RU2785746C1 - Compositions containing active vegetable ingredients - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: cosmetology.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to cosmetic compositions for lightening/whitening the skin and their use. A cosmetic composition for lightening/whitening the skin contains: (i) the first aqueous extract of material obtained from the first plant, wherein the specified first extract contains the first amount of the first active plant ingredient; (ii) the second aqueous extract of material obtained from the second plant, which belongs to a different genus than the first plant, wherein the specified second extract contains the first amount of the second active plant ingredient; (iii) additional amount of the specified first active plant ingredient; and (iv) additional amount of the specified second active plant ingredient. In this case, each specified additional amount is included by addition of the specified composition or the corresponding aqueous extract selectively with the specified first and the specified second active plant ingredients in such a way that the ratio of the specified first amount of the specified first active plant ingredient to its corresponding additional amount and the ratio of the specified first amount of the specified second active plant ingredient to its corresponding additional amount in the composition is from 1:1 to 1:3000 weight parts. At the same time, the specified composition basically does not contain non-aqueous extracts of any material obtained from the specified first or the specified second plant. The specified first plant is Atractylodes macrocephala (atractylodes large-headed), and the specified first active plant ingredient is atractylenolide I, II, or III, and the specified second plant is Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Ural licorice), Glycyrrhiza inflate (swollen licorice), or Glycyrrhiza glabra (naked licorice), and the specified second active plant ingredient is lycochalcone A or glabridine. At the same time, the “aqueous extract” means that the extract is obtained using only water as a solvent for extraction. In this case, the specified composition additionally contains another aqueous extract of material obtained from the third plant, which belongs to a different genus than the first or the second plant. The specified third extract contains the first amount of the third active plant ingredient and additional amount of the specified third active plant ingredient, included by addition of the specified composition or the corresponding aqueous extract selectively with the specified third active plant ingredient in such a way that the ratio of the specified first amount of the specified third active plant ingredient to its corresponding additional amount in the specified composition is from 1:1 to 1:3000 weight parts. In this case, the specified composition basically does not contain a non-aqueous extract of any material obtained from the specified third plant. The specified third plant is Paeonia lactiflora (peony lactic-flowered), and the specified third active plant ingredient is paeoniflorin. At the same time, the specified composition additionally contains another aqueous extract of material obtained from the fourth plant, which belongs to a different genus than the first, the second plant, or the third plant. The specified fourth extract contains the first amount of the fourth active plant ingredient and additional amount of the specified fourth active plant ingredient included by addition of the specified composition or the corresponding aqueous extract selectively with the specified fourth active plant ingredient in such a way that the ratio of the specified first amount of the specified fourth active plant ingredient to its corresponding additional amount in the specified composition is from 1:1 to 1:3000 weight parts. In this case, the specified composition basically does not contain a non-aqueous extract of any material obtained from the specified fourth plant. The specified fourth plant is Poria cocos (Poria coconut), and the specified fourth active plant ingredient is pachymic acid. At the same time, the specified first amount of the specified first active plant ingredient and the specified first amount of the specified second active plant ingredient is from 0.00001 wt.% to 5 wt.%, and each specified additional amount is from 0.00001 wt.% to 10 wt.% per the weight of the specified composition. The cosmetic composition for lightening/whitening the skin contains: (i) an aqueous co-extract of material obtained from the first plant and material obtained from the second plant, which belongs to a different genus than the first plant, wherein the specified aqueous extract contains the first amount of the first active plant ingredient originating from the specified first plant and the second active plant ingredient originating from the specified second plant, where the “co-extract” means that the mentioned first plant and the second plant are jointly extracted into an aqueous medium; (ii) additional amount of the specified first active plant ingredient; and (iii) additional amount of the specified second active plant ingredient. In this case, each specified additional amount is included by addition of the specified composition or the aqueous co-extract selectively with the specified first and the specified second active plant ingredients in such a way that the ratio of the specified first amount of the specified first active plant ingredient to its corresponding additional amount in the composition and the ratio of the specified first amount of the specified second active plant ingredient to its corresponding additional amount in the composition is from 1:1 to 1:3000 weight parts. At the same time, the specified composition basically does not contain non-aqueous extracts of any material obtained from the specified first or the specified second plant. In this case, the specified first plant is Atractylodes macrocephala (atractylodes large-headed), and the specified first active plant ingredient is atractylenolide I, II, or III, and the specified second plant is Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Ural licorice), Glycyrrhiza inflate (swollen licorice), or Glycyrrhiza glabra (naked licorice), and the specified second active plant ingredient is lycochalcone A or glabridine. At the same time, the “aqueous extract” means that the extract is obtained using only water as a solvent for extraction. In this case, the specified composition additionally contains another aqueous extract of material obtained from the third plant, which belongs to a different genus than the first or the second plant. The specified third extract contains the first amount of the third active plant ingredient and additional amount of the specified third active plant ingredient, included by addition of the specified composition or the corresponding aqueous extract selectively with the specified third active plant ingredient in such a way that the ratio of the specified first amount of the specified third active plant ingredient to its corresponding additional amount in the specified composition is from 1:1 to 1:3000 weight parts. In this case, the specified composition basically does not contain a non-aqueous extract of any material obtained from the specified third plant. The specified third plant is Paeonia lactiflora (peony lactic-flowered), and the specified third active plant ingredient is paeoniflorin. At the same time, the specified composition additionally contains another aqueous extract of material obtained from the fourth plant, which belongs to a different genus than the first, the second plant, or the third plant. The specified fourth extract contains the first amount of the fourth active plant ingredient and additional amount of the specified fourth active plant ingredient, included by addition of the specified composition or the corresponding aqueous extract selectively with the specified fourth active plant ingredient in such a way that the ratio of the specified first amount of the specified fourth active plant ingredient to its corresponding additional amount in the specified composition is from 1:1 to 1:3000 weight parts. In this case, the specified composition basically does not contain a non-aqueous extract of any material obtained from the specified fourth plant. The specified fourth plant is Poria cocos (Poria coconut), and the specified fourth active plant ingredient is pachymic acid. In this case, the specified first amount of the specified first active plant ingredient and the specified first amount of the specified second active plant ingredient is from 0.00001 wt.% to 5 wt.%, and each specified additional amount is from 0.00001 wt.% to 10 wt.% per the weight of the specified composition. The use of a composition for reduction in the skin melanin content is also proposed.

EFFECT: above-described compositions are effective for lightening/whitening the skin, synergistically reduce melanin in the skin.

5 cl, 2 tbl, 2 ex

Description

The technical field to which the invention belongs

The present invention relates to compositions containing a combination of herbal active ingredients, in particular to cosmetic compositions.

Prior Art

Traditional systems of medicine have been around for centuries. Traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicines remain popular due to their proven beneficial benefits. Many compositions, including foodstuffs, refreshing compositions and cosmetic compositions, contain extracts or part of plant-based materials, and the basic knowledge is derived from traditional systems of medicine.

