Scientists from the Krakow University of Technology have discovered that blue bugle root offers protection against radiation, including solar radiation.
Based on the extract, the team developed cosmetics designed to shield the skin from smog, radiation, and heavy metals.
Blue bugle (Ajuga reptans L.) is a common plant found worldwide with over 70 species. While cosmetics containing extracts from its leaves and flowers are known for their detoxifying, brightening, and moisturizing properties, no previous studies had explored the root’s potential.
This research gap was addressed by the university’s Cosmetic Chemistry and Technology group — Prof. Elżbieta Sikora, PhD, Dr. Magdalena Malinowska, and Dr. Anna Dziki.
“The potential of Ajuga root remained undiscovered. We were the first in the world to focus our research on it. And that was our ‘Eureka!’” said Malinowska, quoted on the university’s website.
The team conducted instrumental tests using a skin analyzer, consumer tests, and analyses of the antioxidant and chelating mechanisms of the extract.
Their findings show that blue bugle root extract outperforms herb extracts in protecting against radiation, capturing heavy metals, and inhibiting the enzymes tyrosinase and collagenase.
Tyrosinase plays a key role in melanin synthesis, the pigment responsible for skin color.
“Inhibiting its activity results in a whitening effect, lightening discolorations, and evening out skin tone,” Sikora emphasized.
Collagenase, meanwhile, is responsible for breaking down collagen — a protein crucial for skin structure. According to the university’s press release, slowing collagenase activity allows the extract to protect the skin by preventing protein degradation and enhancing elasticity and resilience.
The extract also demonstrates chelating properties, binding metal ions into complexes that protect the skin from the harmful effects of environmental pollutants.
Researchers further confirmed that the root extract protects against a wide range of radiation, including solar and blue light.
“Our cosmetics provide comprehensive protection against the ‘big city four of destruction’. They protect against toxins and airborne pollutants, as well as solar radiation (UV), blue light (HEV) from phones, computers, and tablets, and heavy metals that damage our skin,” said Malinowska. She described the products as “a true protective shield, especially for urban skin.”
According to the university, the blue bugle root extract is obtained through an ecological process that preserves all biological properties of the ingredients.
The patented technologies have already been commercialized. From their public presentation in 2023 to the September 2025 launch of the Anti-Pollution cosmetics line, the innovation moved quickly from lab to market. DUOLIFE S.A. acquired the rights to the formulations developed at the Krakow University of Technology.
The discovery is protected by two Polish patents, two additional patent applications, and proprietary know-how covering both the products and the extraction process.
Three patented creams and a protective emulsion are already on the market, and researchers plan to expand the Anti-Pollution line with new formulations.
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