Composition for an anti-aging treatment

Abstract

An anti-aging composition comprising: pinebark extract, polypodium leucotomos, ashwagandha extract, dehydroepiandrosterone, white tea extract, alpha lipoic acid, vitamin K2, bioactive silicon, hyaluronic acid, trimethylglycine, and optionally, piperine, green tea extract, folic acid, vitamin C, camu camu, and blueberry extract.

Claims

1. A composition for treating aging skin comprising: about 50-150 mg of pinebark extract; about 120-240 mg of polypodium leucotomos; about 100-800 mg of ashwagandha extract; about 10-100 mg of dehydroepiandrosterone; about 100-1000 mg of white tea extract; about 50-1200 mg of alpha lipoic acid; about 90-120 mcg of vitamin K2; about 2-10 mg of bioactive silicon; about 25-100 mg of hyaluronic acid; and about 500-1500 mg of trimethylglycine.

2. The composition of claim 1, comprising: about 50 mg of pinebark extract; about 120 mg polypodium leucotomos; about 100 mg of ashwagandha extract; about 10 mg of dehydroepiandrosterone; about 100 mg of white tea extract; about 50 mg of alpha lipoic acid; about 100 mcg of vitamin K2; about 5 mg of bioactive silicon; about 25 mg of hyaluronic acid; and about 500 mg of trimethylglycine.

3. The composition of claim 1 further comprising at least one of about 2.5-10 mg of piperine; about 100-500 mg of green tea extract; about 50-1000 mg of blueberry extract; at least one of about 100-500 mg of Camu Camu and 60-2000 mg of vitamin C; and about 0.4-5 mg of folic acid.

4. A capsule, containing the composition of claim 1.

5. A method for treating aging skin in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of the composition of claim 1.

6. A capsule, containing the composition of claim 3.

7. A method for treating aging skin in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of the composition of claim 3.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present invention, in accordance with one or more various embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the following FIGURES. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments of the invention. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of the invention and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of the invention. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale.

(2) Some of the FIGURES included herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention from different viewing angles. Although the accompanying descriptive text may refer to such views as “top,” “bottom” or “side” views, such references are merely descriptive and do not imply or require that the invention be implemented or used in a particular spatial orientation unless explicitly stated otherwise.

(3) FIG. 1 is a visual depicting a number of etiological factors lead to consequence ultimately resulting in aged skin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

(4) From time-to-time, the present invention is described herein in terms of example environments. Description in terms of these environments is provided to allow the various features and embodiments of the invention to be portrayed in the context of an exemplary application. After reading this description, it will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art how the invention can be implemented in different and alternative environments.

(5) Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All patents, applications, published applications and other publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. If a definition set forth in this section is contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with a definition set forth in applications, published applications and other publications that are herein incorporated by reference, the definition set forth in this document prevails over the definition that is incorporated herein by reference.

(6) An aspect of some variants of the present invention relates to a composition for treatment the dermatological effects of aging configured to for oral intake.

(7) The composition of an embodiment of the present invention includes: pinebark extract, polypodium leucotomos, ashwagandha extract, dehydroepiandrosterone, white tea extract, alpha lipoic acid, vitamin K2, bioactive silicon, hyaluronic acid, trimethylglycine. Embodiments may vary and further include: piperine, green tea extract, folic acid, vitamin C, camu camu, and blueberry extract. These all come from natural sources.

(8) With respect to the most fundamental factor in skin aging, DNA methylation, the present composition has incorporated the molecule trimethylglycine (TMG) and folic acid. The process of methylation involves S-adenosylmethionine, also known as SAMe. SAMe is produced in every living cell and is the most active of all methyl donors. SAMe in turn is produced upon the conversion of the amino acid methionine. When SAMe molecule passes its methyl group to DNA, it is then broken down to form homocysteine, a toxic molecule associated with widespread systemic inflammation. To prevent accumulation of homocysteine in the body, the body needs the assistance of methylation enhancing agents. Both folate and TMG (the latter extracted from sugar beets) are vital methylation enhancers, with TMG being considered to be the most effective and potent methylation enhancing agent ever known. Both TMG and folic acid are involved in reactions that cause remethylation of homocysteine back to methionine (or glutathione, which is an important antioxidant). The composition of the present invention may include 500-1500 mg of trimethyglycine. In a non-limiting example, the composition of the present invention includes about 500 mg. With respect to folic acid, the composition of the present invention may include 0.4-5 mg of folic acid. In a non-limiting example, the composition of the present invention includes about 0.4 mg.

