Aralia Elata Leaf/Stem Extract — INCI reference

What it is

Aralia Elata Leaf/Stem Extract is obtained from Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem., a deciduous shrub or small tree in the Araliaceae (ginseng) family native to eastern Asia. The extract is rich in triterpenoid saponins (including congmuyenoside III, ecalbasaponin III, and araloside G) and phenolic compounds such as chlorogenic acid and the flavonoid quercitrin. In vitro research shows the extract modulates inflammatory signaling pathways (PI3K/Akt, MAPK) and supports endothelial cell integrity. Related Aralia elata extracts have also been studied for potential wound-healing and anti-melanogenic (skin-brightening) activities. The EU CosIng database lists the ingredient under ID 88195 with a skin-conditioning function.

Safety & warnings

No known sensitizing allergens have been specifically identified for leaf/stem extracts. A sub-chronic study in Beagle dogs established a NOAEL of 100 mg/kg for an ethanol extract of the leaves; high doses (200 mg/kg) caused weight loss and mortality in female dogs, though these were oral supplement doses far exceeding cosmetic exposure levels. In vitro cell studies showed no toxicity to human endothelial cells at up to 5 µg/mL. The Araliaceae family is botanically related to ginseng; individuals with known Araliaceae sensitivities should use caution.

Origin & sourcing

Derived from the leaves and stems of Aralia elata, a thorny deciduous tree native to eastern Russia, northeast China (Heilongjiang, Jilin), the Korean Peninsula, Taiwan, and Japan. Plant material is typically extracted using aqueous ethanol solvents. The young spring shoots (tara-no-me) are a traditional edible vegetable in Japan and Korea, and the plant's bark and roots have long been used in traditional East Asian medicine.

History

Aralia elata has been used in traditional medicine across China, Korea, Japan, and eastern Russia for centuries to address joint pain, rheumatoid arthralgia, diabetes, gastric ulcers, and inflammation. The leaves were historically considered a by-product. Modern scientific interest in leaf extracts expanded in the 2000s–2020s, with studies characterizing bioactive saponins and phenolics. The ingredient is registered in the EU CosIng database and listed by The Good Scents Company for cosmetic use in skin-conditioning applications.

Questions everyone asks

What does Aralia Elata Leaf/Stem Extract do in a cosmetic product?

It functions primarily as a skin-conditioning agent. Research on the plant's extracts shows anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities attributed to triterpenoid saponins and phenolic acids, which may help soothe and support the appearance of healthy skin.

Is Aralia Elata Leaf/Stem Extract safe for topical use?

The ingredient is listed in the EU CosIng database for cosmetic use. In vitro studies show no cytotoxicity at low concentrations. No specific topical sensitization reports have been published, though safety data specific to dermal application is limited and it is used at low concentrations in formul

What plant does this extract come from?

It comes from Aralia elata, commonly called the Japanese angelica tree or tara-no-ki in Japanese. It is a thorny deciduous shrub native to East Asia and belongs to the Araliaceae (ginseng) family.

Is this ingredient related to ginseng?

Yes, Aralia elata belongs to the Araliaceae family, which also includes Panax ginseng. The plant shares similar bioactive triterpenoid saponins with ginseng, which may contribute to its soothing and antioxidant properties in cosmetic formulations.