Cosmetic Use of Protein Extract from Moringa Seeds

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of a protein extract of ungerminated and defatted Moringa oleifera seeds as an anti-pollen agent. The present invention also relates to the protein extract of ungerminated and defatted Moringa oleifera seeds for treating and / or preventing and / or reducing the occurrence of pollen allergy and / or diseases and / or symptoms associated with pollen allergy.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of household hygiene products, in particular to the fields of beauty and dermatology. The present invention relates to the use of a non-germinated, defatted protein extract of Moringa seeds as an anti-pollen protective agent, and a medicament for preventing and / or reducing pollen allergy and its pathological manifestations, in particular a dermatological medicament.

[0002] The genus Moringa includes approximately 14 plant species (including Moringa peregrina, M. aptera, M. concanensis, M. drouhardii, M. hildebrandtii, M. longituba), among which Moringa pterygosperma (also known as Moringa oleifera) is the most well-known.

[0003] In this case, it is a fast-growing tree, very adaptable to various conditions, and grows throughout the tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and South America. The fruits, 30 to 50 cm long, hang like drumsticks, so the English name is "drumstick tree", and its green pods are considered a vegetable worldwide. Therefore, the seeds are rarely left to mature for oil production.

[0004] In the countries where Moringa grows, different parts of the tree (leaves, roots, root bark, flowers, and seeds) are used in traditional medicine.

[0005] The seeds of the genus Moringa are characterized by the presence of oil, the content of which varies between 21% and 53% depending on the type and maturity of the seeds. For the Moringa oleifera species, the content ranges mentioned in the literature are between 21% and 34%.

[0006] Due to the excellent stability of Moringa with respect to oxidation and its good property of fixing fragrances, Moringa oil (also known as Behen or Ben oil) is the oil most commonly used by ointment formulators in ancient civilizations for cosmetic and religious purposes. Until the last century, cosmetic formulators have been using this oil, and recently its uses have been "rediscovered".

[0007] In addition to the oil content, recently Moringa seeds have also attracted the attention of researchers because of their protein extract. Thus, the use of the protein extract of Moringa seeds on the skin and mucous membranes is described in application EP 1064008, which is based on its roles of softening, physiological regulation, moisturizing, restructuring, repairing, and acting as an anti-wrinkle and anti-pollution agent.

[0008] In particular, this extract is sold by BASF under the tradename due to its purification and anti-pollution effects against polluting particles, and under the tradename due to its hair protection effect against pollution

[0009] Patent application WO 02 / 096448 describes the use of protein extracts from defatted or non-defatted seeds in the fields of deodorization, removal of unpleasant odors, cleaning, intimate hygiene, oral hygiene and dental care.

[0010] The most recent patent application FR 3076460 also describes the use of protein extracts from Moringa seeds for preventing and / or reducing and / or eliminating the unsightly and / or uncomfortable effects of skin and / or mucous membranes whose mutualistic flora has been altered, in particular for preventing and / or reducing and / or delaying sebum secretion and its unsightly and / or unpleasant and / or uncomfortable manifestations, in particular for preventing and / or reducing and / or delaying the formation of blackheads and / or pimples and / or the shiny appearance of the skin, and / or for maintaining and / or improving the skin color uniformity of the skin and / or mucous membranes, for example by eliminating and / or reducing redness and / or unevenness; and / or for preventing and / or treating the feeling of heat and / or burning on the skin and / or mucous membranes, and / or for preventing and / or reducing hair loss on the head and / or body hair loss; and / or for preventing and / or reducing dandruff.

[0011] However, none of these documents describe or suggest that protein extracts from Moringa seeds can help protect surfaces (in particular the surfaces of the skin, mucous membranes and / or skin appendages) against pollen.

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a novel use of protein extracts from ungerminated, defatted Moringa seeds, which novel use has never been described or suggested in the prior art.

[0013] The inventors have found that this extract can prevent pollen grains from adhering to the skin, mucous membranes and / or skin appendages, and more generally, can prevent pollen grains from adhering to any type of surface (Example 2). Thus, this extract has a very significant anti-pollen effect and is therefore a preferred product for treating the surfaces of (in particular the skin and / or mucous membranes and / or hair exposed to pollen), especially for people sensitive and / or allergic to pollen.

[0014] Pollen is a very fine dust composed of tiny organic particles produced and released by the anthers of plants. Pollen grains are generally ovoid in shape, with a particle size of 5 to 200 micrometers, and an average particle size of 20 to 60 micrometers.

[0015] The pollen grain is a very complex entity with a unique organic structure. Its hard outer wall, which has a protective function, is called the exine. The appearance of the exine varies from species to species, so that plant species can be described simply by observing the pollen grains. The exine is covered with protrusions and undulations that are filled with a substance that is mainly lipid and is called the tryphine. The latter is sticky and gives the pollen special adhesive properties. Thus, this adhesion is ensured by the ornamentation of the exine and / or the sticky, lipidic covering layer that covers the exine, enabling it to attach to pollinating animals.

