Extract of the cybele variety of punica granatum, and uses thereof in cosmetics

EP4724031A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-04-15GATTEFOSSE SA
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
GATTEFOSSE SA
Filing Date
2024-05-31
Publication Date
2026-04-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Current cosmetic extracts from Punica granatum, particularly those from edible varieties like Punica granatum var. Wonderful, are costly, energy-intensive, and water-consuming, and lack effective alternatives for combating skin aging with equivalent or improved cosmetic properties without toxic or irritant effects.

Method used

The use of Punica granatum variety Cybèle, which is non-edible, offers a novel extract with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antibacterial, healing, depigmenting, and sebum-regulating properties through a solid/liquid extraction process using solvents like propanediol and water, ethanol, or fructose/glycerin/water mixtures, reducing production costs and environmental impact.

Benefits of technology

The Punica granatum var. Cybèle extract effectively combats skin aging, stimulates complexion radiance, soothes skin, reduces wrinkles, regulates sebum, and improves skin pore size, providing enhanced cosmetic benefits while being eco-friendly and cost-effective.

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Abstract

The invention relates to the cosmetic and / or dermatological use of an extract of the Cybele variety of Punica granatum, or to a composition comprising said extract.
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Description

Description Title of the invention: Extract of Punica granatum variety Cybèle and its uses in cosmetics Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an extract of Punica granatum variety Cybèle and a cosmetic composition comprising said extract. The invention also relates to the cosmetic and / or dermatological use of said extract or said composition for skin care, in particular for combating skin aging. State of the art

[0002] The pomegranate tree, belonging to the species Punica granatum, is a shrub measuring on average 3 to 6m in height and classified in the Lythraceae family.

[0003] Its geographical distribution is very wide. The pomegranate tree's native countries extend from Turkey to the Caucasus, from Turkmenistan to Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Throughout the Mediterranean region and the Near East, the pomegranate tree has been cultivated for centuries, particularly for its fruit, the pomegranate.

[0004] Pomegranates are globose berries with a leathery pericarp that, when ripe (e.g., from September to October), turns from yellow to reddish-orange or even purplish to black depending on the variety. The fruit is topped with the remains of the flower calyx, forming a serrated crown and giving it an easily identifiable atypical shape. The pomegranate consists of 6 to 12 whitish membranous chambers with a bitter taste containing numerous triangular seeds called arils. These seeds have a fleshy and gelatinous mesocarp, generally tangy and sweet, representing the edible part of the fruit.

[0005] There are over 1,200 different varieties of pomegranate trees worldwide. They differ in particular in terms of fruit acidity and diameter, pericarp color, seed count, and earliness. Examples include the Wonderful variety, a red pomegranate from Israel, known for its sweet, mild fruits. A few pomegranate varieties have been planted in the mild-winter regions of Central Europe, particularly in France, where it is found in the southern half of the country.

[0006] The phytochemical composition of the varieties producing red fruits of the species Punica granatum is well documented and allows to highlight the majority families such as hydroxycinnamic acids and more particularly caffeic, chlorogenic, ferulic, quinic and p-coumaric acids very present in the pericarp of the fruit; flavonoids of the flavone and flavonol type (luteolin glycosides, quercetin, apigenin, naringenin and isorhamnetin) also abundant in the pericarp; or even hydrolysable tannins of the ellagitannin type (punicalagins) and triterpenic sapogenins (ursolic acid) present in the seeds, pericarp and leaves.

[0007] Given their particular and well-known phytochemical composition, Punica granatum varieties producing red fruits are preferred in cosmetic formulations or food supplements, etc.

[0008] The fruit is the most commonly used source of extraction, but it is mainly a specific part that is exploited, namely the bark or the seed, which requires additional separation steps that have a direct impact on the cost of extraction.

[0009] For example, documents FR 3 031 901, WO 2021 / 064034 or WO 2021 / 209593 describe extracts of Punica granatum producing red fruits and their cosmetic uses, in particular for the production of oral compositions or food supplements, sun protection or to combat acne. It should be noted that sebocytes participate in the pathophysiology of acne due to their role in sebum production. Indeed, it appears that (i) dysseborrhea makes the sebum of poor quality due to a deficiency in vitamin E, in particular. The elements of sebum, and more particularly squalene, are oxidized. Oxidized lipids are known for their pro-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties (ii) hyperseborrhea is an overproduction of sebum or an excess of sebum which induces skin problems such as acne. Hyperseborrhea notably participates in the proliferation of Cutibacterium acnes which contributes to the local inflammatory reaction.The extracts described in documents FR 3 031 901, WO 2021 / 064034 or WO 2021 / 209593, mentioned above, require different phases of concentration, or even purification of particular phytochemical families in order to increase their effectiveness. These processes therefore require additional manufacturing steps which have direct effects on energy consumption and therefore on the overall production cost.

[0010] Some varieties considered ornamental bear smaller fruits, and generally rather acidic and bitter, which makes them unsuitable for consumption.

[0011] It is from this type of unfit for consumption varieties that the purple pomegranates of the Cybele variety or Punica granatum variety Cybele (var. Cybele) come. The skin of this Cybele variety is of a rare, purplish, almost black color. However, unlike other so-called black varieties, such as the Asmar or Nera del Salento varieties, whose fruits with red arils are soft and sweet, the fruit of the Cybele variety has arils that are white to very pale pink in color, with a bitter and extremely acidic flavor, making them unfit for consumption.

