Frankincense Intense Frequently Asked Questions Plant Stem Cells As part of our research into advanced natural ingredients and formulations, to create the most effective organic skincare, NYR is developing a range of products containing innovative plant stem cells. Plant stem cells contain all the genetic phytochemical information of the mature plant in its developing stage of growth. They possess unique self-renewal properties, and it’s this ability to enhance cellular longevity that makes them ideal for use in premium age-defying skincare. FAQ Q. What are stem cells? ‘Stem cells’ are naturally occurring cells in plant and animal organisms that have a unique growth characteristic. They can make exact copies of themselves, or differentiate (split) to become separate, specialised cells. Q. Are you using human / animal stem cells? A. No. Stem cells have the same renewal and growth functions in any organism, whether it be human, animal or vegetable. The Neal’s Yard Remedies skincare range is strictly vegetarian; we use only stem cells from plants. Q. What exactly are plant stem cells? A. All plants contain stem cells in the tissues where growth can take place – the apical and root meristems. These ‘undifferentiated’ stem cells have the potential to become various organs of the plant (for example roots, leaves, flowers) and are responsible for the continuous growth of the plant. Q. How are plant stem cells produced? A. A tiny portion of a plant tissue is taken, for example a “thin slice” of a leaf. From this, the plant stem cells are isolated and cultivated in a suitable nutritional medium (e.g. water, salts, etc). Then, when the plant stem cells are appropriately developed, the mixture is filtered to remove the culture and leave only a concentration of the pure stem cells. The pure plant cells are then mixed with glycerine to be easily usable by cosmetic formulators. Glycerine is chosen because it is a widely accepted cosmetic ingredient, is vegetable in origin, and has bacteria-inhibiting properties. Q. Is the glycerine used sustainable? A. Yes, it is. The glycerine used in our plant stem cell is a pure, vegetable glycerine derived from rape seed, coconut and palm. Where palm is used, it is RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified, which guarantees the palms are ethically and sustainably cultivated. Q. Are plant stem cells a GMO (genetically modified organism)? A. No. Neither our plant stem cells nor any substance involved in the process is genetically modified. The plant cells are cultivated and concentrated using mechanic filtration, nothing genetically altering happens to the plant. Our plant stem cells are certified GMO free, and their use is approved by the Soil Association. We do not use GM ingredients in any of our products. Q. Is the use of plant stem cells sustainable? A. Yes, plant stems cells are the ultimate in eco-efficacy. The reduction of environmental impact is incredible. When compared to conventional farming and extraction procedures, virtually no soil and water are used, giving fantastic environmental savings and making plant stem cells highly sustainable. Q. What is the impact of plant stem cell technology on the environment? A. This is a very environmentally friendly approach, with no impact on the biodiversity as there is no need to collect plants from the wild or from crop. For these reasons, amongst others, relevant food institutions (e.g. F.A.O.) have endorsed the use of plant stem cells cultures to produce natural substances for the food industry. For example, it has been estimated that the production of a certain natural substance by means of a traditional process needs approximately 1300 and 400 times more water and soil (intended as surface coverage) than that carried out by means of plant stem cells technology. Q. Does plant stem cell technology require the use of pesticides? A. No. The plant stem cells grow in a sterile medium, which means they’re free from pesticide residue, heavy metals and aflatoxins (fungal toxins). Q. Is the use of plant stem cells safe? A. Yes, it is. First of all, all substances approved for use in cosmetic applications must have undergone serious safety and toxicology studies to prove their safety. These studies have been conducted in-vitro (tested on laboratory cell cultures) as well as on human volunteers, but never on animals. Secondly, because of the origin and production process of plant stem cells, consumers can benefit from a higher safety profile for the total absence of environmental pollutants and a superior level of standardization due to strict control of the culture parameters.
Posted on: Mon, 09 Sep 2013 16:21:50 +0000
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