Osthole Introduction

Osthole is known as Cnidium Monnieri Fruit Extract. It is a cosmetic plant material extracted from the dried fruits of Cnidium. Osthole is the main active ingredient of Cnidium. Tests have shown that Osthole can inhibit the activity of trichophyton mentagrophytes and molds. It can treat skin eczema and other facial diseases. The moisture absorption test of the Osthole indicates that it has great hygroscopicity and moisturizing function. So, Osthole can be used for skincare products to prevent dry skin. Osthole can keep the skin clean and has a good skin-care effect. Osthole has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, so it can be used in feminine care products. Thus, its application in the cosmetic field is hugely perspective.

Osthole Functions

-       Removing tinea and relieving itching

Osthole’s anti-pruritic mechanism is related to the stabilization of the mast cell membrane and inhibition of histamine release from the skin’s mast cells. It has an obvious antipruritic effect. The experiment shows that the active component R2 of Osthole can significantly increase the itch threshold of histamine phosphate in guinea pigs. Also, it can greatly inhibit pruritus reaction induced by 4-aminopyridine; and it prevents histamine release from mast cells in skin tissue. It can effectively treat mice auricle swelling induced by xylene. Osthole combined with other coumarins can block the signal transduction pathway caused by substance P, and replaces the itch consciousness to achieve an antipruritic effect.

-       Anti-inflammation

In vitro experiment on mice shows that Osthole can inhibit the ear swelling caused by xylene, and it can suppress the increase of capillary permeability in the abdominal cavity caused by acetic acid. It obviously inhibits the granuloma in mice. Osthole inhibits calcium influx in cells and increases the level of cyclic GMP. Then it can affect the activity of nitric oxide synthase, and the content of PG, NO, and MDA to exert an anti-inflammation effect. In addition, it has been reported that Osthole influences the central nervous system by inhibiting peripheral inflammatory substances to achieve anti-inflammatory function.

-       Anti-bacterial

Osthole has an anti-bacterial effect on mycoplasma urealytium in vitro. Its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) is 62.5~125 μg/mL. Osthole can significantly reduce the pathogenicity of Staphylococcus aureus remnants.

Osthole Application & Dosage

Osthole is used in all kinds of cosmetics to alleviate skin problems, and it can also be used in women's toiletries.

Application Product	Recommended Dosage
Osthole 98%	0.5-1%