Cosmetic compositions often contain one or more active plant ingredients which are extracted, for example, from the roots, stem, fruit, leaves or flowers of the plant. Typically, the extracts are aqueous extracts. The reasons for the widespread use of aqueous extracts are their effectiveness and safety for the consumer. Typically, an extract contains a variety of active ingredients, of which only a few are effective and are associated with one or more beneficial benefits from their use. Such extracts often contain other ingredients that may not be associated with any beneficial use. In some instances, these other ingredients may have an effect that is antagonistic to that of the beneficial active ingredients. In addition, certain other ingredients may play a supportive role in helping the active ingredient(s) perform their function. Since there are many chemicals in the extract and at present the composition and mechanism of action of all these chemical ingredients may not be fully understood, the inventors of the present invention hypothesized that each ingredient in the aqueous extract plays a role, but there is at least one ingredient that primarily associated with useful use.

Aqueous extracts have their own limitations as only a portion of the active ingredient is usually extracted (from the plant material) and extracts can usually contain a significant amount of non-beneficial fractions such as unsaponifiables, gums and resins. If the formulator intends to include an increased amount of any active ingredient in a given composition for use by the consumer, then the easier option is to increase the dose or increase the amount of extract in the composition. Another option is to pre-treat the plant material, for example by crushing or crushing the roots or bark.

Typically, aqueous extracts contain small amounts of useful active ingredients, and in some cases, their amount can be up to several milligrams per kilogram or per liter of extract. The limitation of processing conditions and equipment leaves little opportunity for those skilled in the art to extract more ingredients from plant-based materials. In addition, there is a risk of denaturation of the active ingredients if conditions such as pressure or temperature change significantly without considering the consequences. In an aqueous extract, usually the active ingredient(s), the inactive ingredients, the antagonist ingredient(s), if any, and the accessory ingredients are all present in specific ratios to each other.

If there is a need to increase the amount of active herbal ingredient in the composition in question, then the simplest approach is to replace

solvent, i.e. water into a non-aqueous solvent such as an alcohol, in particular ethanol, thereby obtaining a non-aqueous extract of the same plant material. Non-aqueous solvents are considered stronger solvents. However, when such a solvent is used, there is usually an increase in the amount of each ingredient compared to the corresponding aqueous extract. In other words, although the absolute amount of the active ingredient(s) may increase, the relative amount of such ingredient(s) relative to the other ingredients remains the same. An additional problem with non-aqueous solvents is that some non-extractable (non-water extractable) materials may be extractable by such solvents and may be hazardous to the consumer or may appear as an undesirable color or undesirable side effect upon use.

In most cases, such compositions contain a combination of two or more active herbal ingredients, since it is believed in some cases (and also proved in some cases) that such active herbal ingredients derived from different plants or herbs show a synergistic effect when used.

US20140242013 A1 (Hong Kong Baptist University) discloses a Chinese medicinal formula comprising large-headed atractylodes rhizome (Atractylodis macrocephalae), licorice root and rhizome (Glycyrrhizae), angelica root (Angelicae sinensis), white peony root (Paeoniae alba) and fungus of the poria fungus family (Poria), for skin care. The invention also relates to a method for obtaining the bioactive fraction of the said formula and to the use of the bioactive fraction for skin whitening and anti-aging of the skin. The mixed herbal formula is soaked in 250 ml distilled water for 1 hour, refluxed for 4 hours and then filtered to obtain the first herbal extract. Herbal residues from the preparation of the first extract are further extracted under reflux using 8 times then 5 times volume (v/w) of distilled water for 2 hours and 1 hour, respectively, to obtain the second and third herbal extracts. The second and third extracts are combined with the first herbal extract to form a combined (total) extract. The total extract is concentrated under reduced pressure to a suitable volume (about 25 ml) to obtain a concentrated extract, which, after going through several more stages, is used in cosmetic compositions.

US 2003/026823 (FRIED HOWARD ET AL) discloses insect repellent compositions that are inexpensive to manufacture, easy to apply and/or administer, and are not harmful to plants and animals; they include citronella (essential) oil (lemongrass oil), geranium oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, D-limonene, aldehyde C-14 and aldehyde C-18. Preferred compositions further comprise lavender oil, piperitone (a ketone, from terpenoids), and eucalyptus (essential) oil.

CN 106 852 795 (CHANGSHA XIEHAQJI BIOLOGY ENG CO LTD) describes a method for preparing an emulsion for removing freckles. The freckle removal emulsion is prepared by mixing Phytosterol, Glabridin, Lithospermum Liquid Extract, Purslane Liquid Extract, Garden Balsam Stem Liquid Extract, Peonol (Essential Oil of Peony Plants), Licorice Root Flavonoid Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate, Magnolia Liquid Extract, chamomile liquid extract, arbutin (glycoside), cactus extract, aloe liquid extract, chaga (Inonotus obliquus) extract, honeysuckle liquid extract, oriental flatwort (Platycladus orientalis) liquid extract, arnica liquid extract, dandelion liquid extract, salvia sage (Salvia) liquid extract miltiorrhiza), grape seed liquid extract, argy wormwood (Folium artemisiae argyi) liquid extract, atractylodes large-headed rhizome liquid extract, Gynostemma pentaphyllum liquid extract, gentian scabra Bunge liquid extract, liquid e garden burnet extract, Saussurea involucrate (Saussurea involucrate) liquid extract, emulsion wax, polyglutamic acid, essence and ionized water.

CN 107 595 756 (JIANG BINGBING) discloses a whitening, blackhead removing composition which contains the following components in wt.%: 1 to 10% nicotinamide, 1 to 5% licochalcon A, 1 to 10% arbutin, 0.5 to 1.5% Bletilla root extract, 0.5 to 1.5% atractylodes root extract, 0.05 to 0.3% pearl extract, 0.05 to 0.3% ginseng extract, 0.01 to 0.5% white water lily flower extract (Nymphaea alba), 0.01 to 0.5% ligusticum rhizome, 20 to 40% glycerin and water to make up to 100%.

CN106 860 325 (CHANGSHA XIEHAQJI BIOLOGY ENG CO LTD) describes a freckle removal fermented toner. According to the invention, a fermented toner for removing freckles is prepared by mixing phytosterol, glabridin, cumulus liquid extract, vitamin D3, lipase, Lactobacillus plantarum, licorice root flavonoid solution, dipotassium glycyrrhizinate, magnolia liquid extract, chamomile liquid extract, arbutin, cereus extract (cactus family), liquid extract of aloe, extract of chaga (Inonotus obliquus), liquid extract of honeysuckle flowers, liquid extract of oriental flatwort (Platycladus orientalis), liquid extract of mountain arnica, liquid extract of dandelion, liquid extract of licorice root, liquid extract of propolis, liquid extract of eyebright, rose hydrosol , smilax (or sassaparilla) rhizome liquid extract, witch hazel extract liquid, gentian extract liquid, burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) liquid extract, clove extract liquid, isopropyl myristate, polyglutamic acid, fragrance and ionized water.

US20120136067 A1 (Beiersdorf, 2003) discloses the use of a combination of UV filters (sunscreens) (a) 2-ethylhexyl-2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate (INCI (International Cosmetic Ingredient Nomenclature): octocrylene), (b) 4- (tert-butyl)-4'-methoxydibenzoylmethane (INCI: butyl-methoxydibenzoylmethane) to improve the storage stability of licochalcone A or licorice extracts in oil/water cosmetic emulsions.