(9) Polypodium leucotomos comes from a fern plant, possesses antioxidant properties, and has been used in treating and preventing sunburn, eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, vitiligo, and skin cancer. Polypodium leucotomus is included in this formulation to address the deleterious impact of UV radiation. The composition of the present invention may include 120-240 mg of polypodium leucotomos. In a non-limiting example, the composition of the present invention includes about 120 mg.

(10) Pine bark extract comes from a French maritime pine known as Pinus pinaster, but may also come from other sources such as peanut skin or grape seed. Pine bark extract is included in this formulation to address both the deleterious impact of UV radiation as well as the observed loss of collagen and elastic fibers. The composition of the present invention may include 50-150 mg of pinebark extract. In a non-limiting example, the composition of the present invention includes about 50 mg.

(11) Green tea extract is an herbal derivative from green tea leaves that includes four active antioxidants: namely, epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechingallate (ECG), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Green tea extract is included in this formulation to address primarily the deleterious impact of UV radiation. The composition of the present invention may include 100-500 mg of green tea extract. In a non-limiting example, the composition of the present invention includes about 100 mg.

(12) Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is the primary water-soluble, non-enzymatic antioxidant in plasma and tissues. Vitamin C is a potent reducing agent, meaning that it readily donates electrons to recipient molecules. Unlike most mammals and other animals, humans do not have the ability to make ascorbic acid and must obtain vitamin C from the diet. With aging, there is a decline in vitamin C content in both the epidermis and dermis. Excessive exposures to UV light or pollutants (e.g., cigarette smoke and ozone) appear to further lower levels of vitamin C content, primarily in the epidermis. Vitamin C plays a critical role in the maintenance of a normal mature collagen network in humans by preventing the auto-inactivation of lysyl and prolyl hyroxylase, two key enzymes in collagen biosynthesis. The antioxidant activity of vitamin C protects against UV-induced damage caused by free radicals. Camu Camu extract (a close relative of the Guavaberry or Rumberry found at the Amazonian lowlands and also known as (Myrciaria dubia) is incorporated into this formulation for its extraordinary high concentration of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) measured at 2.1-3.0 grams per 100 grams. The composition of the present invention may include 100-500 mg of Camu Camu. In a non-limiting example, the composition of the present invention includes about 100 mg. Optionally, if Camu Camu is not used, Ascorbic acid as source of Vitamin C and will be incorporated in the formulation. The composition of the present invention may include 60-2000 mg of Vitamin C. In a non-limiting example, the composition of the present invention includes about 100 mg of Vitamin C.

(13) Blueberry is a small, blue-purple fruit that belong to the genus vaccinium, which also includes cranberries and bilberries and is known to contain high levels of antioxidants known as anthocyanins. Blueberry extract is included in the composition as it helps slow down the process of advanced glycation end-products (AGE) formation, thus helping to prevent collagen and elastin fibers from becoming rigid, stabilizing the collagen matrix, and promoting collagen biosynthesis. The composition of the present invention may include 50-1000 mg of wild blueberry extract. In a non-limiting example, the composition of the present invention includes about 50 mg.

(14) Stress can be defined as a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation, and/or a state resulting from a stress. This formulation recognizes the role of stress in general in cutaneous aging and the importance of incorporating a natural molecule such as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) that can protect against some of the adverse physiologic consequences of stress.

(15) Ashwagandha extract comes from a plant of the same name and is an adaptogen that helps to promote homeostasis. Ashwagandha has powerful antioxidant properties that seek and destroy the free radicals that have been implicated in aging and numerous disease states. The composition of the present invention may include 100-800 mg of ashwagandha extract. In a non-limiting example, the composition of the present invention includes about 100 mg.

(16) Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone naturally produced by the body's adrenal gland and supplements can found from sources such as wild yam and soy. DHEA is the most naturally occurring hormone in the human body and is the precursor for manufacturing of other hormones including testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. DHEA functions as a precursor to male and female sex hormones and natural levels decline with age. Levels of DHEA rise before puberty, and reach their highest levels during young adulthood. From then on, levels of DHEA decline at a rate of about 2% per year. With respect to skin, there is growing evidence that DHEA could exert an anti-aging effect through stimulation of collagen biosynthesis while improving structural organization of the dermis. The composition of the present invention may include 10-100 mg of DHEA. In a non-limiting example, the composition of the present invention includes about 10 mg.

