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Moumoujus

EPHEDRA SINICA EXTRACT.

Insufficient Data CAS 85940-38-1 / SKIN CONDITIONING, TONIC

Derived from the Ephedra sinica plant, this extract demonstrates a multifaceted action profile in skincare. It offers significant potential for addressing hyperpigmentation, photoaging, and inflammation, while also functioning as a skin conditioning agent. Its mechanisms involve targeted cellular pathway modulation for precise skin benefits.

Summary

Skin conditioning Antioxidant Anti-inflammatory Skin brightening

Science

Mechanism of Action

Ephedra Sinica Extract influences key skin processes by inhibiting tyrosinase activity and reducing melanin production at the gene expression level, contributing to a visible brightening effect. It also actively suppresses inflammatory responses and photoaging by downregulating UVB-induced cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 expression through the Raf/MEK1/2/ERK1/2 phosphorylation pathway. Furthermore, its inherent antibacterial properties support skin health and aid in healing, alongside its recognized role as a skin conditioning and tonic agent.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 In an in vitro study, a 50 ㎍/mL concentration decreased tyrosinase activity by 70.4% and melanin generation by 64% in SK-MEL-2 melanoma cells, suggesting potent skin whitening potential.
  2. 02 Research on immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) revealed its capacity to significantly suppress UVB-induced COX-2 and MMP-1 expression, alongside downregulating Raf/MEK1/2/ERK1/2 phosphorylation, demonstrating anti-inflammatory and anti-photoaging effects.
  3. 03 A clinical study on the topical application of Ephedra sinica's *root* extract (distinct from the whole plant extract) showed partial effectiveness in improving skin furrows, specifically reducing average and maximum roughness, in subjects under 50 after 8 weeks.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

While no specific optimal pH range for the stability of Ephedra Sinica Extract in cosmetic formulations has been identified, historical data suggests an alkaline pH between 12 and 13 was considered appropriate for ephedrine extraction. The extract demonstrates versatility, having been successfully prepared using both distilled water and ethanol, and incorporated into oil-based (e.g., oleic acid) and water-based (e.g., Carbopol gel) formulations.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk Unknown

The U.S. FDA banned dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids, a stimulant found in Ephedra sinica, in 2004 due to serious systemic health risks. It is critical to note that Ephedra extracts *devoid of ephedrine alkaloids* are not subject to this ban and remain legally available for cosmetic use. There is currently no dedicated safety assessment for 'EPHEDRA SINICA EXTRACT' for cosmetic use from either the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) or the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), indicating a gap in specific cosmetic safety data.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Insufficient Data

While exhibiting promising in-vitro efficacy for brightening, anti-inflammatory, and anti-photoaging effects, the lack of specific cosmetic safety assessments by CIR or SCCS, coupled with the historical FDA ban on ephedrine alkaloids in supplements, indicates insufficient data for a confident recommendation in precision skincare formulations.

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