PLANT-BASED COMPOSITION IN A FORM SUITABLE FOR TOPICAL ADMINISTRATION AND ASSOCIATED PRODUCTION METHOD

Abstract

A composition in a form suitable for topical administration has, in a cosmetically and/or pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, at least one nettle (Urtica) extract, and can include a mixture of at least five plant extracts. Methods to manufacture such a composition are also disclosed. Such a composition is particularly useful for the prevention, treatment, relief and alleviation of the symptoms of haemorrhoidal disease as well as aiding healing, and soothing burns.

Claims

1. Composition in a form suitable for topical administration comprising, in a cosmetically and/or pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, at least one nettle extract (Urtica), characterised in that it further comprises a mixture of at least five of the following twenty-three plant extracts: marigold (Calendula); dandelion (Taraxacum); elderberry (Sambucus); rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis); sage (Salvia officinalis); wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.); burdock (Arctium lappa); wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum); willow (Salix); ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata); sweet flag (Acorus calamus); aloe (Asphodeloideae); blackberry (Morus); cleavers (Galium aparine L.); yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea); angelica (Angelica archangelica); yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.); basil (Ocimum basilicum); ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea); comfrey (Symphytum officinale); ivy (Hedera helix L.); lemon balm (Melissa officinalis); or common walnut (Juglans regia).

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the mixture of at least five plant extracts comprises: marigold (Calendula), dandelion (Taraxacum), elderberry (Sambucus), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), sage (Salvia officinalis), wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.), burdock (Arctium lappa), wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum), willow (Salix), ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), sweet flag (Acorus calamus), aloe (Asphodeloideae), blackberry (Morus), cleavers (Galium aparine L.), yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea), yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.), basil (Ocimum basilicum), ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea), comfrey (Symphytum officinale), ivy (Hedera helix L.), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), and common walnut (Juglans regia).

3. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the extracts are preferably dispersed in a lipophilic phase.

4. The composition according to claim 3, wherein the lipophilic phase is an animal fatty phase.

5. The composition according to claim 1, further comprising at least one pharmaceutically active ingredient selected from the group consisting of soothing agents, agents promoting healing and/or restructuring of the skin, anti-allergic agents, anti-bacterial agents, depigmenting agents, moisturizing agents, keratolytic agents, analgesics, anaesthetics, pain relievers, antibiotics, antifungals, painkillers, anti-inflammatories, antiparasitic agents, antipruritic agents, antiseptics, antiviral agents, anti-acne agents, corticosteroids, vasoconstrictors, venotonics and mixtures thereof.

6. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is in the form of a solution, a dispersion, an emulsion of liquid or semi-liquid consistency, a suspension, an aqueous gel, a lipophilic gel, a microemulsion, a microcapsule, a vesicular dispersion, a dressing, or an impregnated support article.

7. The composition according to claim 6, wherein the composition is in the form of an ointment comprising: a lipophilic phase comprising all the extracts of the following plants: marigold (Calendula), dandelion (Taraxacum), elderberry (Sambucus), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), sage (Salvia officinalis), wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.), burdock (Arctium lappa), wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum), willow (Salix), ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), sweet flag (Acorus calamus), aloe (Asphodeloideae), blackberry (Morus), nettle (Urtica), cleavers (Galium aparine L.), yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea), yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.), basil (Ocimum basilicum), ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea), comfrey (Symphytum officinale), ivy (Hedera helix L.), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), and common walnut (Juglans regia); and a hydrophilic phase comprising yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea) brandy.

8. Preparation process for a composition according to claim 7, the method comprising: preparing the following plants or parts of plants (flowers, flowering tops, aerial parts, leaves, stems, buds, roots, bulbs, rhizomes, bark, seeds, fruits, stones, berries, sap, nothing, latex and/or thallus): marigold (Calendula), dandelion (Taraxacum), elderberry (Sambucus), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), sage (Salvia officinalis), wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.), burdock (Arctium lappa), wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum), willow (Salix), ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), sweet flag (Acorus calamus), aloe (Asphodeloideae), blackberry (Morus), nettle (Urtica), cleavers (Galium aparine L.), yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea), yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.), basil (Ocimum basilicum), ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea), comfrey (Symphytum officinale), ivy (Hedera helix L.), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), and common walnut (Juglans regia); heating and melting the lipophilic phase; incorporating the various plants or parts of plants into said liquid lipophilic phase; stirring and mixing the resulting mixture for a minimum of one hour; filtering the mixture to obtain a filtrate; heating the filtrate; and cooling and recovering the resulting composition.

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. The method of claim 8, wherein filtering comprises passing the mixture through a sieve with a mesh size of less than or equal to 0.2 mm, thereby removing solids from the mixture.

12. The method of claim 8, comprising adding yellow gentian brandy to the filtrate to form a mixture, and boiling the mixture.

