SYNERGISTIC COMPOSITION AS A PROMOTER OF AUTOPHAGE

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention concerns synergic compositions and their use as a promoter of autophagy in the nutritional, medical or cosmetic fields.STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Autophagy (or autophagocytosis) is the natural, regulated mechanism of the cell that disassembles unnecessary or dysfunctional components. Autophagy allows the orderly degradation and recycling of cellular components. In macroautophagy, targeted cytoplasmic constituents are isolated from the rest of the cell within a double-membraned vesicle known as an autophagosome. The autophagosome eventually fuses with lysosomes and the contents are degraded and recycled. Three forms of autophagy are commonly described: macroautophagy, microautophagy, and chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA), along with mitophagy. In disease, autophagy has been seen as an adaptive response to stress, which promotes survival, whereas in other cases it appears to promote cell death and morbidity. In the extreme case of starvation, the breakdown of cellular components promotes cellular survival by maintaining cellular energy level. Therefore, autophagy plays a crucial role in health, disease and ageing regulating such central cellular processes as adaptive stress responses, differentiation, tissue development and homeostasis.

[0003] In Angeleen Fleming et al "Chemical modulators of autophagy as biological probes and potential therapeutics", Nature Chemical Biology 7, 9-17 (2011) the authors demonstrated that autophagy has unexpected pleiotropic functions that favor survival of the cell, including nutrient supply under starvation, cleaning of the cellular interior, defense against infection and antigen presentation. Defective autophagy is hence associated with a diverse range of disease states, including neurodegeneration, cancer and Crohn's disease.

[0004] In Teng Yu et al, "Targeting autophagy in skin diseases, J Mol Med (2015) 93:31-38" the mechanisms of autophagy on the pathogenesis of skin diseases is studied and reported. Specifically the role of the autophagy in - autoimmune skin disorders such as psoriasis, systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and vitiligo, - infectious skin disorders, - skin cancer such as squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, is reported.

[0005] In order to therapeutically modulate autophagy for investigating suppressors and inducers of autophagy human organ models were studied.

[0006] The International patent applications WO 2014 / 016407A1 and WO 03 / 063851A1 disclose a composition containing spermidine and biotin for the treatment of hair loss.

[0007] Yuval Ramot et al. in "Spermidine promotes Human hair growth and is a novel modulator of human epithelial stem cell functions" Plos One, vol. 6, no. 7, 27 July 2011 page 22564 disclose the use of spermidine in promoting human hair growth. WO 2015 / 063678A1 discloses the use of Galeopsis extracts for the treatment of hair loss. D. Pinto et al: "209 Galeopsis segetum Necker extracts for the prevention and treatment of hair" in The Journal of Investigative Dermatology: Official journal of the society for investigative dermatology and the European society for dermatological research", vol. 136 no. 9, 1 September 2016 page S196, disclose the use of extracts from Galeopsis segetum Necker for the prevention and treatment of hair loss.

[0008] In Tobias Eiserberg et al, "Induction of autophagy by spermidine promotes longevity" Nature cell biology, volume 11, number 11, November 2009, the effects of spermidine, a natural polyamine, were studied in yeast, flies and worms. The authors reported that the administration of spermidine extended the life of them. Furthermore, spermidine administration potentially inhibited oxidative stress in ageing mice. It was demonstrated that autophagy constituted the major lysosomal degradation pathway for recycling damaged and potentially harmful cellular material.

[0009] The inventors realized that as a complete, cyclically remodeled (mini)organs, the organ culture of human scalp hair follicles (HFs) may provide such a model since such follicles, after massive growth activity (anagen) spontaneously enter into apoptosis-driven organ involution (catagen). As it is known, the life cycle of the hair bulb of the follicle is essentially represented by three subsequent phases: anagen (growth), catagen (involution) and telogen (rest phase).

[0010] Surprisingly, the inventors found out that the life cycle of the hair follicle can be modulated by the autophagy mechanism and on the basis of the model of human scalp hair follicle promoting agents were investigating.

[0011] In view of the study the inventors hypothesized that late-stage anagen scalp HFs, whose hair matrix epithelium proliferates at a higher rate than most malignant tumors and it is exposed to a number of stressors, are likely to come under increasing pressure to maintain tissue homeostasis and may require a substantial autophagy flux to maintain their growth.

[0012] As it is known different stressors negatively affect the life cycle of the hair follicle, thus determining a reduction of the number of hair and their thinning.

[0013] Therefore an object of the present invention is to provide a composition suitable as a promoter of autophagy in cells of human scalp hair follicles.

[0014] Another object hence is to provide a composition for promoting hair growth and / or inhibiting or delaying hair loss in the human scalp.

[0015] Another object is the provision of a composition for the treatment of conditions mediated by autophagy.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Starting from studying the organ culture of human scalp hair follicles (HFs), the inventors found out a combination of compounds inducing autophagy in the studied model and showing a synergistic effect in promoting autophagy especially in cells of human scalp hair follicles.

[0017] After investigation, the composition having a synergistic effect was unexpectedly an extract of plant of genus Galeopsis combined with a further compound promoting autophagy, especially in cells of human scalp selected from R-N 1< -spermidine or its salt, wherein R is hydrogen or methyl, biotin and a mixture thereof.

[0018] Therefore, the above objects have been achieved by a synergistic composition comprising an extract of plant of genus Galeopsis and R-N 1< -spermidine or a salt thereof, wherein R is hydrogen or methyl.