[0016] However, pollen is the culprit of a global health problem. In Asia, especially cedar pollen is described as a real seasonal disaster. In 2019, the situation of cedar pollen allergy increased. It was detected that 78% of Japanese people were allergic to cedar pollen, and 41% of them complained about the pollen. The same problem also occurred with mountain cedar in North America. In Europe, the highly allergenic ragweed pollen may quadruple by 2050. In France, ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), which is native to North America, has invaded the regions of Burgundy, Auvergne and Rhône-Alpes, and its pollen can cause allergies, especially rhinitis, sinusitis, conjunctivitis, tracheitis and even asthma attacks in pathology. These problems can also seriously affect the skin because pollen can cause allergic inflammation of the skin, which is characterized by dryness, redness and rashes. In addition, pollen exposure can exacerbate eczema. Urban pollutants can exacerbate the harm of pollen. Research shows that air pollutants, especially pollutant particles, can increase the allergen content in pollen grains and their ability to release into the air, and release allergen (sites), thus increasing their allergenicity. (D′amato G et al., 2007: allergic pollen and pollenAllergy in Europe; Laaidi M, 2011: pollen allergies, pollution and climate: Literature review; Sedghy F et al., 2018: Interaction between Air pollutants andpollen Grains: the role on the rising trend in allergy).

[0017] The treatment of pollen allergy usually requires the use of antihistamines and / or corticosteroid drugs, which have many side effects. Protection against pollen allergy remains the preferred way to avoid allergy treatment. However, the difficulty is that the impact of pollen on health is not only related to outdoor exposure in pollinated areas, but also exists inside the residence. In fact, these particles adhere to all surfaces, such as fabrics, especially clothes, shoes, but also adhere to the skin, mucous membranes and skin appendages, especially hair fibers. Therefore, pollen grains will adhere to these surfaces and then be released into the residence. This phenomenon is particularly common in long hair.

[0018] Therefore, in the field of household hygiene, especially in the fields of cosmetics and dermatology, there is an urgent need to provide some ingredients to limit and / or reduce the amount of pollen present on general surfaces, especially the skin, mucous membranes and / or skin appendages, especially the hair, especially by preventing its adhesion, and these ingredients should be easily available.

[0019] Therefore, the present invention relates to the use of an ungerminated, defatted protein extract of Moringa oleifera seeds, advantageously a protein extract of ungerminated, defatted seeds, especially a protein extract of defatted press cake (more particularly defatted press cake) of ungerminated seeds (more advantageously the kernels of ungerminated seeds) of Moringa oleifera as an anti-pollen agent.

[0020] In the present invention, the term "anti-pollen agent" is intended to mean any compound or mixture of compounds having the property of limiting and / or reducing the amount of pollen present on a surface (especially an external surface, more specifically the skin, mucous membranes and / or skin appendages, especially the hair), especially by preventing its adhesion and / or preventing its spread.

[0021] The property of limiting and / or reducing the amount of pollen adhering to a surface (especially an external surface, especially the hair) can be measured by the test described in Example 2.

[0022] In particular, the use according to the present invention is for treating the surfaces of the skin and / or mucous membranes and / or skin appendages (such as hair) exposed to pollen, and preferably for people sensitive and / or allergic to pollen. It especially relates to cosmetic uses.

[0023] In the present invention, the term "cosmetic" refers to non-drug, non-therapeutic uses, not for preventing and / or treating the skin and / or mucous membranes and / or skin appendages identified as pathological by experts in the field, such as dermatologists. Therefore, its use is for healthy skin and / or mucous membranes and / or skin appendages.

[0024] The term "healthy skin and / or mucous membranes and / or healthy skin appendages" is intended to mean all or part of a healthy area of the skin (especially of humans) without infection, scarring, skin diseases or disorders (such as candidiasis, impetigo, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, acne, ichthyosis, gingivitis or dermatitis or wounds or injuries or oral ulcers or ulcers or burns and / or other skin diseases, or aphthae or inflammation or irritation, or urticaria or allergies such as contact allergy), including the healthy scalp and / or mucous membranes and / or skin appendages).

[0025] In the present invention, the term "skin" is intended to mean all or part of the skin of the body (including the scalp) (especially of humans), which is selected from the face, hands, arms, chest, calves, neck, back, shoulders, abdomen, wrists, forearms, ankles, thighs, nape of the neck. In particular, the skin refers to the skin that may come into contact with pollen, i.e., the skin not covered by clothing. Thus, it particularly relates to the face, hands, neck and chest.

[0026] In the present invention, the term "mucous membranes" refers to the eye, nasal mucosa and / or oral mucosa (especially the labial mucosa), preferably the lips, eyes and / or nasal mucosa.

[0027] The term "skin appendages" is intended to mean nails and "keratin fibers".

[0028] The term "keratin fibers" refers to hair fibers (hair), eyelashes, eyebrows, body hair especially nasal mucosa, hair in the ears, beard and / or mustache.

[0029] Preferably, the application is carried out locally, advantageously on specific parts and / or areas of the body exposed to pollen, especially selected from the face, hands, arms, chest, lips, nasal and / or ocular mucosa, body hair, eyelashes, eyebrows and / or hair, preferably hair.

[0030] The ungerminated, defatted moringa seed protein extract according to the present invention is topically acceptable. In the present invention, the term "topically acceptable" is intended to mean a component suitable for topical application that is non-toxic, non-irritating to the skin and / or mucous membranes and / or skin appendages, does not cause an allergic reaction, and is not chemically unstable.

[0031] In the present invention, the term "pollen" refers to pollen grains of plants, preferably having an average equatorial diameter (abbreviation E) of 20 to 60 microns and / or an average polar axis (abbreviation P) of 20 to 60 microns.

[0032] Preferably, the pollen is selected from the most allergenic pollens, especially pollen selected from the following plants:

[0033] - Betulaceae, especially Betula (especially birch), Alnus (especially alder), Corylus (especially hazel);

[0034] - Cupressaceae, especially cypress (Cupressus) and Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), Cyprès de Mulange;

[0035] - Pinaceae, especially cedar;

[0036] - Asteraceae, especially ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia);

[0037] - Gramineae (or gramineous plants)

[0038] - Oak (Quercus) and / or plane tree (Platanus)

[0039] Preferably, the pollen is pollen of birch, hazel, Japanese cedar, Cyprès de Mulange, gramineous plants and / or ragweed.

