Terminalia sericea
Zuplex's Terminalia sericea extract contains a unique set of compounds, including Sericoside, a triterpenoid saponin. This clinically tested range of compounds act as an anti-ageing, anti-wrinkle and skin regenerative agent. It reinforces skin tone and stimulates collagen synthesis.
INCI NAME
Terminalia sericea bark/root extract propanediol/ glycerine, water
CHARACTERISTICS
Appearance: Brown liquid
Solubility: Water-soluble
pH range: 4.0 - 6.0
- Non-irritant
- Derived from nature
- China compliant
- Halaal
- Traditionally used
- Safe
- Vegan
- GMO free
- Gluten free
- Not animal tested
USAGE
Use level: 1–5%
Shelf-life: 24 months
EFFICACY
- Protein synthesis
- Proline increase / collagen boost
- Anti-ageing
- Wrinkle reducing
- Skin smoothing
- Under-eye brightening
- Reduces skin puffiness
SOURCE
Terminalia sericea, commonly known as silver cluster-leaf, silver terminalia, or wild sage, is a deciduous pioneer species native to sub-Saharan Africa, often growing in savannahs, open woodlands, and sandy soils. The tree typically grows to a height of 3 to 10 meters and is easily recognisable by its silvery, velvety leaves, which give the tree a distinctive greyish or silvery appearance — a trait that inspires the name sericea (meaning "silky"). Terminalia sericea produces small yellowish-green flowers in clusters, followed by characteristic winged fruits that are dry, flat, and papery — adapted for wind dispersal. Its bark is rough and grey, often flaking in older trees. Zuplex's Terminalia sericea extract is made from the bark and roots of the plants, which is sourced sustainably through community harvesting in the Dakeni and uMhlabuyalingana areas of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
TRADITIONAL USES
Terminalia sericea has a long history of use in traditional medicine across southern and eastern Africa. Almost every part of the plant — including the leaves, bark, roots, and fruits — is used in ethnomedicinal practices. It is especially valued for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties. Decoctions of the roots or bark are used to treat diarrhoea, dysentery, stomach ailments, and respiratory infections. The leaves are sometimes crushed and applied topically to wounds, sores, and skin infections due to their antiseptic qualities. Infusions are also used for treating fever, colds, and coughs, while the powdered bark may be taken as a tonic or used to manage hypertension and diabetes in some traditional systems.
ACTIVE COMPONENTS
Terminalia sericea extract contains sericoside, a naturally occurring triterpenoid saponin that is considered the primary bioactive constituent responsible for its cosmetic efficacy. In addition to sericoside, the plant contains other secondary metabolites such as tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, which contribute to its antimicrobial and astringent effects. These compounds work synergistically to protect the skin from oxidative stress, support dermal remodeling, and promote overall skin health.
CLAIMS AND ACTIVITY
Terminalia sericea's primary active component sericoside, exhibits clinically proven anti-ageing and skin-rejuvenating effects. Sericoside stimulates cellular reprogramming, boosting the expression of genes related to cell proliferation, pluripotency, DNA repair, and antioxidant defense. In vitro studies conducted over 72 hours demonstrated a 54% increase in total protein synthesis and a 10% rise in proline levels — an amino acid essential for collagen production — indicating enhanced skin matrix regeneration.* In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study with 40 volunteers, twice-daily application of a 0.5% sericoside cream for 30 days led to a 17% improvement in skin elasticity, a 16% reduction in skin roughness, and a 20 mm³ decrease in under-eye puffiness.* Another study confirmed a visible improvement in dark circles for 45% of subjects and a 9.5% reduction in facial skin roughness.** These effects are attributed to sericoside’s action on extracellular matrix repair, dermo-epidermal junction support, and antioxidant gene activation.
References:
*Meunier, M., Bracq, M., Tiguemounine, J., Maramaldi, G., Scandolera, A. and Reynaud, R., 2023. Skin cellular reprogramming as an innovative anti-aging strategy for cosmetic application: A clinical study of sericoside. Frontiers in Bioscience-Landmark, 28(6)
**Pagin, I., Togni, S., Maramaldi, G., Cattaneo, R., Caccia, G., Eggenhoffner, R. and Giacomelli, L., 2016. Anti-aging effects of a novel sericoside 0.5% cream in reducing skin wrinkles and ameliorating skin texture. Esperienze Dermatologiche, 18(3–4)