Use of substances to protect FGF-2 or FGF-beta growth factor

Abstract

The invention relates to substances which are capable of protecting FGF-2, to a composition for preventing or controlling degradation of FGF-2, and a method of protecting FGF-2 in the skin from degradation. In particular, the invention relates to an extract of Hibiscus Abelmoschus or ambrette, a rebokza extract, a gougizi berry extract, a banha extract, a lessonia extract, a mustard flour extract, a wooyin extract, a barley extract, and/or a sesame extract, in amounts effective to protect FGF-2 from its degradation. Further, the present invention allows the extracellular matrix to be restructured, particularly at the dermis, which is useful, for example, for controlling aging.

Claims

1. A method for protecting FGF-2 in aging human skin, the method comprising applying to the skin a cosmetic composition comprising an effective amount of an extract of seeds of Hibiscus abelmoschus obtained by using a solvent consisting essentially of water or a water/alcohol mixture, wherein said solvent has a ratio of water to alcohol from 85/15 to 100/0, and a cosmetically acceptable excipient.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the effective amount is between 0.001% and 20% by weight based on the total weight of the cosmetic composition.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the effective amount is between 0.01% and 10% by weight of the total cosmetic composition.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the alcohol is ethanol.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the solvent has a ratio of water to alcohol from 85/15 to 90/10.

6. A method for protecting FGF-2 in aging human skin, the method comprising applying to the skin a cosmetic composition comprising an effective amount of an extract of seeds of Hibiscus abelmoschus obtained by using a solvent consisting essentially of water or a water/alcohol mixture, wherein said solvent has a ratio of water to alcohol from 85/15 to 100/0, and a cosmetically acceptable excipient, wherein said effective amount is an amount sufficient to protect FGF-2 against thermal degradation.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein said extract is an aqueous extract of Hibiscus abelmoschus obtained by macerating the seeds of Hibiscus abelmoschus in water.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the water used for macerating the seeds of Hibiscus abelmoschus is at a low temperature.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the low temperature is 4 C.

10. The method of claim 6, wherein the solvent has a ratio of water to alcohol from 85/15 to 90/10.

11. The method of claim 6, wherein the effective amount is between 0.001% and 20% by weight based on the total weight of the cosmetic composition.

12. The method of claim 6, wherein the effective amount is between 0.01% and 10% by weight of the total cosmetic composition.

13. The method of claim 6, wherein the alcohol is ethanol.

14. A method for protecting FGF-2 in aging human skin, the method comprising applying to the skin a cosmetic composition comprising an effective amount of an extract of the seeds of Hibiscus abelmoschus obtained by using water as solvent and a cosmetically acceptable excipient.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the extract of the seeds of Hibiscus abelmoschus is obtained by using water at a low temperature as solvent.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the low temperature is 4 C.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a graph of the time course of the stability of FGF-2 as a function of time at different temperatures.

(2) FIG. 2 is a graph of the stability of FGF-2 at various temperatures in the presence of heparin.

(3) FIG. 3 is a graph showing FGF-2 protection by GAGs of the skin.

(4) FIG. 4 is a graph showing the protection of FGF-2 by proteoglycans.

(5) FIG. 5 illustrates a study of the proliferation of fibroblasts in the presence of non-degraded FGF-2, degraded FGF-2 and FGF-2 + heparin at 37 C.

(6) FIG. 6 illustrates the study of proliferation of fibroblasts in the presence of non-degraded FGF-2 at 0.5 ng/ml, degraded FGF-2 at 0.5 ng/ml and FGF-2 in the presence of the 5c extract at 0.5% at 37 C.

(7) FIG. 7 illustrates the study of the FGF-2 protection by the 5c extract after passing through the skin.

(8) FIG. 8 illustrates a study of the FGF-2 concentration in so-called young and old skin hydrolysates.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

(9) With the present invention, protection of FGF-2 by the proteoglycans of this same matrix may be obtained.

(10) By protection of FGF-2 is meant protection of FGF-2 against its degradation or denaturation. This degradation or denaturation generally occurs as a lysis due to environmental conditions, such as enzymatic or thermal lysis. This degradation or denaturation may occur because of the reduction of the protection provided by the proteoglycans.

(11) The screening method according to the present invention allowed various active ingredients extracted from plants to be screened. No plant extract was described as protecting FGF-2 from its degradation at the skin, notably in humans, only substances with a structure close to heparan sulfate were used.

(12) A particularly effective and unexpected active ingredient for protecting FGF-2 from thermal degradation was identified; this is an aqueous extract obtained from the seed of a plant belonging to the Malvaceae family, more particularly to the Hibiscus genus and even more particularly Hibiscus Abelmoschus or ambrette.

(13) Hibiscus abelmoschus was notably known as an aqueous extract obtained from the whole plant, exclusively for its slimming properties in cosmetics, and more particularly for controlling cellulitis (see for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,705,170).

(14) Other extracts with the desired activity for the present invention were able to be selected. Their activity is particularly unexpected, notably as to the protection of FGF-2. The extracts are notably an aqueous extract of Lycium chinense or gougizi berries obtained from dehydrated entire berries, an aqueous extract of Pinelliae ternata or banha obtained from a tuber, an aqueous extract of Raphanus sativus or rebokza obtained from the seed, an extract of Brassica juncea or mustard obtained from the seed, an aqueous extract of Coicis semen or wooyin obtained from the seed, an extract of Hordeum vulgare or barley obtained from the seed, an extract of Sesamum indicum or golden sesame obtained from the seed, and an extract of an entire alga of lessonia sp. or lessonia.

(15) These extracts are however not limited to the sole aqueous extracts. Thus, the present invention also covers any polar solvent with which the whole of the active compounds may be essentially obtained in an aqueous extract in order to provide the properties desired within the scope of the present invention. From tests made by the present inventors, the desired properties may be obtained with hydroglycolic extracts. An extraction solvent of the type water/glycol is preferred among the hydroglycolic extracts. A mixture water/butyleneglycol is particularly preferred.

(16) The proportions of the water/alcohol mixture may vary as known to one skilled in the art. The water/alcohol proportions generally vary from 10/90 to 90/10, and for example from 50/50 to 85/15.

