Lotus corniculatus, extract - information sheet

Publications summarized:

• Final Screening Assessment for Lotus corniculatus, extract (published on August 14, 2021).
• Associated notice: Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol. 155, No. 33 – August 14, 2021

On this page

• Overview
• About this substance
• Human and ecological exposures
• Key health and ecological effects (hazard)
• Risk assessment outcomes
  • Screening assessment conclusions
• Related resources

Overview

• The Government of Canada conducts risk assessments of substances under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) to determine whether they present or may present a risk to human health or to the environment.
  • The risks posed by a substance are determined by both its hazardous properties (potential to cause adverse human health or ecological effects) and the amount or extent of exposure to people and the environment.
  • When needed, the Government implements risk management measures under CEPA 1999 and other federal acts to help prevent or reduce potential harm.
• The ecological hazard and exposure potentials of Lotus corniculatus extract were classified using the Ecological Risk Classification of Organic Substances (ERC) Approach.
• The Government concluded that Lotus corniculatus extract is not harmful to human health or the environment at levels of exposure considered in the assessment.

About this substance

• The screening assessment focused on Lotus corniculatus extract, which was assessed under the third phase of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP).
• Lotus corniculatus is a flowering plant also known by the common name of bird's-foot trefoil. Some forms of the plant are known to produce compounds called cyanogenic glycosides, which may break down to release hydrogen cyanide (HCN).
• Lotus corniculatus extract is derived from the plant and is a mixture of phytochemicals, which may include the cyanogenic glycosides.
• According to information gathered by the Government, Lotus corniculatus seed and flower extracts are present in cosmetic products in Canada.

Human and ecological exposures

• The screening assessment indicated that Canadians may be exposed to Lotus corniculatus extract (and possibly HCN, as a result) from the use of cosmetics, such as body lotion or lip balm.
• According to the information considered under the ERC Approach, Lotus corniculatus extract was identified as having low ecological exposure potential.

Key health and ecological effects (hazard)

• HCN is considered to be the most toxicologically relevant substance in Lotus corniculatus extract. Based on this, the critical effects identified for characterizing the risk to human health for Lotus corniculatus extract were effects on the thyroid and the male reproductive system. Short term (acute) effects on the nervous system, such as headaches, were also identified.
• According to information considered under the ERC Approach, Lotus corniculatus extract was identified as having a high ecological hazard potential due to its potential ecotoxicity.

Risk assessment outcomes

• Based upon a comparison of the levels to which Canadians may be exposed to Lotus corniculatus extract, and the levels associated with health effects, it was determined that the risk to human health is low.
• Based upon the outcome of the ERC Approach, Lotus corniculatus extract is considered unlikely to be causing ecological harm.

Screening assessment conclusions

• The Government concluded that Lotus corniculatus extract is not harmful to human health at levels of exposure considered in this assessment, and is not entering the environment at levels that are harmful.

Related resources

• Lotus corniculatus extract is found in products available to consumers. Canadians should follow any safety warnings and directions related to the product and dispose of products responsibly.
• Use the Substances Search tool to find substances that are referenced in certain legislative or regulatory instruments or on Government of Canada websites.
• The screening assessment focused on potential risks from exposure of the general population of Canada, rather than occupational exposure. Hazards related to chemicals used in the workplace are defined within the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). For information concerning workplace health and safety and what steps to take in the workplace, Canadians should consult their employer and/or the Occupational Health and Safety Regulator in their jurisdiction.