WO2016058057A1 - Improved cosmetic and personal care products from legumes - Google Patents

Abstract

A process is provided for the treatment of a particulate leguminous plant material, such that the processed particulate leguminous plant material possesses characteristics that are desirable for topical application to a human. The leguminous plant material is subjected to one or more cycles of temperature treatment, each cycle including a heating phase and a cooling phase. The heating phase temperature of at least one of the temperature treatment cycles may be lower than the heating phase temperature of the preceding temperature treatment cycle. Particulate leguminous plant material comprising substantially reduced concentrations of one or more molecules that contribute to odour may be produced by the process. Particulate leguminous plant material produced by the process may be used in cosmetic formulations, personal care formulations, or medicament formulations.

Description

TITLE

IMPROVED COSMETIC AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS FROM LEGUMES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION THIS invention relates to the use of processed legume-derived products for topical application to a human and a process for producing same. More particularly, the invention relates to processed leguminous plant material with desirable characteristics for topical application to a human as a cosmetic, personal care treatment, or medicament, and the process of developing said material.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Plant material, both raw and processed, is widely used for cosmetic, personal care, and medicinal purposes. However, plant material that is otherwise desirable for a particular cosmetic, personal care, or medicinal application may possess certain characteristics that are undesirable for that same application. Odour represents a common such undesirable characteristic; for example, many herbal products (e.g. garlic, ginger, marigold, aniseed) are well-known for their powerful aroma in addition to their cosmetic, personal care, and/or medicinal benefits, and these aromas can be objectionable to certain individuals and/or for certain applications.

For some manufactured products that incorporate plant products as an active ingredient, other substances may be used to attempt to 'mask' an undesirable odour of the plant product. Such 'masking' substances are often heavily perfumed and can possess undesirable (e.g. allergenic) characteristics themselves. A process for the treatment of plant material such that the processed material possesses odour that is 'neutral' or 'mild' as compared to a corresponding unprocessed material is therefore desirable for many cosmetic, personal care and/or medicinal applications. A further critical characteristic of such a process is its ability to retain properties of the plant material that are desirable for its intended application.

Many legumes (family Fabaceae), particularly 'grain legumes', also known as 'pulse legumes', (e.g. beans, broad beans, lentils, peas and lupins) are food and/or forage crops. Additionally, a wide variety of leguminous herbs are used for their medicinal properties, e.g. in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and legumes are also used for cosmetic and/or personal care purposes both in traditional practices and in some modern cosmetic and/or personal care products. The vitamin content of legumes is an important factor for the effectiveness of leguminous material for certain cosmetic, personal care, and/or medicinal purposes, particularly those which involve topical application of the leguminous material. However, legumes, particularly pulse legumes, are known for their 'beany' or 'grassy' odour, and such odour is considered undesirable, or in some cases unacceptable, for cosmetic, personal care, and/or medicinal use. Furthermore, processing of plant materials can in some cases destroy or eliminate desirable compounds such as vitamins, which tend to be labile under many processing conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a process for the treatment of a particulate leguminous plant material, such that the processed particulate leguminous plant material possesses characteristics that are desirable for topical application to a human, as compared to a corresponding leguminous plant material that is unprocessed or processed using one or more other methods. Furthermore, the present invention provides the use of a particulate leguminous plant material produced using said process for topical application to a human.

The present invention also provides a processed particulate leguminous plant material that possesses characteristics that are desirable for topical application to a human, as compared to a corresponding leguminous plant material that is unprocessed or processed using one or more other methods. Furthermore, the present invention provides the use of said processed leguminous plant material for topical application to a human.

In particular embodiments, the processed particulate leguminous plant material possesses characteristics that are desirable as a cosmetic, personal care, and/or skin treatment for a human.

In a first aspect the invention provides a process for the production of a particulate leguminous plant material suitable for topical administration to a human, including the step of subjecting a particulate leguminous plant material to one or more cycles of temperature treatment, each cycle including a heating phase and a cooling phase, to thereby produce a particulate leguminous plant material having one or more desired characteristics suitable for topical application to a human.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a processed particulate leguminous plant material produced according to the process of the first aspect.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a processed particulate leguminous material that comprises substantially or significantly reduced amounts or concentrations of one or more molecules that normally contribute to odour and/or comprises a relatively increased amount or concentration of one or more vitamins.

In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a cosmetic formulation, personal care formulation, or medicament formulation comprising the particulate leguminous plant material of the second or third aspects.

In a fifth aspect, the invention provides the use of a particulate leguminous plant material according to the second or third aspects, as a cosmetic or as a cosmetic formulation.

In a sixth aspect, the invention provides a method of cosmetic treatment, including the step of topically administering a particulate leguminous plant material of the second or third aspects, or a cosmetic formulation of the fourth aspect, to a subject.

In a seventh aspect, the invention provides the use of a particulate leguminous plant material according to the second or third aspects, as a personal care agent or as a personal care formulation.

In an eight aspect, the invention provides a method of personal care treatment, including the step of topically administering a particulate leguminous plant material of the second or third aspects, or a personal care formulation of the fourth aspect, to a subject.

In a ninth aspect, the invention provides the use of a particulate leguminous plant material produced using the process of the first aspect as a medicament or as a medicament formulation.

In a tenth aspect, the invention provides a method of treatment of a subject, including the step of topically administering a particulate leguminous plant material of the second or third aspects, or a medicament formulation of the fourth aspect, to a subject.

In an embodiment, the method of this aspect includes the step of topically administering the particulate leguminous plant material or medicament formulation to a subject suffering from or having a skin disease or condition.

In another embodiment of this aspect, the method includes the step of topically administering the particulate leguminous plant material or medicament formulation to a subject's wound, burn or ulcer.

Preferably, the leguminous plant material of the aforementioned aspects is a mung bean, a faba bean, or a chickpea. More preferably, the leguminous plant material of the aforementioned aspect is a mung bean or a chickpea.

Preferably, a processed leguminous plant material of the aforementioned aspects possesses a significantly or substantially reduced amount or concentration of one or more molecules that normally contribute to odour.

In some embodiments, the one or more molecules are, or include, alcohols, alkanals, alkenes, alkanones (e.g. C₆ and/or C₇ compounds), heterocyclic aromatics such as pyridines and furans, sulphides and other sulphur-containing compounds, although without limitation thereto. In particular embodiments, said one or more molecules are selected from the group consisting of hexanal, 3-hexen-l-ol, 1-hexanol, methyl pyridine, thiophene, 2-heptanone, 2-pentylfuran, dimethyltrisulphide, 2-methyl butanal, methyl propyl sulphide, 2,5-dimethyldisulphide and pyrazine.

Preferably, the processed leguminous plant material of the aforementioned aspects possesses a similar or higher amount or concentration of one or more vitamin compounds as compared to a corresponding leguminous plant material that is unprocessed, or processed using one or more other methods. In particular embodiments, the vitamins are B group vitamins and/or Vitamin C. In particular embodiments, the vitamins are selected from the following group: pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), ascorbate (Vitamin C), thiamin (Vitamin Bl), riboflavin (Vitamin B2), niacin (Vitamin B3), pyridoxine (Vitamin B6), and folate (Vitamin B9).

