(+)-Pinoresinol

Description

(+)-Pinoresinol from Biopurify is a tetrahydrofuran lignan which can be found in several floral species, such as Styrax sp., Forsythia suspensa and Sambucus williamsii, but also in sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum) and cabbages (Brassicaceae). Notably, pinoresinol is also one of the most representative compounds in extra vergin olive oil (EVOO).

Pinoresinol has shown antimicrobial and antifungal activities against several pathogenic fungi, properties which are also being investigated for specific topical treatments or, more generally, as preservatives and stabilizers in cosmetic preparations.

Pinoresinol isolated from EVOO oil or sesame seed have reported promising in vitro antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory activities, showing an effective inhibitory effect on TNF- α production, IL-6 secretion and PGE2, involved in the inflammation process. Such features make it an interesting element in slowing down skin ageing, in formulations that prevent photo-damage or are addressed to mature skins.