[0040] According to the present invention, the use of the protein extract of ungerminated and defatted Moringa oleifera seeds of the present invention does not improve the skin barrier function, does not increase the hydration of the skin and / or mucous membranes, is not used for treating dry skin, does not soothe the skin and / or mucous membranes (especially dry skin and / or mucous membranes), and does not soften and / or reduce the fatigue feeling of the skin and / or mucous membranes. In particular, the use of the protein extract of ungerminated and defatted Moringa oleifera seeds according to the present invention does not protect the skin and / or mucous membranes from pollution, especially urban pollution (such as heavy metals, exhaust gases and / or cigarette smoke), the damage caused by pollution; and / or cannot purify the skin and / or mucous membranes by eliminating the pollution particles (such as coal particles) that make the skin and / or mucous membranes impure.

[0041] In addition, the use according to the present invention is not for preventing and / or reducing and / or eliminating the unsightly and / or uncomfortable effects of the skin and / or mucous membranes whose mutualistic flora is altered, not for preventing and / or reducing and / or delaying the secretion of sebum and its unsightly and / or unpleasant and / or uncomfortable effects, nor for preventing and / or reducing and / or delaying the formation of blackheads and / or acne and / or the appearance gloss of the skin; and / or not for maintaining and / or improving the skin color uniformity of the skin and / or mucous membranes, for example, by eliminating and / or reducing redness and / or irregularities; and / or not for preventing and / or treating the feeling of heat and / or burning on the skin and / or mucous membranes; and / or not for preventing and / or reducing hair loss on the head and / or body hair loss; and / or not for preventing and / or reducing dandruff.

[0042] In another alternative embodiment, the defatted, ungerminated Moringa oleifera seed protein extract is applied to an inert surface (in particular a surface within the home, a fibre (in particular a fabric such as clothing and / or underwear)) exposed to pollen.

[0043] In the present invention, the term "topically" is intended to mean that the defatted, ungerminated Moringa oleifera seed protein extract and / or composition and / or ingredient according to the present invention is applied to the surface of the skin and / or mucous membranes (in particular the outer surface), in particular by direct application or spraying.

[0044] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "cosmetic and / or pharmaceutical ingredient" is intended to mean one or more plant extracts and / or one or more natural or synthetic molecules and / or mixtures thereof for cosmetic and / or pharmaceutical use. Cosmetic ingredients are particularly defined by the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI).

[0045] In the present invention, the term "suitable cosmetic or pharmaceutical carrier" means that the composition or its components are suitable for contact with the skin and / or mucous membranes of humans without toxicity, incompatibility, instability, allergic reaction or the like.

[0046] The extract according to the present invention can be obtained by a variety of extraction methods known to those skilled in the art, advantageously selected from maceration (with or without stirring), decoction, grinding (including ultrasonic grinding or grinding using a blender). Preferably, the extraction is carried out by maceration (more advantageously with stirring).

[0047] Assuming that 20 °C is room temperature, advantageously between 20 °C and 25 °C, the extraction can be carried out at a temperature of 4 °C to 300 °C, preferably 20 °C to 80 °C.

[0048] The extraction period is from 30 minutes to 12 hours, preferably from 1 hour to 5 hours, more preferably from 1 hour to 2 hours. Very advantageously, the extraction will be carried out within 1 hour.

[0049] The extract according to the present invention can be obtained by extraction in a protic polar solvent, which protic polar solvent is advantageously selected from the group consisting of water, alcohols, diols, polyols, water / alcohol mixtures from 99 / 1 to 1 / 99 (w / w), water / diol mixtures from 99 / 1 to 1 / 99 (w / w) and water / polyol mixtures from 99 / 1 to 1 / 99 (w / w) (such as water mixed with ethanol, glycerol and / or butanediol and / or other diols such as xylitol and / or propylene glycol, etc.), advantageously by extraction in water as the sole solvent.

[0050] In particular, the extract is obtained by water extraction.

[0051] In the present invention, the term "extract obtained by aqueous extraction" is intended to mean any extract obtained by extraction with an aqueous solution having a water content of more than 60% by weight, advantageously at least 70% by weight, particularly at least 80% by weight, more particularly at least 90% by weight, especially at least 95% by weight, even more advantageously a glycol-free aqueous solution, and particularly an alcohol-free aqueous solution, more particularly an aqueous solution containing only water, relative to the total weight of the aqueous solution.

[0052] Relative to the total weight of the ungerminated, defatted plant seeds and the solvent, the extract can be obtained in an amount of 0.1% to 20%, advantageously 1% to 10%, more advantageously 5% to 10%, very advantageously in an amount of 10% by weight based on the dry matter, from the fresh or dry matter (preferably dry matter) of the ungerminated, defatted seeds of the Moringa plant.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the protein extract of ungerminated, defatted Moringa seeds is as described in patent EP1064008 and is sold by BASF under the trade name below.

[0054] In particular, the extract is a water-soluble extract, more particularly obtained by extraction in a protic polar solvent, advantageously in water.

[0055] The extraction method is advantageously the method described in patent EP 1064008 and particularly comprises the following steps:

[0056] a) - extracting oil from the Moringa seeds, advantageously by pressing or by reflux extraction using a non-polar solvent such as hexane;

[0057] b) - extracting the defatted oil cake or powder obtained in step a) with a protic polar solvent, which is particularly selected from alcohols, polyols, ethylene glycol, water and mixtures thereof in any proportion, advantageously using an aqueous solvent (i.e. a water-based solvent), even more advantageously using water as the sole solvent, thereby obtaining a crude extract, advantageously as described in Example 1a.