Suitably, the processed leguminous plant material, composition or medicament comprising same, is for topical application to a human subject.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise", "comprises" and "comprising" will be understood to mean the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, preferred embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. Figure 1 sets forth gas chromatography olfactometry (GC- O) data obtained from an unprocessed ground mung bean sample (Control) and ground mung bean samples treated using the process of the invention described herein: Treatment-1 (1 cycle); Treatment-2: (1 cycle); Treatment-3 (2 cycles) and Treatment-3- 2 (3 cycles). Relative amounts (vertical axis) measured in parts-per-million (ppm) of key odour-active compounds (horizontal axis) in the headspace of the samples are shown.

Figure 2 sets forth gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) total ion chromatogram (TIC) profiles for an unprocessed ground mung bean sample (Control; green trace) and a ground mung bean Treatment-2 sample (red trace) showing the abundance of volatiles. 'IS' is an internal standard.

Figure 3 sets forth gas chromatography olfactometry (GC-O) data obtained from control samples of chickpea and faba bean, and samples of chickpea and faba bean processed according to the invention, for key odour-active compounds. C-01 is an unprocessed chickpea kibble sample. C-01 Ground is an unprocessed ground chickpea sample. C-02 is a processed ground chickpea sample (1 cycle of temperature treatment). C-03 is a processed ground chickpea sample (3 cycles of temperature treatment). F-01 is an unprocessed faba bean kibble sample. F-01 -Ground is an unprocessed ground faba bean sample. F-02 is a processed ground faba bean sample (1 cycle of temperature treatment). F-03 is a processed ground faba bean sample (3 cycles of temperature treatment). Relative amounts (vertical axis), measured as area counts, of key odour- active compounds in the headspace of the samples are shown. Hexanal data is presented in a first graph at the top of Figure 3. For all other compounds, coloured bars are used, with the key for compound to bar colour inset.

Figure 4 sets forth gas chromatography olfactometry (GC-O) data obtained from control samples of chickpea and faba bean, and samples of chickpea and faba bean processed according to the invention, for key odour-active compounds. C-01 is an unprocessed chickpea kibble sample. C-01 Ground is an unprocessed ground chickpea sample. C-02 is a processed ground chickpea sample (1 cycle of temperature treatment). C-03 is a processed ground chickpea sample (3 cycles of temperature treatment). F-01 is an unprocessed faba bean kibble sample. F-01 -Ground is an unprocessed ground faba bean sample. F-02 is a processed ground faba bean sample (1 cycle of temperature treatment). F-03 is a processed ground faba bean sample (3 cycles of temperature treatment). Relative amounts (vertical axis), measured as area counts, of key odour- active compounds in the headspace of the samples are shown. Coloured bars are used, with the key for compound to bar colour inset.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention arises, at least in part, from the observation that subjecting a particulate leguminous plant material to a process involving cycles of temperature treatment, each cycle including a heating phase and a cooling phase, confers upon a particulate leguminous plant material characteristics that may make it more desirable for topical application to a human.

The result of the process described by this invention may be the production of a particulate leguminous plant material with 'neutral' or 'mild' odour, but similar or higher levels of beneficial substances for topical application to a human, as compared to a corresponding leguminous plant material that is unprocessed, or processed using one or more other methods.

Therefore, the process of the present invention overcomes some existing disadvantages of the use of leguminous plant products for topical application to a human. The present invention also overcomes disadvantages and limitations of particulate leguminous plant material produced using existing processing methods. Disadvantages of processed leguminous plant material produced using other such methods may include, but are not limited to, undesirable odour for topical application to a human, and/or the loss of beneficial substances for topical application to a human.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that "legume" refers to any species of plant of the family 'Fabaceae' and "leguminous" means of or relating to legumes. It will also be appreciated that "plant material" may refer to any part of a plant including, but not limited to, the roots, the shoots, the stem, the leaves, the flowers, the fruit, and the seeds. It will be further appreciated that "bean" may refer to a particular form of seed produced by some legumes that is often 'large' and 'fleshy', relative to, for example, a cereal grain.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "cool", "cooling", or "cooled" will be understood to mean reducing or lowering a temperature from a previous temperature. Similarly, the words "heat", "heating", or "heated" will be understood to mean increasing or raising a temperature from a previous temperature. Furthermore, "cooling phase" will be understood to mean a period of time during which a temperature is reduced or lowered from a previous temperature, and "heating phase" will be understood to mean a period of time during which a temperature is increased or raised from a previous temperature. Additionally, throughout this specification, "heating phase temperature" will be understood to mean a temperature that is applied during a heating phase, and "cooling phase temperature" will be understood to mean a temperature that is applied during a cooling phase.

In a general aspect, this invention provides a process for the production of a particulate leguminous plant material suitable for topical administration to a human, including the step of subjecting a particulate leguminous plant material to one or more cycles of temperature treatment, each cycle including a heating phase and a cooling phase, to thereby produce a particulate leguminous plant material having one or more desired characteristics suitable for topical administration to a human.

Suitably, the heating phase temperature and the duration of the heating phase is sufficient to achieve a "maximum product temperature". Throughout this specification, "maximum product temperature" will be understood to mean a maximum or highest temperature of a particulate leguminous plant material that occurs during a heating phase.

Suitably, the cooling phase temperature and the duration of the cooling phase is sufficient to achieve a "minimum product temperature". Throughout this specification, "minimum product temperature" will be understood to mean a minimum or lowest temperature of a particulate leguminous plant material that occurs during a cooling phase.

In certain embodiments of the process described by this invention, the number of cycles of temperature treatment may be at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, or at least eight.

Preferably, the number of cycles of temperature treatment is at least three.

In preferred embodiments, the heating phase temperature during each of the one or more cycles is between about 120°C and about 190°C; including about 125°C, about 130°C, about 135°C, about 140°C, about 145°C, about 150°C, about 155°C, about 160°C, about 165°C, about 170°C, about 175°C, and about 185°C.

In said preferred embodiments, preferably, the maximum product temperature during the heating phase of each of the one or more cycles is between about 120°C and about 190°C; including about 125°C, about 130°C, about 135°C, about 140°C, about 145°C, about 150°C, about 155°C, about 160°C, about 165°C, about 170°C, about 175°C, about 180 °C, and about 185°C.

In other preferred embodiments, the heating phase temperature during each of the one or more cycles is between about 140°C and about 180°C; including about 145°C, about 150°C, about 155°C, about 160°C, about 165°C, about 170°C, about 175°C, and about 180 °C.

In said other preferred embodiments, preferably, the maximum product temperature during the heating phase of each of the one or more cycles is between about 140°C and about 180°C; including about 145°C, about 150°C, about 155°C, about 160°C, about 165°C, about 170°C, about 175°C, and about 180 °C.

In certain embodiments, the heating phase temperature is approximately the same for each of the one or more cycles.

In said embodiments, preferably, the maximum product temperature is approximately the same during each of the one or more cycles.

In certain other embodiments, the heating phase temperature of at least one of the one or more cycles is higher than the heating phase temperature for a preceding cycle.

In said embodiments, preferably, the maximum product temperature during at least one of the one or more cycles is higher than the maximum product temperature during a preceding cycle.

In preferred embodiments, the heating phase temperature of at least one of the one or more cycles is lower than the heating phase temperature for a preceding cycle.

