OLIGOSACCHARIDES AS A HAIR GROWTH PROMOTOR

Abstract: Novel esterified oligosaccharides including at least one esterified disaccharide unit consisting of a uronic acid residue and a hexosamine residue can be topically applied to mam­ malian skin to improve the appearance of hair and other benefits. These oligosaccharides can be synthesised by che­ mical cleavage of an intact glycosaminoglycan chain or by condensation of hexosamine and uronic acid residues.

Description: Field of invention The invention relates to novel oligosaccharides, particularly to disaccharides containing a uronic acid residue and a hexosamine residue joined through a glycosidic linkage. The invention also relates the synthesis of these disaccharides and to their use, particularly in cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions. Prior Art Certain α-1,4 disaccharides, together with their synthesis and use in controlling the coagulation of blood, are described by Choay S.A. in EP-A-0 064 012. These α-1,4 disaccharides are said to have the structure: where Z represents a functional nitrogen group, such as an azide or a group having the structure -NHB, in which B represents -H or a functional group such as acetyl or sulphate as a salt with an organic or mineral cation; M represents -H or -SO₃M₁, where M₁ is an organic or metallic cation, particularly an alkali metal; or an acetyl group; R represents a C₁ to C₄ alkyl radical, especially methyl; or an aryl radical; A represents a functional group such as an acid or -COOR₁, where R₁ represents -H or a C₁ to C₄ alkyl radical, especially methyl; or a metal, especially an alkali metal. COMPOUNDS PER SE The novel oligosaccharides of the invention differ from the disaccharides described by Choay S.A. Definition of the invention Accordingly, the invention provides oligosaccharides including at least one disaccharide unit consisting of a uronic acid residue having the structure: and a hexosamine residue having the structure: where R' is C₃ to C₁₀ alkyl or R'' is -H, C₁ to C₄ alkyl, - CO(CH₂) m CH₃, -SO₃M, R''' is -H, -CO(CH₂) m CH₃ , or -SO₃M, M is -H, or a metallic or organic cation n is O or an integer of from 1 to 7, and m is O or the integer 1 or 2; the groups designated R'' being the same or different, one R'' group from each pyranose ring structure being linked by a glycosidic linkage having the configuration α-1,3; α-1,4; β-1,3 or β-1,4; and the -COOR', -CH₂OR'' and -OR'' groups being of either configuration with respect to the pyranose rings; provided that when the oligosaccharide is an disaccharide unit having the structure: then R' is C₅ to C₁₀ alkyl or The oligosaccharide The oligosaccharide according to the invention can comprise from 2 to 8, preferably from 2 to 4 saccharide residues, of which at least two saccharide residues form the disaccharide unit as herein defined. Preferably, the oligosaccharide is a disaccharide consisting of a uronic acid residue having the structure (2a) linked via a glycosidic linkage to a hexosamine residue having the structure (2b). Particularly preferred examples of the disaccharides of the invention have the following structures, where the designation of R', R'', R''' are as hereinbefore defined. A first generic structure is: Specific examples of the disaccharide (4) have the structures shown as (5), (6), (7) and (8). A further generic structure is: Specific examples of the disaccharide (9) have the structures shown in (10) and (11). A further generic structure is: A specific example of the disaccharide (12) has the structure shown in (13). A further generic structure is: A specific example of the disaccharides (14) has the structure shown in (15) A further generic structure is: Specific examples of the disaccharide (16) have the structures shown in (17) and (18). A further generic structure is: A specific example of the disaccharide (19) has the structure shown in (20). A further generic structure is: A specific example of the disaccharide (21) has the structure shown in (22): A further generic structure is: Specific examples of the disaccharide (23) have the structures shown in (24) and (25). A further generic structure is: A specific example of the disaccharide (26) has the structure shown in (27). A further generic structure is: A specific example of the disaccharide (28) has the structure shown in (29). SYNTHESIS OF THE NOVEL OLIGOSACCHARIDES Two possible routes for synthesising the novel oligosaccharides according to the invention are envisaged. 