Acne-removing soothing composition and application thereof in cosmetics

Abstract

The invention discloses an acne-removing and soothing cosmetic composition and application of the acne-removing and soothing cosmetic composition, wherein the acne-removing and soothing cosmetic composition contains a medicago sativa seed extract, an Artemisia princeps leaf extract and an onis spinosa root extract, and the acne-removing and soothing cosmetic composition is prepared from the following raw materials in parts by weight: 1 part of an extract of the seeds of the medicago sativa, 1 part of an extract of the leaves of the Artemisia princeps and 1 part of an extract of the roots of the onis spinosa. According to the composition, flavone and polysaccharide components in the alfalfa seeds and natural active substances in the artemisia kuichi leaves and the red formononeus roots are utilized to synergistically exert antibacterial and soothing effects. The composition disclosed by the invention has an inhibition effect on acne pathogenic bacteria. Experimental results show that the composition can inhibit the activity of hyaluronidase and has a soothing effect. The external preparation containing the extract is tested by 12 patients with mild and moderate acnes, the number of inflammatory papules and the skin redness and swelling degree are remarkably reduced, and the safety is good. The composition is derived from natural plants, is free of hormone and antibiotic components, is suitable for daily skin care products, and is used for treating acne and soothing skin.

Description

Technical Field This invention relates to the field of cosmetics, and provides a composition containing plant extracts with acne-reducing and soothing effects. The composition of this invention specifically contains alfalfa (Medicago sativa) seed extract, artemisia princeps leaf extract, and ononis spinosa root extract, which can be used to treat acne and soothe the skin. Technical Background Acne is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease that primarily affects hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Its occurrence is related to multiple factors, including increased sebum secretion, abnormal follicular keratinization, and colonization by Propionibacterium acnes. Clinically, acne often manifests as redness, swelling, papules, and pustules on the face or trunk; in severe cases, it can be accompanied by pain and scarring. [1] Most existing acne treatment products use chemical drugs such as benzoyl peroxide, retinoic acid derivatives, or topical antibiotics. While these can kill bacteria and reduce inflammation, they can easily cause problems such as dry skin, irritation, and even antibiotic resistance in bacteria. [2] In recent years, plant extracts have attracted widespread attention for their use in acne treatment. For example, Artemisia argyi leaf extract has been proven to have significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation. [3] Alfalfa extract is rich in active ingredients such as flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides, and has antioxidant, moisturizing, and antibacterial properties. [4] Red mangosteen root extract (rich in the isoflavone mangosteenin) has skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown that mangosteenin can reduce skin inflammation and improve skin barrier function by regulating inflammatory signaling pathways in the skin, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory factors, and activating antioxidant pathways, thus helping to alleviate acne-related discomfort. [5] Currently, there is a lack of naturally derived products that simultaneously possess both acne-fighting and soothing functions. Developing a natural, safe, and effective composition to alleviate skin discomfort, addressing the inflammation and pain associated with acne, is of great significance.

[0001] Dréno, B. (2017). What is new in the pathophysiology of acne,anoverview. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 31(Suppl.5),8–12.

[0002] Kim, H. J., & Kim, Y. H. (2024). Exploring acne treatments: From pathophysiological mechanisms to emerging therapies. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(10), 5302.

[0003] Hirano, A., Goto, M., Mitsui, T., Hashimoto-Hachiya, A., Tsuji, G., & Furue, M. (2017). Antioxidant Artemisia princeps extract enhances the expression of filaggrin and loricrin via the AHR / OVOL1 pathway. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18(9), 1948.

[0004] Avato, P., Bucci, R., Tava, A., Vitali, C., Rosato, A., Bialy, Z., & Jurzysta, M. (2006). Antimicrobial activity of saponins from Medicago sp.: Structure–activity relationship. Phytotherapy Research, 20(6), 454–457.