[0012] This Cybèle variety has not been the subject of any scientific publication, particularly concerning its genetic and phytochemical characteristics.

[0013] Punica granatum var. Cybèle is an ornamental variety that also offers agronomic benefits: it is effective at repelling insect pests and allows for pesticide-free cultivation. This is a major asset for biodynamic or co-culture production.

[0014] The Punica granatum species has a long history of traditional and folk uses dating back to ancient Egypt. Pomegranate is particularly well-known in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, but it is also present in Persian and Greco-Arabic medical systems.

[0015] All parts of the pomegranate tree are described as having therapeutic properties such as vermifuge properties, particularly recognized as effective against tapeworm; in the treatment of oral conditions, stomach aches, ulcers, to treat inflammations, bleeding gums or even to eliminate dental plaque. Some applications, less frequently cited, refer to skin conditions. Traditional Chinese medicine describes the fruit as useful for treating boils or bedsores.

[0016] Studies based on different cellular or tissue models confirm the biological properties of different parts of the pomegranate tree. For example, we can cite antioxidant properties mainly carried by its content of polyphenolic compounds (flavonoids, tannins, anthocyanins); anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-acne, healing, anti-aging properties or even depigmenting activity.

[0017] There are many cosmetic products, especially for skin care, containing pomegranate extracts. However, these extracts are mainly derived from pomegranate varieties with edible fruit, particularly due to the abundance of these red varieties and their specific and well-described phytochemical composition, such as Punica granatum var. Wonderful.

[0018] There therefore remains a clear need for a Punica granatum extract, in particular an alternative to existing extracts with cosmetic properties that are at least equivalent, or even improved, compared to the state-of-the-art Punica granatum extracts, in particular to effectively combat skin aging, which is free from toxic or irritant effects, effective for cosmetic skin care and whose production is less expensive, less energy-intensive and less water-consuming (ze, eco-design approach) compared to the state-of-the-art manufacturing processes. Statement of the invention

[0019] The Applicant was able to identify, unexpectedly and surprisingly, a particular variety of Punica granatum, perfectly suited to cosmetic and / or dermatological use on human skin, and which meets the needs detailed above.

[0020] In particular, she identified the species Punica granatum variety Cybèle whose fruits are not edible and which, as mentioned previously, is an effective alternative to Punica granatum fruit extracts, especially those from edible varieties such as Punica granatum var. Wonderful.

[0021] The Applicant has conducted varietal comparison studies which have highlighted a genetic divergence between Punica granatum var. Wonderful and Punica granatum var. Cybèle (see example 1).

[0022] The phytochemical composition of the purple pomegranate variety Cybèle differs from that of other red-fruited varieties of Punica granatum such as Punica granatum var. Wonderful. The Applicant has indeed conducted studies comparing the phytochemical composition, which have highlighted phytochemical differences between the fruits of Punica granatum var. Wonderful and Punica granatum var. Cybèle (see Example 4).

[0023] Thus, a first subject of the invention relates to a cosmetic, i.e. non-therapeutic, and topical use of an extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele or of a composition comprising said extract.

[0024] The present invention offers various advantages, in particular the fact of having particular biological properties linked to the activities of the extract of the invention, namely antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antibacterial, healing, depigmenting, sebum-regulating or even anti-acne cosmetic activities. In addition, the use of Punica granatum var. Cybèle makes it possible not to divert the varieties of Punica granatum producing edible fruits, for example Punica granatum var. Wonderful.

[0025] In the context of the invention, the expression “whole fruit” designates the whole consisting of the pericarp (bark), the rest of the calyx, the membranous locules, the pulp and the seeds (arils).

[0026] In the context of the invention, the expression “extraction solvent” designates the solvent used during the solid / liquid extraction step.