[0019] Alternatively, the above objects have been achieved by a synergistic composition comprising an extract of plant of genus Galeopsis and biotin.

[0020] In a further alternative embodiment, the above objects have been achieved by a synergistic composition comprising an extract of plant of genus Galeopsis, biotin and R-N 1< -spermidine or a salt thereof, wherein R is hydrogen or methyl. Preferably and surprisingly, the inventors observed that the administration of the above compositions, either by the topical or oral route of administration, promoted in a synergistic way the autophagy in cells especially of hair follicles, in a subject suffering from hair thinning, thus determining a progressive thickening of the suffered areas of the scalp.

[0021] In accordance to a further aspect, the present invention hence provides the cosmetic use of the above compositions for stimulating the physiological growth of the hair as defined in claim 16.

[0022] In accordance to a still further aspect the present invention hence provides the above compositions for use in the treatment of a scalp disease as defined in claim 17.DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0023] Figure 1 shows representative images of U2OS cells transduced with a construct expressing the autophagic protein LC3 fused with a Red Fluorescent Protein (RFP) treated 6 hours with the indicated substances. The previously characterized autophagy inducer, spermidine, was used as positive reference. Figure 2 shows representative images of U2OS cells transduced with a construct expressing the protein SQSTM1 / p62 fused with a Red Fluorescent Protein (RFP) treated 6 hours with the indicated substances. SQSTM1 / p62 turn-over mainly depends on the autophagy-mediated degradation process. Figure 3 shows the levels of lipidated LC3 and SQSTM1 in human U2OS cells treated with equimolar doses of N1-methylspermidine and spermidine as reported in Example 14. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The invention hence concerns a synergistic composition as defined in claim 1. In a preferred and advantageous embodiment the invention relates to a synergistic composition of an extract of plant of genus Galeopsis, R-N 1< -spermidine or a salt thereof, wherein R is hydrogen or methyl, and biotin.

[0025] The extract of the above compositions origins from a plant belonging to the genus Galeopsis.

[0026] In an embodiment the extract of Galeopsis is a dry extract in particular of the species Galeopsis segetum, commonly known as Downy Hemp-nettle, i.e. a species of flowering plant in the sage family, Lamiaceae.

[0027] In another embodiment, the extract of Galeopsis is an extract in particular of the species Galeopsis tetrahit.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the plant extract is a mixture of extracts from Galeopsis segetum and Galeopsis tetrahit.

[0029] The extract of the invention is obtained by extraction from a part of the plant, such as roots, leaves, fruits and flowers, preferably the aerial parts of the plant. According to some embodiments, the plant extract of the invention is obtained by extraction from a part of the plant or from a tissue thereof using a physiologically acceptable solvent as the extraction medium.

[0030] With the term of "physiologically acceptable solvent", it is meant a solvent that does not produce significant adverse reactions when introduced into the human body or applied to the human organism. Typically, with the term solvent is meant the solvent used for extracting the biologically active components from a portion of plant of Galeopsis.

[0031] A suitable solvent to obtain the plant extract is a physiologically acceptable liquid in which at least some of the biologically active components of the selected plant are soluble and in which they do not undergo an alteration that deprives them of activity.

[0032] The preferred morphological parts of the plant used for carrying out the extraction is the shoot system which includes stems, leaves, blossom and flowers.

[0033] The solvent used for carrying out the extraction may be a physiologically acceptable solvent. Suitable solvents may be nonpolar solvents such as diethyl ether, chloroform, polar aprotic solvents such as ethyl acetate, dichloroethane and polar protic solvents such as C 1 -C 6 alcohols and aqueous solutions containing them. The use of polar protic solvents is preferred. Typical polar protic solvents include water, ethanol, propanol, isopropyl alcohol and mixtures thereof. Preferred solvents are water, ethyl alcohol and a mixture thereof.

[0034] In certain embodiments, after the extraction with a polar protic solvent, preferably ethanol, the extract is preferably filtered, concentrated and clarified. The obtained extract is then preferably purified. The purification is more preferably carried out by eluting in column with a solvent. The solvent can be for example water or ethanol. The purified extract is then preferably concentrated and dried. The dry extract so obtained can be optionally ground and optionally added with excipients to yield the final dry extract to be used in the inventive compositions. The optional excipients comprised in the dry extract are preferably selected from the group consisting of maltodextrin and colloidal anhydrous silica gel.

[0035] To obtain the plant extract of Galeopsis tetrahit, solid-liquid extraction techniques may be used to separate / extract one or more biologically active components from the plant's vegetable tissues.

[0036] In certain embodiments, the extraction of one or more biologically active components takes place by macerating a Galeopsis tetrahit vegetable portion or matrix in a suitable solvent as referred above.

[0037] For example, a suitable extract can be obtained by dipping or macerating a portion of aerial parts of Galeopsis in a water-ethanol mixture, for a time suitable for enriching the solvent of one or more biologically active components contained in the plant portion. Under these conditions, the extraction of the biologically active components from the plant tissues of the selected plant takes place, substantially, by diffusion and / or osmosis. The maceration time of the plant portions in the solvent is variable, for example from 1 to 48 hours.

[0038] In accordance to certain embodiments the dry extract of the Galeopsis is obtainable by the following steps: grinding at least one part of the plant Galeopsis; extracting with a solvent, preferably a physiologically acceptable solvent; filtering the extract; purifying the filtered extract, preferably by eluting in a column with a solvent; drying the purified extract; grinding the dried purified extract.

