Bacocalmine™ is derived from the plant Bacopa monniera for problem and acne skin

This water-loving plant has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, but is also used with great success to help deal with problem and acne skin. Various clinical trials on Bacocalmine™ – an extract of the Bacopa monniera plant – have showed what positive effects it can have in dealing with problem and acne skin. Bacocalmine™ is a Sederma patented ingredient under patent PCT/FR 99/00245 – WO99/50897.

• To view the page dealing with the clinical trials done on Bacocalmine please click here.

Bacocalmine is used in the following products Problem Skin Day Gel Problem Skin Night Lotion Problem Skin Spot Treatment Problem Skin Face Mask

On this page

• General
• Cosmetic use of Bacopa monnieri
• Clinical research on Bacocalmine from Bacopa monnieri
• Description of Bacopa monnieri

General

People – be that teenagers or adults – suffering from problem skin or from acne, know the despair associated by the feeling of helplessness of fighting pimples and acne. Not only to get rid of the pimples and acne, but also to soothe the sore, red and irritated skin that accompany this skin condition.

For years – cosmetic manufacturers have used various types of acne medications to help dry up the problem areas, and to prevent the spread of this problem. The one problem experienced by people using these over-the-counter medications has always been that although these treatments may initially help the skin condition, the treatments themselves can hyper-sensitize and irritate the skin – causing inflammation and may pave the way to even more skin problems.

When looking at the positive effect that Bacocalmine has on the skin, it is apparent why our research and development people included this novel ingredient into our Problem Skin Range – as it not only sooths and calms the skin – but actively works towards sorting out the problem.

Cosmetic use of Bacopa monniera

This plant has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for its antioxidant properties as well as to help reduce oxidation of fats in the blood stream, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The most popular use of this plant is its positive effect it has on memory retention ^{REF 531} and concentration.

Of great value in skincare – and specially problem and acne prone skin – are the various other positive effects it has on the skin.

Clinical research on Bacocalmine from Bacopa monniera

The extract of Bacopa monniera – used in the form of Bacocalmine™ has been proven to fight free radicals, to be an excellent anti-inflammatory agent, as well as a superb anti-irritant for stressed and traumatized skin.

In these tests Bacocalmine™ showed the following effects: ^{REF 517 - 527}

• In vitro
  • Anti-free radical effect (80% at the concentration of 1% BACOCALMINE™ ). Prevention of membrane damage (50% protection at the concentration of 0.5% BACOCALMINE™ ).
• Ex vivo
  • Anti-oxidizing effect (20% protection at the concentration of 3% BACOCALMINE™ ). Anti-inflammatory properties via inhibition of PGE2 release (58% at the concentration of 5% BACOCALMINE™ ).
• In vivo
  • Anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties. 100% of panelists showed a decrease in a-hydroxy-acids-induced irritation. Decrease in SDS induced Inflammation confirms the efficacy of 3% BACOCALMINE™.

Other researchers have also shown the superb antibacterial effect ^{REF 528} this plant has on a variety of pathogens – making this ingredient a logical choice for problem and acne skin care.

It further showed to be excellent in fighting fungal infection ^{REF 529} – due to the betulinic acid, wogonin and oroxindin contained in the plant.

The active ingredients of Bacopa monnieri are Bacocine as well as Bacoside A, Bacoside A3 ^{REF 530} and Bacoside B – and in a study it showed that it also has a positive effect on clearing and neutralizing toxins. ^{REF 532}

Description of Bacopa monniera

It is a perennial, creeping herb growing in wetlands and muddy shores. It is also known as Water Hyssop and Brahmi (note: Not to be confused with Centella asiatica, which is also sometimes referred to as Brahmi in Ayurvedic medicine).

The leaves of this plant are succulent and thick, arranged oppositely on the stem. The flowers are small and white, with four or five petals.

It is commonly found throughout India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, and is also found in Florida and other southern states of the USA.