Flower Extraction – Mild Processing, High Yields by Sonication

Facts Worth Knowing

What is the difference between rose water, rose absolute and rose hydrolat?

Rose water, rose absolute, and rose hydrolat are all derived from roses, but they differ in their production methods and chemical composition.
 
Rose Water: Rose water is a byproduct of the steam distillation process used to extract rose essential oil. It contains the water-soluble components of the rose petals, imparting a delicate floral fragrance and flavor. Rose water is commonly used in culinary applications, skincare products, and aromatherapy due to its pleasant scent and potential health benefits.
To read more about ultrasonically-intensified hydrodistillation, click here!
 
Rose Absolute: Rose absolute is an aromatic oil extracted from rose petals through solvent extraction, usually with hexane or another solvent. This method is more efficient for extracting the fragrant compounds from the petals, resulting in a highly concentrated and fragrant oil.
Rose absolute is commonly used in perfumery and high-end cosmetic products for its intense and long-lasting floral scent.
 
Rose Hydrolat (Rose Floral Water):
Rose hydrolat, also known as rose floral water, rose hydrosol or rose distillate, is the water remaining after steam distillation of rose petals to extract rose essential oil. It contains water-soluble plant compounds as well as some of the essential oil molecules, giving it a mild fragrance and therapeutic properties. Rose hydrolat offers a similar aroma profile but has a more diluted water-based formulation.
Rose hydrolat is often used in skincare as a toner, facial mist, or ingredient in cosmetic formulations due to its hydrating, soothing, and refreshing qualities.
 
Each of these rose-derived liquids can be manufactures by ultrasonic extraction and has unique characteristics and benefits, which make them a precious ingredient in culinary, cosmetic, and therapeutics.

Ultrasonic extraction is used to isolate bioactive compounds from plants.

Bioactive Compounds in Botanical Extracts

Bioactive compounds are naturally occurring chemical substances found in plants, animals, and other organisms that have effects on living tissues. They play significant roles in health promotion and disease prevention. These compounds can be broadly classified into several categories based on their chemical structures and biological functions. Here are the main types of bioactive compounds:
 

1. Polyphenols
   Polyphenols are a diverse group of compounds known for their antioxidant properties. They can be further subdivided into several classes:
   Flavonoids : Includes flavonols (e.g., quercetin), flavones (e.g., luteolin), flavanones (e.g., hesperidin), flavanols (e.g., catechins), isoflavones (e.g., genistein), and anthocyanins (e.g., cyanidin).
   Phenolic acids : Includes hydroxybenzoic acids (e.g., gallic acid) and hydroxycinnamic acids (e.g., caffeic acid).
   Tannins : Condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins) and hydrolysable tannins (gallotannins).
   Stilbenes : Resveratrol is the most well-known stilbene.
   Lignans : Found in seeds, particularly flaxseeds (e.g., secoisolariciresinol).
2. Terpenoids
   Terpenoids, also known as isoprenoids, are derived from five-carbon isoprene units and include:
   Carotenoids : Includes carotenes (e.g., β-carotene) and xanthophylls (e.g., lutein, zeaxanthin).
   Monoterpenes : Such as limonene and menthol.
   Sesquiterpenes : Such as curcumin.
   Diterpenes : Such as taxol.
   Triterpenes : Such as saponins and sterols (e.g., β-sitosterol).
   Tetraterpenes : Such as lycopene and astaxanthin.
3. Alkaloids
   Alkaloids are nitrogen-containing compounds that often have pronounced physiological effects:
   Pyrrolidine and piperidine alkaloids : Such as nicotine.
   Tropane alkaloids : Such as atropine and cocaine.
   Quinoline alkaloids : Such as quinine.
   Isoquinoline alkaloids : Such as morphine and codeine.
   Indole alkaloids : Such as strychnine and reserpine.
   Imidazole alkaloids : Such as pilocarpine.
   Pyridine alkaloids : Such as piperine.
4. Glycosides
   Glycosides consist of a sugar moiety bound to a non-sugar moiety (aglycone). They include:
   Cardiac glycosides : Such as digoxin.
   Anthraquinone glycosides : Such as aloin.
   Flavonoid glycosides : Where the aglycone is a flavonoid (e.g., rutin).
5. Saponins
   Saponins are glycosides with soap-like properties:
   Steroidal saponins : Found in plants like yams (e.g., diosgenin).
   Triterpenoid saponins : Found in legumes (e.g., soyasaponins).
6. Organosulfur Compounds
   These compounds contain sulfur and have notable health benefits:
   Glucosinolates : Found in cruciferous vegetables (e.g., sulforaphane).
   Thiosulfinates : Such as allicin from garlic.
7. Vitamins
   Vitamins are organic compounds required in small quantities for health:
   Fat-soluble vitamins : Includes vitamins A (retinoids), D (calciferols), E (tocopherols and tocotrienols), and K (phylloquinone and menaquinones).
   Water-soluble vitamins : Includes B-complex vitamins (e.g., B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12) and vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
8. Fatty Acids
   Fatty acids, especially essential fatty acids, play critical roles in health:
   Omega-3 fatty acids : Such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
   Omega-6 fatty acids : Such as linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA).
9. Peptides and Proteins
   Bioactive peptides and proteins have various physiological effects:
   Antimicrobial peptides : Such as defensins.
   Enzyme inhibitors : Such as ACE inhibitors from milk proteins.
10. Polysaccharides
    Polysaccharides have immunomodulatory and other health benefits:
    β-Glucans : Found in oats and mushrooms.
    Glycosaminoglycans : Such as hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate.

Each of these bioactive compounds offers a wide array of benefits from antioxidant activity to anti-inflammatory effects. Sonication is a highly efficient technique to isolate these bioactive compounds from plants.