Association, nutraceutical compositions and uses to promote nail growth.

Abstract

The invention relates to an association comprising: (a) at least 20% w / w association of a dry extract of aerial parts of horsetail, (b) at least 10% w / w association of L-cystine, (c) at least 5% w / w association of L-glycine, (d) at least 5% w / w association of L-leucine, (e) at least 5% w / w association of spirulina, (f) at least 1% w / w association of L-methionine, (g) at least 1% of an apple complex containing a dry extract of apple rich in polyphenols, the sum of (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) being equal to 100%

Description

Title of the invention: Association, nutraceutical compositions and uses to promote nail growth. Technical field.

[0001] The present invention relates to an association, a nutraceutical composition and their uses to improve nail health and / or growth in a human subject.

[0002] It relates generally to the field of food supplements for nail care. State of the art.

[0003] A nail is a horny plate composed primarily of keratin. This horny plate is visible at the tips of the fingers and toes. It plays an essential role in protecting the extremities, facilitating the grasping of objects, and enabling the performance of various manual tasks. It also plays a key role in the aesthetics of the hands and feet. Indeed, nails, in addition to their protective and utilitarian function, are also aesthetic elements that can be cared for and enhanced.

[0004] Keratin is a fibrous protein that gives nails their characteristic structure and strength. Its production begins in the nail matrix, a region located under the cuticle at the base of the nail. Specialized cells called keratinocytes are responsible for keratin synthesis. These keratinocytes, located in the nail matrix, work continuously to produce new keratin cells. This constant keratin production is essential for nail growth, as the new cells grow outward, pushing older cells toward the tip of the nail to form the nail plate. This regeneration process ensures that nails remain strong and functional.

[0005] It is important to specify that keratin is formed by the bonding of many different amino acids, including cysteine ​​and methionine, among others. These amino acids are linked together to form a robust protein structure. Cysteine ​​is particularly important in the formation of nail keratin. It contains a sulfhydryl group (-SH) that can form disulfide bonds with other sulfhydryl groups in cysteine, thus creating disulfide bridges. These disulfide bridges strengthen the structure of keratin, making it strong and hard.

[0006] Nails grow continuously throughout a person's life, at an average rate of about 3 millimeters per month.

[0007] Healthy nails are less likely to break, split, or crack, which can reduce the risk of injury and infection. Maintaining nail growth can therefore contribute to overall hand and foot health.

[0008] Many factors can affect nail growth and health. These factors can be internal (genetics, age, general health including nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, hormonal disorders, dermatological conditions, metabolic deficiencies, etc.) and / or external (diet, chemicals, UV radiation, pollution, smoking, variations in temperature and / or humidity, inappropriate nail care, etc.). These various factors tend to slow or inhibit nail growth, make nails fragile, brittle, or prone to splitting; affect their shape, color, or shade, and thus reduce their aesthetic appeal.

[0009] It is generally desirable to offer solutions that maintain and / or improve nail health and growth.

[0010] To date, the main solutions offered in the field of nail care rely on the use of nail polish, topical hand care products, or nail hardening agents, such as formaldehyde, the latter having a cross-linking effect on the keratin structure of the nails. One drawback of these types of compounds is that they often have an unpleasant odor and can, in some cases, cause allergic reactions, or even be toxic. Another drawback is that frequent use of such products (nail polish, topical care products, hardening agents) can damage the keratin, weakening the nails.

[0011] There therefore remains a need for compositions which actually allow the maintenance and / or improvement of nail growth and / or health without the previously mentioned disadvantages.

[0012] Thus, one objective of the present invention is to provide compositions that actually maintain and / or improve nail health and / or growth. Another objective of the invention is to offer compositions whose components have no adverse effects on nails and no danger to human health. Presentation of the invention.

[0013] The solution proposed by the invention is an association comprising: (a) at least 20% by association of a dry extract of aerial parts of horsetail, (b) at least 15% by association of L-cystine, (c) at least 5% w / paSSOCiation of L-glycine, (d) at least 5% w / paSSOCiation of L-leucine, (e) at least 5% w / paSSOCiation of spirulina, (f) at least 1% w / w association of L-methionine, (g) at least 1% of an apple complex containing a dry apple extract rich in polyphenols, the sum of (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) being equal to 100%.

