Abstract: The invention concerns the use of at least an oligosaccharide comprising 2 to 6 sugars and containing at least 2 galactose units, preferably 2 vicinal end-of-chain galactose motifs, or a plant extract containing same, as a cosmetic or dermatological agent, in particular for stimulating the beta-endorphin production in the skin. The invention enables to provide care for sensitive skins, in particular to fight against skin sensitivity, uncomfortable reactions, to provide sensations of well-being, and to produce a local analgesic action.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extract of the plant Ajuga turkestanica containing at least one ecdysteroid and at least one iridoid and obtainable by extraction of at least part of said plant by means of a solvent or solvent mixture consisting of 0 to 60% by weight of water, the remainder of said solvent or solvent mixture consisting of at least one C1 to C4 alcohol and/or acetone and/or butylene glycol and/or propylene glycol, and very particularly to an extract containing one part by weight of ecdysteroids to 2 to 4 parts by weight of iridoids. The invention further relates to cosmetic uses of these extracts or associations containing one part by weight of ecdysteroids to 2 to 4 parts by weight of iridoids as cosmetic agents for improving the differentiation of keratinocytes, for regulating the water fluxes and the water absorption in the epidermis or for hydrating the epidermis.

Abstract: The invention relates to uses in the cosmetic or pharmaceutical field of at least one active agent which increases the expression and/or the functionality of the. CD44 membrane receptors of skin cells and/or which improves the binding to the surface of the said skin cells of hyaluronic acid, and/or of collagen, in particular of collagen I and/or collagen IV, and/or fibronectin.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general terms to the use of saponins or sapogenols, particularly those extracted from a plant, preferably from soya or Medicago, in cosmetology and for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions for treating the skin in order to increase the amount of collagen IV in the dermo-epidermal junction. It further relates to novel cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions which promote an increase in the amount of collagen IV in the dermo-epidermal junction, and to a method of cosmetic treatment using a saponin or a sapogenol. The invention is applicable in cosmetics, preferably in an anti-wrinkle treatment, and in pharmacy in the treatment of diseases associated with a deficiency of the dermo-epidermal junction resulting from an insufficient amount of collagen IV.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of at least an oligosaccharide comprising 2 to 6 sugars and containing at least 2 galactose units, preferably 2 vicinal end-of-chain galactose motifs, or a plant extract containing same, as a cosmetic or dermatological agent, in particular for stimulating the beta-endorphin production in the skin. The invention enables to provide care for sensitive skins, in particular to fight against skin sensitivity, uncomfortable reactions, to provide sensations of well-being, and to produce a local analgesic action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cosmetic treatment for combating the effects of skin ageing and to novel cosmetic compositions which are particularly suitable for carrying it out.

Abstract: A method for stimulating the synthesis and/or secretion of proteoglycans and/or glycosaminoglycans by keratinocytes of a human in need thereof, by applying to an external body area of the human a composition containing an effective amount of D-xylose, an ester thereof or an oligosaccharide containing D-xylose, in a combination with a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cosmetic treatment for combating the effects of skin ageing and to novel cosmetic compositions which are particularly suitable for carrying it out. According to the invention, at least one agent for promoting the adhesion of the keratinocytes of the epidermal baseal layer to the dermo-epidermal junction, especially to the collagen IV of said junction, such as, in particular, a divalent metal salt or complex, preferably magnesium aspartate or magnesium chloride, is used, optionally in association with a stimulant of collagen IV synthesis and/or a stimulant of collagen VII synthesis. The application is for the preparation of cosmetic compositions with anti-wrinkle activity.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel uses in cosmetics or pharmaceutics, in particular in dermatology, of Rb1 ginsenoside(G-Rb1) and plant extracts containing same, to stimulate elastin synthesis by dermal fibroblasts. The invention also concerns cosmetic or pharmaceutical, in particular dermatological, compositions containing said ginsenoside or plant extracts for stimulating the elastin synthesis by dermal fibroblasts. Said compositions advantageously contain an extract of Asiatic ginseng or of American ginseng.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an extract of the plant Potentilla erecta in the field of cosmetics and pharmacy, especially in dermatology. The invention more particularly relates to any application in which it is sought to reinforce the dermo-epidermal junction or to improve hair condition, by the improvement of the synthesis of collagen VII by keratinocytes and/or fibroblasts. In particular, these applications concern toning of the skin, diminishing of wrinkles or hair care. The invention also relates to a novel method of culture of cells, in particular of human fibroblasts or keratinocytes, for promoting the formation of collagen VII.