[0058] Advantageously, the extraction is carried out at room temperature.

[0059] The aqueous solvent can be a salt solution or a buffer medium at various pH values, more advantageously at a pH between 4 and 8.

[0060] The method may further comprise an additional step c) after step b), which is to precipitate the crude aqueous extract by changing the pH of the crude aqueous extract obtained in step b) using, for example, NaOH to obtain an alkaline pH (particularly greater than 8, more advantageously greater than 11), and recovering the precipitate obtained, advantageously as described in Example 1b.

[0061] The precipitate can then be washed and dissolved in water to remove the insoluble components and obtain an extract in the form of a protein concentrate.

[0062] The method may also include an additional decantation step d) after the precipitation step c), thus allowing the protein to precipitate better, for example as described in Example 1c. In particular, this step is carried out at a temperature below room temperature (advantageously at 4 °C), more advantageously for at least 6 hours (especially overnight).

[0063] Instead of steps c) and d), step e) can be carried out after step b), including contacting the crude aqueous extract obtained in step b) with carboxymethyl cellulose advantageously for 1 hour (especially at room temperature), so as to load it with the protein extract. After this step, step f) can be carried out, contacting the loaded carboxymethyl cellulose obtained in step e) with an aqueous salt solution (advantageously an NaCl solution, having a pH greater than 7 (advantageously 7.5)), and then recovering the eluate thus obtained (which is a partially purified extract).

[0064] The protein extract of ungerminated, defatted Moringa oleifera seeds is advantageously an extract of the dehulled seeds, that is to say advantageously an extract of only the kernels of the seeds (without their outer shell or husk).

[0065] Therefore, the method may include a step of dehulling the seeds before step a).

[0066] Finally, the obtained extract (crude extract, protein concentrate and / or partially or fully purified extract) can be centrifuged and / or filtered and / or distilled to recover the water-soluble fraction and obtain it in liquid form. Preferably, the supernatant obtained after centrifugation is filtered with a cut-off threshold of 0.45 μm. Additional decolorization and / or deodorization steps can be carried out on the extract at any stage of the extraction according to techniques known to those skilled in the art. In particular, the extract can be decolorized with activated carbon.

[0067] According to a specific embodiment, the extract according to the present invention is obtained by extracting the defatted press cake of ungerminated, especially defatted, more advantageously degreased seeds in a saline solution with a pH of about 5, and then removing the high molecular weight proteins. The supernatant is recovered and constitutes the extract according to the present invention.

[0068] The extract can then also be concentrated by solvent evaporation or dried, for example by freeze-drying or spray-drying. Then the extract will be in powder form.

[0069] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, especially for its use in dermatology, the obtained Moringa extract is sterilized.

[0070] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the protein extract of ungerminated, defatted Moringa seeds contains, based on the proteins (especially natural proteins) contained in the dry extract, between 0.01% and 100% by weight, advantageously at least 25% by weight, particularly at least 40% by weight, and more particularly at least 45% by weight.

[0071] The proteins of the protein extract according to the invention advantageously have a molecular weight between 6500 and 13000 Da, advantageously between 7100 and 11000 Da, as measured by chromatography.

[0072] In particular, the protein extract of ungerminated, defatted Moringa seeds does not contain alkaloids (such as moringinine), moringin, isothiocyanates (such as 4-(2-L-rhamnosyloxy)benzyl isothiocyanate) or kaempferol.

[0073] The extract according to the invention can be formulated in any form suitable for its application to surfaces (especially outer surfaces) exposed to pollen.

[0074] In one embodiment of the invention, the extract is incorporated into a hygiene and / or care composition (especially a detergent), further comprising at least one suitable excipient. The composition can include other agents for other purposes, such as some conventional disinfectants, detergents, surfactants and fungicides.

[0075] In another embodiment, the extract according to the invention can be used in the form of a cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredient intended to be incorporated into a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition, and further comprises a suitable cosmetic or pharmaceutical carrier.

[0076] In this case, in another embodiment, the extract according to the invention is preferably dissolved in and / or diluted in a solvent, especially in a polar solvent such as water, advantageously further comprising glycerol, such as in the product sold under the trade name or as described in particular in Example 3a).

[0077] In another embodiment, the extract according to the invention can be spray-dried onto a spray-drying support (such as maltodextrin) and can be in powder form, especially as described in Example 3b).

[0078] Advantageously, when the component is in liquid form (as described in Example 3a)), the extract according to the invention is present in the component in a content between 0.01% and 10% by weight based on the dry matter weight, advantageously between 1% and 5% by weight.

[0079] Advantageously, when the ingredient is in solid form (in particular powder as described in Example 3b), the extract according to the invention is present in the ingredient in an amount, relative to the total weight of the ingredient, comprised between 10% and 60% by weight of dry matter, advantageously between 30% and 50% by weight.

[0080] The extract according to the invention, optionally in the form of a cosmetic or dermatological ingredient, can also be in the form of a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition intended for topical application, preferably to the skin, and further comprises a suitable cosmetic or pharmaceutical carrier.

[0081] A cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredient (in particular a dermatological ingredient and in particular the ingredient of Example 3a) in liquid form can be used in a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition (in particular a dermatological composition) in an amount, relative to the total weight of the composition, preferably between 0.01% and 10% by weight of dry matter, advantageously between 0.1% and 5% by weight, and in particular between 1% and 3% by weight.

