Phytoestrogen in skin ageing : the case of labisia pumilia

Abstract

Labisia pumila locally known as Kacip Fatimah is a traditional Malaysian herb that has a wide range of therapeutic value especially in women?s health. Therefore, it is known as the „Queen of Plant? in Malaysia. Labisia pumila has been excessively studied by local researchers and it has been proven scientifically to have the potential of pre and post-natal treatment which involved much in hormonal regulation. Phytoestrogen is a plant estrogen that has been identified to be present in this herb. Phytoestrogen has been identified to have estrogen-like activity. Phytoestrogen has the ability to enhance the proliferation of cells in the epidermis, stimulate collagen synthesis and reduce the degradation of collagen by enzymatic reaction. These characteristics strongly support the huge potential of Labisia pumila in cosmeceutical applications.