Association, nutraceutical compositions and uses to promote nail growth.

Abstract

The invention relates to a combination comprising: (a) at least 20% w / p combination of a dry extract of aerial parts of field horsetail, (b) at least 10% w / p combination of L-cystine, (c) at least 5% w / p combination of L-glycine, (d) at least 5% w / p combination of L-leucine, (e) at least 5% w / p combination of spirulina, (f) at least 1% w / p combination 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%

Description

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

[0001] The present invention relates to an association, a nutraceutical composition and their uses for improving the health and / or growth of nails 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 mainly 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 gripping of objects, and enabling the performance of various manual tasks. It also plays an essential role in the aesthetics of the hands and feet. Indeed, nails, in addition to their protective and utilitarian function, are also elements of beauty that can be maintained and enhanced.

[0004] Keratin is a fibrous protein, which 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 production of keratin is essential for nail growth, as new cells grow outward, pushing older cells toward the tip of the nail to form the horny plate. This regeneration process ensures that nails remain strong and functional.

[0005] It is important to clarify 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, 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 the overall health of the hands and feet.

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

[0009] It is generally desirable to provide solutions for maintaining and / or improving the health and growth of nails.

[0010] To date, the main solutions proposed in the field of nail care are based on the use of nail polish, topical hand care products, or nail hardening agents, such as formaldehyde, the latter having a crosslinking effect on the structure of the keratin of the nails. A disadvantage of this type of compound is that they often have an unpleasant odor and can in certain cases cause allergic reactions, or even prove toxic. Another disadvantage is that frequent use of such products (nail polish, topical care products, hardening agents) can alter the keratin by weakening the nails.

[0011] There therefore remains a need for compositions which actually make it possible to maintain and / or improve the growth and / or health of the nails without the drawbacks previously mentioned.

[0012] Thus, one objective of the present invention is to provide compositions which actually make it possible to maintain and / or improve the health and / or growth of nails. Another object of the invention is to provide 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% w / p combination of a dry extract of aerial parts of field horsetail, (b) at least 15% w / p combination of L-cystine, (c) at least 5% w / w of L-glycine, (d) at least 5% w / w of L-leucine, (e) at least 5% w / w of spirulina, (f) at least 1% w / w combination 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 to have discovered, not without surprise, that the combination of ingredients (a) to (g) above is surprisingly effective in promoting the regeneration and / or growth of nails.

[0015] Indeed, the combination according to the invention has proven useful for maintaining and / or improving the health of the nails and / or for improving the speed of regeneration and / or growth, and / or hardness, and / or resistance to shocks, 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 homogeneity of color and / or transparency of the 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, in particular amino acids, silica, trace elements, polyphenols, vitamins, antioxidants and dietary fibers, which act in synergy to enable the beneficial effects on the nails mentioned above to be obtained. They are remarkably well tolerated by the body and have no adverse effects on the nails and human health. They are also inexpensive, being based on inexpensive products available on the market or simple to produce according to methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0017] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a non-therapeutic use, by oral route, of a combination in accordance with the invention, as an active agent for promoting the regeneration and / or growth of nails, in particular, for maintaining and / or improving the health of nails, more particularly for improving the hardness, and / or the resistance to shocks, and / or the state of hydration, 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 speed of regeneration and / or growth, and / or the homogeneity of the color and / or the transparency of the nails.

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

[0019] The present description is given without limitation, each characteristic exposed only in one embodiment being able to be generalized to the other embodiments presented here or in the summary of the invention presented previously. Similarly, one or more features disclosed only in one embodiment may be combined with one or more other features disclosed only in another embodiment.

[0020] Definitions

[0021] The term "improve" will have in the present patent application its conventional meaning known to those skilled in the art in the field of medical or pharmaceutical or nutraceutical sciences. In addition, "improve" also means to reduce or mitigate the effects that the internal factors and / or the external factors mentioned above may have on the health and / or growth of the nails. In particular, the improvement in the health and / or growth of the nails may be demonstrated by one or more of the following: an improved appearance of the nails, an improved hydration of the nails, a strengthening of the thickness of the nails, an improved hardness of the nails, an improved impact resistance of the nails, an improved shine and / or homogeneity and / or transparency of the nails.

[0022] The term "polyphenols" designates a very large family of molecules, widespread in the plant world, generally characterized by the presence of one or more aromatic hydrocarbon rings each carrying one or more hydroxyl 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" means 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 "about" when used as a modifier of a numerical range or quantity means 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 / passociation” 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 / p apple complex" means that the percentage of the component or ingredient considered is by weight relative to the total weight of the apple complex used.