Abstract: The object of the invention is the use of a Bertholletia extract, particularly a Bertholletia excelsa extract, for the preparation of a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition, particularly a dermatological composition. The Bertholletia extract promotes collagen synthesis or has activity against free radicals, for example to combat the effects of skin ageing, to prevent the formation of wrinkles or reduce their depth, or to promote firmer skin. It also has an activity for promoting the incorporation of vitamin C in the skin cells.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel uses of an Eriobotrya japonica extract, in particular in cosmetics or pharmaceutics. This extract permits stimulation of glycosaminoglycan synthesis, in particular of hyaluronic acid, thus imparting to the cosmetic compositions containing this extract the properties of improving the firmness and suppleness of the skin, combating the formation of wrinkles or lessening the depth thereof, smoothing the surface of the skin by means of a tightening effect, or moisturizing the skin. The invention further concerns the use of these extracts for stimulating the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans from a cell culture medium, in particular fibroblasts or keratinocytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and composition for topically administering a Smelophyllum capense extract as a cosmetic, dermatologic, or pharmaceutical composition to promote collagen synthesis. Administration of the composition results in the firming of the skin, improves healing and is suitable for treating various pathologies accompanied with a deficiency in collagen. The extract can also be added to cell culture medium used in the culture of skin cells, particularly skin fibroblasts. The composition can contain between 0.0001% and 1% by weight of the Smelophyllum capense extract, and the extract can be obtained by extraction with a polar solvent. The composition can contain other ingredients including ascorbic acid, madecassic acid, asiatic acid, madecassoside, asiaticoside, alpha-1-protease inhibitor, collagenase inhibitors, elastase inhibitors, lysine, proline, 2-oxoglutarate and ginsenoside Ro.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of ascorbic acid, notably L-ascorbic acid or vitamin C, or of its erythorbic acid isomer, or of their salts or esters, for promoting the synthesis of elastin in the dermis in the view of improving in particular skin elasticity.The invention enables manufacturing cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions, notably dermatological compositions, for improving skin elasticity, for example in the context of a product which improves skin tone or skin firmness.The invention also enables increasing the elastin content of artificial dermes.

Abstract: The use of ginsenoside R.sub.0 or a plant extract containing same to prepare a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition, particularly a skin care composition, for promoting collagen synthesis, particularly collagen I and/or collagen III synthesis. Said cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition is administered to a mammal, particularly a human being, in order to promote collagen synthesis. A method for promoting collagen synthesis in fibroblast growth media is also disclosed.

Abstract: A simarouba extract is used to produce a cosmetic or pharmaceutical, and particularly dermatological, composition or a skin cell culture medium. The resulting compositions are also disclosed. The simarouba extract has a significant skin depigmentation activity and can enhance the protective function of the skin, particularly its water barrier function, as well as having a significant keratinocyte differentiation activity.

Abstract: A simaba extract is used to produce a cosmetic or pharmaceutical, and particularly dermatological, composition or a skin cell culture medium. The resulting compositions are also disclosed. The simaba extract has a significant skin depigmentation activity and can enhance the protective function of the skin, particularly its water barrier function, as well as having a significant keratinocyte differentiation activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetic or dermatological composition.This composition contains, as active ingredient, a saponin of formula (I): ##STR1## in which: R.sub.1 =-Glc(2-1)Glc,R.sub.2 =-Glc(6-1)Glc andR.sub.3 =H, the saponin being called G--Rb.sub.1,Glc denoting a .beta.-D-glucopyranosyl group, or a plant extract in which it is present, and, if appropriate, cepharanthine or oxyacanthine, or a derivative thereof, or a plant extract in which it is present, such as an extract of Stephania cepharantha or Berberis.This cosmetic or dermatological composition is intended in particular for promoting hair growth.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an extract of Marrubium vulgare for the preparation of a cosmetic or a pharmaceutical composition, especially dermatological composition, intended in particular for promoting the pigmentation of the skin, preventing or slowing down the appearance of white hair and treating pigmentation disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to cosmetic or pharmaceutical, particularly dermatological, compositions. More particularly, the invention relates to the utilization of an extract of coleus Esquirolii, coleus Scutellariodes or Coleus Xanthanthus or one of the mixtures thereof for the preparation of cosmetic or pharmaceutical, particularly dermatological, composition. In particular, the invention helps to efficiently promote skin or hair pigmentation.