The newest issue of the Journal of Cosmetic Science opens with an interesting article about kudzu root.

As do most legumes, the roots of the kudzu vine contain nodules, which fix nitrogen and replenish the soil. These nodules are particularly high in puerarin, the isoflavone, and a relative of hemoglobin called leghemoglobin. These substances stimulate the formation of procollagen in human dermal fibroblasts.

This probably has something to do with cytoglobin, a newly discovered protein in humans that stimulates collagen synthesis. Theoretically, the leghemoglobin mimics the activity of cytoglobin, but this has yet to be confirmed scientifically.

Never-the-less, the important fact to know is that kudzu root extract helps stimulate the production of collagen, which makes up 80% of your skin’s dry weight. That means a healthier, stronger, more elastic skin. That means looking more youthful.

There are a few HerbaSway products, which contain kudzu root extract. The HerbaGreen Tea family contains a proprietary blend of kudzu root, lotus leaf and green tea extracts; Kudja is also rich in kudzu root extract.

HerbaGreen Tea:

http://www.herbasway.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11&products_id=39

Kudja:

http://www.herbasway.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14&products_id=155

 Gruber, J., Holtz, R. 2009. Influence of an extract from kudzu symbiosomes containing leghemoglobin on in vitro cutaneous procollagen production. J. Cosmet. Sci. 60:475-484.