In 2007, 76 villagers in northeastern Bangladesh fell ill after eating seedlings.
However, this is a deadly plant,which is considered a weed, is receiving increasing interest from scientists due to its many potential health benefits. Researchers have already studied its properties in fighting cancer and arthritis, and have also discovered compounds with anti-aging and wound healing potential.
New research shows that some partsCocklebur plants (Xanthium strumarium) have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can be used as an effective skin protectant.
Staff at Myongji University in South Koreaconducted clinical trials. They extracted compounds from the plant and showed that they reduced damage from exposure to UV light, accelerated wound healing, and stimulated collagen production. The study's authors called it an "attractive ingredient" for future cosmetics. “It is likely to demonstrate a synergistic anti-aging effect when mixed with other effective compounds such as hyaluronic acid or retinoic acid,” explains Eunsoo Song, a doctoral student at Myongji University.
However, the researchers caution that their results are preliminary and that more research is needed to assess safety.
“The spines of the cocklebur also containthe toxic component is carboxyatractyloside, which can damage the liver, scientists emphasize. “Therefore, finding the right concentration seems very important and will be the key to the commercialization of cocklebur fruit extracts in cosmetics.” At high concentrations it is dangerous."
The plant has been used for thousands of yearstraditional Chinese herbal medicine to treat everything from headaches to fungal infections. Since then, scientists have identified about 170 cocklebur compounds for use in medical research.
The research was presented at the ASBMB #DiscoverASBMB annual meeting in Seattle.
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On the cover: Xanthium strumarium
Courtesy: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University