[0082] A cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredient (in particular a dermatological ingredient and in particular the ingredient of Example 3b) in solid form can be used in a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition (in particular a dermatological composition) in an amount, relative to the total weight of the composition, preferably between 0.001% and 5% by weight of dry matter, advantageously between 0.01% and 1% by weight.

[0083] In one embodiment of the invention, the extract will be comprised in a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition in an amount, relative to the total weight of the composition, comprised between 0.0001% and 20% by weight of dry matter, preferably between 0.001% and 10% by weight, advantageously between 0.01% and 5% by weight.

[0084] The compositions according to the invention can comprise any suitable solvent and / or any suitable carrier and / or any suitable excipient, optionally in combination with other compounds of interest. They can in particular comprise cosmetic or dermatologically acceptable excipients selected from surfactants, preservatives, buffers, foaming agents, chelating agents, microbicides, denaturing agents, opacifying agents, pH regulators, reducing agents, stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickeners, gelling agents, film-forming polymers, solvents, fillers, bactericides, odor absorbers, degreasing agents, regulators, tempering agents, brighteners, pigments, dyes, perfumes and chemical or mineral sunscreens, trace elements, essential oils, sweeteners or flavoring agents. These combinations are also covered by the invention. The CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Handbook, 2nd Edition (1992) describes the different cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredients commonly used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, which are particularly suitable for oral administration and / or topical use.

[0085] Advantageously, one or more excipients are selected from the group consisting of: polyglycerols, esters, cellulose polymers and derivatives, lanolin derivatives, phospholipids, lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, sucrose-based stabilizers, vitamin E and its derivatives, xanthan gum, natural and synthetic waxes, vegetable oils, triglycerides, unsaponifiables, phytosterols, silicones, protein hydrolysates, betaines, amine oxides, plant extracts, sucrose esters, titanium dioxide, glycine, and parabens, and more preferably are selected from the group consisting of: steareth-2, steareth-21, steareth-15, cetearyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, butylene glycol, octyldiol, natural tocopherol, glycerin, sodium dihydroxycetyl phosphate, isopropyl hydroxystearamide, ethylene glycol stearate, triisononyl trimellitate, octyl cocoate, polyacrylamide, isoparaffin, laureth-7, carbomer, propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, glycerin, bisabolol, dimethicone, sodium hydroxide, PEG-30 dipolyhydroxystearate, caprylic / capric triglyceride, cetearyl octanoate, dibutyl adipate, grape seed oil, jojoba oil, magnesium sulfate, EDTA, cyclomethicone, xanthan gum, citric acid, sodium lauryl sulfate, wax, and mineral oil, isostearyl isostearate, propylene glycol dinonanoate, propylene glycol isostearate, PEG-8, beeswax, glyceryl hydrogenated palm kernel oil, lanolin oil, sesame oil, cetyl lactate, lanolin alcohol, castor oil, titanium dioxide, lactose, sucrose, low density polyethylene, isotonic saline solution, and mixtures thereof.

[0086] The cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition or extract according to the invention, optionally in the form of a cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredient, can be in any galenic form conventionally used for topical administration, such as in liquid or solid form or in pressurized liquid form. They can be formulated in particular in the following forms: aqueous or oily solutions, creams or aqueous gels or oily gels (especially in jars or tubes); especially shower gels, shampoos, milks, emulsions, hydrogels, microemulsions or nanoemulsions, especially oil-in-water or water-in-oil or complex or silicone-based emulsions, serums, lotions (especially in glass or plastic bottles or flacons or aerosol bottles, vials); liquid soaps, pastes, dermatological soaps, ointments, foams, aerosols, masks, patches, anhydrous products, which anhydrous products are preferably liquid, paste or solid (such as in the form of a stick, especially in the form of a bar) or powder (especially face powder). In particular, the composition is in the form of: serum, lotion, cream, milk, ointment, paste, foam, emulsion, hydrogel, shower gel, mask, stick, patch, or face powder, advantageously a cream or a lotion.

[0087] In the case of topical (voie musosale) administration, the cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition or extract according to the invention is optionally in the form of a cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredient and may be in the form of an eye drop, a lotion, an aerosol, a gel or a mucoadhesive composition.

[0088] The cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition may also contain other active ingredients for treating the skin and / or mucous membranes and / or skin appendages, which produce complementary or synergistic effects with the extract according to the invention. These active ingredients are, for example, selected from, for example:

[0089] - A combination of sodium hyaluronate, amylopectin and sodium alginate, in particular sold by the applicant under the trade name PatcH2O in a formulation containing serine, trehalose, urea and glycerol TM ;

[0090] - Cosmetic agents intended for the care of sensitive skin, such as plant extracts of Cestrum latifolium as described in application WO 2009 / 112590, for example sold by the applicant under the trade name Symbiocell TM ; Butter extracted from the fruit of the Irvingia gabonensis tree, sold by the applicant under the trade name Irwinol TM ; Root extract of Eperua falcata, sold under the trade name Eperuline TM ; N-acetyl-L-tyrosyl-L-prolyl-L-phenylalanyl-L-phenylalanine amide peptide (INCI: Acetyltetrapeptide-15) sold by the applicant under the trade name Skinasensyl TM ;

[0091] The cosmetic composition may also contain one or more ingredients that are active against the skin and / or mucous membrane microbiota and / or active against the skin's barrier function, in particular moisturizing and / or soothing active agents, including oligosaccharides obtained by enzymatic catalysis synthesis and sold by Solabia under the trade name BioEcolia TM or the α-glucose oligosaccharide complex sold by the same company under the trade name Ecoskin TM ; Extract of Alisma plantago-aquatica; Extract of Argania spinosa (Lipofructyl TM Argan); Sphingoceryl TM VEG; Pure extract of Boldo (Betapur TM) products based on inulin or fructooligosaccharides; extracts of Bifidobacterium or Orthosiphon stamineus extract (MAT-XS TM Bright), natural honey extract sold by the applicant under the trade name Melhydran TM for its moisturizing properties; linseed extract sold by the applicant under the trade name Oligolin TM ; yeast extract modified by biotechnology and sold by the applicant under the trade name Relipidium TM ; root extract of Pueraria lobata sold by the applicant under the trade name Inhipase TM ; β-glucan derivative of baker's yeast sold by Mibelle under the trade name CM-Glucan Forte TM ; and / or Mirabilis jalapa extract sold by Sederma, France, under the trade name Pacifeel TM .

