Candle bush

History

The candle bush is native to South America, but has been planted around the world for medicinal and ornamental purposes, and is now pan-tropical. In many countries, including most of tropical Africa, it has been naturalised and is often considered adventive, that is, a non-native plant species transported accidentally into a new habitat.

Also known as the “candelabra bush”, or "candletree", because of its long yellowish-orange tufts of flowers, the candle bush is used medicinally primarily as a laxative or purgative, as well as to treat skin problems.

Properties

The extract of the leaves has been selected for its high K3OS (Kaempferol-3-0-Sophoroside) content. K3OS is a natural protection system used by plants against UV irradiation, and is contained in large quantities in the part of the leaves exposed to the sun. It is fixed in and around the nucleus of the plant’s cells. Its primary function is to protect the plants against free radicals and damage to DNA caused by UV, especially in the epidermis of the leaves and the nucleus of plant cells. This ability to protect itself can be shared with humans, acting on the visible signs of photo-ageing and preventing changes to the skin’s furrows. It helps the cells maintain their “youth” despite the chronic effects of the sun.

The candle bush is present in our “Extreme Defence” cream to protect our DNA from the effects of UVA and UVB rays.