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Beauty
The history of tea dates back to 3000 BC. The Chinese and Hindus both claim the honour of being the first to drink the famous concoction. According to the legend, the Emperor-God Shen Nung was boiling water under a tree for a drink when the wind swept a few leaves off the tree and into the water. The emperor tasted it and found its flavour very delicate. It was a wild tea plant. Buddhist monks drink a lot of Tea as it helps them stay awake during their long meditations. The drink’s popularity then spread to Europe in the 17th Century and the traditional English teatime was launched by the Duchess of Bedford in the early 19th Century. There are five types of Tea, each obtained from the same species but with the leaves treated differently. For green tea, the leaves are quickly heat-dried (to kill the enzymes) then rolled and dried again; this offers an unfermented tea. Tea leaves contain large quantities of antioxidant substances which act against free radicals and protect our cells from everyday aggressions. Green tea is therefore traditionally used in consumer care as an active protective compound. The oily extract of green tea contains fatty acids (mainly oleic acid) and phytosterols with emollient and regenerating powers. Like other Heliami™ ingredients, this organic botanical is extracted in high-oleic acid sunflower oil, which is more effective at preserving the skin barrier integrity and preventing skin dehydration compared to conventional sunflower oil.
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Beauty
Silicon is the most abundant chemical element on earth after oxygen (approximately 28%), however it does not exist in its free form in nature. On the other hand, it is very abundant, almost always in a cristalline form, with a regular tridimensional structure: its basic pattern is a tetrahedron with an oxygen atom on each tip and a silicon atom in the middle. It forms compounds such as silicon dioxide (SiO2), contained in several minerals: - Quartz, by far the most abundant, which offers (in its various forms) a remarkable choice of semi-precious stones: pink quartz, citrine quartz (fake topaz), amethyst, etc.; the colour of the crystals is due to the presence of various elements (manganese, iron, nickel, etc.), - Sand, used as far back as ancient times to make glass, - Other minerals such as tridymite, which is rare and underexploited, or cristobalite, which is even rarer, and is contained in some magma rocks where it forms at very high temperatures (obsidian for example). Silicon also exists in the form of silicates, in feldspars or clays for example, in which the SiO2 group is linked to other atoms (aluminium, iron, magnesium, calcium, sodium, potas- sium, etc.). Silicon is also contained in the plant kingdom in the form of silica (horsetail, diatoms, etc.) and, in very small quantities, in the animal kingdom in the form of organic silicon (in connective tissues in particular). The name ‘silicon’ comes from the Latin word silex, which means ‘stone’.
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Beauty
Silicon is the most abundant chemical element on earth after oxygen (approximately 28%), however it does not exist in its free form in nature. On the other hand, it is very abundant, almost always in a cristalline form, with a regular tridimensional structure: its basic pattern is a tetrahedron with an oxygen atom on each tip and a silicon atom in the middle. It forms compounds such as silicon dioxide (SiO2), contained in several minerals: - Quartz, by far the most abundant, which offers (in its various forms) a remarkable choice of semi-precious stones: pink quartz, citrine quartz (fake topaz), amethyst, etc.; the colour of the crystals is due to the presence of various elements (manganese, iron, nickel, etc.), - Sand, used as far back as ancient times to make glass, - Other minerals such as tridymite, which is rare and underexploited, or cristobalite, which is even rarer, and is contained in some magma rocks where it forms at very high temperatures (obsidian for example). Silicon also exists in the form of silicates, in feldspars or clays for example, in which the SiO2 group is linked to other atoms (aluminium, iron, magnesium, calcium, sodium, potas- sium, etc.). Silicon is also contained in the plant kingdom in the form of silica (horsetail, diatoms, etc.) and, in very small quantities, in the animal kingdom in the form of organic silicon (in connective tissues in particular). The name ‘silicon’ comes from the Latin word silex, which means ‘stone’.
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Incotec
X-ray technology consists of a synergetic combination of complex techniques. Applying state of the art technologies including deep learning to refine the performance of X-ray upgrading has resulted in the next step in X-ray seed upgrading: X-ray neXt.
This intelligent technology has brought upgrading to the next level of efficiency. Seed selection has never been more efficient or more able to deliver maximum yield from your tomato seed lot while maintaining the requested Useable Transplants percentage (UT%). X-ray neXt upgrades a tomato seed lot in a highly accurate manner and delivers more selected seeds given your requested UT%. This is a result of new smart technology that selects and assesses subtle abnormalities much better and faster than the human eye can. Seed should be primed before X-ray upgrading first. X-ray neXt is available in 4 options:
1. X-ray neXt Special Senso: is a sensitive priming which offers a good speed of emergence without the risk of blind plants, and consequently will enhance vegetable stand establishment.
