New research found that a noxious weed contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components that could use as a skin protectant. The cocklebur plant could reduce damage from UVB exposure and influence the production of collagen.

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 24: Display Horticulturist Scott Taylor inspects foliage in the Palm House at The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew on March 24, 2009 in London.

Cocklebur Plant with Anti-Aging, Anti-Inflammatory Compounds

Cocklebur plants were often found on roadside and river banks, native to Southern Europe, Central Asia, and China but eventually spread worldwide. These plants produce spiky fruits covered in stiff husks and burrs and were traditionally used as medicines for headaches, stuffy noses, disorders of skin pigmentation, rheumatoid arthritis, and even cancer.

But Interesting Engineering reported that researchers were able to conduct a new study to examine the plant's produced fruits and their properties. Researchers from South Korea found that it produces a wound-healing agent and can be a skin protectant. 

This was conducted by researchers from Myongi University in South Korea, Doctoral Candidate Eunsu Song, and Professor Jinah Hwang. Song stated that the cocklebur fruit has the potential to protect and enhance the production of collagen.

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"In this regard, it could be an attractive ingredient for creams or other cosmetic forms. It will likely show a synergistic effect if it is mixed with other effective compounds, such as hyaluronic acid or retinoic acid, against aging," the researcher added.

This study was presented by Song at Discover BMB for the annual meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry, which happened last March 25-28 in Seattle, Washington. 

Testing the Plant

Researchers explored first the molecular properties of the plant's fruit extracts and isolated particular compounds that could given antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. As per Medical News Today, the test used cell cultures and a 3D tissue model that comes with similar properties to human skin. 

Through this process, they were able to study how the fruit contributes to impacted collagen production, wound-healing, and damage from UVB radiation. For the results, it comes with highly positive and checks all the aforementioned boxes.

Cocklebur's Limitations

Compared to those grown in China, the researchers also found that the fruits in South Korea had slightly higher properties and greater activity. While the cocklebur plant can benefit a person's skin and health, it is still considered a noxious plant with high doses of fruit extract that can be harmful. 

Song stated, "Cocklebur fruit also has a toxic constituent, carboxyatractyloside, which can damage the liver. Cocklebur showed potential as a cosmetic agent by increasing collagen synthesis; however, it showed negative results with higher concentrations."

With this, EurekAlert reported that proper concentration will be the main key to commercializing these fruit extracts in cosmetics. But in order for this to happen, Song suggested that further research is needed to explore the safest ways to adapt extracts to products in the cosmetic industry. 

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