[0027] Advantageously, the cosmetic use of the extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele or of a composition comprising said extract according to the invention has the following additional technical characteristics, taken alone or in combination: - cosmetic use is to combat skin aging; - cosmetic use is to stimulate the radiance of the complexion; - cosmetic use is to soothe the skin; - cosmetic use is to combat sagging skin; - cosmetic use is to combat the appearance of wrinkles and / or fine lines; - cosmetic use is to combat wrinkles and / or fine lines; - cosmetic use is as an antioxidant; - cosmetic use is as an anti-inflammatory; - cosmetic use is as a sebum regulator / sebum regulating agent / sebum regulation improving agent of the skin; - cosmetic use is to reduce the size of skin pores; - the cosmetic use is on healthy skin and / or on acne-prone skin, i.e. on a subject with healthy skin. For the purposes of the invention, acne-prone skin is to be distinguished from acne-prone skin which is pathological skin (i.e. proven inflammation). Acne-prone skin is healthy skin which is generally oily due to excessive sebum secretion but which does not exhibit inflammation and / or excessive proliferation of commensal or pathogenic bacterial populations; - the cosmetic use is on healthy skin and / or on oily skin (shiny and glossy appearance) and / or combination skin and / or skin with non-inflammatory imperfections (e.g. blackheads, spots, comedones). For the purposes of the invention, oily, combination skin and / or skin with non-inflammatory imperfections is not pathological skin; - cosmetic use is on oily hair; - the extract of Punica granatum var. Cybèle can be obtained by a solid / liquid extraction process using an extraction solvent, followed by a second step of solid / liquid separation and finally a third step of recovery of the liquid phase; - the extraction solvent used in the solid / liquid extraction process (or extraction solvent) is selected from the following groups of substances used alone or as a mixture: water; glycols such as 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-butanediol; polyols such as glycerin; alcohols such as ethanol; and Natural Deep Eutectics Solvents (NaDES) such as those described in FR3036618, in particular NaDES Fructose / Glycerin / Water in molar proportions 1:1:5 (denoted NaDES FGE115); advantageously consisting of a mixture of propanediol and water; a mixture of ethanol and water; and a mixture of fructose, glycerin and water; preferably a mixture of propanediol and water - the mass ratio of the mixture of propanediol and water is between 10 / 90 and 90 / 10, advantageously 60 / 40; - the mass ratio of the mixture of ethanol and water is between 10 / 90 and 90 / 10, advantageously 60 / 40; - the mass ratio of the mixture of fructose, glycerin and water during the extraction step is between 55 / 28 / 17 and 45 / 23 / 32, advantageously 50 / 25 / 25; - the mass ratio of the ground Punica granatum var. Cybèle / solvent is between 1:99 and 50:50, advantageously between 2:98 and 15:85; - the extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele used according to the invention is an extract obtained from the mature or immature fruit, advantageously from the mature fruit; - the extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele used according to the invention is an extract obtained from the whole fruit, fruit peel, fruit seed, trunk bark, roots, flowers, leaf stems, and / or leaves, advantageously a whole fruit extract; - the part of the Punica granatum var. Cybele plant used to obtain an extract used according to the invention is fresh, frozen, dried, whole, cut and / or ground; - the extract of Punica granatum var. Cybèle used according to the invention has a phytochemical composition / total polyphenol content greater than or equal to 0.5 g / 100g; advantageously between 0.8 and 1.0 g / 100g; - the extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele used according to the invention has a phytochemical composition / content of punicalagins a and P greater than or equal to 0.3 g / 100 g; advantageously between 0.4 and 0.6 g / 100 g; - the extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele used according to the invention has a phytochemical composition / ellagic acid content greater than or equal to 30 mg / kg, advantageously between 100 and 150 mg / kg; - the extract of Punica granatum var. Cybèle used according to the invention has a phytochemical composition / total anthocyanin content greater than or equal to 3 mg / kg, advantageously between 4 and 9 mg / kg; - the extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele used according to the invention has a phytochemical composition / myrtillin content greater than or equal to 1 mg / kg; advantageously between 2 and 4 mg / kg; - the extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele used according to the invention has a phytochemical composition / kuromanin content greater than or equal to 1 mg / kg; advantageously between 1.5 and 3 mg / kg; - the extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele used according to the invention has a higher phytochemical composition / content of anthocyanins other than kuromarin and myrtillin or equal to 0.5 mg / kg; advantageously between 1.0 and 2.5 mg / kg.;

[0028] Another subject of the present invention relates to an extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele obtainable by a solid / liquid extraction process of ground Punica granatum var. Cybele using an extraction solvent, followed by a second solid / liquid separation step and finally a third liquid phase recovery step, characterized in that the extraction solvent is selected from the group consisting of a mixture of propanediol and water; a mixture of ethanol and water; and a mixture of fructose, glycerin and water.

[0029] Advantageously, the extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele of the invention has the following additional technical characteristics, taken alone or in combination: - the extraction solvent according to the invention is liquid at room temperature, which facilitates the implementation of the process leading to the extract of the invention; - the solid / liquid extraction can be carried out by different techniques known in the field considered by the person skilled in the art, such as maceration, remaceration, digestion, dynamic maceration, decoction, fluid bed extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, counter-current extraction, percolation, re-percolation, leaching, extraction under reduced pressure, diacolation; - the mass ratio of Punica granatum var. Cybèle plant part(s) / extraction solvent applied for the extraction step is between 1:99 and 50:50, advantageously between 2:98 and 15:85; - the extraction step is carried out at a temperature between 2 and 100°C, advantageously between 20 and 80°C; - the extraction step can be maintained for a few minutes to several days; - the solid / liquid extraction step is carried out with stirring and / or under a nitrogen atmosphere so as to optimize the extraction of the active compounds while protecting these compounds from oxidation by oxygen in the air; - the solid / liquid extraction step is followed by a solid / liquid separation step, to recover the liquid phase (or solid / liquid separation filtrate), containing the active material; - the separation step can be carried out by any technique known in the field considered by the person skilled in the art, in particular draining, pressing, spinning, centrifugation or filtration; - the liquid / solid separation step can be followed by a concentration step, which makes it possible to obtain a concentrate, in liquid or semi-solid form depending on the concentration factor; - the concentration step is carried out by evaporation under reduced pressure or reverse osmosis; - the solid / liquid separation filtrate or concentrate further undergoes one or more clarification steps; - the clarification step implements any type of frontal and / or tangential filtration known in the field considered by the person skilled in the art; - the liquid / solid separation or concentration or clarification step can be followed of a fractionation step to obtain a fraction of one or more phytochemical families, in liquid or semi-solid form depending on the concentration factor; - the fractionation step can be carried out by any technique known in the field considered by the person skilled in the art, in particular by chromatography under reduced pressure, ultrafiltration or nanofiltration; and / or - the method of the invention may comprise a sterilizing filtration step; - the sterilizing filtration step is carried out by filtering the product through a filter comprising pores with a diameter of 0.22 μm.