US2005191266 A1 (Beiersdorf, 2003) describes a cosmetic or dermatological preparation which contains an effective amount of at least one of licochalcon A and a licorice root extract containing licochalcon A.

US2011236509A (Unilever) discloses a topical composition and method for reducing or preventing acne on the skin. The object of the invention is to provide a combination of herbal extracts that interact synergistically to form a cosmetic composition for the prevention, reduction or treatment of acne. The composition contains (i) an extract of the first active substance, which is Azadirachta indica or ni(i)m, Indian lilac (Azhadirachta indica); and (ii) an extract of a second active substance selected from the herbaceous vine Momordia charantia (Momordica charantia) or Indian sesame (Sesamum indicum).

WO14173635 A1 (Unilever) describes a topical composition for hair growth that contains a synergistic combination of plant source extracts. The composition not only keeps the hair follicle longer in the anagen phase (rapid hair growth phase), but also provides longer hair. This is achieved through a combination of gallic acid ester and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) or Indian sesame (Sesamum indicum) extract, which is applied to the hair or scalp.

One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide an effective composition, effective in terms of its benefits when used on a living or non-living substrate, and the composition contains a combination of plant active ingredients extracted from the appropriate plant material, such as roots or bark.

Brief summary of the invention

The problems have been solved by the compositions of the invention.

In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, a composition is disclosed comprising a plurality of active ingredients of plant origin, each of which is predominantly associated with a beneficial effect when used on a living or non-living substrate, and the specified composition contains:

- the first aqueous extract of material obtained from the first plant, and the specified first extract contains the first amount of the first active plant ingredient;

- a second aqueous extract of material obtained from a second plant, which belongs to a different genus than the first plant, and the specified second extract contains the first amount of the second active plant ingredient;

- an additional amount of said first active herbal ingredient, and

- an additional amount of said second active herbal ingredient;

wherein each said additional amount is incorporated by adding said composition or corresponding aqueous extract selectively with said first and said second active herbal ingredients such that the ratio of said first amount of said first active herbal ingredient to its corresponding additional amount and the ratio of said first amount of said second active herbal ingredient vegetable ingredient to its corresponding additional amount in the composition ranged from 1:1 to 1:3000 mass parts; wherein said composition is substantially free of non-aqueous extracts of any material derived from said first or said second plant; wherein said first plant is Atractylodes macrocephala (large-headed atractylodes) and said first active plant ingredient is atractylenolide I, II or III; and wherein said second plant is Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Ural licorice), Glycyrrhiza inflata (bloated licorice) or Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) and said second active plant ingredient is lycochalcone A or glabridin.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, a composition is disclosed comprising a plurality of herbal active ingredients, each of which is predominantly associated with a beneficial effect when used on a living or non-living substrate, said composition comprising:

- an aqueous co-extract of a material obtained from a first plant and a material obtained from a second plant that belongs to a different genus than the first plant, and said aqueous co-extract contains a first amount of a first active plant ingredient obtained from said first plant and a second active plant ingredient an ingredient derived from said second plant;

- an additional amount of said first active herbal ingredient, and

- an additional amount of said second active herbal ingredient;

wherein each said additional amount is incorporated by adding said composition or the corresponding aqueous extract selectively with said first and said second active herbal ingredients so that the ratio of said first amount of said first active herbal ingredient to its corresponding additional amount in the composition and the ratio of said first amount of said the second active herbal ingredient to its corresponding additional amount in the composition ranged from 1:1 to 1:3000 mass parts; wherein said composition is substantially free of non-aqueous extracts of any material derived from said first or said second plant; wherein said first plant is Atractylodes macrocephala and said first active plant ingredient is atractylenolide I, II or III; and wherein said second plant is Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Glycyrrhiza inflate or Glycyrrhiza glabra and said second active plant ingredient is lycochalcone A or glabridin.

These and other aspects of the invention are described in detail below.

Detailed description of the invention

For the avoidance of doubt, any feature of one aspect of the present invention may be used in any other aspect of the invention. The word "comprising" means "including", but not necessarily "consisting of" or "made up of". In other words, the steps or options listed are not meant to be exhaustive. It should be noted that the examples given in the description below are intended to explain the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to these examples per se (as such). Likewise, all percentages are expressed in wt.%/wt.%, unless otherwise indicated. Except for working and comparative examples, or where expressly stated otherwise, all numerical data in the present description and claims, denoting amounts of material or reaction conditions, physical properties of materials and/or application, should be read in conjunction with the preceding word “about, approximately". Numeric ranges expressed in the format "x to y" should be understood to include x and y. When specifying any range of values or amounts, any specific upper value or amount may be associated with any specific lower value or amount.

The various features of the present invention mentioned in the individual sections above apply to other sections mutatis mutandis. Therefore, the characteristics specified in one section may, if necessary, be combined with the characteristics specified in other sections. Any section headings are added for convenience only and are not intended to limit the disclosure in any way.

The term "active herbal ingredient" means an ingredient that is present in an aqueous extract and that is predominantly associated with at least one beneficial effect when used. For example, lycochalcone A or glabridin are active plant ingredients present in an aqueous extract of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and these ingredients are predominantly associated with skin whitening or melanin reduction in pigmented skin.

The expression "associated with" means that the ingredient is largely responsible for the occurrence of a beneficial effect when used or is known to cause this effect.

The expression "beneficial effect in use" means any tangible effect that can either be felt by the senses, or can be measured by any known method using any known device or machine. For example, in the case of licochalcon A or glabridin as active herbal ingredients present in an aqueous extract of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), the beneficial effect of their use is skin whitening or reduction of melanin content in pigmented skin.

The term “non-living substrates” includes hard surfaces in and around a building, such as wood, metal, ceramic, glass, and paint surfaces, glazed ceramic tiles, paper, polystyrene, or marble, or soft surfaces, such as clothing, carpets, curtains, and others. textile products. By "living substrates" is meant those substrates which are different from non-living substrate and may be the body of a human or animal, more preferably the human body, ie human skin, hair, teeth or armpits. For the purposes of the present invention, living substrates do not include plant surfaces.

The term "aqueous extract" means that the extract is made using only water as the extraction solvent. In one aspect, the extract itself is in a solid form such as powder or granules with some moisture inside. The term "water extract" does not mean that the extract necessarily contains a significant amount of water. Alternatively, the extract itself is an aqueous extract (from medicinal plants) that contains an inactive herbal ingredient and an active herbal ingredient. In this case, the extract does not contain a significant amount of water.

The term "inactive herbal ingredient" refers to an ingredient that is present in an aqueous extract and that is predominantly not associated with a beneficial effect when used. Alternatively, the term refers to an ingredient that is present in an aqueous extract and that is predominantly associated with a beneficial effect when used, different from that with which the active herbal ingredient is associated.

The expression "complex of inactive herbal ingredients" means the presence of at least two inactive herbal ingredients.

The term "plant" for the purpose of the present invention includes angiosperms, gymnosperms, bryophytes, ferns and fungi.

The expression "material derived from a plant" means a part of a plant such as a root, leaves, stem, fruit, flower or bark. If the plant is a fungus, such as an edible fungus, the material is preferably obtained from the sclerotium. Such material may be obtained directly from the plant or may be subjected to a pre-treatment step such as washing, grinding or powdering. In addition, such material may also be a material derived from a plant, such as gum, exudate or latex.

The expression "non-aqueous extract" means that the extract is obtained using a solvent other than water. Preferably, "non-aqueous extract" means an alcoholic extract, in particular an ethanolic extract.

Compositions of the invention

The compositions of the invention contain a plurality of herbal active ingredients, each of which is advantageously associated with at least one beneficial effect when used on a living or non-living substrate.

In one aspect, the composition of the invention is a detergent, fabric conditioner, or hard surface cleaner, and the beneficial effect is achieved on a non-living substrate. Alternatively, the composition of the invention is a cosmetic composition, food, drink, ice cream or frozen dessert, and the beneficial effect is achieved on a living substrate.

Preferably, the composition according to the invention is a cosmetic composition and the beneficial effect of its use is a cosmetic effect. The term "cosmetic effect" is variable and may have different meanings depending on the nature and purpose of the composition. For example, if the cosmetic composition is a shampoo, then the cosmetic effect may be shinier hair, less frizzy hair, or straighter hair or more manageable hair. If the cosmetic composition is a deodorant or antiperspirant, then the corresponding cosmetic effect is reduced perspiration.

Preferably, the cosmetic composition is a skin care composition, a skin cleansing composition, a deodorant, an antiperspirant, a hair care composition, or an oral care composition. Hair care compositions include shampoo, hair conditioner, hair cream, hair gel, hair oil, hair serum and hair dye. Skin care compositions include creams, gels, lotions, wipes, foundation, cosmetic masks, mascaras, lipsticks, and aftershaves. Oral care compositions include toothpaste and mouthwash.

As used herein, the term "food" or "food products" includes dairy products (including milk and yoghurts), desserts, convenience foods/snacks, breakfast cereals and cereal bars, mayonnaises, dressings, sandwich fillings, ready meals. for cooking, bread, soups, noodles, cookies and cakes. Drinks, ice cream and frozen desserts are categorized as 'refreshing foods'. The term “refreshing” covers frozen confectionery products such as ice cream, popsicles (popsicles), sherbets and yoghurt ice cream. Suitable beverages include tea, tea-flavored beverages, soy-based products, coffee, soft drinks (eg, carbonated squash), and fruit juices.

Preferably, the food composition further comprises at least one protein, carbohydrate or fat ingredient. It is particularly preferred if the food composition comprises at least a protein and a carbohydrate. Alternatively, the source of one of the proteins, carbohydrates and/or fats may be specified along with the food composition, for example if the food composition does not contain significant amounts of these ingredients.

Suitable protein sources include dairy sources such as milk, yogurt, kefir, cheese or ice cream. Other sources of animal origin may also be used, depending on the type of food composition. Alternatively, the nutritional composition may include plant proteins such as soy protein, rice protein, pea protein or wheat protein.

The amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrate, and other ingredients in a nutritional or refreshing composition will vary depending on the format of the product and the requirements of national or regional legislation.

The compositions of the invention comprise a first aqueous extract and a second aqueous extract. The content of water extracts depends on the plant and the material obtained from this plant. For example, the composition of the ingredients in an aqueous extract of the root of a plant may differ from the composition of the ingredients in an aqueous extract of the bark of that plant. The first amount is the amount that is initially present in the extract as contained in and extractable from the respective starting material under standard extraction conditions.

The first water extract is the extract of the material obtained from the first plant. The first aqueous extract contains the first amount of the first active plant

ingredient.

The first plant is Atractylodes macrocephala and the first active plant ingredient is atractylenolide I, II or III.

The compositions of the invention comprise a second aqueous extract of material derived from a second plant which is of a different genus than the first plant, said second extract containing a first amount of the second active plant ingredient. The first quantity is that quantity which is initially present in the extract as contained in, and extractable from, the relevant material under standard extraction conditions.

The second plant is Glycyrrhiza uralensis or Glycyrrhiza inflata or Glycyrrhiza glabra and said second active plant ingredient is lycochalcone A or glabridin.

The compositions of the invention also contain an additional amount of the first active herbal ingredient. The compositions of the invention also contain an additional amount of the second active plant ingredient. An additional amount is an amount in addition to the amount already contained in the extract; it is designated as the first quantity and the second quantity, respectively. As the name suggests, an additional amount is included by adding a composition or an appropriate aqueous extract with said first and said second active herbal ingredients. Preferably the additional amount is included by adding an appropriate aqueous extract.

The ratio of the first amount of the specified first active herbal ingredient to its corresponding additional amount and the ratio of the specified first amount of the specified second active herbal ingredient to its corresponding additional amount in the composition is from 1:1 to 1:3000 mass parts. More preferably, this ratio is from 1:1 to 1:2500 mass parts. The wide ratio range indicates the flexibility of the formulation in terms of the first amount used and the corresponding additional amount. This flexibility in formulation is necessary because in some cases (due to the naturally lower amount of active plant ingredient in the material derived from the first (or second) plant or both, or given the limitations/difficulties associated with the extraction process), the first amount in question in the aqueous extract in question should be low and sometimes even 0.00001 wt.% in terms of the extract. In the event that the extract is to be used in a composition, for example in a cosmetic composition such as a skin whitening cream, the maximum possible amount of active ingredient that can be dosed or included in the composition must also be extremely low. The reason is that in order to increase the amount of the active substance, the formulator would have to increase the amount of the respective extract and that this may not be technically or commercially feasible. Therefore, in such a case, the formulator will have a wide discretion, based on his knowledge of the principles of formulation, in terms of including a higher additional amount in question, for example, at a ratio of 1:2000 mass parts.

On the other hand, if the natural amount or the first amount of the active herbal ingredient in question is already sufficient or sufficiently high in the first or second extract in question, then there would be no reason for the formulator to include an increased additional amount, for example, at a ratio of 1:2000 by weight parts. In such a case, the skilled person may prefer a ratio of the order of 1:1 or 1:2 parts by weight.

The compositions of the invention are essentially free of non-aqueous extract of any

material obtained from said first or said second plant. The term "non-aqueous extract" preferably means an alcoholic extract, in particular an ethanolic extract. The reason, as previously described, is that non-aqueous extracts often contain undesirable ingredients, or that they often have other 'interfering' ingredients that can create a problem for the consumer, such as giving the composition in question an undesirable color or smell.

Preferably, the first amount of the first active botanical ingredient and said first amount of said second active botanical ingredient is between 0.00001% and 5% by weight, based on the weight of the composition. More preferably, this amount is from 0.001 wt.% to 4 wt.% in terms of the weight of the composition. Even more preferably, it is from 0.001 wt.% to 2 wt.% in terms of the weight of the composition. Since this is the actual amount of the active herbal ingredient in the compositions of the invention, the formulator must add the appropriate amount of the extract in question (by calculation) so that the composition will eventually contain the required amount of the active herbal ingredient in question.