[0039] In some embodiments, the extraction step can be repeated two or three times.

[0040] When the solvent is removed, for example by evaporation, a solid support or excipient may optionally be added, such as, by way of non-limiting example, starches or maltodextrins, to obtain the extract in the form of dry powder. Typically, the extract obtained from Galeopsis Tetrahit or segetum, can be fluid, soft or dry and preferably is dry.

[0041] For example: in the fluid extract, 1 ml of extract contains biologically active components soluble in 1 g of vegetable drug; in the soft extract, the solvent is partially evaporated in particular until the extract not wets a filter paper; in the dry extract, the solvent is evaporated almost completely to obtain a powder.

[0042] It is possible to prepare extracts of Galeopsis of different polarity.

[0043] For example, it is possible to obtain a high polarity extract using a polar solvent such as a hydroalcoholic solution, an intermediate polarity extract using a less polar solvent such as ethylacetate or an apolar extract using supercritical CO 2 with which it is possible to extract fractions of active phyto-complexes.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the extraction is carried out using a weight ratio between solvent and vegetable matrix ranging from 1:10 to 10:1.

[0045] It is possible to extract the biologically active plant components from the Galeopsis plant by using alternative extraction techniques such as, for example, by digestion, infusion, squeezing, decoction, percolation, counter-current extraction, soxhlet extraction, extraction with supercritical gases or ultrasounds.

[0046] In addition to the plant extract, the synergistic composition may comprise R-N 1< -spermidine or its salt, wherein R is hydrogen or methyl. Spermidine is a polyamine, having IUPAC name N'-(3-aminopropyl)butane-1,4-diamine. Spermidine can be present in the composition in the form of a salt, preferably a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, more preferably in the form of trihydrochloride.

[0047] In addition to the plant extract, the synergistic composition may comprise Biotin, a water-soluble B-vitamin, also called vitamin B7 and formerly known as vitamin H or coenzyme R.

[0048] Biotin is composed of a ureido ring fused with a tetrahydrothiophene ring having IUPAC name 5-[(3aS,4S,6aR)-2-oxohexahydro-1H-thieno[3,4-d]imidazole-4-yl]pentanoic acid (CAS number 58-85-5).

[0049] The inventors revealed for the first time the property of biotin of being a promoter of autophagy in human cells, specifically cells of human scalp hair follicles.

[0050] Therefore the present disclosure concerns biotin or a composition containing biotin according to any one of the embodiments described above, for cosmetic or nutraceutical or medical use as a promoter of autophagy in the treatment of diseases modulated by autophagy.

[0051] Diseases modulated by autophagy are for example selected from the group consisting of neurodegeneration, cancer, Crohn's disease and skin diseases. Specifically among the skin diseases, autoimmune skin disorders such as psoriasis, systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and vitiligo, - infectious skin disorders, - skin cancer disorders such as squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, can be cited.

[0052] For the first time the extract of genus Galeopsis, preferably of the species Galeopsis segetum and Galeopsis tetrahit is used as a promoter of autophagy in the treatment of skin diseases.

[0053] Preferably and surprisingly, the inventors observed that the administration of the above compositions, typically either by the topical or oral route of administration, promoted in a synergistic way the autophagy in cells of human scalp hair follicles in a subject suffering from hair thinning, thus determining a progressive thickening of the suffered areas of the scalp.

[0054] Typically, the composition of the invention comprises a physiologically and / or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient.

[0055] The physiologically or pharmaceutically suitable carrier, diluent or excipient may be selected based on the route of administration for which the resulting pharmaceutical composition is intended. Any carrier and / or excipient suitable for the desired preparation form for administration is contemplated in the uses of the plant extract or active ingredients described herein.

[0056] Within the scope of the present invention, the term "carrier" refers to an excipient, vehicle, diluent or adjuvant, which may be present in the composition of the invention.

[0057] The composition of the invention can be formulated in a form for topical application or in a form for oral administration.

[0058] In some embodiments, the composition is for the topical application. In this application, the composition of the invention can be applied, in an effective quantity, directly on the scalp or skin of a human beings.

[0059] For example, in the treatment of hair loss or thinning forms a cosmetically / physiologically active amount of composition can be applied directly on the scalp, once or more times a day conveniently for cycles lasting 2-3 months, alternated with periods of absence of treatment.

[0060] According to these aspects, a cosmetic treatment method is disclosed herein comprising the application on the scalp, or portion thereof, of an effective quantity of a composition according to one or more of the embodiments described and / or claimed therein.

[0061] The amount of the dry extract of Galeopsis, preferably in the form of species Galeopsis segetum or Galeopsis tetrahit, in the topical formulation of the compositions of the invention is in the range of 0.0003% to 0.01% weight by weight with respect to the total weight of the formulation.

[0062] The amount of biotin in the topical formulation of the compositions of the invention is in the range of 0.0006% to 0.075% weight by weight with respect to the total weight of the formulation.

[0063] In the topical form, the composition comprises preferably N 1< -methylspermidine. In the topical form, N 1< -methyl spermidine or spermidine is preferably comprised in the range of 0.0005-0.1 % weight by weight with respect to the total weight of the formulation.

[0064] Among the commonly excipients in the topical formulation for cosmetic use or for pharmaceutical use preservatives, bactericidal agents, emulsifying agents, buffers, lubricants, wetting agents, conditioning agents and colouring agents can be cited.