[0030] Another subject of the present invention relates to a composition comprising the extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele as described above.

[0031] Advantageously, the composition according to the invention is a cosmetic and / or dermatological composition.

[0032] Advantageously, the composition of the invention has the following additional technical characteristics, taken alone or in combination: - the extract of Punica granatum var. Cybèle according to the invention represents between 0.1% and 20% by weight of the composition, advantageously between 0.5% and 5%; - the composition of the invention is a skin care composition, in particular a composition for combating skin aging; - the composition of the invention is an anti-aging composition; - the composition of the invention is a composition improving the sebum regulation of the skin; - the composition of the invention may be presented in all the galenic forms normally used for rinsed or non-rinsed topical application, for example in anhydrous form, in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion, a water-in-oil emulsion, a multiple emulsion, a silicone emulsion, a microemulsion, a nanoemulsion, a gel, an aqueous solution or a hydroalcoholic solution; - the composition of the invention may be more or less fluid and may be in the form of a white or colored cream, an ointment, a milk, a lotion, a serum, a gel, a washing base, or a stick. It may be used in numerous treatments of the skin, lips and hair, including the scalp, in particular to protect and / or care for the skin, lips and / or hair, and / or to make up the skin and / or lips; - the composition of the invention may contain the excipients usually used in the cosmetic and dermatological fields, such as fatty substances, detergent and / or conditioning surfactants, emulsifiers and co-emulsifiers, hydrophilic or lipophilic gelling agents, preservatives, antioxidants, solvents, exfoliating agents, perfumes, fillers, hydrophilic and lipophilic filters, coloring matters, acidic or basic neutralizing agents, pro-penetrating agents, and polymers. These types of excipients are all well known to those skilled in the art; - the quantities of the different excipients included in the composition of the invention are those known in the field considered by those skilled in the art, and the sum of the quantities of excipients represents 0.01% to 99.99% of the total weight of the composition; - suitable fats include mineral oils, oils of animal origin such as lanolin, vegetable oils, synthetic oils such as isopropyl myristate, octyldodecanol, isostearyl isostearate, decyl oleate and isopropyl palmitate, and silicone oils such as cyclomethicone and dimethicone. Fatty alcohols, fatty acids, waxes and gums, and in particular silicone elastomers, may be used as fats; - as suitable detergent and / or conditioning surfactants, mention may be made of non-ionic, anionic, cationic or amphoteric surfactants, and mixtures thereof, such as, for example, alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates such as sodium lauryl ether sulfate, alkyl betaines such as cocamidopropyl betaine, or quaternary ammonium salts; - suitable emulsifiers and co-emulsifiers include, for example, polyglycerol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, sorbitan fatty acid esters, oxyethylenated sorbitan fatty acid esters, PEG fatty alcohol ethers, glycerol fatty acid esters, alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl phosphates, alkyl polyglucosides, alkyl polypentosides, dimethicone copolyols; - suitable hydrophilic gelling agents include, for example, carboxyvinyl polymers, acrylic copolymers (carbomers) such as acrylate / alkylacrylate copolymers, polyacrylamides, polysaccharides such as xanthan gum, guar gum, natural gums such as cellulose gum and derivatives, starches and their derivatives, clays and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane acid copolymers; - suitable lipophilic gelling agents include, for example, modified clays such as bentones, metal salts of fatty acids, hydrophobic silica, ethylcellulose, dextrose esters, hydrogenated castor oil and its derivatives, polyurethanes and magnesium salts; - suitable preservatives include, for example, benzoic, sorbic, propionic, salicylic, dehydroacetic acids and their salts, benzyl alcohol, ethylhexylglycerin, parabens, their salts and esters, triclosan, imidazolidinyl urea, phenoxyethanol, DMDM ​​hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, chlorphenesin; - suitable antioxidants include, for example, chelating agents such as EDTA and its salts, sodium metabisulfite, salicylic, ascorbic and citric acids and their salts, sodium tartrate, sodium gluconate, carotenoids and tocopherols; - as solvents which can be used in the composition (separate from the extraction solvent), we can cite for example water, ethanol, glycerin, propylene glycol, propanediol, butylene glycol, sorbitol; - as suitable exfoliating agents according to the invention, mention may be made, for example, of chemical exfoliants such as AHAs, and physical exfoliants such as natural or synthetic powders; - as suitable fillers according to the invention, we can cite for example talc, kaolin, mica, serecite, magnesium carbonate, aluminum silicate, magnesium silicate, organic powders such as nylon; - as suitable colorants according to the invention, mention may be made, for example, of lipophilic colorants, hydrophilic colorants, pigments and nacres usually used in cosmetic or dermatological compositions, and their mixtures; - suitable neutralising agents include basic agents such as, for example, sodium hydroxide, triethanolamine, aminomethyl propanol and potassium hydroxide, and acidic agents such as, for example, citric acid and lactic acid; - suitable pro-penetrating agents include, for example, alcohols and glycols (ethanol, propylene glycol), ethoxydiglycol, alcohols and fatty acids (oleic acid), fatty acid esters, dimethyl isosorbide; - the composition of the invention may also contain in addition one or more other active ingredients than the extract of Punica granatum var. Cybèle according to the invention; - the appropriate active ingredient according to the invention is chosen from anti-free radicals or more generally antioxidants; whitening agents; pigmenting agents; emollients; moisturizers; anti-seborrheic agents; anti-inflammatories; anti-acne agents; keratolytic and / or desquamating agents; anti-wrinkle and tightening agents; draining agents; anti-irritant agents; soothing agents; vitamins and their mixtures; notifying agents; anti-aging active ingredients such as retinol; healing agents; antiseptics and essential oils.

