The present invention deals with medicaments or cosmetic compositions for the treatment or for alleviating skin or mucous membrane diseases or disorders related to an enhanced level of anti- microbial peptides or proteins comprising Tambourissa plant extracs comprising polyphenols, a process for preparing a Tambourissa plant extract and the extract itself and its uses.

Tambourissa genus belongs to the Monimiaceae family and is composed of 43 species exclusively distributed in the west islands of Indian Ocean, mainly in Madagascar but also in Comoros and Mascarenes (Mauritius and Reunion) islands. The Tambourissa species show endemic specificity as most of them are localized in only one island and in one habitat.

Tambourissa trichophylla (Baker) growths in Madagascar and Comoros. It is a tree of 5 to 12m height. Leaves are opposite, oblong to lanceolate from 8 to 20 cm long, dentate on the upper part. Male flowers are 5-6 mm in diameter, axillaris or terminal, from 1.5 to 3 cm long. Fruits are globes, of 4 cm diameter, with coriaceus pericarp and numerous drupes. In Madagascar, this plant is called Amborahasa or Ambora and is traditionally used in health care, for instance for scar improvement and keloids (bark) or oral care (leaves tea as mouthwash).

Other Tambourissa species are also traditionally used: crushed fresh leaves of Tambourissa microphylla are directly applied onto the skin for wound healing action, Tambourissa religiosa is used for tissue repair and Tambourissa capuronii (leaves crushed with liquid vegetal waxes) helps for dandruff treatment.

Tambourissa trichophylla is known to contain polyphenols and flavonoids and more specifically epicatechin, nicotiflorin and rutin (Thesis of A. Lhuillier, LTinstitut National Polytechnique de Toulouse, 2007).

Polyphenols are a group of chemical substances found in plants, characterized by the presence of more than one phenol unit or building block per molecule. Polyphenols are generally divided into hydrolyzable tannins (gallic acid esters of glucose and other sugars) and phenylpropanoids, such as lignins, flavonoids, and condensed tannins. Polyphenols have been shown to have antioxidant characteristics with potential health benefits.

Flavonoids are widely distributed in plants fulfilling many functions including producing yellow or red/blue pigmentation in flowers and protection from attack by microbes and insects. Flavonoids have a widespread distribution in plants, a great variety and a low toxicity. Flavonoids have been referred to as "nature's biological response modifiers" because of strong experimental evidence of their inherent ability to modify the body's reaction to allergens, viruses, and carcinogens. Some of them show anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-cancer activity.

Rutin, also called rutoside, is a citrus flavonoid glycoside between the flavonol quercetin and the disaccharide rutinose. It can be found in Ruta graveolens, buckwheat, the leaves and petioles of Rheum species, as well as other sources.

Rutin can combine with cations: in humans, it attaches to the iron ion Fe2+, preventing it from binding to hydrogen peroxide and from creating free-radical cells damage. Rutin is also an antioxidant, and therefore plays a role in inhibiting some cancers. Rutin is also an anti- inflammatory agent. Rutin strengthens blood vessels, decreases the permeability of the cell wall and acts as a vasodilatator. It can moreover act on the edema of blood vessels and subsequently decrease thrombosis risk. Rutin can help to decrease the cytoxicity of the oxygenated DTL cholesterol that is one of the factors responsible for the development of atherosclerosis.

Rutin (quercetin-3-rutinoside)

Epicatechin is also a flavonoid and is a major polyphenolic component of green tea (Camellia sinensis) but can also be found in other species. Epicatechin has been proved to be anti-oxidant, to improve cardiovascular function, to increase blood flow in the brain and to be active on hepatotropic viruses.

Epicatechin

Nicotiflorin is a flavonoid glycoside that can be found as such or as kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside glycosides in almonds (Prunus dulcis), green tea (Camellia sinensis), Carthamus tinctorius, Pogonatherum crinitum, Centaurea hierapolitana, Microcos paniculata, etc. Research on this compound has shown interesting properties with respect to its anti-oxidant potential, activity on blood circulation improvement. It is also a fibroblast growth promoter or can participate to anti- itching or to sunscreen activity. A composition containing nicotiflorin is claimed for wrinkles prevention by inducing collagen synthesis and inhibiting collagenase.

