WO2010111745A1 - Compositions and methods for increasing vitamin c uptake into cells and methods for retarding skin ageing, lightening skin and modulating hair colour - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions comprising extracts from plants of the Combretaceae family and the use thereof in methods for increasing the uptake of vitamin C into cells. The invention also relates to methods for treating and/or retarding skin ageing, and further relates to a method for lightening skin and modulating hair colour.

Description

Compositions and methods for increasing vitamin C uptake into ceils and methods for retarding skin ageing, lightening skin and modulating hair colour

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to compositions comprising extracts from plants of the Combretαceαe family and the use thereof in methods for increasing the uptake of vitamin C into cells. The invention also relates to methods for treating and/or retarding skin ageing, and further relates to a method for lightening skin and modulating hair colour. Background of the Invention

Skin is the largest body organ and serves as an important environmental interface providing a protective envelope that is crucial for homeostasis. On the other hand, the skin is a major target for toxic insult by a broad spectrum of physical (i.e. UV radiation) and chemical (xenobiotic) agents that are capable of altering its structure and function. Many environmental pollutants are either themselves oxidants or catalyze the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) directly or indirectly. ROS are believed to activate proliferative and cell survival signaling that can alter apoptotic pathways that may be involved in the pathogenesis of a number of skin disorders including photosensitivity diseases and some types of cutaneous malignancy. ROS act largely by driving several important molecular pathways that play important roles in diverse pathologic processes including ischemia-reperfusion injury, atherosclerosis and inflammatory responses. The skin possesses an array of defence mechanisms that interact with toxins to obviate their deleterious effect. Unfortunately, these homeostatic defences, although highly effective, have limited capacity and can be overwhelmed thereby leading to increased ROS in the skin that can contribute to the development of dermatological diseases and the ageing phenomenon. One approach to preventing or treating these ROS-mediated disorders is based on the administration of various antioxidants in an effort to restore homeostasis.

Ascorbic Acid, which is better known as "vitamin C", is one of the most studied and powerful antioxidants occurring in nature. Vitamin C is capable of directly scavenging superoxide, hydroxyl radicals and singlet oxygen as well as reducing H₂O₂ to water via ascorbate peroxidase reaction. When vitamin C is applied topically onto human skin the following effects can be observed:

• Potent antioxidant activity, particularly in regard to protecting skin cells from UV- induced damage;

5 • Low risk of skin sensitization at concentrations up to 10% in the form of vitamin

C;

• Reduction of transepidermal water loss, thus strengthening skin's barrier response;

• Promotion of collagen production and eventually thickening of the dermis;

• Reduction of inflammation; o • Reduction in hyperpigmentation;

• Improvement of the appearance of sun-damaged skin by strengthening skin's repair mechanisms;

• Enhancement of the effectiveness of dermatologist-performed procedures such as peels and microdermabrasion; s

Skin aging is a natural unavoidable phenomenon that occurs as a result of both intrinsic factors (stress, hormonal imbalance, tiredness etc.) and extrinsic factors (UV light, pollution, exposure to ROS and cigarette smoke etc.)- Aging leads to changes in the mechanical properties of skin. An imbalance appears between protection and synthesiso systems of the extracellular matrix components and the degradation systems of the extracellular matrix (mainly matrix metallo-proteinases). The imbalance is manifested in a decrease in collagen synthesis that occurs with age together with an increase in the activity of specific metallo-proteinases that degrade connective tissue. The results of this imbalance include thinning of the dermis and a decrease in skin flexibility. The first signs5 of skin ageing typically appear on specific zones of the face (e.g. around the eyes and lip contours), and expression wrinkles become deeper due to muscular tension.

It has been shown that the age related decrease of collagen secretion observed in human skin fibroblast cell cultures is associated with their ability to respond to vitamin C. During collagen synthesis lysine and proline amino acids are hydroxylated so as too stabilise collagen microfibrils. As a cofactor, vitamin C ensures enzyme protection and promotes collagen synthesis. Because of its crucial role, insufficient amounts of vitamin C lead to decreased collagen synthesis which in turn contributes to skin ageing. There is therefore a need for methods in which the intracellular concentration of vitamin C can be increased thereby enhancing the production of collagen and hence retarding the process of skin ageing.

Visible pigmentation of the skin, hair, and eyes depends primarily on the functions of melanocytes, a very minor population of cells that specialise in the synthesis and distribution of the pigmented biopolymer melanin. Melanocytes are derived from precursor cells (called melanoblasts) during embryological development and melanoblasts destined for the skin originate from the neural crest. The accurate migration, distribution and functioning of melanoblasts / melanocytes determine the visible phenotype of organisms ranging from simple fungi to the most complex animal species, hi human skin, melanocytes are localised at the dermal/epidermal border in a characteristic regularly dispersed pattern. Each melanocyte at the basal layer of the epidermis is functionally connected to underlying fibroblasts in the dermis and to keratinocytes in the overlying epidermis. Those three types of cells are highly interactive and communicate with each other via secreted factors and their receptors and via cell/cell contacts to regulate the function and phenotype of the skin.

Epidermal melanocytes occur at an approximate ratio of 1:10 among basal keratinocytes and distribute the melanin they produce to approximately 40 overlying suprabasal keratinocytes via their elongated dendrites and cell/cell contacts. Although melanocytes and stem cell keratinocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis are very stable populations that proliferate extremely slowly under normal circumstances, keratinocytes in the upper layers of the epidermis proliferate relatively rapidly. That upward pressure carries them toward the surface of the skin along with their ingested melanin to form a critical barrier for the organism against the environment and the many stresses that originate there. Thus it is not the melanin within melanocytes only, but in combination with the pigment in more superficial layers that gives skin its characteristic colour.

Skin colour is primarily determined by the amount of melanin present in the surface of the skin. Within melanocytes melanin is bound to a protein matrix to form melanosomes. In melanosomes, tyrosinase converts tyrosine to eumelanin or pheomelanin through the pathways of melanin biosynthesis. By blocking the pathways at various points, skin depigmentation agents can inhibit melanin biosynthesis and can be used to treat local hyperpigmention or spots which are caused by a local increase in melanin synthesis or uneven distribution. Because vitamin C exerts an in vivo inhibitory action on melanin synthesis and does not lead to any side effects it is useful as a whitening/lightening agent for the skin. However, free vitamin C tends to be less resistant to oxidative conditions than other vitamins and is therefore more easily decomposed. Accordingly, there is a need for methods in which the intracellular concentration of vitamin C can be increased so as to decrease the production of melanin, thereby resulting in a lightening, brightening and/or whitening of skin colour.

Follicular pigmentation is under complex genetic control, as determined from studies in mostly murine models. In the mouse, coat color is regulated by more than 150 alleles at over 90 loci. Protein products of these loci have a wide array of cellular targets, and functions, acting as enzymes, structural proteins, transcriptional regulators, transporters, or receptors and their ligands. This organization allows control of melanin synthesis at all levels: cellular (follicular melanocyte), organ (hair follicle), and developmental steps (neural crest, melanoblast migration, targeting to skin, differentiation to melanocytes, and melanocyte proliferation and survival).

In the adult hair follicle pigmentation results from precise sequential interactions between follicular melanocytes, matrix keratinocytes and dermal papilla (DP) fibroblasts. It involves the melanogenic activity of follicular melanocytes, the transfer of their product, melanin granules, into cortical and medullary keratinocytes and the formation of pigmented hair shafts. Hair is actively pigmented only during the anagen stage of the hair cycle to which the melanogenic activity of follicular melanocytes is stringently coupled; melanin formation is switched-off in catagen remaining absent through telogen. Pigmentation lags behind the expression of melanogenesis-related proteins (MRP) that in turn exhibits a time- frame restricted, differential pattern of transcription, translation and functional activity during the development of anagen follicles. Thus, follicular melanogenesis (FM) is characteristically cyclic in nature as opposed to the continuous melanogenesis of epidermal pigmentation.

Melanin synthesis and pigment transfer to bulb keratinocytes are to a large extent controlled by signals intrinsic to skin and represented by products of keratinocytes, immunocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. Melanocytes can reciprocally affect the surrounding cells, e.g., by direct melanosome transfer (to keratinocytes), or by production and secretion of functional regulators. Thus, anagen-coupled melanogenesis and its regulatory network control hair growth and pigmentation, leaving the pigmented hair shaft as a visible, long-lived record of complex epithelial-mesenchymal-neuroectodermal interactions. The melanocyte component of this tissue interactive cell system in hair follicles is more sensitive to ageing influences than melanocytes in the epidermis, resulting in hair graying. This likely reflects differences in the epidermal and follicular microenvironments.

Hair colour is mainly determined by the amount and composition of melanin present in the hair bulb melanocytes. Within melanocytes, melanin is bound to a protein matrix to form melanosomes. In the melanosomes, tyrosinase converts tyrosine to eumelanin or pheomelanin through the pathways of melanin biosynthesis. By blocking the pathways at various points, hair depigmentation agents can inhibit melanin biosynthesis, and can be used to gently and biologically to alter hair colour. Because vitamin C exerts an in vivo inhibitory action on melanin synthesis and does not lead to any side effects it is useful as a whitening/lightening agent for hair. However, free vitamin C tends to be less resistant to oxidative conditions than other vitamins and is therefore more easily decomposed. Accordingly, there is also a need for methods in which the intracellular concentration of vitamin C in hairbulb-located melanocytes can be increased, thereby decreasing the amount of melanin deposited onto emerging hair fibres so as to decrease the colouration of human hair.

Surprisingly, the present inventor has discovered that the uptake of vitamin C into cells, either in its free form, or in the form of a derivative, can be increased using an extract from a member of the Combretaceae family of plants.

Summary of the Invention hi a first aspect, the present invention provides a composition comprising an extract from one or more plants of the Combretaceae family and a vitamin C-containing plant extract.

The one or more plants of the Combretaceae family may be plants from the following genera: Anogeissus, Buchenavia, Bucida, Calopyxis, Calycopteris, Combretum, Conocarpus, Dansiea, Guiera, Laguncularia, Lumnitzera, Macropteranthes, Melostemon, Pteleopsis, Quisqualis, Strephonema, Terminalia, Terminaliopsis or Thiloa.

The one or more plants of the Combretaceae family may be plants from the following genera: Anogeissus, Combretum, Conocarpus, Strephonema and Terminalia.

The one or more plants of the Combretaceae family may be plants from the genus Anogeissus.

The plant from the genus Anogeissus may be Anogeissus leiocarpus. The extract from one or more plants of the Combretaceae family may be obtained from bark, stems or leaves. The extract from one or more plants of the Combretaceae family may be an alcoholic extract.

The vitamin C-containing plant extract may be an extract from a plant of the Combretaceae family. The vitamin C-containing plant extract may be an extract from the genus Terminalia.

The vitamin C-containing plant extract may be an extract from Terminalia

Ferdinandiana. The extract may be obtained from the fruit of Terminalia Ferdinandiana.

The vitamin C-containing plant extract may be an extract from a plant selected from the group consisting of: Bush plum, Davidson's plum, Illawarra plum, Desert Lime, Finger Lime and Lily PiIy.

The vitamin C-containing plant extract may be an aqueous extract, for example a water extract.

The one or more plants of the Combretaceae family may be present in the composition in an amount between about 0.001% (w/w) and about 20% (w/w), or in an amount between about 0.001% (w/w) and about 5% (w/w).

The vitamin C-containing plant extract may be present in the composition in an amount between about 0.001% (w/w) and about 20% (w/w), or in an amount between about 0.001% (w/w) and about 10% (w/w).

The composition may further comprise vitamin C in a free form. The vitamin C in a free form may be present in an amount between about 0.1%

(w/w) and about 10% (w/w).

The vitamin C in a free form may be selected from the group consisting of: ascorbyl glucoside, ascorbyl acetate and ascorbyl palmitate.