In said preferred embodiments, preferably, the maximum product temperature during a heating phase of at least one of the one or more cycles is lower than the maximum product temperature during a preceding cycle.

In some preferred embodiments, the heating phase temperature for at least one of the one or more cycles is between 1°C and 20°C lower than the heating phase temperature for a preceding cycle; including about 2°C lower, about 3°C lower, about 4°C lower, about 5°C lower, about 6°C lower, about 7°C lower, about 8°C lower, about 9°C lower, about 10°C lower, about 11°C lower, about 12°C lower, about 13°C lower, about 14°C lower, about 15°C lower, about 16°C lower, about 17°C lower, about 18°C lower, and about 19°C lower.

In said preferred embodiments, preferably, the maximum product temperature during at least one of the one or more cycles is between 1°C and 20°C lower than the maximum product temperature during a preceding cycle; including about 2°C lower, about 3°C lower, about 4°C lower, about 5°C lower, about 6°C lower, about 7°C lower, about 8°C lower, about 9°C lower, about 10°C lower, about 11°C lower, about 12°C lower, about 13°C lower, about 14°C lower, about 15°C lower, about 16°C lower, about 17°C lower, about 18°C lower, and about 19°C lower.

In other preferred embodiments, the heating phase temperature for at least one of the one or more cycles is between about 5°C and about 15°C lower than the heating phase for a preceding cycle; including about 6°C lower, about 7°C lower, about 8°C lower, about 9°C lower, about 10°C lower, about 11°C lower, about 12°C lower, about 13°C lower, and about 14°C lower.

In said other preferred embodiments, preferably, the maximum product temperature during at least one of the one or more cycles is between about 5°C and about 15°C lower than the heating phase during a preceding cycle; including about 6°C lower, about 7°C lower, about 8°C lower, about 9°C lower, about 10°C lower, about I PC lower, about 12°C lower, about 13°C lower, and about 14°C lower.

In other preferred embodiments, the heating phase temperature for at least one of the one or more cycles is about 10°C lower than the heating phase temperature for a preceding cycle.

In said other preferred embodiments, preferably, the maximum product temperature during at least one of the one or more cycles is about 10°C lower than the heating phase temperature during a preceding cycle.

In preferred embodiments, the cooling phase temperature of each of the one or more cycles is between about 10°C and about 80°C; including about 15°C, about 20°C, about 25°C, about 30°C, about 35°C, about 40°C, about 45°C, about 50°C, about 55°C, about 60°C, about 65°C, about 70°C, and about 75°C.

In said preferred embodiments, preferably, the minimum product temperature during each of the one or more cycles is between about 10°C and about 80°C; including about 15°C, about 20°C, about 25°C, about 30°C, about 35°C, about 40°C, about 45°C, about 50°C, about 55°C, about 60°C, about 65°C, about 70°C, and about 75°C.

In other preferred embodiments, the cooling phase temperature of each of the one or more cycles is between about 15°C and about 70°C; including about 20°C, about 25°C, about 30°C, about 35°C, about 40°C, about 45°C, about 50°C, about 55°C, about 60°C, and about 65°C.

In said other preferred embodiments, preferably, the minimum product temperature during each of the one or more cycles is between about 15°C and about 70°C; including about 20°C, about 25°C, about 30°C, about 35°C, about 40°C, about 45°C, about 50°C, about 55°C, about 60°C, and about 65°C.

In other preferred embodiments, the cooling phase temperature of each of the one or more cycles is between about 20°C and about 60°C; including about 25°C, about 30°C, about 35°C, about 40°C, about 45°C, about 50°C, and about 55°C.

In said other preferred embodiments, preferably, the minimum product temperature during each of the one or more cycles is between about 20°C and about 60°C; including about 25°C, about 30°C, about 35°C, about 40°C, about 45°C, about 50°C, and about 55°C.

In preferred embodiments, the cooling phase temperature of a final cycle of said one or more cycles is about 25°C.

In said preferred embodiments, preferably, the minimum product temperature during a final cycle of said one or more cycles is about 25°C.

In preferred embodiments the duration of the heating phase of each of the one or more cycles is between about 2 minutes and about 30 minutes; including about 3 minutes, about 4 minutes, about 5 minutes, about 6 minutes, about 7 minutes, about 8 minutes, about 9 minutes, about 10 minutes, about 11 minutes, about 12 minutes, about 13 minutes, about 14 minutes, about 15 minutes, about 16 minutes, about 17 minutes, about 18 minutes, about 19 minutes, about 20 minutes, about 21 minutes, about 22 minutes, about 23 minutes, about 24 minutes, about 25 minutes, about 26 minutes, about 27 minutes, about 28 minutes, and about 29 minutes. Preferably, the duration of the heating phase of each of the one or more cycles is about 5.5 minutes.

In preferred embodiments the duration of the cooling phase of each of the one or more cycles is between about 2 minutes and about 30 minutes; including about 3 minutes, about 4 minutes, about 5 minutes, about 6 minutes, about 7 minutes, about 8 minutes, about 9 minutes, about 10 minutes, about 11 minutes, about 12 minutes, about 13 minutes, about 14 minutes, about 15 minutes, about 16 minutes, about 17 minutes, about 18 minutes, about 19 minutes, about 20 minutes, about 21 minutes, about 22 minutes, about 23 minutes, about 24 minutes, about 25 minutes, about 26 minutes, about 27 minutes, about 28 minutes, and about 29 minutes. Preferably, the duration of the cooling phase of each of the one or more cycle is about 5.5 minutes.

Applying a vacuum during the temperature treatment of the one or more cycles of the process described herein can increase the efficiency of removal of volatile substances contained within a particulate leguminous plant material.

In preferred embodiments, a vacuum is applied to a particulate leguminous plant material during at least one of the one or more cycles. Preferably, a vacuum is applied during a cooling phase of at least one of the one or more cycles. Preferably, a vacuum applied is in the range of 100 - 0.1 Kpa. Preferably a particulate leguminous plant material is gently agitated during vacuum treatment.

It will be appreciated that the particle size of a particulate leguminous plant material is a factor for the process herein described. It will be further appreciated that the particle size of a particulate leguminous plant material is a factor for the use of said material for topical application to a human.

According to preferred embodiments, a particulate leguminous plant material may be ground or re-ground in order to achieve a desirable particle size distribution. Said grinding may be performed prior to and/or after subjecting said particulate plant material to cycles of temperature treatment as herein described. It will be appreciated that a combination of grinding and sieving steps may also be used to achieve a desired overall particle size while minimising the amount of out of specification product and therefore maximising yield and minimising waste. In light of the foregoing, it will also be appreciated that grinding, sieving and/or sifting steps can be performed on a conventional mill apparatus.

In preferred embodiments, at least 90% of a particulate leguminous plant material to be subjected to one or more cycles of temperature treatment as herein described has a particle size within a specific size range; including at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, and at least 99%.

Preferably, said particle size is between about 100 μΜ and about 3000 μΜ in diameter; including about 200 μΜ, 300 μΜ, 400 μΜ, 500 μΜ, 600 μΜ, 700 μΜ, 800 μΜ, 900 μΜ, 1000 μΜ, 1100 μΜ, 1200 μΜ, 1300 μΜ, 1400 μΜ, 1500 μΜ, 1600 μΜ, 1700 μΜ, 1800 μΜ, 1900 μΜ, 2000 μΜ, 2100 μΜ, 2200 μΜ, 2300 μΜ, 2400 μΜ, 2500 μΜ, 2600 μΜ, 2700 μΜ, 2800 μΜ, and 2900 μΜ.

More preferably, said particle size is between about 500 and about 2500 μΜ in diameter; including about 600 μΜ, 700 μΜ, 800 μΜ, 900 μΜ, 1000 μΜ, 1100 μΜ, 1200 μΜ, 1300 μΜ, 1400 μΜ, 1500 μΜ, 1600 μΜ, 1700 μΜ, 1800 μΜ, 1900 μΜ, 2000 μΜ, 2100 μΜ, 2200 μΜ, 2300 μΜ, and about 2400 μΜ.

Even more preferably, said particle size is between about 1000 and about 2000 μΜ in diameter; including about 1100 μΜ, 1200 μΜ, 1300 μΜ, 1400 μΜ, 1500 μΜ, 1600 μΜ, 1700 μΜ, 1800 μΜ, and about 1900 μΜ.

In preferred embodiments, prior to use for topical application to a human, a particulate leguminous material processed as herein described is re-ground such that at least 99% of the processed leguminous material has particle size equal to or less than about 50 μΜ; including about 45 μΜ, about 40 μΜ, about 35 μΜ, about 30 μΜ, about 25 μΜ, about 20 μΜ, about 15 μΜ, about 10 μΜ, and about 5 μΜ. More preferably, prior to use for topical application to a human, a particulate leguminous material processed as herein described is re-ground such that at least 99% of the processed leguminous material has particle size equal to or less than about 30 μΜ; including about 25 μΜ, about 20 μΜ, about 15 μΜ, about 10 μΜ, and about 5 μΜ.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the moisture level of a particulate plant material before and after processing is a factor for the process described herein.

Preferably, the moisture level of a particulate leguminous plant material before processing is between about 5% and about 25%; including about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, about 20%, about 21%, about 22%, about 23%, and about 24%.

More preferably, the moisture level of a particulate leguminous plant material before processing is between about 10% and about 20%; including about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, and about 19%.

After processing, preferably the moisture content of a particulate leguminous plant material is equal to or less than about 5%; including about 4%, about 3%, about 2%), and about 1%; and more preferably less than 3%, including about 2%, and about 1%.

In certain preferred embodiments, a leguminous plant material to be processed as described herein is dehulled. It will be appreciated that in those embodiments which contemplate dehulled leguminous plant material, the dehulling of a leguminous plant material may not be complete and therefore a small amount of hull may be left on a processed particulate leguminous plant material, and may be removed during later stages of processing. Preferably the hull comprises no greater than 5% w/w of the content of a particulate leguminous plant material processed as herein described, and more preferably less than 1% w/w.

The de-hulling of a leguminous plant material to be processed can be carried out using a decortication machine or an alternative abrasive process such as a rice pearler, similar to that used for de-hulling and polishing rice. The de-hulling process can be either a continuous or a batch process.

In general embodiments, a leguminous plant material to be processed may be conditioned by exposing said material to moisture, preferably for a period of between 12 and 24 hours. It will be appreciated that conditioning may assist the process of dehulling by loosening the hulls of a leguminous plant material in order to make de- hulling easier and reduce losses of the leguminous plant material.

In certain preferred embodiments, a leguminous plant material to be processed comprises seed that has germinated. Inclusion of a germination step prior to processing may increase the content of substances, such as vitamins, that are desirable for topical application of a processed leguminous plant material to a human.

Germination is a complex process that results in a number of significant biochemical changes in a seed. Generally, the conditions that support germination are adequate moisture, warm temperatures, and usually little or no light. Most seeds germinate best in the dark, although some require light. Germination can be induced by exposure of a leguminous seed to moisture under controlled conditions. Preferably, germination is performed under light-deprived conditions at room temperature.

The duration of germination can vary. Preferably, germination is performed for between 12 to 48 hours. More preferably, germination is allowed to proceed for about 24 hours.

It will be appreciated that the equipment used to subject a particulate leguminous plant material to the cycles of temperature treatment for the process described herein is a consideration for this invention. In preferred embodiments the temperature treatment is conducted using a 'fluidising bed', similar to that described in International Publication Number WO 2010/063057, and Figure 1 therein.

Preferably, a particulate leguminous plant material is suspended in a continuous fluid stream, and more preferably a fluidising stream.

Preferably, the fluid stream is a liquid or a gas.

More preferably, the fluid stream is a gas.

Even more preferably, the gas is air.

In the context of the present invention, by "suspended in a continuous fluid stream" is meant that a particulate leguminous plant material is distributed, mixed, dispersed, floated or otherwise maintained in a fluid stream or field so that the fluid- particulate mixture behaves or exhibits fluid-like properties. For example, this may be achieved by the introduction of pressurised fluid through a particulate medium at a rate or velocity sufficient to support the weight of the particles in a fluidised state. Moreover, the application of heating or cooling particulate matter which is suspended in a fluid stream results in the fluidisation of particles with a significant and rapid heat capacity and transfer whilst maintaining a homogenous or uniform temperature field. It will be appreciated that temperature transfer under such conditions results in consistent and controlled temperature treatment of the particles, thereby eliminating or minimising burnt particles and uneven temperature treatment.

The processing of a particulate leguminous plant material as herein described can be performed in a batch or a continuous system.

In preferred embodiments, the particulate leguminous plant material processed as herein described is a pulse legume. More preferably the pulse legume is selected from the following group: a mung bean, a chickpea, a field pea, an albus lupin, a navy bean, vetch, a lentil, an Australian sweet lupin, an adzuki bean, black gram, and a faba bean.

Still more preferably, the particulate leguminous plant material processed as herein described is a mung bean, a faba bean, or a chickpea.

Even more preferably, the particulate leguminous plant material processed as herein described is a mung bean or a chickpea.

Preferably, when assessed orthonasally by one skilled in the art, a particulate leguminous plant material processed as herein described possesses significantly or substantially reduced aroma and/or flavour described as 'green', 'beany', 'grassy', 'earthy', 'dusty', or similar, as compared to a corresponding leguminous plant material that is unprocessed or processed using existing methods.

It will be recognised by one skilled in the art that the molecules hexanal, 3- hexen-l-ol, and 1-hexanol possess a potent 'green' or 'grassy' aroma, and can contribute to the 'beany', 'green' or 'grassy' aroma of leguminous plant material. Minimizing the concentration or amount of these and/or other compounds that normally contribute to odour comprised by an unprocessed particulate leguminous plant material can assist in producing a 'mild' or 'neutral' aroma of a processed particulate leguminous plant material.

Preferably, a particulate leguminous plant material processed as herein described comprises significantly or substantially reduced concentrations or amounts of one or more molecules that normally contribute to odour, as compared to a corresponding leguminous plant material that is unprocessed or processed using one or more other methods.

In some embodiments, said one or more molecules are, or include, alcohols, alkanals, and alkenes (e.g. C₆ compounds), although without limitation thereto. In particular embodiments, said one or more molecules are selected from the group consisting of hexanal, 3-hexen-l-ol, and 1-hexanol.

