COSMETIC COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING A CACTUS FLOWER EXTRACT COMPLEX

Abstract

A composition comprising a cactus flower extract complex.

Claims

1. A cosmetic composition for topical application to the skin or hair, comprising a cactus flower extract complex.

2. The cosmetic composition of claim 1, wherein the cactus flower extract complex is derived from the processing of residual ferment filtrate of water kefir PHA.

3. The cosmetic composition of claim 1, wherein the cactus flower extract complex comprises Opuntia ficus-indica fruit extract.

4. The cosmetic composition of claim 1, wherein the cactus flower extract complex comprises 2,3-butanediol.

5. The cosmetic composition of claim 1, wherein the cactus flower extract complex comprises Usnea barbata (Lichen) extract.

6. The cosmetic composition of claim 1, further comprising an adaptogen complex.

7. The cosmetic composition of claim 6, wherein the adaptogen complex comprises Wheatgrass (Pascopyron smithii).

8. The cosmetic composition of claim 6, wherein the adaptogen complex comprises Amla (Phyllanthus emblica).

9. The cosmetic composition of claim 6, wherein the adaptogen complex comprises Ginseng (Panax ginseng).

10. The cosmetic composition of claim 6, wherein the adaptogen complex comprises Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example only, and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the effect on cells when placed in various solutions;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a bar chat showing the effect of deionized water and the bio-fermented cactus flower extract complex on cell volume; and

[0012] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a method of manufacturing the cactus flower extract complex.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The present disclosure relates to topical cosmetic compositions comprising a cactus flower extract complex obtained through the processing of a byproduct of a fermentation process used to produce water kefir PHA (with INCI name Water & Optunia Ficus-Indicia Fruit Extract & Lactobacillus Ferment).

[0014] Deionized water is typically used as the solvent in many skincare and haircare compositions. Cosmetic compositions that are free of water typically use an oil in place of water. Deionized water exists in cosmetic formulations at high percentages as hypotonic solutions. Hypotonic solutions contain more water than minerals and electrolytes and can cause human cells to swell. An isotonic solution has an equal balance of minerals, electrolytes and water, creating a balanced osmotic pressure in the cells. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the effect on cells 100 when placed in isotonic 102, hypotonic 103, and hypertonic solutions 104.

[0015] An osmotic pressure cell membrane comparisons assay was conducted to assess the effect of the cactus flower extract complex of the disclosed inventions on keratinocyte membrane integrity and cell volume. The keratinocytes were exposed to the test substance and control, after which images were analyzed for membrane integrity and cell size.

[0016] Keratinocytes were seeded into a 24-well plate and grew to confluency in complete media. Complete media was removed from all wells followed by a washing procedure with phosphate buffered saline. 1 mL of the 100% cactus flower extract or deionized water were added to designated wells. Initial images (T=0) of the cells were taken using a 40 objective. 45 minutes later, a subsequent image (T=45) of the same cluster of cells was taken. Next, the test substance or control was removed and wells were washed with phosphate buffered saline. 1 mL of paraformaldehyde fixative was added to all wells and incubated for 10 minutes at 25 C., after which the paraformaldehyde fixative was removed and all wells were washed with phosphate buffered saline. 1 mL of the crystal violet stain was added to all wells for 30 minutes at 25 C., after which wells were washed continuously with phosphate buffered saline until clear. The crystal violet stain was used for enhanced microscopy imaging and a final stain image was taken of the test well. A select number of cells were traced using ImageJ software to determine changes in cell size after 45 minutes of treatment.

[0017] Percent change is expressed relative to complete media and calculated by the following equation:

[00001]$\mathrm{Percent}\mathrm{Change}\left(\%\right)=\frac{\mathrm{Cell}{\mathrm{Size}}_{T=45}-\mathrm{Cell}{\mathrm{Size}}_{T=0}}{\mathrm{Cell}{\mathrm{Size}}_{T=0}}100$

[0018] The results of this study revealed that keratinocytes exposed to deionized water demonstrated an increase in cell volume, whereas keratinocytes incubated with the cactus flower extract complex did not exhibit a large increase in cell volume. FIG. 2 is a bar chart showing the effect of deionized water and the cactus flower extract complex on cell volume after treatment.

[0019] The cactus flower extract complex preferably includes at least Opuntia ficus-indica Fruit Extract, 2,3-Butanediol, and Usnea barbata (Lichen) Extract. The amount of the cactus flower extract complex used in cosmetic formulations would be equivalent to the amount of deionized water that would have been used in that same product. To manufacture the disclosed cactus flower extract, the Opuntia ficus-indica fruit residual ferment filtrate from water kefir PHA is mechanically ground and milled 202 and then filtrated to isolate nutrient rich fluid and remove any plant matter 204. 2,3-butanediol and Usnea barbata (lichen) extract is added 206. Batch refiltration is performed, if needed 208.

[0020] In embodiments where an adaptogen complex is present it preferably includes wheatgrass (Pascopyron smithii), amla (Phyllanthus emblica), ginseng (Panax ginseng), and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Adaptogens are known to help alleviate stress on the skin and promote hair growth. The specific combination of adaptogenic herbs in the adaptogen complex are thought to amplify each other's efficacy when combined.

[0021] This disclosure is not intended to limit the invention to the particular composition disclosed, but, to the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the claims.