Kudzu: what it is and how it acts on the skin

Kudzu root is a botanical Asian herb known for its healing and antimicrobial properties that is commonly used for skin purification and detoxification of the body. 

Kudzu, whose botanical name is pueraria lobata, is indeed a highly innovative ingredient used for both food and cosmetic purposes, often included in Korean skincare products. Kudzu is a natural source of isoflavones, plant compounds that are very similar to the substance found in soy, which is why it is also a valid ally for women in menopause, translating into a supply of phytoestrogens. 

This is a highly functional active ingredient "which has made its way in the West mainly as a dietary supplement, but has also shown laboratory effectiveness at a topical level. Let's see specifically why." 

What is Kudzu 

The Kudzu also known as Pueraria Lobate The Montana is also called "kudzu vine"; it is a climbing vine native to Japan, China, and Korea, belonging to the Fabaceae family, and is now cultivated all over the world.

The climbing plant grows by wrapping itself around other trees and many consider it an invasive weed, with very deep roots, which is why it is important to be able to identify it correctly. In traditional Chinese medicine, the kudzu powder has been used for centuries for its antioxidant, antitumor, antidepressant, and neuroprotective properties. The name Pueraria means precisely "}linked to youth", in fact, kudzu helps to stimulate the building blocks of the body, and of the skin in particular, giving a strongly rejuvenating effect. anti-aging. 

Kudzu extract is rich in isoflavones responsible for most biological activities. The isoflavone compounds found in kudzu root are the quercetin, the genistein, the tectorigenin, the daidzeina, the daidzein and the puerarin, all powerful antioxidants capable of effectively countering inflammation and thus protecting the skin from aging.

Promotes skin clarity and an even tone, increases the level of hydration and soothes sensitive skin thanks to a combination of components anti-inflammatories. Thanks to research and innovation in the cosmetic field, it is now possible to use this plant extract with interesting bioactive potential: flavonoids provide numerous benefits in cosmetics precisely because of their extraordinary antioxidant activity.

How Kudzu Works: At the Root of Skin Aging

The factors that cause skin aging are multiple. Diet, unhealthy lifestyle, sun exposure, or even simply chronological aging are some of these. Cellular senescence, a hallmark of aging, is caused by the oxidation of cells due to the free radicals generated by both endogenous and exogenous stress. For this reason, antioxidants are ideal for delaying skin aging. 

"The following play an important role in maintaining the structure of the tissues:" fibroblasts which allow the correct synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen and elastin. The skin is made up of three layers: the papillary dermis, the reticular dermis, and the hypodermis. The first is the superficial one, directly in contact with the epidermis and has a higher cell density. The reticular dermis, on the other hand, is deeper and has a thicker extracellular matrix and a lower cell density. 

The fibroblasts present in the papillary and reticular dermal layers have distinct identities, with the former being more prolific. The aging processes mainly affect the cellular function of papillary fibroblasts, slowing down their proliferation. 

Puerarin is the isoflavone 'which is found within pueraria lobata, and which reduces cell senescence and slows down skin aging by acting' directly on the extracellular matrix of the papillary dermis. In this way, kudzu demonstrates its effectiveness in depth and brings significant benefits to the skin, especially when included in a targeted skincare protocol. 

The main benefits of kudzu for the skin 

The main biological activities of the phytochemical compounds of flavonoids found in Pueraria Lobata have found wide application within the cosmetic industry. Kudzu is particularly effective as: 

• Natural antioxidant thanks to puerarina, a main bioactive glycoside phytochemical of the plant; 
• Anti-glycation: we talked about glycation in this article, it is the aging process that occurs naturally on the skin with increasing age or with an unhealthy lifestyle. Kudzu acts on the skin through molecules that inhibit advanced glycation or AGE; 
• Regenerates the skin through the growth of epidermal keratinocytes of the skin. In this way, a very powerful anti-aging effect is achieved as kudzu stimulates the formation of natural collagen, wound healing, and cellular regeneration; 
• Ultimately, kudzu presents a powerful anti-melanogenesis effect. The isoflavones found in the root of pueraria lobata help to reduce inflammation and decrease the production of tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in the production of melanin.

Kudzu is ideal for revive the complexion and to have a healthier complexion, which is one of the hallmarks of Korean skincare, while also acting to protect the skin from oxidative stress related to the surrounding environment.