Coptis Japonica Root Extract

What it is

Coptis japonica is a small woodland plant whose bright yellow root has been used in Japanese and Chinese herbal medicine for centuries. Its main active constituents are isoquinoline alkaloids, principally berberine, which give it both its colour and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in the laboratory. In cosmetics it appears mostly in Korean and Japanese formulas as a soothing botanical.

What it does well

• Antioxidant and calming activity in laboratory testing

  Berberine and related alkaloids show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in cell and animal models, and the plant has a long documented history of topical use. Human clinical data for the cosmetic extract are essentially absent.

  Traditional use

Worth knowing

• Botanical extracts vary and can sensitise

  Composition depends on growing conditions and extraction method, and any plant extract carries a small risk of allergic contact dermatitis. There is no specific safety signal for this extract at cosmetic levels.

  Matters most toPeople with known plant or botanical extract allergies.

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