Nicotiflorin (kaempferol-3 -O-β-D-rutinoside)

Antimicrobial peptides or proteins (or AMPs, also called host defense peptides) are broad-spectrum antibiomicrobial compounds and correspond to one of the primary mechanisms used by the multiple epithelial surfaces (more specifically skin) in the early stages of immune defense. AMPs include α- or β-defensin, RNase-7, SlOO-protein psoriasin or cathelicidin LL-37. The antimicrobial activity deals with Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria but also with fungi and viruses. The production of antimicrobial peptides or proteins by human skin occurs constitutively but seems also modulated after infection, inflammation or injury. Some skin diseases show altered expression of AMPs. For example their levels are increased in psoriatic lesions and decreased for atopic lesions (atopic dermatitis patients).

Cathelicidin is a cationic antimicrobial peptide expressed in most of the circulating immune cells

(monocytes, leukocytes, neurophils etc).but also in epidermal keratinocytes. Cathelicidin is produced in various epithelia like skin or mucous membranes but also in sweat glands and sebocytes of the skin or scalp. hCAP18 - human Cathelicidin Anti -Microbial Peptide of 18 kDa - consist of a cathelin-like domain and a C-terminal peptide called LL-37 (peptide beginning with 2 leucine residues and is 37 aminoacids long). The activity of cathelicidin is controlled by enzymatic processing of the proform (hCAP18) to a mature peptide (LL-37), which is induced by a proteolytic process involving kallikreins (such as Stratum corneum tryptic enzyme also called SCTE or kallikrein-5, S Stratum corneum chemotryptic enzyme also called SCCE or kallikrein-7).

In healthy skin, epidermal keratinocytes express low amounts of cathelicidin. On infection or barrier disruption, cathelicidin is strongly induced and is either released by neutrophils or may be stored by keratinocytes in lamellar bodies. In case of wound healing, cathelicidin participates of course to microbial defense but also to the skin repair process as it activates pro-inflammatory cytokines synthesis, chemotaxis of immune cells, angiogenesis and proteoglycan expression. In rosacea, increased cathelicidin expression in the LL-37 peptide form is noticed - along with kallikreins activity activation. Abnormal AMP expression also exists in psoriasis as cathelicidin has been shown to be increased in psoriatic lesional skin.

US2007037744 Al discloses the use of cathelicidin or related synthetic peptides for anti-microbial activity, US2006292551 Al describes anti-viral activity and such in dermatitis, WO2004067025 Al discloses its use in wound healing by causing cell proliferation and regeneration and EP1358888 Al in angiogenesis induction. US2008038374 Al describes the upregulation of cathelicidin and the subsequent effect on diseases, for example with Vitamin D and via sphingosylphosphoryl choline. WO2008060362 A2 describes cathelicidin inhibitors - comprising antisense or ribozyme molecule or a vitamin D3 antagonist - and their use in rosacea and acne. The disadvantage of the use of these inhibitors, however, is that antisense oligonucleotides and ribozyme molecules are not readily available and many vitamin D antagonists, such as e.g. cortisone, have severe side effects.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease, generally occurring on the face, which affects about 45 millions people worldwide. It corresponds to vascular disorder and is characterized by telangiectasia (visible hemorrhagic dilated blood capillaries near the skin surface), erythema, papules, and pustules primary in the central areas of the face combined with frequent burning and itching sensations. Rosacea affects mostly Caucasians of mainly north-western European descent, and concerns both sexes, but is almost three times more common in women, and has a peak age of onset between 30 and 60.

The existing rosacea therapeutics, topically or administered systemically, include antibiotics, such as tetracycline, minocycline, erythromycin and doxycyline, azetromycin; anti-infectives, like azelaic acid, nadifloxacin, sodium sulfacetamide and metronidazole; anti- inflammatories with folic acids, nicotinamide and zinc oxide; Keratolysis activators, for example benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol and salicylic acid; and retinoids. These compounds and their formulation, however, are known to have the disadvantage of often having only limited effect in rosacea and acne treatment.

Topical applications of metronidazole - cream or lotion with 0.75% to 1% active compound - are the most frequent treatment and have been shown to be effective when applied once or twice daily for 8-12 weeks. However, there are some side effects related with use of metronidazole including dry skin, skin redness or irritation.

Rosacea has multiple origins and may have causes like heredity, neurological disorder, gastric issues etc. Main causes that can be considered by topical treatment involve:

an over-expression of active forms of antimicrobial peptides (cathelicidins) and related enzymes, involved in the maintenance of an infectious status leading to skin chronic inflammation or being favorable to skin inflammation chronicity.

a vascular defect, which contributes to impaired capillary neoangiogenesis with frequent hemorrhagic characteristics, leading to the weakening of a skin that naturally tends to be thin and reactive.

inflammation, initially elusive but steadily increasing to become persistent with flush and blush phenomena.

an inflammatory process depending to environmental conditions such as UVs or free radicals.

