Abstract: An Orris root extract is disclosed. The Orris root extract is obtained via Orris root materials via selective extraction, and is selectively enriched in (A) a phytochemical melanogenesis stimulating agent or (B) a phytochemical melanogenesis inhibiting agent. The phytochemical melanogenesis stimulating agent (A) comprises germanaism B, and the phytochemical melanogenesis inhibiting agent (B) comprises iriflorental and/or iripallidal. A method of preparing the Orris root extract composition is also provided, and includes selectively extracting an Orris root materials to give at least one Orris root extract. A functional composition comprising the Orris root extract is also provided. The functional composition is adapted for administration to a subject via topical application, and demonstrates activity relating to skin pigmentation.

Abstract: Compositions for suppressing sebum production in skin (e.g., seborrheic skin), and minimizing glycation in skin (e.g., mature skin) with enhanced UV absorptive properties are described. In particular, the present invention relates to a composition containing a skin benefit agent that includes Lithospermum erythrorhizon. Also, methods of suppressing sebum production in skin (e.g., seborrheic skin) and minimizing glycation in skin (e.g., mature skin) by applying a composition to the skin, wherein the composition comprises an effective amount of a derivative of Lithospermum erythrorhizon are also described.

Abstract: A supplement including a blend of turmeric, quercetin and rosemary, or holy basil, wasabi, and broccoli seed extract which are present in a balanced and predetermined ratio, and which stimulate the Antioxidant Response Element (ARE), Quinone Reductase, and/or induce related gene expression, for example, heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX-1) expression. The blend of ingredients can be formed as or in a dietary supplement adapted for administration to a subject. The dietary supplement can be formulated so that the turmeric, quercetin and rosemary are present in a predetermined ratio of 1:3:5, or holy basil, wasabi, and broccoli seed extract in a predetermined ratio of 1:1:0.2. Additional ingredients can be included in the supplement. The supplement can synergistically affect natural antioxidant response pathways within cells of a subject to whom the supplement is administered. A related method of use is also provided.

Abstract: A supplement including a blend of turmeric, quercetin and rosemary, or holy basil, wasabi, and broccoli seed extract which are present in a balanced and predetermined ratio, and which stimulate the Antioxidant Response Element (ARE), Quinone Reductase, and/or induce related gene expression, for example, heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX-1) expression. The blend of ingredients can be formed as or in a dietary supplement adapted for administration to a subject. The dietary supplement can be formulated so that the turmeric, quercetin and rosemary are present in a predetermined ratio of 1:3:5, or holy basil, wasabi, and broccoli seed extract in a predetermined ratio of 1:1:0.2. Additional ingredients can be included in the supplement. The supplement can synergistically affect natural antioxidant response pathways within cells of a subject to whom the supplement is administered. A related method of use is also provided.

Abstract: Topical compositions, packaging systems and methods for improving the appearance of skin or at least one sign of aging in skin including Kachnar are described.

Abstract: Compositions for suppressing sebum production in skin (e.g., seborrheic skin), and minimizing glycation in skin (e.g., mature skin) with enhanced UV absorptive properties are described. In particular, the present invention relates to a composition containing a skin benefit agent that includes Lithospermum erythrorhizon. Also, methods of suppressing sebum production in skin (e.g., seborrheic skin) and minimizing glycation in skin (e.g., mature skin) by applying a composition to the skin, wherein the composition comprises an effective amount of a derivative of Lithospermum erythrorhizon are also described.

Abstract: Topical compositions, packaging systems and methods for improving the appearance of skin or at least one sign of aging in skin including Kachnar are described.

Abstract: A composition including a unique combination of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and optionally vitamins, minerals and specialty ingredients. The composition can include a fruit ingredient, a vegetable ingredient and an herbal ingredient, wherein the fruit ingredient is at least one of pomegranate and citrus bioflavonoids, wherein the vegetable ingredient, is at least one of asparagus, lutein, lycopene and watercress, and wherein the herbal ingredient is at least one of basil, oregano and rosemary. The composition can be administered to subjects to correct a dietary deficiency of phytochemicals and other nutrients, improve plasma concentrations of antioxidant nutrients, and increase the activity of genetic mechanisms for DNA repair and stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of increasing tyrosinase synthesis, expression, or activity in a cell comprising administering at least one grape seed extract to the cell. The grape seed extract may be obtained by any extraction process including solvent sequential fractionation and supercritical fluid extraction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a liposome, a cardiolipin, and at least one antioxidant, wherein the composition is useful for improving, maintaining, or restoring a mitochondrial membrane and/or mitochondrial function. In one example, the liposome is primarily composed of phosphatidylcholine, the cardiolipin is tetraoleoyl-cardiolipin, and the at least one antioxidant is methylgentisate, l-carnosine, or both. The composition may be topically administered, orally administered, or parenterally administered, for example administered by injection. If topically administered, the composition may be administered for example, as a cream, lotion, gel, paste, spray, tonic, or other suitable form and may contain various additives, for example, one or more of an emollient, a humectant, a penetration enhancer, a vitamin, a fragrance, a pigment, and a moisturizer.

