Lotus corniculatus extract - information sheet

Overview

The Government of Canada conducted a science-based evaluation, called a screening assessment, to address the potential for harm to Canadians and to the environment from Lotus corniculatus extract.
Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 the risk posed by a substance is determined by considering both its hazardous properties (its potential to cause adverse human health or ecological effects) and the amount of exposure there is to people and the environment. A substance may have hazardous properties; however, the risk to human health or to the environment may be low depending upon the level of exposure.

More information on assessing risk can be found in the Overview of Risk Assessment and related fact sheets, particularly on Types of Risk Assessment Documents and the Risk Assessment Toolbox.

The ecological hazard and exposure potentials of this substance were classified using the Ecological Risk Classification of Organic Substances (ERC) Approach.
As a result of the draft screening assessment, the Government is proposing that Lotus corniculatus extract is not harmful to human health or to the environment at current levels of exposure.

The screening assessment focuses on Lotus corniculatus extract. This substance is being assessed under 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 produce hydrogen cyanide (HCN) as a result of chemical breakdown.
Lotus corniculatus extract is derived from the plant and is a mixture of various 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.

Canadians may be exposed to Lotus corniculatus extract (and possibly HCN, as a result) through the use of cosmetics, including body lotion and lip balm among other product types.
According to information considered under the ERC Approach, Lotus corniculatus extract was identified as having low ecological exposure potential.

HCN is considered to be the most toxicologically relevant substance in Lotus corniculatus extract. The health effects of HCN were reviewed by Health Canada in the Draft Screening Assessment of Cyanides. HCN is associated with acute effects on the nervous system as well as chronic effects (cause by repeated, low-dose exposure) on the male reproductive system and the thyroid.
According to information considered under the ERC Approach, Lotus corniculatus extract was identified as having a low ecological hazard potential.

Based upon a comparison of levels to which Canadians may be exposed to Lotus corniculatus extract from the use of cosmetics, and 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.
The Government of Canada published the Draft Screening Assessment for Lotus corniculatus, extract on December 7, 2019. The public is invited to comment on the assessment during the 60-day public comment period ending on February 5, 2020.

As a result of the draft screening assessment, the Government is proposing that Lotus corniculatus extract is not harmful to human health at current levels of exposure, and is not entering the environment at levels that are harmful to the environment.

Lotus corniculatus extract may be found in products available to consumers. Canadians should follow any safety warnings and directions related to the product and dispose of products responsibly.
Canadians who may be exposed to Lotus corniculatus extract in the workplace should consult with their employer and an occupational health and safety (OHS) representative about safe handling practices, applicable laws, and requirements under OHS legislation and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System.