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Moumoujus

ALKANNA TINCTORIA ROOT EXTRACT.

Valuable CAS 517-88-4 / 23444-65-7 / 85251-58-7 / SKIN CONDITIONING

Alkanna Tinctoria Root Extract is a multi-functional botanical ingredient recognized for its potent wound-healing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, largely attributed to its active alkannins and shikonins. It supports skin regeneration, helps maintain a balanced skin microflora, and provides antioxidant protection, while also serving as a natural red/purple colorant.

Summary

Wound Healing Antimicrobial Anti-inflammatory Antioxidant Skin Regeneration Skin Barrier Support Skin Conditioning Natural Colorant

Science

Mechanism of Action

This extract functions by accelerating the natural wound healing process, effectively reducing bacterial load, particularly against Gram-positive strains like Staphylococcus aureus, and mitigating inflammation. Its active compounds, primarily alkannins and shikonins, are responsible for these therapeutic effects, which include promoting skin regeneration, supporting cellular renewal, and fortifying the skin's protective barrier. Additionally, it offers antioxidant benefits, safeguarding the skin from environmental stressors and assisting in the maintenance of a healthy skin microflora.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.0049–2%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Effective at 20% concentration in accelerating wound contraction and healing following skin graft removal procedures.
  2. 02 Exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, within a concentration range of 0.049-0.195 mg/mL (approximately 0.0049% to 0.0195%).
  3. 03 Demonstrated anti-proliferative effects on canine mammary carcinoma cells at concentrations as low as 25 µg/mL (0.0025%), with strong effects observed at 100 µg/mL (0.01%).

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 2 – 6
0 7 14

Stability

Optimal stability for antimicrobial activity is observed within a pH range of 2 to 6. The extract is oil-soluble and also dissolves in alcohol and ether, but not in water; ethanol extractions show enhanced solubility. Its natural color, a significant aspect, is pH-sensitive, appearing red around pH 6.1, purple at pH 8.8, and blue at pH 10. The red color is nonionic below pH 7 and integrates well into nonpolar lipids.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
2%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel recommends alkanet root as safe when used at concentrations up to 2%. This ingredient naturally contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can be hepatotoxic if ingested or used in high doses; however, some manufacturers offer 'hepatotoxic PA-free' extracts. While generally well-tolerated with no widely known adverse reactions, individual sensitivities are possible, making a patch test advisable for sensitive skin. It has not been assessed by the SCCS, and its FDA status for skincare use is not clearly established.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
Yes Dry
No Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Alkanna Tinctoria Root Extract is a valuable ingredient, offering proven wound healing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory benefits, while also providing antioxidant protection and natural coloration, especially suitable for sensitive and dry skin types within its safe concentration limits.

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