Therefore, considering the disadvantages of the presented state of the art, it was the objective of the present invention to provide an alternative new and possibly more advantageous compound or medicament for the treatment of skin or mucous membrane diseases related to an enhanced level of AMPs, to chronic or induced inflammation and to angiogenesis impairment. It was a further objective of the present invention to provide a cosmetic composition for the alleviation of skin or mucous membrane disorders related to an enhanced level of AMPs, to chronic or induced inflammation and to angiogenesis impairment.

The present invention therefore is directed to a medicament comprising a Tambourissa plant extract for the treatment of skin diseases or mucous membrane diseases or a cosmetic composition comprising a Tambourissa plant extract for the treatment of skin or mucous membrane disorders both related to an enhanced level of anti-microbial peptides or proteins, to chronic or induced inflammation and to angiogenesis impairment.

Tambourissa extracts according to the invention are extracts of plants of the Tambourissa species which include but are not limited to Tambourissa trichophylla, Tambourissa microphylla, Tambourissa religiosa and Tambourissa capuronii. Preference is given to plant extracts of Tambourissa trichophylla.

The medicament or cosmetic composition according to the invention can comprise an extract of all parts of the plant(s). In another embodiment of the invention mixtures of Tambourissa plant extracts are comprised in the medicament or cosmetic composition. Preferably an extract of the leaves of Tambourissa trichophylla is comprised.

In a preferred embodiment of the inventive medicament or cosmetic composition, the Tambourissa extract according to the invention contains polyphenols.

Polyphenols comprised in the medicament or the cosmetic composition according to the invention are a group of chemical substances originally found in plants, characterized by the presence of more than one phenol unit or building block per molecule. Polyphenols are generally divided into hydrolysable tannins (gallic acid esters of glucose and other sugars) and phenylpropanoids, such as lignins, flavonoids, and condensed tannins. Preferred polyphenols according to the invention are flavonoids, especially preferred polyphenols are rutin, nicotiflorin and /or epicatechin.

According to the present invention the medicament or cosmetic composition for the treatment of skin or mucous membrane diseases or disorders, respectively, comprises a Tambourissa plant extract, preferably a Tambourissa trichophylla extract, especially preferred a Tambourissa trichophylla leaf extract modulating, i.e. inhibiting and/or reducing antimicrobial peptides or proteins (AMPs). In an embodiment of the present invention the medicament or cosmetic composition for the treatment of skin or mucous membrane diseases or disorders comprises Tambourissa extracts comprising polyphenols modulating, i.e. inhibiting and/or reducing antimicrobial peptides or proteins (AMPs). AMPs according to the invention include α- or β-defensin, RNase-7, SlOO-protein psoriasin and the cathelicidin in pro- or active form (LL-37).. In a preferred embodiment of the inventive medicament the inhibition and/or reduction of cathelicidin is achieved in its pro or its activated form. Transformation of the pro-form is also inhibited through inhibiting and/or reducing kallikrein synthesis. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the medicament or cosmetic composition it also modulates i.e. reduces and/or inhibits the kallikrein synthesis.

Skin or mucous membrane diseases or disorders related to an enhanced level of anti-microbial peptides or proteins are understood to be but not limited to rosacea, acne, couperosis, erythrosis, telangiectasia, herpes, mouth infections, vaginal infections and/or sebaceous microbial infections, baby rash, dandruff, skin redness and/or skin blotchiness, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acanthosis, solar erythemas, after shave irritation, itching, etc.

The medicament according to the invention is used in the treatment of skin or mucous membrane diseases such as rosacea, acne, couperosis, erythrosis, telangiectasia, herpes, mouth infections, vaginal infections and/or sebaceous microbial infections, baby rash, dandruff, skin redness, skin blotchiness, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acanthosis, solar erythemas, after shave irritation, or itching. The cosmetic composition according to the invention is used for alleviating skin or mucous membrane disorders related to an enhanced level of anti-microbial peptides or proteins such as disorders associated with rosacea, acne, couperosis, erythrosis, telangiectasia, herpes, mouth infections, vaginal infections and/or sebaceous microbial infections, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acanthosis, or solar erythemas. Furthermore, the medicament or cosmetic composition according to the invention is used to treat or alleviate baby rash, dandruff, skin redness and/or skin blotchiness, after shave irritation, or itching. As the cathelicidin has anti-microbial, anti-fungi, and anti-virus activity, the regulation of microbial, fungi and virus diseases is considered for skin, scalp and mucous ecosystem (oral or vaginal mucosa for example) regarding its maintenance or its modulation following or associated with inflammatory issues.