[0065] The composition for topical application may be in solid, semisolid or fluid form. Suitable formulations in solid form include creams, gels, ointments, pastes, unguents.

[0066] In other embodiments, the formulation for local administration is in fluid form, for example in the form of lotions, gels, shampoos, suspensions, emulsions.

[0067] In the case of fluid or semi-fluid formulations form, the plant extract can be diluted in a carrier in physiologically acceptable liquid form such as water, alcohol, hydroalcoholic or glyceric solution or mixed with other liquids suitable for local application.

[0068] By way of example, the compositions of the invention in liquid form can be prepared by dissolving the components in water and / or alcohol. The liquid composition can be buffered to reach a pH range conveniently selected from 5 to 7 to be compatible with the pH of the scalp and then filtered and packaged in suitable containers such as bottles or vials.

[0069] In some embodiments, the compositions of the invention may comprise excipients commonly used in the formulation of cosmetic or pharmaceutical preparations for local use, such as preservatives, bactericidal agents, stabilizers, emulsifiers, buffers, wetting agents, dyes and other excipients commonly used in preparation techniques.

[0070] In one embodiment, the formulation for the local application is in the form of an emulsion containing the extract carried in a suitable excipient. In some embodiments, the composition for topical application comprises an excipient of the hydroxymethylcellulose type and / or gelling with HLB suitable for the formulation and the substances.

[0071] According to other embodiments, the composition of the invention is in form for oral administration. In these cases, the composition contains the components as previously defined and one or more vehicles or excipients suitable for oral administration.

[0072] The amount of the extract of Galeopsis, preferably in the form of species Galeopsis segetum or Galeopsis tetrahit, in the oral formulation of the compositions of the invention is in the range of 0.1 mg to 20mg per single dose.

[0073] The amount of biotin in the oral formulation of the compositions of the invention is in the range of 0.03 mg to 0.08 mg per single dose.

[0074] In the oral form, the composition comprises preferably spermidine or a salt thereof, more preferably spermidine is in the form of a salt.

[0075] In the oral form, N 1< -methylspermidine (or its salt), or spermidine (or its salt) is preferably comprised in the range of 0.3 mg to 0.8 mg per single dose.

[0076] By way of example, suitable excipients for oral administration include cellulose derivatives such as hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxyethyl cellulose, ethylhydroxyethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate phthalate, and mixtures thereof.

[0077] Further examples of suitable excipients include the polymers belonging to the lactam family such as pyrrolidone and its derivatives, for example polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylpolypyrrolidone and their mixtures, inorganic salts such as calcium or dicalcium phosphate, lubricants such as magnesium stearate, triacylglycerols, and mixtures thereof.

[0078] The compositions for oral administration may be in solid or liquid form. Typical solid form compositions include tablets, capsules, powders, granules, pills. Examples of compositions in liquid form include solutions, emulsions, suspensions, syrups. The compositions may also be in the controlled release form of the active components contained therein.

[0079] The tablets generally comprise a suitable carrier or excipient in which the plant extract is dispersed, typically in dry form.

[0080] Among the typical excipients or carriers for oral administration disintegrating agents, fillers, preservatives can be included in the formulation of the composition. In certain embodiments, the composition of the invention is a nutritional product, a dietetic product or a nutraceutical product.

[0081] The term nutritional supplement means a product, which improves the nutritional status and may be used to support or improve the functional activity of one or more organs or the functionality of the human body within the physiological boundaries. The compositions of the invention being autophagy promoters are hence hairgrowth promoting nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals.

[0082] In accordance to a further aspect, the present invention hence provides for the cosmetic use of the above cited synergistic compositions as defined in claim 16. In accordance to a further specific aspect, the use of the topical or oral formulation comprising the above cited compositions for stimulating the physiological growth of the hair is herein disclosed.

[0083] In accordance to a still further aspect the present invention hence provides for the above cited synergistic compositions for use in the treatment as defined in claim 17.

[0084] In accordance to a further specific aspect, the present invention hence provides for the cosmetic use of the topical or oral formulation comprising the above compositions for promoting hair growth or for the treatment or prevention of hair loss.

[0085] The link between the promotion of autophagy and the above mentioned activities of the compositions of the invention are proven by the tests described in the following Example 13. In particular, the scientific article of Chiara Parodi et al.: "Autophagy is essential for maintaining the growth of a human (mini)organ: Evidence from scalp hair follicle organ culture" published on PLOS Biology vol. 16(3), 2018, 28. Mar: 10.1371 / journal.pbio.2002864 shows that the test carried out on human bone osteosarcoma epithelial cells is an established model for proving the efficacy of the composition on the stimulation of hair growth.

[0086] The experimental show the synergism in the stimulation of autophagy in a validated in vitro model. The data and publication show that autophagy is essential for the growth of hair follicle. The composition of the invention stimulates autophagy and consequently is effective in stimulating hair growth.

[0087] In certain aspects the invention provides the above composition for use in the treatment of a disorders in the hair growth such as in the case of alopecia androgenetica or defluvium.

[0088] In a further aspect the invention provides for the use of the above compositions as a promoter of autophagy as defined in claims 18 and 19.

[0089] The inventors found out also that a composition comprising N 1< -methylspermidine and biotin was suitable as a promoter of autophagy in the treatment of skin diseases.

