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Birch juice hydrolate promotes the effectiveness of biologically active substances

Researcher of Faculty of Biology of University of Latvia Anna Ramata-Stunda (on the left in the picture): "In vitro* test results indicate that a concentrated birch juice hydrolate is able to stimulate the dermal cell proliferation and to protect skin cells against free radicals, i.e., from negative environmental impact. As positive effects of birch juice on skin cells in vitro were mostly observed at high concentrations, it is recommended to use it as a substitute for cosmetic base. Observed effects indicate that birch juice could be included in anti-aging cosmetic formulations."

Founder and chairman of the board at MADARA Cosmetics Lotte Tisenkopfa-Iltnere (on the right in the picture): "By cooperating with the researchers at the Faculty of Biology of University of Latvia, we wanted to find out, which plants and substances, common to Northern region, have anti-aging and skin protective abilities. We regard the results of the research as a long-term investment in the field of natural and organic cosmetics as a whole. For our new cosmetics product line, we will use the birch juice hydrolate as the product base, since it is rich in natural substances and effective in cellular repair."

We remind that the active substances of the Northern region, including birch juice, are researched by the staff of the Faculty of Biology of University of Latvia, Laboratory of Bioanalytical and Biodosimetry Methods. The research is also supervised by the main researcher of Faculty of Biology of University of Latvia – Dr. biol. Janis Ancans.

Natural and organic cosmetics manufacturer MADARA Cosmetics is a member of "Pharma and chemistry competence centre of Latvia", which is supported by European Regional Development Fund and the researches are part of its programme "Entrepreneurship and Innovations".

* The research method In vitro (from Latin: within glass, i.e., in a glass test-tube) refers to scientific research method in biology, when substances are not tested on live organisms (which means they are not tested on laboratory animals), but on their isolated components, including cell cultures. Using this research method, it is possible to obtain much more detailed analytical results and provide respective recommendations.

Annija Kopstale has recently joined the ballet dancers at the Latvian National Opera. She received the invitation to come to Helsinki international ballet competition last year, where she took part at the first Beijing international ballet and choreography competition. When MADARA received the application from Latvian Ballet and Dance guild to support Annija's participation at this contest, the fund "Blossom in the world" decided to support the young ballet dancer and grant her the funding.

 The co-founder of MÁDARA brand and the fund "Blossom in the world" Lotte Tisenkopfa-Iltnere says: The fund for supporting young and talented women in Latvia "Blossom in the world" was established with a confidence that there are many talented women in Latvia, just as there are in other countries of the world and the accomplishments of these women should be recognised not only in Latvia, but also worldwide. Unfortunately, sometimes many talented women are not able to achieve this because of financial reasons, nevertheless, each of us carries persistent Northern spirit and never gives up. Therefore, on behalf of the fund "Blossom in the world" we are happy to give the support to Annija Kopstale's participation at Helsinki international ballet competition and we hope that she will fulfil her dreams and bring the name of Latvia outside its borders.

Fund "Blossom in the world" – initiation to develop talents

 The fund "Blossom in the world" is an initiation by natural and organic cosmetics manufacturer MADARA Cosmetics with an aim to give support to talented Latvian women, for example, for participation at international contests, concerts and exhibitions in one of the areas: classical or jazz music, sports, science, culture or art. As part of the project, 0.15 EUR of each product sold is invested in the fund "Blossom in the world" for support of young and talented women.

The founder of MÁDARA reveals: "Being invited to participate at the conference Northern Future Forum 2012 was important to me, since the topic that we discussed – how to promote women involvement in entrepreneurship and top-level management positions – is strategically important to the development of each country in the Northern region. To preserve and promote welfare, we have to continue working hard, involving many talented people. Even though the number of women and men in top-level positions in Latvia is one of the most equal ones in whole Europe, we face another important problem – we have too low birth rates. This is a signal that the society and the government have to work towards motivating women to establish enterprises and become leaders. But it also has to improve the family support systems – kindergartens, financial allowances and other benefits. This has to be done, so that a woman doesn't have to choose between being a mother and a business woman. The society, families and government should work together to combine these roles harmonically. I was very glad that I could share the lessons that the four women who founded MADARA have learnt so far. And I hope that our experience will become as an inspiration for other women to start their own enterprises!"

In the picture: MÁDARA founder Lotte together with Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, Mr. Valdis Dombrovskis and his advisor for foreign affairs Ms. Solveiga Silkalna – at Northern Future Forum 2012.

"The most valuable resources of Latvia are – biological diversity, water and air. All this give us an invaluable royal life environment, when compared to many other places in the world, but unfortunately these resources are not limitless. They are far too valuable to be accounted for in money, but they do give an additional value to our country. This is important to keep in mind when planning the development of Latvia's national economy," emphasises Sanita Ribena, Director of the Homo Ecos Society.

EPI is a quantitative research that follows the results of the national environment, employing the best available data. The research has been carried out for many years, publishing the results once every two years on the official Yale University homepage of Environmental Performance Index - http://epi.yale.edu/

It is interesting that the research carried out in 2008 admitted Latvia as the 8th greenest country in the world, in 2010 it took 21st place, but in 2012 Latvia is already in 2nd place in the world.

Precise research results, criteria and descriptions of other countries can be found at - http://epi.yale.edu/

For a more beautiful and greener world…

„The manufacturing process of MADARA Cosmetics has from the very beginning been organized and managed by the highest standards. This certification process allowed us to prove that by having an independent international auditing organisation Bureau Veritas to verify the compliance with all requirements. One of the most important values of our company is high quality and GMP certificate is an official approval for following our values,"explains the director of company Uldis Iltners

This standard complies with the requirements defined in the regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and the Council for cosmetics manufacturers of the European Union, which will come fully into effect starting from July 11th, 2013. This regulation is made to ensure that all cosmetics products are safe, taking into account the latest science developments (for example, use of synthetic ingredients, nanoparticles etc.). At the moment, there are only two cosmetics manufactures in Latvia that have fulfilled all requirements for GMP and MADARA Cosmetics is one of them.