13. The method of claim 12, comprising cooling the mixture and subsequently adding beeswax.

14. The composition according to claim 2, wherein the lipophilic phase comprises a vegetable oil, a vegetable fat, a vegetable wax, an animal fat, an animal, fat, an animal wax, a mineral oil, a mineral fat, a mineral wax, a synthetic oil, a synthetic fat, a synthetic wax, or combinations thereof.

15. The composition according to claim 4, wherein the animal fatty phase comprises lard.

16. The composition according to claim 6, wherein the composition is in the form of an ointment.

17. A treatment method for dermatological disorders, the method comprising: identifying a patient having a dermatological disorder and a site in need of treatment; applying a composition according to claim 1 to the site.

18. A treatment method for haemorrhoidal disease, the method comprising: identifying a patient having a haemorrhoidal disease in need of treatment; applying a composition according to claim 1 to a haemorrhoidal site of the patient.

Description

EXAMPLE 1: LIST OF THE DIFFERENT PLANTS OR PARTS OF PLANTS THAT CAN BE USED TO MANUFACTURE A COMPOSITION ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION

[0257] The various ingredients listed below are advantageously used in quantities to prepare approximately 5 kg of finished product:

[0258] 1. Marigold or Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

[0259] To prepare the composition according to the invention, which is advantageously an ointment, 200 g of fresh marigold leaves are advantageously used. Fresh marigold leaves can be replaced by dried marigold leaves. Marigold is particularly useful for the treatment of wounds and cuts.

[0260] 2. Dandelion (Taraxacum, Especially Taraxacum albidum)

[0261] To prepare the ointment according to the invention, 50 g to 100 g of finely chopped fresh dandelion roots are advantageously used.

[0262] Dandelion is particularly useful for treating wounds and cuts and promotes good breathing.

[0263] 3. Elderberry (Sambucus)

[0264] To prepare the ointment according to the invention, it is advantageous to use about 200 g of fresh, non-compacted elderflowers and about 50 g of fine (green and soft) elderberry.

[0265] Fresh elderberry flowers can be replaced by dried elderberry flowers. It is preferable to use three times as much.

[0266] Elderberry flowers are particularly useful for wound treatment and skin healing.

[0267] 4. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

[0268] To prepare the ointment according to the invention, about 200 g of fresh rosemary needles are advantageously used. Fresh rosemary needles can be replaced by dried rosemary needles. It is preferable to use twice as much.

[0269] 5. Sage or Common Sage (Salvia officinalis)

[0270] To prepare the ointment according to the invention, about 100 g to 150 g of fresh sage leaves are advantageously used. Fresh sage leaves can be replaced by dried sage leaves. It is preferable to use twice as much.

[0271] Sage is particularly useful for the lungs, breathing and the treatment of inflammation.

[0272] 6. Wormwood or Grand Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.)

[0273] To prepare the ointment according to the invention, fresh wormwood leaves from two branches of approximately 30 to 40 cm in length are advantageously used. It is possible to replace fresh wormwood leaves with dried ones. It is preferable to use the same amount (fresh or dry). Wormwood is particularly useful for its antiseptic properties.

[0274] 7. Burdock (Arctium lappa)

[0275] To prepare the ointment according to the invention, fresh medium-sized burdock leaves are advantageously used. Fresh burdock leaves can be replaced by dried burdock leaves. It is preferable to use three times as much. Burdock leaves are particularly useful for the treatment of wounds and for the joints. To prepare the ointment according to the invention, it is also recommended to integrate two fresh burdock roots of medium size, from young plants and finely chopped. Burdock roots are particularly useful for the rapid healing of wounds.

[0276] 8. Wild Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

[0277] To prepare the ointment according to the invention, about 40 g to 50 g of fresh wild thyme leaves are advantageously used. Fresh wild thyme leaves can be replaced by dried wild thyme leaves. It is preferable to use twice as much.

[0278] 9. Willow (Salix)

[0279] To prepare the ointment according to the invention, it is advantageous to use approximately 200 g of fresh, chopped curly willow leaves. The leaves are generally available all year round.

[0280] 10. Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)

[0281] To prepare the ointment according to the invention, about 50 g to 100 g of fresh juicy young leaves, i.e. about 40 ribwort plantain leaves, more preferably a mixture of male and female plants, are advantageously used. Fresh ribwort plantain leaves can be replaced by dried ribwort plantain leaves. It is preferable to use twice as much. Ribwort plantain leaves are useful in the treatment of many ailments, particularly ear infections and inflammation.

[0282] 11. Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus)

[0283] To prepare the ointment according to the invention, about 150 g to 200 g of fresh, finely chopped and well-cleaned roots (about two roots) of sweet flag are advantageously used. Sweet flag root is useful in the treatment of many ailments. The roots are generally available all year round.

[0284] 12. Aloe (Asphodeloideae)

[0285] To prepare the ointment according to the invention, about one medium-sized bunch of small fresh aloe leaves and/or flowers is advantageously used. The leaves are generally available all year round.

[0286] 13. Blackberry (Morus)

[0287] To prepare the ointment according to the invention, about 20 to 30 fresh blackberry leaves, i.e. about 30 to 40 g, are advantageously used. The fresh blackberry leaves can be replaced by dried blackberry/bramble leaves. It is preferable to use twice as much.