(17) It is preferable to use in the present invention as an active ingredient, an extract in solution obtained from 1 to 10% of a plant or plant portion in the dry condition, based on the weight of the total solution.

(18) The composition according to the present invention advantageously comprises from 0.001 to 20%, preferably from 0.01 to 10%, of active ingredient according to the present invention by weight of the total composition. The composition may be applied topically or administered orally.

(19) The screening method of a potentially active substance for protecting FGF-2 as to its degradation in humans notably comprises: a) placing a potentially active substance in contact with FGF-2 at a temperature of about 45 C. for a period of about 2 h, b) selecting substances protecting FGF-2 from at least 50%, and preferably 65% of its degradation.

(20) Advantageously, the screening method comprises an additional step for testing transcutaneous penetration in order to select an active substance crossing through the skin barrier.

(21) Advantageously, the present invention relates to the method for preparing a composition, comprising the application of said screening method followed by a step for mixing the selected active substance with an excipient for preparing the composition.

(22) Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become clearly apparent to one skilled in the art upon reading the explanatory description which refers to examples which are only provided as an illustration and which may by no means limit the scope of the invention.

(23) The examples are an integral part of the present invention and any feature appearing as novel relative to any prior state of the art, from the description taken as a whole, including the examples, is an integral part of the invention in its function and in its generality.

(24) Thus, each example has a general scope.

(25) In the examples, all the percentages are given by weight, unless stated otherwise, and temperature is expressed in degrees Celsius unless stated otherwise, and pressure is atmospheric pressure unless stated otherwise.

EXAMPLES

Example 1: Study of Thermal Degradation of FGF-2

(26) Tardieu et al, in 1992 studied thermal degradation of FGF-2 in a fibroblast proliferation model by radioactive element incorporation. The present inventors have developed a method with which the stability of FGF-2 may be investigated: this quantification method which may be used on a large scale, allows achievement of screening of active ingredients, which would not have been possible with the method described by Tardieu.

(27) A 5 ng/ml solution of FGF-2 in a 10 mM PBS buffer with 0.1% BSA and 0.1% of methylparaben is prepared.

(28) This solution is placed at various temperatures: 4 C., 20 C., 37 C., 50 C., and 80 C. either in the presence of heparin or not at 500 g/ml.

(29) Dosages of FGF-2 with a commercial ELISA kit (R&D system, France) are performed at different times (T=0, 3 hrs, 24 hrs and 48 hrs) so as to establish degradation kinetics for each temperature of investigation.

(30) The results are expressed as a percentage of FGF-2 relative to time T=0. The experiments are conducted in triplicates (n=3). The obtained results are illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

(31) FGF-2 is sensitive to the temperature conditions to which it is submitted.

(32) FIG. 1 shows the time course of the stability of FGF-2 as a function of time at different temperatures. FGF-2 stored at 4 C. is relatively stable over a period of 48 hrs since 20% of FGF-2 is degraded at that temperature. With increase in the temperature, the degradation percentages increase: after 3 hrs at 37 C., FGF-2 undergoes 65% degradation and 80% degradation at 50 C. Finally, after 3 hrs at 80 C., total degradation of FGF-2 is observed which is due to denaturation of the proteins at that temperature.

(33) Finally, the longer the time and more the observed degradation is significant, after 24 hrs at 37 C., 80% of FGF-2 is degraded.

(34) FIG. 2 illustrates the stability of FGF-2 at various temperatures in the presence of heparin. FIG. 2 shows that this degradation is stopped by the presence of 0.05% heparin which is the experimental positive control and which, by its strong affinity with FGF-2, stabilizes it. Heparin is a highly sulfated polysaccharide known for its very strong affinity with FGF-2.

(35) This protection is not effective at 80 C. because heparin is also denaturated at that temperature.

(36) Surprisingly, degradation of FGF-2 at about 50 C. occurs over a short time period. A temperature close to 45 C. is selected for practical purposes and is a selection parameter for achieving a stress model for screening active ingredients, the experimental positive control preferably consisting of heparin.

Example 2: In Vitro Model for Selecting an Active Protecting FGF-2 Against Thermal Degradation

(37) Degradation of FGF-2 observed at about 50 C. is particularly interesting, because a short period of time allows degradation of FGF-2 of about 80%, thereby allowing a large number of tests to be conducted. For this reason, it was decided to achieve screening with a stress of 2.15 hrs at 45 C. and to study the capacity of a large number of actives for protecting FGF-2 against this thermal degradation.

(38) The applied screening model is the following: 180 l of a 4.5 ng/ml FGF-2 solution prepared in 0.1% BSA/PBS buffer are distributed in a 96-well microplate. 20 l of distilled water or 0.05% heparin or a solution containing various active ingredients extracted from different plants to be tested are added. The plate is stirred by means of a plate stirrer and then covered with adhesive tape and placed in an oven at 45 C. for 2.15 hrs. At the end of the incubation period, the plate is taken out and dosage of FGF-2 is then carried out by means of the ELISA kit.

(39) A control plate only containing FGF-2 and distilled water, treated under the same conditions, is left at room temperature.

(40) The results are expressed as a FGF-2 protection percentage relatively to the non-stressed or non-degraded FGF-2 control.

Example 3: Validation of the Model by GAGs and Proteoglycans of the Skin

(41) Tests were carried out with commercially available GAGs and PGs in order to validate the model.

(42) GAG solutions at different concentrations are made: heparan sulfate, dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid are solubilized and tested at 0.1%, 0.01%, and 0.001%.

(43) The heparin used as positive control is tested at 0.1%, 0.01%, 0.001%, 0.0001% and 0.00001%.

(44) The tested proteoglycans are glypican-3 and decorin tested at 0.1%, 0.01%, and 0.001%.

(45) The stress protocol described in Example 2 was applied, 20 l of water being substituted with 20 l of corresponding GAG or PG solution. The tested GAGs and PGs thereby undergo additional dilution to 1/10.

(46) FIG. 3 illustrates the study of the FGF-2 protection by GAGs of the skin.

