Abstract: Identification of small organic molecules capable of stimulating aerobic glycolysis and cone survival would lead to the conception of new therapies of the retinal degenerative diseases. Now the inventors identified Geralexin, an acetogenin, extracted from Uvaria chamae a medicinal plant and showed that the molecule can stimulate aerobic glycolysis and cone survival. Geralexin would be suitable for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases in particular for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) by preventing cone outer segment shortening and maintaining central vision.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a compound, a salt of this compound, a derivative of this compound or a salt of this derivative, said compound being chosen among the gallic acid, its hydrolyzable polymers in gallic acid, the hexahydroxydiphenic acid, its hydrolyzable polymers in hexahydroxydiphenic acid, the ellagic acid, its hydrolyzable polymers in ellagic acid, the gallotannins, the ellagitannins, and its cosmetic applications for stimulating or repairing the barrier function of the epidermis and its pharmaceutical applications for treating lesions caused by pathologies, such as Crohn's disease.