Use of veronia extract

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of an extract of a Vernonia plant from Madagascar in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food supplements for improving the skin status, more specifically by strengthening the dermal-epidermal junction and/or by activating fibroblasts synthesis of dermis and extracellular matrix compounds.

1 . A composition for treating a skin disorder comprising an extract of  Vernonia appendiculata  leaves in an amount from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the total formulation, and at least one cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said extract of  Vernonia appendiculata  leaves is obtained by extraction of raw  Vernonia appendiculata  leaves with a polar solvent. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the polar solvent is alcohol or a mixture of water and alcohol. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said extract comprises at least 5% by weight of chlorogenic and isochlorogenic acids by weight of the total extract. 
     
     
         4 . A composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition produces an anti-aging effect on skin, the anti-aging effect selected from the group consisting of densifying said skin, firming said skin, strengthening the dermal-epidermal junction in said skin, improving the radiance of said skin; improving restructuring of said skin; preserving a functional interface between the epidermis and dermis of said skin; and improving the humidity content of said skin.