Pueraria lobata, otherwise called kudzu, is a plant that has for quite some time been utilized in customary Chinese medication for its well-being-advancing properties. Lately, kudzu root removes definitely stand out enough to be noticed for their possible advantages in skincare, especially hostile to maturing impacts. The exceptional phytochemicals in Pueraria lobata root, for example, isoflavones and triterpenoids, may assist with further developing skin flexibility, hydration, and brilliance when applied topically. This article will explore the origins, active compounds, and specific dermatological applications of Pueraria lobata root extract.
What is the common name for Pueraria lobata?
Pueraria lobata is more commonly known as kudzu. It is also referred to as Japanese arrowroot, ge gen, or Pueraria root.
Where is Pueraria lobata from?
Pueraria lobata is native to China and Japan, but it is now distributed widely across Asia, as well as North and South America. It grows best in humid and subtropical climates. The fast-growing vines can cover trees, buildings, and the ground rapidly. While kudzu is considered an invasive weed in some regions, its roots have been used medicinally for centuries in Asia.
What is Pueraria Lobata Root Extract?
Pueraria lobata root extract refers to the concentrated preparation made from the dried roots of the kudzu plant. The extract contains the key phytochemicals that give Pueraria root its protective and rejuvenating properties for the skin.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, kudzu root is known as ge gen and is used to treat fever, diarrhea, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Modern research has revealed that the roots are a rich source of isoflavones including puerarin, daidzin, and daidzein. These isoflavones are antioxidants that help prevent wrinkles, sun damage, and loss of elasticity. The root also contains triterpenoids that boost collagen and hyaluronic acid production in the skin.
What is the active ingredient in Pueraria lobata root?
Puerarin is considered to be the main active compound and biomarker in kudzu root extract. It is an isoflavone that accounts for over half of the total isoflavones present in the root. Puerarin possesses strong antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect the skin against environmental damage and premature aging. Research shows that puerarin stimulates cellular regeneration and collagen synthesis in the dermis layer of the skin. This leads to improved elasticity and firmness.
In addition to puerarin, kudzu root contains other beneficial isoflavones like daidzin, genistin, daidzein, and genistein. It is also a source of triterpenoids and saponins that offer protective benefits for the skin. The combination of these phytochemicals provides kudzu root extract with well-rounded dermatological benefits.
What does kudzu root extract do for your skin?
Research indicates that applying kudzu root extract topically can provide several benefits for skin health and appearance:
- Increases moisture retention - Kudzu root extract improves the skin's barrier function and helps it maintain hydration by reducing transepidermal water loss. This keeps the skin supple and moisturized.
- Boosts collagen synthesis - Compounds like puerarin and triterpenoids in kudzu root extract stimulate fibroblast activity and collagen production in the skin. This minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Evens skin tone - The antioxidant properties help inhibit melanogenesis and prevent UV-induced pigmentation. This leads to brighter, more even-toned skin.
- Reduces inflammation - Isoflavones and saponins in Pueraria root extract exhibit anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing inflammatory mediators. This helps diminish inflammatory skin conditions.
- Smooth's skin texture - Increased collagen levels improve elasticity and give the skin a smoother appearance. The extract also exfoliates dead skin cells.
- Protects from photoaging - Kudzu root extract neutralizes free radicals generated by UV exposure and pollutants that damage skin cells and cause premature aging.
These dermatological effects make Pueraria lobata root extract an effective natural ingredient in anti-aging skincare formulations.
Usage in Skincare Products
Pueraria lobata root extract is incorporated into a variety of skincare products to boost their skin rejuvenating properties, including:
Creams and lotions - Kudzu root extract is combined with moisturizing ingredients in creams and lotions. It improves hydration and suppleness in the skin.
Essences and serums - The extract is added to concentrated serums and fluid concentrates designed to deliver antioxidant and anti-aging actives deeper into the skin layers.
Gels - Kudzu root’s soothing properties are beneficial in gels designed for inflamed or irritated skin.
Masks and packs - Clay masks, sheet masks, and wash-off packs containing the extract nourish and revitalize the skin.
Kudzu root extract blends well with other natural ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, etc. It can be incorporated in small concentrations into skincare formulations to boost the product’s overall effectiveness.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties
The antioxidant capabilities of kudzu root extract are attributed to its high content of isoflavones. Isoflavones like puerarin and daidzein scavenge free radicals generated by external environmental stressors like UV radiation, pollution, smoke, etc. Unchecked free radicals damage structural skin proteins like collagen and elastin, accelerating aging. Kudzu root extract helps neutralize these free radicals before they degrade the skin matrix.
In addition to combating oxidative stress, kudzu root extract also reduces inflammation in the skin. Compounds like puerarin suppress the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This helps calm inflammatory conditions like eczema, dermatitis and acne. The anti-inflammatory action also inhibits the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers. This is beneficial for sensitive and irritated skin.
Collagen Production and Elasticity
Multiple studies have demonstrated the ability of Pueraria lobata root extract to stimulate dermal fibroblasts to increase the synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen and elastin.
Collagen provides structure and elasticity to the skin. With age, collagen production declines leading to wrinkles and sagging. Kudzu root’s collagen-boosting effect helps slow down these signs of skin aging. Research indicates that puerarin induces fibroblast proliferation and expression of collagen type I via TGF-β1 signaling. This thickens the dermal layer and improves elasticity and firmness.
In addition, kudzu root extract helps retain moisture in the skin through its humectant properties. Well-hydrated skin has a plumper, more youthful appearance. The isoflavones also promote fibroblast production of hyaluronic acid and proteoglycans which aid in hydration.
Through these mechanisms, Pueraria lobata root extract has the potential to reduce wrinkles, improve skin tone and texture, and maintain youthful skin.
Conclusion
Pueraria lobata, or kudzu root, is a medicinal plant long valued in Asian traditional medicine. Emerging research is now validating its use for promoting skin health and vitality. The main active compound puerarin, along with other isoflavones and triterpenoids it exhibits antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, collagen-stimulating, and moisture-retaining effects. Applying kudzu root extract topically can help combat signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging while providing a brighter, more even complexion. With proven dermatological benefits and compatibility with other skincare ingredients, kudzu root extract has diverse potential applications in anti-aging creams, serums, gels, and masks. More research is still needed, but this natural ingredient offers promise in keeping the skin looking supple, youthful, and radiant.
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References:
1. Nguyen, T., Fu, C.J., & Qiu, Y. (2019). Potential therapeutic effects of Pueraria lobata and its major compounds on skin aging and conditions. Nutrients, 11(7), 1524.
2. Park, G. (2016). A comparative study to evaluate the anti-wrinkle effects of Pueraria thunbergiana flower and Pueraria lobata root extracts. Toxicological research, 32(2), 137-143.
3. Lee, K.H., Kim Do, Y., Kim, J.Y., Jeong, D.H., Park, S.J., Choi, Y.H., & Lee, J.W. (2007). Puerariae flos ameliorates atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions by suppressing NF-κB and STATs activation and inflammatory cytokines expression in NC/Nga mice. Food and chemical toxicology, 45(10), 2027–2036.
4. Lopez-Serrano, A., & Perez-Alvarez, J. A. (2019). First Evidence of Collagen Boosting Ability of Pueraria lobata (Willd.) in Dermal Fibroblasts. Biomolecules, 9(8), 360.
5. Gibon, E., Lemonnier, F., & Bourdeau, P. (2017). An alternative ingredient control strategy for botanical materials: Quality control based on the total phenolic composition and in vitro biological activity. Pharmeur Bio Sci Notes, 2017(1), 20-27.
