Yucca glauca is a bluish, green perennial found in the Mid and Western US. The leaves of the plant are long and stiff with a sword-like appearance. The plant can grow anywhere from two to four feet in height. The flowers are whitish and bell-shaped and sit upon a stalk that towers over the rosette of leaves. This plant, more commonly known as Soapweed, blossoms from May to July.
American Indians used the roots of the plant to treat inflammation, to aid in the cessation of bleeding, and in steam baths to help heal muscle sprains and broken bones. In New Mexico, traditional doctors used the roots to help treat dandruff and baldness. The saponins, plant glucosides that form soapy colloidal solutions when mixed with water, contained in the Yucca glauca have been researched and it is thought that these saponins can help in the treatment of arthritis. Yucca Glauca Root Extract is derived from the root of the plant and contains carbohydrates, proteins, and amino acids. The ingredient has a typical pH range of 5.0-7.0 and can be used in skin and hair care cosmetic formulations.
Several studies were performed using Yucca Glauca Root Extract to demonstrate the extractís efficacy. The following studies were performed to evaluate the extract for efficacy regarding the following: Skin Moisturization and Smoothness, Barrier Integrity Repair, Skin Cell Renewal, Skin Cell Proliferation, Skin Irritation, and Hair Stress/Strain Properties.
Skin Moisturization and Smoothness were carried out using 20% Yucca Glauca Root Extract in water, which was applied to the faces of 10 subjects twice per day for 4 weeks. Skin moisture was measured via Nova Impedance Meter, while smoothness was clinically assessed. This ingredient showed good results for both moisturization and smoothness improving 48% and 42% respectively.Skin Barrier Integrity Repair was evaluated on the left and right forearms of volunteers. In order to disrupt barrier function, sites on the volunteerís forearms were treated with hexane 2 times per day for five consecutive days. Prior to treatment with the hexane, TEWL readings were recorded and average values were observed for the right and the left arms. After treatment with the hexane, TEWL readings increased indicating damage had occurred. The left arms were then treated with 0.1% Soy Lecithin and the right arms were treated with 20% Yucca Glauca Root Extract. TEWL readings were taken again and the results indicated a 65% increase in barrier integrity showing increased skin repair.
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