Whether the medicament or cosmetic composition is applied to treat a skin or mucous membrane disease or to alleviate a skin or mucous membrane disorders both related to an enhanced level of antimicrobial peptides or proteins depends on the severity of the symptoms and - if necessary - may be determined by a dermatologist.

The Tambourissa plant extract as disclosed below, the medicament or cosmetic composition according to the invention also have anti-inflammatory activity. They can be destined to regulate the epidermal, dermal, scalp or mucous membrane tissue homeostasis. Homeostasis is defined in Roche Lexikon Medizin Edition 5.0 (2003 Elsevier, online version in German) as the self- regulation of a biological system - here scalp or mucous membrane tissue system - which is in a dynamic equilibrium e.g. to ensure resistance against changing environmental conditions and means to restore and/or support the equilibrium of the skin against environmental and/or pathological conditions.

Inflammation is one of the first responses of the immune system to infection or irritation. Inflammation is stimulated by chemical factors released by injured cells and serves to establish a physical barrier against the spread of infection, and to promote healing of any damaged tissue following the clearance of pathogens.

Chemical factors produced during inflammation (histamine, bradykinin, serotonin, leukotrienes, prostaglandins) sensitize pain receptors, cause vasodilation of the blood vessels, and attract phagocytes, especially neutrophils. Neutrophils then trigger other parts of the immune system by releasing factors that will attract other leukocytes and lymphocytes.

The inflammatory response is characterized by the following symptom quintet: redness, heat, swelling, pain and possible dysfunction of the organs or tissues involved.

Prolonged inflammation, known as chronic inflammation, leads to a progressive shift in the type of cells which are present at the site of inflammation and is characterized by simultaneous destruction and healing of the tissue from the inflammatory process due to persistent acute inflammation due to non-degradable pathogens, persistent foreign bodies, or autoimmune reactions. Autoimmune reactions can be linked to lymphocytes involvement and their specific differentiation towards different inducers into ThI, Th2 and/or Thl7 leading to emphazising some specific mediators Interleukine-1 (IL-I), IL-4 and IL- 17 specifically. Psoriasis is believed to be a mixed Th 17/ ThI disease whereas atopic dermatitis is considered as a mixed Thl7/Th2 disease.

The medicament or cosmetic composition according to the invention is also active for inflammation modulation and the regulation of the inflammation drifts, for example in infections issues, chronic or induced inflammation or aging. For instance it reduces the synthesis of various pro-inflammatory agents in the two inflammations ways dealing with Cyclooxygenase (COX),

Lipoxygenase (LOX) and with the subsequent inflammatory messages (Prostaglandin-2,

Leukotrienes, etc.). It is also active in regulating interleukins, especially the impact of the interleukin-17 factor, nitric oxide and free radicals productions.

Further uses of the medicament or cosmetic composition will concern sensitive skin, and the disorders associated with acute inflammatory conditions or auto-immune diseases, such as but not limited to atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acanthosis, baby rash, solar erythemas, after shave irritation, itching, etc.

The medicament or cosmetic composition according to the invention is active for angiogenesis regulation, more especially in downregulating the pro-angiogenic factors and upregulating the anti- angiogenic factors. The medicament or cosmetic composition can thus be used for the treatment or alleviation of rosacea, couperosis, erythrosis, telangiectasia, skin redness and blotchiness.

A medicament according to the present invention refers to a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one active compound or drug destined for diagnosis or therapy. A medicament may influence the state or functioning of the body or affect the state or functioning of pathogens, parasites or xenobiotics with the aim of their removal. A medicament may also aim at substituting body compounds or fluids.

The medicament or cosmetic composition of the present invention can be administered in any form by any effective route, including, e.g., oral, parenteral, enteral, intravenous, intraperitoneal, topical, transdermal (e.g., using any standard patch), ophthalmic, nasally, local, non-oral, such as aerosal, via inhalation, subcutaneous, intramuscular, buccal, sublingual, rectal, vaginal, intra-arterial, and intrathecal, etc. Topical administration is preferred. The person skilled in the art will easily judge on which administration to be either suitable for the medicament or for the cosmetic composition. They can be administered alone, or in combination with any ingredient(s), active or inactive. Preference is given to a topical administration.

The medicament or cosmetic composition of the present invention can be converted in a known manner into the usual formulations such as pharmaceutical or cosmetic compositions or compositions used as food supplement (i.e. according to the concept of "beauty from within") or medical device. These may be liquid or solid formulations e.g. without limitation normal and enteric coated tablets, capsules, pills, powders, granules, elixirs, tinctures, solution, suspensions, suppositories, syrups, solid and liquid aerosols, emulsions, pastes, creams, ointments, milks, gels, salves, serums, foams, shampoos, sticks or lotions.

