Science
Mechanism of Action
This extract operates through multiple pathways to enhance skin health. It significantly reduces inflammation by inhibiting the biosynthesis of key pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, and by suppressing TNF-stimulated VCAM-1 expression, partly due to ursolic acid and its interaction with the COX-2 pathway. Its robust antioxidant capacity, attributed to its high content of polyphenols, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and vitamin C, effectively neutralizes free radicals. Furthermore, it demonstrates antimicrobial properties against various bacteria and offers cytoprotective benefits by reducing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, thereby safeguarding cells from oxidative damage and promoting skin repair.
Research
Clinical Evidence
Medium confidence5-10%
Key findings
- 01 A 10% aqueous extract applied topically 3 times a day for 4 weeks significantly treated knee osteoarthritis.
- 02 A 5% fruit extract (in 70% ethanol) was effective in treating paederus dermatitis, showing anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and analgesic effects.
- 03 A 5% fruit extract notably enhanced wound healing in diabetic rats, leading to increased wound closure rate, new epidermis and dermis volume, total fibroblast cells, and collagen deposition.
- 04 Aqueous extracts at 5% and 10% (v/v) dose-dependently reduced CHOP levels, an ER stress marker, in J774A.1 macrophages.
- 05 A 0.5% v/v hydrophilic fraction caused a 6% significant increase in cell viability in a t-ButOOH induced cytotoxicity model, with various concentrations of total extract also improving viability.
Transparency
Dusting Analysis
The Formula
Formulation
Stability
Key components like anthocyanins are water-soluble. The extract is often prepared as an aqueous solution. Short-term heating can eliminate potential risks from toxic lectins without significantly compromising its beneficial polyphenol and antioxidant content, suggesting it can tolerate some heat processing.
Safety
Safety Profile
While raw Sambucus ebulus berries are considered poisonous and can induce vomitory toxicity, particularly in children if consumed in high doses, the processed fruit extract is generally considered to have low toxicity. Short-term heating can eliminate toxic lectins without significantly reducing beneficial polyphenols. Although not reviewed by CIR, the related species Sambucus nigra fruit extract is rated as 'low concern' by EWG. Some parts of the *Sambucus* genus (leaves and stems) may cause contact dermatitis. Animal studies reported nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in mice with an ethyl acetate extract (2 mg/kg via intraperitoneal injection), but no adverse effects were noted in topical applications in reviewed studies. The lethal dose 50% (LD50) of its rhizome methanol extract is 600 mg/kg.
Your Skin
Skin Compatibility
Our Assessment
Verdict
Sambucus Ebulus Fruit Extract is a valuable multi-functional ingredient, offering significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing benefits suitable for various skin types, with a generally low safety concern when processed.
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