[0014] It is to the Applicant's credit that she discovered, not without surprise, that the combination of ingredients (a) to (g) above is surprisingly effective in promoting nail regeneration and / or growth.

[0015] Indeed, the association according to the invention has proven useful for maintaining and / or improving nail health and / or for improving the rate of regeneration and / or growth, and / or hardness, and / or shock resistance, and / or hydration status, and / or resistance to aggressive external factors, and / or resistance to splitting, and / or smooth appearance, and / or shine, and / or color uniformity and / or transparency of nails.

[0016] The combination according to the invention and the nutraceutical compositions containing it according to the present invention provide the body with various active substances, including amino acids, silica, trace elements, polyphenols, vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, which act synergistically to produce the beneficial effects on nails mentioned above. They are remarkably well tolerated by the body and have no adverse effects on nails or human health. Furthermore, they are inexpensive, being based on inexpensive products available on the market or simple to produce using methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0017] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a non-therapeutic, oral use of an association according to the invention, as an active agent to promote the regeneration and / or growth of nails, in particular, to maintain and / or improve nail health, more particularly to improve hardness, and / or resistance to impact, and / or hydration status, and / or resistance to aggressive external factors, and / or resistance to splitting, and / or smoothness, and / or shine, and / or speed of regeneration and / or growth, and / or homogeneity of color and / or transparency of nails.

[0018] According to yet another aspect, the present invention relates to an orally administered nutraceutical composition comprising a combination according to the present invention. Such a nutraceutical composition may be a food supplement. Description of embodiments.

[0019] The present description is given by way of non-limiting example; each feature described in only one embodiment can be generalized to the other embodiments presented herein or in the summary of the invention presented. previously. Similarly, one or more features exposed only in one embodiment can be combined with one or more other features exposed only in another embodiment.

[0020] Definitions

[0021] In this patent application, the term "improve" shall have its classical meaning known to those skilled in the art in the fields of medical, pharmaceutical, or nutraceutical sciences. Furthermore, "improve" also means to reduce or mitigate the effects that the aforementioned internal and / or external factors may have on nail health and / or growth. In particular, the improvement of nail health and / or growth may be demonstrated by one or more of the following: improved nail appearance, improved nail hydration, increased nail thickness, improved nail hardness, improved nail impact resistance, and improved nail shine, uniformity, and / or transparency.

[0022] The term “polyphenols” refers to a very large family of molecules, very widespread in the plant world, generally characterized by the presence of one or more hydrocarbon aromatic rings each bearing one or more hydroxy groups, including in particular the following subfamilies: flavonoids such as proanthocyanidins, catechin and epicatechin, and phenolic acids such as hydroxycinnamic acids.

[0023] The term “nutraceutical” refers to a composition that can be eaten or otherwise consumed by a subject to provide a beneficial effect.

[0024] The term “nutraceutical composition” refers to a composition whose purpose is to supplement the normal diet and to constitute a concentrated source of nutrients or other substances having a nutritional or physiological effect, alone or in combination.

[0025] The term "approximately," when used as a modifier of a numerical range or quantity, denotes an approximation of the range or quantity, such that minor deviations from the range or quantity are within the scope of the invention. Such deviations are known in the art of manufacturing formulations having a number of different ingredients of varying weights and consistencies.

[0026] The expression "p / passociationiOn" means that the percentage of the component or ingredient considered is by weight relative to the total weight of the association according to the invention.

[0027] The expression "p / pcompositiOn" means that the percentage of the component or ingredient considered is by weight relative to the total weight of the nutraceutical composition according to the invention.

[0028] The expression "p / papple complex" means that the percentage of the component or ingredient considered is by weight relative to the total weight of the apple complex implemented.

[0029] Nutraceutical composition according to the invention

[0030] According to the present invention, orally administered nutraceutical compositions are proposed, based on a specific combination of horsetail extract, spirulina, an apple complex, cystine (a compound formed by two cysteine ​​molecules), and amino acids (glycine, leucine, methionine). Other active ingredients may also be included in the nutraceutical compositions according to the present invention, as described throughout this patent document.

