In vitro and ex vivo examination of topical Pomiferin treatments.

Pomiferin is a unique, prenylated isoflavonoid that can be isolated and purified from the fruits of Maclura pomifera (Osage Orange). The molecule typically is isolated with a small amount of a molecule called Osajin which is structurally similar to Pomiferin but lacks an aromatic hydroxyl group. As a consequence, Osajin has been shown to be a less effective antioxidant than Pomiferin. In vitro studies on Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts demonstrate that Pomiferin is a potent extracellular matrix protein stimulant, showing increases in collagen, elastin and fibrillin expression comparable or superior to equivalent concentrations of retinol. Ex vivo hair follicle assays demonstrate comparable effects on expression of collagen and elastin at Pomiferin concentrations in the range of 0.05-5 ppm. Taken together, the results from the two assays conducted on different models indicate that Pomiferin may be a very interesting ingredient for topical skin and scalp treatments where modulation of the expression of extracellular matrix proteins is important.