Originating from Southeast Asia, the roots ofOphiopogon japonicus have long held significant value in Chinese medicine. It is particularly regarded as effective in the treatment of a wide range of diseases, such as thrombosis, myocardial ischemia, arrhythmias, respiratory diseases, and hyperglycemia, due to its rich variety of bioactive components. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the roots ofOphiopogon japonicusin skincare. But what does it bring to the skin?
What are the benefits of Ophiopogon japonicus extract on the skin?
Summary
Published on October 4, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 6 min of reading
Themes:
Benefit No.1: The extract of Ophiopogon japonicus, valued for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Studies have shown that the root extract ofOphiopogon japonicus can soothe and calm irritated skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties, making it potentially beneficial for individuals with sensitive or reactive skin. Phytochemical studies have revealed that the anti-inflammatory activity of Ophiopogon japonicus roots may come from certain polysaccharides, particularly β-fructans. In addition to polysaccharides, other findings have shown that homoisoflavonoids are also compounds with anti-inflammatory activity.
These various compounds have demonstrated their ability to significantly reduce the production of nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory mediators IL-1β and IL-6, by inhibiting the MAPK signalling pathway. It is important to understand that excessive production of nitric oxide, IL-1β and IL-6 in immune cells (macrophages) leads to an acute and chronic inflammatory response. These findings highlight the great potential of theOphiopogon japonicus as a new botanical ingredient to alleviate inflammatory diseases.
A clinical study was undertaken and demonstrated the potential efficacy of oligofructosanes derived fromOphiopogon japonicus in alleviating atopic symptoms and extending the remission phase between two flare-ups in children and adults suffering from atopic dermatitis of mild to moderate severity.
Benefit No. 2: The extract of Ophiopogon japonicus and its antioxidant activity.
High levels of free radicals can lead to all sorts of damage that disrupts skin function, as they can non-specifically oxidise all classes of biological macromolecules, including lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. However, studies have revealed that Japanese lilyturf is a potential source of compounds with antioxidant activity, which can help to eliminate free radicals and protect skin cells from oxidative stress. It has been revealed that the antioxidant capabilities of the extract from Ophiopogon japonicus depend on its total content of homoisoflavonoid compounds. Indeed, MA C. and his team have shown that homoisoflavonoids, notably methylophiopogonanone A and methylophiopogonanone B, derived from the roots of Ophiopogon japonicus have shown strong antioxidant activity following several in vitro tests.
On the other hand, it has also been reported that the purified polysaccharides derived from the tubers ofOphiopogon japonicus also have a strong ability to donate hydrogen atoms and trap free radicals, following in vitroevaluation. According to studies, this antioxidant activity of the polysaccharides mainly depends on their structural characteristics, and seems to be partially due to their hexuronic acid content and sulphate group for their chelating property. All these results suggest that the tubers ofOphiopogon japonicus can be used as antioxidants and that this free radical protection can potentially help to prevent premature skin ageing.
However, more in-depth studies to determine the exact mechanism underlying the antioxidant activity of the extract ofOphiopogon japonicusare necessary, as well as clinical studies to validate this hypothesis.
Benefit No. 3: The extract of Ophiopogon japonicus to help strengthen the skin's barrier function.
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the root extract of Ophiopogon japonicus are complemented by its ability to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier, making it an interesting ingredient in cosmetic formulations aimed at improving the appearance and health of the skin, and preventing dehydration. This effect is thought to be due to its content of saponins in the root, which are sources of carbohydrates.
Furthermore, the oligofructosanes would activate the expression of specific components of the skin barrier, including the natural hydration factors (filaggrin) for a hydrated and restructured skin, as well as the proteins of the tight junctions (claudin-1) for a strengthened cohesion of the upper layers of the epidermis. This thus helps to limit water loss and maintain adequate hydration, while ensuring an effective barrier function. However, these data require further investigation.
Even though the extract ofOphiopogon japonicus has shown potential benefits for the skin, individual results may vary.
Sources
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LIU N. N. & al. Structure and antioxidant activity of polysaccharide POJ-U1a extracted by ultrasound from Ophiopogon japonicus. Fitoterapia (2012).
MA C. & al. Homoisoflavonoids and the antioxidant activity of Ophiopogon japonicus root. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research (2014).
LIN L. & al. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of compounds isolated from the rhizome of Ophiopogon japonicas. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2017).
YANG X. & al. Recent advances in polysaccharides from Ophiopogon japonicus and Liriope spicata var. prolifera. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules (2018).
CHOI Y. H. & al. Metabolic profiling of saponin-rich Ophiopogon japonicus roots based on 1H NMR and HPTLC platforms. Planta Medica (2019).
CLOSS B. & al. Clinical efficacy of oligofructans from Ophiopogon japonicus in reducing atopic dermatitis flare-ups in caucasian patients. ActaDermato Venereologica (2019).
JANG H-J. & al. Ophiopogonin D ameliorates DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis-like lesions in BALB/c mice and TNF-α- inflamed HaCaT cell. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications (2020).
