306 Skin Vital Energy & Pigmentation Epigenetic Regulation: Sacred Lotus Fraction Benefits

In traditional Chinese culture, the “qi” is believed to be a vital force within any living entity. Intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli, such as hormonal changes or UV irradiation, which are able to modulate various physiological processes such as melanogenesis, inflammation or oxidative stress, can disturb the body’s energetic balance and ultimately affect skin vitality. Based on this concept, the paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) has been identified as an essential serum protein playing roles in anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying pathways in the body. In this context, Zeta Fraction™ Technology was used to process a sustainable source of Sacred Lotus. The efficiency of this innovative fraction extract was assessed on melanogenesis regulation and on global skin vitality. First, the application of the lotus extract was associated with a decrease in melanin content on ex vivo skin. Using bioinformatics, a model of the skin pigmentation gene network was designed and the microRNA-125b was identified as a key player to potentially modulated various relevant genes. Thereby, an in vitro test showed a significant increase in microRNA-125b expression after the application of the sacred lotus extract. Moreover, the impact of the sacred lotus was evaluated on skin vitality by the analysis of theprotein PON-1. Ex vivo evaluations showed a decrease of PON-1 expression over the time in untreated condition. The application of the lotus fraction was associated with a higher level of PON-1 compared to the placebo. Finally, a clinical testing evaluating volunteer’s perception showed globally an improvement of their skin, appearing more radiant, firmer and more tonic, after application of the lotus extract. Taken together, these results emphasize interesting properties of the sacred lotus extract, obtained with Zeta Fraction™ technology, a proprietary sustainable process, in epigenetic regulation of melanogenesis and in skin vitality.