2. X-ray neXt Special Presto: for cultivars that are not susceptible to blind plants, the Presto priming offers an even higher increased speed of uniform emergence.
3. X-ray neXt Special Premium: Incotec’s new, unrivalled tomato priming which will help seed to emerge in the quickest and most uniform way. The risk of blind plants is minimal, the priming is suited for all seed varieties.
4. X-ray neXt customer primed
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Beauty
Prickly Pear Cactuses have an important place in the history of Mexico, so much so that they appear on the national flag. Cultivation is thought to have started about 5,000 years ago. Before Christopher Columbus' arrival, prickly pears were, along with Maize, one of the main food resources for Amerindians. The plant was
introduced into Europe during the 16th Century by the Spanish conquistadors returning from the New World.
Pad extract is traditionally used as a poultice to soothe skin inflammation and insect bites or stings, especially tarantula bites. The Holy Roman Emperor Charles V is said to have been cured of a severe disease in a few weeks by applying nopal to his ulcers. Pad succus is also said to help stimulate hair growth.
Both flowers and fruits are often used as anti-diarrhoeic. In southern Europe and North Africa, the Cactus is used to grow impassable live fences. Traditionally, Arab people plant these cactuses around their homes for example. Thornless varieties also exist, which are used as fodder for cattle.
Preparami ER has been shown to boost the cell defense by stimulating the HSP (Heat Shock Proteins) and improve cell resistance to UV rays by evaluating keratinocytes viability. It has also demonstrated to reducevthe the SA-ß-galactosidase activity thus slowing down cellular ageing. Finally the activation of PPARα (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors) synthesis help to accelerate the repairing process of skin.
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Beauty
Milk Thistle is a biennial, herbaceous plant, native to southern Europe and Northern Africa. It is also widely cultivated now. It bears large green shiny leaves and purple tubulous flowers surrounded by thorny bracts. Milk Thistle was already known to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who used it to treat liver and bile disorders. Pliny recommended drinking Milk Thistle juice with a little honey to eliminate excess bile.
Its leaves, flowers and roots have historically been considered a vegetable in European diets, and its fruits (achenes), which resemble seeds, have been roasted for use as a coffee substitute. The plant is also part of the TCM and known as Shui Fei Ji. The plant is still used today used as an antidote for Amanita mushroom poisoning and to protect the liver and kidneys from toxic medications. Milk Thistle symbolises sacred things and protection.
Lipolami ER is a 100% naturally derived ester obtained from milk thistle oil extracted from seeds. It provides skincare products with luxurious skin-feel: formulations are softer, with non oily touch, not sticky and easy to spread. It also improves quality of emulsions thanks to its fluidity and low surface tension and more comfort of foaming products. Finally, it's the perfect dispersant for pigments and minerals for make-up formulas. As an ingredient with biological activity, Lipolami ER preserves the skin barrier function against dryness and delipidation.
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Beauty
Honey is a centuries old household recipe which has gained the status of universal ingredient in countless medicinal traditions. Owing to this reputation, it occupies of position of choice in cosmetics as a true skin delicacy, thanks to its gentle and sweet smell, as well as its moisturising, purifying, healing and soothing properties. As a known, reassuring ingredient, it has been able to fit within this feel-good, naturalness and health trend.
Manuka plays a key role in the New-Zealand ecosystem as a facilitating species, since this shrub facilitates the implantation and growth of other species to foster the regeneration of indigenous forest. Also named tea tree, this ancestral nutraceutical in the Maori pharmacopea is used by the healers as a topical application to soothe rashes, burns and fosters wound healing.
The manuka honey is a monofloral honey nicknamed the ʺchampagne of honeysʺ due to the short flowering period of the tree and its superior medicinal qualities. Indeed, this New-Zealand honey is said to exhibit antibacterial qualities higher than that of other honeys thanks to the presence of methylglyoxal. Owing to its sugars, flavonoids and phenolic acids, honey moisturises and soothes the skin. The fresh, healthy complexion is again radiant. Last but not least, its vitamins and minerals contribute to the revitalisation of capillary fibers for beautiful hair.
