This technology utilizes an extract obtained by room-temperature extraction of the invasive cordgrass (Spartina anglica)—which encroaches on West Coast tidal flats—using 70% ethanol by weight. The resulting extract serves as an active ingredient in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, topical, quasi-drug, and health supplement compositions for treating inflammation and atopic dermatitis. This extract contains iso-orientin, a flavonoid-based antihistamine.
Skin inflammation, including atopic dermatitis, is linked to inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β. Due to the unclear causes of these conditions, there has been a demand for natural, low-irritation materials. Cordgrass is an invasive species designated by the IUCN; after establishing itself in southern Ganghwa Island, it has disrupted tidal flat ecosystems by displacing native halophytes like Suaeda japonica. Previously, there were no reports of using this plant as a treatment for inflammation or atopy.
This technology uses cordgrass extract at concentrations of 1.25–250㎍/ml, which inhibits the expression of atopic biomarkers TARC and MDC in keratinocytes stimulated by TNF-α and IFN-γ without showing cytotoxicity, while also suppressing inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. It can be applied to atopic skincare products like soothing creams and lotions, topical ointments and transdermal patches, and health supplements for skin inflammation. This allows for the simultaneous restoration of ecosystems and the production of high-value natural anti-inflammatory materials by repurposing a plant that previously only incurred removal costs.
This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Education for the development of blue carbon biomass-based source materials and the establishment of a marine resource recycling platform.
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