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As we age, the reduced turnover of our cells means we can lose control over how our skin ages. Epidermal stem cells
needed to create healthy new skin are significantly reduced and
function less efficiently. A discovery based on promising plant stem
cell research may allow you to regain control.
Scientists have found that a novel extract derived from the stem
cells of a rare apple tree cultivated for its extraordinary longevity
shows tremendous ability to rejuvenate aging skin. By stimulating aging
skin stem cells, this plant extract has been shown to lessen the
appearance of unsightly wrinkles. Clinical trials show that this unique
formulation increases the longevity of skin cells, resulting in skin
that has a more youthful and radiant appearance.
Stem Cells
Cells in our bodies are programmed for specific functions. A skin
cell, a brain cell, and a liver cell all contain the same DNA, or set
of genes. However, each cell’s fate is determined by a set of
epigenetic (able to change gene expression patterns) signals that come
from inside it and from the surrounding cells as well. These signals
are like command tags attached to the DNA that switch certain genes on
or off.
This selective coding creates all of the different kinds of cells in
our bodies, which are collectively known as differentiated
(specialized) cells.
Although differentiated cells vary widely in purpose and appearance,
they all have one thing in common: they all come with a built-in
operational limit. After so many divisions, they lose their ability to
divide and must be replaced. This is where stem cells come in.
Your body also produces other cells that contain no specific
programming. These stem cells are “blank,” so your body can essentially
“format” them any way it pleases. Two universal aspects shared by this
type of cell are: (1) the ability to replenish itself through a process
of self-renewal and (2) the capacity to produce a differentiated cell.
In animals and humans, two basic kinds of stem cells exist: embryonic and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells have the power to change into any differentiated cell type found anywhere in your body. Adult stem cells,
on the other hand, are generally more limited. They can only evolve
into the specific type of cell found in the tissue where they are
located. The primary function of these adult stem cells is maintenance
and repair.
But certain adult stem cells found in nature retain the unlimited
developmental potential that embryonic stem cells possess. These cells
have become the main focus for an exciting new wave of regenerative medicine (repairing damaged or diseased tissues and organs using advanced techniques like stem cell therapy and tissue engineering).
The Role of Stem Cells in the Skin
The basal (innermost) layer of the skin’s epidermis comprises two
basic types of cells: (1) the slowly dividing epidermal stem cells
(that represent about 2-7% of the basal cell population) and (2) their
rapidly dividing offspring that supply new cells to replace those that
are lost or dying.1-3
The slow self-renewal process of epidermal stem cells, however,
creates a problem. Because each epidermal stem cell only lasts for a
certain number of divisions, and because each division runs the risk of
lethal DNA mutation, the epidermal stem cell population can become
depleted. When this happens, lost or dying skin cells begin to
outnumber their replacements and the skin’s health and appearance start
to decline.
So what can be done? Scientists turned to plants for the answer.
Planting a Seed of Hope
Plants also have stem cells. Like humans, plant stem cells depend on
epigenetic control and signals from surrounding cells for their
development. Unlike humans, however, each plant-derived adult stem cell
possesses the ability to generate a whole new plant.4 Scientists have found a way to harness the power of plant stem cells by growing plant tissues in culture.
The technique is a relatively simple one. First, viable tissue is
obtained from a source plant. This material is called an explant. Next,
a small cut is made in the explant. New cells form on the surface of
this cut in an attempt to heal the wound. This colorless mass of cells
is called a callus. The slowly dividing cells of a callus are
undifferentiated cells that lack the characteristics of normal plant
cells. They are essentially unprogrammed and full of potential.
With this technology, it is theoretically possible to propagate any
plant cell in a liquid culture, opening up a whole new realm of
possibilities. This fact started scientists thinking—what would happen
if an extract of genetically long-lived plant stem cell tissue was
applied to human skin?
Comparing Apples to Apples
Today, apples are cultivated primarily to enhance their appearance
and flavor. But before the rise of refrigeration, an apple’s ability to
stay fresh for a long time was its most sought-after characteristic.
For this reason, a special variety of apple was cultivated in the
middle of the 18th century that could be stored for a greatly extended
period of time. In essence, it was the genetically modified,
longer-living stem cells of this tannin-rich variety of apple, called
the Uttwiler Spätlauber apple, which were responsible for its unique
storage longevity.
In a certain isolated area of rural Switzerland, a few of these
hardy apple trees still survive today. Scientists obtained an explant
from the leaf of one of these trees to produce a special anti-aging
stem cell extract.
The Amazing Results
In order to test the theory that this unique plant extract would
produce anti-aging effects, scientists at Mibelle Biochemistry first
obtained human stem cells from the blood of an umbilical cord. Their
first in-house study on cell viability showed that, at a concentration
of only 0.1%, an extract of Uttwiler Spätlauber stem cells stimulated
the proliferation of human stem cells by an astounding 80%! 5
In a second experiment, these scientists irradiated the umbilical
cord blood stem cells with UV light. Nearly 50% of the stem cells
cultured in growth medium alone died, but the cells grown in the
culture containing the special apple extract showed only a small
decrease in the number of living cells.5
Another in vitro experiment conducted by the scientists involved
fibroblast cells. These are the most common of all cells in the
connective tissue of the skin. They manufacture the collagen,
glycosaminoglycans, reticular and elastic fibers, and glycoproteins
that make up the extracellular matrix (connective tissues providing
support to cells). Fibroblasts not only help provide a structural
framework for the skin, they also play a critical role in wound healing.
In their experiment, the scientists treated fibroblast cells with
hydrogen peroxide for two hours until the cells began to show classic
signs of aging. In scientific terms, this means that several genes
essential for cell proliferation and growth were significantly
down-regulated. However, after incubating these cells for 144 hours in
a 2% Uttwiler Spätlauber extract, this down-regulation of genes was
effectively neutralized, and in some cases, it was actually reversed!
In addition, the scientists noted that the expression of an important
antioxidant enzyme called heme oxigenase 1 was also stimulated.5
Finally, the scientists conducted a human study to determine the
anti-wrinkle effectiveness of a special cream containing a 2% Uttwiler
Spätlauber extract along with lecithin liposomes. This patent-pending
cream (called PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica) was applied twice daily to
the crow’s feet area of 20 participants. Wrinkle depth was reduced by
an average of 8% after just two weeks, and by 15% after four weeks—thus
reducing the signs of aging!5
Revitalize Your Skin
A potent concentration of this PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica is now
available to help preserve and protect your vital skin stem cells. This
special apple extract complements other ingredients provided in a new
topical formula.
One is a special extract of Chondrus crispus, a red seaweed
found only in the cold waters off the Atlantic coast. With its
abundance of mineral salts, trace elements, proteins, and vitamins,
this extract is an excellent emollient with soothing, anti-inflammatory
properties.6 Other anti-aging ingredients are hyaluronic acid (noted for its outstanding moisturizing ability)7 and a concentrated antioxidant tea blend, which helps fight the free radicals that contribute to skin aging.8,9
Combined, these ingredients comprise an innovative topical
formulation that protects and preserves the youthful look and vitality
of your skin in ways never before possible. Just a tiny bit applied to
your face, neck, and décolleté area twice daily can help revitalize the
tone, texture, and appearance of aging skin.
Gary Goldfaden, MD, a clinical dermatologist and lifetime member of
the American Academy of Dermatology, is founder of Academy Dermatology
in Hollywood, FL, and COSMESIS Skin Care. He is also a member of the
Life Extension Scientific Advisory Board.
If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article,
please call a Life Extension Health Advisor at 1-800-226-2370. |