(47) The results obtained in FIG. 3, confirm the data from the literature, i.e.:

(48) Heparin sulfate protects FGF-2 as well as dermatan sulfate and this at each tested concentration. Indeed, it is dermatan sulfate which is the main promoter of FGF-2's activity during the healing process. Hyaluronan, regardless of its molecular weight, by no means allows FGF-2 to be protected. As for chondroitin sulfate, the protection which it provides depends on its dose but does not however reach 100%.

(49) The test of 2 proteoglycans, in FIG. 4 (Study of the protection of FGF-2 by PGs), glypican-3 and decorin, confirmed the data from the literature. i.e. that glypican-3 which has heparan sulfate chains protects FGF-2 in a dose-dependent way, whereas decorin (consisting of chondroitin sulfate and dermatan sulfate chains) proves to be inefficient.

(50) This study shows that protection of FGF-2 depends on the structure of the GAGs. Interaction of heparan sulfate to FGF-2 is validated properly. This interaction is confirmed when the PG bearing heparan sulfate chains is tested in the model.

(51) This study enables our screening model to be validated by the confirmation of results from the literature.

Example 4: Screening of Active Ingredients

(52) Screening was performed according to Example 2, from a library consisting of 2,000 plant extracts and featured molecules. These solubilized compounds, plant extracts, marine algae, or featured molecules, are tested pure, or at 10% or 1% in the reaction medium described in Example 2.

(53) The results of the most efficient active ingredients are described in Table 1, below.

(54) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Results obtained during screening Protection (%) Protection (%) Tested active ingredient Obtained for 10% Obtained for 1% Common name active ingredient active ingredient Shallot extract 95.07 1.2 Soya flour extract 86.85 67.66 Urucum extract 103.5 29.8 White mustard extract 110.5 17.39 Plant lycopod extract 71 11.27 Lupin flour extract 116.39 65.77 Potato extract 73 16.5 Jioh extract 70.9 23.18 Garlic extract 95.99 13.92 Angelica extract, radicant variety 72.5 7.31 Mungo bean extract 76.78 2.42 Ligusticum chuanxiong extract 70.53 38.15 Carrot extract 83.93 1.65 Hibiscus Abelmoschus or ambrette 135.1 87.53 extract Parsnip extract 92.89 23.15 Pea extract 74.33 0 Potato extract 88.96 3.61 Orange extract 70 2.83 Sweet pepper extract 87.35 28.44 rebozka extract 142.5 77.34 Sea cucumber extract 69.2 Gougizi beery extract 154.4 68.59 banha extract 129.5 65.64 lessonia extract 53.3 61.79 Mustard flour extract 110.1 56.85 wooyin extract 106.1 56.18 Barley extract 79.7 53.81 Sesame extract 124.4 52.73 Odorous Acore extract 55.6 49.34 Hongsan extract 102.3 44.58 Odorous Acore extract 77.7 43.24 Luteolin extract 67.7 43.17 Bryone extract 81 40.4 Mounwhaja extract 102 39.56 Almond extract 99.5 38.53 Ligusticum chuanxiong extract 70.5 38.15 Chunnansung extract 108.4 37.7 Squash extract 85.7 37.5 Goborn extract 71.1 37.8 Bangpung extract 117.9 36 Ammonium acrylate extract 54.9 Hesongja extract 81.9 33.3 Flax extract 93.3 32.6 Parsley extract 97.4 30 Poppy seed extract 70.33 8.8 Boksin extract 75.69 27.56 Sanyak extract 63.05 16.78 Yellow flax seed extract 88.56 28.4 Porphyra Tenera extract 38.35 29.77 Lithotheminium extract 53.78 26.6

(55) The above extracts are preferably obtained by maceration of a portion of the plant in a water/alcohol mixture, preferably water/glycol form 100/0 to 0/100 (v/v). Dilution is then carried out in this solvent or mixture of solvents.

(56) Certain tested actives have a strong protective activity which further is dose-dependent.

Example 5: Hibiscus Abelmoschus (Ambrette) Extract

(57) 5aa hydroalcoolic ambrette extract is made from 5% (w/w) milled seeds in refluxing ethanol. The extraction is carried out for 1 hr and then the solution is filtered, the ethanol is removed and the result is solubilized at 5% (w/w) in a water/glycol (75/25) mixture and then ultrafiltered on ceramic filters with different cut-off thresholds, and finally filtered at 0.45 m.

(58) 5ba hydroglycolic ambrette extract is made in a water (75%)/GG (25%) mixture, preferentially from 5% (w/w) milled seeds. Maceration is carried out for 1 night at 4 C. and then the solution is ultrafiltered on ceramic filters with different cut-off thresholds, and finally filtered at 0.45 m. BG means butyleneglycol.

(59) 5can aqueous ambrette extract is made in water, preferably from 5% (w/w) milled seeds. Maceration is carried out for 1 night at 4 C. and then the solution is ultrafiltered on ceramic filters with different cut-off thresholds, and finally filtered at 0.45 m

Example 6: Gougizi Berry Extract

(60) A gougizi berry extract is preferably made in a water (75%)/BG (25%) mixture from 5% (w/w) dehydrated whole berries. Maceration is carried out for 1 night at 4 C. and then the solution is ultrafiltered on ceramic filters with different cut-off thresholds, and finally filtered at 0.45 m.

Example 7: Banha Extract

(61) A banha extract is preferably made in a water (75%)/BG (25%) mixture from 5% (w/w) tubers. Maceration is carried out for 1 night at 4 C. and then the solution is ultrafiltered on ceramic filters with different cut-off thresholds, and finally filtered at 0.45 m.

Example 8: Rebokza Extract

(62) A rebokza extract is preferably made in a water (75%)/BG (25%) mixture from 5% (w/w) seeds. Maceration is carried out for 1 night at 4 C. and then the solution is ultrafiltered on ceramic filters with different cut-off thresholds, and finally filtered at 0.45 m.

Example 9: Lessonia Extract

(63) A lessonia extract is preferably made in a water (75%)/BG (25%) mixture from 5% (w/w) whole algae. Maceration is carried out for 1 night at 4 C. and then the solution is ultrafiltered on ceramic filters with different cut-off thresholds, and finally filtered at 0.45 m.

Example 10: Mustard Extract

(64) A mustard extract is preferably made in a water (75%)/BG (25%) mixture from 5% (w/w) seed. Maceration is carried out for 1 night at 4 C. and then the solution is ultrafiltered on ceramic filters with different cut-off thresholds, and finally filtered at 0.45 m.