The composition may further comprise Citrus Unshui extract. The Citrus Unshui extract may be a peel extract.

The Citrus Unshui extract may be a tyramine-rich extract.

The Citrus Unshui extract may be present in an amount between about 0.001% (w/w) and about 20% (w/w), or in an amount between about 0.001% (w/w) and about 10% (w/w). The composition may further comprise one or more tetrahydrocucuminoids.

The one or more tetrahydrocucuminoids may be tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane. The one or more tetrahydrocucuminoids may be present in an amount between about 0.001% (w/w) and about 15% (w/w), or in an amount between about 0.05% (w/w) and about 5% (w/w). In one embodiment, the composition comprises: vitamin C in a free form, a vitamin C-containing plant extract and an extract from a plant of the Anogeissus genus. The amounts of each component present may be in the ranges given above.

In one embodiment, the composition comprises: vitamin C in a free form, a vitamin C-containing plant extract and Anogeissus leiocarpus extract. The amounts of each component present may be in the ranges given above.

In another embodiment, the composition comprises: vitamin C in a free form, a vitamin C-containing plant extract, Anogeissus leiocarpus extract and Citrus Unshui extract. The amounts of each component present may be in the ranges given above. In another embodiment, the composition comprises: vitamin C in a free form, a vitamin C-containing plant extract, Anogeissus leiocarpus extract and one or more tetrahydrocucuminoids. The amounts of each component present may be in the ranges given above.

In a further embodiment, the composition comprises: vitamin C in a free form, a vitamin C-containing plant extract, Anogeissus leiocarpus extract, one or more tetrahydrocucuminoids and Citrus Unshui extract. The amounts of each component present may be in the ranges given above. hi each of the above embodiments, the vitamin C-containing plant extract may be an extract from Terminalia Ferdinandiana. The composition may be a synergistic composition.

The composition may further comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, diluents and/or adjuvants.

The composition may be adapted for topical administration.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides the use of an extract from a member of the Combretaceae family to induce the uptake of vitamin C, or a derivative thereof into a cell.

The member of the Combretaceae family may be selected from the following genera: Anogeissus, Buchenavia, Bucida, Calopyxis, Calycopteris, Combretum, Conocarpus, Dansiea, Guiera, Laguncularia, Lumnitzera, Macropteranthes, Melostemon, Pteleopsis, Quisqualis, Strephonema, Terminalia, Terminaliopsis or Thiloa.

The member of the Combretaceae family may be selected from the following genera: Anogeissus, Combretum, Conocarpus, Strephonema or Terminalia.

The member of the Combretaceae family may be from the genera Anogeissus.

The member of the Combretaceae family may be Anogeissus leiocarpus. The vitamin C may be provided as part of a vitamin C-containing plant extract.

The vitamin C-containing plant extract may be an extract from a member of the Combretaceae family.

The vitamin C-containing plant extract may be Terminalia Ferdinandiana. The cell may be a skin cell or a mucosal cell.

The skin cell or mucosal cell may be a keratinocyte, a fibroblast or a melanocyte.

The fibroblast may be a dermal fibroblast.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides the use of a composition according to the first aspect to induce the uptake of vitamin C, or a derivative thereof into a cell. In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method for treating and/or retarding skin ageing in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administration to the subject of vitamin C, or a derivative thereof and an extract from a member of the Combretaceae family.

The vitamin C may be provided as part of a vitamin C-containing plant extract. The vitamin C-containing plant extract may be an extract of a member of the

Combretaceae family.

The skin ageing may be UV-induced skin ageing.

The vitamin C and the extract from a member of the Combretaceae family may be topically administered. In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method for lightening skin or modulating hair colour in a subject, the method comprising administration to the subject of vitamin C, or a derivative thereof and an extract from a member of the Combretaceae family.

Modulating hair colour may involve lightening the hair colour. The vitamin C may be provided as part of a vitamin C-containing plant extract.

The vitamin C-containing plant extract may be an extract of a member of the Combretaceae family.

The vitamin C and the extract from a member of the Combretaceae family may be topically administered. In the methods of the fourth and fifth aspects, the vitamin C and an extract from a member of the Combretaceae family may be administered simultaneously, separately or sequentially.

In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a method for treating and/or retarding skin ageing in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administration to the subject of a composition according to the first aspect.

In a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a method for lightening skin or modulating hair colour in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administration to the subject of a composition according to the first aspect. In the methods of the fourth to seventh aspects, the subject may be a human.

In an eighth aspect, the present invention provides use of vitamin C, or a derivative thereof and an extract from a member of the Combretaceae family in the manufacture of a composition for treating and/or retarding skin ageing.

The vitamin C may be provided as part of a vitamin C-containing plant extract. The vitamin C-containing plant extract may be an an extract of a member of the

Combretaceae family.

In a ninth aspect, the present invention provides use of the composition according to the first aspect in the manufacture of a composition for treating and/or retarding skin ageing. In a tenth aspect, the present invention provides the use of vitamin C, or a derivative thereof and an extract from a member of the Combretaceae family in the manufacture of a composition for lightening skin or modulating hair colour.

The vitamin C may be provided as part of a vitamin C-containing plant extract.

The vitamin C-containing plant extract may be an extract of a member of the Combretaceae family.

In an eleventh aspect, the present invention provides use of a composition according to the first aspect in the manufacture of a composition for lightening skin or modulating hair colour.

The compositions of the eighth to eleventh aspects may be topical compositions.

Definitions

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or

"comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

In the context of this specification, the terms "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, "an element" means one element or more than one element. In the context of this specification, the term "about," is understood to refer to a range of numbers that a person of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value in the context of achieving the same function or result.

In the context of this specification, the term "synergistic" may refer to a greater than additive effect that is produced by a combination of an extract from a plant of the

Combretaceae family and a vitamin C-containing plant extract that would otherwise result from the use of the extract from a plant of the Combretaceae family and a vitamin

C-containing plant extract alone.

As used herein the term "extract" refers to an active preparation derived from one or more plants. By "active" it is meant that the extract is capable of producing an effect as disclosed herein. An extract is obtained by a process of "extraction" which will be understood by those skilled in the art as, in general terms, comprising treating plant material with a solvent, a liquid, or a supercritical fluid to dissolve the active preparation and separate the same from residual unwanted plant material. An extract may be in liquid form (for example as a decoction, solution, infusion or tincture) or solid form (for example as a powder or granules).

In the context of this specification, the terms "extract from one or more plants of the Combretaceae family", "extract from a member of the Combretaceae family" and the like mean an extract which is capable of inducing and/or increasing the uptake of vitamin C into a cell. This definition does not however necessarily apply to the vitamin C- containing plant extract. For example, where the vitamin C-containing plant extract is an extract from a member of the Combretaceae family, such an extract does not necessarily have to induce and/or increase the uptake of vitamin C into a cell.

In the context of this specification, the term "lightening skin" is understood to include lightening and/or brightening and/or whitening of the skin, as well as evening skin tone and/or reducing the appearance of skin discolouration and/or hyperpigmentation.

In the context of this specification, the term "vitamin C" is understood to mean the compound L-ascorbic acid and includes all isomers, salts, esters and derivatives thereof. In the context of this specification, the term "vitamin C in a free form" means vitamin C that is not present as part of an extract, but rather that is present in an isolated, purified or substantially pure form. In the context of this specification, the term "derivative" refers to a chemically modified compound that retains the desired effects or properties prior to the chemical modification.

In the context of this specification, the term "PP DS 45" refers to a composition comprising extracts from plants of the following genera: Echinacea, Viola, Trifolium, Spilanthes, Usnea and Taxraxacum.

In the context of this specification, the term "PP MD 45" refers to a composition comprising extracts from plants of the following genera: Rosa, Sambucus, Matricaria and Viola. Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention is based on the discovery by the inventor that extracts from members of the Combretaceae plant family are able to induce the uptake of vitamin C into cells. Based on their ability to induce vitamin C uptake into cells, compositions comprising extracts of the Combretaceae family are useful for treating or retarding skin ageing as well as lightening skin and modulating hair colour.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to compositions that are useful for treating and/or retarding skin ageing, lightening skin and modulating hair colour comprising an extract from one or more plants of the Combretaceae family and a vitamin

C-containing plant extract. The modulation of hair colour may involve lightening of the hair colour.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of an extract from a member of the Combretaceae family to induce the uptake of vitamin C, or a derivative thereof into a cell. The extract from a member of the Combretaceae family may be used to induce the uptake of vitamin C into any cell. The cell may be an animal cell, for example a human cell. In one embodiment, the cell is a skin cell or a mucosal cell. The skin cell may be a keratinocyte, a fibroblast or a melanocyte. The cell may be a dermal fibroblast.

In further aspects, the present invention relates to methods for treating and/or retarding skin ageing, lightening skin and modulating hair colour comprising administration to the subject of vitamin C, or a derivative thereof and an extract from a member of the Combretaceae family.

In still further aspects, the present invention relates to the use of vitamin C, or a derivative thereof and an extract from a member of the Combretaceae family in the manufacture of a composition for treating and/or retarding skin ageing, lightening skin and modulating hair colour.

The plant of the Combretaceae family used in the compositions, uses and methods of the invention may be selected from the following genera: Anogeissus, Buchenavia, Bucida, Calopyxis, Calycopteris, Combretum, Conocarpus, Dansiea, Guiera, Laguncularia, Lumnitzera, Macropteranthes, Melostemon, Pteleopsis, Quisqualis, Strephonema, Terminalia, Terminaliopsis and Thiloa. In one embodiment, the plant of the Combretaceae family is selected from the genera: Anogeissus, Combretum, Conocarpus, Strephonema and Terminalia. In another embodiment, the plant of the Combretaceae family is from the genus Anogeissus, for example Anogeissus leiocarpus. The extract from plants of the Combretaceae family may be obtained from any part of the plant, for example bark, stems, leaves or fruit.

The vitamin C-containing plant extract used in the compositions, uses and methods of the invention may be obtained from any plant which comprises vitamin C. The extract may be obtained from bark, leaves, flowers, fruit or any other part of the plant which comprises vitamin C.

The vitamin C-containing plant extract may be obtained from: Temperate fruits, for example those of the Rosaceae family including but not limited to bramble fruits, pome fruits, stone fruits and berries. Examples of pome fruits include but are not limited to: Apple and Crabapple (Malus), Chokeberry (Aronia), Hawthorn (Crataegus and Rhaphiolepis), Loquat (Eryobotrya japonica), Medlar (Mespilus germanica), Pear, from the genus Pyrus, Quince (Cydonia oblonga and Chaenomeles), Rose hip, Rowan (Sorbus), Service tree, (Sorbus domestica), Serviceberry or Saskatoon (Amelanchier), Shipova (^χ Sorbopyrus auricularis). Examples of stone fruits include but are not limited to those from the genus Prunus, including Apricot (Prunus armeniaca or Armeniaca vulgaris), Cherry, sweet, black, sour, and wild species (Prunus avium, Prunus serotina, P. cerasus, and others), Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), Greengage, a cultivar of the plum, Hybrids of the preceding species, such as the pluot, aprium and peacotum, Peach (of the normal and white variety) and its variant the nectarine (Prunus persica), Plum (Prunus domestica), of which there are several domestic and wild species.

Examples of bramble fruits include but are not limited to those from the genus Rubus, including Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus), Loganberry (Rubus loganobaccus), Raspberry, Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis), Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus) and Wineberry {Rubus phoenicolasius).

The vitamin C-containing plant extract may be obtained from a berry of a plant of the Ericaceae family. Examples of such berries include but are not limited to Bearberry {Arctostaphylos spp.), Bilberry or whortleberry (Vaccinium spp.) Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), Crowberry (Empetrum spp.), Cranberry (Vaccinium spp.), Falberry (Vaccinium spp.), Huckleberry (Vaccinium spp.), Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo).