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Incotec
X-ray technology consists of a synergetic combination of complex techniques. Applying state of the art technologies including deep learning to refine the performance of X-ray upgrading has resulted in the next step in X-ray seed upgrading: X-ray neXt Organic. This intelligent technology has brought upgrading to the next level of efficiency. Seed selection has never been more efficient or more able to deliver maximum yield from your tomato seed lot while maintaining the requested Useable Transplants percentage (UT%). X-ray neXt upgrades a tomato seed lot in a highly accurate manner and delivers more selected seeds given your requested UT%. This is a result of new smart technology that selects and assesses subtle abnormalities much better and faster than the human eye can. Seed should be primed before X-ray upgrading first. X-ray neXt Organic is available in 3 options:
1. X-ray neXt Special Organic Senso: is a sensitive priming which offers a good speed of emergence without the risk of blind plants, and consequently will enhance vegetable stand establishment.
2. X-ray neXt Special Organic Presto: for cultivars that are not susceptible to blind plants, the Presto priming offers an even higher increased speed of uniform emergence.
3. X-ray neXt Organic customer primed: X-ray neXt is also available for organic customer primed seed.
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Beauty
Originally from the Near East, blueberries grow wild in all temperate regions, often in maize fields. The name Centaurea comes from the Greek Centaureion, a herb used by the Centaur Chiron, who, according to legend, discovered its properties by treating his arrow-wounded foot with the plant's milk. The name cyanus comes from the Greek cyanos, meaning dark blue. The medicinal properties of cornflower were first mentioned in the 12th century. A decoction of cornflower was prescribed for irritated eyes and eyelids, to treat conjunctivitis and, more generally, for inflammations of the skin and mucous membranes. In the past, cornflower was used to treat coughs and for its tonic and aperitive properties. It was also used to regulate menstrual disorders, stimulate liver activity and increase the body's resistance to infection. The flowers, but especially the leaves, were traditionally used to treat rheumatic and joint pain. Finally, the seeds were used as a mild laxative for children.
Made from flowers picked just after they have bloomed, Heliami Cornflower EC contains mainly fatty acids and terpenoids, with emollient, soothing and antibacterial properties. Like other Heliami™ ingredients, this organic botanical is extracted in high-oleic acid sunflower oil, which is more effective at preserving the skin barrier integrity and preventing skin dehydration compared to conventional sunflower oil.
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Beauty
Chinese consumers have difficulties finding beauty products reducing the skin discomfort caused by sensitive skin, an increasingly common phenomenon due to modern life conditions. To meet their expectations, they need to be scientifically tested, with more natural and more effective ingredients and dedicated to Asian skin. Sensitive skin alters the essential barrier role of the skin, whose homeostasis is fundamental to its function as a shield against external aggressions. When the balance of the skin is impacted, it can then no longer protect the organism and skin becomes irritated and uncomfortable. To address sensitive skin, Chinese consumers naturally trust traditional Chinese medicine, which is based on the belief that all organs are connected by a flow of vital energy circulating through our body. It keeps us physically, mentally, emotionally and even spiritually healthy. When this energy gets unbalanced, body is unhealthy and skin issues appear. Traditional Chinese medicine approach to skin care advocates for the stimulation of the body’s own restorative mechanisms with prescriptions. To restore the body’s balance, these herbal remedies use combinations of plants instead of relying on a single herb. PhytAura™ is an innovative active ingredient, based on the synergy of 4 plants taken from an ancestral prescription: skullcap root, liquorice root, peony root and jujube fruit. Its optimised manufacturing process combines heritage and modern science.
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Beauty
Baobab trees are native to South Africa, they grow in many African countries, they are typical of semi-arid and sub-humid wooded savannahs, and they live several centuries. Baobabs reach 5 to 25m in height, and have a characteristic short, very large (10m in diameter), abnormal-shaped trunk. Baobab fruits are traditional food in Africa known for its nutritional properties. The young leaves of baobab trees are popular as vegetables and used in herbal teas to treat fever caused by malaria. The leaves are contained in many traditional remedies, for instance to cure diarrhoea, asthma, inflammations, insect stings, digestion disorders, etc. Natives use the bark for its medicinal properties to fight fevers, toothaches, articulation pain, venereal diseases, rickets, etc.
Hibiscus: In India, it is commonly used to treat dandruff and heal the skin. In African folk medicine, the drug is ascribed, among other things, for its spasmolytic and antibacterial properties. Aqueous extracts of hibiscus flowers are said to lower the blood pressure.
Repulpami™ EC has demonstrated to significantly stimulates the expression of genes involved in skin firmness and plumping effect. It acts as reducer of muscles contraction and improves the skin condition by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increasing the tightening effect but also by increasing the firmness and hydration of the skin.
