Description

Bakuchiol (BAK), [(1E,3S)-3-ethenyl-3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-1-yl]phenol is a prenylated phenolic monoterpene extracted from the fruit of Psoralea corylifolia L., which belongs to the Leguminosae plant family[1].

Biological activity

In 1966, Mehta et al. extracted BAK from Psoralea corylifolia for the first time, and it has now been verified that BAK can be widely derived from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia and other leguminous plants and butterfly flowers. It is a main bioactive meroterpene that possesses a variety of pharmacological activities, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidepression, and hypoglycemic activities, protection against oxidation in liver microsomes, and estrogen-like effects. BAK has also been associated with multiple diseases, such as myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), liver fibrosis, cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. Most importantly, BAK exerts remarkable protective effects in important organs, such as the heart and liver.

Anti-aging effect

Bakuchiol (BAK), a meroterpene phenol abundant in the plant Psoralea corylifolia, is an emerging cosmeceutical agent with promising anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Comparative gene expression profiling of retinol and BAK in a full-thickness skin substitute model demonstrated that although having no structural resemblance to retinoids, BAK can work as a functional analog of retinol. BAK similarly targets several cellular pathways, including the modulation of retinoic acid receptor genes and the upregulation of collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis enzymes[2].

BAK was studied in a 3-in-1 night serum in combination with melatonin and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate. Through RNA sequencing of ex vivo skin explants treated with this serum and exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, researchers gained insight into the synergistic effects of this compound. They found that the modulation of gene expression in collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, skin barrier function, and cellular metabolism was primarily driven through hypoxia-inducible factor 1α.

Further studies determined that this serum increased levels of filaggrin and aquaporin 3 in treated keratinocytes, increased levels of collagen I and collagen III in dermal fibroblasts in vitro, and increased collagen precursors in skin explants. Additionally, it led to a decreased number of apoptotic sunburn cells after exposure to UV light. Five clinical studies, including a total of 103 subjects, were performed to clinically assess this product's anti-aging efficacy and safety in all skin types. After 3?months, subjects demonstrated a significant decrease in wrinkles and increased skin firmness, supported by instrumental evaluation. Subjects also improved overall skin quality and complexion and exhibited good tolerance in all skin types. Hydration levels increased significantly from 30?minutes to 12?hours after application.

References

[1] Zhenlong Xin . “Bakuchiol: A newly discovered warrior against organ damage.” Pharmacological research 141 (2019): Pages 208-213.

[2] MD, Carolina Puyana et al. “Applications of bakuchiol in dermatology: Systematic review of the literature.” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 21 12 (2022): 6636–6643.