A tropical flower has been hailed as the latest weapon against wrinkles, after scientists found that a sugar compound derived from it can actively regenerate skin, making it feel plumper and more elastic.



A team at global cosmetic giant L'Oreal has tested the sugar compound called rhamnose, from Uncaria flower, nicknamed cat claw, on 400 women, after incorporating it in a cream; the chemical is thought to stimulate cells into producing collagen -- the main component of connective tissues such as skin. Full results have not been published because L'Oreal is waiting for patents to be granted, 'The Daily Telegraph' newspaper reported.

u00a0Julie McManus, the head of scientific affairs at L'Oreal, the company developing the product, was quoted as telling 'The Sunday Times', "For us. this is a breakthrough, because we have found a compound which can produce an effect on this very important group of cells."