Cocklebur plant holds potential to prevent skin ageing, report researchers

South Korea: A recent study has revealed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components of the fruit of the cocklebur plant, which could make it useful as a skin protectant. The Cocklebur plant grows worldwide and is often considered a noxious weed.

The study's findings were presented at Discover BMB, the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology annual meeting, March 25–28 in Seattle by Eunsu Song, a doctoral candidate at Myongji University in South Korea conducted the research with Myongji University Professor Jinah Hwang. 

Researchers found that compounds in the species’ spiky fruits reduced damage from UVB exposure and sped wound healing in laboratory tests using cells and tissues. The cocklebur extracts also appear to influence the production of collagen, a protein that gives skin elasticity and prevents wrinkles.

“We found that cocklebur fruit has the potential to protect the skin and help enhance collagen production,” said Dr. Song. "In this regard, it could be an attractive ingredient for creams or other cosmetic forms. It will likely show a synergistic effect if mixed with other effective compounds, such as hyaluronic acid or retinoic acid, against ageing.

Cocklebur is a plant native to Southern Europe, Central Asia and China that has spread worldwide, often found in moist or sandy areas such as roadside ditches and riverbanks. Its distinctive fruits, covered in stiff husks and burrs, have been used for centuries in traditional medicines for headache, stuffy nose, disorders of skin pigmentation, tuberculosis-related illness and rheumatoid arthritis. In recent years scientists have explored its potential use in treatments for rheumatoid arthritis and cancer.

The new study is the first to examine the fruit’s properties as a wound-healing agent and skin protectant. Researchers first studied the molecular properties of cocklebur fruit extracts and isolated particular compounds that could contribute to anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. They then used cell cultures and a 3D tissue model with properties similar to human skin to study how these compounds affect collagen production, wound healing and damage from UVB radiation.

The results showed that the cocklebur fruit extracts encouraged collagen production, sped wound healing and exerted a protective effect against UVB radiation. Comparing the bioactivity of cocklebur fruits grown in different places, the researchers found that fruits grown in South Korea had slightly higher anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and greater wound-healing activity than those grown in China.

Researchers cautioned that high doses of cocklebur fruit extract can be harmful and further research is needed to determine how to use it safely in cosmetic or pharmaceutical applications.

“In its burrs, cocklebur fruit also has a toxic constituent, carboxyatractyloside, which can damage the liver,” said Song. “Cocklebur showed a potential as a cosmetic agent by increasing collagen synthesis; however, it showed negative results with higher concentrations. Therefore, finding the proper concentration seems very important and would be key to commercializing cocklebur fruit extracts in cosmetics.”

Reference:

Scientists see anti-aging potential in an invasive weed, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Meeting, Discover BMB.