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Beauty
Thyme is a small perennial sub-shrub that grows spontaneously in dry, sunny places in the Mediterranean region. Thyme has been known since ancient times: Dioscorides and Hippocrates mentioned it in their writings, the Egyptians used it to embalm their dead, the Greeks and Romans used it as incense in their festive rituals, and the women of these various people used it as perfume and ointment. It was the Benedictine monks who spread thyme throughout Europe in the early Middle Ages. Charlemagne recommended its cultivation in the Capitulary of Villis. In the 14th century, to protect themselves from the plague, people wore masks containing aromatic plants: lavender, thyme, rosemary, and laurel. Thyme is also used in the composition of the Vinegar of the Four Thieves, a traditional antiseptic of the 17th century which was listed in the Codex in 1748. Thymus derived from the Greek “thumos” meaning "heart", "strength" and "courage", in reference to the toning and stimulating characteristics of the plant. As for the Greek root, it is said to derive from the Egyptian “tham”, meaning a plant used to embalm the dead. As for its species name, vulgaris, it means "common". A symbol of courage in the Middle Ages, thyme was embroidered on the scarves of knights.
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Beauty
Tea is known for its relaxing and soothing virtues When drinking tea, one is enjoying a leisurely break, a simple moment, perfect to slow down and savour the instant Consumed at any time of the day, tea reduces stress and fatigue, thus leading to a feeling of comfort and well beingOriginating from the high valleys of China, and India, Tea is available in at least 2000 varieties.
According to Chinese legend, the use of tea as a drink would have appeared in the year 2737 BC when some leaves are said to have fallen from a tree into the hot water prepared for the Emperor Shen Nong.
Flavonoids are well known for the effect of the vitamin P which increases the resistance of blood vessels, reduces the permeability and protects against the rupture of the capillaries A true vegetal source of youth, tea contains tannins and caffeine that contributes to reducing inflammation and restoring tired skin (puffy eyes, bags...). Green tea is a highly studied source of antioxidant polyphenols, the catechins being the most abundant in this family. These studies have also shown that the strong antioxidant properties of green tea are principally attributed to catechin EGCG and EGC.
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Beauty
Ginseng grows in the wild in several regions of eastern Asia: Manchuria, China, Japan, Korea, East Russia. The plant thrives in dark, damp, wooded and elevated locations. It is commonly found on the edges of ravines and rocks. The root is the part of the Ginseng plant which is used; it is extremely hard and dense, and never spongy.
As a medicinal plant, Ginseng has the most ancient and most respected reputation. It has been part of the traditional Chinese Pharmacopoeia for over 2,000 years. Ginseng is the unrivalled 'elixir of youth'. It is used daily at maintenance dose, apparently to prolong the life of elderly people and to help younger individuals through temporary periods of weariness. It is the best known plant of the adaptogenics.
The genus name Panax comes from the Greek words Pan, meaning 'all', and Akos, which is translated as 'remedy'.
The oily extract of ginseng roots contains some terpenoids with soothing and antibacterial properties, an ideal ingredient for sportspeople to take care of their skin!
Like other Heliami™ ingredients, this organic botanical is extracted in high-oleic acid sunflower oil, which is more effective at preserving the skin barrier integrity and preventing skin dehydration compared to conventional sunflower oil.
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Beauty
Fossilised leaves of the oleaster tree (Olea sylvestris), a wild ancestor of the olive tree, have been discovered in Tuscany and date back several million years. According to recent research, this species was domesticated 5,000 to 7,000 years ago in several regions of the Mediterranean basin. Under the Roman Empire, the olive tree was planted all around the Mediterranean, which contributed to the Empire's monopoly on the oil trade and ensured its power in the world. Following their conquest of South America, the Spaniards planted olive trees as far away as present-day California. In ancient times, olive leaves were used to disinfect superficial wounds. They were known to have antiseptic properties and the ability to fight all kinds of infections. In the 19th century, the leaves were used to treat malaria. Herbalists recommended olive leaves to improve blood circulation. Olive oil was used not only for cooking, but also for lighting (oil lamps), for making soaps and for waterproofing textile fibres.
Olive trees represent a symbol of immortality due to their extraordinary longevity. They were commonly known as a symbol of peace, goodness, and purity since ancient times. Olive was first used as a cosmetic ingredient in ancient Egypt.
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Beauty
Sea Fennel grows near coasts, especially along the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, the Channel and the Black Sea. This small, umbelliferous, hardy plant grows both in the cavities in cliffs and on sand dunes. Its habitat is the edge of high tides, where the sea spray lands. Sea fennel is hence often the last plant to be spotted before reaching the sea.
Its creeping roots can reach 5m in length. They solidly anchor themselves in the crevices in the rocks.
Sea Fennel was a very popular medicinal plant right from the beginning of ancient times. It was later left aside, except by sailors who took tones with them to sea to prevent scurvy (thanks to its richness in Vitamin C). Sea fennel was also believed to improve sailors’ sight. The name Sea fennel comes from this similar, though slightly saltier, taste.
