| Nail restructuring compositions for topical application -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
 
Nail restructuring compositions for topical applicationRelated Patent Categories: Drug, Bio-affecting And Body Treating Compositions, Live Hair Or Scalp Treating Compositions (nontherapeutic)Nail restructuring compositions for topical application description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060134039, Nail restructuring compositions for topical application. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least a herb from the genus Equisetum and one film forming agent and its use as a nail topical formulation. The present invention is further directed to the use of a water soluble film forming agent as an additive in a nail topical formulation. These compositions can be used to treat specific alterations of the ungual structure, like reduced strength, onychoschizia and ungual brittleness. [0002] The strength and physical character of the nail plate is attributable to both its constituents and design. The features of design worthy of note are the double curvature, in transverse and longitudinal axes, and the flexibility of the ventral plate compared to the dorsal aspect. The first one provides rigidity, whereas the latter allows moderate flexion deformity and slightly less extension. The most proximal component of the matrix provides the corneocytes of the dorsal nail surface. These usually provide a shiny surface. When the matrix is altered by disease or the nail surface Is subject to trauma, this shine is lost. [0003] It is well known that nail tensile, flexural and tearing strength change with age, sex and the digit from which the nail derived. The nail is 1000 times more permeable to water than the skin, and consequently the nail structure reacts to prolonged or repeated contact with water. Immersion of the nail in water for an hour increases its weight by over 20%, moreover it renders the nail more flexible. After 2 hours, the flexibility is still increasing, while the water content does no more increase. The analysis of in vivo nail by Raman spectroscopy suggests that after soaking in water for 10 minutes, the .alpha.-helical protein conformation of the distal nail is made more loose, with greater spacing between proteins as water occupies the interstices. Proximal nail, on the contrary, is still manifesting a high degree of hydration before immersion. [0004] Onychoschizia and ungual brittleness is a widespread condition that affects mainly housewives, workmen and workwomen, dressmakers, nurses, but also employees. [0005] Longitudinal grooves represent long-lasting conditions that can occur physiologically as shallow and delicate furrows, usually parallel and separated by low, projecting ridges. They become more prominent with age and in certain pathological conditions. [0006] Longitudinal ridges are small rectilinear projections that extend from the proximal nail fold until the free edge of the nail, or may stop shorter. Oblique lines (chevron lines) are more common in children than in adults and their significance is still debatable. [0007] Transverse lines in form of sulci, limited proximally by slightly elevated ridges and affecting the surface of all nails at the corresponding level, have been described as retrospective indicators of a number of pathological status. They reflect a temporary reduction in nail matrix activity. [0008] Lamellar splitting (onychoschizia) is a condition found in 27-35% of normal adult women. The distal portion of the nail splits horizontally in this condition. The nail is formed in layers analogous to the formation of scales in the skin: the thin lamellae then break off. Exogenous factors contribute to the defect it is common in people who carry out a great deal of housework, whose nails are repeatedly soaked in water and then dried. [0009] Changes in the fingernails of old people are mostly related to diminished tissue repair and inflammatory or degenerative changes of the distal interphalangeal joint. These influences are associated with reduced rate of longitudinal nail growth, thinning of the nail plate and accentuation of longitudinal ridges. [0010] Variations in thickness and consistency of the toenails occur in elderly and are mostly attributable to changes in peripheral circulation. [0011] Healthy looking nails should be smooth, curved, void of any spotting, and should not have any hollows or ridges. Nails in bad conditions can be very harmful for the personal image, if neglected can cause chronic infections, associated to long-lasting embarassment and pain. Noteworthy, they may be considered a social problem and/or a professional illness. [0012] Repetitive and prolonged wetting and drying of the fingernails is the single most common cause of splitting and ridges of the nails. Splitting of the nails is rarely caused by internal disease or vitamin deficiency, nail polish remover causes onychoschizia (lamellar splitting), finally trauma to the fingers contributes to onychoschizia. [0013] Among the cosmetic damages of the nails, the following can be included: breaking, splitting, fracturing, brittleness, white spots or ridges, poor nail growth, color or shape changes. [0014] Mineral oil has no effect on flexibility, although it can act to maintain some of the flexibility imbued by water. This principle is applied in the treatment of onychoschizia, where repeated hydration and drying of the nail plate results in splitting at the free edge. Splitting can be partially overcome by applications of emollients after soaking the nails in water. The use of a nail varnish, normally a water insoluble polyvinyl resin film, can also decrease water loss: the disadvantage of that procedure is that the removal of the nail varnish by an organic solvent can further damage the nail structure by increasing brittleness and splitting. [0015] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a nail topical formulation which overcomes the above noted disadvantages, which can be easily formulated, prepared and stored and provides good nail restructuring, hardening and strengthening effect. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0016] The object of the present invention is to provide a novel nail topical formulation comprising [0017] a) at least one herb extract from the genus Equisetum, [0018] b) at least one film forming agent. [0019] Moreover, the present invention is directed to the use of said composition as a nail topical formulation, such as varnish, cream, gel, lotion or foam. [0020] The composition in accordance to the present invention comprises as a component a) at least one herb extract from the genus Equisetum. The herb extract may be selected from any known species belonging to the genus Equisetum, moreover it may be a dry extract, or an alcoholic extract, or an hydro alcoholic extract, or a glycolic extract. Examples include: [0021] Equisetum arvense in form of plant or part of plant, juice, dry extract, hydro alcoholic extract or glycolic extract [0022] Equisetum hiemale in form of plant or part of plant, juice, dry extract, hydro alcoholic extract or glycolic extract [0023] The herb extract is preferably selected from Equisetum arvense. [0024] The herb extract may be used alone or may be a mixture of different extracts. The preferred amount of component a) in the composition is in the range of 0.1 to 15 wt. %, more preferably 0.3 to 15 wt. %, most preferably 0.5 to 10 wt. % by weight of the total composition. [0025] The composition of the present invention also comprises as a component b) at least one film forming agent, preferably a water soluble film forming agent. The water soluble film forming agent may be selected from any water soluble film forming agent known in the art. Film forming agents are by definition (see e.g. DIN 55945 (19/1988)) components of a binder which are essential for forming a film, i.e. a thin layer or cover. [0026] The term "water soluble" means in this context that the film forming agent is fully compatible with water so that at 20.degree. C. one part of the film forming agent is soluble in 100 parts or less, preferably 50 parts or less, more preferably 30 parts or less, most preferably 10 parts or less of water. [0027] Due to the presence of a water soluble film forming agent the use of a wide variety of agents is possible, ensuring, thus, an easy application of the drug and simplifying also the storage of the formulation. Since the film forming agent may be used with a wide variety of solvents, the formulation can be chosen in a way that the nail topical formulation composition in accordance with the present invention does not burn nor cause irritation and is easily removable without the use of organic solvents. Furthermore, the water soluble film forming agent used in the composition according to the present invention provides a non-glossy, non-sticky and very plastic film which possesses a matte and natural look favored by both women and men. Continue reading about Nail restructuring compositions for topical application... Full patent description for Nail restructuring compositions for topical application Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Nail restructuring compositions for topical application patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Nail restructuring compositions for topical application or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Make-up composition for keratin fibres such as eyelashes Next Patent Application: Pest protection method and composition Industry Class: Drug, bio-affecting and body treating compositions ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Nail restructuring compositions for topical application patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.24799 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Qualcomm , Schering-Plough , Schlumberger , Seagate , Siemens , Texas Instruments , 174 |
 * Protect your Inventions * US Patent Office filing 
PATENT INFO |
|