The vitamin C-containing plant extract may be obtained from other berries, including but not limited to Acai (Euterpe), Barberry (Berberis; Berberidaceae) Currant (Ribes spp.; Grossulariaceae), red, black, and white types, Eggplant (Solanum melongena Solanaceae), Elderberry (Sambucus; Caprifoliaceae) Gooseberry (Ribes spp.; Grossulariaceae), Hackberry (Celtis spp.; Cannabaceae), Honeysuckle, Mulberry (Morus spp.; Moraceae) including: Red Mulberry (Morus rubra) and White Mulberry (Morus alba), Mayapple (Podophyllum spp.; Berberidaceae), Nannyberry or Sheepberry (Viburnum spp.; Caprifoliaceae), Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium; Berberidaceae), Sea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides; Elaeagnaceae), Sea Grape (Coccoloba uvifera; Polygonaceae) and Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum, Lycium spp.; Solanaceae).

In another embodiment, the vitamin C-containing plant extract may be obtained from a plant of Asian origin. Examples of plants of Asian origin include, but are not limited to Arhat (Siraitia grosvenorii; Cucurbitaceae), Coconut (Cocos nucifera; Arecaceae), Che (Cudrania tricuspidata; Moraceae), also called Chinese Mulberry, Cudrang, Mandarin Melon Berry, Silkworm Thorn and zhe, Durian (Durio spp; Malvaceae), Goumi (Elaeagnus multiβora ovata; Elaeagnaceae family), Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia arguta; Actinidiaceae family), Kiwifruit or Chinese gooseberry (Actinidia spp.; Actinidiaceae), Mock Strawberry or Indian Strawberry (Potentilla indica; Rosaceae), Lanzones (Lansium domesticum; Meliaceae family), Lapsi (Choerospondias axillaris Roxb. Anacardiaceae), Longan (Dimocarpus longan; Sapindaceae family), Lychee (Litchi chinensis; Sapindaceae family), Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana; Clusiaceae family), Nungu (Borassus flabellifer; Arecaceae), Peach, Persimmon (also called Sharon Fruit) (Diospyros kaki; Ebenaceae), Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum; Sapindaceae family), Rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum; Polygonaceae), Sageretia (Sageretia theezans; Rhamnaceae), also called Mock Buckthorn. In another embodiment, the vitamin C-containing plant extract may be obtained from a plant of North American origin. Examples of plants of North American origin include, but are not limited to American grape (e.g., Vitis labrusca; Vitaceae), American Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum; Berberidaceae), American plum (Prunus americana; Rosaceae), American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana; Ebenaceae), Beach Plum (Prunus maritima; Rosaceae), Black cherry (Prunus serotina; Rosaceae), Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis or Rubus leucodermis; Rosaceae), Blueberry (Vaccinium, sect. Cyanococcus; Ericaceae), Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argenta; Elaeagnaceae), Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana; Rosaceae), Cocoplum (Chrysobalanus icaco; Chrysobalanaceae), Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccus; Ericaceae), False-mastic (Mastichodendron foetidissimum; Sapotaceae), Florida strangler fig (Ficus aurea; Moraceae), Ground Plum (Astragalus caryocarpus; Fabaceae), also called Ground-plum milk-vetch, Eastern May Hawthorn (Crataegus aestivalis; Rosaceae, better known as mayhaw), Maypop (Passiflora incarnata; (Passifloracae)), Pawpaw (Asimina triloba; Annonaceae), Prickly pear (Opuntia spp.,; Cactaceae), Red mulberry (Morus rubra; Moraceae), Pigeon plum (Coccoloba diversifolia; Polygonaceae), Salal berry (Gaultheria shallon; Ericaceae), Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis; Rosaceae), Saskatoonberry (Amerlanchier alnifolia, Rosaceae), Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens; Arecaceae), Southern crabapple (Malus angustifola; Rosaceae), Texas persimmon (Diospyros texana; Ebenaceae), Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus; Rosaceae) and Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia; Rosaceae).

In another embodiment, the vitamin C-containing plant extract may be obtained from a plant of Australian origin. Examples of plants of Australian origin include, but are not limited to Atherton Raspberry (Rubus probus; Rosaceae), Black Apple (Planchonella australis; Sapotaceae) Blue tongue (Melastoma qffine; Melastomataceae), Bolwarra (Eupomatia laurina; Eupomatiaceae), Burdekin Plum (Pleiogynium timorense; Anacardiaceae), Broad-leaf Bramble (Rubus hillii; Rosaceae), Cedar Bay cherry (Eugenia carissoides; Myrtaceae), Chinese gooseberry or kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa ), Cluster fig (Ficus racemosa; Moraceae), Common apple-berry (Billardiera scandens; Pittosporaceae), Conkerberry (Carissa lanceolata; Apocynaceae), Davidson's plum (Davidsonia spp.; Cunoniaceae), Desert fig (Ficus platypoda; Moraceae), Desert lime (Citrus glauca; Rutaceae), Dessert Kiwi (Actinidia arguta), Doubah (Marsdenia australis; Apocynaceae), Emu Apple (Owenia acidula; Meliaceae), Fibrous Satinash (Syzygium fibrosum; Myrtaceae), Finger Lime (Citrus australasica; Rutaceae), Green Plum (Buchanania obovate), Illawarra Plum (Podocarpus elatus; Podocarpaceae), Little gooseberry tree (Buachanania arborescens; Anacardiaceae), Kakadu lime {Citrus gracilis; Rutaceae), Kutjera (Solarium centrale; Solanaceae), Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana; Combretaceae), Karkalla (Carpobrotus rossii; Aizoaceae), Lady apple (Syzygium suborbiculare; Myrtaceae), Lemon aspen (Acronychia acidula; Rutaceae), Midyim (Austromyrtus dulcis; Myrtaceae), Mountain pepper (Tasmannia spp.; Winteraceae), Muntries (Kunzea pomifera; Myrtaceae), Native Cherry (Exocarpus cupressiformis; Santalaceae), Native currant (Acrotriche depressa; Ericaceae), Native gooseberry (Physalis minima; Solanaceae), Pigface (Carpobrotus glaucescens; Aizoaceae), Pink- flowered Native Raspberry (Rubus parvifolius; Rosaceae), Purple apple-berry (Billarderia longiflora; Pittosporaceae), Quandong (Santalum acuminatum; Elaeocarpaceae), Rainforrest Lime, Riberry (Syzygium luehmannii; Myrtaceae), Rose-leaf Bramble (Rubus rosifolius; Rosaceae), Rose myrtle (Archirhodomyrtus beckleri; Myrtaceae), Round Yam (Dioscorea bulbifera), Sandpaper Fig (Ficus coronata; Moraceae), Small-leaf tamarind (Diploglottis campbellii; Sapindaceae), Snow berry (Gaultheria hispida; Ericaceae), Sweet apple-berry (Billarderia cymosa; Pittosporaceae), Taηjong (Mimusops elengi; Sapindaceae), White aspen (Acronychia oblongifolia; Rutaceae), Wild orange (Capparis mitchellii; Capparaceae), Wongi (Manilkara kaukii; Sapotaceae), Yellow plum (Ximenia americana; Olacaceae) and Zig Zag Vine (Melodurum leichhardtii; Annonaceae).

In another embodiment, the vitamin C-containing plant extract may be obtained from a plant of the genus Acacia, including but not limited to Acacia victoriae, Acacia colei, Acacia coriacea, Acacia pycnantha, Acacia murrayana, Acacia retinodes, Acacia sophorae and all their related cultivars and hybrids. In a further embodiment, the vitamin C-containing plant extract may be obtained from a plant of the genus Solarium, including but not limited to Solanum centrale, Solarium chippendalei, Solanum ellipticum and all their related cultivars and hybrids.

In another embodiment, the vitamin C-containing plant extract may be obtained from cacti or other succulents. Examples of cacti and succulents include, but are not limited to Cardόn (Pachycereus pringlei; Cactaceae), Dragonfruit (Hylocereus undatus; Cactaceae), Prickly pear (Opuntia spp.; Cactaceae), Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea; Cactaceae).

In still a further embodiment, the vitamin C-containing plant extract may be obtained from a Podocarp. Podocarps are conifers from the family Podocarpaceae. Examples of podocarps include but are not limited to Kahikatea {Dacrycarpus dacrydioides), Manoao (Manoao colensoi), Nageia (Nageia spp.), Podocarpus

{Podocarpus spp.), Prumnopitys (Prumnopitys spp.) and Rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum).

In yet another embodiment, the vitamin C-containing plant extract may be obtained from melons and other members of the Cucurbitaceae or Solanaceae families. Examples of melons and representative members of the Cucurbitaceae and Solanaceae families include but are not limited to Butternut squash {Cucurbita moschata), Cushaw squash

(Cucurbita mixta), Hubbard squash, Buttercup squash (Cucurbita maxima), Pumpkin,

Acorn squash, Zucchini, Summer squash (Cucurbita pepovaήeties), Horned melon (Cucumis metuliferus), Melon (Cucumis melo): cantaloupe, galia, and other muskmelons, honeydew.

In still a further embodiment, the vitamin C-containing plant extract may be obtained from an Accessory fruit, for example a plant from the genus Frαgαriα or Raisin tree. In another embodiment, the vitamin C-containing plant extract may be obtained from Mediterranean or Subtropical Fruits. Examples of Mediterranean and Subtropical Fruits include but are not limited to Black mulberry (Morus nigra; Moraceae), Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas; Cornaceae), Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera; Arecaceae), Fig (Ficus spp. Moraceae), Grape, also called raisin, sultana, or currant when it is dried. (Vitis spp.; Vitaceae), Jujube (Ziziphus zizyphus; Rhamnaceae), Olive (Olea europea; Oleaceae), Pomegranate (Punica granatum; Punicaceae) and Sycamore fig (Ficus sycomorus. Moraceae) also called old world sycomore or sycomore.

Further examples of Mediterranean and Subtropical Fruits include those from the genus Citrus (Rutaceae), including but not limited to Citrus macroptera, Blood Orange, Citrus trifolata, Citron (Citrus medico), Clementine (Citrus reticulata var. Clementine), Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), Hybrids of the preceding species, such as the Orangelo, Tangelo, Rangpur (fruit) and UgIi fruit, Kumquat (Fortunella), Lemon (Citrus limoή), Limes including Key Lime (Citrus aurantifolia), Persian lime (also known as tahiti lime), Kaffir lime (Citrus hystix) Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) Citrus Australis (Australian Round Lime), Citrus glauca (Desert Lime), Mandarin (Citrus reticulata), Orange, of which there are sweet (Citrus sinensis) and sour (Citrus aurantium) species, Pomelo (also known as the shaddock) (Citrus maxima), Sweet Lemon (Citrus limetta), Papedas including Citrus halimii and Citrus indica, Tangerine, Avocado (Persea americana; Lauraceae), Carob (Ceratonia siliqua; Fabaceae), Feijoa (Feijoa sellowiana; Myrtaceae), Guava (Psidium guajava; Myrtaceae), Kumquat (Fortunella spp.; Rutaceae), Longan (Dimocarpus longan; Sapindaceae), Lύcuma {Pouteria lucuma; Sapotaceae), Lychee (Litchi chinensis; Sapindaceae), Passion fruit or Grenadilla (Passiβora edulis and other Passiflora spp.; Passifloraceae) Galendar, Peanut (Arachis hypogaea; Fabaceae), Pond- apple (Annona glabra; Annonaceae), Strawberry guava (Psidium litorale; Myrtaceae), Tamarillo or Tree Tomato {Cyphomandra betacea; Solanaceae), Ugni (Ugni molinae; Myrtaceae) and Yangmei (Myrica rubra; Myricaceae).

