Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is a naturally occurring meroterpenoid isolated mainly from the seeds of *Psoralea corylifolia* and other medicinal plants[3][5]. Its formal chemical name is 4-[(1E,3S)-3-ethenyl-3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-1-yl]-phenol. It is unrelated in structure to retinoids, but has been shown to exhibit retinol-like effects on gene expression and skin aging phenotypes[3][4]. Bakuchiol’s actions encompass antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antimicrobial, and anti-aging effects, including inhibition of DNA polymerase, suppression of proinflammatory cytokines (PGE2, MIF), stimulation of extracellular matrix proteins (collagen, fibronectin), and support of wound healing and epidermal regeneration[3][4][7]. It is used in cosmetics as a well-tolerated alternative to retinol for anti-aging, but is also being investigated for its roles in cancer, inflammatory disorders, and infection[3][5][4]. Bakuchiol does not fit the definition of a traditional drug target (such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter); instead, it is a bioactive ligand with pleiotropic effects, and research is ongoing to determine its direct protein targets in cells[2][4].

Other names

BAKUCHIOLBackuchiolDrupanol(S,E)-4-(3,7-dimethyl-3-vinylocta-1,6-dien-1-yl)phenolPsoralenolumBAKUCHIOL(SH)UP 256Aids046581Aids-046581

Inhibition of DNA polymerase activity; Antioxidant activity/scavenging of reactive oxygen species; Anti-inflammatory cytokine modulation (e.g., lowering PGE2, MIF); Stimulation of extracellular matrix proteins (e.g., collagen, fibronectin); Retinol-like regulation of gene expression, but via different targets