Lens Esculenta Seed Extract
Also known as: Lens culinaris Medik, Lentil, green lentil, lentil seed, Lens esculenta
Overview
Lens esculenta seed extract is derived from the seeds of the lentil plant, a widely consumed legume known for its rich nutritional profile. This extract is abundant in bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and essential vitamins such as pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), as well as various minerals. It is utilized both as a dietary supplement and in cosmetic formulations, primarily for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties. Research into lentil extracts has highlighted their potential antioxidant, hepatoprotective (liver-protective), anticancer, and skin health benefits. While in vitro and animal studies, alongside human epidemiological data, support these uses, clinical trial data specifically on isolated Lens esculenta seed extracts remain limited, indicating a need for further human-based research to confirm efficacy and safety.
Benefits
Lens esculenta seed extract offers several potential health benefits, primarily due to its rich content of bioactive compounds: * **Antioxidant Activity:** Lentil seed and sprout extracts exhibit strong antioxidant potential, attributed to their high phenolic content, flavonoids, and vitamin C. Preclinical studies, including an animal model, have demonstrated reductions in oxidative stress markers and improved lipid profiles, suggesting a robust ability to combat free radical damage. (Barakat et al., 2022) * **Hepatoprotective and Nephroprotective Effects:** In a rat model of carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress and liver injury, Lens culinaris sprout extract significantly reduced elevated liver enzymes, improved lipid profiles, and decreased the atherogenic index. This indicates protective effects on both liver and kidney function, likely by attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation. (Barakat et al., 2022) * **Anticancer Potential:** Epidemiological studies suggest a correlation between regular lentil consumption and a reduced risk of various cancers, including breast, colon, thyroid, liver, and prostate cancers. Mechanistic studies in vitro and in animal models show that lentil polyphenols and lectins can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death), arrest cell cycle progression, and inhibit tumor growth. While promising, direct evidence for isolated extract supplementation in cancer prevention in humans is still being investigated. (Ganesan & Xu, 2017) * **Skin Benefits:** Extracts containing pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and antioxidants from lentils are believed to enhance skin moisture, support wound healing, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. This is supported by biochemical rationale and its use in cosmetic products, though robust human clinical trials specifically on the extract's topical application are needed to confirm these effects. (Natural Solution, 2023)
How it works
The beneficial effects of Lens esculenta seed extract are primarily mediated by its diverse array of bioactive compounds. Its potent antioxidant activity stems from phenolic compounds that scavenge free radicals, enhance endogenous antioxidant enzymes, and reduce lipid peroxidation. Hepatoprotective effects are likely achieved through the attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammation within liver tissues. The anticancer properties are attributed to lectins and polyphenols, which can bind to cancer cell membranes, inhibit protein synthesis, induce apoptosis via mitochondrial caspase pathways, and cause cell cycle arrest at the G1 and G2/M phases. For skin health, pantothenic acid plays a crucial role in supporting skin barrier repair, enhancing hydration, and modulating inflammatory responses.
Side effects
Lens esculenta seed extract is generally considered safe, especially when consumed as part of a regular diet. Animal studies have not reported significant adverse effects at the tested doses. However, specific safety data for concentrated extracts in humans are limited. Individuals with known allergies to legumes should exercise caution, as the extract may trigger allergic reactions. There are no documented drug interactions or contraindications specifically associated with Lens esculenta seed extract. As with any supplement, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and those with pre-existing medical conditions, should consult a healthcare professional before use. Due to the limited human clinical safety data on concentrated extracts, long-term effects and potential risks at high doses are not fully established. It is important to adhere to recommended dosages and discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established clinical dosing guidelines for Lens esculenta seed extract as a dietary supplement in humans. Most available data come from animal studies or epidemiological observations of dietary lentil consumption. For instance, animal studies have used hydroalcoholic extracts at doses extrapolated to rats (e.g., 1 mL/kg). In dietary contexts, typical lentil consumption in epidemiological studies ranges from 50-100 grams per day. For cosmetic applications, the extract is used topically, with concentrations varying based on the desired antioxidant or moisturizing activity, and these are standardized by manufacturers. Due to the lack of human clinical trials, specific upper limits or safety thresholds for concentrated extracts are not defined. Users should follow product-specific instructions from reputable manufacturers and consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially when considering concentrated forms of the extract.
FAQs
Is Lens esculenta seed extract effective as an antioxidant supplement?
Preclinical evidence strongly supports its antioxidant benefits due to high phenolic content. However, human randomized controlled trials are currently lacking to confirm its efficacy as a standalone antioxidant supplement.
Can Lens esculenta seed extract prevent cancer?
Epidemiological data suggest that regular lentil consumption is associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers. While mechanistic studies show anticancer potential, direct evidence for isolated extract supplementation in cancer prevention in humans is insufficient.
Is Lens esculenta seed extract safe for skin application?
Traditional use and biochemical rationale support its safety and potential moisturizing benefits for skin, primarily due to pantothenic acid and antioxidants. However, more robust human clinical trials are needed to fully confirm its topical efficacy and safety.
How quickly do benefits appear from using Lens esculenta seed extract?
Animal studies have shown biochemical improvements within weeks. However, human data on the onset of benefits from Lens esculenta seed extract supplementation are not yet available, making it difficult to predict a timeline for effects.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9691994/ – This controlled animal study investigated the effects of Lens culinaris sprout hydroalcoholic extract in rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress. The findings indicated that the extract significantly reduced oxidative stress markers, improved lipid profiles, and demonstrated protective effects on liver and kidney function. While well-controlled, the study's limitations include its animal model, small sample size, and lack of human data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5713359/ – This systematic review synthesized epidemiological and experimental studies on lentils and cancer. It concluded that lentil consumption is inversely associated with cancer risk, and provided mechanistic evidence for the anticancer effects of lentil polyphenols and lectins. The review's strength lies in its comprehensive scope, though it notes the absence of human randomized controlled trials on isolated extracts.
- https://www.naturalsolution.co.kr/w/esp/home.php?go=product.view&mid=11&num=219 – This cosmetic ingredient summary highlights that lentil seed extract contains antioxidants and pantothenic acid, which are beneficial for skin hydration and wound healing. It provides a biochemical rationale for its use in cosmetics. However, it is important to note that this source does not cite peer-reviewed clinical trials, indicating a lower level of evidence for its claims.