Arbutin: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
arbutoside
Family or group:
Phytosubstances
Active ingredients:
Hydroquinone
D-glucose
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Skin lightening ✪✪✪✪✪
Alpha-arbutin protects the skin against the effects of UV and UVB rays from the sun. Medicinal plant extracts rich in arbutin help regulate melanin formation and thus balance skin coloration. Bearberry extract, for example, is used to reduce skin or complexion imperfections. Cosmetic products containing arbutin are used as anti-aging treatments.
Posologie
Topical application
2 - 3 %
Adults, Women
lotion, cream
Reassessment of antioxidant activity of arbutin: multifaceted evaluation using five antioxidant assay systems
Arbutin, an intracellular hydroxyl radical scavenger, protects radiation-induced apoptosis in human lymphoma U937 cells
Hydrolysis of arbutin to hydroquinone by human skin bacteria and its effect on antioxidant activity
Antimicrobial and Antiradical Activity of Extracts Obtained from Leaves of Five Species of the Genus Bergenia: Identification of Antimicrobial Compounds
Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Consumer safety (SCCS)--Opinion on the safety of the use of b-arbutin in cosmetic products
Urinary tract infections ✪✪✪✪✪
Arbutin, metabolized in the urinary tract, is used in the treatment of urinary tract infections. Indeed, Arbutin present in bearberry leaves (17%) acts as a urinary antiseptic due to its antibacterial properties. Other medicinal plant extracts rich in arbutin can relieve cystitis symptoms.
Posologie
Oral administration
100 mg
Adults, Women
Chronic bacterial prostatitis: efficacy of short-lasting antibiotic therapy with prulifloxacin (Unidrox®) in association with saw palmetto extract, lactobacillus sporogens and arbutin (Lactorepens®)
Properties
Dermatological Effect
Particularly used as a skin lightening product, alpha-arbutin also appears to be very effective, at low concentrations, in treating skin issues such as dry skin, freckles, and acne scars.
Usages associés
Antibacterial
Arbutin is used for its antibacterial properties. Indeed, Arbutin is active against coliform bacilli, the main germs responsible for urinary tract infections. Arbutin is metabolized in the urinary tract (after hydrolysis by intestinal or skin bacteria), where it breaks down into glucose and hydroquinone, a substance very similar to phenol with anti-infectious actions.
Usages associés
Diuretic
Arbutin is recognized for its natural diuretic properties. Some animal research shows that it can increase urine flow.
Usages associés
Antioxidant
Arbutin is commonly used as an antioxidant, and consequently in most anti-aging products to fight oxidative stress and cellular aging. Indeed, it has the same antioxidant activity as hydroquinone and an effective, long-lasting radical activity to fight oxidative stress.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
In vitro, arbutin exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. It significantly reduces pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNF-alpha.
Usages associés
Anticancer
Methanolic extracts of Damiana, a small shrub with aromatic flowers rich in arbutin, show cytotoxic activity in vitro against several cancer cell lines.
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 50 mg - 720 mg
Arbutin is primarily extracted from Bearberry. Dried leaves contain arbutin at concentrations ranging from 5 to 16%. These concentrations vary based on the time and place of plant harvest. Arbutin dosages depend on the preparations. For example, bearberry is generally expressed in weight ratio based on arbutin content. In one trial, capsules containing 20% arbutin for 3600 mg of bearberry/day were used, resulting in 720 mg of arbutin. Use should be short-term (3 to 5 days). Moreover, isolated hydroquinone is toxic at high doses (1 g).
Interactions
Médicaments
Urinary acidifiers: moderate interaction
Theoretically, taking arbutin with medications known to acidify urine may reduce its effectiveness for urinary tract infections. Some urinary acidifiers include potassium phosphate and other phosphate salts.
Precautions
Retinopathy: avoid
Hydroquinone inhibits melanin synthesis and could lead to retina thinning. Theoretically, arbutin could worsen retina thinning in patients with this condition.
Contraindications
Child up to 12 years: prohibited
Arbutin is contraindicated in children under 12 years. Hydroquinone may cause serious liver disorders.
Pregnant woman: prohibited
Arbutin may have oxytocic effects, increasing the speed of labor.
Breastfeeding woman: prohibited
Arbutin is contraindicated in breastfeeding women.
