Lonicera Extract Uses

Lonicera, or Japanese honeysuckle, has been used as a cooling herbal admixture in traditional Chinese medical formulations for millennia. Contemporary research has focused primarily on its antimutagenic and anti-allergenic properties, particularly in cosmetic applications. The research into cosmetic uses for honeysuckle, however, has largely been driven by a strong consumer association of its flower with beauty.

Anti-pyretic

• Lonicera is known as jin yín hua in Chinese medicine, where it is believed to have cooling properties on body tissues. Consequently, it is a popular admixture in formulations used to reduce fevers or in conditions in which there is inflammation. It is particularly sought after as a remedy for sore throats when combined with both headache and fever.

Anti-inflammatory

• Some of these applications have recently been substantiated by modern research. Lonicera has been shown to help reduce inflammation and redness in skin rashes, and is being researched as a possible palliative for rosacea, psoriasis and eczema. This is thought to be due in part to its rich linoleic acid content, a phytochemical known for its anti-inflammatory and soft tissue regenerative properties.

Anti-mutagenic

• Research into the effects of extracts of Lonicera in cosmetics has led to the surprising discovery that they enhance immune function and inhibit cell division in cancerous skin cells. It also appears to inhibit the mutation of healthy cells into cancerous cells. Although Lonicera's anti-mutagenic activity is mild, there is hope that it may prove cumulative over time.

Diarrhea

• Lonicera has also been used historically as an anti-dysenteric and anti-diarrheal herb, particularly in the Chinese pharmacopia. It continues to be used for these purposes, although contemporary research has so far failed to demonstrate any significant effect in the treatment of Crohn's disease, Celiac's disease, or irritable bowel syndrome.