It will be recognised by one skilled in the art that subjecting a plant material to heating can result in the production of volatile compounds that can contribute to odour. Minimizing the concentration or amount of certain compounds that normally contribute to odour comprised by a particulate leguminous plant material subjected to heating can assist in producing a 'mild' or 'neutral' aroma of a processed particulate leguminous plant material.

Preferably, a particulate leguminous plant material processed as herein described comprises significantly or substantially reduced concentrations or amounts of one or more molecules that normally contribute to odour, as compared to a corresponding plant material that is processed using one or more other methods.

In some embodiments, said one or more molecules are, or include, alkanones, pyridines, furans and sulphides, although without limitation thereto. In some embodiments, said one or more molecules are selected from the group comprising 2- heptanone, 2-pentylfuran, 2-methylbutanal, 3-methylpyrrole, 2-methylpyrrole, furfural, l-penten-3one, 1-hexanol, thiophene, 2,3-dimethylpyrrole, 2-methylpropanal, 2,3- pentandione, 2,5-dimethylphenol, benzaldehyde, dimethyl disulphide, ethylpyrazine, trimethylpyrazine, phenylacetaldehyde, 3-methylthiophene, 2-acetylfuran, 2- ethylpyrrole, ethyl 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-4-methylpyrrole, 2-acetylpyrrole, 2- ethyl-6-methylpyrazine, dimethyltrisulphide, furanmethanol, and 2-acetyl-l-pyrroline.

In particular embodiments, said one or more molecules are selected from the group comprising methyl pyridine, thiophene, 2-heptanone, 2-pentylfuran, dimethyltrisulphide, methyl propyl sulphide, 2-methyl butanal, 2,5-dimethyldisulphide and pyrazine.

It will be recognised that certain vitamin compounds contribute to the beneficial effects of many substances for topical application to a human. It will be further recognised that Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is a particularly desirable component of certain substances for topical application to a human.

Preferably, a leguminous plant material processed as herein described comprises similar or higher amounts or concentrations of one or more vitamin compounds as compared to a corresponding leguminous plant material that is unprocessed or processed using one or more other methods. In particular embodiments, the one or more vitamin compounds are B group vitamins and/or Vitamin C. In particular embodiments the one or more vitamin compounds are selected from the group comprising pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), ascorbate (Vitamin C), thiamin (Vitamin Bl), riboflavin (Vitamin B2), niacin (Vitamin B3), pyridoxine (Vitamin B6), and folate (Vitamin B9).

Preferably, a particulate leguminous plant material processed as herein described comprises an amount or concentration of pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) that is higher or increased as compared to a corresponding leguminous material that is unprocessed or processed using one or more other methods.

It will be readily appreciated that a particulate leguminous plant material processed as described by this invention can be useful for topical application to a human. It will be further recognised that said particulate leguminous plant material may have desirable characteristics as compared to a corresponding leguminous plant material that is unprocessed or processed using one or more other methods, for direct topical application to a human, or for use in a formulation for topical application to a human.

Desirable characteristics of a particulate leguminous plant material processed as described by this invention for direct topical application to a human, or for use in a formulation for topical application to a human, may include an odour that is 'neutral' or 'mild'. For example, said processed particulate leguminous plant material may possess decreased strength or intensity of aroma described as 'green', 'beany', 'grassy', 'earthy', 'dusty', or similar, and/or possess decreased strength or intensity of aroma described as 'burnt', 'roasted', 'nutty', 'coffee', 'bitter', 'meaty' or similar, as compared to a corresponding leguminous plant material that is unprocessed or processed using one or more other methods.

Desirable characteristics of a processed leguminous plant material as herein described may also include a concentration of one or more beneficial substances for topical application to a human, for example pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) or folate (vitamin B9), that is similar or higher as compared to a corresponding leguminous plant material that is unprocessed or processed using one or more other methods.

The processed leguminous material may itself be used directly (i.e. 'straight' or 'neat') for topical administration or may be formulated with one or more other substances. Generally, such substances may include binders, fillers, emulsifiers, carriers, diluents and surfactants, although without limitation thereto. By way of example only, the one or more substances may be selected from the group consisting of: an emulsifying agent, for example stearic acid; a moisturising agent, for example oleic acid; a cleansing agent, for example zinc dipyrithione; a buffering agent, for example citrate; a preservative agent, for example tetrasodium edetate; a keratolytic, for example salicylic acid; an abrasive agent, for example silica; an antibacterial agent, for example methylisothiazolinone; a solvent, for example propylene glycol; an anti-caking agent, for example magnesium silicate; a thickening agent, for example candelilla wax; a colouring additive, for example iron oxide; an anti-itching agent, for example chamomile; an antihistamine, for example diphenhydramine; an anti-inflammatory agent, for example a corticosteroid; an antiseptic agent, for example povidone iodine; and an anti-infective agent, for example terbinafine hydrochloride.

In some particular embodiments, a processed leguminous plant material as herein described is used as a cosmetic, or in a cosmetic formulation. In these embodiments the cosmetic may be selected from, but is not limited to, the following group: a makeup, for example a foundation, a blush, a lipstick, and/or a mascara; a hair dye, for example a permanent hair colour or a temporary hair colour; a nail polish, and an artificial tanner.

In other embodiments, a processed leguminous plant material as herein described is used as a personal care treatment, or in a personal care treatment formulation. In these embodiments said personal care treatment may be selected from, but is not limited to, the following group: a body skin care product, for example a body wash; a bar soap; a talcum powder; a deodorant; a facial skin care treatment, for example a moisturizer, a nourisher, a facial cleanser, a toner, or a face mask; a sun protection agent; an acne product; a men's skin care product; a hair treatment; and a nail treatment.

In yet other embodiments, a processed leguminous plant material as herein described is used as a medicament, or in a medicament formulation.

In some particular embodiments said medicament is used for the treatment of a skin condition including, but not limited to one or more selected from the following group: eczema, psoriasis, hives, erysipelas, diaper rash, candidiasis, acrodermatitis, and keratosis.

In other particular embodiments said medicament is used for the treatment of a wound, burn or ulcer. The wound may be, for example, an "open wound" or a "closed wound". Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, "open wound" will be understood to mean a wound wherein there is an external break in body tissue, for example an abrasion, a laceration, a puncture, or an avulsion; and "closed wound" will be understood to mean a wound wherein there is no external break in body tissue, for example a contusion or a hematoma.

So that the invention may be readily understood and put into effect, the following non-limiting examples are provided.

EXAMPLES

The following examples set forth preferred embodiments of the process described by the present invention for producing a particulate leguminous plant material with desirable characteristics for topical application to a human. The examples further demonstrate assessment of some important characteristics of said processed particulate leguminous plant material as compared to corresponding leguminous material that is unprocessed.

EXAMPLE 1 : Mung bean

This example describes preparation and analysis of a control mung bean sample (Control) and four mung bean samples processed according to embodiments of the invention (Treatment-1; Treatment-2; Treatment-3; and Treatment-3-2).

Material and Methods

Dehulling of plant material

Mung bean was soaked in water for approximately 18 hours. A decortication machine was used to dehull the material such that less than 1% of the material by weight consisted of hull material.