(17) Collagenase and elastase are proteinase enzymes that break down collagen and elastin. Elastase is a proteolytic enzyme involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) which includes elastin. Collagenases are a type of metalloproteinase that can cleave molecules in the ECM that includes elastin, fibronectin, laminin, and collagen. Elastase is normally utilized in the skin to degrade proteins that are, for example, within the ECM after wounding in order to eliminate this proteinaceous material by phagocytosis to permit repair. However, natural materials with anti-elastase and anti-collagenase properties can help prevent the undesirable age-associated destruction of elastin and collagen through the actions of collagenase and elastase. White tea extract is incorporated in the formulation in order to inhibit these proteinases. The composition of the present invention may include 100-1000 mg of white tea extract. In a non-limiting example, the composition of the present invention includes about 100 mg.

(18) Alpha lipoic acid is an organosulfur compound derived from octanoic acid and is both fat and water soluble. Typically alpha lipoic acid aids in the cellular metabolism of glucose and thus also helps to prevent the glycation of collagen. Alpha lipoic acid also helps to regenerate Vitamin C for further use after eradicating free radicals. The composition of the present invention may include 50-1200 mg per day of alpha lipoic acid. In a non-limiting example, the composition of the present invention includes about 50 mg.

(19) Vitamin K2 is the name of a group of related compounds that all contain a quinone ring but that differ in the length and degree of saturation of the carbon tail and the number of side chains. Vitamin K2 is necessary for the activation of Matrix γ-carboxyglutamic acid protein, which inhibits calcium from depositing in elastin fibers. In particular, the MK-7 form of vitamin K2 remains in the bloodstream longer and reaches levels seven- to eight-fold higher than other forms of Vitamin K1 and K2. The composition of the present invention may include 90 to 120 mcg of vitamin K2. In a non-limiting example, the composition of the present invention includes about 100 mcg of Vitamin K2, MK-7.

(20) Bioactive silicon is a form of the chemical element silicon that has introduced nanoporous holes in its microstructure. Bioactive silicon is important for optimal collagen synthesis, and crucial for activating the hydroxylation enzymes involved in cross-linking of collagen, which improves the strength of collagen fibers. The composition of the present invention may include 2-10 mg of bioactive silicon. In a non-limiting example, the composition of the present invention includes about 5 mg.

(21) Hyaluronic acid, is naturally present in the human body as a polysaccharide and can be extracted from rooster combs or made by bacteria in the laboratory. As we age, the percentage of hyaluronic acid in the skin decreases which also accounts for the loss of hydration and moisture in the skin. At normal levels hyaluronic acid is a major component of skin where it is involved in tissue repair. However, importantly, hyaluronic acid is also a powerful humectant that can attract and bind up to 1800 times its own weight in water, and thus helps provide moisture to dry aging skin. The composition of the present invention may include 25-100 mg of hyaluronic acid. In a non-limiting example, the composition of the present invention includes about 25 mg.

(22) Piperine is an extract from the piper nigrum plant and is used to enhance the bio-absorption of the composition and allow for a lower dosage of other ingredients. The composition of the present invention may include 2.5-10 mg of piperine. In a non-limiting example, the composition of the present invention includes about 4 mg.

(23) The composition of the present invention, therefore, addresses a plurality of factors leading to aging skin, based on a newly proposed understanding of aging skin as described above. For summary of the constituents of the composition and their intended targeting factor, see table 1.

(24) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Etiologic factor or histologic Corresponding molecule(s) changes: addressing factors or changes: Epigenetic Etiologic Factor: Trimethylglycine, folic acid Methylation Environmental Etiologic Factor: Ashwagandha extract Stress Environmental Etiologic Factor: Polypodium leucotomus, Pinebark UV light extract, Green Tea, Ascorbic Acid Hormonal Etiologic Factor: DHEA DHEA Cellular Etiologic Factor: White tea extract Collagenase and Elastase Cellular Etiologic Factor: Alpha lipoic acid, blueberry extract Glycation of collagen fibers Cellular Etiologic Factor: Vitamin K2 Calcification of elastic fibers Observed Histologic change: Ascorbic acid, Pinebark extract, Reduction in collagen and elastic Blueberry extract fibers Observed Histologic change: Bioactive Silicon reduction in connective tissue (GAGs) Observed Histologic change: Hyaluronic acid reduction in skin moisture

(25) The present invention is configured to be taken orally in a capsule form. The present invention may be used either alone or in conjunction with other treatments.

(26) Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the features in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims attached hereto.

(27) While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. The invention is not restricted to the examples described, and the desired features can be implemented using a variety of alternative variants. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative configurations can be implemented to implement the desired features of the present invention.

(28) Although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

(29) Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.

(30) A group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the invention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated.

(31) The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of the term “module” does not imply that the components or functionality described or claimed as part of the module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic or other components, can be combined in a single package or separately maintained and can further be distributed across multiple locations.

(32) It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.