A new discovery model of active molecules based on biomimicry
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Presented by: Aïna Queiroz
Ethologists demonstrated that certain vertebrates have acquired the knowledge to avoid plant toxicity and heal themselves through the use of specific plants1. The repeated observation of curative behaviours in animals has consequently given rise to a new field of research: zoopharmacognosy2. This field fits perfectly into the wider approach called Biomimicry, nature-inspired innovation3.
Despite the high promise of these observations to discover new active molecules, this approach has not yet been exploited in cosmetics. In this study, we design a new discovery model (Etho-phytology) to shape this approach for dermatology and the exploration of new active ingredients of plant origin. As an example, we identified the highest anti-inflammatory fraction of molecules from grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta) seeds, consumed by Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla).
FIrst, behavioral and health monitoring of Gorillas living in the Mamfe region of West Cameroon has been studied. These observations highlighted the importance of Aframomum melegueta seeds, protecting the myocardium of the gorillas from inflammation causing fibrocausal myocardiopathy, the absence of the plant in captivity having deleterious effects .
After identifying phytomolecules belonging to the gingerol family, such as [6]‑gingerol, explaining those biological properties through the cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) pathway, we demonstrated the antioxydant and anti-inflammatory effect of this extract of A. melegueta at skin level through COX-2 et IL-10. The active ingredient developed thanks to this approach offers unprecedented anti-inflammatory properties to respond to various skin problems (such as sensitive or atopic skin, inflamm'aging).
This research represents the first bio-inspired initiative to study animal behaviour to identify active molecules of interest for skin applications.
[First preliminary references:]
1Janzen DH (1978) Complications in interpreting the chemical defenses of trees against tropicalarborealpl ant-eating vertebrates. In: Montgomery GG (ed) The ecology of arboreal folivores. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D.C., pp 73–84
2Phillips-Conroy JE (1986) Baboons, diet, and disease: food plant selection and schistosomiasis. In: Taub D, King F (eds) Current perspectives in primate socialdynamics. Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, pp 287–304
3Benyus, Janine M. Biomimicry: Innovation inspired by nature. New York: Morrow, 1997.
Despite the high promise of these observations to discover new active molecules, this approach has not yet been exploited in cosmetics. In this study, we design a new discovery model (Etho-phytology) to shape this approach for dermatology and the exploration of new active ingredients of plant origin. As an example, we identified the highest anti-inflammatory fraction of molecules from grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta) seeds, consumed by Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla).
FIrst, behavioral and health monitoring of Gorillas living in the Mamfe region of West Cameroon has been studied. These observations highlighted the importance of Aframomum melegueta seeds, protecting the myocardium of the gorillas from inflammation causing fibrocausal myocardiopathy, the absence of the plant in captivity having deleterious effects .
After identifying phytomolecules belonging to the gingerol family, such as [6]‑gingerol, explaining those biological properties through the cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) pathway, we demonstrated the antioxydant and anti-inflammatory effect of this extract of A. melegueta at skin level through COX-2 et IL-10. The active ingredient developed thanks to this approach offers unprecedented anti-inflammatory properties to respond to various skin problems (such as sensitive or atopic skin, inflamm'aging).
This research represents the first bio-inspired initiative to study animal behaviour to identify active molecules of interest for skin applications.
[First preliminary references:]
1Janzen DH (1978) Complications in interpreting the chemical defenses of trees against tropicalarborealpl ant-eating vertebrates. In: Montgomery GG (ed) The ecology of arboreal folivores. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D.C., pp 73–84
2Phillips-Conroy JE (1986) Baboons, diet, and disease: food plant selection and schistosomiasis. In: Taub D, King F (eds) Current perspectives in primate socialdynamics. Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, pp 287–304
3Benyus, Janine M. Biomimicry: Innovation inspired by nature. New York: Morrow, 1997.