bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is a natural meroterpene phenol primarily extracted from the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea corylifolia plant. Traditionally used in Chinese and Indian medicine, it has demonstrated a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-acne, anti-cancer, anti-osteoporotic, and organ-protective effects. Bakuchiol exerts its effects through several mechanisms: it inhibits nitric oxide synthase gene expression via inactivation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFkB), suppresses IL-6-induced STAT3 activation to reduce inflammation, downregulates p38 MAPK/ERK signaling pathways to control neuroinflammation, reduces leukotriene B4 production (thereby decreasing reactive oxygen species), and arrests mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory molecules such as TNF-alpha and interleukin 1-beta. In cancer models, bakuchiol induces S phase arrest and apoptosis by activating caspase 9/3 pathways while modulating p53/Bax/Bcl2 signaling. It also inhibits human carboxylesterase 2 involved in lipid metabolism within tumor tissues. In dermatology research and clinical trials (e.g., NCT03112863), bakuchiol is being investigated as a natural alternative to retinoids for improving skin tone and texture due to its ability to boost collagen production with less irritation[1][3][5][6][7][8].

Brand names

Sytenol A

Other names

drupanol