Abstract: Extracts derived from plants and/or fractions thereof, compositions comprising same and methods and use thereof in protecting tissues from damage caused by toxins are encompassed herein. More particularly, compositions comprising a polar solvent extract and/or a fraction thereof derived from an Inula plant (e.g., Inula helenium) and methods and use thereof in protecting tissues comprising epithelial cells from adverse effects of toxins, particularly exogenous toxins originating from environmental pollution, are encompassed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising carotenoids, particularly phytoene and phytofluene, useful in delaying viral infection, particularly via modulation of at least one response against the viral infection within a cell or tissue. The cells or tissue can be of a subject, thereby delaying the viral infection in the subject or isolated, particularly in a form of cell or tissue culture, particularly for use in methods of screening for anti-viral agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to extracts derived from plants and/or fractions thereof, compositions comprising same and use thereof in protecting tissues from damages caused by exogenous toxins. In particular, the present invention relates to polar extract and/or fraction thereof derived from Asteriscus graveolens, compositions comprising same and use thereof in protecting tissues comprising epithelial cell from the deleterious effect of exogenous toxins, particularly toxins originating from environmental pollution.

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 extracts derived from plants and/or fractions thereof, compositions comprising same and use thereof in protecting tissues from damages caused by exogenous toxins. In particular, the present invention relates to polar extract and/or fraction thereof derived from Asteriscus graveolens, compositions comprising same and use thereof in protecting tissues comprising epithelial cell from the deleterious effect of exogenous toxins, particularly toxins originating from environmental pollution.

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: Sunscreen compositions comprising at least one sunscreen active wherein said sunscreen active and composition are stabilized by the addition natural or synthetic phytoene or phytofluene or mixtures thereof and optionally at least one other natural or synthetic carotenoid. A method of stabilization of sunscreen compositions and sunscreen actives, especially avobenzone, when exposed to UV light and free radicals attack.

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.