1. Hydrolysis of polysaccharides Intact glycosaminoglycan chains can be subjected to partial hydrolysis to yield oligosaccharides comprising at least one disaccharide having a uronic acid residue linked to a hexosamine residue. These oligosaccharides can then be modified to provide the corresponding oligosaccharides of the invention. This synthesis is particularly suited to the production of oligosaccharides having the structures of the generic types (4), (9) and (12). Definition of the invention Accordingly, in another aspect, the invention provides a process for the synthesis of an oligosaccharide in accordance with this invention, especially an oligosaccharide having a generic structure chosen from structures (4), (9) and (12), which comprises the steps of: ( i) Subjecting a glycosaminoglycan chain to chemical cleavage to yield oligosaccharide fragments containing at least one disaccharide unit comprising a hexosamine residue having the structure: which is glycosidically linked to the C-1 position of a uronic acid residue having the structure: in which R' may be H so that COOR' is a free carboxylic acid group; and (ii) modifying the oligosaccharide by at least one process step chosen from: acylation of free hydroxyl groups, acylation of free amino groups, sulphation of free hydroxyl groups, sulphation of free amino groups, esterification of free hydroxyl groups, etherification of free hydroxyl groups, and also esterification of a free carboxylic acid group, to provide a structure in accordance with this invention, especially a structure of the generic type chosen from structures (4), (9) and (12). Preferred glycosaminoglycan chains which can form the starting materials for this synthesis are chondroitin sulphate and hyaluronic acid. Of the modifying steps which can be applied to the oligosaccharide obtained by chemical cleavage in order to obtain the oligosaccharide of the invention, it is preferred that these are carried out in a stepwise fashion to acylate the 2-amino group of the hexosamine moiety to esterify or acylate the remaining free hydroxyl groups and to esterify the carboxyl group on the uronic acid moiety. Chemical cleavage of the intact glycosaminoglycan chains is preferably achieved by acid hydrolysis or enzymic digestion. In order to illustrate Method 1, the synthesis of the disaccharide having the structure (5) starting from chondroitin sulphate is now described. The disaccharide chondrosine (30) was obtained from chondroitin sulphate by acid hydrolysis. 10g of chondroitin sulphate was hydrolysed with 200ml of 2N sulphuric acid by refluxing at 100°C for 4 hours. The resulting hydrolysate was chromatographed on Dowex 50W-X8 (200-400 mesh) resin in the hydrogen form. The column was eluted with 0.2N sulphuric acid and all fractions were tested with ninhydrin/ferric chloride reagent. The first large, broad peak gave a yield of chondrosine after neutralisation with saturated barium hydroxide and lyophilisation to a dry powder. The method employed was that described by Olavesen & Davidson, J.Biol.Chem. 240(3), 992-996 (1965). N-acetylchondrosine (31) was prepared by selective N-acetylation of chondrosine using acetic anhydride. 500mg chondrosine was dissolved in 500 ml of bicarbonate buffer and cooled to 0-5°C. (Bicarbonate buffer was prepared by mixing 10ml 0.1M Na₂CO₃ and 90ml 0.1h NaHCO₃ having a pH value of 9. To this was added 0.22ml of acetic anhydride with stirring. The mixture was then left standing at 0°C overnight. It was then added to a Dowex 50W-X8 (200-400) column in the acid form. Elution with three bed volumes of distilled water and lyophilisation of the aqueous eluate produced a white fluffy solid which was characterised as N-acetylchondrosine by I.R. and N.M.R. spectroscopy. The method employed was that described by Olavesen & Davidson, Ibid. Sulphation of the product in the C-6 position of the hexosamine moiety was achieved by using triethylamine-N-sulphonic acid. To a mixture of 5ml dimethylformamide, 7.5ml benzene and 0.5ml pyridine was added 500mg of N-acetylchondrosine after it had been evaporated several times from dry benzene. 9.12mg of triethylamine-N-sulphonic acid was added and the reaction vessel shaken for 26 hours at room temperature. The resulting solution was evaporated at reduced pressure to a yellow syrup (bath temp. <50°C) which was extracted with 2 x 5ml ether. The resulting oil was extracted with 10ml chloroform to remove any residual sulphonic acid. Chloroform washings and insoluble solids were washed in situ with 4 x 5ml water. The water fractions were combined and lyophilised to give N-acetyl chondrosine-6-O-sulphate (32), as a white fluffy solid which was characterised by I.R. and N.M.R. and by T.L.C. The method employed was that described by Olavesen & Davidson, Biochim. Biophys. Acta., 101, 245-251 (1965). The N-acetyl chondrosine-6-O-sulphate (32) was esterified using a modified Pummerer reaction. 500mg N-acetylchondrosine 6-0-sulphate was added to a large round bottomed flask containing 5ml of hexanol and 3.4g of Amberlite IR-120 resin in the hydrogen form. The mixture was refluxed at 100°C for 4 hours and then the reaction was forced to completion by distillation of the hexanol and formed water. The residual resin was removed by filtration and washing with water. The product having the structure (33) was obtained by lyophilisation and was characterised by I.R., N.M.R. and T.L.C. The fully acetylated disaccharide (5) was prepared using the acetic anyhdride/pyridine reagent. 