Papaver rhoeas petal extract is an extract derived from the petals of the Papaver rhoeas, commonly known as the red poppy or field poppy and belonging to the Papaveraceae family.  It's frequently used in cosmetic and skincare products for its beneficial properties.

The name describes the structure of the molecule

• "Papaver rhoeas" is the botanical name for the plant from which the extract is derived. 
• "petal" refers to the flowering petals of the plant, which are the portion used to obtain the extract.

Description of raw materials used in production

The petals of the Papaver rhoeas are the primary raw material. They are harvested when the plant is in full bloom and then processed to obtain the extract. Solvents or water may be used in the extraction process.

Synthesis process

• Petals collection - Fresh or dried petals of the Papaver rhoeas are gathered.
• Extraction - The petals are then immersed in an appropriate solvent (e.g., water, alcohol, or a combination of both) to extract beneficial compounds.
• Filtration - After a period, the mixture is filtered to remove any solid residues.
• Concentration - The extracted liquid might then be concentrated to enhance the potency of the extract.
• Packaging - Once the desired extract is obtained, it's packaged for sale or utilized as an ingredient in cosmetic and skincare products.

It appears in the form of a brown powder

What it is for and where

Cosmetics

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss.  Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Soothing. Ingredient with the task of restoring moisture to the skin, helping in the healing process of irritation, inflammation and skin disorders.

Medical

Papaver rhoeas L. possesses various pharmacological activities in the treatment of 'abnormal inflammation and oxidative stress that are involved in various diseases.Papaver rhoeas has demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, further suggesting that the alkaloids present are potent active molecules in the plant (1).

Papaver rhoeas has antispasmodic and antitussive properties, alleviating inflammatory conditions and soothing digestive problems related to anxiety and antioxidant activity (2).

Applications

Cosmetic and Skin Care

• Soothing: Often used in skin care products for its calming and soothing properties, especially for sensitive or irritated skin.
• Antioxidant Properties: Helps in fighting against free radicals that cause aging, thus playing a role in anti-aging formulations.
• Moisturizing: Due to its polysaccharide content, it can help retain moisture and keep the skin hydrated.

Therapeutic Uses

• Traditional Medicine: Historically, various parts of the plant have been used in traditional medicine for their sedative and calming properties.

Perfumery:

• The delicate and mild fragrance of the poppy petals may sometimes be used in perfumes and scented products.

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Kim H, Han S, Song K, Lee MY, Park B, Ha IJ, Lee SG. Ethyl Acetate Fractions of Papaver rhoeas L. and Papaver nudicaule L. Exert Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021 Nov 26;10(12):1895. doi: 10.3390/antiox10121895. 

Abstract. Abnormal inflammation and oxidative stress are involved in various diseases. Papaver rhoeas L. possesses various pharmacological activities, and a previously reported analysis of the anti-inflammatory effect of P. nudicaule ethanol extracts and alkaloid profiles of the plants suggest isoquinoline alkaloids as potential pharmacologically active compounds. Here, we investigated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fractions of P. nudicaule and P. rhoeas extracts in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. EtOAc fractions of P. nudicaule and P. rhoeas compared to their ethanol extracts showed less toxicity but more inhibitory activity against LPS-induced nitric oxide production. Moreover, EtOAc fractions lowered the LPS-induced production of proinflammatory molecules and cytokines and inhibited LPS-activated STAT3 and NF-κB, and additionally showed significant free radical scavenging activity and decreased LPS-induced reactive oxygen species and oxidized glutathione. EtOAc fractions of P. nudicaule increased the expression of HO-1, GCLC, NQO-1, and Nrf2 in LPS-stimulated cells and that of P. rhoeas enhanced NQO-1. Furthermore, metabolomic and biochemometric analyses of ethanol extracts and EtOAc fractions indicated that EtOAc fractions of P. nudicaule and P. rhoeas have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, further suggesting that alkaloids in EtOAc fractions are potent active molecules of tested plants.

(2) Katarzyna J, Karolina J, Patrycja K, Mateusz B, Izabela G. Mineral Composition and Antioxidant Potential in the Common Poppy (Papaver rhoeas L.) Petal Infusions. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2021 Jan;199(1):371-381. doi: 10.1007/s12011-020-02134-7. 

Abstract. The flowers of the common poppy are used for medicinal purposes, both internally and externally. They are reported to have antispasmodic and antitussive properties, to alleviate inflammatory conditions and soothe anxiety-related digestive problems. The aim of the study was to determine the antioxidant potential and the content of vitamin C, polyphenols, and minerals in infusions made from the petals of the common poppy at different temperatures. The infusions were made at various temperatures (25 °C, 70 °C, 80 °C, and 90 °C). The antioxidant potential and the content of polyphenols and vitamin C were determined by spectrophotometric methods. The mineral content was determined using the ICP-OES method. The total polyphenol content ranged from 135.2 to 137.24 ppm and that of vitamin C-from 15.47 to 15.78 mg/100 mL. The temperature of the water used to make the infusions did not appear to have a significant effect on these parameters. The temperature did, however, significantly affect the antioxidant potential of the infusions-the highest antioxidant activity (71.21% DPPH inhibition) was observed in the infusion prepared using water at 80 °C. The infusions included in the study contained a number of minerals. No significant effect of temperature was found for the content of K, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Ni in the infusions. On the other hand, the content of Ca in the infusions was significantly correlated with the increasing temperature of the water. It was concluded that poppy petal infusions may serve as a valuable dietary supplement, providing antioxidants and minerals required by the human body to function properly.