[0029] Nutraceutical composition according to the invention

[0030] According to the present invention, nutraceutical compositions are provided, for oral administration, based on a specific combination of a field horsetail extract, spirulina, an apple complex, cystine (compound formed by two cysteine ​​molecules), 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 humid 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 family of polyphenol compounds). 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 the formation of collagen 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 field horsetail is present in the association in a content of at least 20% w / w association, preferably 25 to 40% w / w association*

[0036] Spirulina:

[0037] Spirulina (spirulina Arthrospira plalensisp is a blue-green, spiral-shaped microalgae that belongs 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) and trace elements (e.g. calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, copper, chromium, manganese, potassium, sodium, selenium) and dietary fiber. It is generally recommended to improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation and aid weight loss. Spirulina is available on the market and can be obtained from various suppliers.

[0038] Advantageously, the spirulina is present in the combination in a content of at least 5% w / passociation, preferably 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 an apple pectin and / or a dehydrated apple powder.

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

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

[0043] In preferred embodiments according to the present invention, the apple complex contains: (i) 45 to 65% w / w COm Apple extract of a dry apple extract rich in polyphenols, (ii) 25 to 35% apple pectin, (iii) 10 to 20% of 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 still less than 600 μm. It constitutes an interesting source of minerals such as potassium, copper, magnesium, iron, manganese and phosphorus; of dietary fibers including water-soluble fibers and insoluble fibers, and of phenolic compounds, among which are flavonoids.

[0045] Dehydrated apple powder is generally obtained from fresh apple fruit, in particular from slices or pieces comprising the skin, flesh and seeds of the fresh, unripe apple fruit. Typically, the dehydrated apple powder has a particle size of less than 1.5 mm, preferably less than 1.2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, more preferably less than 800 microns. It can be obtained by any method known to those skilled in the art, for example by a method 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 is also commercially available.

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

[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 that contains polysaccharides. These are fermented by the gut microbiota, which then releases metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate, and vitamins. Such metabolites play a key role in the relationship between the gut microbiota and human health. A healthy gut microbiota is associated with numerous beneficial effects for the body, including regulation of metabolism and proper immune system function. 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, preferably at least 40% by weight of polyphenols, relative to the weight of the dry apple extract. The polyphenol-rich apple extract can be prepared from the apple fruit or its peels by any of the extraction methods 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 in a content of at least 1% w / passociation, preferably 1 to 5% w / passociation- Amino acids: The cystine, L-glycine, L-leucine, L-methionine present in the combination according to the invention contribute to promoting the synthesis of nail keratin and to improving the health and / or growth of nails. 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 according to the invention, L-cystine is present in the combination in a content of at least 10% w / passociation, preferably 15 to 25% w / passociation* In preferred embodiments according to the invention, L-glycine is present in the combination in a content of at least 5% w / passociation, preferably 5 to 15% w / passociation*

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

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

[0058] A preferred association according to the invention consists of: (a) at least 20% w / w combination of a dry extract of aerial parts of field horsetail, (b) at least 10% w / w combination of L-cystine, (c) at least 5% w / p association of L-glycine, (d) at least 5% w / w combination of L-leucine, (e) at least 5% w / w association of spirulina, (f) at least 1% w / w combination 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') from 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 / p association of L-glycine, (d') 5 to 15% w / w association of L-leucine, (e') from 5 to 15% w / p association of spirulina, (f') from 2.5 to 7.5% w / p association of L-methionine, (g') from 1 to 5% w / w association of apple complex, the sum of (a'), (b'), (c'), (d'), (e'), (f') and (g') being equal to 100%.

[0060] Another example of a preferred combination according to the invention comprises: (a”) at least 20% w / w association of a dry extract of aerial parts of field horsetail, (b”) at least 10% w / p 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 / p 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, apple pectin and a dehydrated apple powder, the sum of (a”), (b”), (c”), (d”), (e”), (f”) and (g”) being equal to 100%.

[0061] Nutraceutical composition

[0062] The combination according to the invention can be integrated 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 active agent, a combination according to the present invention.

[0064] Advantageously, the nutraceutical composition in accordance with 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 those skilled in the art.

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

[0067] The association in accordance with 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] By "excipient" is traditionally meant any compound or composition intended to act as a simple support or vehicle, that is to say which is not intended to have a physiological or biological activity. As examples of excipients or vehicles, mention may be made exhaustively of diluents, binders, lubricants, dispersants, antioxidants, disintegrants, anti-caking agents, colorants, preservatives, coating agents, humectants, etc.). Of course, those skilled in the art will take care to choose the possible compounds or compositions of excipients as well as their proportions in such a way that the advantageous properties of the combination according to the invention or of the nutraceutical composition containing it in accordance with the invention are not or are not substantially altered by the envisaged addition. The excipients are well known in the nutraceutical field and are not the subject of a detailed description here.Suitable excipients or vehicles are also described in the book "Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients," Second Edition, American Pharmaceutical Association, 1994.

