What Are Plant Stem Cells?
By stem cell we mean a cell not yet differentiated, that is not yet devolved to a specific task and ready to specialize for a specific function.
Stem cells have two fundamental properties:
- the ability to self-renew, that is to guarantee the continuity of stem cells through their own cell division;
- the ability to specialize, that is to become cells of specific tissues and organs.
These cells are found in both animals and plants, but plant cells have a characteristic: even in adult specimens there are tissues composed of undifferentiated embryonic cells, capable of giving rise to the different plant tissues of the plant. This is why, unlike what happens in humans and adult animals, plant stem cells are totipotent regardless of age, and so potentially capable of regenerating the entire plant, even if they are still strongly influenced by the environment conditions in which they live.
For many years it has discovered that the plant stem cells properties retain their benefits even when they come into contact with humans: in fact, plant stem cells provide important nutrients to human skin, helping to keep it young and healthy.
The plant stem cells most used in cosmetics are extracted from different types of plants, flowers and fruits: the first was a particular species of Swiss apple, but also the edelweiss, the tree called “butterflies” (Buddleja).
The areas from which the plant stem cells are obtained are different according to the type of plant: they can be taken from the shoots, from the roots or from the fruit itself, as in the case of apples or red fruits; it is the individual researchers who, from time to time, must find the best part from which to extract the cells in question.
The Use Of Stem Cells In Cosmetics And Creams
Research in the cosmetic field has focused on plant stem cells, putting aside other types of stem cells deriving for example from human or animal sources both for ethical and legislative factors, and for industrial factors.
Thanks to their self-healing properties, plant stem cells are used in the cosmetic sector mostly in anti-aging creams and preparations. These cells are mainly derived from apples, grapes and other fruits.
Cosmetic ingredients derived from plant stem cell cultures are divided into two categories:
- the first is obtained from the whole plant stem cells dispersion in glycerol. It contains all the substances produced by stem cells, such as polysaccharides, phytosterols and amino acids with a moisturizing, nourishing and stimulating action;
- the second is obtained by the cell mass homogenization and filtration, which allows the complete escape of useful molecules from the cells. The filtrate is concentrated to make the cosmetic functional substances even more active.
Stem cell cultures contain a complex of substances that includes mineral salts, sugars, proteins, phenols, amino acids, lipids and is able to protect the skin and therefore effectively contribute to the prevention of aging.
Effectiveness and Benefits Of Plant Stem Cells
Plant stem cells contain the so-called “similar EGFs”, that are epidermal growth factors comparable to human ones, which used in cosmetics allow to assist the regrowth and tissue trophism, finding their main applications both in trichology and in skin rejuvenation treatments.
Scientists and researchers have highlighted several positive effects of plant stem cells on the skin, in particular:
– antioxidant properties (especially in cells deriving from red fruits);
– photo-protective properties;
– decongestant properties;
– anti-inflammatory properties.
However, one of the most important aspects concerns the anti-aging function of these cells, which are used in the treatment of skin aging.
Plant Stem Cells: Contraindications
Plant stem cells go through numerous checks and purification processes before being used in creams and other cosmetic formulation, therefore can be used serenely by the consumer.