[0092] Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a method of surface treatment for limiting and / or reducing the amount of pollen present on a surface (especially skin, mucous membranes and / or skin appendages, preferably hair), especially by preventing their adhesion and / or for preventing pollen dissemination, said surface being exposed to pollen grains, said method comprising the following steps:

[0093] - identifying the surfaces likely to come into contact with pollen, especially the areas of skin and / or mucous membranes and / or skin appendages on an individual that are likely to come into contact with pollen, said skin and / or mucous membranes and / or skin appendages being healthy skin and / or mucous membranes and / or skin appendages, and

[0094] - locally applying to said surface (especially to said area of skin and / or mucous membranes and / or skin appendages) a composition (especially a cosmetic composition) comprising an effective amount of an ungerminated, defatted protein extract of Moringa oleifera seeds according to the invention for limiting and / or reducing the amount of pollen present on the surface (especially the area of skin and / or mucous membranes and / or skin appendages), said skin and / or mucous membranes and / or skin appendages being healthy skin and / or or mucous membranes and / or skin appendages.

[0095] The present invention also relates to a protein extract of ungerminated, defatted Moringa seeds, advantageously a protein extract of ungerminated, defatted seeds, particularly a protein extract of defatted press cake (more particularly defatted press cake) of ungerminated seeds (more advantageously the kernels of ungerminated seeds) of Moringa oleifera, the use of which (particularly for topical use) is for the treatment and / or prevention and / or reduction of the occurrence of pollen allergy and / or diseases and / or symptoms associated with pollen allergy, in particular "hay fever", rhinitis, sinusitis, conjunctivitis, tracheitis, tearing, sneezing, itching, headache, pruritus, anosmia, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion and / or asthma attacks.

[0096] The present invention is particularly intended for the care and / or pharmaceutical treatment (particularly dermatological care and treatment) of the skin, mucous membranes and / or skin appendages (particularly the hair) of persons allergic to pollen (i.e., persons in whom exposure to pollen grains causes a type I hypersensitivity reaction).

[0097] In the present invention, the term "pollen allergy" refers to a type I hypersensitivity reaction triggered by pollen antigens.

[0098] With reference to the examples and drawings given by way of illustration only, those skilled in the art will clearly understand other objects, features and advantages of the present invention from reading the illustrative description, which in no way limits the scope of the present invention.

[0099] The examples are an integral part of the present invention, and any feature thereof is an integral part of the present invention in terms of functionality and general generality. From the overall description of the specification including the examples, any such feature presents novelty over the prior art in any case.

[0100] Therefore, each example has a general and common scope.

[0101] In addition, in the examples, unless otherwise stated, the temperature is expressed in degrees Celsius and the pressure is atmospheric pressure.

[0102] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0103] Figure 1 is a photograph of a lock of control hair (on which a determined amount of Cryptomeria japonica pollen has been sprayed) treated with water not containing the extract according to the present invention for about 16 hours and observed under a microscope according to the protocol of Example 2.

[0104] Figure 2 is a photograph of a lock of hair (on which a determined amount of Cryptomeria japonica pollen has been sprayed) treated with water containing 0.1% (wt / wt) of the extract of Example 1d and formulated according to Example 3a for about 16 hours and observed under a microscope according to the protocol of Example 2.

[0105] Figure 3 It is a photograph of a lock of hair that has been treated with water containing 1% (wt / wt) of the extract of Example 1d and formulated according to Example 3a for about 16 hours (a determined amount of Cryptomeria japonica pollen has been sprayed on the hair), observed under a microscope according to the solution of Example 2. Example

[0106] Example 1: Preparation of the Moringa oleifera extract according to the present invention

[0107] The Moringa oleifera extract was prepared according to the method described in Patent EP 1064008, particularly as follows:

[0108] Example 1a (Preparation of Extract 1a)

[0109] The seeds of Moringa oleifera obtained after removing the shells and containing 33.4% (wt / wt) of oil were defatted by two consecutive extractions by refluxing in hexane, and after filtration, the powder was dried in an oven at 40 °C, with a residual oil content of 2.5%.

[0110] In a reactor, 200 g of the defatted powder was added to 2 liters of distilled water. After stirring for 10 minutes, the pH was adjusted to 7.5 by adding 4N NaOH, and then extraction was carried out at room temperature for one hour while maintaining the pH at 7.5. The insoluble components were removed by centrifugation at 5000 g for 15 min.

[0111] The supernatant was collected and then filtered through a 0.45 μm filter: thus, 1.77 liters of a yellow filtrate was obtained, which contained 4.69% of the dry extract. The protein concentration was 21.54 g / l (or 45.92% protein purity based on the dry extract) as measured by the biuret technique. The extract was dehydrated by spray drying to obtain 65.72 grams of an aerosol, in which the protein content was estimated to be 54.7% (N x 6.25).