Example 11: Woovin Extract

(65) A wooyin extract is preferably made in a water (75%)/BG (25%) mixture from 5% (w/w) seed. Maceration is carried out for 1 night at 4 C. and then the solution is ultrafiltered on ceramic filters with different cut-off thresholds, and finally filtered at 0.45 m.

Example 12: Barley Extract

(66) A barley extract is preferably made in a water (75%)/BG (25%) mixture from 5% (w/w) seed. Maceration is carried out for 1 night at 4 C. and then the solution is ultrafiltered on ceramic filters with different cut-off thresholds, and finally filtered at 0.45 m.

Example 13: Sesame Extract

(67) A sesame extract is preferentially made in a water (75%)/BG (25%) mixture from 5% (w/w) seed. Maceration is carried out for 1 night at 4 C. and then the solution is ultrafiltered on ceramic filters with different cut-off thresholds, and finally filtered at 0.45 m. Each extract (examples 5-13) was partly kept. The optional preservative, preferably consisting of a mixture of caprylyl glycol, phenoxyethanol, 1% hexylene glycol was finally added in either the presence of xanthan or not.

Example 14: Selection of the Active Ingredients or Plant Extracts

(68) The most efficient extracts are selected and tested at different concentrations according to the screening of Example 2. The active ingredients used are the extracts from Examples 5-13, and are diluted by using a solvent (or a mixture of solvents) which have been used for extraction. A concentration range between 0.1% and 10% was tested in this solvent for studying the specificity of these active ingredients towards thermal degradation of FGF-2. The dosages are carried out in triplicates. The obtained results are listed in Table 2, below:

(69) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Effect vs. Doses obtained on ingredients or actives selected during screening Protection of FGF-2 (in %) as a function of active ingredient concentration Active ingredient 0.1% 1% 2% 3% 5% 10% Hibiscus Abelmoschus 84.7 6.03 87.5 4.16 99.6 3.17 110.9 4.9 123.6 1.48 130.8 2.49 (ambrette) extract Rebokza extract 8.5 1.6 72.3 5.64 99.9 5.47 106.6 3.21 123.8 1.43 129.4 0.89 Gougizi berry extract 7.7 0.5 29.5 3.47 38 4.14 52 2.17 75 3.05 109.4 6.34 Banha extract 8 1.46 52.5 4.1 76.6 2.57 85.5 2.45 91 2.82 98.9 0.75 Lessonia sp. extract 13.2 1.63 36 5.49 50.8 3.16 53.27 3.04 53.67 4.49 52.15 0.84 Codex flour mustard 14.7 2.86 88.7 8.06 104.9 5.01 111.3 2.93 119 1.2 118 2.8 extract Wooyin extract 9.4 0.95 56.4 2.97 69.2 0.88 80.6 2.43 92.9 4.39 102.4 1.85 Barley extract 10.7 0.95 47.4 1.86 60.8 2.31 70.2 0.59 82.5 0.4 97.8 1.09 Sesame extract 2.3 1.06 21.5 0.43 48.4 1.71 55.7 19.44 74.8 0.54 94.8 1.7

(70) The extracts are very effective and all have a dose-dependent activity therefore expressing an activity specificity of each active on the given target.

(71) The Hibiscus Abelmoschus (ambrette) extract has the strongest activity and is therefore a select active ingredient in the protection of the growth factor FGF-2.

In Examples 15-21, the Active Ingredient Concentration (Extract 5c) is in Volume (v/v) Percent in Water

Example 15: Study of the Protection of FGF-2 by the Aqueous Extract of Hibiscus Abelmoschus (Ambrette) Prepared According to Example 5c (Extract 5c)

(72) An investigation on the protection of FGF-2 by the extract 5c was conducted on 2 industrial batches. The protection was investigated, confronted with a stress according to the conditions of Example 2.

(73) The positive control consisting of tested 0.01% heparin in the final reaction medium after prior dilution in water protects by 105.52%3.04.

(74) The obtained results are listed in the Table 3, below:

(75) TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Protection of FGF-2 at 45 C. by 2 industrial batches of extract 5c Protection of FGF-2 (in %) as a function of active ingredient concentration Extract 5c 0.1% 0.5% 1% 2% 3% Batch 1 4.78 3.89 46.47 1.85 81.01 4.53 107.83 2.53 120.76 2.61 Batch 2 4.38 2.3 42.04 2.76 69.6 3.56 101.81 4.02 118.67 4.12

(76) Extract 5c protects FGF-2 in a dose-dependent way with strong activity for 1% active ingredient concentration in water. The results obtained on 2 industrial batches are substantially identical.

(77) It was absolutely necessary to check whether the extract 5c was able to protect FGF-2 at a physiological temperature, i.e., 37 C. This is why an investigation consisted of dosing FGF-2 after 24 hrs at 37 C. in the absence or in the presence of increasing concentrations of extract 5c.

(78) A positive control formed by 0.01% heparin protects by 110.53%3.20.

(79) The obtained results are listed in Table 4, below:

(80) TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Protection of FGF-2 at 37 C. by 2 industrial batches of extract 5c Protection of FGF-2 (in %) as a function of active ingredient concentration Extract 5c 0.01% 0.1% 0.25% 0.5% 0.75% 1% Batch 1 8.37 4.2 17.81 3.04 51.02 4.75 82.62 1.98 108.39 4.18 110.69 13.28 Batch 2 2.12 1.17 20.56 2.29 55.49 2.61 91.06 0.87 110.64 2.45 122.87 5.75

(81) The obtained results show that the extract 5c protects FGF-2 at a physiological temperature and in a dose-dependent way. The extract 5c at this temperature further protects FGF-2 which is less degraded than at 45 C.

Example 16: Relates to the Study of Cytotoxicity of Extract 5c on Monolayer Fibroblasts Via a PNPP Dosage

(82) The object was to investigate cytotoxicity of extract 5c on normal human fibroblasts.

(83) This dosage is based on the transformation of p-nitrophenyl phosphate (PNPP) into p-nitrophenol by intracellular acid phosphatases of viable cells. Absorbance of p-nitrophenol at 405 nm is directly proportional to the number of viable cells contained in the culture wells.

