A purple-flowered herb little-known in the West, despite centuries of use in Indian and Chinese traditional medicine, could offer hope for women in search of the perfect face cream.
A study has found an ingredient in the ‘Indian plant’, or ‘babchi’, can reduce the severity of wrinkles by 20 per cent after three months.
The ‘bakuchiol’ ingredient found in its edible seeds works as well as retinol – a form of vitamin A used in skin creams and usually produced in a lab. But bakuchiol is less likely to cause the itching and burning which some people suffer from high street anti-wrinkle products.
As the most trusted Ayurvedic herb for blood purification and skin health, Babchi enjoys the sovereignty as a celebrated natural remedy in Ayurveda, Siddha and Homeopathic medicine for treating leucoderma, genital health, bone disorders, leprosy, psoriasis, lumbago, impotence, intestinal worms, lower backaches, psoriasis and vitiligo.
Almost all the parts of this plant have therapeutic values but the essential oil is extracted from the seeds of this plant. The leaves of this plant have been used for treating diarrhea, the bitter fruits are recommended for treating piles, anemia, bronchitis, vomiting and dark complexion, whereas the roots are prescribed for relieving tooth decay and osteoporosis.
Researchers at the University of California recruited 44 people and asked half to try a face cream containing bakuchiol. It lightened age spots and made wrinkles less deep, although there was little change in facial redness.
Dermatologist Dr Raja Sivamani, who led the study, said: ‘For consumers who value natural products, bakuchiol provides appeal due to its origin in several plant species.’
The ingredient is believed to trigger genes that produce proteins which keep the skin tight and protect it from ageing.
It may also disrupt melanin - the pigment which darkens the skin to cause age spots.
© Daily Mail