Common names | immortelle, dwarf everlast, sandy everlasting

Scientific name | Helichrysum arenarium

Used part | Flower

Known active compounds | apigenin, naringenin, chlorogenic acid

Potential benefits in cosmetics | anti-oxidant, anti-microbial

Product name | Immortelle-APD, Immortelle-ANB

Plant Story

Immortelle (Helichrysum arenarium), also called dwarf everlast or sandy everlasting, is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe, Central Asia, and China. Its genus name Helichrysum is derived from ancient Greek words “helios” and “chrysos” meaning “sun” and “gold”, respectively. The bright yellow flowers of H. arenarium has been used in herbal medicine. An infusion made with immortelle flowers can be used to treat gallbladder disorders and rheumatism and as a diuretic. Immortelle flowers are also known to have anti-inflammatory, choleretic, and detoxifying properties.

Various phenolic compounds have been identified in immortelle flowers. Flavonoids such as apigenin, naringenin and its derivatives, as well as phenolic acids such as chlorogenic acid were reported. Immortelle flowers have also been studied for bioactivities such as anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties. Anti-oxidant activity of immortelle flowers has been confirmed by DPPH and ABTS assays. Immortelle has shown anti-microbial properties by inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli.