GB2167958A - Compositions for treating the scalp - Google Patents

Abstract

A cosmetic composition for application to the scalp contains animal placental extract and a combination (A) containing the four products: - acid mucopolysaccharides extracted from animal conjunctive tissue; - a bacterial cellular proteolysat obtained from a culture of a bacterium of the Bacillaceae family; - low molecular weight peptides from calf serum; and - low molecular weight peptides from embryonic skin. o

Description

SPECIFICATION New Compositions for the Scalp The present invention relates to new compositions for the scalp.

Numerous cosmetic products intended for capillary hygiene and to combat hair loss exist already on the market. These products often contain biotin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid or a derivative of the latter, the role of which in the growth of skin, teeth, hair and nails by enzyme stimulation is well known. Cystin, a sulphur-containing amino acid, indispensable in the synthesis of keratin, hair protein, is also used in this type of product. Certain products contain plant extracts such as essential oils. Other cosmetic products contain one of the ingredients of the composition of the present invention; they contain, for example, either a placental extract alone, or sulphopolysaccharides alone.

The invention provides a cosmetic composition for application to the scalp, which composition contains animal placental extract and a combination (A) containing the four following products: acid mucopolysaccharides extracted from animal conjunctive tissue; - a bacterial cellular proteolysat obtained from a culture of a bacterium of the Bacillaceae family; - low molecular weight peptides from calf serum; and - low molecular weight peptides from embryonic skin.

The invention provides also a process for preparing the composition, which process comprises admixing the animal placental extract with combination (A).

The invention also provides a method of combating hair loss by capillary treatment, which method comprises applying an effective amount of the composition to the scalp, in particular by massage.

It can be seen that the present composition contains a combination based on acid mucopolysaccharides and peptides, associated with a placental extract. Combination (A) associates mucopolysaccharides with peptides of low molecular weight, which are peptides of calf serum and embryonic skin and peptides of bacterial proteolysat.

Beneficial action of peptides of low molecular weight in the field of hair follicle hygiene has been shown. In fact, the existence of interactions between the follicular cells and the epidermal cells by the intermediary of dermic inducers has been proved (Fleischmajer R. and Billingham R. E., "Epithelial Mesenchymal Interactions" Williams and Wilkins-Baltimore 1968). It is therefore probable that the cellular physiology of the human skin is influenced by an induction factor. This induction factor has a protein nature (Wessels N. K., Proc. Natu. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 1964, 52, 252) and a low molecular weight (Briggaman R. A. and Wheeler C. E.,J. Invest. Derm. 1968, 51, 454).

All this helps to explain the presence of peptides of low molecular weight in combination (A).

Moreover, the acid mucopolysaccharides of conjunctive tissue are normally linked to proteins, in particular to collagen. Combination (A) therefore reproduces this complementary action of protein mucopolysaccharides.

Further, those mucopolysaccharides which are sulphated compounds, particularly the chondroitinsulphuric acids, provide organic sulphur which is indispensable to the synthesis of keratin protein, because it ensures stable disulphur bonds in hair. In fact, in man, any metabolic disturbance causing a deficiency linked to the exogenous supply of sulphur or to its use reflects on the development of the pilary cycle.

Moreover, the trichogenous power of each of the four products contained in combination (A) has been demonstrated.

The properties of each of the products in the combination make it effective for the regulation of seborrhea, the reduction of dandruff and the prevention of excessive hair loss.

Combination (A) stimulates the growth and cellular respiration, and therefore the cellular metabolism, of the hair bulb.

Beneficial effects in cosmetology of placental extracts are known. The effects are due in particular to the extracts' mitotic activity, their ability to increase the oxygen consumption of the epidermal cells and to stimulate the micro-circulation of the scalp.

The present composition, containing both placental extract and combination (A), however, possesses remarkably advantageous properties. The placental extract and combination (A) are synergistic.

In the present compositions, the properties of combination (A) and the placental extract combine to realise an improvement in the nutritional supply to the hair bulb, thus better irrigated, and a stimuiation of the cellular renewal ("turn-over"), this being expressed by an increase in the oxygen consumption of the cells.

Thanks to the mineral elements and the amino acids which it contains, the placental extract contributes to the increased cellular metabolism.