In another embodiment, the vitamin C-containing plant extract may be obtained from Citrus maxima-based hybrid plants and cultivars, Citrus medicα-based hybrid plants and cultivars and Citrus reticulαte-based plants and cultivars. Examples of Citrus mαximα-based hybrid plants and cultivars include but are not limited to Amanatsu, natsumikan - Citrus ^χ nαtsudαidαi (C. maxima x unknown), Cam sanh (C. reticulata x C. x sinensis), Grapefruit — Citrus x paradisi (C maxima x C. ^x sinensis), Imperial Lemon (C x limon x C x paradisi), Kinnow, Wilking (C x nobilis x C. ^x deliciosa), Kiyomi (C sinensis x C x unshiu), Minneola Tangelo (C reticulata x C x paradisi), Orangelo,

Chironja (C ^χ paradisi x C. ^χ sinensis), Oroblanco, Sweetie (C maxima x C ^χ paradisi), Sweet Orange - Citrus x sinensis (probably C maxima x C ^x reticulata),

Tangelo - Citrus x tangelo (C. reticulata x C maxima or C ^x paradisi), Tangor - Citrus x nobilis (C reticulata x C x sinensis) and UgIi (C reticulata x C maxima or C x paradisi).

Examples of Citrus medica-based hybrid plants and cultivars include but are not limited to Buddha's Hand - C#ras medicα var. sαrcodαctylus, Citron varieties with sour pulp such as Diamante citron, Florentine citron, Greek citron and Balady citron, Citron varieties with sweet pulp such as Corsican citron and Moroccan citron, Yemenite citron, Fernandina - Citrus ^χ limonimedicα and Ponderosa Lemon.

Examples of Citrus reticulαtα-based hybrid plants and cultivars include but are not limited to Bergamot Orange, Seville Orange - Citrus ^χ αurαntium ssp. bergαmiα or Citrus x bergαmiα, Bitter Orange - Citrus x αurαntium, Blood Orange - C/tras ^χ sinensis cultivars, Cam sanh (C reticulata ^χ C x sinensis), Chinotto - Citrus x aurantium var. myrtifolia or Citrus x myrtifolia, ChungGyun - Citrus reticulata cultivar, Clementine - OYras x Clementina, Cleopatra Mandarin - C/trw5 x reshni, Dekopon - Citrus reticulata cv. 'Siranui' (ChungGyun x Ponkan), Daidai - Citrus ^χ aurantium var. daidai or Citrus x daidai, Grapefruit - Citrus x paradisi (C maxima x C ^χ sinensis), Hermandina - Citrus reticulata cv. Ηermandina', Imperial Lemon (C ^χ /mon ^χ C ^χ paradisi), Kinnow, Wilking (C ^x nobilis x C. ^x deliciosά), Kiyomi (C sinensis x C x unshiύ), Mediterranean Mandarin, Willow Leaf - Citrus x deliciosa, Meyer Lemon,

Valley Lemon - Citrus ^χ meyeri (C ^x limon x C x paradisi or C x sinensis), Michal

Mandarin - Citrus reticulata cv. 'Michal', Mikan, Satsuma - Citrus x unshiu, Minneola Tangelo (C reticulata ^χ C. ^χ paradisi), Nova Mandarin, Orangelo, Chironja (C ^χ paradisi ^χ C. ^x sinensis), Oroblanco, Sweetie (C maxima x C x paradisi), Ponkan -

CzYras¹ reticulata cv. 'Ponkan', Rangpur, Lemanderin, Mandarin Lime - Citrus x limonia

(C. reticulata x C x limon), Sweet Orange - Gtras x sinensis (probably C maxima x C x reticulata), Tangelo - Citrus ^x tangelo (C reticulata x C maxima or C ^χ paradisi), Tangerine - Citrus ^χ tangerine, Tangor - Citrus x nobilis (C reticulata x C x sinensis), UgIi (C reticulata ^χ C maxima or C ^χ paradisi), Yuzu - Citrus xjunos (C reticulata ^χ C x ichangensis).

In a further embodiment, the vitamin C-containing plant extract may be obtained from the following taxonomically unresolved hybrids: Alemow, Colo - CzYras x macrophylla, Djeruk limau - Ows x amblycarpa, Gajanimma, Carabao Lime - C/fras x pennivesiculata, Ichang Lemon, Ichang Papeda - Citrus x ichangensis, Imperial Lemon (C x /zmøn x C x paradisi), Iyokan, anadomikan - Citrus x zyo, Kabosu - Citrus ^χ sphaerocarpa, Kaffir Lime, makrut — Citrus ^χ hystrix, Khasi Papeda - Citrus x latipes, Lemon - Otras x /JWØH, Limetta, Sweet Lemon, Sweet Lime, mosambi - OYras ^χ limetta, Palestine Sweet Lime - Citrus ^χ limettioides Tanaka, Persian lime, Tahiti Lime - Citrus x latifolia, Pompia ("Citrus mostruosa", a nomen nudum), Rough Lemon - Citrus x jambhiri Lush, Shekwasha, Hirami Lemon, Taiwan Tangerine - Citrus x depressa, Sudachi - Citrus x sudachi, Sunki, Suenkat - Cz^'tras x SMM&Ϊ, Tachibana Orange - Citrus x tachibana (Mak.) Tanaka, Volkamer Lemon - Citrus ^χ volkameriana and Citrange - Citrus sinensis x Poncirus trifoliata.

In yet another embodiment, the vitamin C-containing plant extract may be obtained from hybrid plants crossed with kumquats. Examples of such hybrid plants include but are not limited to Calamondin (tangerine crossed with kumquat), Limequat (lime crossed with kumquat), Musk Lime, Orangequat (orange crossed with kumquat) and Sunquat (Lemon crossed with kumquat).

In still a further embodiment, the vitamin C-containing plant extract may be an extract from one or more tropical fruits. Examples of tropical fruits include but are not limited to Abiu {Pouteria caimito), Acerola (Malpighia glabra; Malpighiaceae), Ackee (Blighia sapida or Cupania sapida; Sapindaceae), African cherry orange (Citropsis schweinfurthii; Rutaceae), Amazon Grape (Pourouma cecropiaefolia; Moraceae), Araza, Acai {Euterpe oleracea; Arecaceae), Babaco (Carica pentagona; Caricaceae), Bael (Aegle marmelos; Rutaceae), Banana (Musacea spp.; Musaceae); Barbadine (granadilla), Barbados Cherry (Malpighia glabra L.; Malpighiaceae), Betel Nut, Bilimbi (Averrhoa bilimbi; Oxalidaceae), Bitter gourd, Black sapote (Diospyros digyna), Bottle gourd also known as Calabash {Lagenaria siceraria; Cucurbitaceae), Brazil nut, Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis; Moraceae), Burmese grape, or Latka (Baccaurea sapida; Phyllanthaceae), Calabashtree, Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia; Myrtaceae), Canistel (Pouteria campechiana; Sapotaceae), also called yellow sapote or "eggfruit", Cape gooseberry, Carambola (Averrhoa carambola; Oxalidaceae), Cashew, Cempedak or Champedak {Artocarpus champeden; Moraceae), Ceylon gooseberry, Chenet (also known as Spanish Lime or mamoncillo), Cherimoya {Annona cherimola; Annonaceae), Chili pepper, Caimito, Cacao, Coffee, Cupuacu, Custard-apple (Annona reticulata; Annonaceae), Damson plum (Chrysophyllum oliviforme; Sapotaceae), Date, Date-plum (Diospyros lotus; Ebenaceae), Dragonfruit (Hylocereus spp.; Cactaceae), Durian (Durio spp.; Bombacaceae), Elephant apple (Dillenia indica; Dilleniaceae), Feijoa (Feijoa sellowiana), Giant granadilla, Golden Apple, Guarana (Paullinia cupana; Sapindaceae), Guava, Guavaberry or Rumberry; (Myrciaria floribunda; Myrtaceae), Hog plum, Horned melon (Cucumis metuliferus; Cucurbitaceae), Huito (Genipa americana; Rubiaceae), Indian almond, Indian fig, Indian jujube, Indian Prune (Flacourtia rukan; Flacourtiaceae), Jaboticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora; Myrtaceae), Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Moraceae), Jambul (Syzygium cumini; Myrtaceae), Jatoba (Hymenae coubaril; Leguminosae) Jocote, also called Jamaica Plum, Kandis (Garcinia forbesii; Clusiaceae), Keppel fruit (Stelechocarpus burakol; Annonaceae), Kundong (Garcinia sp. ; Clusiaceae), Lablab, Langsat (Lansium domesticum), Lanzones (Lansium domesticum; Meliaceae), Lemon, Leucaena, Lime, Longan, Loquat, Lucuma, Lychee, Mabolo (Diospyros discolor; Ebenaceae), Macadamia, Mamey sapote (Pouteria sapota; Sapotaceae), Mamoncillo (Melicoccus bijugatus; Sapindaceae), Mandarin, Manila tamarind (or Monkeypod, Pithecellobium dulce), Mango (Mangifera indica; Anacardiaceae), Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana; Clusiaceae), Marang (Artocarpus odoratissima; Moraceae), Melinjo, Melon pear, Monstera (Monstera deliciosa; Araceae), Morinda, Mountain soursop, Mundu, Mung bean, Muskmelon, Nance, Naranjilla, LuIo (Solanum quitoense; Solanaceae), Natal Plum (Carissa grandiβora), Nutmeg, Neem, Oil Palm, Okra, Papaya (Carica papaya; Caricaceae), Peach palm, Peanut butter fruit (Bunchosia argentea; Malpighiaceae), Pequi or Souari Nut {Caryocar brasiliense; Caryocaraceae), Persimmon (Oiospyros kaki), Pewa, Pigeon pea, PiIi nut, Pineapple {Ananas comosus or Ananas sativas; Bromeliaceae), Pitomba {Eugenia luschnathiana or Talisia esculenta), Plantain, Poha or Cape Gooseberry {Physalis peruviana; Solanaceae), Pois doux, Poisonleaf {Dichapetalum cymosum) Pommecythere or pomcite {Spondias cytherea), also known as golden apple, June plum or Jew plum and ambarella, Pommerac {Eugenia malaccensis); also known as Otaheite apple; Malay apple, Pulasan, Pummelo, Pupunha or peach-palm {Bactris gasipaes; Palmae); also known as pewa, Rambutan {Nephelium lappaceum; Sapindaceae), Red Mombin {Spondias purpurea; Anacardiaceae), Red Pityaya {Hylocereus spec), Riberry {Syzygium luehmannii; Myrtaceae), Ridged gourd, Salak {Salacca edulis), also called snakefruit, Santol {Sandoricum koetjape; Meliaceae), Sapodilla {Achras/Manilkara zapota; Sapotaceae), also called chiku, mespel, naseberry, sapadilla, snake fruit, sawo, Sea grape, Soncoya {Annona diver sifolia), Soursop {Annona muricata; Annonaceae), also called guanabana, Soybean, Star apple {Chrysophyllum cainitό), also called caimito or caimite, Strawberry guava, Strawberry pear, Sugar apple {Annona squamosa; Annonaceae), Summer squash, Surinam Cherry {Eugenia uniflora; Myrtaceae) also called Brazilian Cherry, Cayenne Cherry, Pitanga, Sweet granadilla, Sweet orange, Sweet pepper, Sweetsop, Rose apple {Syzygium jambos; Myrtaceae), also called Malay apple, Tamarind {Tamarindus indica; Caesalpiniaceae), Vanilla, Wampi, Water apple, Watermelon, Wax apple {Syzygium samarangense), Wax gourd, White sapote and Winged bean.