Abstract: A dietary supplement including a unique combination of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and optionally vitamins, minerals and specialty ingredients. The supplement can include a fruit ingredient, a vegetable ingredient and an herbal ingredient, wherein the fruit ingredient is at least one of pomegranate and citrus bioflavonoids, wherein the vegetable ingredient is at least one of asparagus, lutein, lycopene and watercress, and wherein the herbal ingredient is at least one of basil, oregano and rosemary. The supplement can be administered to subjects to reduce risk factors in a subject, for example, by lowering homocysteine levels and/or reducing DNA damage. The supplement can increase plasma levels of at least one of vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, folate, and beta-carotene and other vitamins or substances in the subject.

Abstract: A composition including a unique combination of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and optionally vitamins, minerals and specialty ingredients. The composition can include a fruit ingredient, a vegetable ingredient and an herbal ingredient, wherein the fruit ingredient is at least one of pomegranate and citrus bioflavonoids, wherein the vegetable ingredient, is at least one of asparagus, lutein, lycopene and watercress, and wherein the herbal ingredient is at least one of basil, oregano and rosemary. The composition can be administered to subjects to correct a dietary deficiency of phytochemicals and other nutrients, improve plasma concentrations of antioxidant nutrients, and increase the activity of genetic mechanisms for DNA repair and stability.

Abstract: A dietary supplement including a unique combination of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and optionally vitamins, minerals and specialty ingredients. The supplement can include a fruit ingredient, a vegetable ingredient and an herbal ingredient, wherein the fruit ingredient is at least one of pomegranate and citrus bioflavonoids, wherein the vegetable ingredient is at least one of asparagus, lutein, lycopene and watercress, and wherein the herbal ingredient is at least one of basil, oregano and rosemary. The supplement can be administered to subjects to correct a dietary deficiency of phytochemicals and other nutrients, improve the amount of antioxidants in the subject, and decrease free radical damage in the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a liposome, a cardiolipin, and at least one antioxidant, wherein the composition is useful for improving, maintaining, or restoring a mitochondrial membrane and/or mitochondrial function. In one example, the liposome is primarily composed of phosphatidylcholine, the cardiolipin is tetraoleoyl-cardiolipin, and the at least one antioxidant is methylgentisate, l-carnosine, or both. The composition may be topically administered, orally administered, or parenterally administered, for example administered by injection. If topically administered, the composition may be administered for example, as a cream, lotion, gel, paste, spray, tonic, or other suitable form and may contain various additives, for example, one or more of an emollient, a humectant, a penetration enhancer, a vitamin, a fragrance, a pigment, and a moisturizer.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a water soluble spinach extract, compositions comprising a water soluble spinach extract, a liposome, a cardiolipin, and at least one antioxidant, compositions comprising a water soluble spinach extract, an extract of Arabidopsis thaliana or of the mustard (Brassica) plant, a liposome, a cardiolipin, and at least one antioxidant, processes for obtaining such compositions, and methods of using such compositions to repair damage to nuclear DNA, mitochondrial DNA, or both, prevent or decrease damage to such DNA from, for example, reactive oxygen species or 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and/or to repair or prevent mitochondrial damage and loss of membrane fluidity are disclosed. Compositions of the present invention may be topically administered, orally administered or parenterally, such as administration by injection.

Abstract: A skin whitening composition includes an extract of black cohosh obtained by sequentially exposing the black cohosh to two or more solvents of varying solvent strengths. The root of the black cohosh can be separately used to obtain the extract. The composition can be topically applied to the human skin and can further include one or more cosmetically acceptable ingredients. A method of suppressing melanogenesis includes topically applying to the skin a composition comprising an extract of black cohosh obtained by sequentially exposing the black cohosh to two or more solvents of varying solvent strength.

Abstract: A skin whitening composition includes an extract of asparagus obtained by sequentially exposing the asparagus to two or more solvents of varying solvent strengths. The root and shoot portions of the asparagus can be separately used to obtain the extract. The composition can be topically applied to the human skin and can further include one or more cosmetically acceptable ingredients. A method of suppressing melanogenesis includes topically applying to the skin a composition comprising an extract of asparagus obtained by sequentially exposing the asparagus to two or more solvents of varying solvent strengths.

Abstract: A skin whitening composition includes an extract of black cohosh obtained by sequentially exposing the black cohosh to two or more solvents of varying solvent strengths. The root of the black cohosh can be separately used to obtain the extract. The composition can be topically applied to the human skin and can further include one or more cosmetically acceptable ingredients. A method of suppressing melanogenesis includes topically applying to the skin a composition comprising an extract of black cohosh obtained by sequentially exposing the black cohosh to two or more solvents of varying solvent strengths.

Abstract: A skin whitening composition includes an extract of black cohosh obtained by sequentially exposing the black cohosh to two or more solvents of varying solvent strengths. The root of the black cohosh can be separately used to obtain the extract. The composition can be topically applied to the human skin and can further include one or more cosmetically acceptable ingredients. A method of suppressing melanogenesis includes topically applying to the skin a composition comprising an extract of black cohosh obtained by sequentially exposing the black cohosh to two or more solvents of varying solvent strengths.

Abstract: A skin whitening composition includes an extract of asparagus obtained by sequentially exposing the asparagus to two or more solvents of varying solvent strengths. The root and shoot portions of the asparagus can be separately used to obtain the extract. The composition can be topically applied to the human skin and can further include one or more cosmetically acceptable ingredients. A method of suppressing melanogenesis includes topically applying to the skin a composition comprising an extract of asparagus obtained by sequentially exposing the asparagus to two or more solvents of varying solvent strengths.