[0031] Extract of field horsetail:

[0032] Field horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a plant with a hollow stem and spikes that grows in damp places and belongs to the Equisetaceae family. It contains silica (at least 5%), trace elements such as calcium, potassium, and iron, and flavonoids (molecules belonging to the polyphenol family). It has been described in the scientific literature, among other things, for its antioxidant, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also proposed as a source of silica to stimulate collagen formation in bones, cartilage, and tendons.

[0033] In the present invention, field horsetail is implemented from a dry extract of aerial parts of field horsetail.

[0034] The dry extract of aerial parts of field horsetail and the processes for obtaining it are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0035] Advantageously, the dry extract of aerial parts of horsetail is present in the mixture at a content of at least 20% w / w mixture, preferably 25 to 40% w / w mixture*

[0036] Spirulina:

[0037] Spirulina (Arthrospira plalensis) is a blue-green, spiral-shaped microalga belonging to the cyanobacteria family. It is very rich in essential amino acids, antioxidants (e.g., phycocyanin, beta-carotene), vitamins (e.g., B1, B2, B3, B6, B7 (inositol), B8, B9 (folic acid), B12, E, and K), trace elements (e.g., calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, copper, chromium, manganese, potassium, sodium, selenium), and dietary fiber. It is generally recommended for improving digestion, strengthening the immune system, reducing inflammation, and aiding weight loss. Spirulina is commercially available and can be obtained from various suppliers.

[0038] Advantageously, spirulina is present in the association in a content of at least 5% w / passociation, preferably from 5 to 15% w / passociation.

[0039] The apple complex:

[0040] The apple complex used in the context of the present invention contains an apple extract advantageously rich in polyphenols. The apple complex may further contain apple pectin and / or dehydrated apple powder.

[0041] For the purposes of this invention, "apple" means the apple fruit of the botanical genus Malus (Botanical family: Rosaceae), for example of a Malus species selected from the group consisting of: Malus domestica, Malus pumila, Malus sieversii, Malus sylvestris, and their combinations.

[0042] In preferred embodiments according to the present invention, the apple complex contains a polyphenol-rich apple extract, apple pectin and dehydrated apple powder.

[0043] In preferred embodiments according to the present invention, the apple complex contains: (i) 45 to 65% w / w of apple extract rich in polyphenols, (ii) 25 to 35% of apple pectin, (iii) 10 to 20% of a dehydrated apple powder.

[0044] The apple complex is in the form of a powder with a particle size of less than 1.5 mm, preferably less than 1.2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, better less than 600 µm. It constitutes a valuable source of minerals such as potassium, copper, magnesium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus; of dietary fiber, including soluble and insoluble fiber; and of phenolic compounds, including flavonoids.

[0045] Dehydrated apple powder is generally obtained from fresh apples, particularly from slices or pieces including the skin, flesh, and seeds of fresh, unripe apples. Typically, dehydrated apple powder has a particle size of less than 1.5 mm, preferably less than 1.2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, and even better, less than 800 microns. It can be obtained by any process known to those skilled in the art, for example, by a process comprising (i) dehydration or freeze-drying of the apple slices or pieces, in particular, osmotic dehydration or freeze-drying, for example, in a sucrose solution, (ii) grinding of the dehydrated apple slices or pieces, and (iii) sieving to obtain the dehydrated apple powder. This powder is also commercially available.

[0046] Dehydrated apple powder provides a concentrate of substances useful in the present invention, namely, minerals such as potassium, copper, and

[0047]

[0048]

[0049]

[0050]

[0051]

[0052]

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[0054]