In still a further embodiment, the vitamin C-containing plant extract may be obtained from a plant from the genus Passiflora, Musa or Ficus, including related cultivars and hybrids. In yet another embodiment, the vitamin C-containing plant extract may be obtained from one or more of the following: Psidium guajav - Guava, Manilkara zapota - Sapodilla, Euphoria longan — Longan, Averrhoa carambola - Carambol, Sechium edule - Choko, Carica papaya - Pawpaw, Myrciaria dubia - Camu camu, Malpigia glabra - Acerola, Ziziohus mauritiana - Jujube, Litchi chinensis - Lychee, Curcumis melo - Melons, Ananas commosus - Pineapple, Citrulus lanatus - Water Melon and Punica granatum - Pomegranate.

In one embodiment, the vitamin C-containing plant extract is selected from the group consisting of: Terminalia ferdinandiana, Davidson's plum, Illawarra plum, Desert Lime, Finger Lime and Lily PiIy. Those skilled in the art will recognise that the plants from which the vitamin C- containing plant extract may be obtained are not limited to the plants recited above, but rather include any plant that contains vitamin C.

Suitable extracts for use in the compositions, methods and uses of the invention include aqueous and/or organic solvent extracts obtained by single, combined and/or successive extraction of plant matter (e.g., leaves, bark, flowers, fruit, wood etc.).

Organic solvents used for extraction may be polar (e.g. ethanol), non-polar (e.g. hexane), and/or halogenated (e.g. dichloromethane, chloroform, dichloroethane, bromoform etc.), and either be used sequentially for extraction or in combination mixture with water (ratios ranging from 99:1 to 1:99). The extracts may be alcoholic extracts, for example ethanol, methanol or glycol extracts. The extracts may be dried by any conventional drying method (e.g. condensation drying, spray drying, vacuum drying, or freeze drying) to give a dry extract powder.

A number of extracts are commercially available. For example Terminalia Ferdinandiana extract (Kakadu Plum) is available from Southern Cross Botanicals, Lennox Head NSW, and from Kakadu Wild Harvest, Parap, NT.

In the compositions of the first aspect, the extract from a plant of the Combretaceae family and the vitamin C-containing plant extract may be present in an amount between about 0.001% (w/w) and about 20% (w/w), or between about 0.001% and about 18%, or between about 0.001% and about 16%, or between about 0.001% and about 14%, or between about 0.001% and about 12%, or between about 0.001% and about 10%, or between about 0.005% and about 10%, or between about 0.01% and about 10%, or between about 0.05% and about 10%, or between about 0.05% and about 5%, or between about 0.005% and about 4%, or between about 0.05% and about 3%, or between about 0.001 % and about 5%, or between about 0.001 % and about 2%.

In one embodiment, the extract from a plant of the Combretaceae family may be present in an amount between about 0.001% and about 2% and the vitamin C-containing plant extract may be present in an amount between 0.05% and about 5%.

The vitamin C-containing plant extract may be an extract from a plant of the Combretaceae family, such that the compositions comprise extracts from at least two different plants of the Combretaceae family wherein at least one extract comprises vitamin C. The composition may comprise 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more different extracts of the Combretaceae family wherein at least one extract comprises vitamin C.

In one embodiment, the composition comprises an extract from a Terminalia species (for example Terminalia ferdinandianά) and an extract from an Anogeissus species (for example Anogeissus leiocarpus). The extract from Anogeissus leiocarpus may be an extract obtained from bark. The extract from Terminalia ferdinandiana may be an extract obtained from fruit. The extract from Terminalia ferdinandiana may be an aqueous extract, for example a water extract. The extract from Anogeissus leiocarpus may be an alcoholic extract.

The compositions may further comprise vitamin C in a free form. Examples of vitamin C in a free form and derivatives thereof include, but are not limited to, ascorbic acid, esters or ethers of ascorbic acid wherein the hydrocarbon chain comprises between 2 and 40 carbon atoms, or between 4 and 35 carbon atoms, or between 6 and 30 carbon atoms, or between 8 and 20 carbon atoms. Esters include fatty acid mono-, di-, tri- or tetra-esters of ascorbic acid.

Examples of suitable esters of vitamin C include, but are not limited to ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl isopalmitate, ascorbyl stearate, ascorbyl diisostearate, ascorbyl myristate, ascorbyl isomyristate, ascorbyl 2-ethylhexanoate, ascorbyl oleate, ascorbyl dioleate, retinyl ascorbate and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, phosphates of ascorbic acid, such as ascorbyl-2-phosphate and ascorbyl-3 -phosphate, sulfates of ascorbic acid, such as ascorbyl-2-sulfate and acorbyl-3-sulfate, and salts thereof with alkali metals such as sodium and lithium (for example sodium ascorbyl phosphate), and alkaline earth metals such as calcium and magnesium (for example magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). Further examples of vitamin C in a free form include sugar derivatives of ascorbic acid, for example ascorbyl glucoside.

When included in a free form, the amount of vitamin C present in the compositions may be between about 0.1% (w/w) and about 10% (w/w) or between about 0.5% and about 8%, or between about 0.5% and about 6%, or between about 0.5% and about 3%.

The compositions may further comprise Citrus unshiu (Satsuma mandarin) extract. Citrus Unshiu extract may promote complexion lightening and age spot depigmentation. The Citrus Unshui extract may be a peel extract. In one embodiment, the Citrus unshiu extract is a tyramine-rich extract. When included in the compositions, the Citrus unshiu extract may be present in an amount between about 0.001% (w/w) and about 20% (w/w), or between about 0.001% and about 18%, or between about 0.001% and about 16%, or between about 0.001% and about 14%, or between about 0.001% and about 12%, or between about 0.001% and about 10%, or between about 0.005% and about 10%, or between about 0.01% and about 10%, or between about 0.05% and about 10%, or between about 0.05% and about 9%, or between about 0.05% and about 8%, or between about 0.05% and about 7%, or between about 0.05% and about 6%, or between about 1% and about 5%.

The compositions may further comprise one or more Glycyrrhiza glabra root extracts. Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract is rich in liquirtin and isoliquertin which may disperse the melanin pigment thus enhancing more even pigment distribution.

When included in the compositions, the Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract may be present in an amount between about 0.001% (w/w) and about 20%, (w/w) or between about 0.001% and about 18%, or between about 0.001% and about 16%, or between about 0.001% and about 14%, or between about 0.001% and about 12%, or between about 0.001% and about 10%, or between about 0.005% and about 10%, or between about 0.01% and about 10%, or between about 0.05% and about 10%, or between about

0.05% and about 5%.

The compositions may further comprise Bellis Perennis extract. Bellis Perennis extract may brighten skin by interfering with melanin synthesis. When included in the compositions, the Bellis Perennis extract may be present in an amount between about

0.001% (w/w) and about 15% (w/w), or between about 0.001% and about 12%, or between about 0.001% and about 10%, or between about 0.005% and about 10%, or between about 0.01% and about 10%, or between about 0.05% and about 10%, or between about 0.05% and about 5%.

The compositions may further comprise one or more tetrahydrocucuminoids. Tetrahydrocucuminoids are powerful antioxidants that may promote skin brightening. In one embodiment, the tetrahydrocucuminoid is tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane.

When included in the compositions, the tetrahydrocucuminoid(s) may be present in an amount between about 0.001% (w/w) and about 15% (w/w), or between about 0.001% and about 12%, or between about 0.001% and about 10%, or between about 0.005% and about 10%, or between about 0.01% and about 10%, or between about 0.05% and about

10%, or between about 0.05% and about 5%, or between about 0.05% and about 1%.

Additional skin lightening agents that may also be included in the compositions include, but are not limited to: gingko extract, carob extract, rose fruit extract, geranium herb extract, Perilla extract, cinnamon extract, sweet marjoram extract, Arnica extract, Concha Blanca extract, Piri-Piri, Pinon Negro, extracts of clove, alfalfa, Baliospermum montanum, Melia azadirachta, convolvulus arvensis, Sansonin, Lagerstroemia speciosa, passiflorine, Bixa orellana, Guayule, Adhatoda vasica, Cymbopogon nardus, Desmodium gangeticum, Murraya koenigii, Smilax zeylanica, Gastrodia elata, Biota orientalis, Arecatachu, Atractylodes japonica, Koidzumi (Corkscrew Willow), Cyperus, Broussonetia, Trichosanthis Radix, Dioscorea Phizoma, and Aquilliaria, teprenone, dihydroxyisoquinoline, indomethacin, 3-hydroxymanule, hydroquinone, monobenzylether 5 of hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid, 4-hydroxyanisole, arbutin, paper mulberry, Arctostaphylos patula, Arctostaphylos viscida and Archostaphylus uva-ursi.

The compositions may further comprise one or more of the following extracts: Rosa extract, Sambacus extract, Matricaria extract, Viola extract, Echinacea extract, Trifolium extract, Spilanthes extract, Usnea extract and/or Taxraxacum extract. o The Rosa extract may be an extract of Rosa gallica, the Sambucas extract may be an extract of Sambucas Nigra, the Matricaria extract may be an extract of Matricaria recutita, the Viola extract may be an extract of Viola tricolor and/or Viola odorata, the extract of Echinacea may be an extract of Echinacea purpurea, the extract of Trifolium may be an extract of Trifolium oratebse, the extract of Spilanthes may be Spilanthess acmella, the extract of Usnea may be Usnea barbata and the extract of Taxraxacum may be Taxraxacum officinale.

The Rosa, Sambacus, Matricaria, Viola, Echinacea, Trifolium, Spilanthes, Usnea and/or Taxraxacum extracts may be present, either individually or in combinations, in an amount between about 0.001% (w/w) and about 10% (w/w), or between about 0.001%0 and about 8%, or between about 0.001% and about 6%, or between about 0.005% and about 4%, or between about 0.01% and about 3%, or between about 0.05% and about 2%. The compositions may further comprise one or more of: marshmallow extract, calendula extract, willowbark extract and Sapindus Mukorossi peel extract.

The marshmallow extract, calendula extract, willowbark extract or Sapindus5 Mukorossi peel extract may be present in the composition in an amount between about 0.005% (w/w) and about 10% (w/w).

The compositions of the present invention may be prepared by admixing the relevant components and formulating the resulting mixture into a dosage form that is suitable for administration to a subject. Accordingly, the compositions of the inventiono may further comprise pharmaceutically and/or cosmetically acceptable carriers, diluents and/or adjuvants. The diluents, adjuvants and excipients must be "acceptable" in terms of being compatible with other components of the composition, and not deleterious to the subject who is to receive the composition. Non-limiting examples of suitable compositions include topical compositions, parenteral compositions and oral compositions. Methods for preparing suitable compositions for administration are well known to those skilled in the art.

In one embodiment, the compositions of the invention are incorporated into topical vehicles, such as cosmetic vehicles, for application to the skin and/or hair of a subject. Suitable cosmetic vehicles include, but are not limited to: make up, products intended for application to the lips, face masks and scrubs, products for waving, straightening and fixing hair, cleansing products such as lotions, skin softeners, powders and shampoos, conditioning products such as lotions, creams, oils, anti-ageing products, skin whitening products, hairdressing products such as lotions and lacquers, deodorants, antiperspirants, cleansers such as toilet soap, deodorant soap, astringent and skin washes, shaving products such as creams, foams and lotions, bath and shower preparations such as salts, foams, oils, gels, etc., depilatories, after-bath powders, hygienic powders, moisturising products such as creams, lotions, gels and foams, sunbathing products. The cosmetic product may be a leave-on composition, a rinsing composition or a cleansing composition.

In one embodiment, the cosmetic product may be selected from the group consisting of: an essence, a cleanser, a toner, a cream, a mask and a mist.

The compositions may further comprise sunblocking agents so as to provide a sun protection factor (SPF). Suitable sunblocking agents include organic and inorganic sunblocking agents, for example zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, ethyl methoxycinnamate, dimethoxycinnamate, glycol salicylate, butyl PABA, cinoxate and Heliogard 335. Additional sunblocking agents include those disclosed in, for example, "Cosmetics, Science and Technology" 2nd Edition (1972), Vol. 1, Chapter VIII, pages 189 et seq. Exact amounts of the sunblocking agents will vary depending upon the sunscreen chosen and the desired SPF.