[0090] The amounts administered and the frequency of administration of the composition will depend on the type and severity of the diseases to be treated.

[0091] The invention will be now detailed by reference to specific embodiments showing the synergistic results achieved by the compositions of the invention and should not be considered limitative. The amounts of the components indicated are expressed as percentages (%) weight by weight (w / w) or in mg per single dose of administration.EXPERIMENTAL PARTS Example 1Preparation of the extract of Galeopsis segetum

[0092] The preparation of Galeopsis segetum dry extract was performed by extraction with Ethanol 40% followed by column purification. The steps are described in the following paragraphs.Extraction

[0093] Ground desiccated aerial parts of G. segetum were extracted twice at 50°C for 2 hours with 40% ethanol. Solid and liquid were separated by a decanter.

[0094] The leachates were filtered, concentrated under vacuum and then clarified by centrifugation.Purification

[0095] A column was filled with ion exchange XAD7HP sorbent resin which was previously soaked in 95% Ethanol and maintained in contact for 10 hours. The packed column was then washed with water continuing until the conductivity of the eluate reached the same value of the loaded water.

[0096] The purification of the extract was made on the XAD7HP packed column eluting initially with water and then with 70% Ethanol.

[0097] The collected eluates were concentrated under vacuum.

[0098] Ethanol was added to the concentrated solution and then the solution was heated at 70-75°C for 30 minutes in order to reduce the bioburden level.

[0099] The solution was again concentrated under vacuum, dried at 50°C for 24 hours and then ground and mixed with excipients (maltodextrin and colloidal anhydrous silica gel 90 / 10) to yield the final product.Example 2Preparation of the extract of Galeopsis tetrahit

[0100] The preparation of Galeopsis tetrahit dry extract was performed following exactly the same procedure described at the previous paragraphs for the extraction of Galeopsis segetum.Example 3

[0101] Revitalizing Shampoo Ingredients % w / w Zetesol MGS / B16-49Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate4-12Mirasheen CP 820 / G2-6Rewoderm LI S 801-4Euxyl K 7011-2BC 22620.5-1.4Cocamide MIPA0.5-1.4Potassium Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat protein0.5-1.4Citric acid monohydrate0.4-1.2Betaine monohydrate0.2-0.7Lauryl methyl gluceth-10 hydroxypropyldimonium chloride0.2-0.7Gafquat 755 N-O0.2-0.5D-Panthenol0.1-0.3Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate0.1-0.3BHA0.01-0.02Hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate0.01-0.02Galeopsis segetum dry extract0.003-0.009Biotin0.001-0.03Meditanox H-100.0005-0.0015N 1< -Methylspermidine0.0005-0.1Lecithin0.0004-0.0011Fomblin HC / PU-CAT50.0002-0.0005Water to 100 mL Example 4

[0102] Reinforcing Shampoo Ingredients %w / w Zetesol MGS / B15-50Sodium N-lauroyl sarcosinate4-12Mirasheen CP 820 / G2-6Rewoderm LI S 801-4Euxyl K 7011-2Cocamide MIPA0.5-1.4Potassium Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat protein0.5-1.4Citric acid monohydrate0.4-1.1BC 22620.3-0.8Betaine monohydrate0.2-0.7Lauryl methyl gluceth-10 hydroxypropyldimonium chloride0.2-0.7Abil Soft AF 1000.2-0.6Gafquat 755 N-O0.2-0.5D-Panthenol0.1-0.3Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate0.1-0.3BHA0.01-0.02Hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate0.01-0.02Galeopsis segetum dry extract0.003-0.009Biotin0.001-0.003Meditanox H-100.001-0.002N 1< -Methylspermidine0.001-0.002Lecithin NAT 85390.0004-0.0011Fomblin HC / PU-CAT50.0002-0.0005Water to 100 mL Example 5

[0103] Lotion Ingredients % w / w Ethanol9-27Calcium Pantothenate1-2PEG-40 Hydrogenated castor oil1-2Lactic acid sol. 80%0.1-0.4Lypobelle soyaglycone0.04-0.13Hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate0.03-0.1N 1< -methylspermidine0.03-0.09Lecithin NAT 85390.02-0.07Octadecyl di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate0.02-0.07Fomblin HC / PU-CAT50.009-0.027Biotin0.007-0.022Meditanox H-100.0005-0.0015Water to 100 mL Example 6

[0104] Fortifying Conditioner Ingredients % w / w Cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride3-9Cetyl stearyl alcohol3-8Silsoft 88122-7Arlacel 165-PA-(MV)2-5Glyceryl stearate2-5C12-13 alkyl lactate1-3Dow Corning CE 84011-2Xylitol1-2Bioscontrol synergy BAS0.3-0.9Hydroxyethylcellulose0.3-0.9D-Panthenol0.3-0.8Uniglucan G-510.3-0.8Liquid lactic acid0.1-0.4Phytantriol0.1-0.3Sodium benzoate0.1-0.3Sodium dehydroacetate0.1-0.3Cyclopentasiloxane0.1-0.2Disodium EDTA dihydrate0.1-0.2Sericin0.1-0.2Hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate0.01-0.02Galeopsis segetum dry extract0-0.01Biotin0.01-0.03Meditanox H-100.001-0.002Lecithin NAT 85390.0004-0.0011Fomblin HC / PU-CAT50.0002-0.0005N 1< -methylspermidine0.025-0.075Water to 100 mL Example 7