[0033] Another subject of the present invention relates to an extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele as described above or a composition comprising said extract for use as a medicament, advantageously as a medicament for dermatological use, preferably as a topical medicament for dermatological use.

[0034] Another subject of the present invention relates to an extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele or a composition comprising said extract for dermatological use in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory conditions.

[0035] Another subject of the present invention relates to an extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele as described above or a composition comprising said extract for use as an antioxidant.

[0036] Another subject of the present invention relates to an extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele as described above or a composition comprising said extract for use as an anti-inflammatory.

[0037] Another subject of the present invention relates to an extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele as described above or a composition comprising said extract for use as an antibacterial.

[0038] Another subject of the present invention relates to an extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele as described above or a composition comprising said extract for use as an anti-acne agent.

[0039] Another subject of the present invention relates to the use, advantageously the cosmetic and / or non-therapeutic use, of an extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele as described above or a composition comprising said extract as an agent skin sebum regulator (or regulator of skin sebum production), advantageously for acne-prone skin and / or oily skin and / or combination skin and / or skin with non-inflammatory imperfections.

[0040] Another subject of the present invention relates to the use, advantageously the cosmetic and / or non-therapeutic use, of an extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele as described above or a composition comprising said extract to prevent and / or reduce hyperseborrhea of ​​the skin, preferably of acne-prone skin.

[0041] Another subject of the present invention relates to the use, advantageously the cosmetic and / or non-therapeutic use, of an extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele as described above or a composition comprising said extract for improving and / or correcting the size of the pores of the skin, advantageously of acne-prone skin and / or oily skin and / or combination skin and / or skin with non-inflammatory imperfections.

[0042] Another subject of the present invention relates to the use, advantageously the cosmetic and / or non-therapeutic use, of an extract of Punica granatum var. Cybèle as described above or a composition comprising said extract as a sebum-regulating agent for hair, advantageously oily hair.

[0043] Another subject of the present invention relates to an extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele as described above or a composition comprising said extract for use as a healing agent.

[0044] Another subject of the present invention relates to an extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele as described above or a composition comprising said extract for use as an anti-aging agent.

[0045] Another subject of the present invention relates to an extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele as described above or a composition comprising said extract for use as a depigmenting agent.

[0046] Another subject of the present invention relates to the use, advantageously the cosmetic and / or non-therapeutic use, of an extract of Punica granatum var. Cybèle as described above or a composition comprising said extract as an anti-aging or depigmenting agent.

[0047] Another subject of the present invention relates to a method for combating skin aging, the method comprising the topical application to the skin and / or mucous membranes and / or appendages of an extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele as described above.

[0048] The manner in which the invention can be implemented and the advantages which result therefrom will become more apparent from the following examples of implementation, given for informational and non-limiting purposes, in support of the appended figures. Brief description of the drawings [Fig 1] Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of whole fruit extracts of Punica granatum var. Wonderful and Punica granatum var. Cybèle. [Fig 2] Evaluation of the effect of whole fruit extracts of Punica granatum var. Wonderful and Punica granatum var. Cybele on IL-6 secretion. [Fig 3] Evaluation of the effect of whole fruit extracts of Punica granatum var. Wonderful and Punica granatum var. Cybèle on IL-8 secretion. Examples

[0049] Example 1 - Study of the genetic divergence between the pomegranate varieties Cybèle and Wonderful

[0050] Varietal comparison studies were carried out on whole fruit samples of Punica granatum var. Wonderful and Punica granatum var. Cybèle.

[0051] The microsatellite (or Short Sequence Repeat or SSR) genetic markers used during the analysis allow the characterization of a variety or ecotype (i.e., a variety closely linked to its ecological environment) of the same species. These specific markers make it possible to differentiate varieties by targeting the genetic zones specific to each species while presenting a genetic motif repeated a certain number of times depending on the variety or ecotype.

[0052] For the species Punica granatum, out of the ten microsatellites identified through bibliographic references, 4 SSR markers (PG-2, 3, 4 and 6) were chosen on the basis of different criteria specific to genetic analysis, i.e., the percentage of heterozygosity, the conditions of use and the size of the targeted genetic fragment).