Thus, combination (A) and the placental extract act mutually and jointly in the present compositions so as to obtain a very effective biostimulant action on hair regrowth, the placental extract reinforcing the effectiveness of combination (A) by synergy and a complementary action.

Combination (A) need not be introduced as such to make up the composition, though usually it is for convenience. The requirement of the composition is merely that it contains the present 5 essential ingredients.

The cosmetic compositions of the invention are hygiene products intended to compensate for capillary deficiencies. Among these, there can be cited hyperseborrhea, appearance of dandruff and, a more serious problem, alopecia, the latter being more or less pronounced. These problems are sometimes due to hormone imbalances, in particular in the case of hyperseborrhea, but are often the result of bad capillary hygiene, for example the use of alkaline shampoos which are too harsh. In the particular case of alopecia, the influence of heredity plays an important role. Alopecia can also appear after taking certain medicines, after giving birth or after an infectious illness. Nevertheless, in all cases, the role of capillary hygiene in the development of alopecia is undeniable.

Due to the association of combination (A) with the placental extract which they contain, the compositions of the invention are particularly effective in slowing up hair loss. They also favour a more vigorous hair growth, reduce seborrhea and improve the general appearance of the hair.

Combination (A) may contain in particular: -- 10% to 30% by weight of the acid mucopolysaccharides, -- 20% to 30% by weight of the bacterial cellular proteolysat, -- 2% to 10% by weight of the peptides from calf serum, and -- 20% to 30% by weight of the peptides from embryonic skin.

The composition may contain in particular from 2 to 20% by weight of combination (A) with 1 to 10% by weight of the placental extract.

The mucopolysaccharides contained in combination (A) are the water-soluble polysaccharides which constitute the conjunctive tissue. Among the most common, there can be mentioned hyaluronic acid and the chondroitinsulphuric acids.

The mucopolysaccharidescontained in combination (A) come particularly from pyloricantrums (especially bovine pyloric antrums), bovine cartilages or pig duodenums, and essentially from all 3 sources.

The bacterial cellular proteolysat can be obtained from a culture of a bacterium of the Bacillaceae family on controlled media. Preferably, the proteolysat is composed of low molecular weight peptides obtained from bacteria of the Bacillaceae family cultivated on an organic medium enriched with particles of dermal tissue subjacent to a horse's mane.

These specific fragments are freed by the bacteria which metabolise, during their growth phase, the cellular particles present in the culture medium.

The peptides of embryonic skin come particularly from bovine foetus. The placental extract is particularly of bovine origin.

The peptides of calf serum and peptides of embryonic skin can be obtained, starting with protein substrates, by the usual techniques of enzyme proteolysis.

The placental extracts are preferably taken from a gestating cow, for example by the process described in French Patent No. 1440616.

Combination (A) is particularly a product containing substantially: -- 20% by weight of the acid mucopolysaccharides, -- 25% by weight of the bacterial cellular proteolysat, -- 5% by weight of the peptides from calf serum, and -- 25% by weight of the peptides from embryonic skin, the acid mucopolysaccharides having been extracted from bovin pyloric antrums and cartilages and pig duodenums. This product Is marketed under the name Trichopeptide. Trichopeptide is a product sold by the Sederma company and the name is a trade mark (which is registered in France).

The compositions according to the invention can be presented in the forms usually employed in cosmetology for products for capillary hygiene. They can be presented, for example, in the form of capillary creams or in the form of aqueous or hydroalcoholic lotions or in the form of gels. The compositions are particularly in the form of lotions. The compositions can contain the usual excipients. The compositions can contain preservatives and/or aromatic substances.

The compositions can particularly be presented in the form of lotions in flasks or in phials.

The lotion is preferably presented in a small plastic applicator flask with a nozzle or dropping means, containing for example 7 ml. As such, it is very convenient to use.

The contents of the applicator flask are usually spread at the base of the hair by making a series of partings and all over the scalp, evening or morning. The user should lightly massage the product until there is complete penetration.

The treatment may consist, for example, of using a flask every two days for six weeks, followed by a maintenance treatment of two flasks per week for 1 to 2 months.

The treatment is preferably renewed once or twice a year (for example spring and autumn).

The various cosmetic forms can be obtained by the usual methods employed in this field.

The invention is iliustrated by the following Examples.

