Extract were also studying for enhancing the activity of immune B-cells, which make antibodies and are part of the Th2 response.

5) Antioxidant Action
Longan Fruit Extract is rich in gallic acid and ellagic acid, which have been described as excellent antioxidants. 
Researchers are studying if the fruit’s extract can neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in immune cells. 
The effects of Longan Fruit Extract and its antioxidants haven’t been investigated in humans, though.

6) Inflammation
Scientists hypothesize that the antioxidants in Longan Fruit Extract may affect antioxidant enzymes and inflammatory pathways, but human data are lacking.
In immune cells, researchers explored whether longan reduces nitric oxide and TNF-alpha, both of which propel inflammation. 

Its effect on blocking a key inflammatory enzyme, COX-2, was also investigated. 
For example, a group of common OTC painkillers (NSAIDs) works by blocking COX-2.
In another cell study, the flower extract was studied for reducing nitric oxide and inflammation better than the seed and pulp. 

7) Diabetes
The impact of Longan Fruit Extract on diabetes in humans is unknown.
Longan Fruit Extract also appeared to boost antioxidant defense and prevent high blood pressure. 
Scientists think Longan Fruit Extract merits to be researched in clinical trials of people with metabolic syndrome, a condition marked by insulin resistance.

8) Heart Health & Blood Pressure
A component from longan seeds (corilagin) reduced blood pressure in rats with high blood pressure. 
The authors hypothesize that Longan Fruit Extract may act by relaxing the blood vessels, reducing the fight-or-flight response, and decreasing noradrenaline. 
Clinical trials are needed to verify these proposed mechanisms.

9) Gout
We don’t know how Longan Fruit Extract might impact gout in humans.
In test tubes, Longan Fruit Extract leaves could somewhat block the enzyme (XOD) that causes uric acid buildup in gout. 
Many drugs used to treat gout black this enzyme, but their effectiveness has been clinically verified.

In the same cellular study, Longan Fruit Extract leaves had a weaker effect compared to the typical gout medication (allopurinol), while the fruit didn’t affect the XOD enzyme at all. 

The effects of Longan Fruit Extract were much weaker compared to papaya, which outdid even the conventional medication in this specific test (that doesn’t mean papaya is more effective than gout medication, though!).
Scientists are also exploring whether longan seeds can block this pathway in cells. 

10) Memory
Longan Fruit Extract could also increase the survival of young brain cells.
Longan Fruit Extract could also protect the brain from oxidative stress, which might be important for preventing cognitive decline.

11) Fat Burning
Although a couple of animal studies have been carried out, we know nothing about the impact of longan on fat burning and weight loss in humans. 
Have in mind that weight loss in lab animals – under controlled and unnatural settings – often doesn’t translate to any meaningful effect in humans.

Longan Fruit Extract's proposed effects wide included all of the following:
Longan Fruit Extract is reduced body weight and overall fat
Longan Fruit Extract is reduced blood triglycerides levels

Longan Fruit Extract is reduced liver fats
Longan Fruit Extract reduced the activity of genes implicated in storing fats in the body (FAS)
Longan Fruit Extract increased the activity of genes that reduce LDL (LDLR)

Longan Fruit Extract increased PPAR alpha, which is hypothesized to boost metabolism and fat burning
Longan Fruit Extract enhanced fat elimination through the stool

Longan Fruit Extract also contains probiotic bacteria (Pediococcus pentosaceus), a type of lactic acid bacteria. 
As with longan extract, Longan Fruit Extract, human data on this probiotic strain are lacking.

12) Anti-Aging
According to one unverified theory, Longan Fruit Extract’s antioxidant compounds (which might neutralize free radicals) and its glucose-reducing and insulin-sensitizing potential warrant further research in the anti-aging science domain.

Researchers explored whether Longan Fruit Extract could reduce glycation in cells, a process that is theorized to contribute to aging. 
Glycation is a process during which important proteins and DNA are changed and their activity altered. 
Limited research suggests that people with diabetes, due to high blood sugar, might be especially affected by it.

Theoretically, this might help prevent complications and aging-related health problems in people in diabetes.
However, no clinical studies have confirmed this. Plus, many factors that drive aging are still unknown. 
For now, the purported anti-aging benefits of longan remain uncertain.

13) Energy Levels
Some scientists believe that the polysaccharides in the seed extract may reduce fatigue and boost energy.

14) Bone Health
One study explored whether longan fruit extract increases the activity of bone-building cells.

PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of LONGAN FRUIT EXTRACT:
EC Number: Not specifically assigned
CAS Number: 90131-25-4
Appearance: Brown to light brown powder
Solubility: Soluble in water and ethanol
Molecular Weight: Varies depending on the specific components
Melting Point: Not applicable for the extract
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not applicable
pH: Neutral to slightly acidic when dissolved in water

FIRST AID MEASURES of LONGAN FRUIT EXTRACT:
-Description of first-aid measures
*General advice:
Show this material safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
*If inhaled:
After inhalation: 
Fresh air.
*In case of skin contact: 
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. 
Rinse skin with
water/ shower.
*In case of eye contact:
After eye contact: 
Rinse out with plenty of water. 
Call in ophthalmologist. 
Remove contact lenses.
*If swallowed:
After swallowing: 
Immediately make victim drink water (two glasses at most). 
Consult a physician.
-Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed.
No data available

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES of LONGAN FRUIT EXTRACT:
-Environmental precautions:
Do not let product enter drains.
-Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Cover drains. 
Collect, bind, and pump off spills. 
Observe possible material restrictions. 
Take up dry. 
Dispose of properly. 
Clean up affected area.

FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES of LONGAN FRUIT EXTRACT:
-Extinguishing media:
*Suitable extinguishing media:
Carbon dioxide (CO2) 
Foam 
Dry powder
*Unsuitable extinguishing media:
For this substance/mixture no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.
-Further information:
Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system.

EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION of LONGAN FRUIT EXTRACT:
-Control parameters:
--Ingredients with workplace control parameters:
-Exposure controls:
--Personal protective equipment:
*Eye/face protection:
Use equipment for eye protection. 
Safety glasses
*Body Protection:
protective clothing
*Respiratory protection:
Recommended Filter type: Filter A 
-Control of environmental exposure:
Do not let product enter drains.

HANDLING and STORAGE of LONGAN FRUIT EXTRACT:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed. 
Dry.

STABILITY and REACTIVITY of LONGAN FRUIT EXTRACT:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature) .
-Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available