Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising extracts of Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) in a polar solvent that are effective in promoting the barrier functions of the skin, useful for improving skin integrity, health and appearance and as anti-aging agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising extracts of Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) in a polar solvent that are effective in promoting the barrier functions of the skin, useful for improving skin integrity, health and appearance and as anti-aging agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of carotenoid preparations for promoting skin whitening. Particularly, the present invention discloses that a combination of phytoene and phytofluene is effective in whitening skin. The present invention further relates to carotenoid compositions comprising a combination of phytofluene and phytofluene effective in whitening skin and at least one additional carotenoid, particularly carotenoids devoid of highly intense color.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Leucojum extracts, particularly to aqueous extract of Leucojum bulbs effective in inhibiting contraction of muscle cells or tissues and as an anti-oxidant, composition comprising same and use thereof for inhibiting muscle contractions, particularly cutaneous muscles effective in treating and preventing wrinkles, fine lines and oxidative damages of the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of carotenoid preparations for promoting skin whitening. Particularly, the present invention discloses that a combination of phytoene and phytofluene is effective in whitening skin. The present invention further relates to carotenoid compositions comprising a combination of phytofluene and phytofluene effective in whitening skin and at least one additional carotenoid, particularly carotenoids devoid of highly intense color.

Abstract: The invention relates to anti-proliferative aqueous extracts derived from plants, the extracts comprising compounds capable of inducing a plant organ into a state of dormancy or maintaining the organ in the state of dormancy. The invention further discloses cosmetic, pharmaceutical and agricultural compositions comprising the anti-proliferative extracts and use thereof.

Abstract: A preparation comprising the carotenoids phytoene and phytofluene in an amount which, in combination, is effective in preventing various kinds of damage resulting from oxidation and exposure to UV light is provided. The preparation is essentially colorless and may be used as a topical cosmetic or pharmaceutical preparation as well as an additive in food preparations. In addition, a method for producing substantive amounts of phytoene and phytofluene from carotenoid producing organisms is described as well.

Abstract: A dormant preparation (DC) is provided which is capable of inhibiting proliferation of various kinds of cells. The preparation comprises an extract which is obtained from cells or tissue originating in an organism capable of entering a phase of dormancy in at least one of its parts and comprises at least one substance which induces or maintains the state of dormancy in the organism from which the cells or tissue are derived. The DC may be used for a variety of indications including human medicine and cosmetics, plant growth control and food preservation.

Abstract: A dormant preparation (DC) is provided which is capable of inhibiting proliferation of various kinds of cells. The preparation comprises an extract which is obtained from cells or tissue originating in an organism capable of entering a phase of dormancy in at least one of its parts and comprises at least one substance which induces or maintains the state of dormancy in the organism from which the cells or tissue are derived. The DC may be used for a variety of indications including human medicine and cosmetics, plant growth control and food preservation.

Abstract: The invention relates to anti-proliferative agents derived from plants, wherein the agents are capable of inducing a plant organ into a state of dormancy or maintaining the organ in the state of dormancy. The invention further discloses compositions comprising the anti-proliferative agents and the use of said compositions to inhibit undesired or deleterious cell proliferation in plant or mammal tissue.

Abstract: A dormant preparation (DC) is provided which is capable of inhibiting proliferation of various kinds of cells. The preparation comprises an extract which is obtained from cells or tissue originating in an organism capable of entering a phase of dormancy in at least one of its parts and comprises at least one substance which induces or maintains the state of dormancy in the organism from which the cells or tissue are derived. The DC may be used for a variety of indications including human medicine and cosmetics, plant growth control and food preservation.

Abstract: A dormant preparation (DC) is provided which is capable of inhibiting proliferation of various kinds of cells. The preparation comprises an extract which is obtained from cells or tissue originating in an organism capable of entering a phase of dormancy in at least one of its parts and comprises at least one substance which induces or maintains the state of dormancy in the organism from which the cells or tissue are derived. The DC may be used for a variety of indications including human medicine and cosmetics, plant growth control and food preservation.

