The plant Senna Alata, also known as a candle tree because its flowers resemble flames, grows in highly sunny areas in Africa, South America, and India. The leaves of the plant contain a natural protective system against UV irradiation: the flavonoid Kaempferol-3-O-Sophoroside (K3OS).
Microscopic images show that the K3OS is found around the nuclei of the plant cells, forming a protective shield. Cassia Alata leaf extract is specifically selected for its high amount of K3OS, identified as the main bioactive component. Following a "biomimetic" approach, Senna Alata leaf Extract transfers the natural protective capacity of K3OS to protect human skin cells.
UVB damage on the level of the epidermal cells, i.e. keratinocytes, leads to modification of DNA structure and subsequent alteration of cell functioning and accelerated skin aging. The UVA-induced damage to DNA on the level of the dermis leads to the loss of a fragment from the circular DNA of the mitochondria, also called common deletion, which may result in a disruption of mitochondria functioning and energy synthesis.
This is thought to be a major mechanism by which UVA radiation causes photo-aging of human skin. Cassia Alata leaf extract protects both types of DNA from UV-induced damage:- nuclear DNA against UVB
- mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) against UVA.
Additionally, Cassia Alata leaf extract stimulates the essential recovery process of the cells. This combination of protection and restoration allows for preventing UV-induced skin alterations demonstrated in clinical trials. This botanical ingredient is nature’s way to protect DNA and preserve skin’s youthfulness.
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