Plant Material

Dehulled mung bean with the following composition was used:

Protein content: 25%

Carbohydrate: 57%

Fat: 1.1%

Crude fibre: 0.6%

Ash: 3.5%

The starting moisture of mung bean for processing was adjusted to 15%.

The mung bean was ground and sieved, such that 90% of the mung bean material possessed particle size between 1000 and 1500 μΜ, as assessed using a vibratory sieving test.

Grinding of plant material A conventional flour mill apparatus was used to perform all grinding and sieving of mung bean material to obtain desired particle size for processing.

Fluidising bed

A fluidising bed with characteristics as described in WO 2010/063057 and Figure 1 therein, hereinbefore cited, was used to subject the particulate mung bean material to temperature treatment. The air velocity for the fluidising bed was 3 m/s.

Temperature treatment

Conditions of temperature treatment tested were as follows.

Control:

No temperature treatment.

Treatment- 1 :

Number of temperature treatment cycles: 1

Temperature of heating phase: 188°C

Duration of heating phase: 5.5 min

Temperature of cooling phase: 25°C

Duration of cooling phase: 15.5 min

Treatment-2:

Number of temperature treatment cycles: 1

Temperature of heating phase: 180°C

Duration of heating phase: 5.5 min

Temperature of cooling phase: 25°C

Duration of cooling phase: 15.0 min

Treatment-3 :

Number of temperature treatment cycles: 2

Temperature of heating phase for first cycle: 178°C

Duration of heating phase for first cycle: 5.5 min

Temperature of cooling phase for first cycle: 60°C

Duration of cooling phase for first cycle: 15.0 min

Temperature of heating phase for the second cycle 170

Duration of heating phase for second cycle 4.5 min

Temperature of cooling phase for the second cycle: 25 °C

Duration of cooling phase for the second cycle 15.0 min

Treatment-3 -2:

Number of temperature treatment cycles: 3 Temperature of heating phase for first cycle: 178°C

Duration of heating phase for first cycle: 5.5 min

Temperature of cooling phase for first cycle: 60°C

Duration of cooling phase for first cycle: 15.0 min

Temperature of heating phase for second cycle: 170°C

Duration of heating phase for second cycle: 5.5 min

Temperature of cooling phase for second cycle: 60°C

Duration of cooling phase for second cycle: 15.0 min

Temperature of heating phase for third cycle: 160°C

Duration of heating phase for third cycle: 5.5 min

Temperature of cooling phase for third cycle: 25°C

Duration of cooling phase for third cycle: 15.0 min

Vacuum treatment

Optionally, a vacuum of approximately 3 Kpa can be applied to the plant material during the cooling phase of one or more of the temperature treatment cycles, in conjunction with gentle agitation of the plant material.

Initial sensory analysis

All samples were 'sniffed' orthonasally by a team of assessors led by an experienced flavour chemist, and sensory aroma notes were made.

Dynamic headspace aroma extraction and olfactometry

For all samples, 20 g particulate leguminous plant material was weighed into a 500 mL Schott bottle and 40 mL of Milli-Q water was added together with 50 μΐ. of an internal standard (4-methylpentanol). The sample bottle was sealed with a gas-tight Teflon closure fitted with custom made connecting gas ports. The headspace was purged with high purity nitrogen (120 mL/min) for 40 minutes and volatiles were collected onto Tenax-GR traps (60/80 mesh size, 100 mg). The traps were desorbed using a short path thermal desorption unit (Scientific Instrument Services, New Jersey, USA) directly into the hot GC injector (250°C). A GC-MS (Varian 4000 ion-trap) and an olfactory port (ODO-II, SGE, Australia) were connected to the GC capillary column via a splitting device; the column effluent was split approximately 1 : 1 to the MS detector and the 'sniff-port'. The intensity of the odour detected at the sniff-port was measured using time intensity software 'SensoMaker'; sensory data were acquired at 1 Hz. Volatile separation was achieved using a Zebron-WAX column (Phenomenex, 60 m, 0.32 i.d., 0.5 μπι film) with the following temperature programming; initial temperature 40°C (held for 5 minutes) then increased at 6°C/min to 245°C (held for 0 minutes) and finally 30°C/min at 260°C (held for 1 minute). The transfer line to the MS was held at 260°C and the ion-trap detector was operated at 200°C, the emission current set at 10 μΑπιρβ for electron impact (EI) mass spectra. A search library for compounds of interest was used to integrate peak areas in total ion chromatograms. Peaks were identified on the basis of mass spectral matches in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) of the United States of America mass spectral database, retention times and odour quality. The volatiles of selected samples were also concentrated by solid phase microextraction and analysed using a single quadrupole GC-MS (Shimadzu-2010 GC-MS), WAX capillary column. This was used to assist in identification of volatiles in some cases.

Results

Initial sensory analysis

Table 1 sets forth results of initial sensory analysis of unprocessed samples, and samples treated using the four processing variations: Treatment- 1, Treatment-2, Treatment-3, and Treatment-3-2. The aroma of the unprocessed sample (Control) was described as 'green', 'beany', 'earthy', and 'dusty'. The aroma of samples processed according to Treatment-1 and Treatment-2 was described as 'strong', and/or 'burnt', 'intense', 'coffee', and 'savoury'. The aroma of samples processed according to Treatment-3 and Treatment-3-2 was described as 'mild' and 'peanut butter'.

Table 1.

Dynamic headspace aroma extraction and olfactometry

Figure 1 sets forth semi-quantitative gas chromatography olfactometry (GC-O) data obtained from an unprocessed sample (Control), and samples treated using four processing variations: Treatment-1, Treatment-2, Treatment-3, and Treatment-3-2. Levels of cis-3-hexen-l-ol and hexanal were dramatically reduced or absent in processed samples as compared to the unprocessed control sample. A range of volatile compounds were present at detectable levels in the processed samples but were undetectable in the unprocessed control, e.g. Figure 2. The levels of many volatiles, including methyl propyl sulphide, 2, 5 -dimethyldi sulphide, and pyrazine, decreased as the number of temperature treatment cycles used in a processing treatment increased, i.e. concentration in Treatment- 1 > concentration in Treatment-2 > concentration in Treatment 3 > concentration in Treatment 3-2.

Assessment of vitamin levels

Table 2 sets forth the level of selected B group vitamins in an unprocessed sample (Control) and a sample processed according to Treatment-3-2. The level of Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) was substantially elevated in the sample processed according to Treatment 3-2, as compared to the control sample. The levels of Vitamin Bl and Vitamin B9 were similar in the Treatment-3-2 processed sample as compared to the control sample.

Table 2.

EXAMPLE 2. Chickpea and faba bean.

This example describes preparation and analysis of two control chickpea samples (C-01 and C-01 Ground) and two chickpea samples processed according to embodiments of the invention (C-02 and C-03); and two control faba bean samples (F-01 and F-01- Ground) and two faba bean samples processed according to embodiments of the invention (F-02 and F-03).

Dehulling of plant material

Chickpea or faba bean material was soaked in water for approximately 18 hours. A decortication machine was used to dehull the material such that less than 1% of the material by weight consisted of hull material.

Plant material

The starting moisture of the material for processing was adjusted to 15%.

Sample C-01 was raw chickpea kibble. Sample F-01 was raw faba bean kibble.