[0112] If the peak eluting between the exclusion volume and the total volume of the column is considered, the chromatogram of the extract obtained by gel permeation analysis on a Superose 12HR column shows a major fraction that accounts for 52% of the area and corresponds to a molecular weight between 7,800 and 11,000 Da. The presence of a shoulder in this peak confirms the presence of several compounds with a molecular weight range close to the molecular weight ranges reported in the literature for the monomer (6,500 and 7,000 Da) and dimer (13,000 Da) of Moringa oleifera flocculant protein.

[0113] Example 1b (Preparation of Extract 1b)

[0114] 300 g of defatted powder was extracted according to Example 1a to obtain a crude aqueous extract. The pH of the filtrate (2.74 L) was adjusted to 11.8 by progressive addition of 4N NaOH. Precipitation started at around pH 8.0 (the solution became significantly turbid), and after 30 minutes the solution was centrifuged at 5000 g for 15 min. The viscous precipitate (43.2 g, wet matter) was collected and then washed twice with 500 ml of distilled water at pH 11.8.

[0115] The precipitate was then dissolved in 270 ml of distilled water (i.e., 10% of the initial volume), and the pH of the solution was continuously adjusted to 4.5 by 6N HCl to dissolve the precipitate (dispersion was facilitated using a device called Turax).

[0116] After stirring for 30 minutes, the mixture was centrifuged at 5000 g for 15 minutes to remove insoluble components, and the supernatant was filtered through a Buchner funnel fitted with a Whatman No. 41 filter. Thus, 260 ml of a yellow and clear protein concentrate was obtained, and the concentrate was dehydrated by freeze-drying.

[0117] In this way, 11.5 g of freeze-dried product was obtained, in which the protein content was 90% - 95% by weight.

[0118] Gel permeation analysis of the extract on a Superose 12 HR column showed a major fraction that accounted for 70% of the area and corresponded to a molecular weight of approximately 8,800 Da.

[0119] Example 1c (Preparation of Extract 1c)

[0120] The oil was extracted from the kernels of dehulled Moringa oleifera seeds by pressing on a press named KOMET, and the obtained oil cake was ground to obtain a homogeneous powder.

[0121] According to the operating procedures described in Examples 1a and 1b, a crude extract was prepared from 1.24 kg of oil cake residue.

[0122] According to Example 1b, the protein was precipitated at pH 11.8, but an additional decantation step was introduced, lasting overnight at +4 °C, to precipitate the protein better.

[0123] The precipitate was treated under the same conditions as in Example 1b (the pH of the precipitate reconstitution solution was 6 instead of 4.5).

[0124] The protein concentrate thus obtained (1.05 L, 4.59% of the dry extract) was dehydrated by spray drying, and 34.6 g of the atomized product was collected, i.e., the spray drying yield based on the dry extract was 71.5%.

[0125] Based on nitrogen content determination (N x 6.25), the protein content is greater than 90% (about 95%).

[0126] Example 1d (Preparation of Extract 1d)

[0127] According to the operating procedures described in Examples 1a, 1b, and 1c, a crude extract was prepared from 150 g of oil cake residue.

[0128] After filtration through a 0.45 μm filter, 1.35 liters of clear yellow filtrate was obtained.

[0129] 100 grams of carboxymethyl cellulose (CM52, WHATMAN) was equilibrated in 500 ml of distilled water at pH 7.5 for 30 minutes.

[0130] The mixture was filtered through a Buchner funnel equipped with a WHATMAN No. 42 filter, and then the cellulose was collected and equilibrated again in 500 ml of water at pH 7.5.

[0131] After removing the aqueous medium by filtration, the cellulose was brought into contact with the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera seed cake with stirring at room temperature for one hour.

[0132] Unadsorbed compounds (the chromatogram of which is shown by the dotted fraction in Figure 3 ) were removed by filtration through a Buchner funnel, and then the "loaded" cellulose was washed twice with one liter of distilled water at pH 7.5 and then filtered through a Buchner funnel.

[0133] Then the cellulose was brought into contact with 120 ml of 60 g / l NaCl solution at pH 7.5 for 30 minutes.

[0134] The protein eluted in the NaCl medium was recovered by filtration through a Buchner funnel (the chromatogram of the protein adsorbed on CM 52 and eluted in the 60 g / l NaCl medium is shown by the solid line in Figure 3 ).

[0135] Thus, 110 ml of filtrate was obtained, in which the dry extract content was 9.63% and the protein concentration was 64.6 g / l (i.e., the protein purity based on the dry extract was 67%).

[0136] Gel permeation analysis of the extract on a Superose 12HR column showed a major fraction that accounted for 70% of the area and corresponded to a molecular weight of about 7,100 Da.

[0137] The solution can be desalted by dialysis or by ultrafiltration and dehydrated by freeze-drying, spray-drying or any other suitable means. According to Example 1d, the extract was spray-dried on a maltodextrin support and formulated according to Example 4b) for testing in the following examples.

[0138] Example 2: Evaluation of the effect of the anti-pollen agent according to the invention on the adhesion of pollen grains to hair

[0139] Protocol: Preliminary tests have been carried out and the results show that pollen grains of Cryptomeria japonica (sprayed on hair in a closed test chamber) strongly adhere to hair. Multiple tresses of hair (normal long female hair) were pretreated with the composition obtained according to Example 1d and formulated according to Example 3a) for about 16 hours and used in water at a content of 0.1% and 1% (wt / wt) relative to the total weight of the water / composition mixture. The tresses were then combed, a determined amount of Cryptomeria japonica pollen was sprayed on these tresses, and then shaken as a whole in a closed test chamber for 5 to 10 minutes. The tresses were observed under a microscope, and the proportion of pollen grains adhering to the hair could be visualized and quantified by image analysis counting. A control containing only water but no such composition was carried out in the same manner.