Preference is given to a pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition in a form of topical pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition such as an aqueous solution, a white or colored cream, ointment, milk, gel, salve, serum, foam, shampoo, stick, cream, paste, or lotion.

The medicament or cosmetic composition of the present invention can be further combined with any other suitable additive or pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable carrier. Such additives include any of the substances already mentioned, as well as any of those used conventionally, such as those described in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy (Gennaro and Gennaro, eds, 20th edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2000); Theory and Practice of Industrial Pharmacy (Lachman et al., eds., 3rd edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 1986); Encyclopedia of Pharmaceutical Technology (Swarbrick and Boylan, eds., 2nd edition, Marcel Dekker, 2002). These can be referred to herein as "pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable carriers" to indicate they are combined with the active drug or compound and can be administered safely to a subject for therapeutic or cosmetic purposes.

The dosage of the medicament or cosmetic composition of the present invention can be selected with reference to the other and/or the type of disease or disorder and/or the disease or disorder status in order to provide the desired therapeutic or cosmetic activity. These amounts can be determined routinely for a particular patient or person to be cosmetically treated, where various parameters are utilized to select the appropriate dosage (e.g., type of disease or disorder, age of patient, disease or disorder status, patient health, weight, etc.), or the amounts can be relatively standard and can be easily determined by a person skilled in the art.

The amount of the administered medicament or cosmetic composition can vary widely according to such considerations as the particular compound and dosage unit employed, the mode and time of administration, the period of treatment, the age, sex, and general condition of the patient or person to be treated, the nature and extent of the condition treated, the rate of drug or compound metabolism and excretion, the potential drug combinations and drug-drug interactions, and the like.

The medicament or cosmetic composition may comprise any amount of Tambourissa extract. Preference is given to a medicament or cosmetic composition comprising the dried extract of Tambourissa trichophylla leaves as described below in an amount of from 0.01% to 5%, preferably from 0.1 to 1%, more preferably from 0.3 to 0.5% by weight of the total composition.

A further objective of the present invention is a method of treating diseases related to an enhanced level of AMPs with a medicament as disclosed above.

Also an objective of the present invention is a method of cosmetic treatment of disorders related to an enhanced level of AMPs with a cosmetic composition as disclosed above.

Another objective of the present invention is a method of treating diseases or disorders, especially skin or mucous membrane diseases or disorders, related to an enhanced level of AMPs with a Tambourissa plant extract, preferably a Tambourissa trichophylla plant extract, especially preferred a Tambourissa trichophylla leaf extract. The medicament or cosmetic composition according to the invention is administered once or more, preferably up to three, more preferably up to two times per day. Preference is given to a topical administration.

Nevertheless, it may in some cases be advantageous to deviate from the amounts specified, depending on body weight, individual behaviour toward the active ingredient, type of pharmaceutical preparation and time or interval over which the administration is effected. For instance, less than the aforementioned minimum amounts may be sufficient in some cases, while the upper limit specified has to be exceeded in other cases. In the case of administration of relatively large amounts, it may be advisable to divide these into several individual doses over the day.

The medicament or cosmetic composition of the present invention can also be combined with at least one further active substance or plant extract e.g. substances or plant extracts usually employed for pharmaceutical, dermatological or cosmetic use.

Further active substances include but are not limited to desquamating and/or moisturizing agents, UV filtering or blocking agents, depigmenting or propigmenting agents, antiglycation agents, antiinflammatory agents, anti-microbial agents, agents stimulating the synthesis of dermal, epidermal, hair or nail macromolecules and/or preventing the degradation thereof, agents stimulating the differentiation of keratinocytes, muscle relaxants, antipollution and/or anti-free radical agents, slimming agents, agents acting on the microcirculation, agents acting on the energy metabolism of the cells, tightening agents, agents preventing the loss or stimulating the growth of hair, agents preventing grey or white hair, or a mixture thereof. Preferably that combination is contained in a topically dermatological composition.

The medicament or cosmetic composition can also contain at least one additional rosacea-effective agent, for example metronidazole, clindamycin, doxycycline, erythromycin, minocycline hydrochloride, tetracycline hydrochloride, azelaic acid, sodium sulfacetamide, nicotinamide, benzyl peroxide, salicylic acid, adapalene, isotretinoid, tazarotene, tretinoid, etc.

