by Courtney Regan
Stem cells are regarded by some as the key to a number of health issues. They have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and growth. In addition, in many tissues, they serve as a sort of internal repair system, dividing essentially without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is still alive. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential either to remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell or a brain cell. Given their unique regenerative abilities, stem cells may offer new potentials for treating diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and much more.
The real question is: Can they help us to achieve eternal youth and beauty? Stem cells in the skin control the formation of new cells and are thus directly responsible for the youthfulness of the skin. If stem cells die, the skin then ages. Until now, classic stem-cell research has focused on animal or human stem cells; but plants, like any living and growing species, also contain valuable stem cells which have miraculous properties. The most remarkable of these is all plant cells are totipotent, i.e., the entire plant can be regenerated from any one of its cells. In humans, the same is only true during an extremely early embryonic phase, which explains how identical twins are formed. The totipotency of their cells gives plants the exceptional ability to heal and regenerate themselves. If a plant is damaged, a cluster of undifferentiated cells form around the wound and creates soft tissue—or a callus—to promote healing. Thus, even cells that were actually “scheduled" to form a leaf or a branch take over a new, regenerating task in an emergency. Only when the wound has closed do the cells differentiate again and return to their original tasks. They then form new tissue—such as bark, a new shoot or even an entire plant.
A new technology called PhytoCell™ allows plant stem cells to be harnessed to work effectively in skin care and cosmetics. It uses an ancient species of Swiss apple that has been found to effectively refresh and revitalize the complexion in a previously inconceivable way.
Uttwiler Spätlauber is an apple variety known for its storability. The trees themselves were initially cultivated in the 18th century and their fruits were renowned for their ability to stay fresh long after they were fully grown. Luckily, there are a few trees still remaining from the 18th century in isolated areas of Switzerland due to the plant's longevity. The fruits contain highly active stem cells that protect the apple from shriveling.
Several skin care companies are now utilizing this technology, such as BABOR Cosmetic’s Nanocell Collection, as a way to protect the stem cells in skin and increase its resistance to environmental toxins such as smog, emissions, ozone or sunlight, leaving the skin’s complexion looking as fresh. They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. In this case it just might work to keep wrinkles away.
Courtney Regan is the director of marketing & public relations for BABOR Cosmetics America.