The oily extract of sea fennel contains lipids and some vitamins and carotenes with regenerating and antioxidant properties. Like other Heliami™ ingredients, this organic botanical is extracted in high-oleic acid sunflower oil, which is more effective at preserving the skin barrier integrity and preventing skin dehydration compared to conventional sunflower oil.
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Beauty
Native to Europe, Meadowsweet grows easily in damp places, preferring ditches and the banks of streams and rivers. Meadowsweet has a perennial reaching of 1.5 m, with toothed leaves and clusters of creamy, scented flowers. The flowering tops and leaves contain salicylates that reduce inflammation.
In Ancient times, Meadowsweet was known as a painkiller in articulation and rheumatism pains, but it was later forgotten. Traces of its use were only found again in the 18th Century. In 1835, in Berlin, Karl J. Löwig isolated and identified salicylic acid, an anti-inflammatory and analgesic precursor to aspirin (the word itself comes from an old name given to Meadowsweet: Spirea). Meadowsweet was largely used against fever, headaches, toothaches, articulation pains, tendinitis, sprains etc.
In the old days, Meadowsweet flowers were used to flavour some beers or wines such as hydromel. They provide an Almond taste and are still used by some creative chefs in jams and fruit compotes.
The flower was used to dye fabric yellow and the whole plant, as it is rich in tannins, was used to tan leather. Latins and Greeks used Meadowsweet as decoration and made crowns for Sylphs. Meadowsweet is the symbol of love.
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Incotec
There are many reasons to prime your tomato seed. Seed is primed to obtain faster and more uniform germination resulting in a stronger crop stand. Priming will also broaden the temperature range at which seed will germinate as well as break certain
types of dormancy, such as photodormancy or thermodormancy.
For tomato we offer three different priming technologies; Promotor Senso, Presto and Premium. All primings have a different origin but a common goal; to provide the best priming for your seeds. Thermal barriers are widened for a broad application. With the Senso priming a sensitive priming is used which will give a good speed of emergence without the risk of blind plants, and consequently will enhance vegetable stand establishment. For cultivars that are not susceptible to blind plants, the Presto priming offers an even higher increased speed of uniform emergence. Promotor Premium is Incotec’s new, unrivalled tomato priming which will help seed to emerge in the quickest and most uniform way. The risk of blind plants is minimal, the priming is suited for all seed varieties and can be combined with X-ray technology perfectly.
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Beauty
Padina pavonica is a small brown alga that grows in warm temperate and waters and found in the Mediterranean, Black Sea, Red Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and Indian Ocean. Padina pavonica is characterised morphologically by the presence of thallus (fronds or umbrellas) bleached by limestone. This alga participates in underwater chlorophilic photosynthesis and absorbs minerals from the water, then it deposits calcium carbonate crystals on its thallus at the highest rate of all algae. Therefore, it is called a "calcifying" alga or calcified alga. Padina pavonica is used in treatments for bone diseases such as osteoporosis and arthritis and in calcium-based food supplements. It is used in pharmacy and cosmetics, as it promotes the renewal of glycosaminoglycans, reinforces their protective actions and their actions on the maintenance of cellular vitality.
Efficacy tests on Padinami EC have demonstrated its ability to stimulate the synthesis of sulfated GAGs and Hyaluronic acids. It has proven also to boosts the synthesis of collagen and pro-collagen and improve cell communication between keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Finally, the dermis and epidermis structure is improved, skin is firmer and more supple.
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Beauty
Spirulina is a blue-green algae, one of the earliest forms of life on earth. Originating from the depths of the ocean, it dates back some 3.8 billion years. Its genus name Spirulina refers to its spiral shape.
There is documentary evidence of Mexican spirulina from the time of the Spanish conquest. The Aztecs harvested spirulina on the surface of Lake Texcoco using fine-mesh netting, then dried it in the sun before cooking it. It was mixed with sweetcorn to make a dish known as Tecuitlatl.
Spirulina is now consumed all over the world and cultivated in ponds. Well-known for its nutritive benefits, spirulina is mainly used in food supplements and vegan diet (due to its richness in proteins). For pharmaceutical uses, the algae thus appear to act as an immunostimulant and anti-inflammatory agent. With moisturising, nourishing, remineralising restructuring and antioxidant properties, spirulina is highly recommended for anti-ageing products Spirulina can also be used in creams for dry, damaged and stressed skin, hands eye contour and for after sun care. Spirulina is also ideal for shampoo for dry, damaged and lifeless hair.