The invention further comprises a process for preparing Tambourissa extracts. According to the invention these extracts are of plants of the Tambourissa species which include but are not limited to Tambourissa trichophylla, Tambourissa microphylla, Tambourissa religiosa and Tambourissa capuronii. Preference is given to Tambourissa trichophylla.

The extraction can be performed on all parts of the plant(s). Preferably the leaves of Tambourissa trichophylla are extracted. The extraction can be done by standard extraction methods. Preferably the extraction is carried out with a polar solvent applicable for extraction. Leaves are first extracted with a polar solvent, e.g. mixtures of water and alcohol, optionally by several times. The obtained solution is then mixed, the alcohol is advantageously removed and the precipitate is removed by filtration. In another embodiment of the invention the whole polar solvent is removed and the residue is extracted with water. The obtained polar phase is extracted with a non polar solvent e.g. ethyl acetate or heptane to remove the waxes, essential oils, pigments and most of the non polar molecules. After phase separation the solvent of the remaining polar phase is removed in order to obtain a dry extract comprising polyphenols. Optionally the extract can be dried by adding water and conducting a freeze-drying. A process for preparing a Tambourissa trichophylla leaf extract may comprise the steps of

a. Extraction of leaves with a polar solvent mixture of water and alcohol,

b. removal of the alcohol and filtration,

c. extraction of the obtained polar solution with a non-polar solvent.

The polar solvent used for extraction is preferably alcohol or a mixture of water and alcohol wherein the alcohol is preferably ethanol. The ratio of the volume between water and alcohol can be from 50:50 up to 90: 10, preferably 70:30.

The invention further comprises a Tambourissa trichophylla leaf extract. The extract according to the invention can be prepared as described above or as disclosed in Example 1.

An extract according to the invention is normally a dry extract. Nevertheless the extract can also be used as solution, i.e. that the final drying step of the described extraction process is omitted or further proceeded, for instance by mixing with other active compounds or being incorporated in an optimized carrier like encapsulation.

Preference is given to a dry plant extract containing polyphenols in an amount of more than 10% by weight with respect to the total plant extract, preferably more than 15%, most preferably between 15% to 45%, especially preferred between 15% to 35%. Polyphenols would consider more specifically flavonoids. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the plant extract comprises the molecules rutin, nicotiflorin and epicatechin in an amount of 0.01%-20%, whereby rutin may be present in an amount of 0,01% to 5%, epicatechin in an amount of 0,01% to 10% and/or nicotiflorine in an amount of 0,01% to 5%. The invention further comprises the use of the Tambourissa extracts, especially Tambourissa trichophylla extracts, preferably Tambourissa trichophylla leaf extract in the modulation of antimicrobial peptides or proteins, especially in the inhibition and/or reduction of cathelicidin and/or kallikrein synthesis. It further comprises the use of the Tambourissa plant extracts for the treatment of skin diseases or disorders or mucous membrane diseases or disorder related to an enhanced level of anti-microbial peptides or proteins. It further comprises the use of the Tambourissa plant extracts as anti-inflammatory agent and as a regulator of angiogenesis.

EXAMPLES

The following examples will illustrate embodiments of the invention without limiting the invention in its general nature.

Example 1 : Extraction process

Crushed dry leaves of Tambourissa trichophylla are extracted with a mixture of ethanol and water 70:30. The solution is stirred and heated below 6O ⁰ C during the extraction step during 30 minutes to 1 hour. After plant removal, ethanol is removed leading to a precipitate that is filtered. The remaining aqueous solution is then treated by liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate. The acetate fraction is retained for acetate distillation and the consequent aqueous solution is freeze- dried.

The final extract is characterized by thin layer chromatography (TLC), HPLC standard method and spectrophotometry. The final composition shows a content of 19% to 21% of polyphenols and less than 2% rutin and nicotiflorine and presence of epicatechin is detected by TLC.

Example 2: Cosmetic formulation examples

Table 1 : Emulsions containing various concentrations of Tambourissa trichophylla leaf extract according to Example 1.

The phases A and B were weighed in separately. A & B were heated up to 80 ⁰ C and mixed under high stirring A to B. The mixture was cooled down to 35°C whilst stirring and C was added. The compounds listed in D were mixed until a transparent solution was obtained and which was then added to the formulation. The final formulation was cooled down to room temperature whilst stirring.

The final compositions were cosmetic oil in water emulsions: excipient (A) was white and formulations containing extract according to Example 1 (B & C) were beige to beige-orange.

Example 3: Anti-inflammatory activity on prostaglandin-2 (PGE-2)

Test was performed on HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial cells).

