Arbutin - what is it and what is it used for? Application in medicine and cosmetology

In modern cosmetic industry there are several essential substances that are actively used in the production of creams. One of them is arbutin. What this is and what it is used for will be discussed in this article.

Its amazing cosmetic properties were discovered several centuries ago. Then plants with a rich content of arbutin were used to whiten the skin. A huge amount of this substance is found in mulberry, blueberry, bearberry, cowberry, badana and other plants. Arbutin in cosmetics is an irreplaceable thing. It is effective in eliminating pigmented spots, due to the property of blocking the synthesis of melanin. Unlike other substances, arbutin does not damage skin cells. It also has a softening effect.

Arbutin - what is it and why is it added to cosmetic products?

Arbutin is a glycoside belonging to aryl-beta-glycosides. It can also be found under the name hydroquinone-beta D. It is extracted by chemical processes from plants, as well as by chemical means. Arbutin is divided into structural isomers of alpha and beta-arbutin.

The alpha-arbutin formula is more stable and effective. However, on the labels of cosmetic products, it is rarely possible to find information about which arbutin is a part. The organic compound of arbutin is an ether. Most often it is obtained from leaves of bearberry. Then connect with various vitamins and moisturizers. In this form, arbutin is added to various creams for bleaching the skin.

Hydroquinone in its pure form, which used to be popular in bleaching products, is now recognized as a toxic substance of a carcinogenic type. Practically in all civilized countries, its use is strictly prohibited. The properties of arbutin are not so strong, but it is a safe substitute for hydroquinone.

The process of extracting arbutin from plants

The effect of arbutin resembles the action of vaccine, which is extracted from the leaves of cranberries. Arbutin is extracted in a simple way. The leaves of plants containing this substance are boiled in water. Then lead acetate is added, and thus the settling of tannins takes place in the resulting solution. The lead is removed from the solution by means of hydrogen sulphide. Crystals of arbutin are separated from evaporated hydrogen. Finally, arbutin is treated with activated carbon and water. Arbutin has a bitter taste and is readily soluble in warm water. Under a microscope, you can see silky long needles. This is the crystallized arbutin (what it is and for what it is used, we already know).

A new source of arbutin

A rather expensive component of medicines, as well as cosmetics, is arbutin. What is it and what it is needed for was described above. The fact is that in Russia this component is not produced, so the price for it is so high. The main supplier of arbutin is China. However, young scientists from Bashkiria have developed their own way of extracting arbutin from domestic raw materials, which may well compete with a foreign analog. It is extracted from the plant of Serpukh Gmelin, which grows in the vicinity of Sibai.

The juice is extracted from the freshly picked plant by a juicer, then it is extracted with an organic solvent. The solution is filtered and then crystalline arbutin is formed.

Useful properties of arbutin

This substance is irreplaceable in non-traditional medicine. It has pronounced antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Most often, arbutin can be found in drugs for the treatment of urinary and digestive systems. In the digestive tract, arbutin decomposes into hydroquinone and glucose. Due to hydroquinone, the necessary therapeutic effect is achieved. However, antiseptic and astringent properties of arbutin begins to manifest only when it enters the alkaline environment. The main field of application of arbutin in medicine is the treatment of diseases of the urinary system.

With the help of leaves of bearberry, rich in arbutin, almost all diseases of the kidneys and bladder can be cured. There is also an experience of treating gastritis and thyroid gland.

Application of arbutin in cosmetics

Despite the fact that excessive pallor on the face is not always an indicator of aristocratic beauty, some women still prefer creams with whitening effect. With age, pigmentation spots begin to appear on the face. Under the influence of ultraviolet, they become more visible. Most women want to hide this deficiency and resort to creams with the effect of whitening. Among the many popular substances, it is possible to single out arbutin. The whitening properties with which he is famous are the most safe for the skin. Arbutin is able to whiten freckles and pigmentation spots that result from hormonal imbalances, prolonged sun exposure or aging. In the process of skin bleaching, the production of melanin (a pigment that determines the color of the skin and hair) is reduced by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for its synthesis. Since arbutin is extracted from plants, it is very popular among many cosmetic companies that do not use aggressive ingredients in their products. Moreover, there is evidence that in addition to the whitening effect, it also protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation, improves immunity, has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin.

However, the use of a cream with arbutin requires patience. The result is not immediately felt. After using for several weeks, or even months, you can see the first results.

Negative impact

Besides the benefit, any substance can also cause harm. Arbutin is no exception. Contraindications for the use of this remedy are also available. Hydroquinone, which is the main constituent of arbutin, is a toxic substance. Despite the fact that the composition also contains glucose, which makes arbutin not so poisonous, there is no proof yet of its nontoxicity. Therefore, only 2% of arbutin is considered safe for the skin. In some cases, an allergic reaction may occur. In this case, it is necessary to completely exclude the means containing arbutin.