Marine algae as attractive source to skin care.

As the largest organ in the human body, the skin has multiple functions of which one of the most important is the protection against various harmful stressors. The keratinised stratified epidermis and an underlying thick layer of collagen-rich dermal connective tissues are important components of the skin. The environmental stressors such as ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and pollution increase the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), contributing to clinical manifestations such as wrinkle formation and skin aging.

Pentacyclic triterpenes from Manilkara bidentata resin. Isolation, identification and biological properties.

Three pentacyclic triterpenes were isolated for the first time from resinous plant Manilkara bidentata. Ultrasound-assisted extraction with ethanol was chosen after a comparison of various extraction methods. Analysis of the extract was performed by HPLC with evaporative light scattering detection and semi-preparative HPLC has enabled us to isolate two urs-12-enes (3β-O-acetyl-α-amyrin and 3β-O-trans cinnamyl-α-amyrin) and a lupane-type derivative (3β-O-trans cinnamyl lupeol).

Bioactive molecules in Kalanchoe pinnata leaves: extraction, purification, and identification.

Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers. (syn.

Reverse pharmacognosy: identifying biological properties for plants by means of their molecule constituents: application to meranzin.

Reverse pharmacognosy aims at finding biological targets for natural compounds by virtual or real screening and identifying natural resources that contain the active molecules. We report herein a study focused on the identification of biological properties of meranzin, a major component isolated from Limnocitrus littoralis (Miq.) Swingle.

In vivo skin antioxidant effect of a new combination based on a specific Vitis vinifera shoot extract and a biotechnological extract.

Background And Objectives: Ultraviolet (UV) light produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) in skin, which accelerate aging by damaging DNA, proteins, lipids, and other cellular constituents. The aims of this study were to 1) evaluate the antioxidant properties of a Vitis vinifera shoot extract on cultured normal human keratinocytes, 2) compare the in vivo antioxidant of this extract in combination with a biotechnological extract (Ronacare Hydroine), and 3) evaluate the efficacy on photoaging skin of a serum based on a combination (Vitis vinifera shoot extract in hydroglycolic solution, or Sarmentine, and Ronacare Hydroine) after a 4-week application, and to quantify the additional improvement given by applying a cream with the serum.

Methods/study Design: An in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant properties of Vitis vinifera shoot extract added to cultured normal human keratinocytes.

Triterpenoid saponins from the stem bark of Caryocar villosum.

Five triterpenoid saponins, caryocarosides II-22 (3), III-22 (4), II-23 (5), III-23 (6), and II-24 (7), have been isolated from the methanol extract of the stem bark of Caryocar villosum, along with two known saponins (1-2). The seven saponins are glucuronides of hederagenin (II) or bayogenin (III). Caryocaroside II-24 (7) is an unusual galloyl ester saponin acylated on the sugar chain attached to C-28, the 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl hederagenin-28-O-[2-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester.

Reverse pharmacognosy: application of selnergy, a new tool for lead discovery. The example of epsilon-viniferin.

The aim of reverse pharmacognosy is to find new biological targets for natural compounds by virtual or real screening and identify natural resources that contain the active molecules. To demonstrate the applicability of this concept, we report here a study on epsilon-viniferin, an active ingredient for cosmetic development. Nevertheless, this natural substance is weakly defined in terms of biological properties.