(84) Once the confluence of the normal human fibroblasts is reached, the culture media were replaced with 200 l/well of supplemented medium or not (control) of the extract 5c with increasing concentrations: 0.1; 0.5; 1; 2; 3 and 5%.

(85) The cells were incubated for 48 hrs in an oven at 37 C.

(86) After incubation and removal of the culture media, the cells were rinsed twice with PBS (phosphate buffered solution) and then put into the presence of 200 l of a buffer containing 0.1 M sodium acetate (pH 8), 0.1% Triton X-100 and 5 mM p-nitrophenyl phosphate (Sigma, France). After two hours of incubation at 37 C. in an atmosphere containing 5% CO.sub.2, the reaction was stopped by adding 20 l of 1N NaOH. The absorbance of the reaction media at 405 nm was then determined by means of a plate-reader (Victor.sup.2 V, Perkin Elmer, Finland).

(87) Non-enzymatic hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl phosphate was determined during each experiment on wells which did not contain any cells (blank). All the measurements were made in sextuplicates (n=6).

(88) The obtained results are listed in Table 5, below:

(89) TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Study of cytotoxicity of normal human fibroblasts Percentage of viable cells Extract 5c as compared with concentration (%) the negative control 0.1 85.9 0.5 88.7 1 88.8 2 87.5 3 89.8 5 85.5

(90) Extract 5c is not cytotoxic in all the tested range of concentrations.

Example 17: Study of Fibroblast Proliferation by FGF-2 Protected by the Extract 5c

(91) The purpose of this study was to check that FGF-2 protected by the extract 5c stimulates proliferation of normal human fibroblasts.

(92) A solution of FGF-2 is prepared extemporaneously (=non-degraded FGF-2); a solution of FGF-2 is placed for 24 hrse at 37 C. in the absence (=degraded FGF-2) and in the presence of heparin (=FGF-2+heparin at 37 C.) at 0.01%.

(93) Each FGF-2 solution is diluted so as to be applied on the cells, the final FGF-2 concentrations being the following: 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 ng/ml.

(94) Normal human dermal fibroblasts were sown at low density in 6-well plates. They were then grown in a medium in the absence (control) or in the presence of FGF-2 at various concentrations.

(95) After 48 hrs, the activity of intracellular acid phosphatases (PNPP) is dosed, so as to be able to evaluate the effect of FGF-2 solutions, either treated or not, on cell proliferation.

(96) The results are expressed as a proliferation percentage relative to the control well i.e. to the non-treated well.

(97) The obtained results are illustrated in Table 6 below and in FIG. 5:

(98) TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Study of proliferation (expressed as percent relative to the non-treated well) obtained after treatment with various non-degraded FGF-2 concentrations, different degraded FGF-2 concentrations and different FGF-2 concentrations + heparin at 37 C. FGF-2 Non- FGF-2 + concentration degraded heparin at (ng/ml) FGF-2 Degraded FGF-2 37 C. 0.1 116.7 0.012 96.2 0.014 129.3 0.009 P = 0.006** 0.25 138.7 0.005 111 0.006 154.8 0.01 P < 0.001*** 0.5 148.5 0.007 123.7 0.005 146.8 0.007 P < 0.001*** 0.75 163.2 0.005 132.5 0.004 149.8 0.016 P < 0.001*** 1 160 0.003 146.4 0.01 148.1 0.006 P = 0.003**

(99) FIG. 5 illustrates a study of the proliferation of fibroblasts in the presence of of non-degraded FGF-2, degraded FGF-2 and FGF-2+heparin at 37 C.

(100) The results obtained show that FGF-2 (non-degraded) stimulate proliferation of normal human fibroblasts in a culture and this in a dose-dependent way.

(101) FGF-2 degraded at 37 C. stimulates proliferation but in a much weaker way than FGF-2 non-degraded at 37 C. Indeed, for each tested concentration, proliferation and presence of degraded FGF-2 is statistically lower than that obtained with non-degraded FGF-2.

(102) This example shows the relevance of developing an active capable of protecting the FGF-2 of the matrix which is degraded at a physiological temperature which may no longer assume its role of renewing dermal cells.

(103) By protecting FGF-2 from thermal degradation, heparin used at 0.01% allows the FGF-2 to retain its biological properties since proliferation is maintained, or is even larger than that obtained with the FGF-2 solution prepared extemporaneously; up to the concentration of 0.5 ng/ml.

(104) The very significant stimulation and the presence of heparin observed with small amounts of FGF-2 are not observed with more significant amounts of FGF-2.

(105) The same experiment was conducted by replacing heparin with extract 5c. The FGF-2 solution put into the presence of 0.5% of extract 5c is placed for 24 hrs at 37 C. The solution is then diluted so as to apply 0.5 ng/ml of FGF-2 in the wells containing the fibroblasts.

(106) The 5c extract concentration finally applied on the cells is 0.0025%. It was checked beforehand that this 5c extract concentration was not capable of inducing stimulation of the proliferation of fibroblasts. This means that the observed stimulation of proliferation is actually due to the protection of FGF-2 by extract 5c (see Table 8).

(107) The obtained results expressed as a percentage of proliferation relative to the non-treated control, are shown in Table 7, below:

(108) TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Study of the proliferation (as a percentage) of fibroblasts obtained in the presence of non-degraded FGF-2 at 0.5 ng/ml, degraded FGF-2 at 0.5 ng/ml and FGF-2 + 0.5% 5c extract at 37 C. Non- FGF-2 + FGF-2 degraded 5c extract at concentration FGF-2 Degraded FGF-2 37 C. 0.5 ng/ml 148.5% 0.007 123.7% 0.005 143.8% 0.007 P < 0.001*** ns relative to non-stressed FGF-2
FIG. 6 illustrates the study of proliferation of fibroblasts in the presence of non-degraded FGF-2 at 0.5 ng/ml, degraded FGF-2 at 0.5 ng/ml and FGF-2 in the presence of the 5c extract at 0.5% at 37 C.

