The cosmetics industry has seen a major shift towards natural and botanical ingredients. Consumers increasingly want skincare products made from plant-derived compounds with benefits backed by science. One popular cosmetic ingredient that fits this description is Pueraria lobata root extract, derived from an Asian climbing plant. Keep reading to learn all about how Pueraria lobata root extract is used in cosmetics and what it can potentially do for your skin.
Introduction
Botanical extracts have long been valued in traditional medicine and are now highly sought after in cosmetics. Pueraria lobata, also known as kudzu, is a plant used in Chinese medicine for centuries. Advancements in skincare science have allowed us to identify and isolate key compounds from the Pueraria lobata root and understand their effects on the skin. Today, Pueraria lobata root extract is commonly found in anti-aging creams, moisturizers, toners, and other products to nurture skin naturally.
Pueraria Lobata Plant and Root
Pueraria lobata is a climbing, vining plant native to China and parts of Japan and Southeast Asia. It has bright green leaves and purple, wisteria-like flowers. The plant’s large, knotty roots have been used medicinally for over 2,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Pueraria root contains starch, flavonoids, saponins, and isoflavones. For skincare, compounds like puerarin and daidzin are most noteworthy. Historically, Pueraria lobata root preparations have treated fever, diarrhea, headaches, and hangovers. Today, we can isolate and concentrate the antioxidants in Pueraria root beneficial to the skin.
What is the common name for Pueraria lobata root?
The most common name for Pueraria lobata is kudzu. Kudzu root refers to the large, starchy tubers underground that give the plant its medicinal properties. Kudzu is also called Japanese arrowroot, though true arrowroot comes from a different plant. In Chinese medicine, the kudzu root is called gé gēn. You may see Pueraria lobata root extracts in skincare designated as kudzu, kudzu root, Pueraria lobata, gé gēn, or Japanese arrowroot extracts. But kudzu root is the most universally common name used.
What is Pueraria lobata extract?
Pueraria lobata extract is made by extracting key active compounds from the dried roots of the kudzu plant. Solvents like ethanol alcohol or water are used to separate and concentrate the beneficial phytochemicals. The resulting liquid is then dried into a concentrated powdered extract. In skincare products, you’ll usually find kudzu root extract powder standardized to contain high levels of puerarin. This primary isoflavone acts as a powerful antioxidant for the skin. The extract also provides daidzin and other antioxidant isoflavones in a concentrated form for enhanced skincare benefits.
Is kudzu root good for the skin?
Kudzu root extract contains antioxidants and plant hormones that may benefit the skin in these ways:
- Protecting against free radical damage
- Reducing signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging
- Improving moisture retention and elasticity
- Calming irritation and sensitivity
- Restoring firmness and smoothness
Studies show puerarin from kudzu root can inhibit tyrosinase activity, helping lighten and even skin tone. The antioxidants fight oxidative stress caused by UV rays, pollution, and smoke that degrades collagen. Kudzu root extract is also antimicrobial, which supports skin health. The phytoestrogens may promote collagen production for anti-aging effects as well.
1 Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Effects
Free radicals from the environment and normal metabolism can accelerate skin aging by degrading collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Pueraria lobata root extract is rich in isoflavone antioxidants that can stabilize these free radicals before they damage skin cells and tissues. Compounds like puerarin and daidzin scavenge reactive oxygen species that lead to wrinkles, spots, and sagging. By boosting antioxidants topically, kudzu root extract may help inhibit premature aging of the skin.
2 Soothing and Moisturizing Properties
Research indicates that Pueraria mirifica root extract can regulate moisture factors in the skin like hyaluronic acid content and transepidermal water loss. The phytoestrogens may help normalize skin cell turnover as well. The anti-inflammatory activity of kudzu root is also useful for calming irritated or sensitive skin conditions. When compared to aloe vera gel for skin hydration, one study showed Pueraria lobata gel performed significantly better at retaining moisture and smoothing skin.
