Reinforcing the structural integrity of skin to, in turn, reduce wrinkles and sagging was the focus of a new patent granted to LVMH. According to the inventors, orchids have been the subject of recent medical research for their interesting compounds, which also lend themselves to skin care.
Orchid Appeal
Orchids (Orchidaceae) of the genus Vanda are indigenous to the tropical forests of Asia and Australia. From a medical perspective, they have reported healing properties, no doubt due to the wide range of chemical compounds present, including alkaloids, bibenzyl derivatives, flavonoids, phenanthrenes and terpenoids, according to an article published in the Journal of Medicinal Plant Research.
Extracts and metabolites of the flowers and leaves possess pharmacological activities ranging from diuretic, anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and hypoglycemic, to antimicrobial, anticonvulsive, relaxation, neuroprotective and antivirus activities.
Regarding applications, one study published in the Indian Journal of Environment and Ecoplanning described an extract from the orchid Papilionanthe teres (syn. Vanda teres) to treat debility by application to the foreheads of fever-afflicted patients. Stem extracts from the same plant also have been cited for use against colds and coughs.
The therapeutic properties of crushed leaves from another orchid, Vanda testacea, applied as a poultice, have been reported treat cattle fractures, rheumatism, nervous disorders and D5 scorpion stings. The use of Vanda cristata also has been indicated to treat cuts and wounds by application of a plant-based paste.
In relation, LVMH inventors have uncovered cosmetic and dermatological activities in the Vanda teres orchid for preventing or slowing the appearance of signs of skin aging. The following patent explains.
The Literature
Cosmetic or dermatological composition containing an orchid extract
European Patent EP2214689
Publication date: Oct. 17, 2018
Assignee: LVMH Recherche
According to this patent, the inventors discovered that orchids of the Vanda teres species exhibit remarkable cosmetic and dermatological activities thanks, in part, to anti-inflammatory properties. Specifically, their extracts inhibit the secretion of inflammation mediators such as interleukin 8 (IL-8) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), as well as the MMP-2 and MMP-9 enzymes responsible for degrading collagen fibers in the extracellular matrix (ECM).
As such, this invention refers to the use of said orchid extracts to help maintain skin's structural integrity. Disclosed are Vanda teres orchid extracts in compositions such as serum, lotion, emulsion, cream, tinted cream, hydrogel, mask, stick or patch film forms. These contain from 0.001% to 5.000% w/w of at least one orchid extract from the Vanda teres species, in solution or as a dispersion.
Patent accessed on Nov. 15, 2018.