[0005] Li, H., Jiang, R., Lou, L., Jia, C., Zou, L., & Chen, M. (2022). Formononetin improves the survival of random skin flaps through PI3K / Akt-mediated Nrf2 antioxidant defense system. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, 901498. Summary of the Invention Given that existing cosmetics often have a single effect in acne treatment and contain irritating ingredients that can easily cause skin discomfort, the purpose of this invention is to provide a cosmetic composition containing natural plant extracts that can simultaneously exert anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and soothing effects, thereby effectively treating acne and soothing the skin. To address the above problems, the present invention provides a cosmetic composition comprising the following ingredients: Alfalfa seed extract: 0.01%–1% Artemisia leaf extract: 0.01%–6% Red stalk flower root extract: 0.01%–5% The rest are excipients acceptable in the cosmetics industry. All percentages mentioned above are by weight of the composition. Among them, alfalfa seed extract is rich in antioxidants (such as polyphenols and coumarins) and has significant anti-inflammatory effects; artemisia leaf extract is often used in traditional Chinese medicine for clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting diuresis, and treating skin inflammation; modern research shows that it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects; and red clover root extract contains anthocyanins, flavonoids, and other active ingredients, possessing analgesic and anti-inflammatory bioactivity. The above combinations of the present invention, through synergistic effects, can inhibit the growth of common acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammatory responses, and alleviate the pain associated with acne. The plant extract can be extracted using ethanol extraction, water extraction, or a mixture of ethanol and water. Specifically, the extraction method for the above-mentioned extract is as follows: Process of alfalfa seed extract: After removing impurities and drying, the raw material is pulverized to a particle size ≤2mm. It is then extracted with purified water at a solid-liquid ratio of 1:10 by hot reflux or constant temperature extraction, and the extraction is repeated twice, each time for 2 hours. The extracts are combined and centrifuged to remove suspended solids. The extract is concentrated to 1 / 4 to 1 / 5 of the original volume and then spray-dried (inlet 150℃, outlet 80℃) to obtain powder. Artemisia argyi leaf extract process: Fresh or dried leaves are washed, dried, and pulverized to a particle size ≤1mm; three extractions are performed with purified water at a solid-liquid ratio of 1:15, each lasting 2–3 hours. The extracts are combined and concentrated to 1 / 5 of the original volume; after spray drying (inlet 150℃, outlet 80℃), the powder is pulverized again and sieved to the qualified fineness. Processing of Red Mangosteen Flower Root Extract: After the rhizomes are washed, dried, and crushed to a particle size ≤2mm, they are extracted with purified water at a solid-liquid ratio of 1:10 by hot reflux or constant temperature extraction, and the extraction is repeated twice, each time for 2 hours. The extracts are combined, centrifuged or filtered to remove residue, concentrated to 1 / 4 to 1 / 5 of the original volume, and finally spray-dried (inlet 150℃, outlet 80℃) to obtain the extract powder. Therefore, one object of the present invention is the application of the composition by direct addition to cosmetics. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cosmetic includes all other cosmetic forms such as soap, facial cleanser, shampoo, shower gel, toner, skin gel, skin lotion, skin cream, serum, eye cream, and face mask. These forms can be prepared by methods well known to those skilled in the art. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the excipients acceptable in the cosmetic field include: solvents, solubilizers, preservatives, antioxidants, pH adjusters, penetration enhancers, liposomes, humectants, thickeners, chelating agents, skin feel modifiers, surfactants, emulsifiers, propellants, fragrances, and colorants. According to an embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the combination ratio of the three plant extracts is 1:2:2, so as to synergistically exert the effects of acne removal and soothing. Attached Figure Description Figure 1 These are the results of the effects of Examples 1-7 on the hyaluronidase inhibition rate. Detailed Implementation To make the objectives, features, and advantages of this invention more apparent and understandable, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this invention. Unless otherwise specified, all experimental reagents and materials used in this invention are commercially available. Examples 1-7: The formulations for Examples 1-7 are shown in Table 1: Table 1 Example 8: Antibacterial activity test Propionibacterium acnes is one of the important causes of acne. This study determined the inhibitory effect of different ratios of the compound on Propionibacterium acnes. Instruments and materials: Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), Clostridium perfringens medium (RCM), Propionibacterium acnes. Instruments: Anaerobic incubator, vertical autoclave Sample processing Test samples: diluted with phosphate buffer to a concentration of 3% (w / v) as in Examples 1-7, and filtered for sterilization (0.22 μm). Control sample group: Propionibacterium acnes suspension + phosphate buffer. Experimental steps: 1. Take 0.1 mL of the inoculated Propionibacterium acnes at a concentration of 5 × 10⁻⁶. 5 -5×10 6Add the cfu / mL test bacteria to 5 mL of diluted test sample and control, and mix well. 2. After 2 minutes of contact, take 0.5 mL of the mixture of test bacteria and test sample and add it to 4.5 mL of buffer solution, and mix thoroughly. 