[0055] magnesium, iron, manganese and phosphorus, dietary fiber including water-soluble and insoluble fiber, pectin, and phenolic compounds. Apple pectin is a fiber containing polysaccharides. These polysaccharides are fermented by the gut microbiota, which then releases metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like acetate, propionate, and butyrate, as well as vitamins. Such metabolites play a crucial role in the relationship between the gut microbiota and human health. A healthy gut microbiota is associated with numerous beneficial effects on the body, including the regulation of metabolism and the proper functioning of the immune system. This can promote nail regeneration and / or growth. The dry apple extract present in the apple complex is a concentrated extract of apple polyphenols. Preferably, the apple extract contains at least 25% by weight of polyphenols, and preferably at least 40% by weight of polyphenols, relative to the weight of the dry apple extract. Polyphenol-rich apple extract can be prepared from the apple fruit or its peels by any of the extraction processes known to those skilled in the art (See, for example, patent document EP0657169A1; or the article: Asma, U.; Morozova, K.; Ferrentino, G.; Scampicchio, M. Apples and Apple By-Products: Antioxidant Properties and Food Applications. Antioxidants 2023, 72, 1456.). Advantageously, the apple complex is present in the association at a level of at least 1% w / w association, preferably from 1 to 5% w / w association. Amino acids: Cystine, L-glycine, L-leucine, L-methionine present in the combination according to the invention contribute to promoting the synthesis of nail keratin and improving nail health and / or growth. L-cystine, more commonly known as cystine, is an organic compound formed by two cysteine ​​monomers linked by a disulfide bridge. It helps stimulate keratin synthesis and promote nail regeneration and / or growth and / or maintain and / or improve nail health. In preferred embodiments of the invention, L-cystine is present in the association at a concentration of at least 10% w / w association, preferably 15 to 25% w / w association* In preferred embodiments of the invention, L-glycine is present in the association at a concentration of at least 5% w / w association, preferably from 5 to 15% w / w association*

[0056] In preferred embodiments according to the invention, L-leucine is present in the association at a content of at least 5% w / w association, preferably from 5 to 15% p / p association*

[0057] In preferred embodiments according to the invention, L-methionine is present in the association at a concentration of at least 1% w / w association, preferably 1 a 5% p / passociation*

[0058] A preferred association according to the invention consists of: (a) at least 20% w / w association of a dry extract of aerial parts of horsetail, (b) at least 10% w / w association of L-cystine, (c) at least 5% w / w association of L-glycine, (d) at least 5% w / w association of L-leucine, (e) at least 5% w / w association of spirulina, (f) at least 1% w / w association of L-methionine, (g) at least 1% of an apple complex containing a dry apple extract rich in polyphenols, the sum of (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) being equal to 100%.

[0059] Another preferred association according to the invention consists of: (a') 25 to 40% w / w association of the dry extract of aerial parts of field horsetail, (b') 15 to 25% w / p association of L-cystine, (c') 5 to 15% w / w association of L-glycine, (d') 5 to 15% w / w association of L-leucine, (e') 5 to 15% w / w association of spirulina, (f') from 2.5 to 7.5% w / w association of L-methionine, (g') from 1 to 5% % w / p association of the apple complex, the sum of (a'), (b'), (c'), (d'), (e'), (f') and (g') being equal to 100%.

[0060] Another example of a preferred association according to the invention includes: (a”) at least 20% w / w association of a dry extract of aerial parts of horsetail, (b”) at least 10% w / w association of L-cystine, (c”) at least 5% w / w association of L-glycine, (d”) at least 5% w / p association of L-leucine, (e”) at least 5% w / w association of spirulina, (f”) at least 1% p / passociation of L-methionine, (g”) at least 1% of an apple complex containing a polyphenol-rich apple dry extract, apple pectin and dehydrated apple powder, the sum of (a”), (b”), (c”), (d”), (e”), (f”) and (g”) being equal to 100%.

[0061] Nutraceutical composition

[0062] The association according to the invention can be incorporated into a nutraceutical composition or used as such as a nutraceutical composition.

[0063] Also, the present invention also relates to a nutraceutical composition comprising, as an active agent, a combination according to the present invention.

[0064] Advantageously, the nutraceutical composition according to the invention is presented in a form suitable for oral administration.

[0065] The ingredients are mixed, before being shaped, in the order and under conditions easily determined by a person skilled in the art.

[0066] The content and nature of the ingredients of the association or nutraceutical compositions containing it according to the invention are adjusted by those skilled in the art so as not to substantially affect the properties required for said association and for said nutraceutical compositions.

[0067] The association according to the invention may be present in the nutraceutical composition according to the invention in an amount of at least 30% w / w nutraceutical composition, preferably at least 50% w / w nutraceutical composition.

[0068] Typically, the nutraceutical composition according to the present invention further comprises one or more suitable excipients.

