30 NATURALS
of the medium are measured and noted to obtain a specific tincture strength.10
The most
commonly found tincture strength are 1:5 and 1:10 for dry plant preparations and 1:2 for fresh plant preparations. However, any relation can be used. Regarding percolation, it is a method of
extracting a herb’s soluble components by allowing a solvent to slowly pass through a column of dried, powdered plant that has been contained in a unique type of equipment called a percolator.10
Aim of the study Considering the properties of alcohol as an extraction solvent suitable to extract cosmetically active principals from olive tree leaves, this study aims to present a method for easy preparation of an olive tree leaves tincture that can be incorporated into a cosmetic product and reproduced in a domestic environment.
Materials and methods Chemicals Alcohol 70% (CAS Number 64-17-5) was purchased at Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, Missouri, EUA).
Harvest and preparation of olive tree leaves Olive tree leaves (variety Cobrançosa) were selected in the Trás-os-Montes region in Portugal and were obtained from an organic farmer in December 2022. This region is bordered by the province of Minho to the west, the Douro region to the south, the Douro River to the east and Spain to the north. Trás-os-Montes is the second most
important Portuguese olive-growing area, currently accounting for between 12% and 15% of national olive oil production. The most important varieties are Cobrançosa, Madural and Verdeal.11,12
In the
Trás-os-Montes region, 40 native varieties are grown.13
to obtain in this area. It is also the region with the most organic farmers, and the climatic,
A Therefore, natural ingredients are easy Figure 1: A: Fresh olive tree leaves. B: Powdered olive tree leaves
topographical, and pedological differences predestine this region for agricultural diversity.14 Before the experiment, fresh olive tree
leaves were grounded with a coffee mill, getting particles of less than two millimetres (Figure 1).
Equipment cleaning and disinfection It is necessary to clean and disinfect the equipment to minimise the risk of contamination. To do this, a cleaning solution, denatured alcohol (at least 60% alcohol by volume) in a spray bottle, boiled water and clean rags are needed. Protective clothing was worn, and hair was
tied back. The work surfaces were cleaned with a cleaning solution and sprayed with alcohol. Surfaces were dried with a disposable paper towel. Metal, silicone and glass containers were disinfected and sterilised.
B
TABLE 1: OLIVE TREE LEAVES TINCTURE FORMULATION
Ingredient Alcohol 70% Olive Tree Leaves
Weight (g) 75
MgS04, 7 H20 For this purpose, the equipment was
boiled in water for 20 minutes and dried with a disposable paper towel. Then each item was sprayed with alcohol, ensuring it also got inside the containers and the lids. The items were dried with a disposable paper towel. Tools and non-heat-resistant plastic
containers were sprayed with alcohol, taking care that it also reached the inside of the containers. The containers and tools were air- dried.
Olive tree leaves tincture The w/v method was used. A 20% olive tree tincture was made (or 1:5 w/v). The exact formulation is shown in Table 1.
■ 15 grammes of fresh olive tree leaves were weighed into a sterilised vessel. ■ The alcohol was measured out and added to the olive tree leaves (Figure 2A). ■ The mixture was stirred to ensure that all the olive tree leaves were moist (Figure 2B). ■ A square piece of natural wax paper was placed on top of the vessel, and the vessel was sealed with the lid (this prevented any contamination from the chemical coating that might be on the lid). ■ The mixture was shaken daily for two weeks and then left to sit for another day. The preparation was filtered through a coffee philtre and then labelled and sealed. ■ The mixture was stored in an airtight, light-resistant container. Direct sunlight and excessive heat were avoided.
Figure 2: Steps for the preparation. A: Mixture of alcohol and fresh olive tree leaves. B: Mixture after stirring
PERSONAL CARE September 2023
Results and discussion The pH of the olive tree leaves tincture was determined using pH stripes and was in the range of 5.5 to 6.5. This may have an impact on
www.personalcaremagazine.com A B
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105
