After years of prioritising technology above all else, nature is still the best source of medicines, food and even cosmetic ingredients.
Looking back, ancient civilizations used different parts of plants as remedies to face diseases, to provide well-being to body and mind and to highlight individual beauty.
Within the Active Organics inspired by nature brand, Lipotec Active Ingredients has developed Actismart extracts, a new range composed of an assortment of unique botanicals from around the world prized for their beauty-enhancing, spiritual and natural benefits, titrated and supported with in vitro efficacy tests.
This journey through the most exceptional plants of the Earth brings us the first set of botanical extracts – Actismart Lemon myrtle, Actismart Spikenard and Actismart Artemisia - from Asia-Pacific, an exclusive region with deep traditional heritage that relies on the use of medicinal plants as a fundamental therapy for many conditions.
From Australia we selected Lemon myrtle, whose leaves – source of minerals, vitamins and phenolic compounds – have been traditionally used by the Australian aboriginals for their potential soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Actismart Lemon myrtle is characterised by quercitrin, a glycoside from the quercetin flavonoid, which presents anti-inflammatory properties. It downregulated key inflammasome genes and decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines on keratinocytes as observed in vitro. In addition, the extract resulted in a lower mast cell degranulation, indicating a reduced allergic response, and thus less skin itching.
Originally from the Himalaya, Spikenard has been traditionally used in Ayurveda medicine for its ability to calm the mind and bring inner peace, and preparations of its roots improve the skin radiance for a glowing complexion. Characterised by the sesquiterpene desoxo-narchinol A, Actismart Spikenard helps lighten the skin. A downregulation of 33.7% of a gene involved in the paracrine signaling between keratinocytes and melanocytes as well as a reduction in melanin levels in melanocytes by 18.2% were observed in vitro, suggesting a brighter and more even skin tone.
And coming from China, Artemisia has a very special story behind. The scientist Ty Youyou discovered that a terpene compound of this plant, traditionally used in Chinese medicine, also efficiently worked at fighting malaria, demonstrating its excellent protective effect. This finding was honored with the Nobel Prize in medicine, but more importantly, saved many lives throughout the world. Artemisia has also been used to help fight infection, inflammation and to boost the immune system. Characterised by the total flavonoid content, Actismart Artemisia upregulated heterodimeric calprotectin components genes for a potentially higher antimicrobial activity and boosted calprotectin levels, as showed in vitro, suggesting a protective effect against pathogen invasion and helping enhance the skin’s own defence system.