[0105] Fortifying conditioner Ingredients % w / w Cetostearyl alcohol4-11Cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride3-8Aquacat PF618 Clear Cationic Solution2-61,2 Propandiol2-5SI-TEC AME 60571-3Incroquat behenyl TMS1-2D-Panthenol0.4-1.2phenoxyethanol0.4-1.2Glyceryl stearate0.4-1.2Mycomplex0.4-1.2Ceraphyl 600.3-0.8Collasurge - LQ- (WD)0.3-0.8Safflower oil0.2-0.5Amipearl intense silver11610.1-0.3Tocopheryl acetate0.1-0.3Hydroxyethylcellulose0.1-0.3Uvinul A plus B0.1-0.2Cyclopentasiloxane0.1-0.2Dekaben BL0.1-0.2Disodium EDTA dihydrate0.1-0.2Rewoteric AM 2C NM0.1-0.2citric acid monohydrate0.03-0.08Butylatedhydroxytoluene0.03-0.08Calcium Pantothenate0.01-0.03Hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate0.01-0.02Biotin0.001-0.02SK-Influx V0.001-0.003Rutin0.0006-0.0017Galeopsis tetrahit dry extract0.001-0.002Meditanox H-100.0005-0.0015Vitis vinifera seeds dry extract0.0005-0.0015Lecithin NAT 85390.0004-0.0012Zeaxantina oil Sol. 20%0.0002-0.0006Fomblin HC / PU-CAT50.0002-0.0005N 1< -methylspermidine0.0045-0.0135Water to 100 mL Example 8

[0106] Fortifying Gel Ingredients (INCI) % w / w Fixate PLUS Polymer2-5PEG-40 Hydrogenated castor oil1-3Perfume Apollon 436 / F 0505436F1-2Not crystallizing Sorbitol 70%1-2Sodium hydroxy methylglycinate0.5-1.5Hydroxypropyl guar0.4-1.2Benzophenone-40.15-0.45Luviquat Polyquatenium 110.15-0.45Disodium EDTA dihydrate0.05-0.15Taurin0.03-0.08Calcium Pantothenate0.01-0.03N 1< -methylspermidine0.00275-0.00825Galeopsis tetrahit dry extract0.0003-0.0009Biotin0.00075-0.0025Meditanox H-100.0001-0.0002Water to 100 mL Example 9

[0107] Cream Ingredients %w / w Octyldodecanol11.5-15.5Cetyl stearyl alcohol8.5-11.5Cetylic esters wax2.6-3.5Sorbitan monostearate1.7-2.3Polysorbate 601.3-1.7Benzyl alcohol0.9-1.2N 1< -Methylspermidine0.0428-0.058Biotin0.0119-0.0161Water to 100 mL Example 10

[0108] Tablets Ingredients Amount (mg) Methionine200-400Coated vitamin C50-150Microcrystalline cellulose40-160Vitis vinifera seeds dry extract30-90Hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose K10020-70Zeaxanthin 5%20-70Vitamin E acetate 50%20-50Selenium yeast 2000 ppm20-40Zinc bisglycinate 28,2%10-40Colloidal silicium dioxide10-20Olea Europaea L. leaf dry extract5-15Calcium Pantothenate5-11Polyethylene glycol 60004-12Magnesium stearate4-12Polyvinylpyrrolidone K303-10Galeopsis segetum dry extract0.1-20Copper bisglycinate 30%2-6Rutin1-4Vitamin B61-4Hyaluronic acid1-2Spermidine Trihydrochloride0.3-0.8Folic acid0.1-0.3Biotin0.03-0.08 Example 11

[0109] Tablets Ingredients Amount (mg) Microcrystalline cellulose40-160Hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose K10020-70Vitamin E acetate 50%20-50Zinc bisglycinate 28,2%10-40Colloidal silicium dioxide10-20Polyethylene glycol 60004-12Magnesium stearate4-12Polyvinylpyrrolidone K303-10Copper bisglycinate 30%2-6Vitamin B61-4Hyaluronic acid1-2Spermidine Trihydrochloride0.3-0.8Biotin0.03-0.08 Example 12

[0110] Tablets Ingredients Amount (mg) Microcrystalline cellulose40-160Hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose K10020-70Vitamin E acetate 50%20-50Zinc bisglycinate 28,2%10-40Colloidal silicium dioxide10-20Galeopsis segetum dry extract5-20Polyethylene glycol 60004-12Magnesium stearate4-12Polyvinylpyrrolidone K303-10Copper bisglycinate 30%2-6Vitamin B61-4 Example 13Materials and Methods Immunoblot analysis.

[0111] U2OS cells were grown to 80% confluence in Dulbecco Modified Eagle's Medium High Glucose (4.5 g / ID-Glucose) containing 4mM L-glutamine, 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and treated with Spermidine (Lot.2010112716), Galeopsis segetum (IDN 6781), Biotin (Lot. 2014124160) or their combinations. Protein samples were extracted in RIPA buffer as previously reported (De Mei C, Ercolani L, Parodi C, Veronesi M, Vecchio CL, Bottegoni G, et al. Dual inhibition of REV-EPBβ and autophagy as a novel pharmacological approach to induce cytotoxicity in cancer cells. Oncogene. 2015;34(20):2597-608). p62 / SQSTM1 and GAPDH levels were analyzed with anti-p62 / SQSTM1 and anti-GADPH specific antibodies. Immunoblot experiments were performed in TBS-T buffer containing 5% bovine serum albumin (BSA). Anti-LC3B and anti-GAPDH antibodies were diluted 1:1000 and 1:50000, respectively. Complementary HPR-conjugated secondary antibodies were diluted 1:10000. Upon reaction with ECL Western blotting detection reagent, chemiluminescent signals were acquired with a LAS-4000 luminescent image analyzer and optical density of specific band signal was calculated with Photoshop image analysis software. GAPDH was adopted as a loading control and GAPDH signals were used to normalize p62 protein levels among different samples.

