Bupleurum is a plant used in Chinese medicine for a variety of ailments ranging from the common cold to liver problems. Some research has shown this extract to have antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Whether or not these benefits can be delivered to skin in a lotion or cream is unknown. (Sources: www. naturaldatabase. com; British Journal of Pharmacology, December 2000, pages 1285-1293; Planta Medica, June 1998, pages 404-407; and Life Sciences, August 1998, pages 1147-1156.)