Arbutin: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
arbutoside
Family or group:
Phytosubstances
Active ingredients:
Hydroquinone
D-glucose
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Skin lightening ✪✪✪✪✪
Alpha-arbutin protects the skin against the effects of UVA and UVB sun rays. Extracts of medicinal plants rich in arbutin help regulate melanin formation and therefore even out 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 α-arbutin in cosmetic products
Urinary tract infections ✪✪✪✪✪
Arbutin, metabolized in the urinary tract, is used in the treatment of urinary tract infections. Indeed, the arbutin present in bearberry leaves (17%) acts as a urinary antiseptic thanks to its antibacterial properties. Other medicinal plant extracts rich in arbutin help relieve the symptoms of cystitis.
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
Used particularly as a skin lightening product, alpha-arbutin also appears to be very effective, at low concentrations, in the treatment of skin problems such as dry skin, freckles and acne scars.
Usages associés
Antibacterial
Arbutin is used for its antibacterial properties. Indeed, arbutin is active against colibacilli, 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-infective actions.
Usages associés
Diuretic
Arbutin is recognized for its natural diuretic properties. Some animal studies indicate that it can increase urine flow.
Usages associés
Antioxidant
Arbutin is commonly used as an antioxidant, and consequently in most anti-aging products to combat oxidative stress and cellular aging. Indeed, it exhibits the same antioxidant activity as hydroquinone and a sustained radical-scavenging activity effective in fighting oxidative stress.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
In vitro, arbutin has 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.
Safe dosage
Adults aged 18 years and over: 50 mg - 720 mg
Arbutin is mainly extracted from bearberry. The dried leaves contain arbutin at concentrations ranging from 5 to 16%. These concentrations vary depending on the time and place of the plant harvest. Arbutin dosages depend on the preparations. For example, bearberry is generally expressed as a weight ratio based on arbutin content. In one trial, capsules containing 20% arbutin were used for 3600 mg of bearberry/day, which yields 720 mg of arbutin. Use should be for a short duration (3 to 5 days). Furthermore, isolated hydroquinone is toxic at high doses (1 g).
Interactions
Médicaments
Urinary acidifiers: moderate interaction
Theoretically, taking arbutin with medications known to acidify the 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 thinning of the retina. Theoretically, arbutin could worsen retinal thinning in patients with this condition.
Contraindications
Children up to 12 years: prohibited
Arbutin is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age. Hydroquinone can cause serious liver disorders.
Pregnancy: prohibited
Arbutin may have oxytocic effects, increasing the speed of labor.
Breastfeeding: prohibited
Arbutin is contraindicated in breastfeeding women.