It is also preferred that in the compositions of the invention, each said additional added amount is between 0.00001% and 10% by weight, based on the weight of said composition.

Preferably, if the first plant is Atractylodes macrocephala and the first botanical active ingredient is atractylenolide I, II or III and if the second plant is Glycyrrhiza uralensis (or Glycyrrhiza inflate or Glycyrrhiza glabra) and the second botanical active ingredient is lycochalcone A or glabridin, then the composition according to of the invention is a cosmetic composition and its beneficial effect is skin whitening, as evidenced by the downregulation of melanin expression in a pigmented living human skin equivalent model.

It is also preferred that the compositions of the invention comprise a different (i.e., third) aqueous extract of material derived from a third plant that is of a different genus than the first or second plant, said other extract containing a first amount of the third active plant ingredient, and an additional amount of said third active herbal ingredient incorporated by adding said composition or an appropriate aqueous extract selectively with said third active herbal ingredient such that the ratio of said first amount of said third active herbal ingredient to its corresponding additional amount in said composition is between 1:1 up to 1:3000 mass parts, more preferably the ratio is from 1:1 to 1:2500 mass parts. In such cases, the composition is also substantially free of a non-aqueous extract of any material derived from said third plant.

Preferably the third plant is Paeonia lactiflora (peony lactiflora) and said third plant active ingredient is peoniflorin.

Even more preferably, the compositions of the invention comprise a different (i.e., fourth) aqueous extract of material derived from a fourth plant that is of a different genus than the first, second, or third plant, said fourth extract containing a first amount of the fourth active botanical ingredient and an additional amount of said fourth active botanical ingredient, included by adding said composition or an appropriate aqueous extract selectively with said fourth active botanical ingredient so that the ratio of the first amount of said fourth active botanical ingredient to its corresponding additional amount in said composition is from 1 :1 to 1:3000 mass parts, while the specified composition, basically, does not contain a non-aqueous extract of any material obtained from the fourth plant.

Preferably the fourth plant is Poria cocos and the fourth active ingredient is pachymic acid. This plant is a fungus, an edible mushroom. The material is obtained from its sclerotium.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a composition is disclosed comprising a plurality of herbal active ingredients, each of which is predominantly associated with a beneficial effect when used on a living or non-living substrate, said composition comprising:

(i) an aqueous co-extract of a material derived from a first plant and a material derived from a second plant which is of a different genus than the first plant, said aqueous co-extract containing a first amount of a first active plant ingredient derived from said first plant and a first the amount of the second active herbal ingredient derived from said second plant;

(ii) an additional amount of said first active herbal ingredient; and

(iii) an additional amount of said second active herbal ingredient;

wherein each said additional amount is incorporated by adding said composition or aqueous co-extract selectively with said first and said second active herbal ingredients such that the ratio of said first amount of said first active herbal ingredient to its corresponding additional amount in the composition and the ratio of said first amount of said second active herbal ingredient of the herbal ingredient to its corresponding additional amount in the composition was from 1:1 to 1:3000 mass parts, while the specified composition is essentially free of non-aqueous extracts of any material obtained from the specified first or specified second plant, and the specified first plant is Atractylodes macrocephala and said first active plant ingredient is atractylenolide I, II or III and said second plant is Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Glycyrrhiza inflata or Gl ycyrrhiza glabra and said second active plant ingredient is lycochalcone A or glabridin.

The difference between this and the first aspect of the invention is that this aspect relates to an aqueous co-extract of a material obtained from a first plant and a material obtained from a second plant which belongs to a different genus than the first plant, while in the first aspect reference is made to separate extracts of material obtained from the first plant and material obtained from the second plant. The term “co-extract” means that said first plant and said second plant are co-extracted in an aqueous medium. This is in principle different from the first aspect, in which the first plant and the second plant are extracted separately and then the resulting extracts are combined to prepare the composition of the present invention.

In the compositions according to the second aspect of the invention, it is preferred that the compositions contain another aqueous extract of material obtained from a third plant that belongs to a different genus than the first or second plant, while said other extract contains a first amount of a third active plant ingredient and an additional amount of of said third active herbal ingredient, incorporated by adding said composition or an appropriate aqueous extract selectively with said third active herbal ingredient so that the ratio of said first amount of said third active herbal ingredient to its corresponding additional amount in said composition is between 1:1 and 1: 3000 mass parts, more preferably this ratio is from 1:1 to 1:2500 mass parts. And in these cases, the composition is essentially free of a non-aqueous extract of material derived from said third plant. Preferably, the co-extraction process uses material derived from a third plant so that the extract contains or includes the other extract mentioned above.

Preferably the third plant is Paeonia lactiflora (peony lactiflora) and said third active ingredient is peoniflorin.

Even more preferred in the compositions according to the second aspect of the invention is that the compositions contain another (i.e. fourth) aqueous extract, which is an extract of material obtained from a fourth plant, which belongs to a different species than the first, second or third plant, while said fourth extract contains a first amount of a fourth active botanical ingredient and an additional amount of said fourth active botanical ingredient, incorporated by adding said composition or an appropriate aqueous extract selectively with said fourth active botanical ingredient so that the ratio of the first amount of said fourth active botanical ingredient to its corresponding additional the amount in the specified composition ranged from 1:1 to 1:3000 mass parts, while the specified composition, basically, does not contain a non-aqueous extract of any material obtained from the fourth p asthenia. Preferably, the co-extraction process uses material derived from the fourth plant so that the extract contains or includes the other extract mentioned above.

Preferably the fourth plant is Poria cocos

and the fourth active ingredient is pachymic acid. This plant is a fungus, an edible mushroom. The material is obtained from its sclerotium.

Compositions

The composition of the present invention is a detergent, fabric conditioner or hard surface cleaning composition, and said benefit is beneficial when used on a non-living substrate. The non-living substrate may be, for example, a cloth or a hard surface such as glazed ceramic tiles.

Alternatively, the composition of the invention is a cosmetic, food, drink, ice cream or frozen dessert and said benefit is a benefit when used on a living substrate.

If the composition according to the invention is a cosmetic composition, then the beneficial effect when used is a cosmetic effect. The cosmetic effect may vary depending on the nature and purpose of the cosmetic composition. Non-limiting examples include skin lightening, skin whitening, fine lines and wrinkles, skin surface imperfections, hair straightening, hair conditioning, antiperspirant effect, deodorizing effect, and skin moisturizing.

It is understood that the cosmetic composition in the context of the description includes a composition for topical application to the skin of mammals, in particular humans. Such a composition can in most cases be classified as leave-on or rinse-off and includes any product applied to the human body to improve appearance, cleansing, odor control, or general aesthetics. The personal care composition is preferably a leave-on composition. The composition of the invention may be in the form of a liquid, lotion, cream, foam, scrub, gel, soap bar or toner, or may be applied with an instrument or face mask, wipe or patch. Non-limiting examples of personal care compositions include leave-in skin lotions and creams, shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, toilet bars, antiperspirants, deodorants, depilatory products, lipsticks, foundations, mascaras, self-tanning lotions, and sunscreen lotions. Thus, a preferred cosmetically acceptable base is an emulsion, lotion, cream, foam, gel, soap bar, stick, mask, wipe, or patch. The preferred cosmetically acceptable base in leave-on compositions is an emulsion, lotion, cream, foam, gel or stick. The term "skin" in the context of the description is intended to include the skin of the face and body (eg, neck, chest, back, shoulders, armpits, arms, legs, buttocks, and scalp).

If the composition according to the invention is a cosmetic composition, it preferably contains a cosmetically acceptable base. The cosmetically acceptable base is preferably a cream, lotion, gel or emulsion base. Such compositions may be prepared using a variety of cosmetically acceptable emulsifying or non-emulsifying systems and carriers. Preferred cosmetically acceptable bases contain from 1 to 25% fatty acid, based on the weight of the composition. In addition, the base preferably contains from 0.1 to 10% soap, based on the weight of the composition. The most suitable base is a cream. Fast-absorbing creams are particularly preferred. The bases of a fast-absorbing cream in most cases contain from 5 to 25 wt.% / wt. fatty acid and from 0.1 to 10 wt.%/wt.% soap. The fast-absorbing cream base gives the skin a much-appreciated matte feel. Particularly preferred in fast absorbing cream bases are C ₁₂ -C ₂₀ fatty acids, more preferred C ₁₄ -C ₁₈ fatty acids. The most preferred fatty acid is stearic acid. The fatty acid may also be a mixture of palmitic and stearic acids. Soaps include alkali metal salts of fatty acids, for example sodium or potassium salts, the most preferred salt being potassium stearate. Preferably such compositions contain from 0.1 to 10 wt.%, more preferably from 0.1 to 3 wt.% soap.

The composition of the invention may contain other skin lightening agents such as niacin, niacinamide, picolinamide, isonicotinamide, or any other well known skin lightening agent such as 12-HAS (12-hydroxystearic acid), conjugated linoleic acid, kojic acid, arbutin or resorcinol. Preferably the composition according to the invention contains from 0.1 to 10% by weight, more preferably from 0.2 to 5% by weight of a skin lightening agent.

Preferably, the cosmetic composition further comprises one or more inorganic or organic UV filters (sunscreen agents). More preferred organic sunscreens are 2-ethylhexyl-p-methoxycinnamate (as a UVB filter) and/or butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane (as a UVA filter). Preferably the composition contains from 0.1 wt.% to 10 wt.%, more preferably from 0.1 wt.% to 5 wt.%. Suitable inorganic sunscreens include zinc oxide, iron oxide, silicon dioxide, such as colloidal silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide. Such particulate materials may be further coated with a hydrophobic agent.

Cosmetic compositions according to the invention may additionally contain one or more emollients (emollients). Suitable emollients include stearyl alcohol, glycerol monoricinoleate, glycerol monostearate, mink oil, cetyl alcohol, isopropyl isostearate, stearic acid, isobutyl palmitate, isocetyl stearate, oleyl alcohol, isopropyl laurate, hexyl laurate, decyl oleate, octadecan-2-ol, isocetyl alcohol, eicosanil alcohol, behenyl alcohol, cetyl palmitate, silicone oils such as dimethyl polysiloxane, di-n-butyl sebacate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl stearate, butyl stearate, polyethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, lanolin, cocoa butter, corn oil, cottonseed oil, tallow, pork fat, olive oil, palm kernel oil, rapeseed oil, safflower oil, evening primrose oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, olive oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, peanut oil, castor oil, acetylated lanolin alcohol, petroleum jelly, mineral oil, butyl myristate, isostearic acid, palmitic acid, isopropyl linoleate, lauryl lactate, myristyl lactate, decyl oleate and myristyl myristate.

Such a composition preferably also contains other diluents to improve distribution when the composition is applied to the skin, such as liquid or solid emollients, solvents, humectants, thickeners and powders.

If the composition of the invention is a deodorant or antiperspirant, it preferably contains a conventional deodorant base as a carrier. By deodorant is meant a soft-solid product: sticks, gels, creams and liquids in the form of a deodorant roll-on or propellant spray for topical/armpit application, and such compositions may or may not contain antiperspirant actives. The liquid carrier or mixture of carriers often makes up 30 to 95% by weight and in many cases 40 to 80% by weight of the composition.

When the cosmetic composition of the present invention is a hair care composition, it comprises a base, preferably a dermatologically/cosmetically acceptable base. The hair composition may suitably be in the form of a shampoo, conditioner, spray, mousse, tonic, gel, oil, cream, hair styling foam, rinse or lotion.

The choice of an appropriate base will depend on the type of hair composition and whether the product is intended to be left on the surface to which it has been applied (e.g. hair spray, mousse, tonic or gel) or to be rinsed off after use (e.g. shampoo , conditioner, conditioners).

The base can have a wide variety of shapes. For example, it may be in the form of oil-in-water, water-in-oil, water-in-oil-in-water or oil-in-water-in-silicone emulsions. A dermatologically/cosmetically acceptable base as used herein may include a wide range of ingredients conventionally used in hair compositions. The base may be a solvent for dissolving or dispersing the galacturonic acid polymer and is preferably C ₆ alcohol, lower alkyl acetate and mixtures thereof. The base may also contain a wide variety of additional materials such as acetone, hydrocarbons (such as isobutane, hexane, decene) and volatile silicone derivatives such as cyclomethicone. Depending on the type of composition, one or more additional ingredients may preferably be included in the compositions of the invention. Such additional ingredients include hair styling agents such as hair fixing resins and polymers, perfumes, colorants, buffering agents or pH adjusters, viscosity modifiers, opacifiers (clouding agents), pearlescent agents, preservatives, antibacterial agents, anti-dandruff, foam enhancers, proteins, moisturizers, herbal and other plant extracts and other natural ingredients.

Cosmetic compositions of the present invention may contain a wide range of other optional ingredients. The CTFA (Cosmetics and Fragrance Association) Cosmetic Ingredient Handbook, Second Edition, 1992, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes a wide variety of cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredients commonly used in the care industry, without limitation. behind the skin, which are preferably suitable for use in the compositions of the present invention. Examples include: antioxidants, binders, biological additives, buffering agents, dyes, thickeners, polymers, astringents, fragrances, humectants, opacifiers, conditioners, exfoliants, pH adjusters, preservatives, natural extracts, essential oils, skin sensitizers, skin soothing agents; and skin healing agents.

When the topical composition of the present invention is an oral care composition, it comprises a vehicle, preferably an orally acceptable vehicle. The orally acceptable base depends on the format in which the oral composition is supplied. The most suitable formats are mouthwash, toothpaste or toothpowder. If the composition is a mouthrinse, the orally acceptable base is water. The mouthwash preferably contains 0.05 to 10% by weight, more preferably 0.05 to 8% by weight, most preferably 0.5 to 5% by weight of a surfactant. Surfactants are preferably cationic, anionic or zwitterionic, most preferably cationic. If present, anionic surfactants are preferably selected from the alkali or alkaline earth metal salts of alkyl sulfonic acid, fatty acid or alkyl ether sulfate. If zwitterionic surfactants are present, they are preferably selected from betaines, sulfobetaines, hydroxysulfobetaines or aminocarboxylates. If cationic surfactants are present, they are preferably selected from benzalkonium chloride, alkyl pyridine chloride or quaternary ammonium (Tween) surfactants. The mouthrinse composition of the invention is intended to enhance immunity either using the composition without dilution or after diluting the composition with water.