EXAMPLE 1: Capillary Lotion - combination (A) (Trichopeptide) lOg - placental extract of bovine origin 3 9 - propylene glycol 1g methyl alcohol lOg - preservative (methyl p-hydroxybenzoate) 0.1 g -complex aromatic mixture 0.2 g - purified water q.s. 100 g EXAMPLE 2:Capillary Cream - combination A (Trichopeptide) 5 9 - placental extract of bovine origin 6 9 - glycerol stearate 4g - propylene glycol 4g - preservative (methyl p-hydroxybenzoate) 0.3 g - complex aromatic mixture 0.2 g -purified water q.s. 100 g EXAMPLE 3: Study of the anti-hair loss lotion of Example 1 in a hospital dermatology department. The lotion was presented in a dropping bottle containing 7 ml of the lotion. One bottle of lotion was applied at each application.

The action of the anti-hair loss lotion was studied on 60 subjects, made up in the following way: - 12 female subjects aged from 24 to 62 years, and - 48 male subjects aged from 19 to 50 years.

These two groups of subjects have been divided in the following way: Female Subjects: From the point of view of severity of their hair loss, these subjects can be divided into two main groups Seborrheic alopecia sufficiently marked so that the scalp becomes clearly visible at the level of the temporo-frontal gulfs of the vertex. 5 cases.

Seborrheic alopecia severely advanced with a loss of more than 2/3 of the hair and the scalp clearly visible on the whole of the vertex. 7 cases.

From the point of view of severity of seborrhea, these 12 subjects divide in the following way: Moderate seborrhea requiring one shampoo a week. 1 case.

Considerable seborrhea requiring two shampoos per week. 4 cases.

Intense flowing seborrhea requiring shampoos every 2 or 3 days. 7 cases.

Male Subjects: From the point of view of severity of their alopecia, the male subjects can be divided in the following way: Seborrheic alopecia corresponding to the seborrheic alopecia of stage 1. 10 cases.

Seborrheic alopecia corresponding to the seborrheic alopecia of stage 11. 27 cases.

Seborrheic alopecia corresponding to the seborrheic alopecia of stage III. 11 cases.

From the point of view of severity of the seborrhea, these 48 subjects can be divided in the following way: Considerable seborrhea 14 cases.

Intense flowing seborrhea 34 cases.

ireatment Technique--Duration of Use of Product: For all the subjects, the capillary product has been used for a period of 4 months, at the rate of three applications per week. The presentation of the product, in the form of dropping bottles, made it easy to use.

The product has been applied to the scalp by concentrating on the zones of the scalp where the hair is less thick and then by massaging so as to obtain the best possible penetration.

In these subjects, there was no associated local or general treatment, other than not using detergent shampoos, a condition maintained by all the subjects for one year before this treatment was undertaken.

All the subjects were reviewed once a month. At each of these control visits, an effort was made to assess the appearance and quality of the hair and the more or less seborrheic appearance of the scalp (it being understood that the subjects were reviewed three to four days at least after their last shampoo).

Above all, the nature and extent of possible regrowth was noted.

Results: Of this group of 60 subjects, one subject had to interrupt the treatment because of pruritus of the scalp.

From the 59 subjects having used the anti-hair loss lotion being studied over a period of four months, it was possible to observe: Concerning Regrowth of Hair: A good effect in 21 cases.

An average effect in 35 cases.

No effect in 3 cases.

Concerning the Greasy and Seborrheic Appearance of the Scalp: A good effect in 4 cases.

An average effect in 39 cases.

No effect in 16 cases.

Comments: Extent of Hair Loss: This parameter has not been introduced in the observations, for it is considered to be too subjective and too difficult to verify. It must be noted, however, that very often the subjects of both sexes remarked, from the end of the first month of treatment, on a considerable slowing down of hair loss.

Action on Hair Growth: Concerning hair growth, the following results were collected: - on the 12 female subjects: 8 good results, and 4 average results, - on the 48 male subjects: 13 good results, 31 average results, 3 zero results, and 1 result not reported.

With the women, the tendency to regrowth was first noticed at the edge of the scalp, at the front and the temporal areas by the appearance of small hairs, fine and dense.

The thickening of the hairthen spread progressively towards the centre, reducing overthe passing months the sparse area of the vertex.