500mg N-acetylchondrosine-6-0-sulphate-C₆ester was dissolved in 30ml dry pyridine and to this was added 20ml acetic anhydride. The mixture was then cooled to 0°C and stirred until all the disaccharide had dissolved. It was then stirred at room temperature for 48 hours. The resulting brown solution was poured into 300ml of iced water which was extracted with 3 x 50ml chloroform. Chloroform solution was evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure at 45°C to give a yellow syrup. This was treated with ethanol to give an amorphous solid which was subsequently eluted with ethyl acetate from a silicic acid column and lyophilised to produce an amorphous white powder. The method employed was that employed by Olavesen & Davidson, J.Biol.Chem. 240(3),992-996 (1965). 2. Condensation of uronic acid and hexosamine residues Oligosaccharides according to the invention having at least one uronic acid residue linked in the β configuration through the C-1 position to a hexosamine residue, or certain oligosaccharides according to the invention having at least one hexosamine residue linked in the α or β configuration through the C-1 position to a uronic acid residue, can be prepared by condensation of relevant uronic acid and hexosamine residues. This synthesis is particularly suited to the production of oligosaccharides having the structures of the generic types (14), (16), (19), (21), (23), (26) and (28). Definition of the invention Accordingly, the invention also provides a process for the synthesis of an oligosaccharide having at least one uronic acid residue linked in the β configuration through the C-1 position to a hexosamine residue, or having at least one hexosamine residue linked in the α or β configuration through the C-1 position to a uronic acid residue, which process comprises the steps of: ( i) condensing a hexosamine residue having the structure: with a uronic acid residue having the structure: to form an oligosaccharide intermediate, the functional groups of which residues have been modified or protected in such a way that glycosidic bond formation can only occur between the C-1 position of one residue and a free hydroxyl group in the C-3 or C-4 position of the other residue, the α or β configuration of the glycosidic linkage so formed being dictated by the nature of the leaving group on the C-1 position; and ( ii) removal of at least one Protecting group from the oligosaccharide intermediate by one or more process steps in any sequence chosen from: reduction, acid catalysis, and base catalysis; to provide the oligosaccharide. which is in accordance with this invention. It is preferred that this process further comprises modifying the oligosaccharide intermediate by one or more process steps in any sequence, chosen from: acylation of free hydroxyl groups acylation of free amino groups sulphation of free amino groups esterification of free hydroxyl groups, and etherification of free hydroxyl groups. In order to illustrate Method 2, the synthesis of the disaccharide having the structure (15) by condensation of monosaccharides is now described. The disaccharide having the structure (15) was prepared by condensation of monosaccharides (34) and (35), as shown below, to give the (β-1,4) disaccharide (36): The preparation of (34), the oxazoline derivative of N-acetylglucosamine, was by reaction of N-acetyl glucosamine with acetyl chloride by the method described by Horton & Wolfrom in J.Org.Chem. 27 , 1794 (1962), to insert an α-Cl at the C-1 position, followed by oxazoline formation in the presence of tetraethylammonium chloride by the method described by Lemieux & Driguez J.Am.Chem.Soc. 97 , 4063 (1975). The oxazoline was a syrup having an [α] D of +10°. Compound (35) was synthesised by esterification, with n-butanol in the presence of sulphuric acid, of the sodium salt of the corresponding uronic acid. The latter was prepared as described in EP-A-O 084 999 and EP-A-O 064 012. Condensation of (34) and (35) was carried out in the presence of nitromethane and p-toluenesulphonic acid as described by David & Veyrieres in Carbohydrate Research 40 , 23 (1975). This paper also provided the method for the reduction of (36) by hydrogenation using palladium on carbon as catalyst, to give compound (37): The final step, yielding disaccharide (15) was acetylation of the remaining two ring hydroxyl groups on structure (37) by conventional methods using either acetic anhydride or acetylchloride. Method 2 can also be illustrated with reference to the synthesis of the esterified disaccharide (22) by condensation of monosaccharides as follows. A similar sequence of reactions as described for disaccharides (15) was followed to prepare disaccharide (22) except that in this case the oxazoline derivative of N-acetyl galactosamine (38) was prepared and condensed with the hexyl ester (39) shown below: Disaccharide (40) was deacetylated with sodium methoxide and then reduced as described in the synthesis of disaccharide (5) above to remove the benzyl protecting groups. The resulting disaccharide was sulphated in the C-6 position by the method described above for disaccharide(5). Finally, remaining free hydroxyl groups were acetylated to yield disaccharide (22): COSMETIC AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING OLIGOSACCHARIDES The invention also relates to cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions for topical application to mammalian skin containing novel oligosaccharides, particularly disaccharides, as hereinbefore described. These compositions are particularly