(109) Co-incubation of FGF-2 and of the extract 5c at 37 C. provides protection of FGF-2 which retains its capabilities of stimulating proliferation of cultivated normal human fibroblasts. With the obtained results, it is possible to obtain fibroblast proliferation which is not statistically different from that obtained in the presence of FGF-2 prepared extemporaneously.

(110) The benefit of an active with which FGF-2 may be protected, seems to be of major interest for cell renewal of fibroblasts.

(111) A study of the proliferation of normal human fibroblasts in the presence of increasing concentrations of extract 5c was conducted for 48 hrs at 37 C.

(112) The fibroblasts are sown in the presence of the 5c extract at various concentrations 0.0025%, 0.01%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1% and 2%. After 48 hrs, dosage of acid phosphatases is carried out (PNPP dosage) at 405 nm and then proliferation is calculated (as a %) relative to the negative control (=non-treated cells). Each condition is tested in sextuplicates (n=6).

(113) The obtained results are listed in Table 8, below:

(114) TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Study of fibroblast proliferation in the presence of the 5c extract 5c extract concentration (%) Proliferation (in %) vs. negative control 0.0025 100 0.01 99 0.25 107 0.5 114 1 111 2 122* *Significative One Way Analysis of Variance/Dunnett

(115) The positive control consisting of 10% serum provides stimulation of proliferation significatively which validates the experiment (T+=+126%* of proliferation).

(116) The obtained results show that the 5c extract does not stimulate proliferation of normal human fibroblasts in a culture.

Example 18: Impact of the Protection of Growth Factors on the Synthesis of Collagen

(117) Normal human fibroblasts stemming from a 52 year old donor, were cultivated in 96-well plates with a medium (consisting of DMEM, glutamine 2 mM, penicillin 50 IU/ml-streptomycin 50 g/ml, 10% of fetal calf serum) for 24 hrs. After incubation, the cells were treated with the products consisting of vitamin C at 20 g/ml (positive control) and the 5c extract at 2% and 1%, for 48 hrs. A control was made in parallel with medium only.

(118) After 24 hrs of contact, radioactive proline (3H-proline) is added to the medium.

(119) At the end of the experiment, the supernatants are collected for dosing the incorporation of radioactive praline into the intracellular proteins.

(120) The obtained results are shown in Table 9, below:

(121) TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Study of the stimulation of collagen synthesis by the 5c extract Products cpm sd n % control p Control 5981 829 6 100 Vitamin C-20 g/ml 10185 287 3 170 p < 0.01 5c extract 2% 7342 273 3 123 p < 0.01 5c extract 1% 7056 783 3 118 p < 0.01 Cpm: counts per minutes Sd: standard deviation n: test number p: significance threshold

(122) The 5c extract tested at 2% and 1% was capable of stimulating synthesis of collagen in normal human fibroblasts and this significantly.

(123) The obtained results show that the protection of the growth factors of the medium and of those synthesized by the fibroblasts, enables the synthesis of collagen to be stimulated in vitro.

Example 19: Impact of the Protection of Growth Factors on the Synthesis of Total GAGs and Sulfated GAGs

(124) The purpose of this study was to determine whether by protecting the growth factors with the 5c extract on monolayer fibroblast cultures, it was possible to stimulate synthesis of total GAGs by a radioactive method.

(125) Normal human fibroblasts stemming from a 52 year old donor, were grown in 96-well plates with medium (consisting of DMEM, glutamine 2 mM, penicillin 50 IU/ml-streptomycin 50 g/ml, 10% fetal calf serum) for 24 hrs. After incubation, the cells were treated with products consisting of vitamin C at 20 g/ml (positive control) and the 5c extract at 2% and 1%, for 72 hrs. A control was made in parallel with the medium only.

(126) After 48 hrs of contact, radioactive glucosamine (D-(6-.sup.3H)-glucosamine) is added to the medium.

(127) At the end of the experiment, the supernatants are collected for dosing the incorporation of radioactive glucosamine into the intracellular proteins. Dosage of the proteins is performed with a commercial kit (BioRad 500-0116).

(128) The results are listed in the following Table 10:

(129) TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Study of the stimulation of synthesis of total GAGs by the 5c extract Activity Proteins Ratio Products (cpm) (mg/ml) (act./Prot.) % control p Control 1059 3.579 296 100 TGF- 10 ng/ml 2590 3.650 709 240 P < 0.01 5c extract 2% 4173 3.058 1365 461 P < 0.01 5c extract 5c 1% 1787 3.396 526 178 P < 0.01

(130) The obtained results show that the 5c extract applied at 2% and 1% on normal human fibroblasts was capable of stimulating synthesis of total GAGs with a dose effect and this more significantly than the positive control (TGF- applied at 10 ng/ml).

(131) The obtained results show that the protection of the growth factors of the medium and of those synthesized by fibroblasts enable the synthesis of total GAGs to be stimulated in in vitro

(132) In the same way, a study of the incorporation of .sup.35S-sulfate is conducted for quantifying the sulfated GAGs. The applied procedure is the same as that for the total GAGs, except for the nature of the radioactive precursor. The results are listed in the Table 11, below:

(133) TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Study of the stimulation of the synthesis of sulfated GAGs by the 5c extract Activity Proteins Ratio Products (cpm) (mg/ml) (act./Prot.) % control p control 3028 3.579 846 100 TGF- 10 ng/ml 5442 3.650 1491 176 P < 0.01 5c extract 2% 5586 3.058 1827 216 P < 0.01 5c extract 5c 1% 4300 3.396 1266 150 P < 0.01

(134) The obtained results show that the extract 5c enables the synthesis of sulfated GAGs to be stimulated very significantly and in a dose-dependent way.

(135) This means that in addition to the mimicking role plaid by the extract 5c towards FGF-2, the extract 5c is capable by protecting the growth factor of stimulating the synthesis of sulfated GAGs and the protection of FGF-2 may therefore be reinforced since these are the same heparan sulfated GAGs which protect FGF-2.

Example 20: Study of the Protective Activity of FGF-2 by the 5c Extract after Transcutaneous Permeation

(136) The purpose was to ensure that the 5c extract retained its properties of protecting the growth factor after having penetrated the skin.

(137) A pure solution of the 5c extract was deposited on the surface of skin explants, mounted as Franz cells.