The compositions of the invention may be included in topical vehicles in an amount between about 0.001% (w/w) and about 90% (w/w), or between about 1% (w/w) and about 50% (w/w), or between about 1% (w/w) and about 40% (w/w), or between about 1% (w/w) and about 20% (w/w) or about 0.01%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13% 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%.

The compositions may further comprise additional antioxidants, moisturisers, essential oils, additional plant extracts, skin conditioning agents, herbal extracts, humectants, surfactants, vitamins, thickening agents, preservatives, exfoliants, anti- inflammatories, fragrances, and the like.

Examples of antioxidants include, but are not limited to, water-soluble antioxidants such as sulfhydryl compounds and their derivatives (for example sodium metabisulfite and N-acetyl-cysteine), lipoic acid and dihydrolipoic acid, resveratrol and lactoferrin. Oil-soluble antioxidants include, but are not limited to butylated hydroxytoluene, retinoids, tocopherols and ubiquinone.

Examples of moisturisers include but are not limited to: fatty acids, lanolin, cetyl palmitate, castor oil, jojoba seed oil, grape seed oil, sunflower seed oil, safflower seed oil, diglycerin, oleic acid, dimethicone copolyol, dextrin, jojoba esters, panthenol, squalene, coconut oil, gelatin, cocoa butter, hydrogenated lecithin, isopropyl isostearate, hydrogenated vegetable oil, glycerol polymers, glycerin, sorbitan palmitate, petrolatum, glyceryl distearate and ceramides.

Essential oils may enhance the emollient and penetration properties of the composition. Essential oils include, but are not limited to lemongrass oil, tea tree oil, thyme oil, lavender oil and alpha Bisabolol.

Additional plant extracts include, but are not limited to Horse chestnut extract, Bamboo extract and squalene.

When present in the composition, the additional plant extracts and/or herbal extracts may be present in an amount between about 0.005% (w/w) and about 10% (w/w), or between about 0.05% and about 5%, or between about 0.05% and about 3%.

Humectants include but are not limited to glycerol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, and mono- and oligomeric sugars.

Vitamins include but are not limited to vitamin A, pro vitamin A, vitamin Bi, vitamin B₂, vitamin B₃, vitamin B₄, vitamin B₅, vitamin B₆, vitamin Bi₂, vitamin D, vitamin D₂, vitamin D₃, tocopherol (vitamin E), vitamin F and vitamin Ki .

Thickening agents include but are not limited to carbomers, hydroxymethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, guar gum, chitosan and polyquaternium-10.

Preservatives include but are not limited to totarol, parabens, quaternary ammonium chlorides, benzalkonium chlorides, isothiazolinones, parabens, chloroxylenol; chlorhexidine, phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, phenethyl alcohol, benzoic acid and salts thereof, chlorobutanol, sorbic acid and salts thereof, triclosan and triclocarban.

Skin conditioning agents include for example, hydroxyacids. The term "hydroxyacids" includes both α- and β -hydroxyacids. Suitable hydroxyacids include, but are not limited to α-hydroxyacids such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, α- hydroxyoctanoic acid, tartaric acid, glucoronic acid, α-hydroxybutyric acid, malic acid, mandelic acid and pyruvic acid. Suitable β-hydroxy acids include but are not limited to salicylic acid, β-hydroxy butyric acid and carnitine.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the composition comprises: a vitamin C- containing plant extract (for example Terminalia Ferdinandianά) in an amount between about 0.01% (w/w) and about 20% (w/w) and Anogeissus leiocarpus bark extract in an amount between about 0.001% (w/w) and about 5% (w/w). The composition may be a cosmetic composition.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the composition comprises: vitamin C in a free form (for example as ascorbyl glucoside) in an amount between about 0.1% (w/w) and about 10% (w/w), a vitamin C-containing plant extract (for example Terminalia Ferdinandianά) in an amount between about 0.1% (w/w) and about 10% (w/w) and Anogeissus leiocarpus bark extract in an amount between about 0.001% (w/w) and about 3% (w/w). The composition may be a cosmetic composition. hi a further embodiment of the first aspect, the composition comprises: vitamin C in a free form (for example as ascorbyl glucoside) in an amount between about 0.1% (w/w) and about 10% (w/w), a vitamin C-containing plant extract (for example Terminalia Ferdinandiana) in an amount between about 0.1% (w/w) and about 10% (w/w), Anogeissus leiocarpus bark extract in an amount between about 0.001% (w/w) and about 3% (w/w) and Citrus Unshui extract in an amount between about 0.5% (w/w) and about 10% (w/w). The composition may be a cosmetic composition.

In yet another embodiment of the first aspect, the composition comprises: vitamin C in a free form (for example as ascorbyl glucoside) in an amount between about 0.1% (w/w) and about 10% (w/w), a vitamin C-containing plant extract (for example Terminalia Ferdinandiana) in an amount between about 0.1% (w/w) and about 10% (w/w), Anogeissus leiocarpus bark extract in an amount between about 0.001% (w/w) and about 3% (w/w) and one or more tetrahydrocucuminoids (for example tetrahydrodiferuloyl methane) in an amount between about 0.01% (w/w) and about 5% (w/w). The composition may be a cosmetic composition. In still a further embodiment of the first aspect, the composition comprises: vitamin

C in a free form (for example as ascorbyl glucoside) in an amount between about 0.1% (w/w) and about 10% (w/w), a vitamin C-containing plant extract (for example Terminalia Ferdinandiana) in an amount between about 0.1% (w/w) and about 10% (w/w), Anogeissus leiocarpus bark extract in an amount between about 0.001% (w/w) and about 3% (w/w), Citrus Unshui extract in an amount between about 0.5% (w/w) and about 10% (w/w) and one or more tetrahydrocucuminoids (for example tetrahydrodiferuloyl methane) in an amount between about 0.1% (w/w) and about 5% (w/w). The composition may be a cosmetic composition. In another embodiment of the first aspect, the composition comprises: ascorbyl glucoside, Citrus Unshui extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana extract, Anogeissus leiocarpus extract, Rosa extract, Sambucas extract, Matricaria extract, Viola extract, Calendula extract, Sapindus Mukrossi peel extract and Willowbark extract. The composition may be a cosmetic composition in the form of a cleanser for example. The ascorbyl glucoside may be present in an amount between about 1% (w/w) and about 5% (w/w), the Terminalia Ferdinandiana extract may be present in an amount between about 0.05% (w/w) and about 3% (w/w), the Citrus Unshui extract may be present in an amount between about 0.5% (w/w) and about 5% (w/w), the Anogeissus leiocarpus extract may be present in an amount between about 0.001% (w/w) and about 2% (w/w), the Calendula extract may be present in an amount between about 0.05% (w/w) and about 3% (w/w), the Rosa, Sambucas, Matricaria and Viola extracts taken together may be present in an amount between about 0.05% (w/w) and about 3% (w/w), the Sapindus Mukrossi peel extract may be present in an amount between about 0.05% (w/w) and about 2% (w/w) and the Willowbark extract may be present in an amount between about 0.5% (w/w) and about 3% (w/w).

In yet another embodiment of the first aspect, the composition comprises: ascorbyl glucoside, Terminalia Ferdinandiana extract, Citrus Unshui extract, Anogeissus leiocarpus extract, Calendula extract, tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, Echinacea extract, Trifolium extract, Spilanthes extract, Usnea extract, Taxraxacum extract and Viola extract. The composition may be cosmetic composition in the form of a toner: The ascorbyl glucoside may be present in an amount between about 1% (w/w) and about 5% (w/w), the Terminalia Ferdinandiana extract may be present in an amount between about 1% (w/w) and about 5% (w/w), the Citrus Unshui extract may be present in an amount between about 1% (w/w) and about 10% (w/w), the Anogeissus leiocarpus extract may be present in an amount between about 0.001% (w/w) and about 2% (w/w), the Calendula extract may be present in an amount between about 0.05% (w/w) and about 3% (w/w), the tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane may be present in an amount between about 0.05% (w/w) and about 2% (w/w) and the Echinacea, Trifolium, Spilanthes, Usnea, Taxraxacum and Viola extracts taken together may be present in an amount between about 0.05% (w/w) and about 3% (w/w).

In still a further embodiment of the first aspect, the composition comprises: ascorbyl glucoside, Terminalia Ferdinandiana extract, Citrus Unshui extract, Anogeissus leiocarpus extract, Rosa extract, Sambucas extract, Matricaria extract, Viola extract, 5 Calendula extract, Marshmallow extract and tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane. The composition may be a cosmetic composition in the form of a day gel-cream for example. The ascorbyl glucoside may be present in an amount between about 1% (w/w) and about 5% (w/w), the Terminalia Ferdinandiana extract may be present in an amount between about 1% (w/w) and about 5% (w/w), the Citrus Unshui extract may be present in ano amount between about 1% (w/w) and about 10% (w/w), the Anogeissus leiocarpus extract may be present in an amount between about 0.001% (w/w) and about 2% (w/w), the Calendula extract may be present in an amount between about 0.05% (w/w) and about 3% (w/w), the tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane may be present in an amount between about 0.05% (w/w) and about 2% (w/w), the Rosa, Sambucas, Matricaria and Viola extractss taken together may be present in an amount between about 0.05% (w/w) and about 3% (w/w) and the Marshmallow extract may be present in an amount between about 0.05% (w/w) and about 2% (w/w). hi another embodiment of the first aspect, the composition comprises: ascorbyl glucoside, Citrus Unshui extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana extract, Anogeissuso leiocarpus extract, Rosa extract, Sambucas extract, Matricaria extract, Viola extract,, Calendula extract, Marshmallow extract and tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane. The composition may be cosmetic composition in the form of a night treatment cream for example. The ascorbyl glucoside may be present in an amount between about 1% (w/w) and about 5% (w/w), the Terminalia Ferdinandiana extract may be present in an amount5 between about 1% (w/w) and about 5% (w/w), the Citrus Unshui extract may be present in an amount between about 1% (w/w) and about 10% (w/w), the Anogeissus leiocarpus extract may be present in an amount between about 0.001% (w/w) and about 2% (w/w), the Calendula extract may be present in an amount between about 0.05% (w/w) and about 3% (w/w), the tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane may be present in an amount between about0 0.05% (w/w) and about 2% (w/w), the Rosa, Sambucas, Matricaria and Viola extracts taken together may be present in an amount between about 0.05% (w/w) and about 2% (w/w) and the marshmallow may be present in an amount between about 0.05% (w/w) and about 3% (w/w). hi still a further embodiment of the first aspect, the composition comprises: ascorbyl glucoside, Terminalia Ferdinandiana extract, Citrus Unshui extract, Anogeissus leiocarpus extract, Rosa extract, Sambucas extract, Matricaria extract, Viola extract,, Calendula extract, Marshmallow extract and tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane. The composition may be a cosmetic composition in the form of a concentrate for example. The ascorbyl glucoside may be present in an amount between about 1% (w/w) and about 5% (w/w), the Terminalia Ferdinandiana extract may be present in an amount between about 1% (w/w) and about 5% (w/w), the Citrus Unshui extract may be present in an amount between about 1% (w/w) and about 10% (w/w), the Anogeissus leiocarpus extract may be present in an amount between about 0.001% (w/w) and about 2% (w/w), the Calendula extract may be present in an amount between about 0.05% (w/w) and about 3% (w/w), the tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane may be present in an amount between about 0.05% (w/w) and about 2% (w/w), the Rosa, Sambucas, Matricaria and Viola extracts taken together may be present in an amount between about 0.05% (w/w) and about 2% (w/w) and the marshmallow may be present in an amount between about 0.05% (w/w) and about 3% (w/w).

