Symrise Research confirms anti-irritant effects in several plant extracts

05/12/05 For centuries, cosmetic products have often contained plant extracts because of their soothing effect on the skin. The efficacy of many such extracts had yet to be confirmed in scientific studies, however.

Finding evidence of anti-irritant activity is a difficult process, and the greatest success to date has come from animal experiments or studies on immune competent cells. Data about human skin or skin cells are often not available, even for very well-known plant extracts. Furthermore, there is very limited knowledge about their mode of action.

The research team at Symrise has now succeeded in proving the anti-irritant efficacy of several plant extracts via screening on human keratinocytes (skin cells). After intensive research of specialist literature, the plants with the greatest potential were investigated to determine their ability to suppress the production of interleukin-1 alpha and prostaglandin E2. These are important signal molecules which are released by stressed cells, and they can be used to gauge the extent of irritation. An increased level of these molecules is a typical characteristic of many skin conditions which involve a weakened or damaged epidermal barrier, e.g. sensitive, dry or aged skin.

Based on these findings, Symrise recently launched two state-of-the-art lines of botanical extracts: TCM Extrapone®, which draws upon Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Ayurveda Extrapone®, inspired by traditional treatments from India.

Symrise's extensive efficacy tests showed that plants with powerful anti-irritant properties included not only Witch Hazel, but also Lonicera japonica (Extrapone® Honeysuckle Flower), Pueraria lobata (Extrapone® Pueraria Root), Sophora japonica (Extrapone® Sophora Flower) and Cyperus rotundus (Extrapone® Nutgrass Root).

Symrise has reinforced its position as a global leader in the field of botanicals by proving the efficacy of several plant extracts in combating important stress-signal molecules in skin cells, and the corporation has once again demonstrated its core competence in research and development. The areas of focus in its R&D work include an intense search for new effective botanicals which can be used in cosmetics.