(138) After 24 hrs of incubation, the media contained in the receiving compartments of the cells were recovered and lyophilized. The lyophilisates were then dissolved in distilled waters so as to be finally tested in the model described in Example 15 with a thermal stress at 37 C. for 24 hrs.

(139) FIG. 7 illustrates the study of the FGF-2 protection by the 5c extract after passing through the skin.

(140) The obtained results (99.96% protection) show that the extract 5c integrally retained its protection properties since the obtained result is identical with that obtained in Table 4 of Example 15.

(141) The results show after having penetrated the skin tissues, the extract 5c is capable of protecting the growth factors and therefore remains integer for reaching its target.

Example 21: Study of the Protection of FGF-2 Against Enzymatic Degradation

(142) The purpose of this study is to quantify the degradation of FGF-2 by proteinases present at the dermis of human skin. These enzymes play an important role in the degradation of the extracellular matrix.

(143) Notably, cathepsin G which intervenes during inflammation and is secreted in the extracellular environment. It strongly adheres to the cell surfaces of the matrix because of the basicity. Cathepsine G is also active against collagen but also to the core protein of proteoglycans and glycoproteins of the matrix.

(144) For this reason, a study of the degradation of FGF-2 by cathepsin G was conducted. Degradation kinetics was carried out in a 100 mM Hepes buffer, pH7 containing 0.1% BSA. Cathepsin G was added into the wells of the plate at a concentration of 0.02 U per well to a 2 ng/well FGF-2 solution. The plate was incubated at 37 C. and sampling was performed at 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes in order to dose the remaining FGF-2.

(145) The control (100%) is made by extemporaneous dosage of FGF-2. At the same time, an enzyme-free control solution is placed at 37 C. in order to study thermal degradation at the different times, so as to get rid of this degradation due to temperature and to quantify the portion only due to enzymatic degradation.

(146) The amounts of FGF-2 (pg/ml) obtained are described in Table 12, below:

(147) TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 Study of the degradation of FGF-by cathepsin G. FGF-2 concentration in the FGF-2 concentration presence of cathepsin G Time (minutes) Temperature control (Degradation %) 0 391.8 3.64 339.05 7.43 (13.29%) 15 324.99 1.7 295.61 8.49 (8.95%) 30 291.83 2.4 248.04 1.97 (14.77%) 60 280.64 3.23 203.67 1.13 (27.5%) 90 259.81 4.9 141.94 5.14 (45.55%) 120 241.67 1.97 131.36 2.49 (45.6%)

(148) With the obtained results, it is possible to show that degradation of FGF-2 is increased with time. The enzyme enables the FGF-2 to be degraded very significantly at 90 minutes

(149) This is why this time will be selected for studying FGF-2 protection in the presence of cathepsin G by the 5c extract.

(150) Various concentrations of extract 5c, i.e.: 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5% and 1% are added to the reaction medium as described earlier (Example 21).

(151) After 90 minutes at 37 C., the FGF-2 concentrations are assessed and the percentages of remaining FGF-2 as well as the protection percentages of FGF-2 are calculated. For each tested concentration, the dosage is performed with n=9. The results are described in Table 13, below:

(152) TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 13 Study of the protection by the extract 5c of FGF-2 degraded by cathepsin G. FGF-2 concentration Remaining FGF-2 FGF-2 Tests (pg/ml) (%) protection (%) Control (100%) 455.23 100 Degraded control 288.11 63.29 0 (enzyme) 5c extract 0.01% 336.93 74.01 29.21 5c extract 0.05% 344.65 75.71 33.83 5c extract 0.1% 409.08 89.86 72.38 5c extract 0.5% 414.02 90.95 75.33 5c extract 1% 406.58 89.31 70.89

(153) The 5c extract is capable of protecting FGF-2 against enzymatic degradation in a dose-dependent way.

(154) By this in vitro study it is possible to demonstrate that application of the 5c extract may protect growth factors from the proteolytic degradation exerted by the enzymes of the extracellular matrix. This only reinforces the benefit of the use of extract 5c in cosmetics.

Example 22: Detection of the FGF-2 Rate with Age

(155) The purpose of this study was to study the FGF-2 concentration of so-called young and so-called old skins in order to establish a relationship between age and the loss of FGF-2 content mainly due to the change in skin GAG content.

(156) Skin biopsies stemming from so-called young donors (21, 30, 31 and 38 years of age) and stemming from so-called old (50, 55, 57 and 58 years of age) were sampled and extracted after milling in a PBS buffer, pH 7, containing 0.1% Triton X100, in order to perform dosage of FGF-2 with a commercial ELISA kit (R&D System, DFB50). The FGF-2 concentration is related to the DNA rate measured by a commercial kit Picogreen.

(157) The results obtained are illustrated in FIG. 8:

(158) FIG. 8 illustrates a study of the FGF-2 concentration in so-called young and old skin hydrolysates.

(159) The results show a difference in the FGF-2 content between young skins and old skins. Further, this difference is statistically significant (p=0.046).

(160) With this example, it is possible to show that by using an active as a protective agent of growth factors and more particularly of FGF-2, it is possible to control effects related to skin aging.

Example 23: Formulation of the Inventive Products

(161) One proceeds according to methods known to one skilled in the art, with mixing together different portions A, B, C, D, E, or F for preparing a composition according to the present invention. The <<inventive products>> represent the active ingredients mentioned in the present invention.

(162) Use of inventive products in cosmetic or pharmaceutical formulations of the oil-in-water emulsion type.