In the methods of the fourth and fifth aspects, the vitamin C and the extract from a member of the Combretaceae family may be administered by standard routes, for example orally, parenterally or topically. The vitamin C and the extract from a member of the Combretaceae family may be administered by the same route, or alternatively by different routes. In one embodiment, the vitamin C and the extract from a member of the Combretaceae family are both administered topically. The vitamin C and the extract from a member of the Combretaceae family may be administered simultaneously, sequentially or separately. Sequential administration may involve administration of vitamin C and the extract from a member of the Combretaceae family within seconds of each other, or alternatively within minutes or within about 2 hours of each another. Separate administration may involve administration of vitamin C and the extract from a member of the Combretaceae family more than about 2 hours apart, and possibly up to 24 or 48 hours apart. When administered simultaneously, the vitamin C and the extract from a member of the Combretaceae family may be administered in a single composition, or alternatively as two separate compositions.

Where the vitamin C is administered in the form of a vitamin C-containing plant extract from a member of the Combretaceae family, the methods of the fourth and fifth aspects may involve administration to the subject of extracts from at least two different plants of the Combretaceae family wherein at least one extract comprises vitamin C. In the methods of the fourth to seventh aspects, the vitamin C and the extract from a member of the Combretaceae family, or the compositions of the first aspect, may be administered on a once-a-day basis or alternatively on multiple occasions depending on the desired outcome. The amount of vitamin C and extract from a member of the Combretaceae family or the amount of the composition of the first aspect that are administered, and the frequency of administration will vary depending on the initial condition of the skin or hair of the subject and the desired end result. In general, the compositions of the first aspect or vitamin C and extract from a member of the Combretaceae family may be administered to a subject in a sufficient amount and for a sufficient period of time to improve visible signs of skin ageing, visibly lighten the skin colour or visibly lighten the hair colour. Suitable dosage regimes can readily be determined by the skilled addressee.

The methods of the sixth and seventh aspects may involve the administration of various products or vehicles comprising the compositions to the skin or hair during a 24 hour period. For example, a cleanser and a sunscreen may be applied in the morning, followed by a night treatment cream or mask in the evening.

In the uses of the eighth to eleventh aspects, the composition may be a topical composition. Where the vitamin C in the compositions of the eighth and tenth aspects is in the form of a vitamin C-containing plant extract from a member of the Combretaceae family, the compositions may comprise extracts from at least two different plants of the

Combretaceae family wherein at least one extract comprises vitamin C.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

The present invention will now be described with reference to specific examples, which should not be construed as in any way limiting the scope of the invention.

Examples

Example 1 - Stimulation of Vitamin C incorporation into human dermal fibroblasts

Human fibroblasts from a person 40 years of age are treated with Anogeissus extract at different concentrations and incubated for a period of 48 hours. After addition of C) 4 ascorbic acid solution and an incubation period of 6 hours, the cells are lyzed and radioactivity is measured by scintillation. At a concentration of 5 μg/ml of Anogeissus extract, vitamin C incorporation into the fibroblasts was increased by about 40%. By increasing vitamin C uptake into the fibroblasts, Anogeissus extract helps to stimulate collagen synthesis.

Example 2 - Compositions

Example 2.1

W/O Cream (%)

Paraffin 10,00 Ozokerite 4,00

Vaseline 4,00

Vegetable Oil 10,00

Wool Wax Alcohol 2,00

Aluminium Stearate 0,40 Anogeissus leiocαrpus 0,01

Citrus unshiu 0,09

Ascorbyl Palmitate 0,05

Preservative q.s.

Fragrance q.s. Aqua ad 100,00

Example 2.2

W/O Lotion (%)

Paraffin 25,00 Silicon Oil 2,00

Ceresin 1,50

Wool Wax Alcohol 0,50

Glucose Sesqui Isostearate 2,50

Anogeissus leiocαrpus 0.01 Ascorbyl Glucoside 0,06

Terminαliα ferdinαndiαnα 0,1

Preservative q.s.

Fragrance q.s. Aqua ad 100,00

Example 2.3

OAV Lotion (vo) Paraffin 5,00

Isopropyl Palmitate 5,00

Cetyl Alcohol 2,00

Bees Wax 2,00

Ceteareth-20 2,00 PEG-20-Glyceryl Stearate 1,50

Glycerol 3,00

Anogeissus leiocarpus 0,05

Ascorbic Acid 0,1

Erythrobotrya japonica 0,7 Tetrahydrocurcuminoids 0.1

Preservative q.s.

Fragrance q.s. Aqua ad 100,00

Example 2.4

OAV Cream (%)

Sunflower Oil 10,00

Cetyl Alcohol 2,00

Glyceryl Mono Stearate 1,50 PEG-30-Glyceryl Stearate 2,00

Glycerol 3,00

Isopropyl Palmitate 5,00

Carbopol 980 (neutralised) 0,30

Anogeissus leiocarpus 0,05 Ascorbyl Palminate 0,1

Prunus virginianus 0,2

Preservative q.s.

Fragrance q.s. Aqua ad 100,00

Example 2.5

Skin Balm (%)

5 Vaseline 36,00

Ceresin 10,00

Zinc Oxide 4,00

Walnut Oil 20,00

Anogeissus leiocarpus 0,03 io Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 0,5

Vaccinium vitis-ideae 0,03

Preservative q.s.

Fragrance q.s. Paraffin ad 100,00

I₅

Example 2.6

Skincare Oil (%)

Cetyl Palmitate 3,00

C_12.15- Alkyl Benzoate 2,00

20 Poly iso-Butene 10,00

Squalane 2,00

Anogeissus leiocarpus 0,03

Ascorbic Acid 0,2

Solatium melogena 0,5 5 Preservative q.s.

Fragrance q.s. Paraffin ad 100,00

Example 2.7 0 Bath Oil (%)

Paraffin 20,00

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil 5,00

Anogeissus leiocarpus 0,01 Ascorbyl Glucoside 0,4

Hippophae rhamnoides 0, 1

Tetrahydrocurcuminoids 0.2

Preservative q.s. Fragrance q.s. Soy Oil ad 100,00

Example 2.8

Lip Stick (%) Ceresin 8,00

Bees Wax 4,00

Carnauba Wax 2,00

Vaseline 40,00

Hydrogenated Castor Oil 4,00 Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride 6,00

Anogeissus leiocarpus 0,01

Actinidia arguta 0,5

Dimocarpus longan 0,8

Preservative q.s. Fragrance q.s. Paraffin ad 100,00

Example 2.9

Face Care Mask (%) PEG-50 Lanolin 0,50

Glyceryl Stearate 2,00

Sunflower Oil 3,00

Bentonite 8,00

Kaolin 35,00 Zinc Oxide 5,00

Anogeissus leiocarpus 0,01

Ascorbyl Citrate 0,05

Shepherdia argenta 0,3 Preservative q.s.

Fragrance q.s. Aqua ad 100,00

Example 2.10

Liposomal Gel (%)

Lecithin 6,00

Vegetable Oil 12,50

Hydrolysed Collagen 2,00 Xanthan Gum 1,40

Butylene Glycol 3,00

Anogeissus leiocarpus 0,02

Rubus occidentalis 0,3

Vaccinium oxycoccus 0,7 Arbutin 0.1

Preservative q.s.

Fragrance q.s. Aqua ad 100,00

Example 2.11

Shower Gel (%)

Cocoamido Diacetate 10,00

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 25,00

Potassium Cocoyl Hydrolysed Collagen 5,00 Macadamia Nut Oil 5,00

Sodium Chloride 0,60

Anogeissus leiocarpus 0,03

Rubus probus 0, 1

Diospyros texana 0,2 Preservative q.s.

Fragrance q.s. Aqua ad 100,00 Example 2.12

Soap (%)

Sodium Tallowate 60,00

Sodium Cocoate 28,00 Sodium Chloride 0,50

Anogeissus leiocarpus 0,01

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 0,05

Melastoma affine 0,2

Preservative q.s. Fragrance q.s. Aqua ad 100,00

Example 2.13

Syndet (%) Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 30,00

Sodium Sulfo Succinate 10,00

Potassium Cocoyl Hydrolysed Collagen 2,00

Dimethicon Copolyol 2,00

Paraffin 2,00 Corn starch 10,00

Talcum 10,00

Glycerol 3,00

Anogeissus leiocarpus 0,005

Citrus glauca 0,3 Actinidia deliciosa 0,5

Preservative q.s.

Fragrance q.s. Aqua ad 100,00

Example 2.14

Shampoo (%)

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 34,00

Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate 6,00 Cocoamido Propyl Betaine 10,00

Glycol Distearate 5,00

Anogeissus leiocarpus 0,1

Podocarpus elatus 0,3 Citrus unshiu 0,5

Kojic Acid 0.1

Preservative q.s.

Fragrance q.s. Aqua ad 100,00

Example 2.15

Conditioner (%)

Cocoamido Propyl Betaine 5,00

Cetyl Alcohol 2,00 Propylene Glycol 2,00

Citric Acid 0,30

Anogeissus leiocarpus 0,02

Citrus limon 0,05

Preservative q.s. Fragrance q.s. Aqua ad 100,00

Example 2.16

Styling Cream (%) Vaseline 4,00

Cetearyl Alcohol 4,00

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil 2,00

Isopropyl Palmitate 5,00

Citric Acid 1,00 Anogeissus leiocarpus 0,01

Ascorbyl Acetate 0,05

Terminalia ferdinandiana 0,7

Citrus unshiu 0.2 Preservative q.s.

Fragrance q.s. Aqua ad 100,00

Example 2.17

Shaving Foam (%)

Stearic Acid 7,00

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 3,00

Stearyl Alcohol 1,00 Glycerol 5,00

Triethanol Amine 3,60

Anogeissus leiocarpus 0,05

Actinidia arguta 0,1

Kunzea pomifera 0,5 Preservative q.s.

Fragrance q.s. Aqua ad 100,00

Example 2.18 Foot Cream (%)

Soluan 5 2,00

Methyl Salicylate 5,00

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride 10,00

Stearic Acid 5,00 Cetyl Alcohol 1,00

Glycerol 2,00

Dimethicon 1 ,00

Carbopol 984 0,50

Triethanol Amine 1,50 Anogeissus leiocarpus 0,03

Ascorbyl Glucoside 1,0

Citrus gracilis 0,8

Preservative q.s. Fragrance 0,4 Aqua ad 100,00

Example 2.19 Deodorant Pump Spray (%)

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil 2,00

Glycerol 1,00

Anogeissus leiocarpus 0,03

Ascorbyl Acetate 0,2 Capparis mitchellii 0,7

Preservative q.s.

Fragrance q.s. Water ad 100,00

Example 2.20

Deodorant Roll-on Gel (%)

1,3-Butylene Glycol 2,00

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil 2,00

Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose 0,50 Anogeissus leiocarpus 0,02

Syzygium luehmannii 0,7

Acacia colei 0,3

Preservative q.s.

Fragrance q.s. Aqua ad 100,00

Example 2.21

Deodorant Stick (%)

Hydrogenated Castor Oil 5,00 Bees Wax 6,00

Ceresin 30,00

C_12.15-Alkyl Benzoate 17,00

Anogeissus leiocarpus 0,01 Curcubita moschata 0,3 Punica granatum 0,7 Preservative q.s. Fragrance q.s. Octyl Dodecanol ad 100,00

Example 2.22 Microemulsion /O) l,3-Di-(2-ethylhexyl)-cyclohexane 35,00 Glyceryl Lanolate 5,00

Sorbitan Monolaurate 10,00

Citric Acid q.s.

Anogeissus leiocarpus 0,01

Citrus medica 0,4 Paullinia cupana 0.5

Preservative q.s.

Fragrance q.s.

