DragonCell is an extract derived from Nothern dragonhead (Dracocephalum ruyshiana) stem cells. It contains high concentration of phenolic substances. Among them >60% are caffeic acid derivatives, including rosmarinic acid and chlorogenic acid. These are well known antioxidants with beneficial biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing and anti-rosacea.
DragonCell boost proliferation of dermal and epidermal cells reversing skin ageing processes. In addition, it stimulates collagen production in the same time inhibiting activity of collagen degrading enzymes.
Effect on skin cell proliferation
DragonCell already at concentrations 0.25% and 0.5% stimulate skin cell growth and division. Just 24h after application it increases proliferation of skin keratinocytes by 24%. Proliferation of dermal fibroblasts is increased by 15% within 48h.
Protects skin from UV-induced stress
DragonCell boosts capability of skin keratinocytes to resist UV light induced stress – after exposure to UVA/UVB viability of keratinocytes preincubated with 1% DragonCell is 27% higher than control. If added after UV-exposure DragonCell contributes to maintenance of skin cell viability due to its anti-radical activity.
Modulation of capillary structures
Rosacea and cuperose are conditions associated with inappropriate proliferation of endothelial cells, dilated blood vessels and changes in permeability of capillaries. DragonCell at concentrations 0.5 and 1% inhibits proliferation of endothelial cells, formation and branching of capillaries. This makes DragonCell a valuable ingredient for anti-cuperose and anti-rosacea applications.
Boosts production of collagen and protects it from degradation
In vitro tests show that DragonCell at concentration range 0.5-1% boosts expression of collagen and in the same time protects it from degradation by inhibiting expression of matrix metalloproteinases.