(163) Formulation 23a:

(164) TABLE-US-00014 A Water qsp 100 Butylene glycol 2 Glycerin 3 Sodium Dihydroxycetyl 2 Phosphate, Isopropyl Hydroxycetyl Ether B glycol Stearate SE 14 Triisononaoin 5 Octyl Cocoate 6 C Butylene glycol, Methylparaben, 2 Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, pH adjusted to 5.5 D Inventive products 0.01-10%
Formulation 23b:

(165) TABLE-US-00015 A Water qsp 100 Butylene glycol 2 Glycerin 3 Polyacrylamide, isoparaffin, 2.8 Laureth-7 B Butylene glycol, methylparaben, 2 ethylparaben, propylparaben; Phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, 2 propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben Butylene glycol 0.5 D Inventive products 0.01-10%
Formulation 23c:

(166) TABLE-US-00016 A Carbomer 0.50 Propylene glycol 3 Glycerol 5 Water qsp 100 B Octyl cocoate 5 Bisabolol 0.30 Dimethicone 0.30 C Sodium hydroxide 1.60 D Phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, 0.50 propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben E Perfume 0.30 F Inventive products 0.01-10%

Example 24 of the Invention

(167) Use of Inventive Products in a Formulation of the Water-in-Oil Type

(168) TABLE-US-00017 A PEG 30 - dipolyhydroxystearate 3 Capric triglycerides 3 Cetearyl octanoate 4 Dibutyl adipate 3 Grape seed oil 1.5 Jojoba oil 1.5 Phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, 0.5 propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben B Glycerin 3 Butylene glycol 3 Magnesium sulfate 0.5 EDTA 0.05 Water qsp 100 C Cyclomethicone 1 Dimethicone 1 D Perfume 0.3 E Inventive products 0.01-10%

Example 25 of the Invention

(169) Use of the Inventive Products in a Formulation of the Shampoo or Shower Gel Type

(170) TABLE-US-00018 A Xantham gum 0.8 Water qsp 100 B Butylene glycol, methylparaben, 0.5 ethylparaben, propylparaben Phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, 0.5 propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben C Citric acid 0.8 D Sodium laureth sulfate 40.0 E Inventive products 0.01-10%

Example 26 of the Invention

(171) Use of the inventive products in a formulation of the lipstick type and other anhydrides products

(172) TABLE-US-00019 A Mineral wax 17.0 Isostearyl isostearate 31.5 Propylene glycol dipelargonate 2.6 Propylene glycol isostearate 1.7 PEG 8 beewax 3.0 Hydrogenated palm kernel oil 3.4 glycerides, Hydrogenated palm glycerides Lanoline oil 3.4 Sesame oil 1.7 Cetyl lactate 1.7 Mineral oil, lanolin alcohol 3.0 B Castor oil qsp 100 Titanium dioxide 3.9 CI 15850:1 0.616 CI 45410:1 0.256 CI 19140:1 0.048 CI 77491 2.048 C Inventive products 0.01-5%

Example 27 of the Invention

(173) Use of the inventive products in a formulation of aqueous gels (eye contours, slimming agents, etc.)

(174) TABLE-US-00020 A Water qsp 100 Carbomer 0.5 Butylene glycol 15 Phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, 0.5 propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben B Inventive products 0.01-10%

Example 28 of the Invention

(175) Use of the Inventive Products in a Formulation of the Triple Emulsion Type

(176) TABLE-US-00021 Primary emulsion W1/O A PEG 30 - dipolyhydroxystearate 4 Capric triglycerides 7.5 Isohexadecane 15 PPG-15 stearyl ether 7.5 B Water 65.3 C Phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, 0.7 propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben Secondary emulsion W1/O/W2 A Primary emulsion 60 B Poloxamer 407 2 Phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, 0.3 propylparaben, 2-bromo-2- nitropropane-1,3-diol Water qsp 100 C Carbomer 15 D Triethanolamine PH 6.0-6.5

Example 29 of the Invention

(177) Preparation of Pharmaceutical Formulations Containing the Inventive Product

(178) Formulation 29a: Preparation of Tablets

(179) TABLE-US-00022 A Excipients In g per tablet Lactose 0.359 Saccharose 0.240 B Inventive products* 0.001-0.1 *The inventive product is obtained for example according to the extraction procedure described in Example 5c followed by a drying step.
Formulation 29b: Preparation of an Ointment

(180) TABLE-US-00023 A Excipients Low density polyethylene 5.5 Liquid paraffin qsp 100 B Inventive products* 0.001-0.1 *The inventive product is obtained for example according to the extraction procedure described in Example 5c followed by a drying step.
Formulation 29c: Preparation of an Injectable Formulation

(181) TABLE-US-00024 A Excipient Salted isotonic solution 5 ml B Inventive products* 0.001-0.1 g *The inventive product is obtained for example according to the extraction procedure described in Example 5c followed by a drying step.

Example 30: Assessment of the Cosmetic Acceptance of a Preparation Containing the Inventive Product

(182) Toxicological tests were carried out on the compound obtained according to Example 5c, by skin an eye assessment in rabbits, by studying the absence of abnormal toxicity by single oral administration in rats and by studying the sensitizing potency on guinea-pigs.

(183) Assessment of Primary Skin Irritation in Rabbits:

(184) The preparations described in Example 5c, are applied without dilution at a dosage of 0.5 ml on the skin of 3 rabbits according to the method recommended by the OECD directive relating to the study of acute irritating/corrosive effect on the skin.

(185) The products are classified according to the criteria defined by the order as of 1.2.1982 published in the JORF (French Official Journal) of 21.02.82.

(186) The results of these tests provide the conclusion that the products of the invention were classified as non-irritating for the skin.

(187) Assessment of Eye Irritation in Rabbits:

(188) The preparations described above were instilled pure one at a time, in an amount of 0.1 ml, in the eye of 3 rabbits according to the method recommended by the OECD directive NO. 405 of Feb. 24, 1987 relating to the study of <<acute irritating/corrosive effect on eyes>>.

(189) The results of these tests provide the conclusion that the preparations may be considered as non-irritating for the eyes, in the sense of the 91/326 EEC directive either used pure or without being diluted.

(190) Test on the Absence of Abnormal Toxicity by Single Oral Administration in Rats:

(191) The described preparations were administered once orally at the dosage of 5 g/Kg of body weight, to 5 male rats and 5 female rats according to a procedure inspired by the OECD directive No. 401 as of Feb. 24, 1987 and adapted to cosmetic products.

(192) DL0 and DL50 were found to be larger than 5,000 mg/Kg. The tested preparations are therefore not classified among preparations dangerous by ingestion.

(193) Assessment of the Skin Sensitization Potency in Guinea-Pigs

(194) The described preparations were subject to the maximization test described by Magnusson and Kligmann, a protocol in accordance with guide-line No. 406 of the OECD.

(195) The preparations are classified as non-sensitizing by contact with the skin.