What Is Witch Hazel? Other Names: Avellano de Bruja, Café du Diable, Hamamelis
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What is Witch Hazel?
This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Witch hazel, derived from the plant Hamamelis virginiana, is a versatile botanical known for its various applications in cosmetics, traditional medicine, and skincare. This article explores the origins, chemical composition, medical properties, and modern uses of witch hazel. Other names include: Avellano de Bruja, Café du Diable, Hamamelis, Hamamélis, Hamamélis de Virginie, Hamamelis virginiana, Hazel, Noisetier des Sorcières, Snapping Tobacco Wood, Spotted Elder, Virginian Witch Hazel, Winter Bloom.
Origins and Historical Use
Witch hazel has a long history of use in American households, primarily as an aqueous extract from the twigs of the plant. This extract has been a staple liniment, with more concentrated tannin-containing extracts from leaves and bark used in styptic remedies4. The plant belongs to the Hamamelidaceae family, which includes several species that bloom at different times of the year, making it a unique and valuable genus in horticulture8.
Chemical Composition
Witch hazel is rich in polyphenolic compounds, particularly gallate esters, proanthocyanidins, hydrolyzable tannins, and methyl gallate. These compounds are known for their antioxidant properties and ability to scavenge free radicals2 3. The high content of pyrogallol moieties in witch hazel phenolics contributes to its effectiveness in various biological activities, including free radical scavenging and protection against oxidative stress3.
Medical Properties of Witch Hazel
Antitumoral and Antioxidant Activities
Witch hazel extracts have shown significant antitumoral properties, particularly in inhibiting the proliferation of human colon cancer cells. The degree of galloylation in the extracts correlates with their effectiveness in inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest2. Additionally, witch hazel phenolics protect red blood cells from free radical-induced hemolysis and exhibit mild cytotoxicity to skin-related cells, making them valuable in both cancer treatment and skincare3.
Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Effects
Witch hazel has demonstrated antibacterial activity against various pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Its extracts inhibit biofilm formation and toxin production, enhancing the efficacy of antimicrobial treatments5 9 10. The tannins and flavonoids in witch hazel also provide anti-inflammatory benefits, making it useful in treating cutaneous inflammation and other skin conditions9.
Protective Effects on Skin and Hair
Witch hazel extracts are commonly used in cosmetics for their soothing and protective effects on the skin. They help mitigate damage caused by environmental pollutants and improve skin barrier function7. Additionally, witch hazel oil has been shown to enhance the quality of damaged hair by increasing tensile strength, glossiness, and overall hair health6.
Modern Utilization
Witch hazel continues to be a popular ingredient in skincare products due to its multifaceted benefits. It is used in anti-pollution formulations, prebiotic treatments for probiotic bacteria, and as an additive in teat dips to prevent bovine intramammary infections5 7 10. The ongoing research into its bioactive compounds and their mechanisms of action promises to expand its applications in both medical and cosmetic fields.
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Adverse Effects of Witch Hazel
Contact Dermatitis: Witch hazel has been reported to cause contact dermatitis, a type of skin irritation. This has been documented in older literature and more recent reports, indicating that allergic reactions can occur upon contact with witch hazel1.
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How has Witch Hazel Improved Patient Outcomes?
Cancer Treatment Efficacy
Witch hazel extracts, rich in gallate esters, have shown significant efficacy in inhibiting the proliferation of human colon cancer cells (HT29 and HCT116). The effectiveness was linked to the degree of galloylation in the extracts, which also enhanced their ability to induce apoptosis, arrest the cell cycle at the S phase, and cause necrosis. Additionally, these extracts were potent scavengers of hydroxyl and superoxide radicals, providing protection against DNA damage1.
Hair Loss Management
A propylene glycol-free, North American witch hazel-based solution of 5% minoxidil sulfate was effective in treating female androgenetic alopecia, particularly in patients who did not respond to standard minoxidil treatments. The solution showed a 70% clinical improvement rate and was well tolerated, especially in patients with propylene glycol sensitivity or irritable scalp syndrome2.
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Witch Hazel Mechanisms of Action
Antitumoral Properties
Witch hazel extracts, particularly those rich in gallate esters, inhibit the proliferation of colon cancer cells by inducing apoptosis, necrosis, and S-phase cell cycle arrest. The effectiveness is proportional to the degree of galloylation in the fractions1 4.
The high content of pyrogallol-containing polyphenols in witch hazel contributes to its cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects on skin-related cells, including melanoma cells, through electron transfer and free radical scavenging activities3.
Antioxidant Activity
Witch hazel phenolics exhibit strong antioxidant properties by scavenging free radicals such as ABTS, DPPH, and HNTTM. These activities are linked to their electron transfer capacity and the presence of highly reactive phenolic components3.
Witch hazel extracts protect red blood cells from free radical-induced hemolysis and reduce oxidative stress in primary human dermal fibroblast cells, demonstrating significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities3 7.
Antimicrobial Effects
Witch hazel extracts show antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains. The methanolic and aqueous extracts are particularly effective6 8.
The phenolic compound hamamelitannin in witch hazel inhibits biofilm formation and toxin production in Staphylococcus aureus, contributing to its antimicrobial properties6.
Prebiotic and Protective Effects
Witch hazel extract has a prebiotic effect on certain probiotic strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, enhancing their growth under nutrient depletion stress. This suggests a potential role in supporting beneficial gut microbiota2.
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Disclaimer
The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.
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