[0140] Results: The results obtained are as Figure 1 、 2 and shown in Figure 3. This test shows that pre-use of the anti-pollen agent according to the invention significantly and dose-dependently reduces the adhesion of pollen grains to the tresses. In water at 1% by weight, the composition in Example 3a) reduced the number of pollen grains adhering to the tresses by 70%.

[0141] Repeating the same test with fabric fibers instead of tresses also shows that the product has the property of significantly reducing pollen adhesion.

[0142] Example 3: Cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition according to the invention comprising a Moringa oleifera extract

[0143] Example 3a)

[0144] Prepare a liquid cosmetic or pharmaceutical preparation with the following weight percentage formulation.

[0145] Table 1

[0146] Name Amount expressed as % by weight Glycerol 67 Moringa extract according to Examples 1a - 1d 1.6 Phenoxyethanol 2 Disodium phosphate 0.8 Citric acid 0.5

[0147] Example 3b)

[0148] Prepare a solid preparation in powder form with the following formulation:

[0149] Table 2

[0150] Name Amount expressed as % by weight Maltodextrin 50 Moringa extract according to Examples 1a - 1d 50

[0151] Example 4: Composition in the form of a lotion for the body and / or the face according to the invention:

[0152] Table 3

[0153]

[0154]

[0155] The lotion is prepared by mixing 6 phases by conventional methods well known to those skilled in the art.

[0156] Example 5: Composition in the form of a milk for the body and / or the face according to the invention

[0157] The cosmetic in the form of a milk for the body and / or the face may have, for example, the following weight composition, which consists of the following aqueous and fatty phases as described below.

[0158] Table 4

[0159]

[0160] The method for preparing the milk for the face and / or the body generally consists of the following steps: heating the fatty phase to 80 °C, heating the water in the aqueous phase to 80 °C, dissolving the preservative (Elestab 4112) therein, then pouring the aqueous phase into the fatty phase with turbo stirring, gradually cooling with stirring, then adding an aqueous moringa protein extract stock solution thereto at about 50 °C, then adding the fragrance, and finally continuing to stir until completely cooled.

[0161] Example 6: Composition in the form of a cream for the face according to the invention

[0162] The cosmetic in the form of a cream for the body and / or the face may have, for example, the following weight composition, which consists of the following aqueous and fatty phases as described below.

[0163] Table 5

[0164]

[0165] The method for preparing the face cream generally consists of the following steps: heating the fatty phase to 80 °C, heating the aqueous phase to 80 °C, dissolving Elestab 4112 therein, separately preparing a stock solution of the moringa protein extract, pouring the fatty phase into the aqueous phase with turbo stirring, then adding the stock solution of the moringa extract at about 50 °C, and finally continuing to stir until cooled.

Claims

1. Use of a protein extract of ungerminated and defatted Moringa seeds as an anti-pollen agent for non-therapeutic and non-diagnostic purposes.

2. The use according to claim 1, for limiting and / or reducing the amount of pollen present on a surface.

3. The use according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that The protein extract of ungerminated and defatted Moringa seeds is used on a surface exposed to pollen.

4. The use according to claim 3, characterized in that The protein extract of ungerminated and defatted Moringa seeds is in the form of a cosmetic ingredient intended to be incorporated into a cosmetic composition.

5. The use according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that The pollen is pollen selected from the following plants: Betulaceae; Cupressaceae; Pinaceae; Poaceae; oak and / or plane tree.

6. The use according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that The protein extract of ungerminated and defatted Moringa seeds is topically applied to specific parts and / or areas of the body exposed to pollen, selected from the face, hands, arms, chest, body hair, eyelashes, eyebrows and / or hair.

7. The use according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that The protein extract of ungerminated and defatted Moringa seeds is topically applied to specific parts and / or areas of the body exposed to pollen, selected from the mucous membranes of the lips, nose and / or eyes.

8. The use according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that The protein extract of ungerminated and defatted Moringa seeds is a water-soluble extract.

9. The use according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that The protein extract of ungerminated and defatted Moringa seeds has a protein content by weight, based on the dry extract, between 0.01% and 100%.

10. The use according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that The protein extract of ungerminated and defatted Moringa seeds is an extract of dehulled seeds.

11. The use according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that The protein extract of ungerminated and defatted Moringa seeds is in the form of a cosmetic ingredient, which is intended to be incorporated into a cosmetic composition and also contains a suitable cosmetic carrier.

12. The use according to claim 11, characterized in that The protein extract of ungerminated and defatted Moringa seeds is present in a cosmetic ingredient in liquid form, in an amount between 0.01% and 10% by weight of dry matter relative to the total weight of the ingredient, or in a cosmetic ingredient in solid form, in an amount between 10% and 60% of the total weight of the ingredient.

13. The use according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that The protein extract of ungerminated and defatted Moringa seeds or the cosmetic ingredient containing the extract is in the form of a cosmetic composition, which is intended for topical application and also contains a suitable cosmetic carrier.

14. The use according to claim 13, wherein The protein extract of ungerminated and defatted Moringa seeds is present in a cosmetic composition in an amount between 0.0001% and 20% by weight of dry matter relative to the total weight of the composition.

15. The use according to claim 13, characterized in that The composition is in the form of: essence, lotion, cream, ointment, paste, foam, hydrogel, shower gel, aerosol, facial mask, stick, patch or face powder.

16. The use according to claim 13, characterized in that The composition is in the form of an emulsion.

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