KIGAFIRM

Kigelia Africana Fruit Extract

Nature has been an important source of medicinal substances for many thousands of years. An impressive number of modern medicines have been isolated from natural sources - including KIGAFIRM (Kigelia Africana Fruit Extract).

Many of these pharmaceuticals are based on their use as active ingredients in traditional medicine. This plant-based, traditional medical system still plays an essential role in the health care of more than 80% of the world's population, who rely on it in their primary health care.

KIGAFIRM is a high-quality extract from the fruit of the Kigelia Africana tree, which is a widely spread and highly valued medicinal plant in Africa.

About Kigelia Africana

The "sausage tree"

The Kigelia Africana tree originates from West Africa, but is now widespread throughout Africa. The appearance of the fruit is reminiscent of a liver sausage, which is why the tree is also called the "sausage tree".

The tree has red flowers hanging from the lower branches. They open at night and then show all their beauty.

The fruits of the 10 - 15 m high tree weigh 2.5 - 7 kg and can grow up to 50 cm tall. In traditional African medicine they are used as a medicinal plant

About KIGAFIRM

Effect + fields of application

In the top layers of skin (the epidermis and dermis) referred to as the cutis, there are many lipids and other components that can be easily oxidized. Polyphenols play important roles as antioxidants and free scavenger. They protect against skin damage caused by UV radiation and can inhibit some enzyme functions.

KIGAFIRM’s cosmetic applications include caring for the eye region and décolleté. We also recommend including KIGAFIRM in day creams, body lotions and creams for hands and feet.

Packaging and shelf life

Packaging: 25 kg cans
Shelf life: 24 months
Storage at temperatures below 25 °C

Properties

INCI	Kigelia Africana Fruit Extract, Propanediol, Aqua
Active ingredients	Polyphenols, Flavonols, Verminosides
Appearance	Dark-brown fluid
Odor	Characteristic
pH value	4.5 – 5.5
Use concentration	3 – 5 %
Classification as per (EC) 1272/2008	Not hazardous
CMR / Sens. ingredients	None
Preservation	None
GMO	None
BSE / TSE risk	None
CMR active ingredients	None
Animal testing	Product not tested on animals
Heavy metals / As	<20 ppm / <1 ppm

How is the KIGAFIRM extract produced?

An extract from the fruits

Only the fruits of the Kigelia Africana tree are used for KIGAFIRM. The harvest takes place over 5 - 6 months in the African autumn-winter cycle (months April-September). Neither roots nor bark of the Kigelia Africana tree are used to preserve resources. The harvest takes place in the form of a wild collection.

In traditional African medicine, the dried fruits are crushed and used as emollients to soften the skin as well as against eczema, psoriasis and for their skin-tightening effect. They are also used as a base against skin ulcers and wounds in dressings.

Based on this experience, KIGAFIRM has been developed to be used in cosmetic products which should have a skin tightening and skin elasticity increasing effect.

Active Ingredients

KIGAFIRM’s contents:

Flavonoids
These are polyphenols with an anti-oxidant effect. The extract typically contains luteolin and 6-hydroxyluteolin plus their glucosides – i.e., flavones bound to glucose. The extract also contains quercetin. Flavones stabilize and tone the surface capillary blood vessels and connective tissue.

Steroidal saponins
and their aglycones, such as ruscogenin, also have a tightening effect on connective tissue.

Phytosterols
such as stigmasterol, campesterol and ß-sitosterol stabilize the skin barrier in the same way as human cholesterol.

Verminosides
are iridoids used by plants to defend against damage by herbivores. They also have an antimicrobial effect and protect plants against microorganisms (bacteria and fungi). This property is used in cosmetics in conjunction with the anti-inflammatory effect.