[0053] Markers PG-2, 4 and 6 are not differentiating: the size of the markers in base pairs is identical for the 2 varieties. On the other hand, the PG-3 marker presents a significant difference of 3 base pairs (bp): PG-3 has a size of 107bp for the variety "Cybèle", and a size of 104bp for the variety Wonderful. This difference present in the genome of the variety Cybèle is not a function of the growth stage, nor the result of a modification by an environmental change or by a cultivation method. The presence of a supernumerary copy of the PG-3 marker compared to the variety Wonderful clearly demonstrates the genetic difference between the varieties Cybèle and Wonderful.

[0054] This varietal comparison study highlights a genetic divergence between the varieties Punica granatum var. Wonderful and Punica granatum var. Cybèle.

[0055] Example 2 - Preparation of fruit extracts of Punica granatum var. Cybele and var. Wonderful

[0056] The fresh whole fruits (i.e., pomegranate) of the varieties Punica granatum var. Cybèle (denoted purple pomegranate) and Punica granatum var. Wonderful (denoted red pomegranate) of Example 1 were harvested, sliced ​​and then dried in a ventilated oven at 70°C before being ground using a knife mill to obtain a powder of medium particle size.

[0057] 3 extraction processes using 3 different extraction solvents were applied to each dried pomegranate ground material to obtain 6 extracts identified in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0058] Method 1: PDo / Water. Extracts IA and IB The dried pomegranate ground material is extracted with the solvent Propanediol / Water with a mass composition of 60 / 40 (denoted PDo / Water), according to a ground material / solvent mass ratio of 5:95 for 3 hours at 70°C with continuous mechanical stirring. The extract and the vegetable cake are then separated by filtration on a 200um mesh nylon cloth. The crude extract is then pressure filtered on cellulose plates and then on a cellulose acetate membrane with a cut-off threshold of 0.2iim.

[0059] Method 2: NaDES FGE115, extracts 2A and 2B The dried pomegranate ground material is extracted with the NaDES Fructose / Glycerin / Water solvent with a mass composition of 50 / 25 / 25 (denoted FGE115), according to a ground material / solvent mass ratio of 5:95 for 3 hours at 70°C with continuous mechanical stirring. The extract and the vegetable cake are then separated by filtration on a 200 um mesh nylon cloth. The crude extract is then pressure filtered on cellulose plates and then on a cellulose acetate membrane with a cut-off threshold of 0.2 um.

[0060] Method 3: EtOH / Water, extracts 3A and 3B The dried pomegranate ground material is extracted with the solvent Ethanol / Water with a mass composition of 60 / 40 (denoted EtOH / Water), according to a ground material / solvent mass ratio of 5:95 for 3 hours at 70°C with continuous mechanical stirring. The extract and the plant cake are then separated by filtration on a 200um mesh nylon cloth. The crude extract is then filtered under pressure on cellulose plates and then on a cellulose acetate membrane with a cut-off threshold of 0.2um. The dry extract concentration of the liquid extract is determined on a sample by drying at 105°C. Optionally, the ethanol in the extract can be substituted by a glycol, such as propanediol, to facilitate its use in the greatest number of cosmetic compositions. For this, the hydro-ethanolic extract is then concentrated under reduced pressure until a soft extract is obtained.The soft extract is then completely solubilized in the hydro-glycolic solvent of process 1 (Propanediol / Water 60 / 40 m / m), at a dry extract concentration identical to the dry extract determined on the hydro-ethanolic extract. The hydro-glycolic solution is then filtered under pressure on cellulose plates then on a cellulose acetate membrane with a cut-off threshold of 0.2 pm.

[0061] Example 3: Physicochemical characterization of purple and red pomegranate extracts

[0062] The visual appearance, L*a*b* color parameters and dry extract concentration of the 6 extracts obtained in Example 2 are determined according to the following methods.

[0063] The visual appearance is determined for the pure extract placed in a colorless and transparent glass tube with a diameter of 1 cm.

[0064] The L*a*b* color indices are measured on the pure extract in a square PMMA plastic tank with a 10mm optical path, with the 10° observer and the D65 illuminant (Konica Minolta equipment).

[0065] The dry extract is determined by halogen drying using a drying program at 125°C with a preliminary hold (180°C - 5 min) for a stopping criterion of 3, for a test sample of 3g of pure extract (Mettler Toledo equipment). This determination is not technically feasible for NaDES FGE115 extracts, given the non-volatility of the solvent.

[0066] The results are presented in Table 2 below. [Table 2]

[0067] These results show that for the same process the physicochemical characteristics of purple and red pomegranate extracts are different. For the same variety of pomegranate, differences in characteristics depending on the extraction solvent are also observed. In particular, the color of purple pomegranate extracts has a dominant red tint, while that of red pomegranate extracts has a dominant orange-yellow tint.

[0068] Example 4: Characterization of the phytochemical composition of purple and red pomegranate extracts

[0069] The dosage of total polyphenols as well as the qualitative and quantitative analysis of ellagitannins, ellagic acid and anthocyanins are carried out for the 6 extracts obtained in example 2 according to the following methods.

[0070] The concentration of total polyphenols in the extracts is measured using the Prussian blue method by absorption spectrophotometry at 725nm after reaction of the extract with iron III chloride and potassium hexacyanoferrate III (Mettler Toledo UV-visible spectrophotometer). A calibration range is carried out with the punicalagin standard (Sigma, mixture a and P). The concentration of total polyphenols expressed as punicalagin equivalent is determined in g per 100g of extract.