useful in promoting or enhancing the growth of hair, more particularly on the human scalp. The Hair Growth Cycle It should be explained that in most mammals, hair does not grow continuously, but undergoes a cycle of activity involving alternate periods of growth and rest. The hair growth cycle can be divided into three main stages, namely: i) the growth phase known as anagen, during which the hair follicle penetrates deep into the dermis with the cells of the bulb dividing rapidly and differentiating to form the hair, ii) the transitional stage known as catagen which is heralded by the cessation of mitosis, and during which the follicle regresses upwards through the dermis and hair growth ceases, iii) the resting stage known as telogen in which the regressed follicle contains a small secondary germ with an underlying ball of tightly packed dermal papilla cells. The initiation of a new anagen phase is revealed by rapid cell proliferation in the germ, expansion of the dermal papilla and elaboration of basement membrane components. The hair cycle is then repeated many times until, most of the hair follicles spend an increasing proportion of their time in the telogen stage, and the hairs produced become finer, shorter and less visible; this is known as terminal to vellus transformation. In the human male subject this consequence is seen as the onset of male pattern baldness. Alleged Baldness Cures Although there have been many claims in the scientific literature to the promotion or maintenance of hair growth or regrowth, by the topical application of hair tonics and the like, particularly in the human male subject, none has yet been widely accepted by the consumer as being both safe and effective. Perhaps the only means which has met with partial success for growing hair on the bald or balding human head is by transplantation of hair to the bald areas. This is however an extremely painful operation and is not always successful. Furthermore, it is immediately apparent to the casual observer that the subject has received a hair transplant, and it may take many months or even years before hair regrowth, following this operation, assumes an appearance which resembles that of the original naturally growing hair. Among the many hair regrowth studies that have been reported in the literature, the work of Meyer et al (1961) in the Proceedings of the Society of Experimental and Biological Medicine, 108 , 59-63, is worthy of mention. Meyer and his co-workers repeatedly injected acid mucopolysaccharides intracutaneously into the skin of shaved rabbits and reportedly observed initiation of the hair growth cycle with stimulation of hair growth which in some instances appeared to be thicker than usual. They found that heparitin (also known as heparan) sulphate was particularly active, while dermatan sulphate and chondroitin-6-sulphate were also active in this respect, but to a lesser extent. It has also been reported by Frajdenrajch in EP-A-0 035 919 to include chondroitin sulphate in a hair composition in order to prevent loss and encourage growth of the hair. Also, Shansho Seijaku in JA-59/186911 describe a shampoo containing a mucopolysaccharide such as chondroitin sulphate. There are other references, mainly of Japanese origin, which claim the use of chondroitin sulphate in preparations for topical application to human skin, particularly as hair tonics. Field of the invention It is believed that molecules having a molecular weight of greater than about 1500 are unlikely to penetrate skin to any significant extent when applied topically, and accordingly, it is unlikely that polysaccharides such as chondroitin sulphate having a molecular weight of many thousands could penetrate the skin of the scalp, following topical application, and diffuse into the immediate environment of the hair follicle in order to initiate or enhance hair growth. It has however now been discovered that esterified oligosaccharides of smaller molecular weight, including both the novel oligosaccharides according to the invention, and certain related disaccharides which are known for use in compositions other than for the treatment of baldness, can diffuse through the outer layers of the skin to the immediate environment of the hair follicle, where they can positively increase hair growth. It has accordingly been shown that application of these materials to mammalian skin in the region of vellus hair can convert vellus hair to growth as terminal hair. It has also been shown that the rate of terminal hair growth in mammalian species can be increased by applying these materials to mammalian skin in the region of terminal hair. It has also been shown that the molecular charge and polarity of a selected oligosaccharide will influence its skin penetration. Accordingly, it is apparent that the more polar or highly charged the oligosaccharide, the less likely it is to penetrate the skin, and for this reason it is advantageous to employ oligosaccharides for this purpose which are esterified to an extent that will reduce their molecular charge. The preferred esterified disaccharides that are selected for optimum penetration of the skin of the scalp are those which have