Lithospermum erythrorhizon
Other names: Zi cao, murasaki, Gromwell
Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)
Lithospermum erythrorhizon, better known by the names Zi Cao, Murasaki or Gromwell, is a herb native to Asia, specifically China, Japan and Korea. This evergreen plant, reaching up to 60 cm in height, is best known for its purple flowers and red rhizomes. These rhizomes are used to obtain an extract which is a basic raw material in traditional Eastern medicine as well as in contemporary cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.
Lithospermum erythrorhizon rhizome extract, which is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, is mainly used for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It is widely used in cosmetics, where its beneficial effects on the skin are exploited. Among others in this sector, Lithospermum erythrorhizon extract can be found in skin creams, masks, serums or tonics. However, the extract of this plant is also widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is used to treat various skin diseases, ulcers or burns. The pharmaceutical industry uses Lithospermum erythrorhizon in ointments and creams for problematic skin, as it has anti-inflammatory and healing effects.