● Mulberry Root Hair Extract Produced by Specialized Hydroponic Cultivation
(Distinct from conventional Mulberry Bark Extract)

✅ Key Characteristics / Advantages

☑︎ Derived from a different botanical origin than conventional Mulberry Bark (root bark of Morus alba).
→ Extracted from metabolically active tissues unique to root hairs (fine roots), resulting in a chemical composition substantially different from that of root bark.
☑︎ Hydroponic cultivation allows precise stress control, leading to high concentrations of specific secondary metabolites.
For example, accumulation of prenylated flavonoids and lipid-soluble phenolic compounds is expected.
☑︎ Identified to contain high levels of lipid-soluble antioxidant components (non-polar polyphenols).
In addition, hydroponic cultivation minimizes individual variability in component content.
→ Favorable for moisture retention, enhancement of skin barrier function, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory skin care.

☑︎ Despite being of natural origin, it can be positioned as a rare ingredient suitable for brightening and anti-aging concepts.
☑︎ May possess a non-conventional tyrosinase inhibition pathway that does not rely on arbutin.

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Morera Co., Ltd., the developer of SARAKUWA Face & Body Lotion, has worked in collaboration with a pharmaceutical university since the early stages of development.
As a result, the company is recognized for its product development grounded in solid pharmaceutical and scientific evidence.
This novel cosmetic ingredient is characterized by its abundant content of lipid-soluble polyphenols, which penetrate the skin more effectively than conventional water-soluble polyphenols.
Moreover, the content remains stable regardless of harvest timing, making it highly suitable for cosmetic applications.

This new cosmetic material is Mulberry Root Hair Extract (also known as SARAKUWANE Extract), derived from the “root hairs” of Sara Mulberry, a mulberry variety that Morera is the only company in the world to have successfully cultivated.
Pharmaceutical university research has demonstrated that its component composition is entirely different from that of conventional mulberry root–derived material known as Mulberry Bark.

The intended purposes of incorporating Mulberry Root Hair Extract are publicly listed as follows:
☑︎ Antimicrobial agent — contributes to odor control
☑︎ Antioxidant — anti-aging applications
☑︎ Keratolytic softening agent — moisturizing effect
☑︎ Skin bleaching agent — skin brightening
☑︎ Skin protectant — helps protect the skin from inflammation

Further details and supporting information can be verified on Cosmetic-Info.jp, a database for cosmetic professionals that allows searching of labeling names, raw materials, and formulation examples:
https://www.cosmetic-info.jp/jcln/detail.php?id=16427

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From the early stages of development, Morera Co., Ltd. has conducted joint research with the Faculty of Applied Life Sciences at Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences.
Through these collaborations, various characteristics that clearly distinguish Sara Mulberry from conventional mulberry have been elucidated from an academic perspective.

Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences (Applied Life Sciences)
Research Topics / Basic Research
☑︎ From 2016: Anti-obesity effects of hydroponically cultivated mulberry in rats fed a high-fat, high-sucrose diet

☑︎ From 2017: Examination of additive and synergistic effects of functional food combinations with anti-metabolic syndrome properties
☑︎ From 2018: Comparative study of functionality and component profiles between dried hydroponic mulberry roots and mulberry bark
☑︎ From 2019: Analysis of cultivar differences in mulberry via polyphenol profiling

Peer-reviewed Publications
☑︎ 2021: Characteristics of Morus alba L. cultured by in-room hydroponics
Tetsuya Konishi, American Journal of Plant Sciences
https://www.1198.co.jp/assets/images/ajps_2022012514593712.pdf
☑︎ 2024: The Synergistic Enhancement of Anti-Metabolic Diseases Function of Morus alba with the Combination of Cha (Camellia sinensis)
Tetsuya Konishi, Current Nutraceuticals (Bentham Publishing)

University of Yamanashi, Faculty of Medicine (Immunology)
☑︎ Research on the anti-inflammatory properties of Sara Mulberry polyphenols

Shinshu University, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology
☑︎ Investigation of functional components based on mulberry cultivar DNA and tissue culture (ongoing)
☑︎ Planned studies on Sara Mulberry sericulture and silkworm pupae


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The Unique and Essential Functions of Sara-Kuwa

November 23, 2022
Professor Tetsuya Konishi
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences


"Why is Sara-Kuwa exceptionally valuable as a cosmetic ingredient?"

The answer lies in its rich content of Sara-Kuwa polyphenols, particularly oxyresveratrol and its glycosides, which constitute the core bioactive components.
Oxyresveratrol is a powerful molecule with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These activities play a fundamental role in suppressing cellular damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation—key drivers of aging.
Such mechanisms are deeply involved not only in skin aging, but also in immune function, cancer prevention, and neurodegenerative disorders such as cognitive decline. For this reason, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions are considered essential requirements for both functional foods and advanced cosmetic ingredients.

