(CNIDIUM OFFICINALE/COPTIS CHINENSIS/GLYCYRRHIZA URALENSIS) ROOT EXTRACT

About (CNIDIUM OFFICINALE/COPTIS CHINENSIS/GLYCYRRHIZA URALENSIS) ROOT EXTRACT

A traditional Korean/Chinese herbal blend combining three roots with notable bioactive alkaloids (berberine, coptisine) and saponins (glycyrrhizin), each with documented skin activity but also potential irritation at higher concentrations.

Detailed Analysis

This ternary root extract combines Cnidium officinale (含有蛇床子素), Coptis chinensis (黄连 — rich in berberine), and Glycyrrhiza uralensis (甘草 — containing glycyrrhizin). Berberine is a botanical alkaloid with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties but also potential cytotoxicity at high concentrations. Glycyrrhizin is EU approved as a flavoring agent and shows anti-irritant activity. Coptis-derived extracts are reviewed under EU cosmetics law; the blend requires allergen declaration for linalool-derived constituents from Cnidium. Each component is individually recognized in COSING with no restriction entries.

What It Does

Skin Benefits

• ✓ Berberine provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity
• ✓ Glycyrrhizin exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant properties
• ✓ Combined extract shows synergistic anti-aging and skin-soothing effects
• ✓ Traditional use in East Asian dermatology for inflammatory skin conditions

Known Concerns

• ⚠ Berberine may cause cytotoxicity at high concentrations
• ⚠ Glycyrrhizin can affect blood pressure at very high oral doses — topical risk negligible
• ⚠ Coptis contains protoberberine alkaloids requiring concentration control
• ⚠ Linalool constituents from Cnidium require fragrance allergen labeling

References