For all other samples the plant material (chickpea or faba bean) was ground and sieved such that 90% of the material possessed particle size between 1000 and 1500 μΜ, as assessed using a vibratory sieving test. Fluidising bed

A fluidising bed with characteristics as described in WO 2010/063057 and Figure 1 therein, hereinbefore cited, was used to subject the particulate material to temperature treatment. The air velocity for the fluidising bed was 3 m/s.

Temperature treatment

Conditions of temperature treatment tested were as follows.

Control samples (C-01, C-01 Ground, F-01, F-01 -Ground):

No temperature treatment.

C-02 and F-02:

Number of temperature treatment cycles: 1

Temperature of heating phase: 180°C

Duration of heating phase: 5.5 min

Temperature of cooling phase: 25°C

Duration of cooling phase: 15.0 min

C-03 and F-03 :

Number of temperature treatment cycles: 3

Temperature of heating phase for first cycle: 178°C

Duration of heating phase for first cycle: 5.5 min

Temperature of cooling phase for first cycle: 60°C

Duration of cooling phase for first cycle: 15.0 min

Temperature of heating phase for second cycle: 170°C

Duration of heating phase for second cycle: 5.5 min

Temperature of cooling phase for second cycle: 60°C

Duration of cooling phase for second cycle: 15.0 min

Temperature of heating phase for third cycle: 160°C

Duration of heating phase for third cycle: 5.5 min

Temperature of cooling phase for third cycle: 25°C

Duration of cooling phase for third cycle: 15.0 min

Dynamic headspace aroma extraction and olfactometry

For all samples, 20 g particulate leguminous plant material was weighed into a 500 mL Schott bottle and 40 mL of Milli-Q water was added together with 50 μL of an internal standard (4-methylpentanol). The sample bottle was sealed with a gas-tight Teflon closure fitted with custom made connecting gas ports. The headspace was purged with high purity nitrogen (120 mL/min) for 40 minutes and volatiles were collected onto Tenax-GR traps (60/80 mesh size, 100 mg). The traps were desorbed using a short path thermal desorption unit (Scientific Instrument Services, New Jersey, USA) directly into the hot GC injector (250°C). A GC-MS (Varian 4000 ion-trap) and an olfactory port (ODO-II, SGE, Australia) were connected to the GC capillary column via a splitting device; the column effluent was split approximately 1 : 1 to the MS detector and the 'sniff-port'. The intensity of the odour detected at the sniff-port was measured using time intensity software 'SensoMaker'; sensory data were acquired at 1 Hz. Volatile separation was achieved using a Zebron-WAX column (Phenomenex, 60 m, 0.32 i.d., 0.5 μπι film) with the following temperature programming; initial temperature 40°C (held for 5 minutes) then increased at 6°C/min to 245°C (held for 0 minutes) and finally 30°C/min at 260°C (held for 1 minute). The transfer line to the MS was held at 260°C and the ion-trap detector was operated at 200°C, the emission current set at 10 μΑπιρβ for electron impact (EI) mass spectra. A search library for compounds of interest was used to integrate peak areas in total ion chromatograms. Peaks were identified on the basis of mass spectral matches in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) of the United States of America mass spectral database, retention times and odour quality. The volatiles of selected samples were also concentrated by solid phase microextraction and analysed using a single quadrupole GC-MS (Shimadzu-2010 GC-MS), WAX capillary column. This was used to assist in identification of volatiles in some cases.

Results

Dynamic headspace aroma extraction and olfactometry

Figures 3 and 4 set forth semi-quantitative gas chromatography olfactometry (GC-O) data obtained from unprocessed samples of chickpea and fababean kibble (C-01 and F- 01, respectively); unprocessed samples of ground chickpea and faba bean (C-01 Ground and F-01 -Ground, respectively); and ground chickpea and faba bean samples treated using a first processing variation of the invention (C-02 and F-02, respectively) and a second processing variation of the invention (C-03 and F-03, respectively).

It will be readily appreciated that comparison of the data obtained for the ground control samples (C-01 Ground and F-01 -Ground), and the corresponding samples processed according to embodiments of the process of the invention, provides the clearest demonstration of the effect of processing on the levels of the detected compounds in the samples. Levels of hexanal were reduced or absent in the ground chickpea samples processed according to the invention (C-02 and C-03) as compared to the unprocessed ground chickpea control sample (C-01 Ground). Similarly, levels of hexanal were reduced or absent in the ground faba bean samples processed according to the invention (F-02 and F-03) as compared to the unprocessed ground chickpea control sample (F-01- Ground).

The levels of many volatiles, including 2-heptanone, 2-pentylfuran, 3- methylpyrrole, phenylacetaldehyde, 2,5-dimethyldisulphide, l-octen-3-ol, and furanmethanol, were substantially decreased in the chickpea and faba bean samples processed according to an embodiment of process of the invention comprising 3 temperature treatment cycles (C-03 and F-03, respectively), as compared to the respective samples processed according to an embodiment of the process of the invention comprising a single temperature treatment cycle (C-02 and F-02, respectively).

Discussion

In the examples set forth above, particulate leguminous material was subjected to one or more cycles of temperature treatment, each cycle involving a 'heating phase' and a 'cooling phase'. Sensory and biochemical analysis was then performed for the processed samples and corresponding unprocessed control samples.

As described in Example 1, as assessed by preliminary sensory analysis, the aroma of a control mung bean sample was described as 'green', 'beany', 'earthy', and 'dusty'; such odours are commonly associated with mung bean and other legumes, particularly the 'pulse' or 'grain' legumes. In contrast, these odours were absent from the processed mung bean samples. Furthermore, as the number of temperature cycles increased, the odour of the processed mung bean samples became milder, as assessed by preliminary sensory analysis. Aroma of mung bean samples processed using one cycle of temperature treatment was described as 'strong' and/or 'intense'. Two cycles of temperature treatment resulted in mung bean samples with aroma described as 'mild roasted corn', while mung bean samples subjected to three cycles of temperature treatment possessed aroma described as 'milder'.

As set forth in Examples 1-3, the concentration of hexanal, known for its potent 'grassy' or 'green' odour, was reduced or absent in mung bean, chickpea, and faba bean samples processed according to embodiments of the invention, relative to respective control samples, as assessed by gas chromatography olfactometry (GC-O) (e.g., Figures 1 and 3)

GC-0 also detected a range of volatile compounds in all samples processed according the invention that were undetectable in the respective unprocessed control samples (e.g., Figures 1, 3, and 4). Consistent with the preliminary sensory analysis performed for mung bean samples as set forth in Example 1, concentrations of many known odour-active compounds (e.g. 2-pentylfuran, 2,5 dimethyldisulphide, furfural and pyrazine) were decreased in samples processed according to embodiments of the invention comprising a greater number of temperature treatment cycles, as compared to embodiments of the invention comprising a lesser number of temperature treatment cycles (e.g., Figures 1, 3, and 4).

Processing according to the invention as performed in the experiments set forth in the examples was highly effective in eliminating the 'green', 'beany' odour of particulate mung bean as assessed by sensory analysis, and highly effective in reducing the concentration of hexanal, known to contribute to such odour, in particulate mung bean, particulate chickpea, and particulate faba bean material, as assessed by GC-O.