With the men, in the favourable cases, a regrowth made up of small fine hair was noticed at the periphery of the bald areas, then in the bald areas themselves a regrowth of fine dense downy hair, getting progressively stronger and becoming fine but normal hair at the peripheral zones.

It must be noted that this process is generally only apparent starting from the third or fourth month, that it continues in a slow and progressive way, enabling women, in the best cases, to obtain a complete recovery of hair; it remains less complete for men and progresses only very slowly.

Action on the Seborrheic Appearance of the Scalp: At the present time no really reliable and precise scientific criteria to measure seborrhea on the scalp are available. Tests have been carried out with a "Sebum test" and have given, for one reason or another, variable results. Moreover, numerous factors can intervene which are liable to modify the degree of the seborrheic flow, for example diet or menstrual cycle in women.

All these reasons mean that here again one has to be content with basing the assessment, on the one hand on the opinion of the subject, judging on the possibility that shampoos had to be more or less spaced apart, and on the other hand on the clinical examination always carried out three to four days after the last shampoo.

Here also, it is with the women that the results have been the most outstanding: Good effect: 2 cases Medium effect: 8 cases No effect: 2 cases With the men, out of the 47 subjects who followed this treatment for four months, the following results were collected: Good effect: 2 cases Medium effect: 31 cases No effect: 14 cases Tolerance: The tolerance to the anti-loss option studied was perfect in 59 of our subjects. In one single case, the treatment had to be interrupted, the subject complaining of pruritis recurring a few days after each time the product was used. On examination, the scalp was erythematous with scurf present.

This single observation does not question the excellent tolerance of the product overall.

Conclusion: The overall results can be summarized in the following way: Effect on Hair Regrowth: Good results: 21 Medium results: 35 Negative results: 3 Effect on Seborrhea: Good results: 4 Medium results: 39 Negative results: 16 These results can be considered to be extremely favourable.

Moreover, apart from one subject, the tolerance was perfect in all the subjects. The acceptance of the product was good and its presentation was judged practical and easy to use.

Claims (17)

1. A cosmetic composition for application to the scalp, which composition contains animal placental extract and a combination (A) containing the four products: acid mucopolysaccharides extracted from animal conjunctive tissue; - a bacterial cellular proteolysat obtained from a culture of a bacterium of the Bacillaceae family; - low molecular weight peptides from calf serum; and - low molecular weight peptides from embryonic skin.

2. A composition according to claim 1 wherein combination (A) contains: -- 10% to 30% by weight of the acid mucopolysaccharides, -- 20% to 30% by weight of the bacterial cellular proteolysat, -- 2% to 10% by weight of the peptides from calf serum, and -- 20% to 30% by weight of the peptides from embryonic skin.

3. A composition according to claim 1 or 2 which contains 2 to 20% by weight of combination (A) and 1 to 10% by weight of animal placental extract.

4. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the acid mucopolysaccharides have been extracted from pyloric antrums, bovine cartilages and pig duodenums.

5. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the bacterial cellular proteolysat is composed of low molecular weight peptides obtained from bacteria of the Bacillaceae family cuitivated on an organic medium enriched with particles of dermal tissue subjacent to a horse's mane.

6. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the peptides from embryonic skin are from bovine foetus.

7. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the placental extract is of bovine origin.

8. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein combination (A) is a product containing substantially: -- 20% by weight of the acid mucopolysaccharides, -- 25% by weight of the bacterial cellular proteolysat, -- 5% by weight of the peptides from calf serum, and -- 25% by weight of the peptides from embryonic skin, the acid mucopolysaccharides having been extracted from bovin pyloric antrums and cartilages and pig duodenums.

9. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims in the form of a lotion.

10. A composition according to claim 1 substantially as described herein.

11. A composition according to claim 1 substantially as described herein in Example 1 or Example 2.

12. A process for preparing a composition claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which process comprises admixing the animal placental extract with combination (A).

13. A process according to claim 12 performed substantially as described herein.

14. A method of combating hair loss by capillary treatment, which method comprises applying to the scalp an effective amount of a composition claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 or prepared by a process claimed in claim 12 or 13.

15. A method according to claim 14 wherein the composition is applied to the scalp by massaging.

16. A method according to claim 14 performed substantially as described herein.

17. A method of combating hair loss performed substantially as described herein in Example 3.