Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract

Beet root has been known for its medicinal properties since the 10th century. Its extract is known to purify blood, help in blood circulation, decrease blood pressure, increase NO levels in the body which results in increased athletic performance, antibacterial, anti inflammatory, antioxidant, anti diabetic, improves renal and cardiovascular health and so on. 1 In the personal care industry it is used as a colorant and is also known to increase the moisturization levels when applied to skin and hair. It is known for improving skin complexion due to its ability to fight inflammation, free radicals, and increase circulation. 2,3 It is combined with several other ingredients to make formulations to improve skin health. 4,5 Recent studies have shown that beet root extract has an instant as well as long term hydration and moisturization effect on the skin.2,3 It has been speculated that beet root extract might accomplish this via vitamin D pathway.

A research group in Germany did some in vitro and invivo studies using a complex of beetroot extract and fructooligosaccharides ( FBC complex) and concluded that there is an increase in the hydration of the skin cells via vitamin D receptor. 7 Vitamin D receptor is what vitamin D binds to elicit its biological effect. Vitamin D receptor is needed for epidermal differentiation which has a downstream effect of making skins own natural moisturizing factors (NMF). 8, Vitamin D receptor levels are also increased by vitamin D levels. Hence with age or in a scenario of low vitamin D levels in the body, the skin hydration is effected.

Their studies have shown that when skin cells were incubated with FBC an increase in the production of VDR was seen. As a control the cells were treated with Seocalcitol which is an inhibitor of VDR in order to see the true effect of FBC

Figure 1: Increase in VDR production in cells incubated with FBC. 7

Figure 2: Increase in skin hydration after one application of the FBC to normal skin. 7

Figure 3: Increase in skin hydration after 1 application of FCB to dry skin. 7

Figure 4: Increase in smoothness of skin after one application. 7

References:

  1. The Potential Benefits of Red Beetroot Supplementation in Health and Nutrients 2015, 7, 2801-2822.
  2. Recovery Effects of Oral Administration of Glucosylceramide and Beet Extract on Skin Barrier Destruction by UVB in Hairless Nutrients 2017, Oct 27; 9(11): 1178.
  3. Oral Intake of Beet Extract Provides Protection Against Skin Barrier Impairment in Hairless Phytother Res 2013 May;27(5):775-83.
  4. Plant derived cosmetic composition and method of treatment of US005547997A.
  5. Cosmetic composition for improvement of skin function comprising natural KR101736714B1.
  6. Vitamin D and its role in psoriasis: An overview of the dermatologist and nutritionist,” Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, 18, no. 2, pp. 195–205, 2017.
  7. Analyzing Vitamin D and skin hydration. Personal care global, August 2020, Skincare, Pg 20-27.
  8. Assessing the Relationship between Vitamin D3 and Stratum Corneum Hydration for the Treatment of Xerotic Nutrients 2012, 4, 1213-1218.
  9. Characterization of Betabel Extract (Beta vulgaris) Encapsulated with Maltodextrin and Molecules 2020, 25, 5498.