Furthermore, processing particulate leguminous plant material according to an embodiment of the invention comprising three cycles of temperature treatment minimized the concentration of volatile compounds produced during processing. As evidenced by sensory analysis of the particulate mung bean sample 'Treatment-3-2' set forth in Example 1, this resulted in a mild aroma of the particulate leguminous material.

Furthermore, as set forth in Example 1, the concentration of B group vitamins was found to be highly similar, or in the case of Vitamin B5, substantially increased, in a particulate leguminous material sample processed according to an embodiment of the invention comprising three cycles of temperature treatment.

Throughout the specification, the aim has been to describe the preferred embodiments of the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Various changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described and illustrated without departing from the present invention.

The disclosure of each patent and scientific document, computer program and algorithm referred to in this specification is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A process for the production of a particulate leguminous plant material with desirable characteristics for topical application to a human, as compared to a corresponding particulate leguminous plant material that is unprocessed or processed using one or more other methods, said process including subjecting a particulate leguminous plant material to two or more cycles of temperature treatment involving a heating phase and a cooling phase, wherein the heating phase temperature of at least one of the two or more temperature treatment cycles is lower than the heating phase temperature of the preceding temperature treatment cycle.

2. The process according to Claim 1 wherein the total number of temperature treatment cycles is at least three, or at least four.

3. The process according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the heating phase temperature of each of the one or more temperature treatment cycles is between about 120°C and about 190°C, or preferably between about 140°C and about 180°C.

4. The process according to Claim 3, wherein the particulate leguminous plant material reaches a maximum product temperature in each of the one or more temperature treatment cycles between about 120°C and about 190°C, or preferably between about 140°C and about 180°C.

5. The process according to Claim 3 or Claim 4, wherein the heating phase temperature for each of said one or more of the one or more temperature treatment cycles is between about 1°C and about 20°C lower, between about 5°C and about 15°C lower, or about 10°C lower, than the heating phase temperature for the preceding temperature treatment cycle.

6. The process according to Claim 5, wherein the particulate leguminous plant material reaches a maximum product temperature in each of said one or more of the one or more temperature treatment cycles between about 1°C and about 20°C lower, between about 5°C and about 15°C lower, or about 10°C lower, than the maximum product temperature for the preceding temperature treatment cycle.

7. The process according to any of the preceding claims wherein the cooling phase temperature of each of the one or more temperature treatment cycles is between about 10°C and about 80°C, between about 15°C and about 70°C, between about 20°C and about 60°C, or about 25°C.

8. The process according to Claim 7, wherein the particulate leguminous plant material reaches a minimum product temperature in each of the one or more temperature treatment cycles between about 10°C and about 80°C, between about 15°C and about 70°C, between about 20°C and about 60°C, or about 25°C.

9. The process according to any of the preceding claims wherein the particulate leguminous plant material has a mean particle size between about 100 and about 3000 μΜ in diameter, between about 250 and 2500 μΜ in diameter, between about 500 and about 2200 μΜ in diameter, or between about 1000 and about 2000 μΜ in diameter, prior to said process.

10. The process according to any of the preceding claims wherein the moisture content of a particulate leguminous plant material is between about 5% and about 25%, or between about 10% and about 20%, prior to said process.

11. The process according to any of the preceding claims wherein the moisture content of a particulate leguminous plant material is less than about 5% or less than about 3%), after said process.

12. The process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a processed particulate leguminous plant material produced according to said process comprises substantially or significantly reduced concentrations of one or more molecules that contribute to odour.

13. The process of Claim 12, wherein the one or more molecules are, or include, alcohols, alkanals, alkenes, alkanones, pyridines, furans and sulphides, hexanal, 3- hexen-l-ol, 1-hexanol, methyl pyridine, thiophene, 2-heptanone, 2-pentylfuran, dimethyltrisulphide, 2-methyl butanal, methyl propyl sulphide, 2,5- dimethyldisulphide and pyrazine.

14. The process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a particulate leguminous plant material produced according to said process possesses amounts or concentrations of one or more vitamin compounds that are similar or higher than a corresponding leguminous plant material that is unprocessed or processed using one or more other methods; preferably wherein said one or more vitamin compounds are, or include, group B vitamins, pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), ascorbate (Vitamin C), thiamin (Vitamin Bl), riboflavin (Vitamin B2), niacin (Vitamin B3), pyridoxine (Vitamin B6), and folate (Vitamin B9);

15. The process according to any of the preceding claims wherein the particulate leguminous plant material is a mungbean, a chickpea, or a faba bean.

16. A processed particulate leguminous plant material produced by the process according to any of the preceding claims.

17. A processed particulate leguminous material that comprises substantially or significantly reduced amounts or concentrations of one or more molecules that normally contribute to odour, and/or comprises a relatively increased amount or concentration of one or more vitamins.

18. The processed particulate leguminous material of Claim 17, wherein the one or more molecules are, or include, alcohols, alkanals, alkenes, alkanones, pyridines, furans and sulphides, hexanal, 3-hexen-l-ol, 1-hexanol, methyl pyridine, thiophene, 2- heptanone, 2-pentylfuran, dimethyltrisulphide, methyl propyl sulphide, 2-methyl butanal, 2,5-dimethyldisulphide and pyrazine.

19. The processed particulate leguminous material of Claim 17 or Claim 18, wherein the one or more vitamins are selected from the following group: pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), ascorbate (Vitamin C), thiamin (Vitamin Bl), riboflavin (Vitamin B2), niacin (Vitamin B3), pyridoxine (Vitamin B6), and folate (Vitamin B9).

20. The processed particulate leguminous material of any one of claims 17-19, wherein the particulate leguminous plant material is a mungbean, a chickpea, or a faba bean.

21. A cosmetic formulation, personal care formulation, or medicament formulation comprising the particulate leguminous material of the any one of claims 16-20.

22. A method of cosmetic treatment, including the step of topically administering a particulate leguminous material of any one of claim 16-20, or a cosmetic formulation of claim 21, to a subject.

23. A method of personal care treatment, including the step of topically administering a particulate plant material of any one of claims 16-20, or a personal care formulation of claim 21, to a subject.

24. A method of treatment of a subject, including the step of topically administering a particulate plant material of any one of claims 16-20, or a medicament formulation of claim 21, to the subject to thereby treat the subject.

25. The method of Claim 24 which treats a skin disease or condition and/or a wound, burn or ulcer of the subject.

26. Use of the processed particulate leguminous material of any one of claims 16- 20, as a cosmetic, or as a cosmetic formulation.

27. The use of Claim 26, wherein the cosmetic is a makeup, a hair dye, a nail polish, or an artificial tanner.

28. Use of the processed particulate leguminous material of any one of claims 16- 20 as a personal care treatment, or as a personal care treatment formulation.

29. The use of Claim 28, wherein the personal care treatment is a skin treatment, a hair treatment, or a nail treatment.

30. Use of the processed particulate leguminous material of any one of claims 16- 20 as a medicament, or as a medicament formulation.

31. The use of Claim 29 wherein the medicament is for the purposes of treating a skin disease or condition and/or a wound, burn or ulcer.

32. The method of Claim 25 or the use of Claim 31 wherein the skin disease or condition is eczema, psoriasis, hives, erysipelas, diaper rash, candidiasis, acrodermatitis, or keratosis.