The oral care composition may be supplied in the form of a toothpaste. If the composition is a toothpaste, then an orally acceptable base is an abrasive, which may be calcium carbonate or a silica-based abrasive. If the abrasive is calcium carbonate, then the toothpaste has an opaque paste format. The opaque toothpaste comprises 15 to 70% by weight calcium carbonate, more preferably 30 to 60% by weight. Calcium carbonate (also known as white chalk) is available in many forms and some of these forms are used in oral care compositions. The two traditionally used forms are finely ground natural chalk (FGNC) and precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC). If an abrasive silica is used, the toothpaste usually comes in a clear gel format. The toothpaste preferably comprises 2 to 15% by weight of the surfactant, preferably 2.2 to 10% by weight, more preferably 2.5 to 5% by weight of the composition. Preferred surfactants are anionic or amphoteric. The anionic surfactant is preferably an alkali metal alkyl sulfate, more preferably sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Mixtures of anionic surfactants can also be used. The amphoteric surfactant is preferably betaine, more preferably alkylamidopropyl betaine (in which the alkyl group is a linear C ₁₀ -C ₁₈ chain), most preferably cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB). Mixtures of amphoteric surfactants may also be used.

The composition according to the invention is a detergent composition. The laundry detergent composition may be liquid, powder or gel. The laundry detergent composition preferably does not contain phosphates, i.e. its phosphate content is less than 1% by weight. Powdered laundry detergent compositions are predominantly carbonate based, ie the wt% amount of sodium carbonate is greater than the wt% sum of the other filler ingredients present. Preferably, such compositions also contain surfactants, polymers, enzymes, fillers, shading dyes, bleaching agents, dyes and perfumes.

If the composition of the invention is a hard surface cleaning composition, it is preferably a dishwashing or floor cleaning composition. Dishwashing compositions are available in various formats. The latter include powders, pastes, liquids and bars. Of all these formats, powders contain the least amount of surfactants, while liquids contain the most. The total surfactant content is usually expressed as the total level of active detergents (AD). Powders are usually products with an AD of 2 to 4, while dishwashing liquids or washing liquids can be products with an AD of 5 to 30. In addition to the surfactants that determine the AD level, such compositions also contain other additives, for example, blowing agents, defoamers (or defoamers), hydrotropes, polymers, colorants and perfumes.

It is particularly preferred that the beneficial effect when using each said active herbal ingredient on said living or non-living substrate is the same or similar. In such cases, the formulator could work more productively and create more effective products in which active herbal ingredients interact synergistically, creating a combined effect that is much higher than the mathematically predicted additive effect.

The present invention also relates to a composition for use in skin lightening. In particular, the use of the composition for reducing the melanin content of the skin is contemplated.

The invention is explained below by means of non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

An aqueous co-extract of Atractylodes macrocephalae (root), Paeonia lactiflora (stem), Poria cocos (sclerotium) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (stem, bark) with a component composition ratio of 2:2:2:1 mass parts was prepared by the usual method of aqueous extraction under reflux, in in which the duration of each reverse cycle was 30 minutes. There were two such cycles. For vacuum distillation, a rotary evaporator maintained at 60°C was used. The aqueous extract was freeze-dried to obtain a powder. The extraction yield was 20:1 mass parts.

Table 1 contains information on the amounts of active herbal ingredients in the lyophilized extract.

Table 1

Ingredient from a plant Quantity/ppm atractylenolide I Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz 21.25 atractylenolide II - “- 93.21 atractylenolide III - “- 390.33 pachymic acid Poria cocos 4.29 albiflorin Paeonia lactiflora Pall 1588.87 peoniflorin - “- 15143.22 ethyl gallate - “- 0.88 liquiritin Glycyrrhiza glabra 3113.52 isoliquiritigenin - “- 0.07 lycochalcone A - “- 1.45 glabridin - “- 0.59

Example 2 Melanin Inhibition in a Live Equivalent Model

human skin (LSE)

To determine if the aqueous co-extract of Example 1 has a beneficial cosmetic effect on a living surface (human skin), said extract was used in a human skin live equivalent test. The details of the test are as follows.

Materials:

MelaKuits® is a reconstructed pigmented living human skin equivalent (LSE) model created from a 3D culture of normal human epidermal keratinocytes and melanocytes from Asian donors. Available from Biocell (Xi'an, China).

- Aqueous co-extract prepared as in example 1.

- Atractylenolide I, glabridin and kojic acid were purchased from commercial suppliers.

Method

The pigmented LSE model was irradiated with UV-B rays (50 mJ/cm ² ) for seven consecutive days at periodic intervals of 24 hours to stimulate melanin synthesis. The extracts were applied topically to each LSE model on day 4 and day 6 at 48 hour intervals for "refreshment". For comparison, a blind experiment was performed in which the LSE model was not exposed to UV irradiation and no extract was applied to it. A control experiment was also performed in which the LSE model was exposed to UV irradiation but no other treatment was performed.

On day 8, the appearance of each LSE model was assessed by photographing them. After that, all models subjected to testing were separated from their respective substrates and placed on a white plastic plate with the stratum corneum side facing up. The brightness value (L*) was read using a CM700 spectrophotometer (Konica-Minolta). The brightness measurements for each model were carried out three times, and the average value was calculated for comparison.

Observations/data are summarized in Table 1. 2.

table 2

No. p / p Ingredient/conditions and quantity Melanin content ^#
(% control) one blind experiment 73.6 2 Control experiment 100 3 Kojic acid (positive control) 75 µM 77.4 4 Extract* example 1 - 50 µg/ml 97.1 five Extract* example 1 - 100 µg/ml 80.9 6 Extract* example 1 - 300 µg/ml 76.0 7 AT-1 5 µM 94.9 eight Extract* example 1 - 50 µg/ml and
AT-1 5 µM 95.3 nine Glabridin - 2.5 µM 97.1 10 Extract* example 1 - 50 µg/ml and
glabridin 2.5 μM 92.2 eleven AT-1 5 µM and glabridin 2.5 µM 95.2 12 Extract* of example 1 - 50 mcg/ml,
AT-1 5 µM and glabridin 2.5 µM 87.8

Note

- Aqueous extract* was a co-extract of the following:

plant 1: Atractylodes macrocephala - the first active plant

the ingredient was atractylenolide I, II III (AT-1, AT-2, AT-3);

plant 2: Glycyrrhiza glabra - the second active plant

the ingredient was lycochalcone A and glabridin;

plant 3: Paeonia lactiflora - the third active ingredient

was peoniflorin;

plant 4: Poria cocos - the fourth active ingredient

was pachymic acid.

- ^# The lower the better.