[0112] Immunoblots were repeated at least 4 times in order to express value as mean ± SEM.Fluorescent Analysis of Autophagy Inhibition.

[0113] U2OS cells were seeded 3000cells / well in 48-well plates, No. 1.5 Uncoated Coverslip, 6 mm glass diameter, previously coated with gelatin solution, and transduced with 0.2µl of baculovirus / 10 000 cells containing a chimeric protein p62-Red Fluorescent Protein (p62-RFP). At 48 h post-transduction the cells were treated with Spermidine, Biotin, Galeopsis, or vehicle and monitored for 24h using NIKON Live Cell Imaging microscopy.Synergistic activity of spermidine. G. segetum and biotin to induce autophagy in human cells

[0114] In order to evaluate whether biotin and / or Galeopsis segetum extract may affect autophagy, the inventors monitored the accumulation of autophagosome in cultured U2OS cells by live cell fluorescent microscopy (Klionsky DJ, Abdelmohsen K, Abe A, Abedin MJ, Abeliovich H, Acevedo Arozena A, et al. Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy. Autophagy. 2016; 12(1): 1-222). Thus, cells were trasduced with construct containing the autophagy protein, LC3, fused with a Red Fluorescent Protein (RFP). Then, accumulation of LC3 fluorescent dots upon addition of biotin (200ng / ml) or Galeopsis dry extract (100ng / ml) was monitored by acquiring images every 30 min for 6 h. Spermidine (10 µM) was adopted as a positive control of an autophagy inducer compound (Pietrocola F, Lachkar S, Enot D, Niso-Santano M, Bravo-San Pedro J, Sica V, et al. Spermidine induces autophagy by inhibiting the acetyltransferase EP300. Cell Death & Differentiation. 2015;22(3):509-16).

[0115] This analysis revealed a marked accumulation of LC3 fluorescent dots in both biotin- and Galeopsis-treated cells (see representative images in Figure 1). As it is evident in Figure 1 spermidine treatment resulted in a marked accumulation of LC3 fluorescent dots (i.e. accumulation of autophagosomes). Both biotin and Galeopsis segetum dry extract produced a similar accumulation of LC3-red dots.

[0116] Because LC3-RFP dots may also accumulate upon a blockade of the autophagic flux, the autophagy-dependent degradation of the SQSTM1 / p62 protein (Klionsky DJ, Abdelmohsen K, Abe A, Abedin MJ, Abeliovich H, Acevedo Arozena A, et al. Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy. Autophagy. 2016; 12(1): 1-222) was thus monitored. p62 served as a linker between LC3 and ubiquitinated substrates (Pankiv S, Clausen TH, Lamark T, Brech A, Bruun J-A, Outzen H, et al. p62 / SQSTM1 binds directly to Atg8 / LC3 to facilitate degradation of ubiquitinated protein aggregates by autophagy. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2007;282(33):24131-45). p62 and p62-bound polyubiquitinated proteins became incorporated into the completed autophagosome and were degraded in autolysosomes, thus serving as an index of autophagic degradation (Klionsky DJ, Abdelmohsen K, Abe A, Abedin MJ, Abeliovich H, Acevedo Arozena A, et al. Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy. Autophagy. 2016; 12(1): 1-222).

[0117] Accordingly, the effects of biotin and Galeopsis on autophagy-mediated p62 degradation was evaluated by analyzing the number of p62-RFP autophagosomes by live fluorescent microscopy. Cells were thus transduced with a construct expressing the p62 protein fused with the RFP. Then, p62 fluorescent dots were monitored upon addition of biotin, Galeopsis, spermidine or vehicle. Fully supporting that both biotin and Galeopsis acted as autophagy inducers, a drastic reduction of p62-RFP dots was observed in treated cells compared with vehicle (see representative images in Figure 2).

[0118] As seen in figure 2, the treatment with the previously characterized autophagy inducer, spermidine, markedly reduced p62 fluorescent dots and fluorescent signals, thus indicating that both biotin and Galeopsis segetum extract act as autophagy inducers, these treatments produced a strong reduction of p62 fluorescent signals.

[0119] Once validated the autophagy inducing activity of biotin and Galeopsis, and having validated the use of p62 as a suitable marker of the autophagy process, the effects of combinations of compounds on p62 protein levels were evaluated by immunoblot analysis with specific anti-p62 antibodies (De Mei C, Ercolani L, Parodi C, Veronesi M, Vecchio CL, Bottegoni G, et al. Dual inhibition of REV-EPBβ and autophagy as a novel pharmacological approach to induce cytotoxicity in cancer cells. Oncogene. 2015;34(20):2597-608).