HUVEC were incubated 24h without (control) or with various concentrations of the extract according to example 1 and in presence of an inducer: VEGF (venous endothelial growth factor). PGE-2 levels were measured in the medium by ELISA method. Significance was evaluated by Student test.

Table 2: Inhibitory activity of Tambourissa trichophylla leaf extract according to Example 1 on PGE-2 synthesis by HUVEC

** : significantly different from the control with VEGF (p<0.01) The Tambourissa plant extract comprised in the medicament or cosmetic composition according to the invention can significantly modulate the cyclooxygenase pathway and therefore can have positive influence on inflammation state and thus be efficient in the treatment or alleviation of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acanthosis, baby rash, solar erythemas, after shave irritation, itching, etc

Example 4: Inhibition of CAMP (Cathelicidin Anti-Microbial Peptide ^" ) gene

The capacity of the extract according the invention to inhibit the release of antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin was investigated. The expression of CAMP (Cathelicidin Anti-Microbial Peptide) gene coding for hCAP18 (further actived into LL37) was performed using RT-qPCR technology on mRNA extracted from keratinocytes NHEK (074).

Culture medium: Keratinocyte-SFM (source: Invitrogen 17005075) supplemented with Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) 0.25 ng/ml (Invitrogen 10450-013), Pituitary extract (PE) 25 μg/ml (Invitrogen 13028-014), Gentamycin 25 μg/ml (Sigma G1397).

Assay medium: Keratinocyte-SFM (Invitrogen 17005075) supplemented with Gentamycin 25 μg/ml (Sigma Gl 397).

The extract obtained accordingly was solubilized in DMSO and tested 0.05, 0.5 and 5 μg/ml.

The keratinocytes were seeded in 24 wells plates, in culture medium. After 24 hours of preincubation, the culture medium was removed and replaced by assay medium containing or not containing (control) the test compound and the cells were incubated for 24 hours. After incubation the inducers were added and incubated for 48 hours. Tested inducers are calcitriol (Vitamin D3, (Sigma D-1530) at IO ^{^7} M) or IL-17 ((R&D Systems 317-IL-050) at 10 ng/ml).

At the end of the incubation time, the supernatants were collected and the cells were washed in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution (Invitrogen 14190094), 300 μl of TriReagent was added and the cells were immediately frozen at -80 ⁰ C.

Total RNA were extracted from each sample using Tri-reagent according to supplier advices. Potential contaminant traces of DNA were removed using the DNA free system (Ambion ref 1906). The reverse-transcription of mRNA was conducted in presence of oligo(dT) and Superscript II reversetranscriptase (Invitrogen). The PCR (Polymerase Chain Reactions) were performed in triplicate using the « LightCycler® » system (Roche Molecular Systems Inc.) in accordance with the protocol recommended by the supplier.

This system allows rapid and powerful PCR reactions, after determining the analysis conditions of the tested primers. It consists in two components:

- a thermo-cycler: optimized for rapid PCR applications; allowing extremely rapid thermal transfers within the reaction mixture.

- a fiuorimeter: allowing constant fluorescence measurement of the intercalating dye SYBR Green I ; dye that specifically binds to double-stranded DNA during the elongation cycle (detection wavelength: 521 nm).

The following primers couples were used to amplify the fragment corresponding to the selected marker:

In this experiment, Liver glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene (G3PDH) was used as a reference marker.

The incorporation of fluorescence in amplified DNA was measured continuously during the PCR cycles.

Table 3: Regulation of CAMP gene expression by keratinocytes (s. Fig. 1)

Calcitriol or IL-17 and combination thereof highly stimulated the expression of the gene CAMP coding for hCAP-18/LL37. The extract according to Example 1 (Tambourissa trichophylla leaf extract or "Ambora") dose- dependently reduces cathelicidin gene coding for LL37. This reduction can reach 40% (compared to control with induction) in case of IL- 17 induction and 27% for calcitriol induction.

The Tambourissa plant extract comprised in the medicament or cosmetic composition according to the invention can therefore be active in the cathelicidin-linked diseases or disorders and used for the treatment and alleviation of diseases or disorders such as rosacea, psoriasis or vaginal infections.

Example 5 : Clinical study

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of compositions containing different concentration of the extract according to the invention. Test was performed on two formulations containing respectively 0.3% and 0.5% of the extract (formulations B and C according to example 2). The test was performed versus placebo (formulation A according to example 2).

The study was performed on 3 groups of 15 volunteers. Each group tested a different product. Evaluation was performed at the beginning of the study and after 28 and 56 days of a twice-daily applications of the formulations A, B or C on the face.

