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 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.