Abstract: Desired skin colour is a major unmet consumer need around the world and especially in Asia. Consumers particularly desire even skin colour, absence of age spots (solar lentigines), absence of hyperpigmentation and lighter overall skin tone. One solution is to use biological actives that reduce the activity of melanocyte cells in skin. These cells, present in the basal layer of the epidermis, make the dark coloured pigment melanin and export it, in small export vesicles called melanosomes, to the neighbouring keratinocytes. It is well described in the literature that compounds which reduce melanin synthesis when topically applied to the skin will reduce skin darkness over time and can generate a more even skin tone. Tyrosinase is a very popular target for the regulation of melanocyte pigment production. However effective inhibitors of tyrosinase are bedevilled by safety issues causing, for example, melanocyte cell death, permanent depigmentation, irritation and allergic reactions.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of identifying compounds that either increase or decrease skin and/or hair pigmentation, the method comprising determining the ability of a test compound to modulate NCKX-mediated calcium ion movement across a membrane (e.g. NCKX5). The method may comprise the steps of exposing a membrane comprising a NCKX molecule or variant, fusion or derivative thereof to a test compound and measuring either directly or indirectly the calcium ion concentration on one or both sides of the membrane. The invention also relates to kits, nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides and cells useful in the method of the invention.

Abstract: Flavones with an isoprenyl group in the 8-position possess very good anti-inflammatory properties and can also be used to treat/prevent/cure skin-disorders when applied in food compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of one or more health components selected from the group of lignans, in particular lignans derived from flaxseed, enterolactone, enterodiol and precursors thereof, in particular secoisolariciresinol and matairesinol in the production of foods with anti-inflammatory and/or anti-ageing properties. Also provided is a method of administering such components to persons in need of the intake of an anti-inflammatory and/or anti-ageing component.

Abstract: The invention provides food products with anti-inflammatory and/or anti-ageing properties prepared by incorporating therein an effective amount of isoxanthohumol and/or xanthohumol. Isoxanthouhumol is especially preferred. Also provided is a method of administering isoxanthohumol and/or xanthohumol to persons in need of the intake of an anti-inflammatory and/or anti-ageing component. Food products provided include spreads, dressings, mayonnaises, ice creams, cream alternatives, health bars, health drinks, sports drinks, chocolates, confectionery, bakery products, soups, cereals, sauces, fillings and coatings.

Abstract: Blends of quercetin and isoflavones from the group consisting of genestein, daidzein and glycetin display synergistic effects when applied as anti-inflammatory agent or as skin agent in particular for anti ageing purposes.

Abstract: Flavones with an isoprenyl group in the 8-position possess very good anti-inflammatory properties and can also be used to treat/prevent/cure skin-disorders when applied in food compositions.

Abstract: A topical composition comprising: (a) conjugated linoleic acid and/or derivatives thereof; (b) a phenolic compound or mixtures thereof; and (c) a dermatologically acceptable vehicle; with the proviso that the phenolic compound is not a sunscreen. The product is particularly useful for treating wrinkles and soothing sensitive skin.

Abstract: A topical composition comprising: (a) petroselinic acid and/or derivatives thereof; (b) a phenolic compound and/or mixtures thereof; and (c) a dermatologically acceptable vehicle. The product is particularly useful for treating wrinkles and soothing sensitive skin.

Abstract: A topical application is provided which includes a petroselinic acid compound, a retinoid or an LRAT/ARAT inhibitor, and a dermatologically acceptable vehicle. These compositions are useful for treating or preventing normal, but undesirable, skin conditions selected from the group consisting of wrinkling, sagging, photodamage skin, dry skin and age spots and soothing sensitive skin.

Abstract: Flavones with an isoprenyl group in the 8-position possess very good anti-inflammatory properties and can also be used to treat/prevent/cure skin-disorders when applied in food compositions.

Abstract: A topical composition comprising: (a) conjugated linoleic acid, and/or derivatives thereof comprising conjugated linoleic acid moieties, in which at least 1% by weight of the conjugated linoleic acid and/or moieties is present as the trans 10, cis 12 isomer, and (b) a dermatologically acceptable carrier. The product is particularly suitable for lightening human skin.

Abstract: A topical composition comprising:

Abstract: Blends of quercetin and isoflavones from the group consisting of genestein, daidzein and glycetin display synergistic effects when applied as anti-inflammatory agent or as skin agent in particular for anti ageing purposes.

Abstract: Edible compositions containing petroselinic acid are used for the preparation of food compositions or food supplements that are used as anti-inflammatory compositions that inhibit the production of metabolites of arachidonic acid and/or reduces the formation of intracellular adhesion molecules or as anti-aging compositions with a positive impact on wrinkling, sagging, photodamaged skin, dry skin, flaky skin and age spots.

Abstract: A topical composition and cosmetic method for treating skin conditions selected form the group consisting of wrinkling, sagging, photodamaged skin, sensitive skin, dry skin, flaky skin, red skin, irritated skin, itchy skin and age spots, the composition comprising: (a) conjugated linoleic acid, and/or derivatives thereof comprising conjugated linoleic acid moieties, in which at least 50% by weight of the conjugated linoleic acid and/or moieties, is present as the cis 9 trans 11 isomer; and (b) a dermatologically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A cosmetic method for treating aged, wrinkled and/or photodamaged skin is provided through topical application of a composition which comprises petroselinic acid and/or derivatives thereof. The method also reduces skin irritation and also lightens the color of skin.