Manihot Esculenta Crantz (Tapioca) Flour

1. Definition Manihot Esculenta Crantz (Tapioca) Flour:

Manihot Esculenta Crantz (Tapioca) Flour is a fine white powder made from the dried and ground roots of the cassava plant. It is commonly used as a thickening agent in food products and is also gaining popularity in the cosmetics industry for its absorbent properties and gentle exfoliating effects.

2. Use:

Tapioca flour is used in cosmetics as a natural alternative to synthetic thickeners and fillers. It is commonly found in skincare products such as facial masks, scrubs, and powders due to its ability to absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin. Tapioca flour is also used in hair care products like dry shampoos and styling products to add volume and texture without weighing down the hair.

3. Usage Manihot Esculenta Crantz (Tapioca) Flour:

When using tapioca flour in cosmetics, it is important to be aware of any potential allergies or sensitivities to cassava. It is recommended to perform a patch test before applying products containing tapioca flour to the skin to ensure there are no adverse reactions. Additionally, tapioca flour can be a bit messy to work with, so it is best to use it in well-ventilated areas and be mindful of spills and dust inhalation.

4. References:

- Choi, S. Y., Lee, S., Ahn, Y. J., & Kim, S. (2017). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Manihot esculenta Crantz (cassava) leaf extract. Journal of Food Biochemistry, 41(2), e12342.

- Oliveira, J. T. A., Silveira, S. B., Vasconcelos, I. M., Cavada, B. S., & Moreira, R. A. (1999). A lectin from the rhizomes of the Amazonian wild rice Oryza grandiglumis. Phytochemistry, 52(7), 1289-1295.

- Siritapetawee, J., & Thammasirirak, S. (2017). Optimization of extraction conditions for antioxidant activities of Manihot esculenta Crantz leaves. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 54(5), 1246-1254.