"Oxyresveratrol: a rare and biologically significant polyphenol"

Oxyresveratrol has been identified in mulberry twigs and roots, and also in certain woody plants of the Moraceae family such as Artocarpus species. This suggests that oxyresveratrol may be regarded as a characteristic compound of mulberry-related species.
In addition, it has been detected in limited plant species from families such as Gnetaceae, Fagaceae, Salicaceae, Orchidaceae, and others—many of which have long been used as medicinal plants in traditional folk medicine.


"A compound supported by extensive scientific research"

A PubMed search (as of November 2022) yields over 260 published studies on oxyresveratrol. Reported biological activities include:

☑︎ Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
☑︎ Hepatic and renal protective effects
☑︎ Prevention and improvement of cognitive impairment
☑︎ Enhancement of insulin sensitivity and anti-diabetic effects
☑︎ Suppression of adipocyte differentiation

☑︎ Anti-tumor and anti-carcinogenic activity
☑︎ Neuroprotective effects
☑︎ Antifungal and antiviral activity
☑︎ Tyrosinase inhibition and melanin suppression
☑︎ Reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging
☑︎ Suppression of CYP1B1 expression
☑︎ Cyclooxygenase inhibition
☑︎ Microglial activation suppression
☑︎ AGE (advanced glycation end-products) formation inhibition
☑︎ DNA damage protection
☑︎ Strengthening of cell–cell junctions
☑︎ Inhibition of lens protein modification (anti-cataract potential)
☑︎ Suppression of leukocyte migration
☑︎ Antibacterial activity against skin pathogens
☑︎ Promotion of skin regeneration and wound repair
☑︎ Inhibition of cancer metastasis and angiogenesis
☑︎ NASH prevention
☑︎ Thermogenesis and autophagy activation
☑︎ Phytoestrogen-like activity
☑︎ Apoptosis induction
☑︎ Suppression of allergic airway inflammation
☑︎ Protection against skin viral infections
☑︎ Suppression of ulcerative colitis
☑︎ UCP1 induction and energy metabolism regulation

☑︎ Suppression of skin MMP-1 expression
These findings position oxyresveratrol as a highly promising multifunctional botanical biofactor for functional foods, pharmaceutical leads, and cosmetic applications.



"Exceptional relevance to skin protection and regeneration"

Beyond its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory core actions, oxyresveratrol demonstrates:
☑︎ Suppression of macrophage activation and leukocyte migration
☑︎ Modulation of immune and allergic responses
☑︎ Inhibition of tyrosinase activity linked to hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and freckles
☑︎ Suppression of melanin production
☑︎ Inhibition of MMP-1 expression related to skin sagging and wrinkle formation
☑︎ Inhibition of AGE formation (glycation-related aging)
☑︎ Protection and repair of DNA damage
☑︎ Promotion of tissue repair and skin regeneration
☑︎ Activation of autophagy
☑︎ Regulation of apoptosis
☑︎ Strengthening of intercellular adhesion
☑︎ Antibacterial activity against acne-related skin bacteria

These multifaceted actions clearly demonstrate why oxyresveratrol possesses exceptionally high potential as a next-generation cosmetic ingredient.


"Why Sara-Kuwa extract is truly unique"

Sara-Kuwa extract is rich in oxyresveratrol derivatives as its primary active components, and additionally contains lipophilic polyphenols such as kuwanon and morusin, which act synergistically with oxyresveratrol.

This rare combination gives Sara-Kuwa extract a level of functional superiority and safety that is difficult to find in conventional cosmetic raw materials.


"Outstanding advantages of lipophilic polyphenols"
(Functions largely absent from conventional cosmetic ingredients)

1. Superior skin penetration
Due to their lipophilic nature, these compounds pass more easily through the stratum corneum lipid barrier, allowing active ingredients to reach the dermis efficiently.

This enables deep antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-protective effects that are difficult to achieve with water-soluble polyphenols.

2. High affinity for skin lipids and inhibition of lipid oxidation
Lipophilic polyphenols readily integrate into skin lipids and suppress lipid peroxidation.
This is particularly important for preventing pore enlargement, blackheads, and rough skin, areas where hydrophilic antioxidants are less effective.

3. Long-lasting antioxidant protection
These compounds tend to remain within the skin layers and are less easily washed away, resulting in sustained antioxidant defense throughout daily exposure to environmental stressors such as UV radiation and air pollution.


"Limitations"

1. Formulation challenges
Because of their lipophilicity, advanced emulsification and stabilization technologies are required.

2. Higher production cost

Extraction, purification, and stabilization processes are complex, often resulting in higher manufacturing costs and premium pricing.


"Conclusion"

Despite these challenges, Sara-Kuwa extract represents a rare, scientifically substantiated, and highly functional botanical ingredient, offering cosmetic performance that goes far beyond conventional plant extracts.
It is precisely this depth of biological functionality that positions Sara-Kuwa as a true next-generation ingredient for advanced skincare formulations.