Abstract: A preparation comprising the carotenoids phytoene and phytofluene in an amount which, in combination, is effective in preventing various kinds of damage resulting from oxidation and exposure to UV light is provided. The preparation is essentially colorless and may be used as a topical cosmetic or pharmaceutical preparation as well as an additive in food preparations. In addition, a method for producing substantive amounts of phytoene and phytofluene from carotenoid producing organisms is described as well.

Abstract: A dormant preparation (DC) is provided which is capable of inhibiting proliferation of various kinds of cells. The preparation comprises an extract which is obtained from cells or tissue originating in an organism capable of entering a phase of dormancy in at least one of its parts and comprises at least one substance which induces or maintains the state of dormancy in the organism from which the cells or tissue are derived. The DC may be used for a variety of indications including human medicine and cosmetics, plant growth control and food preservation.

Abstract: A preparation comprising the carotenoids phytoene and phytofluene in an amount which, in combination, is effective in preventing various kinds of damage resulting from oxidation and exposure to UV light is provided. The preparation is essentially colorless and may be used as a topical cosmetic or pharmaceutical preparation as well as an additive in food preparations. In addition, a method for producing substantive amounts of phytoene and phytofluene from carotenoid producing organisms is described as well.

Abstract: A dormant preparation (DC) is provided which is capable of inhibiting proliferation of various kinds of cells. The preparation comprises an extract which is obtained from cells or tissue originating in an organism capable of entering a phase of dormancy in at least one of its parts and comprises at least one substance which induces or maintains the state of dormancy in the organism from which the cells or tissue are derived. The DC may be used for a variety of indications including human medicine and cosmetics, plant growth control and food preservation. A preferred dormant preparation is prepared from a water extract of Narcissus (daffodil) bulb.

Abstract: The invention relates to a treatment and/or prevention of the problems of adiposity, with the aim being to obtain a cosmetic and/or therapeutic slimming effect which is generalized or localized on the human or animal body, the said process being characterized in that it consists in administering to the body, preferably via the topical route, at least one substance capable of limiting or of inhibiting the uptake of glucose by adipocytes. In addition, it is also possible to supply the body, preferably via the topical route, with at least one compound capable of stimulating lipolysis, the said supply being made in a simultaneous or separate manner or spread out over time relative to the step for administration of the glucose-uptake inhibitors. It also relate to various cosmetic, dermatological and/or medicinal compositions intended for implementation of the said process, as well as to their various uses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a treatment and/or prevention of the problems of adiposity, with the aim being to obtain a cosmetic and/or therapeutic slimming effect which is generalized or localized on the human or animal body, the said process being characterized in that it consists in administering to the body, preferably via the topical route, at least one substance capable of limiting or of inhibiting the uptake of glucose by adipocytes. In addition, it is also possible to supply the body, preferably via the topical route, with at least one compound capable of stimulating lipolysis, the said supply being made in a simultaneous or separate manner or spread out over time relative to the step for administration of the glucose-uptake inhibitors. It also relate to various cosmetic, dermatological and/or medicinal compositions intended for implementation of the said process, as well as to their various uses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetic or dermatological composition with controlled release of active principle containing at least photoconvertible carotenoid, capable of being converted to retinol and retinoic acid or its isomers, of following formula (I): ##STR1## in which the R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 substituents denote one of the following groups: ##STR2## at least one of the R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 substituents denoting a .beta.-ionone group of formula (II), the R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 substituents denoting hydrogen, a hydroxyl, carboxyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy group or forming, with the carbon atom of the ring, a carbonyl group, in a cosmetically or dermatologically acceptable medium.

Abstract: A method for combatting cellulitis or reducing localized fatty excesses involves administering a body slimming amount of a composition which contains, as the sole slimming agent, an .alpha.-tocopherol, benzyl, xanthinol or hexyl nicotinate, or .alpha.-tocopherol acetate.