Dragon fruit could help protect against skin ageing
anti-ageing solutions based on exotic fruit extracts, according to
an Israeli ingredients supplier.
The extract, IBR-Dragon, is the latest product to be released by Israeli Biotechnology Research (IBR) and makes up part of the company's Dormins technology platform. Slowing cell proliferation According to the company dormins are natural extracts from plants in their dormant stages which are able to slow down cell proliferation giving them more time to develop their protective functions. This deceleration of cell proliferation helps to maintain younger, healthier skin working against lines and wrinkles, claims the company. IBR-Dragon is based on the dragon fruit, an exotic pink skinned creation with white polka dotted flesh. In addition to anti-ageing characteristics IBR highlights the fact that the fruit is part of the cactus family. Cacti, it says, are used to harsh conditions and therefore have developed defence mechanisms against them - defences that can be transmitted to the skin to better cope with today's harsh environment. In addition, the extract contains high levels of polysaccharides and should therefore give a tightening feeling to the skin, according to the company. IBR's dragon fruit extract joins the original IBR dormin based on narcissi bulbs released in March 2006 in conjunction with Germany ingredients supplier Symrise. The extract has since been released in an all-natural, preservative free format in response to the growing demand for natural active ingredients. Natural UV protection In addition the company has a range of colourless carotenoids, including phytofluene and phytoene, which promise natural UV protection and can be incorporated into topical and oral supplements. The phytofluene molecules absorb light in the UVA range and emit light in the visible range - therefore reducing the energy of the light from the shorter, harmful wavelengths to the less harmful, longer wavelengths, according to the company. In addition, the ingredients help to limit the damage to the DNA caused by free radicals produced from sun exposure. Furthermore, both phytoene and phytofluene appear to inhibit melanin synthesis under UV induced conditions, a positive quality as melanin, when irradiated with UVA rays, tends to result in the formation of damaging free radicals.