Evaluation consisted in scoring with structured scales of the redness density and the density of micro-vessels by a dermatologist (scales from 1 to 4). Microcirculation variations were tested with Doppler Laser ^® and gave results about the skin perfusion (or capillary flux). Macrographs were also performed for visual effect illustration. General inclusion criteria for volunteers' recruitment concerned healthy subjects, women from 18 to 65 years old, with slight Rosacea characteristics on the face.

Under the conditions of this study under dermatologist control, the cutaneous tolerance of all the formulations was good after 28 or 56 days of twice daily use. Dermatologist scoring

Table 4: Vanation of the dermatologist scoπng after 28 and 56 days of twice-daily use of the test product (comparison with the initial condition):

According to dermatologist sconng, skin was less red after 28 or 56 days of use but no vanation has been noticed for micro-blood vessels density

Thermal conductivity:

Decrease in the thermal conductivity corresponds to a decrease of the cutaneous microcirculation (vasoconstnction), which would contribute to an anti-rosacea effect

Table 5: Vanation of the thermal conductivity after 28 and 56 days of twice-daily use of the test roduct com arison with the initial condition :

Significant decrease in microcirculation has been noticed with 0.3% formulation at D28 and with 0.5% formulation at D28 and D56

Significant vanation was observed neither with placebo nor with 0 3% formulation at D56. ^' BHC 08 1 051

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Table 6: Comparison between products.

The data showed a significantly higher activity on the microcirculation with 0.5% formulation product than with placebo at D28 and D56. The data also show a significantly higher activity on the microcirculation with 0.5% formulation product than with 0 3% formulation at D56.

Conclusion:

The decrease of skin redness and of the skin microcirculation makes formulations B and C, possible medicaments or cosmetic compositions compπsing Tambouπssa plant extract according to the invention, suitable for rosacea, erythrosis telangiectasis or skin redness / blotchiness treatment and/or alleviation.

Example 6. Modulation of angiogenic factors

The activity of the extract according to the invention was studied on pro-angiogenic factors expression by human keratinocytes. The activity of Tambouπssa extract (5 μg/ml) was tested by RT-q-PCR technology on RNA extracted from keratinocytes NHEK K(074) stimulated by the following inducers LL-37 (20 μg/ml), EL-17 (10 ng/ml), vitamin D3 (10 ⁶ M), and combinations thereof.

The incorporation of fluorescence in amplified DNA was measured continuously during the PCR cycles This resulted in a "fluorescence intensity" versus "PCR cycle" plot allowing the evaluation of a relative expression (RE) value for each marker. The value selected for RE calculations is the "output point" (Ct) of the fluorescence curve. For a considered marker, the highest is the cycle number; the lowest is the mRNA quantity. Culture medium: Keratinocyte-SFM supplemented with Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) 0.25 ng/ml, Pituitary extract (PE) 25 μg/ml, Gentamycin 25 μg/ml

Assay medium: Keratinocyte-SFM supplemented with Gentamycin 25 μg/ml

Classification of the effects ("treated" versus "control" condition): for a standardized interpretation, the following table is proposed:

Table 7: Regulation of pro-angiogenic factor expression by keratinocytes

Tambourissa test plant extract is the tambourissa trichophylla leaf extract according to Example 1.

Under these experimental conditions, the Tambourissa plant extract comprised in the medicaments and cosmetic compositions according to the invention reverse partially the effects of LL-37, IL-17 and vitamin D3, tested alone or in association, on the expression of angiogenic markers. In addition, the results suggested also that Tambourissa plant extract is an inhibitor of IL- 17 (reduction of the impact of this pro-inflammatory agent).

The medicaments or cosmetic compositions comprising Tambourissa plant extract according to the invention are thus understood to have a decreasing effect on pro-angiogenic gene expression rendering them suitable for rosacea, couperosis, erythrosis, telangiectasia, skin redness and blotchiness treatment and/or alleviation.

Figures

Fig 1: Modulation of Cathelicidin gene (CAMP) expression by the Tambourissa plant extract according to Example 4 and Table 3

Fig. 2: Modulation of angiogenic factors by Tambourissa trichophylla leaf extract according to Example 6 and Table 7. Induction is achieved by IL-17 only, the results of Tambourissa plant extract (Ambora) are visualised vs control.

Fig 3: Modulation of angiogenic factors by Tambourissa trichophylla leaf extract according to Example 6 and Table 7. Induction is achieved by IL-17+ Calictriol + LL37, the results of Tambourissa plant extract (Ambora) are visualised vs control.