Green tea is well known for its anti-ageing and antioxidant activities due to the presence of polyphenolic compounds including (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), (−)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (−)-epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG) and (−)-epicatechin (EC). In addition, flavonols such as quercetin, kaempferol and myricitin are also present in green tea. All these phytochemicals are considered as important for anti-aging processes.
The anti-wrinkle properties of green and black tea (Camellia sinensis) have been studied by many researchers and it is proved that tea remarkably inhibited wrinkle formation, improved fine lines, pigmentation, and overall appearance. The flavonoid components of tea have also been associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases. In order to reap its maximum health benefits, we should drink three to five cups of green tea in a day.
Do’s and Don’ts of drinking green tea:
1) Never drink tea on empty stomach as tea contains tannins that act as anti-nutrients and can stimulate the acidity production and can also block the absorption of certain minerals like iron in the body ultimately results in the deficiency of iron in the body. 2) Always drink tea half an hour after your breakfast.
Plants like grapes, peanuts, mulberries, rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme being rich in proanthocyanidins, resveratrol, phenolic diterpenes, phenolic carboxylic acids, biphenyls, and flavonoids have also shown to possess the ability to protect the skin from harmful UV-induced effects by displaying antimutagen, antioxidant, free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties. The seeds of Milk Thistle are rich in a flavonoid complex known as silymarin. Silymarin may favorably supplement sunscreen protection and provide additional antiphotocarcinogenic protection. Similarly, pomegranate extract is also a useful supplement in skin care products. The Isoflavone, the major constituent present in Soybean cake is also a good source for an anti-photo-ageing agent in skin care.
When our body makes too much melanin, skin gets darker. In the market large numbers of skin care products and chemicals are available and skin whitening products are at the top of the list. In order to have a beautiful skin, nature has provided us with natural solution in the form of plants. Many plant extracts are even more potent inhibitors of melanin formation than Hydroquinone, Kojic acid or Arbutin, and are not associated with cytotoxicity or mutagenicity of melanocytes. Raspberry is a rich source of ketones that inhibits melanogenesis of the skin. Arbutin, a plant derived b-D-glucopyranoside derivative of Hydroquinone, exists in the dried leaves of Bearberry and Oryganum majorana is a significant skin lightening compound. Aloe vera has a long history of popular and traditional use. It is a major source of Aloesin that has been proven to competitively inhibit tyrosinase from human. Another Mulberry derived compound known as Mulberroside F (moracin M-6, 30-di-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside), shows inhibitory effects on tyrosinase activity and on melanin formation and acts as a skin lightening component.
Ginseng due to the presence of Radix trichosanthis suppressed tyrosinase activity and melanin content and acts as an effective skin-lightening agent. Pineapple fruit (Ananas comosus) being rich in phenolic compounds is a potential antibrowning and skin whitening agent. Similarly, evening Primrose oil (Oenothera biennis) also exerts a pigment-whitening effect by inhibiting the expression of tyrosinase. Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) leaf extract also demonstrated anti-wrinkle and skin-lightening effect, without causing any side effects.
Plants like Glycyrriza glabra, Curcuma longa , seeds of Psorolea corylifolia, Cassia tora, Areca catechu, Punica granatum, fruits of Embelica officinale, leaves of Centella asiatica, dried bark of Cinnamon zeylanicum, and fresh gel of Aloe vera showed skin hydration properties and improved the elasticity of the skin.