Anhydrous topical formulation for polyphenols

Abstract

The present invention discloses a composition of matter, and method to formulate same, which is an anhydrous topical cream, gel or ointment base, a polyphenol and a suitable adsorbent binding carrier to which the polyphenol will bind for purposes of even disbursement within the cream, gel or base and which will not inhibit the ability of the polyphenols to be released on and into the aqueous environment of the skin when the topical mixture is applied thereto. The binding carrier provides the ability to disperse a hydrophilic polyphenol in a non-aqueous medium for purposes of topical application to the body. In particular, the present invention discloses the use of polyphenols such as tea catechins, and in particular green tea catechins, disbursed in an anhydrous base consisting of either saturated or unsaturated plant oils or waxes through the use of a variety of binding carriers including, but is not limited to, talcs and clays, alginates, algae, agars, gums, gelatins, celluloses, silica, silica gels, simethicone, salicylates, silicates and silicone resins, tragacanths, calcium carbonates and magnesium or zinc oxides. Such binding carriers are particularly useful when polyphenol concentrations exceed 0.2% w / w in the mixture, and their use is preferred when concentrations are between 1.0 to 20% w / w polyphenols.

Description

Background of the invention [0001] Plant polyphenols are known to be potent antioxidants and are considered important components of a healthy diet. Increasingly, polyphenols derived from tea, grapes and other plant sources are purified and may be considered dietary supplements for additional beneficial effects. It has begun to be recognized that polyphenols can be applied topically to the skin and confer the same topical beneficial effects on the skin and surrounding tissues. [0002] However, many polyphenols, especially green tea catechins, are very unstable at room temperature and oxidize and decompose within days, especially in the presence of water (1). To ensure the stability of the polyphenols in the topical mixture, the mixture can be formulated without water (anhydrous), thereby increasing the stability of the polyphenols. Other antioxidants such as Vitamin C will add to this stabilizing effect. Saturated or unsaturated vegetable oils are commonly used as bases in ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Saturated or unsaturated vegetable oils are commonly used as bases in a number of commercially available topical mixtures, but polyphenols are poorly soluble in these oils

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