Stave Off Wrinkles With an Invasive Weed

Introduction

Cocklebur, a plant often considered a pesky weed, may hold the key to healthy and youthful-looking skin. Recent research has revealed that extracts from the fruit of the cocklebur plant possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. That could make them useful as a skin protectant, speeding up wound healing and helping to prevent wrinkles.

Reducing UVB damage and Speeding up Wound Healing

In laboratory tests using cells and tissues, researchers discovered that the compounds present in the spiky fruit of the cocklebur plant could reduce the damage caused by UVB exposure and speed up wound healing. The findings suggest that cocklebur extracts could protect the skin from environmental damage and promote faster healing of minor cuts and abrasions.

Stimulating Collagen Production

Collagen is a vital protein that gives our skin its elasticity and suppleness and helps to prevent wrinkles. Cocklebur extracts have been found to influence the production of collagen, making them attractive ingredients in cosmetic products that aim to prevent or reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Potential as an Attractive Ingredient for Skin Products

Eunsu Song, a doctoral candidate at Myongji University in South Korea, who conducted the research with Professor Jinah Hwang, explains, “We found that cocklebur fruit has the potential to protect the skin and help enhance the production of collagen. In this regard, it could be an attractive ingredient for creams or other cosmetic forms. It will likely show a synergistic effect if it is mixed with other effective compounds, such as hyaluronic acid or retinoic acid, against aging.”

The Potential Benefits of Cocklebur Fruit Extract for Wound Healing and Skin Protection

Cocklebur, a plant native to Southern Europe, Central Asia, and China, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its medicinal properties. In recent years, scientists have explored its potential use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. Now, a new study has examined the fruit’s properties as a wound-healing agent and skin protectant.

Molecular Properties of Cocklebur Fruit Extracts

The researchers began by studying the molecular properties of cocklebur fruit extracts and isolating particular compounds that could contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. They found that the extracts contained compounds that could encourage collagen production, speed up wound healing, and exert a protective effect against UVB radiation.

Bioactivity of Cocklebur Fruits Grown in Different Places

The study also compared the bioactivity of cocklebur fruits grown in different places. The researchers found that fruits grown in South Korea had slightly higher anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and greater wound-healing activity than those grown in China.

Further Research Needed for Safe Use

Although the results are promising, the researchers cautioned that high doses of cocklebur fruit extract can be harmful. The fruit’s burrs also contain a toxic constituent, carboxyatractyloside, which can damage the liver. Therefore, finding the proper concentration of cocklebur fruit extract is important for safe use in cosmetic or pharmaceutical applications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cocklebur fruit extract has shown potential as a wound-healing agent and skin protectant due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. whereas cocklebur fruit also has a toxic constituent, carboxyatractyloside, which can damage the liver and keen care should be administrated in its usage. While more research is needed to determine safe concentrations for commercial use in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals, the study provides a foundation for future studies on the biological mechanisms involved and the potential benefits of cocklebur fruit extracts.

Reference

https://www.nrf.re.kr/eng/index

This research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MIST) (No. NRF-2021R1A2C10 12890).