[0288] 14. Nettle (Urtica)

[0289] To prepare the ointment according to the invention, it is advantageous to use approximately 1 kg of fresh nettle aerial parts. Fresh nettles can be replaced by dried ones. It is preferable to use twice as much. The aerial parts of the nettle are the basis of the preparation.

[0290] 15. Cleavers (Galium aparine L.)

[0291] To prepare the ointment according to the invention, it is advantageous to use about two long branches of cleavers, i.e. about 60 g, coarsely chopped. It is best not to use wood but soft branches. The branches of cleavers are particularly useful for the treatment of many dermatological conditions. It is possible but difficult to use dried branches. If necessary, fresh branches should be replaced by dried ones. It is preferable to use twice as much.

[0292] 16. Yellow Gentian (Gentiana lutea)

[0293] To prepare the ointment according to the invention, about 200 g of clean, fresh yellow gentian roots, about 1 year old, are advantageously used. The roots are preferably finely chopped and fresh. Yellow gentian root is useful in the treatment of many ailments. In particular, they have a protective effect on the blood vessels and the liver and help to clean the body. They also have an antiseptic effect.

[0294] 17. True Angelica, Archangelica or Garden Angelica (Angelica archangelica)

[0295] To prepare the ointment according to the invention, about 20 g of angelica flowers and/or roots are advantageously used. The addition of angelica to the preparation is optional.

[0296] 18. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.)

[0297] To prepare the ointment according to the invention, about 300 g of fresh yarrow flowers are advantageously used. Fresh yarrow flowers can be replaced by dried yarrow flowers. It is preferable to use twice as much. Yarrow leaves are particularly useful for treating wounds and lung diseases.

[0298] 19. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

[0299] To prepare the ointment according to the invention, it is advantageous to use about 10 g of fresh basil leaves, i.e. about 15 leaves.

[0300] The leaves are generally available all year round.

[0301] 20. Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)

[0302] To prepare the ointment according to the invention, it is advantageous to use about 20 g to 30 g of fresh ground ivy, in pieces of about 15 cm from the top, with a flower, chopped into pieces. Fresh ground ivy can be replaced by dried ground ivy. It is preferable to use twice as much.

[0303] 21. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

[0304] To prepare the ointment according to the invention, it is advantageous to use approximately 150 g of fresh comfrey roots, unpeeled, well washed, cut into small pieces. Fresh comfrey root is particularly useful for strengthening bones.

[0305] 22. Ivy or Climbing Ivy (Hedera helix L.)

[0306] To prepare the ointment according to the invention, it is advantageous to use about 30 g of fresh ivy leaves, i.e. about 20 small young leaves.

[0307] 23. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

[0308] To prepare the ointment according to the invention, about 200 g of fresh lemon balm leaves (tips) are advantageously used. Fresh lemon balm leaves can be replaced by dried lemon balm leaves. It is preferable to use twice as much.

[0309] 24. Common Walnut Leaf

[0310] To prepare the ointment according to the invention, it is advantageous to use about 50 g of young common walnut leaves (tips). Fresh leaves from the common walnut tree (Juglans regia), about 10 to 12 leaves, cut into small pieces, can be substituted.

[0311] In general, if using ingredients in dried form, double the quantities used and do not use ingredients that have been dried for more than two years.

EXAMPLE 2: PRODUCTION PROCESS FOR A COMPOSITION ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION IN A LARD BASE

[0312] The base of the composition is pork fat (lard) and nettles. The different stages of preparation are detailed below: [0313] Preparing all or some of the ingredients described in example 1 above; [0314] heating and melting about 5 kg of lipophilic phase which is the lard; [0315] incorporating the various plants or parts of plants into said liquid lipophilic phase; [0316] stirring and mixing the resulting mixture for two to three hours over low heat; [0317] filtering the mixture, for example through a sieve with a mesh size of 0.2 mm or less, or through gauze placed on a sieve; [0318] removing the solid part of the mixture; [0319] heating the filtrate thus obtained; [0320] adding about 50 ml of yellow gentian brandy; [0321] boiling the mixture; [0322] removing from the heat and adding about 1 kg of beeswax; [0323] cooling and recovering the resulting composition; and [0324] distributing the composition in suitable containers.

EXAMPLE 3: EFFICACY TEST OF THE COMPOSITION ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION

[0325] The herbal extract composition according to the invention was tested on a panel of three people with symptoms of haemorrhoidal disease. These symptoms include itching, burning and irritation, and haemorrhoidal episodes

[0326] After using the composition based on plant extracts, these people noticed a clear reduction in the symptoms associated with haemorrhoidal disease and an improvement in their comfort.

[0327] The main effects were soothing of itching, soothing of burns, healing and soothing of haemorrhoidal episodes.

[0328] These effects were observed by all the people tested, regardless of the first day of application of the plant extract-based composition.

[0329] However, the effects are most effective and quickest if the first day of application occurs as soon as the first symptoms of haemorrhoidal disease appear.