[0120] This analysis indicated a significant synergistic effects among spermidine, biotin and Galeopsis in inducing autophagy-mediated degradation of p62 (Table 1). Table 1Treatment Percentage of p62 reduction versus vehicle (% ± SEM) Expected p62 reduction from additive effects Synergistic effects Spermidine5 ± 0.11Biotin21 ± 1.5Galeopsis24 ± 2.1Spermidine + Biotin45 ± 2.5 26 ± 1.61YESSpermidine + Galeopsis51 ± 3.3 29 ± 2.21YESBiotin + Galeopsis67 ± 5.5 45 ± 3.6YESSpermidine + Galeopsis + Biotin78 ± 3.9 50 ± 3.71YES

[0121] Indeed, the combination of spermidine (0.5 µM) and biotin (19.91 ng / ml) resulted in a p62 reduction almost twice bigger than the reduction expected by additive effects (45% vs 26%). Similar results were obtained for the combination of spermidine and Galeopsis (7.9 ng / ml) (51% VS 29%) and biotin / Galeopsis mix (67% vs 45%). Finally, a combination of all three compounds (0.5 µM spermidine + 7.9 ng / ml Galeopsis + 19.91 ng / ml biotin) generated an remarkable 78% reduction of p62 protein levels.Example 14

[0122] The levels of lipidated LC3 and SQSTM1 in human U2OS cells treated with equimolar doses of N1-methylspermidine and spermidine were evaluated. As a result, compared with vehicle both compounds increased the levels of the lipidated LC3-II form and stimulated autophagy-mediated degradation of SQSTM1. Specifically cultured human U2OS cells were treated 6 h with vehicle or equimolar doses of spermidine and N 1< -methylspermidine (100 µM). The levels of lipidated LC3 (LC3-II) and SQSTM1 were then assessed by immunoblotting analysis as in example 13 with specific antibody. Actin signals were adopted as a loading control. Densitometry analysis of protein signals is reported as relative protein levels normalized by ACTIN. Vehicle sample value was set to 1. Shown as mean ± SEM,n=3. *P<0.05 and **P<0.01, compounds versus vehicle. The results are reported in figure 3 (A and B) These results validate that the N 1< -methylspermidine retains the activity to induce autophagy, as its des-methylated analog.

Claims

1. A synergistic composition comprising an extract of plant of genus Galeopsis and a compound promoting autophagy selected from R-N1-spermidine or a salt thereof, wherein R is hydrogen or methyl, biotin and mixtures thereof.

2. The synergistic composition of claim 1, wherein the extract of plant of genus Galeopsis is selected from the species of Galeopsis segetum and Galeopsis tetrahit and mixtures thereof.

3. The synergistic composition of claim 2, wherein the extract of plant of genus Galeopsis is a dry extract obtainable by the process comprising the following steps: - grinding at least one part of the plant of genus Galeopsis; - extracting with a solvent, preferably a physiologically acceptable solvent; - filtering the extract; - purifying the filtered extract, preferably by eluting in a column with a solvent; - drying the purified extract; - grinding the dried purified extract; and - optionally adding excipients.

4. The synergistic composition of claim 3, wherein the excipients comprise maltodextrin and / or colloidal anhydrous silica gel.

5. The synergistic composition of anyone of claims 1-4, wherein Spermidine is present in the composition in the form of trihydrochloride.

6. A topical formulation comprising the synergistic composition according to anyone of claims 1-5 and at least one excipient suitable for topical administration.

7. The topical formulation according to claim 6, wherein the amount of the extract of plant of genus Galeopsis is in the range of 0.0003% to 0.01% by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition.

8. The topical formulation according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the amount of biotin is in the range of 0.0006% to 0.075% by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition.

9. The topical formulation according to anyone of claims 6-8, wherein the composition comprises R-N1-spermidine or a salt thereof, wherein R is methyl or hydrogen, in the range of 0.0005-0.1% by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition.

10. The topical formulation according to anyone of claims 6-9, wherein the formulation is in a form selected from the group consisting of a shampoo, a gel, a conditioner, a lotion, a balm, an emulsion, a foam, a makeup and a cream.

11. An oral formulation comprising the synergistic composition according to anyone of claims 1-5 and at least one excipient suitable for oral administration.

12. The oral formulation of claim 11, wherein the amount of the dry extract of the plant of genus Galeopsis in the oral formulation is in the range of 0.1 mg to 20 mg per single dose.

13. The oral formulation of claim 11 or 12, wherein the amount of biotin in the oral formulation is in the range of 0.03 mg to 0.08 mg per single dose.

14. The oral formulation of claim 11 or 12, wherein the composition comprises R-N1-spermidine or a salt thereof, wherein R is methyl or hydrogen, in the range of 0.3 mg to 0.8 mg per single dose.

15. The oral formulation according to anyone of claims 11-14, wherein the formulation is a solid formulation selected from the group consisting of a tablet, a capsule, powders, granules and a pill.

16. A cosmetic use of the synergistic composition according to anyone of claims 1-5 or a topical formulation according to anyone of claims 6-10 or an oral formulation according to anyone of claims 11-15 in promoting hair growth and / or preventing hair loss.

17. A synergistic composition according to anyone of claims 1-5 or a topical formulation according to anyone of claims 6-10 or an oral formulation according to anyone of claims 11-15 for use in the treatment of alopecia androgenetica or defluvium.

18. A synergistic composition according to anyone of claims 1-5 for use as a promoter of autophagy in the treatment of a disease modulated by autophagy.

19. The synergistic composition for use according to claim 18 wherein the diseases modulated by autophagy are selected from the group consisting of neurodegeneration, cancer, Crohn's disease and skin diseases.