What Is Peucedanum Ostruthium (Masterwort Leaf) Extract?

This is part of our ongoing series helping consumers better understand chemicals, chemistry, and product formulations. We translate the science, bust the myths, and give you an honest assessment, so you can make informed choices for your family!

Ingredient: Masterwort Leaf Extract

Botanical Name: Peucedanum ostruthium (also known as Imperatoria ostruthium)

• Peucedanum - Derived from the Greek word for parsnip, peukedanon

• Ostruthium - Derived from the Greek name ostranthium which means "supreme strength"

What it is: Masterwort is a perennial flowering plant native to the mountains of Central and Southern Europe that is now grown widely around the world. It’s a member of the Apiaceae family and a relative of the carrot, parsley, parsnip, and celery.

What it does: Masterwort has been a medicinal staple since the Middle Ages referred to as “the divine remedy” by the Romans, “the Queen of the plants” by the Swiss, and “the magic plant” by others. It’s no wonder this plant has such flattering monikers — over the past few centuries, it has been used to restore vision and youth, for wound healing, to flavor malt beer and liquor, to help with digestion, for toothaches and migraines, for respiratory and cardiovascular problems, and for infections, colds, flu, and fevers. It’s a true wonder of nature!

What caught our eye was Masterwort’s skin benefits. Being native to the Swiss Alps, the plant protects itself from the harsh natural conditions by producing flavonoids and phenolic acid, which are also incredibly beneficial in helping soothe and protect skin. There’s even evidence that components in the plant stimulate cellular regeneration and restore cell function, as well as help repair stressed skin and relieve skin irritation. Sounds perfect for a skin product, right?

Why we use it: In addition to its naturally healing and protective qualities, it’s a completely natural, renewable resource. We love finding gifts from nature that are not only effective, but are also easy to source and take relatively little effort to process into a raw ingredient for commercial use!

Do you have any other questions or comments? Let us know in the comments — we love hearing from our community!

References

• Angier, B., & Foster, D. K. (2008). Field Guide to Medicinal Wild Plants Second Edition. Stackpole Books.

• Chiej, R. (1984). The Macdonald encyclopedia of medicinal plants. London: Macdonald.

• Fylaktakidou, K. C., Hadjipavlou-Litina, D. J., Litinas, K. E., & Nicolaides, D. N. (2004, 12). Natural and Synthetic Coumarin Derivatives with Anti-Inflammatory / Antioxidant Activities. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 10(30), 3813-3833. doi: 10.2174/1381612043382710

• Onolfo, C. (2014). Miracle Herbs & Plants. AuthorHouse.

• Vogl, S., Picker, P., Mihaly-Bison, J., Fakhrudin, N., Atanasov, A. G., Heiss, E. H., ... Kopp, B. (2013, 12). Ethnopharmacological in vitro studies on Austria's folk medicine—An unexplored lore in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of 71 Austrian traditional herbal drugs. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 149(3), 750-771. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.06.007