[0069] The term "excipient" traditionally refers to any compound or composition intended to act as a simple support or vehicle, that is, one not intended to have any physiological or biological activity. Examples of excipients or vehicles include, but are not limited to, diluents, binders, lubricants, dispersants, antioxidants, disintegrants, anti-caking agents, colorants, preservatives, coating agents, humectants, etc. Naturally, those skilled in the art will ensure that any excipient compounds or compositions, as well as their proportions, are chosen in such a way that the advantageous properties of the combination according to the invention or of the nutraceutical composition containing it according to the invention are not, or are not substantially, altered by the intended addition. Excipients are well known in the nutraceutical field and are not described in detail here.Appropriate excipients or vehicles are also described in the book entitled "Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients, Second Edition, American Pharmaceutical Association, 1994.

[0070] For the purposes of this invention, "appropriate" or "suitable" means that the excipient(s) are compatible with nutraceutical or food use of the composition according to the invention, i.e., they are not toxic to humans when used in a nutraceutical composition.

[0071] Generally, when the nutraceutical composition according to the invention comprises one or more excipients suitable for oral administration, these Excipients or vehicles can represent up to 70%, in particular, up to 50% by weight relative to the total weight of the nutraceutical composition.

[0072] In preferred embodiments, the nutraceutical composition according to the invention may further comprise one or more additional components selected from vitamins (e.g., one or more vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B8, B9, B12, C, D, E and / or K), mineral salts and / or trace elements (e.g., selenium, zinc, magnesium, etc.), antioxidants (e.g., carotenoids, resveratrol, vitamin E, proanthocyanidins), amino acids other than those in the combination according to the invention (e.g., glutamine, aspartic acid, arginine, lysine, etc.), ceramides, proteins (e.g., collagen, keratin, etc.), flavoring agents (e.g., orange, cherry, vanilla, strawberry, lemon, etc. flavorings), mint, etc.), and their mixtures.

[0073] The concentration, in the nutraceutical composition according to the invention, of the possible additional component(s) may be between 0.001% and 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the nutraceutical composition.

[0074] The combination according to the invention and the nutraceutical composition containing it according to the invention can be obtained by any conventional formulation method known in the nutraceutical field. Their respective ingredients can be mixed, prior to formulation, in the order and under conditions readily determined by those skilled in the art.

[0075] In practice, before galenic formulation for oral administration, the association according to the invention and the nutraceutical composition containing it according to the invention, are in the form of a dry powder (particle size less than 2000 pm, preferably less than 1000 pm, preferably less than 500 pm, more preferably less than 250 pm) (water content less than 10%, preferably less than 2.5% by weight relative to the weight of the powder).

[0076] The nutraceutical composition (or combination) according to the invention, when administered orally, promotes nail regeneration and / or growth. In particular, it helps maintain and / or improve nail health and / or stimulate the endogenous ability of nails to synthesize keratin and / or improve hardness, and / or impact resistance, and / or hydration, and / or resistance to aggressive external factors, and / or resistance to splitting, and / or smoothness, and / or shine, and / or the rate of regeneration and / or growth, and / or color uniformity and / or transparency of the nails.

[0077] The association, the nutraceutical composition and their use are therefore of particular interest in the nutraceutical, nutritional and food fields.

[0078] The nutraceutical compositions according to the invention may be nutritional or food compositions. They are particularly suitable for oral administration (including buccal and sublingual) with or without appropriate excipient(s). They may be formulated for administration to a human subject. In this context, various dosage forms are possible, including solid and liquid forms (e.g., syrups, gels, emulsions, oral ampoules, etc.).

[0079] In practice, the nutraceutical compositions (or their combination) according to the invention are presented in solid pharmaceutical forms, for example, but not limited to: tablets, lozenges, tablets, possibly coated, orodispersible, film-coated, gastro-resistant and / or modified-release, dragees; soft or hard shell capsules, soft-shell caplets, possibly film-coated and / or gastro-resistant, gums or chewing gums, confectionery or gummies, powders in particular compressed powders or loose powders packaged for example in sachets or unitary sticks.

[0080] Such galenic forms can be produced by any usual process known to those skilled in the art.

[0081] The nutraceutical compositions according to the invention can be contained in packaging, a container or a dispensing device along with instructions for use. Advantageously, the nutraceutical compositions in the form of tablets or capsules are presented in a sealed container, which may consist of a pillbox (e.g., a pillbox made of polypropylene or high-density polyethylene), a plastic or aluminum pouch, or a blister pack, in particular, a PVC / PVDC blister pack covered with an aluminum film for optimal protection.

