Gastrodia elata Blume extract for Skin and Body

Gastrodia elata Blume is a precious traditional Chinese herbal medicine that was initially recorded in Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic about two thousand years ago. In the clinic, G. elata is used widely for the treatment of headaches, dizziness, rheumatism, epilepsy, neuralgia, cramps, high blood pressure, and other neurological diseases. In the search for the active ingredients of G. elata, a series of small molecule compounds were found, including gastrodin, phenolic compounds, parishin, 4-hydroxy benzyl alcohol, and β-sitosterol.

• Antioxidant: In one study, Gastrodia elata Blume extract ameliorated skin-photoaging signs by promoting antioxidant activity with sufficient amounts of flavonoid, polyphenols, and ergo and by altering expression/activity of matrix metalloproteinase-1, procollagen type I, and elastase-1 in UVA- irradiated human dermal fibroblasts.

• Anti-inflammatory: Gastrodia elata Blume extract has anti-inflammatory properties that calm, redness or irritation on the skin.

• Skin whitening effect: In another study, Gastrodia elata Blume extract inhibited melanin synthesis through the suppression of tyrosinase activity. Therefore, these studies suggest that Gastrodia elata Blume extract may be used as effective and natural skin- whitening as well as an anti-aging agent for cosmeceutical applications. While lower doses of Gastrodia elata Blume extract had a tendency to decrease melanin synthesis through the suppression of tyrosinase activity. The inhibition levels of Gastrodia elata Blume extract at higher doses were as effective as arbutin.

• Neuroprotective effects: Gastrodia elata Blume extract was experimentally shown to prevent ischemia injury, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and improve learning and memory. Other research demonstrated that extracts of Gastrodia elata Blume have anticonvulsive effects against kainate-induced seizures and epilepsy in rats. It also has anti-convulsion, anti-psychosis, and anti-depression potential. 

Gastrodia elata Blume extract is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin and skin of colour, but do make sure to conduct a test patch to see if you are allergic to this extract.