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Cuban scientists identify the properties of a plant, the Spirulina platenses, which prevents cancer and ageing

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06.11.2007

The extract of Cuban Spirulina platenses, the most used microalga in Cuba, is the main compound of a new line of products created by a research group of the Institute of Pharmacy and Foods of the University of Havana.

The studies carried out by this group have proved the high protection these extracts can offer against anti-radicals as they are rich in carotenes and phycocyanins. Besides a considerable content of enzyme superoxide dismutase and vitamin E, elements which are part of the organism’s defensive system against radicals, they stimulate the immunological system and prevent cancer and rapid ageing.

Doctor Ivonne Almiral, main researcher of the project, asserts that this plant “has an antioxidant system which prevents the harmful action of radicals in dermis and epidermis”. After positioning in Cuban internal market and meeting populations needs, the new line of cosmetic products Shaman, produced with hydroalcoholic extracts of Cuban Spirulina platensis is opened to the international market. At present, the products of this line can be found in Bolivia, Ecuador, Dominican Republic and Peru and eventually there have been exports to countries such as Spain, Italy, France, Mexico and Martinique.

18 products, whose formulations happened to be physical, chemical and microbiologically stable and did not show skin or ophthalmologic irritability, form the complete line including a variety of creams (anti-rides, nutritive for dry skin, oily, for daily use, after sun, regenerative and softening), lotions (cleansing hydroalcoholic and cleansing alcohol-free), facial gel, hair revitalizer, rinsing facial tonic, masks (regenerative for dry skin, astringent, whitening, corporal), make-up remover, sun protection and massage body milk.

The benefits of Cuban Spirulina Planteses

At present, the aim of cosmetics is to preserve the high level of functionality of the skin, which is constantly exposed to different environmental influences and the loss of essential substances, a process that happens with the passing of years. Although the world of cosmetics is in full development, the present trend revolves around of cosmetics based on natural principles, regenerative and revitalizing substances extracted from nature. Treatments from algae and mud extracted from the sea, clay, extracts and flower essences, plants and fine wood.

The details of this research work have been published in the journal Revista Imbiomed, in the Revista Cubana de Farmacia and in the Virtual Library em Saúde.

Antonio Marín Ruiz | Source: alphagalileo
Further information: www.ifal.uh.cu/
www.ugr.es

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