[0082] Nutraceutical compositions according to the present invention can be intended for use as a nutritional product.

[0083] By "nutritional product" we mean all products having a nutritional and / or physiological effect, this includes in particular food supplements, foods, dietetic products, etc.

[0084] The term “food supplement” herein means a foodstuff intended to supplement the normal diet and which constitutes a concentrated source of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and / or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect, alone or in combination, marketed in dose form. Examples of such forms include, but are not limited to, capsules, tablets, lozenges, softgels, granules, sachets of powder for dilution, and other similar solid dosage forms intended to be taken in measured units (see also Directive 2002 / 46 / EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 June 2002 on the use of food supplements). to the harmonization of the legislation of the Member States concerning food supplements).

[0085] A preferred nutraceutical composition according to the invention is a food supplement.

[0086] Preferably, the food supplement is intended to be consumed or administered orally, to provide, in a human subject, the beneficial effects on health and nail growth, mentioned above.

[0087] The uses according to the invention have characteristics of non-therapeutic use, particularly insofar as they are implemented in human subjects wishing to improve nail growth and / or health. Furthermore, a nutraceutical combination or composition, such as a food supplement according to the invention, can be used daily for several months without a medical prescription. The present invention therefore clearly falls outside the therapeutic field.

[0088] The present invention relates in particular to the use as defined above, in which the combination according to the invention is implemented within a nutraceutical composition suitable for oral administration. The contents vary depending on the form of the nutraceutical composition in which the combination according to the invention is implemented.

[0089] The amount of the combination (active agent) according to the invention to be administered to a human subject to obtain the beneficial effect(s) on the nails mentioned above, in said human subject, is 300 mg to 2000 mg per day, preferably 600 mg to 1200 mg per day. It can be administered as a single daily dose or in divided doses throughout the day, for example, two to four times a day.

[0090] A use according to the invention can be implemented on a daily basis, for example, by way of a single administration per day or an administration twice a day, for example once in the morning and once in the evening, or three times a day, in particular once in the morning, once at noon and once in the evening, or four times a day, for example, twice in the morning and twice in the evening.

[0091] A use according to the invention can be implemented, for example by daily administration of a nutraceutical association or composition formulated for example in solid form (e.g. capsules, softgels, tablets, caplets, dragees, chewing gums, etc.) or liquid form (e.g. gels, emulsions, syrups, etc.) in adequate quantity and number, depending on their form.

[0092] The use according to the invention can be implemented over a period of time ranging from one week to several weeks, or even several months, this period being able to be repeated after periods of non-treatment, for several months. even several years. For example, the administration of an association according to the invention or of a nutraceutical composition according to the invention can be carried out at a rate of, for example, 1 or 2 times a day, generally over a prolonged period of at least 4 weeks, or even 4 to 16 weeks, including or not including one or more periods of interruption or being repeated after a period of interruption.

[0093] The present invention benefits both men and women.

[0094] The combination according to the invention and the compositions according to the invention may, in particular, include all or only part of the daily dose.

[0095] Typically, all the ingredients of the mixture or composition according to the invention are used in solid form, in particular as a powder with a particle size of less than 1000 µm, preferably less than 600 µm, preferably less than 250 µm, and a water content of less than 10%, preferably less than 5% by weight relative to the weight of the powder. The ingredients are mixed, before being shaped, in the order and under conditions readily determined by those skilled in the art.

[0096] The content and nature of the ingredients used in the association or nutraceutical compositions containing it according to the invention are adjusted by those skilled in the art so as not to substantially affect the properties required for said association and for said nutraceutical compositions.

[0097] The particle size distribution of the nutraceutical composition (or its combination) and of each of its ingredients can be measured by any technique known per se, for example by using a laser particle size analyzer or a series of standardized sieves according to the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia 2-1-4.

[0098] In the description and examples that follow, ranges of values ​​labeled in the form "between ... and ..." include the specified lower and upper bounds.