3. Take 2-3 dilutions and transfer 0.5 mL of each to three petri dishes. Inoculate the petri dishes onto nutrient agar medium using the pour method. 4. Place the petri dishes at (35±2)℃ and incubate for 48 hours, then count the viable colonies. 5. Record the results and calculate the antibacterial rate. A - Average colony count of control sample, B - Average colony count of test sample The evaluation criteria for efficacy are: (1) Antibacterial rate ≥90%, significant antibacterial effect; (2) Antibacterial rate ≥50%-90%, antibacterial effect; (3) Antibacterial rate <50%, ineffective. Experimental results The antibacterial results of Examples 1-7 are shown in Table 2. The results show that the antibacterial rate of all compound combinations exceeded 80%, indicating that all three plant extracts had a good inhibitory effect on Cutibacterium acnes. Formulas with a higher proportion of alfalfa seed extract (such as Examples 5, 6, and 7) showed stronger antibacterial effects, especially Example 7, which reached the highest at 97%, indicating that alfalfa seed was the main component providing the antibacterial effect. Although alfalfa seed was the main active source, the addition of Artemisia argyi leaf and Angelica dahurica flower helped improve the overall antibacterial efficiency, exhibiting a certain synergistic effect. Comparing Examples 2 and 3, it was found that combinations with a higher proportion of Artemisia argyi leaf extract generally had a better antibacterial enhancement, indicating that its synergistic effect on alfalfa seed extract was more significant. This shows that in the acne-reducing and oil-controlling composition of the present invention, the composition synergistically enhances the effect, significantly inhibiting the proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes and effectively improving the acne condition of the skin. Table 2. Antibacterial test results of Examples 1-7 Sample group Antibacterial rate Example 1 85％ Example 2 86％ Example 3 89％ Example 4 90％ Example 5 93％ Example 6 93％ Example 7 95％ Example 9: Hyaluronidase Inhibition Experiment Experimental instruments and reagents Spectrophotometer, phosphate buffered saline (PBS), hyaluronic acid, hyaluronidase, CaCl2, acetylacetone solution, anhydrous ethanol, Ehrlich reagent. Experimental methods The experiment was divided into four groups: each group had the same total reaction volume. Blank control group A1 PBS + hyaluronidase Enzyme-free blank control group A2 PBS + hyaluronidase-free solvent Sample group B1 Test sample + hyaluronidase Enzyme-free sample group B2 Test sample + solvent without hyaluronidase According to the group assignments, 100 μL of CaCl2 (2.5 mmol / L) was mixed with 500 μL of hyaluronidase (500 U / mL) or a solvent without hyaluronidase. 20 μL of the mixture was then placed in a 37°C constant temperature air bath and shaken for 20 min. 20 μL of the blank control group was added... PBS was placed in a 37°C constant temperature air bath and shaken for 20 min. The sample group solution was diluted with phosphate buffer to a concentration of 1% as in Examples 1-7. 20 μL of the sample group solution was added and placed in a 37°C constant temperature air bath and shaken for 20 min. Then, 40 μL of hyaluronic acid was added to each group and placed in a 37°C constant temperature air bath and shaken for 40 min. Then, 10 μL of acetylacetone solution was added and placed in a 50°C constant temperature air bath and shaken for 10 min. After the reaction was completed and cooled, the plastic wrap was quickly removed to avoid the generation of water vapor. Then, 100 μL of 96% anhydrous ethanol and 10 μL of Ehrlich reagent were added, and the absorbance was measured at 492 nm. Experimental results Hyaluronidase breaks down hyaluronic acid in the body, converting it into low-molecular-weight acidic irritants that trigger histamine release and induce sensitivity symptoms. Furthermore, a decrease in hyaluronic acid impairs the skin's barrier function, leading to moisture loss. Therefore, inhibiting hyaluronidase activity can achieve soothing, moisturizing, and skin-repairing effects. The results of the effect of the test samples on the hyaluronidase inhibition rate are shown in [the table below]. Figure 1 The results showed that the root extract of *Amomum villosum* was the main active ingredient, with inhibition rates significantly increased to >55% in Examples 2, 4, and 7, indicating its key role in inhibiting hyaluronidase and alleviating inflammation. *Artemisia argyi* leaf extract, when combined with *Amomum villosum* extract (Examples 2 and 4), exhibited a synergistic effect, suggesting its participation in the synergistic pathway of the soothing mechanism. Alfalfa seed had a weaker effect; the combination with increased alfalfa seed content (Example 5) showed a lower inhibition rate, suggesting it does not directly participate in the soothing response but only provides support or stabilizes the ingredients. Example 4 showed the best soothing effect, indicating that the optimal compound ratio was 1:2:2. At a total concentration of 1%, this ratio exhibited the highest hyaluronidase inhibition rate, with stable effects and good synergy among the three