Botanboufu (Sakuna)

Peucedanum japonicum is a salt- and wind-tolerant Apiaceae herb that grows wild and is cultivated along the rocky coastlines of Yonaguni Island, the Amami Islands, and other Ryukyu and southern Kyushu locations. The leaves and stems contain notable concentrations of polyphenols — particularly chlorogenic acid and rutin — together with coumarin compounds characteristic of the Apiaceae family.

Cosmetic and functional-food ingredients are produced by aqueous, hydro-alcoholic, or glycol extraction of the leaves, or by drying and powdering of leaves and stems for tea, capsule, and powdered-supplement formats. Material is typically standardised on a polyphenol or chlorogenic-acid basis depending on supplier and grade.

The plant carries strong Okinawan cultural identity. In the Yonaguni dialect it is called Sakuna; the standard Japanese name is Botanboufu. The literal-translation name '長命草' (long-life herb / Choumei-sou) is widely associated with the plant in Okinawan tradition, but is registered as a trademark by Shiseido and should not be used by other brands in product names or labels (see Trademark notice).

In cosmetics, Botanboufu / Peucedanum japonicum extract is used in anti-aging skincare — lotions, serums, creams, and masks — positioned around antioxidant and skin-quality narratives. Brand storytelling typically draws on the Yonaguni Island origin and the Okinawan longevity tradition. For brands not affiliated with Shiseido, label and marketing copy should use the Botanboufu / Sakuna / Peucedanum japonicum naming and avoid the 長命草 / Choumei-sou wording.

In food and supplement applications, dried leaf powder and standardised extract are used in herbal teas, powdered functional foods, capsule supplements, and beauty drinks. The plant is also used in traditional Okinawan cooking (tempura, mixed greens) and is processed locally on Yonaguni Island into teas and food products as part of regional revitalisation initiatives.

Botanboufu / Peucedanum japonicum is recognised as a traditional food ingredient in Japan, with an established history of consumption in Okinawan cuisine. Tea, leaf powder, and extract products are sold across food and supplement categories without novel-food-style restrictions.

As a cosmetic raw material, Peucedanum japonicum extract and leaf powder are accepted under Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act. Cosmetic labelling is typically based on the corresponding JSCI dictionary entry for the leaf extract or leaf powder preparation.

Brands should be aware that 「長命草」 (Choumei-sou) is a registered trademark of Shiseido. The general botanical, INCI, or local-name terms (Botanboufu, Sakuna, Peucedanum japonicum) should be used on product labels and in marketing by other suppliers and brands.