[0099] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following examples, which are given by way of illustration and not limitation. The scope of the invention shall not be limited in any way by these examples. Examples:

[0100] Example 1: Nutraceutical composition according to the invention, in tablet form

[0101] An example of a nutraceutical composition is a composition presenting In tablet form, for use as a food supplement. The nutraceutical composition includes: 25 to 40% w / p association of dry extract of aerial parts of horsetail, 15 to 25% w / p association of L-cystine, 5 to 15% w / p association of L-glycine, 5 to 15% w / p association of L-leucine, 5 to 15% w / w association of spirulina, from 2.5 to 7.5% w / p association of L-methionine, from 1 to 5% w / p SSOciation of the apple complex, the sum of (a'), (b'), (c'), (d'), (e'), (f') and (g') being equal to 100%.

[0102] The tablet was prepared according to conventional techniques.

[0103] Recommended dosage: 2 tablets per day with a glass of water.

[0104] The nutraceutical composition was tested as a food supplement (orally) on human volunteers over a period of 3 months. The interim results (3 weeks and 7 weeks) showed: - an increase in nail growth, - an increase in nail density and thickness, - an increase in nail hardness with a reduction in elasticity, - an improvement in nail hydration.

[0105] Furthermore, the evaluated composition did not present any troublesome or side effects on health.

[0106] In addition, the volunteers noted that the nails and cuticles were visibly regenerated.

Claims

Claims

1. Association comprising: (a) at least 20% w / passociation of a dry extract of aerial parts of field horsetail, (b) at least 15% w / passociation of L-cystine, (c) at least 5% w / passociation of L-glycine, (d) at least 5% w / passociation of L-leucine, (e) at least 5% w / passociation of spirulina, (f) at least 1% w / passociation of L-methionine, (g) at least 1% of an apple complex containing a dry extract of apple rich in polyphenols, the sum of (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) being equal to 100%.

2. Association according to claim 1, characterized in that the apple complex additionally contains apple pectin.

3. Association according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the apple complex further contains a dehydrated apple powder.

4. Association according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the apple complex contains: (i) from 45 to 65% w / w apple complex of a dry apple extract rich in polyphenols, (ii) from 25 to 35% w / w apple complex of apple pectin, (iii) from 10 to 20% w / w apple complex of dehydrated apple powder.

5. Association according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises: (a') from 25 to 40% w / passociation of the dry extract of aerial parts of field horsetail, (b') from 15 to 25% w / passociation of L-cystine, (c') from 5 to 15% w / passociation of L-glycine, (d') from 5 to 15% w / passociation of L-leucine, (e') from 5 to 15% w / passociation of spirulina, (f') from 2.5 to 7.5% w / passociation of L-methionine, (g') from 1 to 5% w / passociation of apple complex, the sum of (a'), (b'), (c'), (d'), (e'), (f') and (g') being equal to 100%.

6. Association according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: (a”) at least 20% w / passociation of a dry extract of aerial parts of field horsetail, (b”) at least 10% w / pASSOCiation of L-cystine, (c”) at least 5% w / pASSOCiation of L-glycine, (d”) at least 5% w / pASSOCiation of L-leucine, (e”) at least 5% w / passociation of spirulina, (f”) at least 1% w / pASSOCiation of L-methionine, (g”) at least 1% of an apple complex containing a dry apple extract rich in polyphenols, apple pectin and dehydrated apple powder, the sum of (a”), (b”), (c”), (d”), (e”), (f”) and (g”) being equal to 100%.

7. Non-therapeutic use, by oral route, of a combination according to one of claims 1 to 6, as an active agent for promoting the regeneration and / or growth of nails.

8. Use according to claim 7, characterized as an active agent for maintaining and / or improving the health of the nails.

9. Use according to claim 7 or 8, characterized as an active agent for improving the hardness, and / or the impact resistance, and / or the hydration state, and / or the resistance to aggressive external factors, and / or the resistance to splitting, and / or the smooth appearance, and / or the shine, and / or the homogeneity of the color and / or the transparency of the nails.

10. Nutraceutical composition for oral administration, characterized in that it comprises a combination according to one of claims 1 to £

11. O. Nutraceutical composition according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises one or more suitable excipients.

12. Nutraceutical composition according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that it is in solid or liquid form.

13. Nutraceutical composition according to one of claims 10 to 12, which is a food supplement.