components. Therefore, the composition of this invention has the effect of inhibiting hyaluronidase activity, confirming its soothing, moisturizing, and skin-repairing effects. Example 10: Preparation of Essence Water Process: Mix phase A, stir evenly, and then filter to obtain the final product. Example 11: Preparation of Emulsion Process: Heat phase A to 80℃, slowly add phase B (pre-mixed and heated to isothermal) under homogenization, homogenize at 10000 r / min for 3 minutes, add phase C to adjust pH to 6-7, stir and cool to 45℃, then add phase D (pre-heated to isothermal), stir and cool to 30℃ to obtain the final product. Example 12: Preparation of the facial mask: Process: Heat phase A to 80℃ and hold for 10 minutes. Weigh phase B, stir, and heat to 80℃ until phase B becomes a homogeneous solution. Mix phase C, which has been pre-mixed and heated to 80℃, with phase B. After phases B and C are thoroughly mixed, add phase A and mix well. Then add phase D to adjust the pH to 6-7, stir, and cool to 45℃. Add phase E, which has been pre-heated to an isothermal temperature, stir, and cool to 30℃ to obtain the final product. Example 13: Preparation of the spray Process: Heat deionized water to 60°C, add methylparaben, dissolve, cool to 40°C, then add the remaining substances and stir until clear. Example 14: Preparation of face cream Process: Heat phase A to 80℃, slowly add phase B (pre-mixed and heated to isothermal) under homogenization, homogenize at 10000 r / min for 3 minutes, add phase C to adjust pH to 6-7, stir and cool to 45℃, then add phase D (pre-heated to isothermal), stir and cool to 30℃ to obtain the final product. Comparative Example 1 This emulsion does not contain any composition and is otherwise the same as in Example 11, specifically: Process: Heat phase A to 80℃, slowly add phase B (pre-mixed and heated to isothermal) under homogenization, homogenize at 10000 r / min for 3 minutes, add phase C to adjust pH to 6-7, stir and cool to 45℃, then add phase D (pre-heated to isothermal), stir and cool to 30℃ to obtain the final product. The flavonoid hydrochloride compositions described in Examples 10-14 above have all undergone ① stability testing, in which the materials were placed for one week under conditions of -20℃, 4℃, room temperature, 48℃, cyclic (continuously changing four temperature conditions), and light exposure, and the color and form of each material remained stable; ② skin safety testing, which confirmed that they are non-irritating to the skin and will not cause adverse reactions such as erythema, peeling, stinging and burning, and can be used with confidence. Example 15: Human Test for Acne Treatment Volunteer testing was conducted: 12 participants, patients with stage II acne, aged 20-35 years, were recruited and divided into two groups of six. The experimental method is as follows: After cleansing their faces with warm water, subjects applied the sample (2g each time) once daily for 30 days, and the efficacy was assessed. The Pillsburg four-level modified grading system was used to evaluate efficacy: Grade I (mild), main lesions are blackheads, scattered or multiple, scattered inflammatory papules, total number of lesions 10-30; Grade II (moderate), main lesions are comedones, with a moderate number of papules and potential pustules, total number of lesions 31-50, limited to the face; Grade III (moderate), main lesions are deep inflammatory papules and pustules, total number of lesions 51-100, nodules less than 3, occurring on the face, neck, chest, and back; Grade IV (severe), main lesions are deep inflammatory papules and pustules, total number of lesions greater than 100, nodules or cysts greater than 3, prone to scarring, occurring on the upper body. Efficacy was evaluated based on the total number of lesions before and after treatment for each grade for each sample. The results are as follows: The results show that, by comparing Example 11 with Comparative Example 1, Example 11 is superior to Comparative Example 1 in terms of acne-removing performance. The above experimental results show that the composition of the present invention has the effects of acne removal and soothing. As described above, although the invention has been shown and described with reference to specific preferred embodiments, it should not be construed as limiting the invention itself. Various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A soothing acne treatment cosmetic composition characterized in that include: Alfalfa seed extract, Artemisia argyi leaf extract, Aristolochia debilis root extract, and other cosmetic excipients.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein, The alfalfa seed extract content is 0.01% to 2.0%, the artemisia leaf extract content is 0.01% to 6.0%, and the red stalk flower root extract content is 0.01% to 5.0%, all of which are weight percentages of the composition.

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein, The excipients acceptable in the cosmetics field include: solvents, solubilizers, preservatives, antioxidants, pH adjusters, penetration enhancers, liposomes, humectants, thickeners, chelating agents, skin feel modifiers, skin protectants, surfactants, emulsifiers, propellants / projectiles, fragrances, and colorants.

4. The application of the composition according to claim 1 in cosmetics, characterized in that: The cosmetics mentioned refer to cosmetic forms including soap, facial cleanser, shampoo, shower gel, toner, skin gel, skin lotion, skin cream, serum, eye cream, and face mask.

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