[0071] The search for the presence of punicalagins a and P (ellagitannins) and ellagic acid in the extracts as well as their quantification, if detected, are carried out by HPLC-UV at the wavelength of 255nm (Shimadzu equipment, SymmetryShield RP 18 column). Two calibration lines are carried out with the punicalagin standard (Sigma, mixture a and P) and the ellagic acid standard. The concentration of punicalagins a and P is expressed in g per 100g of extract, and the concentration of ellagic acid in mg / kg of extract.

[0072] The search for the presence of anthocyanins and their quantification in the extracts is carried out by HPLC-DAD (Shimadzu equipment, Kinetex 40A column). Kuromanin is detected and quantified at the wavelength of 515nm, according to a calibration line carried out with the corresponding standard molecule. Myrtillin is detected and quantified at the wavelength of 525nm, according to a calibration line carried out with the corresponding standard molecule. The other anthocyanins detected with respect to their UV-visible absorption spectrum are quantified in relation to the calibration line of kuromanin at 515nm. The concentrations of kuromanin, myrtillin, other anthocyanins and total anthocyanins (sum of the 3 previous concentrations) are expressed in mg / kg of extract.

[0073] All results are shown in Table 3 below (NQ: not quantifiable). [Table 3] 0074] The concentration of total polyphenols, punicalagins a and P and ellagic acid is significantly higher in all purple pomegranate extracts according to the invention compared to that of red pomegranate extracts.

[0075] The results also show significant differences in the composition of anthocyanins between the purple and red pomegranate extracts. It appears that the concentration of total anthocyanins is 3 to 4 times higher in the purple pomegranate extracts than in the red pomegranate extracts. Myrtillin and kuromanin are the predominant anthocyanins in the purple pomegranate extracts according to the invention, which is not observed in the red pomegranate extracts in which these compounds appear in trace amounts. In the red pomegranate extracts, the proportion of other anthocyanins is predominant. The predominance of two particular anthocyanins, myrtillin and kuromanin, in the purple pomegranate extracts explains the differences in color of the extracts observed in Example 3.

[0076] For each of the 2 pomegranate varieties, the PDo / Water solvent provides the highest concentration of total polyphenols, punicalagins a and P, and ellagic acid and total anthocyanins. The other 2 extraction solvents (ze, FGE115, and EtOH / Water) also allow these families to be extracted, but with different quantitative performances depending on the molecules.

[0077] Example 5: Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of purple and red pomegranate extracts

[0078] The antioxidant activity was studied for the 6 extracts obtained in example 2 according to the following method which allows the anti-radical activity to be measured.

[0079] 3.1. Principle of measurement

[0080] 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) is a free radical, stable at room temperature, which exhibits a dark purple color in solution in ethanol and absorbs in wavelengths between 510 and 530 nm.

[0081] Due to its structure, DPPH can be reduced by accepting a hydrogen atom from other compounds. This reduction is accompanied by a disappearance of the violet color of the solution and therefore a drop in absorbance directly proportional to the number of atoms captured.

[0082] 3.2, Experimental protocol

[0083] The products to be tested are added to an ethanolic solution of DPPH, incubated for 30 minutes at room temperature (18-25°C) away from light, then an absorbance reading is taken at 518 nm using a spectrophotometer. A blank experiment is carried out using an ethanol solution alone to which the products to be tested are added. The blank values ​​are deduced from the experimental values ​​to avoid possible interference linked to the specific color of the products.

[0084] 3.3. Results

[0085] The results are described in Table 4 below and Figure 1. [Table 4] 0086] 3.4, Conclusion

[0087] Experimental results show that all tested samples have antioxidant activity from a concentration of 0.01%.

[0088] The results also show that all purple pomegranate extracts (ze, extracts 1-3A) have higher antioxidant efficacy than the corresponding red pomegranate extracts (ze, extracts 1-3B). These results show that, regardless of the extraction solvent and the process used, purple pomegranate extracts have higher antioxidant activity than red pomegranate extracts.

[0089] Example 6: Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of purple and red pomegranate extracts

[0090] The anti-inflammatory activity (decrease in IL-6 and IL-8 synthesis) of the 6 purple and red pomegranate extracts described in Example 2 was studied.

[0091] To demonstrate an anti-inflammatory effect in the skin, it is known to those skilled in the art to use a model allowing the measurement of pro-inflammatory cytokines in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs). Indeed, under the effect of a physical or chemical pro-inflammatory stimulus, NHEKs secrete several pro-inflammatory cytokines, in particular interleukins 6 and 8 (IL-6 and -8) which play a major role in the acute phase of tissue inflammation.

[0092] 4, 1, Principle of measurement

[0093] The assay is performed using KEHN monolayer cultures. IL-6 and IL-8 cytokines are assayed in the supernatants of KEHN cultures pre-incubated in the presence of the test products before being stimulated for 24 hours with a mixture of interferon gamma (IFN-y) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (T Fa) in the presence of the test products.

[0094] 4.2, Experimental protocol

[0095] Two assay methods are then used: an ELISA assay and a flow cytometry assay.

