Functions And Benefits
Skin whitening:
As a natural whitening ingredient, the skin-whitening mechanism of Glabridin mainly includes:
(1) inhibiting tyrosinase activity;
(2) inhibiting the activity of dopachrome tautomerase (TRP-2)
(3) inhibiting the activity of DHICA oxidase;
(4) exerting the function of endothelin antagonist;
(5) increasing the total antioxidant capacity of the skin;
(6) effectively scavenging oxygen free radicals and its chain reaction. Moreover, through these synergistic effects, it effectively prevents the polymerization of 5,6-dihydroxyindole (DHI) and the production of dopachrome. Thereby Glabridin can disturb and hinder the formation and transport of melanin; and then it inhibits and reduces pigmentation so as to achieve whitening skin effect.
Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial:
The anti-inflammatory effect of Glabridin is related to its anti-oxidative activity of scavenging reactive oxygen. Glabridin can inhibit the production of NO in macrophages and the expression of inducible NO synthase. Then it can prevent the development of inflammation. Also Glabridin can inhibit the activity of staphylococcus aureus and candida albicans. It has a strong antibacterial effect, and can be used for the treatment of acne.
Antioxidant:
Glabridin has shown strong anti-free radical oxidation in the cytochrome oxidation system. It can significantly inhibit the free radicals generated in the body’s metabolism. Then it prevents the oxidation-sensitive bio-macromolecules (LDL, LDL, DNA) and cell walls from being oxidized and damaged by free radicals. As an antioxidant, Glabridin can also inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species and activation of p53; it regulates the cleavage of BCL-2 and poly ADP ribose polymerase. And it can fight against oxygenated DNA fragments of keratinocytes induced by UV; then it prevents sun-induced skin aging.
Sunscreen:
The conjugate property in the molecular structure of licorice flavonoids assures that Glabridin is characterized by strong absorption of both ultraviolet and visible light. Therefore, the sunscreen mechanism of Glabridin has the highest absorption peak for ultraviolet rays. And it effectively blocks ultraviolet rays from the skin surface after being applied to the skin. Furthermore, it also works by absorbing unstable molecules of high-energy ultraviolet rays. Then it converts the ultraviolet rays that damage the skin into harmless, low-energy and non-damaging ones.