Aqua ad 100.0

Example 2.23 OAV Emulsions with high UV protection (about SPF 20)

Example 2.24 W/O Emulsions with high UV protection (about SPF 20)

Example 2.25 W/O Emulsions with very high or ultra-high UV protection (SPFs of about 30 / 40 / 50 and above)

Example 2.26 OAV Emulsions with very high UV protection (SPFs of about 30 / 40 / 50 and above)

Example 2.27 Brightening Night Cream 7o) Deionized Water 59.935

Glycerin 3.000

Keltrol CG 0.250

Avicel PC591 1.500

Euxyl PE9010 1.000 Totarol 0.010

Anogeissus Leiocarpus Bark Extract 0.005

Montanov 68 5.000

Lipovol SUN 3.000

Phytolane 1.000 Emersol 7036 0.500

Lipovol SAF 2.000

Fragrance 0.651

Melaslow {Citrus unshiu extract) 5.000

Kakadu Plum Extract 2.000 PP MD 45 1.000

PP Calendula 1.000

Fucogel 1000 NI 2.000 PP Marshmallow 1.000

Sodium Hyaluronate ( 1 % solution in water) 1.000

Deionized Water 4.000

AA2G (ascorbyl glucoside) 1.950 NaOH, 18% QS*

SD Alcohol 40B- 190 3.000

Sabiwhite (tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane) 0.200 *0.75% OfNaOH 18% solution to adjust pH to 5.0 to 5.5

Example 2.28

Brightening Day Cream GeI (%)

Deionized Water 56.335

Glycerin 2.000

Amigel 0.400 Euxyl PE9010 1.000

Totarol 0.010

Anogeissus Leiocarpus Bark Extract 0.005

NaOH, 18% 0.600

Montanov 68 4.500 Soline 2.000

Phytolane 2.000

Lipovol J 1.500

Liponate GC 7.000

Covi-OX T-50 0.100 Natural Bisabolol 0.100

Melaslow {Citrus unshiu extract) 5.000

Kakadu Plum Extract 2.000

PP MD 45 0.100

PP Calendula 0.100 Fucogel 1000 NI 4.000

PP Marshmallow 0.100

Merospheres V 1.000

Sodium Hyaluronate (1% aqueous solution) 2.000 Deionized Water 4.000

AA2G (ascorbyl glucoside) 1.950

NaOH, 18% QS

SD Alcohol 40B- 190 2.000 Sabiwhite (tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane) 0.200

Example 2.29

Brightening Cleanser (%)

Emeryl 655 Myristic Acid 5.000 Emersol 7036 12.000

Glycerin 12.000

Prifrac 2922 2.000

Lipovol G 1.000

Emersol 7043 2.000 Deionized Water 33.699

Potassium Hydroxide, 45% Solution 8.000

Plantaren 1200 2.000

Plantaren 2000 8.000

Lamesoft PO65 2.000 Barcleanse NL 0.100

Euxyl PE9010 1.000

Totarol 0.010

Fragrance 1.186

Melaslow (Citrus unshiu extract) 1.000 Kakadu Plum Extract 0.250

PP MD 45 0.250

PP Calendula 1.000

Anogeissus Leiocarpus Bark Extract 0.005

Willowbark Extract 1.000 Deionized Water 4.000

AA2G (ascorbyl glucoside) 0.500

Ronapeel 2.000 Example 2.30

Brightening Toner (%)

Deionized Water 72.349

AA2G (ascorbyl glucoside) 1.950 NaOH, 18% QS*

Euxyl PE9010 1.00

Totarol 0.010

Anogeissus Leiocarpus Bark Extract 0.005

Sisterna L70C 2.000 Natisol 1.500

Fragrance 0.086

Deionized Water 10.000

Melaslow {Citrus unshiu extract) 5.000

Kakadu Plum Extract 2.000 PP DS 45 0.500

PP Calendula 0.500

SD Alcohol 40B- 190 3.000

Sabiwhite (tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane) 0.100 *1.36% of NaOH 18% solution to adjust pH to about 5.7

Example 2.31

Brightening Concentrate (%)

Deionized Water 55.944

Glycerin 5.000 Keltrol CG 0.200

Avicel PC591 1.500

Euxyl PE9010 1.000

Totarol 0.005

Natural Bisabolol 0.100 Anogeissus Leiocarpus Bark Extract 0.005

Sodium DHA 0.250

Emulium Kappa 6.000

Floraesters IPJ 4.000 Phytolane 1.000

Lipocire A Pellets 1.500

Lipocol S 0.700

Lipovol SUN 3.000 Fragrance 0.146

Melaslow {Citrus unshiu extract) 5.000

Kakadu Plum Extract 2.000

PP MD 45 1.000

PP Calendula 0.500 Sodium Hyaluronate (1%) 2.000

PP Marshmallow 1.000

Deionized Water 4.000

AA2G (ascorbyl glucoside) 1.950

SDA 40B- 190 2.000 Sabiwhite (tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane) 0.200

NaOH, 18% QS*

*0.95% of NaOH 18% was used to adjust pH to 5.0 to 5.5

Example 2.32

Brightening Essence

Example 2.33 Brightening Day Cream

Totarol 0.010% 0.010% 0.010

Fragrance 0.328% 0.328% 0.328%

Citrus Unshiu (peel Extract) (and) Glycerin 5.000% 5.000% 5.000

Glycerin (and) Alcohol (and) Terminalia Ferdinandiana Extract 2.000% 2.000% 2.000

PP MD 45 1.000% 0.500% 1.000

PP Calendula Lotion 0.500% 0.500% 0.500

PP Marshmallow 1.000% 0.500% 1 000

Sodium Hyaluronate 2.000% 1.000% 2 000

Alcohol 2.000% 2.000% 2.000

Anogeissus Leiocarpus Bark Extract 0.005% 0.005% 0.005

Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane 0.500% 0.200%

Ascorbyl Glucoside 0.500% 1.950% 1 950

Buffer 0.500% 2.000% w

Sodium Citrate 0.300

Citric Acid 0.020

Potassium Hydroxide 3.700

Sodium Hydroxide QS QS 0.086

100.000% 100.000% 100.000

Example 2.34

Brightening Night Treatment

Example 2.35 Brightening Cleanser

Example 2.36 Brightening Mist

From a reading of the description above in light of the appended drawings, it will be obvious to those with ordinary skill in the art that further modifications and changes may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as claimed.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A composition comprising an extract from one or more plants of the Combretaceae family and a vitamin C-containing plant extract.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the one or more plants of the Combretaceae family are plants from the following genera: Anogeissus, Buchenavia,

Bucida, Calopyxis, Calycopteris, Combretum, Conocarpus, Dansiea, Guiera, Laguncularia, Lumnitzera, Macropteranthes, Melostemon, Pteleopsis, Quisqualis, Strephonema, Terminalia, Terminaliopsis or Thiloa.

3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the one or more plants of the Combretaceae family are plants from the following genera: Anogeissus, Combretum,

Conocarpus, Strephonema or Terminalia.

4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the one or more plants of the Combretaceae family are plants from the genus Anogeissus.

5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the plant from the genus Anogeissus is Anogeissus leiocarpus.

6. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the extract from one or more plants of the Combretaceae family is obtained from bark, stems or leaves.

7. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the vitamin C- containing plant extract is an extract from a plant of the Combretaceae family.

8. The composition of claim 7, wherein the vitamin C-containing plant extract is an extract from the genus Terminalia.

9. The composition of claim 7, wherein the vitamin C-containing plant extract is an extract from Terminalia Ferdinandiana.

10. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the vitamin C- containing plant extract is an extract from a plant selected from the group consisting of:

Bush plum, Davidson's plum, Illawarra plum, Desert Lime, Finger Lime and Lily PiIy.

11. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising vitamin C in a free form.

12. The composition of claim 11, wherein the vitamin C in a free form is selected from the group consisting of: ascorbyl glucoside, ascorbyl acetate and ascorbyl palmitate.

13. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising Citrus Unshui extract.

14. The composition of claim 13, wherein the Citrus Unshui extract is a peel extract.

15. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising one or more tetrahydrocucuminoids .

16. The composition of claim 15, wherein the one or more tetrahydrocucuminoids is tetrahydrodiferuolylmethane.

17. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 16, which is a synergistic composition.

18. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, diluents and/or adjuvants.

19. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 18, which is adapted for topical administration.

20. Use of an extract from a member of the Combretaceae family to induce the uptake of vitamin C, or a derivative thereof into a cell.

21. The use of claim 20 wherein the member of the Combretaceae family is selected from the following genera: Anogeissus, Buchenavia, Bucida, Calopyxis, Calycopteris, Combretum, Conocarpus, Dansiea, Guiera, Laguncularia, Lumnitzera, Macropteranthes, Melostemon, Pteleopsis, Quisqualis, Strephonema, Terminalia, Terminaliopsis or Thiloa.

22. The use of claim 21, wherein the member of the Combretaceae family is selected from the following genera: Anogeissus, Combretum, Conocarpus, Strephonema or Terminalia.

23. The use of claim 22, wherein the member of the Combretaceae family is from the genera Anogeissus.

24. The use of claim 23 wherein the member of the Combretaceae family is Anogeissus leiocarpus.

25. The use of any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the vitamin C is provided as part of a vitamin C-containing plant extract.

26. The use of claim 25, wherein the vitamin C-containing plant extract is an extract from a member of the Combretaceae family.

27. The use of claim 26, wherein the vitamin C-containing plant extract is Terminalia Ferdinandiana.

28. The use of any one of claims 20 to 27, wherein the cell is a skin cell or a mucosal cell.

29. The use of claim 28, wherein the skin cell or mucosal cell is a keratinocyte, a fibroblast or a melanocyte.

30. The use of claim 29, wherein the fibroblast is a dermal fibroblast.

31. Use of a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 19 to induce the uptake of vitamin C, or a derivative thereof into a cell.

32. A method for treating and/or retarding skin ageing in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administration to the subject of vitamin C, or a derivative thereof and an extract from a member of the Combretaceae family.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the vitamin C is provided as part of a vitamin C-containing plant extract.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the vitamin C-containing plant extract is an extract of a member of the Combretaceae family.

35. The method of any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the skin ageing is UV- induced skin ageing.

36. The method of any one of claims 32 to 35, wherein the vitamin C and the extract from a member of the Combretaceae family are topically administered.

37. A method for lightening skin or modulating hair colour in a subject, the method comprising administration to the subject of vitamin C, or a derivative thereof and an extract from a member of the Combretaceae family.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein modulating hair colour involves lightening the hair colour.

39. The method of claim 37 or claim 38, wherein the vitamin C is provided as part of a vitamin C-containing plant extract.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the vitamin C-containing plant extract is an extract of a member of the Combretaceae family.

41. The method of any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein the vitamin C and the extract from a member of the Combretaceae family are topically administered.

42. A method for treating and/or retarding skin ageing in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administration to the subject of a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

43. A method for lightening skin or modulating hair colour in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administration to the subject of a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

44. Use of vitamin C, or a derivative thereof and an extract from a member of the Combretaceae family in the manufacture of a composition for treating and/or retarding skin ageing.

45. The use of claim 44, wherein the vitamin C is provided as part of a vitamin C- containing plant extract.

46. The use of claim 45, wherein the vitamin C-containing plant extract is an an extract of a member of the Combretaceae family.

47. Use of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 19 in the manufacture of a composition for treating and/or retarding skin ageing.

48. Use of vitamin C, or a derivative thereof and an extract from a member of the

Combretaceae family in the manufacture of a composition for lightening skin or modulating hair colour.

49. The use of claim 48, wherein the vitamin C is provided as part of a vitamin C- containing plant extract.

50. The use of claim 49, wherein the vitamin C-containing plant extract is an extract of a member of the Combretaceae family.

51. Use of a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 19 in the manufacture of a composition for lightening skin or modulating hair colour.