Buddleja davidii leaf extract is derived from the leaves of the Buddleja davidii plant, (Scrophulariaceae) commonly known as butterfly bush. This extract is valued for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties and is used in cosmetics and skincare products.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Buddleja davidii leaf extract contains several bioactive compounds, including:

• Flavonoids: Contains flavonoids such as quercetin and luteolin, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Phenolic acids: Includes phenolic acids that contribute to antioxidant and skin-protective activities.
• Saponins: Contains saponins that may have soothing and conditioning effects on the skin.
• Vitamins: Includes vitamins, such as vitamin C, which supports skin health and protection against oxidative stress.

The chemical structure of Buddleja davidii leaf extract is characterized by a variety of polyphenolic and phytochemical compounds offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Physical Properties

Buddleja davidii leaf extract is typically a dark brown or deep liquid with a distinctive vegetal odor. It is soluble in water and aqueous solutions, making it easily incorporable into various cosmetic formulations.

Production Process 

The production process of Buddleja davidii leaf extract involves the following steps:

Cultivation and Harvesting: The leaves of Buddleja davidii are harvested when they are mature and rich in bioactive compounds.

• Preparation: The leaves are cleaned to remove any impurities or contaminants.
• Solvent Extraction: The cleaned leaves are soaked in solvents, such as alcohol or water, to extract the bioactive compounds. This method yields a concentrated extract.
• Ultrasound or CO2 Supercritical Extraction: In some cases, advanced methods like ultrasound or CO2 supercritical extraction may be used to enhance the extraction efficiency and quality of the extract.
• Purification: The extract is purified to remove impurities and obtain a high-quality product. This process may include filtration and concentration.
• Formulation: The purified extract is incorporated into various cosmetic formulations, such as creams, lotions, serums, and masks. It is blended with other ingredients to optimize its skin benefits.
• Quality Control: The final product undergoes rigorous quality control testing to ensure it meets safety, efficacy, and performance standards. This includes checks on purity, stability, and compatibility with other ingredients.
• Storage: Buddleja davidii leaf extract is stored in airtight containers, away from light, moisture, and heat, to preserve its stability and efficacy.

Applications 

Medical: Buddleja davidii leaf extract may be used in pharmaceutical preparations for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be employed in treatments for inflammatory or irritated skin conditions.

Cosmetic: In cosmetics, Buddleja davidii leaf extract is valued for its soothing and antioxidant properties. It is used in a variety of products, including creams, lotions, serums, and masks, to enhance skin health and protect against environmental stress.

Other: The extract can also be incorporated into other personal care products to benefit from its protective and regenerating properties.

Cosmetics - INCI Functions

• Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

CAS   94465-67-5

EC number   305-351-6

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Buddleja davidii leaf extract is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals when used according to recommended guidelines. It is a natural ingredient with a low risk of irritation or allergic reactions. Environmentally, the production of plant extracts like Buddleja davidii can be sustainable, especially if responsible agricultural practices and eco-friendly extraction methods are adopted.

References__________________________________________________________________________

(1) Ahmad I, Ahmad N, Wang F. Antioxidant phenylpropanoid glycosides from Buddleja davidii. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem. 2009 Aug;24(4):993-7. doi: 10.1080/14756360802565072. PMID: 19548780.

Abstract. Phytochemical investigations on the n-BuOH-soluble fraction of the whole plant of Buddleja davidii led to the isolation of the phenylpropanoid glycosides 1-10. Their structures were determined by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques. All the compounds showed potent antioxidative activity in three different tests, with IC(50) values in the range 4.15-9.47 microM in the hydroxyl radical ( OH) inhibitory activity test, 40.32-81.15 microM in the total ROS (reactive oxygen species) inhibitory activity test, and 2.26-7.79 microM in the peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) scavenging activity test. Calceolarioside A (1) displayed the strongest scavenging potential with IC(50) values of (4.15 +/- 0.07, 40.32 +/- 0.09, 2.26 +/- 0.03 microM) for OH, total ROS and scavenging of ONOO(-), respectively.

Wu J, Yi W, Jin L, Hu D, Song B. Antiproliferative and cell apoptosis-inducing activities of compounds from Buddleja davidii in Mgc-803 cells. Cell Div. 2012 Aug 31;7(1):20. doi: 10.1186/1747-1028-7-20. 

Abstract. Background: Buddleja davidii is widely distributed in the southwestern region of China. We have undertaken a systematic analysis of B. davidii as a Chinese traditional medicine with anticancer activity by isolating natural products for their activity against the human gastric cancer cell line Mgc-803 and the human breast cancer cell line Bcap-37. Results: Ten compounds were extracted and isolated from B. davidii, among which colchicine was identified in B. davidii for the first time. The inhibitory activities of these compounds were investigated in Mgc-803, Bcap-37 cells in vitro by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay, and the results showed that luteolin and colchicine had potent inhibitory activities against the growth of Mgc-803 cells. Subsequent fluorescence staining and flow cytometry analysis indicated that these two compounds could induce apoptosis in Mgc-803 cells. The results also showed that the percentages of early apoptotic cells (Annexin V+/PI-, where PI is propidium iodide) and late apoptotic cells (Annexin V+/PI+) increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. After 36 h of incubation with luteolin at 20 μM, the percentages of cells were approximately 15.4% in early apoptosis and 43.7% in late apoptosis; after 36 h of incubation with colchicine at 20 μM, the corresponding values were 7.7% and 35.2%, respectively. Conclusions: Colchicine and luteolin from B. davidii have potential applications as adjuvant therapies for treating human carcinoma cells. These compounds could also induce apoptosis in tumor cells.

Houghton PJ, Mensah AY, Iessa N, Hong LY. Terpenoids in Buddleja: relevance to chemosystematics, chemical ecology and biological activity. Phytochemistry. 2003 Sep;64(2):385-93. doi: 10.1016/s0031-9422(03)00264-4. 

Abstract. The terpenoids reported from Buddleja species are described. The antifungal activity of chloroform extracts of B. cordata and B. davidii stembark against the soil fungi Fusarium culmorum and Sordari fimicola is reported, with buddledin A shown to be the major compound responsible. The terpenoids present support the view that the Buddlejaceae should be classified in a taxon with Scrophulariaceae rather than Loganiaceae. Ecological aspects of the terpenoids are considered in relation to insects and soil fungi and the role of terpenoids in the chemical basis of the use of Buddleja in traditional medicine is also discussed, especially with regard to their anti-inflammatory properties.

Zhang W, Tang SA, Duan HQ. Studies on chemical constituents of rhizome of Buddleia davidii Zhong Yao Cai. 2009 Apr;32(4):515-7. PMID: 19645234.

Abstract. Objective: To study the chemical constituents of Rhizome of Buddleia davidii. Methods: The chemical constituents were isolated by repeated column chromatography (Toyopearl HW-40C and HPLC) and their structures were elucidated on the basis of physico-chemical properties and spectroscopic features. Results: From the petroleum ether extract of the material, eight compounds were isolated. Their structures were identified as: Buddlindeterpene B(1), Buddledin B(2), Buddledin C(3), deacetyldihydrobuddledin A(4), dihydrobuddledin C(5), Suberosol B(6), Gadain (7) and Hinokinin (8). Conclusion: Compounds 1,4 - 8 are isolated from B. davidii for the first time.