[0096] For ELISA assay, LEGEND MAX™ kits from Biolegend are used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[0097] For flow cytometry assay, the LEGENDplex™ Human Thrombosis Panel (3-plex) kit from Biolegend is used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[0098] 4.3. Results

[0099] The results of IL-6 and IL-8 secretion are shown in Tables 5-6 and Figures 2-3, respectively. [Table 5] [Table 6]

[0100] 4.4. Conclusion

[0101] The results obtained by both techniques (ELISA and flow cytometry) show identical trends.

[0102] The three types of extracts obtained with the two varieties of Punica granatum show potent anti-inflammatory effects in the model of KEHN stimulated by proinflammatory stress for concentrations between 0.001 and 0.005%.

[0103] At identical concentrations, purple pomegranate extracts show more potent anti-inflammatory activity than the corresponding red pomegranate extracts against the two pro-inflammatory cytokines evaluated, namely IL-6 and -8.

[0104] These results show that, regardless of the extraction solvent and process, purple pomegranate extracts possess superior anti-inflammatory activity to red pomegranate extracts.

[0105] Example 7: Evaluation of the sebum-regulating activity of purple and red pomegranate extracts

[0106] The 2 purple and red pomegranate extracts prepared with method 1 (PDo / Water), as described in example 2, were evaluated for their sebum-regulating capacity.

[0107] To demonstrate the sebum-regulating effect of IA (purple pomegranate) and IB (red pomegranate) extracts on the skin, sebocytes, which are the specialized cells producing the lipids constituting the skin's sebum, were used in in vitro culture.

[0108] 7.1. Experimental protocol

[0109] Normal human sebocytes were cultured in vitro in monolayer (in the presence of 50uM linoleic acid). The cells were treated for 5 days with purple (extract IA) and red (extract IB) pomegranate extracts at 0.1% and 0.2%. To validate the sebum-regulating effect of extracts 1A-1B, epigallocatechin gallate / EGCG (100pM) was used, which inhibits lipid synthesis in sebocytes. The sebocytes were then fixed with the product Antigenfix and prepared for lipid determination.

[0110] 7.2, Lipid determination [OR I] Sebocytes are incubated for 30 minutes with the BODIPY™ fluorescent probe, which stains lipids in fluorescent green. Lipids are then visualized by fluorescence (Ex493 / Em503) and quantified by image analysis with the Cytation 5 multi-mode plate reader (Agilent Biotek). Sebocyte cell nuclei are labeled with DAPI to normalize the amount of lipids per cell.

[0112] 7.3. Results

[0113] The results of the lipid assay are shown in Figure 4 and Table 7.

[0114] [Table?]

[0115] 7.4, Conclusion

[0116] The amounts of lipids measured in sebocytes treated with extract IA (purple pomegranate) are significantly lower than those measured in untreated sebocytes. In other words, extract 1 A exhibits sebum-regulating properties by reducing lipid synthesis in sebocytes. The sebum-regulating effect of extract IA is stronger at 0.2% than at 0.1%.

[0117] The amounts of lipids measured in sebocytes treated with IB extract (red pomegranate) are equivalent to the amounts measured in untreated sebocytes. In other words, IB extract does not have sebum-regulating properties. These results show that the two varieties of Punica granatum are different in terms of sebum-regulating activity; only the purple pomegranate has the ability to decrease lipid synthesis in normal human sebocytes. In other words, these data clearly demonstrate a decrease in sebum production with the extract of Punica granatum var. Cybèle (i.e. purple pomegranate) of the invention, which therefore has the ability to prevent hyperseborrhea on healthy skin, particularly acne-prone, oily or combination skin.

Claims

Claims

1. Topical cosmetic use of an extract of Pimica granatum var. Cybele or of a composition comprising said extract.

2. Use according to claim 1, for combating skin aging.

3. Use according to one of claims 1 or 2, for stimulating the radiance of the complexion.

4. Use according to one of claims 1 to 3, for soothing the skin.

5. Use according to claim 1, for improving the sebum regulation of the skin.

6. Use according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the extract of Punica granatum var. Cybèle is capable of being obtained by a solid / liquid extraction process using an extraction solvent, followed by a second step of solid / liquid separation and finally a third step of recovery of the liquid phase, characterized in that said extraction solvent is a mixture of propanediol and water.

7. Extract of Punica granatum var. Cybele obtainable by a solid / liquid extraction process of ground Punica granatum var. Cybele using an extraction solvent, followed by a second step of solid / liquid separation and finally a third step of recovery of the liquid phase, characterized in that said extraction solvent is a mixture of propanediol and water.

8. Extract according to claim 7, characterized in that it is whole fruit, advantageously whole dried crushed fruit.

9. Extract according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the extraction uses a mass ratio of ground Punica granatum var. Cybèle / solvent of between 1:99 and 50:50, advantageously between 2:98 and 15:

85.

10. Extract according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that its phytochemical composition: - in total polyphenols is greater than or equal to 0.5 g / 100 g; and / or - in myrtillin is greater than or equal to 1 mg / kg; and / or - in kuromanine is greater than or equal to 1 mg / kg.

11. Composition comprising the extract according to one of claims 7 to 10.

12. Extract according to one of claims 7 or 10 or composition according to claim 11 for use as a medicament, advantageously as a medicament for dermatological use.