3 Formulation and Applications
Manufacturers can formulate Pueraria lobata extract into a wide variety of cosmetic products:
- Facial serums, essences, and boosters
- Anti-aging creams and moisturizers
- Lotions and toners for sensitive skin
- Brightening and spot corrector products
- Sunscreens and after-sun gels
- Skin cleansers and masks
- Body creams and butter
Pueraria root extract blends well with other botanicals like ginseng, green tea and rosehip. It works across skin types from normal to dry, mature, and sensitive. The versatility of kudzu extract makes it a prime cosmetic ingredient.
Safety and Considerations
Available research indicates topical use of kudzu root extract is likely very safe with minimal risk of side effects. As with any new skincare product, patch test on a small area first. Those with estrogen-sensitive conditions should consult a doctor before using Pueraria-containing cosmetics regularly, as the phytoestrogens may have potentially hormonal effects.
Look for skincare products that list Pueraria lobata root extract high up in the ingredients list to ensure sufficient concentration. As with any supplement or cosmetic ingredient, consult your dermatologist if you have any specific concerns about using kudzu root extract on your skin.
Conclusion
Pueraria lobata root extract harnesses the antioxidant, anti-aging, and skin-soothing benefits of kudzu roots long prized in Chinese medicine. The ability to isolate and formulate its active compounds like puerarin into cosmetic products allows us to reap skincare benefits from this revered botanical ingredient. Look for quality products containing Pueraria lobata root extract to experience its natural nourishing and protective effects on your skin.
Botanical Cube Inc. is your reliable supplier of high-quality Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, guaranteeing authenticity, stability, and mass production. With a strict adherence to international quality standards and certifications, you can trust in the purity and effectiveness of our products. Our commitment to innovation, R&D, and quality assurance sets us apart. We believe that innovation is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the market, and our scientific testing of indicators such as purity and microbiology ensures that our ingredients meet the highest standards. Additionally, we offer professional technology and customized services to help customers develop new and innovative formulas, catering to various industries including herbal medicine, health food, dietary supplements, food and beverages, chemical products for daily use, and cosmetics. Our certification laboratory is equipped with advanced testing and identification tools, and we collaborate with globally recognized third-party laboratories to ensure the stable, safe, and efficient quality of our products. This comprehensive approach extends from new ingredient development to the analysis of herbal medicines, providing the best quality control throughout the entire system. For more information, please contact us at sales@botanicalcube.com or visit our website.
References
1. Tiyaboonchai, W., Limpeanchob, N., Jaipan, S., Wongkrajang, Y., & Jaisamut, P. (2017). Formulation and efficacy of a Pueraria mirifica gel for topical application. Planta medica, 83(06), 554-561.
2. Li, K., Dias, S. J., Rimando, A. M., Dhar, A., & Mizuno, C. S. (2017). Pueraria lobata (Kudzu root) hangover remedies and acetaldehyde-associated neoplasm risk. PLoS One, 12(7), e0182859.
3. Zhang, Y., Shao, X., Li, Y., He, K., Peng, S., & Zhou, Z. (2019). The functional components in kudzu root and their bioactivities. Journal of Food Quality, 2019.
4. Park, S. Y., Nhiem, N. X., Quan, T. T. V., Yoon, S. Y., Hong, J. H., Kim, N., and Kim, Y. H. (2019). Effective utilization of Pueraria lobata speeds up collagen combination and restrains network metalloproteinase-1 articulation in bright B-lighted human dermal fibroblasts. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 95(3), 765-770.
5. Chansakaow, S., Ishikawa, T., Seki, H., Sekine, K., Okada, M., Chaichantipyuth, C., ... and Kruerksong, W. (2000). Impacts of isoflavones on bone resorption in tissue culture: inhibitory impacts of soy isoflavones on bone resorption intervened by protein kinase pathways. Diary of Dietary Natural Chemistry, 11(7-8), 396-401.