Table data. 2 indicate that kojic acid is the most effective ingredient, but it serves as a positive control. By increasing the amount of the extract of example 1 from 50 to 300 μg/ml, a progressive decrease in the melanin content was simultaneously observed. In fact, 300 μg/ml of the aqueous extract resulted in a greater reduction in melanin than kojic acid. However, such a large amount of extract is likely to make the composition not economically viable and increase the likelihood of adverse/undesirable side effects.

The data relating to ordinal nos. 7-11 indicate that ingredient combinations are not good enough because, in the case of ingredient combinations, the combined effect is the additive effect of the constituent ingredients.

However, data relating to serial number 12, which is consistent with the present invention, indicates that the combined effect exceeds the expected or theoretical sum of the effects of 50 μg/ml extract* of example 1 - 5 μm AT-1 and 2.5 μm glabridin. Thus, the combined effect is synergistic, indicating that such an effect is an unexpected result.

Claims (26)

1. Cosmetic composition for skin lightening/whitening, which contains: (i) - the first aqueous extract of material obtained from the first plant, and the specified first extract contains the first amount of the first active plant ingredient; (ii) a second aqueous extract of material obtained from a second plant that belongs to a different genus than the first plant, said second extract containing a first amount of the second active plant ingredient; (iii) an additional amount of said first active herbal ingredient; and (iv) an additional amount of said second active herbal ingredient; where each specified additional amount is included by adding the specified composition or the corresponding aqueous extract selectively with the specified first and specified second active herbal ingredients in such a way that the ratio of the specified first amount of the specified first active herbal ingredient to its corresponding additional amount and the ratio of the specified first amount of the specified second active herbal ingredient of the herbal ingredient to its corresponding additional amount in the composition was from 1:1 to 1:3000 parts by mass, while said composition is essentially free of non-aqueous extracts of any material obtained from said first or said second plant, wherein said first plant is Atractylodes macrocephala and said first active herbal ingredient is atractylenolide I, II, or III, and wherein said second plant is Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Ural licorice), Glycyrrhiza inflate (swollen licorice) or Glycyrrhiza glabra ( licorice) and said second botanical active ingredient is lycochalcone A or glabridin; and wherein “aqueous extract” means that the extract is obtained using only water as the extraction solvent; wherein said composition further comprises another aqueous extract of a material obtained from a third plant that belongs to a different genus than the first or second plant, wherein said third extract contains a first amount of a third active herbal ingredient and an additional amount of said third active herbal ingredient included by adding the specified composition or the corresponding aqueous extract selectively with the specified third active herbal ingredient so that the ratio of the specified first amount of the specified third active herbal ingredient to its corresponding additional amount in the specified composition ranged from 1:1 to 1:3000 mass parts, while the specified the composition is substantially free of a non-aqueous extract of any material derived from said third plant, said third plant being Paeonia lactiflora (peony lactiflora) and said The third active herbal ingredient is peoniflorin, and wherein said composition additionally contains another aqueous extract of a material obtained from a fourth plant that belongs to a different genus than the first, second plant or third plant, wherein said fourth extract contains a first amount of a fourth active herbal ingredient and an additional amount of said fourth active herbal ingredient , included by adding the specified composition or the corresponding aqueous extract selectively with the specified fourth active herbal ingredient so that the ratio of the specified first amount of the specified fourth active herbal ingredient to its corresponding additional amount in the specified composition ranged from 1:1 to 1:3000 mass parts, wherein said composition is substantially free of a non-aqueous extract of any material derived from said fourth plant, said fourth plant being Poria cocos (pori i coconut) and the fourth botanical active ingredient listed is pachymic acid, wherein said first amount of said first active herbal ingredient and said first amount of said second active herbal ingredient is 0.00001 wt% to 5 wt%, and in which each specified additional amount is from 0.00001 wt.% to 10 wt.% in terms of the weight of the specified composition. 2. Cosmetic composition for skin lightening/whitening, which contains: (i) an aqueous co-extract of a material obtained from a first plant and a material obtained from a second plant which belongs to a different genus than the first plant, said aqueous extract containing a first amount of the first active plant ingredient derived from said first plant , and a second active herbal ingredient derived from said second plant, wherein "co-extract" means that said first plant and second plant are co-extracted into an aqueous medium; (ii) an additional amount of said first active herbal ingredient; and (iii) an additional amount of said second active herbal ingredient; wherein each said additional added amount is incorporated by adding said composition or aqueous co-extract selectively with said first and said second active herbal ingredients such that the ratio of said first amount of said first active herbal ingredient to its corresponding additional amount in the composition and the ratio of said first the amount of said second active plant ingredient to its corresponding additional amount in the composition ranged from 1:1 to 1:3000 mass parts, while said composition is essentially free of non-aqueous extracts of any material obtained from said first or said second plant, wherein said first plant is Atractylodes macrocephala and said first active herbal ingredient is atractylenolide I, II, or III, and wherein said second plant is Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Ural licorice), Glycyrrhiza inflate (swollen licorice) or Glycyrrhiza glabra ( licorice) and said second botanical active ingredient is lycochalcone A or glabridin; and wherein “aqueous extract” means that the extract is obtained using only water as the extraction solvent; wherein said composition further comprises another aqueous extract of a material derived from a third plant that belongs to a different genus than the first or second plant, wherein said third extract contains a first amount of a third active herbal ingredient and an additional amount of said third active herbal ingredient, included by adding the specified composition or the corresponding aqueous extract selectively with the specified third active herbal ingredient so that the ratio of the specified first amount of the specified third active herbal ingredient to its corresponding additional amount in the specified composition ranged from 1:1 to 1:3000 mass parts, while the specified the composition is substantially free of a non-aqueous extract of any material derived from said third plant, said third plant being Paeonia lactiflora (peony lactiflora) and said The third active herbal ingredient is peoniflorin, and wherein said composition additionally contains another aqueous extract of a material obtained from a fourth plant that belongs to a different genus than the first, second plant or third plant, wherein said fourth extract contains a first amount of a fourth active herbal ingredient and an additional amount of said fourth active herbal ingredient , included by adding the specified composition or the corresponding aqueous extract selectively with the specified fourth active herbal ingredient so that the ratio of the specified first amount of the specified fourth active herbal ingredient to its corresponding additional amount in the specified composition ranged from 1:1 to 1:3000 mass parts, wherein said composition is substantially free of a non-aqueous extract of any material derived from said fourth plant, said fourth plant being Poria cocos (pori i coconut) and the fourth botanical active ingredient listed is pachymic acid, wherein said first amount of said first active herbal ingredient and said first amount of said second active herbal ingredient is 0.00001 wt% to 5 wt%, and in which each specified additional amount is from 0.00001 wt.% to 10 wt.% in terms of the weight of the specified composition. 3. Composition according to claim. 1, in which the specified ratio is from 1:1 to 1:2500 mass parts. 4. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said first amount of said first active botanical ingredient and said first amount of said second active botanical ingredient is between 0.001% and 0.4% by weight. 5. The use of the composition according to any of the preceding paragraphs. 1 - 4 to reduce the melanin content of the skin.