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Moumoujus

ECBALLIUM ELATERIUM FRUIT EXTRACT.

Avoid CAS 90131-28-5 / SKIN CONDITIONING

Ecballium Elaterium Fruit Extract, derived from the squirting cucumber, is a botanical extract containing potent triterpene cucurbitacins. While laboratory studies suggest various biological activities, its inherent and severe toxicity renders it unsuitable for cosmetic applications.

Summary

Antimicrobial (in vitro) Anti-inflammatory (in vitro) Cytotoxic (in vitro)

Science

Mechanism of Action

The primary active compounds are cucurbitacins, triterpene metabolites known for their cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Cucurbitacin B's anti-inflammatory effect may involve modulating leukotriene B4 production. The extract also contains phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and fatty acids, which contribute to its observed antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities through various cellular mechanisms.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 In vitro cytotoxic activity against skin melanoma cells was observed with an aqueous extract (IC50 66.2 ± 0.41 µg/mL).
  2. 02 In vitro anticancer activity was noted against MCF-7 breast cancer cells (IC50 29.67 μg/mL) and Caco-2 colorectal cancer cells (IC50 17.64 μg/mL) with ethanolic extracts.
  3. 03 Inhibition of NO production, indicating anti-inflammatory activity, ranged from 56.55% (5 µM cyclohexane extract) to 76.90% (20 µM methanol extract) in laboratory settings.
  4. 04 Antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa was demonstrated at an MIC of 37.5 mg/mL, and antifungal activity against Candida albicans was observed at 2.5 mg/mL (methanolic root extract).

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

This ingredient is not used in cosmetic formulations due to its severe toxicity, therefore dusting analysis is not applicable.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

The aglycone forms of cucurbitacins exhibit poor water solubility but are highly soluble in chloroform. Various solvents such as methanol, ethanol, dichloromethane, and petroleum ether have been utilized for extraction, suggesting components with a broad range of polarities. Methanol is noted for providing the highest extraction yield from the fruit.

Conflicts

  • Direct contact with skin and mucous membranes due to severe irritancy and toxicity.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk High

Ecballium Elaterium Fruit Extract is explicitly not recommended for topical cosmetic use due to its extreme toxicity. The fruit and its juice, rich in cucurbitacins, are poisonous if ingested, potentially causing severe internal damage. Topical or intranasal exposure leads to severe irritation of mucous membranes, edema (e.g., pharynx, uvula), dyspnea, drooling, dysphagia, vomiting, conjunctivitis, and corneal edema. In extreme cases, it can result in cardiac and renal failure, or even death. The toxic dose of elaterin is 5 mg, with a fatal dose reported at 0.6 g. All parts of the squirting cucumber plant are considered toxic.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Despite laboratory evidence of diverse biological activities, the extreme toxicity and severe irritancy of Ecballium Elaterium Fruit Extract make it unequivocally unsuitable and dangerous for any form of cosmetic application.

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