[0070] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "suitable" or "suitable" means that the excipient(s) are compatible with a nutraceutical or food use of the composition in accordance with 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 may 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 (for example: 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 (for example: selenium, zinc, magnesium, etc.), antioxidant agents (for example: carotenoids, resveratrol, vitamin E, proathocyanidins), amino acids other than those of the combination according to the invention (for example: glutamine, aspartic acid, arginine, lysine, etc.), ceramides, proteins (for example: collagen, keratin, etc.), flavoring agents (for example: orange, cherry, vanilla, strawberry, lemon, 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 in accordance with the invention can be obtained by any usual formulation method known in the nutraceutical field. Their respective ingredients can be mixed, before shaping, in the order and under conditions easily determined by those skilled in the art.

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

[0076] The nutraceutical composition (or the combination) according to the invention makes it possible, by its oral administration, to promote the regeneration and / or growth of the nails. It makes it possible in particular to maintain and / or improve the health of the nails and / or to stimulate the endogenous aptitudes for the synthesis of keratin in the nails and / or to improve the hardness, and / or the resistance to shocks, and / or the state of hydration, 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 speed of regeneration and / or growth, and / or the homogeneity of the color and / or the transparency of the nails.

[0077] The association, the nutraceutical composition and their use are thus 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 in particular suitable for oral administration (including buccal and sublingual) with or without suitable excipient(s). They may be formulated for administration to a human subject. In this context, different galenic forms are possible, such as in particular solid and liquid forms (e.g. syrups, gels, emulsions, drinkable ampoules, etc.).

[0079] In practice, the nutraceutical compositions (or their combination) according to the invention are presented in solid galenic forms, for example, but not limited to: tablets, lozenges, tablets, optionally coated, orodispersible, film-coated, gastro-resistant and / or modified-release, dragees; soft or hard-shell capsules, gel capsules, optionally film-coated and / or gastro-resistant, chewing gums or pastes, confectionery or gummies, powders, in particular compressed powders or loose powders packaged for example in sachets or unit 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 may be contained in a packaging, a wrapper or a dispensing device at the same time as instructions for use. Advantageously, the nutraceutical compositions in the form of tablets or capsules are presented in a sealed packaging, which may consist of a pillbox (e.g. a pillbox made of polypropylene or high-density polyethylene), a plastic or aluminum bag, or a blister pack, in particular a blister pack (cell) made of PVC / PVDC, covered with an aluminum film for optimal protection.

[0082] The nutraceutical compositions according to the present invention may 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] By "food supplement" is meant here a foodstuff whose purpose is to supplement the normal diet and which constitutes a concentrated source of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and / or other substances having a nutritional or physiological effect, alone or in combination, marketed in the form of doses, as non-limiting examples of presentation forms, we can cite capsules, tablets, lozenges, soft capsules, 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, dated June 10, 2002, relating to the approximation of the laws 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 the health and growth of nails, mentioned above.

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

[0088] The present invention relates in particular to the use as defined above, in which the combination in accordance with 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 quantity 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 from 300 mg to 2000 mg per day, preferably from 600 mg to 1200 mg per day. It can be administered in a single dose per day or in divided doses over the day, for example two to four times per day.

[0090] A use according to the invention can be implemented daily for example, at a rate for example of a single administration per day or of an administration twice per day, for example once in the morning and once in the evening, or three times per day, in particular once in the morning, once at midday and once in the evening, or four times per 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 (for example: capsules, soft capsules, tablets, capsules, dragees, chewing gums (or gummies), etc.) or liquid (for example: 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 varying 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. or even several years. For example, the administration of a combination in accordance with the invention or of a nutraceutical composition according to the invention can be carried out at a rate of, for example,! or 2 times per 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 in accordance with the invention may in particular comprise all or only part of the daily dose.

[0095] Typically, all the ingredients of the combination according to the invention or of the composition according to the invention are implemented in solid form, in particular in the form of powder with a particle size of less than 1000 μm, preferably less than 600 μm, preferentially 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 easily determined by those skilled in the art.

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

[0097] The particle size 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 sizer 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, the ranges of values ​​labeled in the form "between ... and..." include the specified lower and upper limits.

[0099] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the following examples, given for illustrative and non-limiting purposes. The scope of the invention should not be limited in any way by these examples. Examples:

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

[0101] An example of a nutraceutical composition is a composition having in tablet form, for use as a dietary supplement. The nutraceutical composition includes: from 25 to 40% w / passociation of dry extract of aerial parts of horsetail, from 15 to 25% w / passociation of L-cystine, from 5 to 15% w / pASSOCiation of L-glycine, from 5 to 15% w / pASSOCiatiOn of L-leucine, from 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 association of 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 dietary supplement (orally) on human volunteers over a period of 3 months. 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 composition evaluated did not present any bothersome or side effects on health.

[0106] In addition, volunteers noted that 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.