Abstract Reality
The abstract of Nancy Mount’s dissertation is an excellent example of a research design relying on the physical sciences to measure the antioxidant capacity of lavender. Its focus is on the potential role of a lavender emulsion as a topical cream for the possibility of alleviating skin conditions.
High Antioxidant Capacity Measurements of Alcohol Extracts of Lavender Flowers Using the ORAC Hydrophilic Method: The Potential Role of a Lavender Emulsion as a Topical Cream
Oxidative stress occurs when reactive oxygen species (ROS) exceed the endogenous antioxidant capacity of a biological system, causing damage to cellular and intracellular components. There is increasing evidence to indicate that oxidative stress might be responsible for chronic skin disorders and conditions such as skin cancer, psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, and sunburn. Skin aging also appears to primarily occur through the oxidation of skin lipids by ROS. This study investigates the potential role of an alcohol extract of lavender (L. augustifolia x L. latifolia) to be used as an antioxidant in a topical skin cream. Three samples of alcohol lavender extracts and a solvent blank were prepared. Antioxidant capacity (AOC) measurements were made using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) hydrophilic method. This method was chosen as the most appropriate based upon a current review of the advantages and disadvantages of various commonly used AOC methods. The samples were also analyzed for total phenolic content using the Folin-Ciocalteu method to investigate a possible correlation to ORAC values. Results showed all three extracts to have very high AOC by the ORAC hydrophilic method and relatively high total phenolic content as compared to other studies.
These findings imply that an emulsion containing the antioxidants of the alcohol extract of lavender could have broad applications therapeutically and preventively for some skin problems and conditions. There is also significant potential for the cosmetic use of a lavender antioxidant cream to counteract skin aging. Considering the potential health benefits and improved quality of life for a global population, controlled clinical studies are urgently needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a lavender emulsion of high antioxidant capacity for alleviating skin problems.
Nancy Mount, Ph.D., M.S. Nancy Mount is a 2007 graduate of Clayton College, with a Ph.D. in natural health. With a background including an M.S. in chemistry from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, she has become intrigued by the therapeutic benefits of various meditative-type practices, noting that the empirical evidence indicates research and study regarding mind-body therapies is worthy of pursuit. Nancy is serving as a practicing wellness consultant, focusing on the benefits of antioxidants, good nutrition, natural lifestyles, meditation, and dietary wellness for children. She also continues her studies by researching scientific literature, keeping abreast of reliable cutting-edge information, and holds a life-long intention to educate, write, and become a recognized expert in these important areas of natural health.