at least 2, most preferably at least 6 ester groups per molecule. Definition of the invention The invention accordingly also provides compositions suitable for topical application to mammalian skin, particularly to the human scalp, which compositions comprise an oligosaccharide in accordance with this invention, , or mixtures of such oligosaccharides together with a cosmetically or physiologically acceptable carrier. The topical composition The composition is preferably one comprising one or more oligosaccharides or related disaccharides and a solid, semi-solid or liquid physiologically acceptable vehicle. The nature of the vehicle employed in the preparation of any particular composition will depend on the method intended for administration of that composition. The vehicle can be inert or can possess physiological or pharmaceutical benefits of its own. The relative amounts of the oligosaccharide of the invention and the vehicle is unimportant, as all that is necessary is the supply of an effective amount of the oligosaccharide or disaccharide for the purpose for which it is administered, the vehicle merely acting as a carrier or diluent of these materials. The oligosaccharide The oligosaccharide that can be incorporated into the composition according to the invention can be one or more of the novel disaccharides as described hereinbefore. It is also possible to employ oligosaccharides containing three, four or more than four saccharide units, although it is apparent that molecules containing more than four saccharide units may present difficulties, as has been stated earlier, in penetrating the skin to reach the immediate environment of the hair follicle, in view of their excessively large molecular size. Also suitable for use in compositions according to the invention are oligosaccharides produced by chemical cleavage of glycosaminoglycans, especially chondrosine, having the structure (30), which can be obtained by acid hydrolysis of chondroitin sulphate, and its N-acetyl, and its N-acetyl, O-sulpho derivatives, having the structures (31) and (32) respectively. Also suitable for use in compositions according to the invention are low molecular weight limit digests of heparan sulphate, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulphate produced by the relevant enzyme, namely heparitinase, hyaluronidase and chondroitinase. Particularly preferred examples of novel disaccharides according to the invention which can be incorporated into compositions according to the invention have the structures shown above as (5), (6), (7), (8), (10), (11), (13), (15), (17), (18), (20), (22), (24), (25), (27), (29), (30), (31) and (32). Especially preferred examples of novel oligosaccharides according to the invention, and related disaccharides, which can be incorporated into compositions according to the invention have structures shown hereinbefore as (5), (15), (22) and (31). The amount of the oligosaccharide to be incorporated with a suitable vehicle into compositions for topical use can vary widely, but in general, an amount of from 0.01 to 10%, preferably from 0.1 to 5% by weight of the composition will provide an adequate dose to the skin after topical application. The Vehicle The composition should also comprise a cosmetically or physicologically acceptable vehicle to enable the oligosaccharide to be conveyed to the skin in an appropriate dilution. The selection of a vehicle for this purpose presents a wide range of possibilities depending on the required product form of the composition. Suitable vehicles can be classified as described hereinafter. It should be explained that vehicles are substances which can act as diluents, dispersants, or solvents for the oligosaccharide and which therefore ensure that it can be applied to and distributed evenly over the hair and/or scalp at an appropriate concentration. The vehicle is preferably one which can aid penetration of the oligosaccharide into the skin to reach the immediate environment of the hair follicle. Compositions according to this invention can include water as a vehicle, and/or at least one cosmetically acceptable vehicle other than water. Vehicles other than water that can be used in compositions according to the invention can include solids or liquids such as emollients, solvents, humectants, thickeners and powders. Examples of each of these types of vehicles, which can be used singly or as mixtures of one or more vehicles, are as follows: Emollients, such as stearyl alcohol, glyceryl monoricinoleate, glyceryl monostearate, propane-1,2-diol, butane-1,3-diol, mink oil, cetyl alcohol, isopropyl isostearate, stearic acid, isobutyl palmitate, isocetyl stearate, oleyl alcohol, isopropyl laurate, hexyl laurate, decyl oleate, octadecan-2-ol, isocetyl alcohol, cetyl palmitate, dimethylpolysiloxane, di-n-butyl sebacate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl stearate, butyl stearate, polyethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, lanolin, castor oil, acetylated lanolin alcohols, petroleum, mineral oil, butyl myristate, isostearic acid, palmitic acid, isopropyl linoleate, lauryl lactate, myristyl lactate, decyl oleate, myristylmyristate; Propellants, such as trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorodifluoromethane, dichlorotetrafluorethane, monochlorodifluoromethane, trichlorotrifluorethane, propane, butane, isobutane, dimethyl ether, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide; Solvents, such as ethyl alcohol, methylene chloride, isopropanol, castor oil, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, dimethyl sulphoxide, tetrahydrofuran; Humectants, such as glycerin, sorbitol, sodium 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylate, soluble collagen, dibutyl phthalate, gelatin; Powders, such as chalk, talc, fullers earth, kaolin, starch, gums, colloidal silicon dioxide, sodium polyacrylate, tetra alkyl and/or trialkyl aryl ammonium smectites, chemically modified magnesium aluminium silicate, organically modified montmorillonite clay, hydrated aluminium silicate, fumed silica, carboxyvinyl polymer, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, ethylene glycol monostearate. The amount of vehicle in the composition, including water if present, should preferably be sufficient to carry at least a portion of the oligosaccharide to the skin in an amount which is sufficient effectively to enhance hair growth. The amount of the vehicle can comprise the balance of the composition, particularly where little or no other ingredients are present in the composition can accordingly comprise from 10 to 99.99%, preferably from 50 to 99.5% and ideally from 90 to 99% by weight of the vehicle or vehicles. Perfume The composition according to the invention can also optionally comprise a perfume in an amount sufficient to make the composition acceptable to the consumer and pleasant to use. Usually, the perfume will form from 0.01 to 10% by weight of the composition. Activity Enhancer The composition according to the invention can also optionally comprise an activity enhancer whose presence further improves the delivery to the skin of the oligosaccharide. The activity enhancer accordingly effectively increases the partition of the oligosaccharide into the skin from the composition when applied topically. While screening a series of non-electrolytes for their ability to function as activity enhancers, it was observed that they were all compounds which were capable of substantially increasing the cloud point temperature of nonionic surfactants. Such compounds included short chain alkanols, diols and short chain fatty acids. By contrast, other non-electrolytes which reduce the cloud point temperature of nonionic surfactants, such as long chain alcohols, for example, butan-1-ol and cyclohexanol; polyols, for example sorbitol and propan-1,2,3-triol, do not function as activity enhancers. An activity enhancer is accordingly defined as a non-electrolyte which is capable, at a concentration of 5% by weight of increasing the cloud point temperature of a 0.025M aqueous solution of polyoxyethylene(8)nonylphenyl ether by at least 10°C. Preferably the activity enhancer is one which is capable of increasing the cloud point temperature by at least 15°C, most preferably by at least 20°C. It should be explained that the "cloud point" is a measure of the inverse solubility of a nonionic surfactant with temperature and can be determined by heating a standard clear aqueous solution of the nonionic surfactant until the solution becomes visibly cloudy and then measuring the temperature. The cloud point temperature can conveniently be determined automatically using the equipment and method described by Baum et al in Mat. Res. Std. 4 26 (1964). Examples of suitable compounds functioning as activity enhancers, together with the respective elevated cloud point temperature obtained in each case when using the standard test defined hereinbefore are listed below in Table 1. Elevation of the cloud point temperature of a 0.025M aqueous solution of polyoxyethylene(8)nonylphenyl ether in the presence of activity enhancers Activity Enhancer (5% by weight) 0.025M aqueous solution of polyoxyethylene(8)nonyl phenyl ether (SYNPERONIC NP8 ex ICI) Cloud point temperature (°C) Elevation of cloud point temperature None (control) 33.5 0 2-methyl propan-2-ol 55.0 21.5 Propan-2-ol 56.0 22.5 Ethyl-hydroxypropanoate 52.1 18.6 Hexan-2,5-diol 52.0 18.5 POE(2) ethyl ether 46.0 12.5 Di(2-hydroxypropyl) ether 44.8 11.3 Pentan-2,4-diol 48.0 14.5 Acetone 46.3 12.8 POE(2) methyl ether 43.5 10.0 2-hydroxypropionic acid 45.0 11.5 Propan-1-ol 53.0 19.5 1,4 Dioxane 44.0 10.5 Tetrahydrofuran 45.0 11.5 Butan-1,4-diol 45.0 11.5 Other ingredients The composition according to the invention optionally can contain ingredients other than those already mentioned depending on the form of the intended product. It is, for example, possible to include antiseptics, preservatives, antioxidants, emulsifiers, colouring agents and detergents. It is also possible to include other materials which influence hair regrowth such as minoxidil and derivatives thereof. The composition according to the invention can also be employed as a vehicle for a wide variety of cosmetically or pharmaceutically active ingredients, particularly ingredients which have some beneficial effect when applied to the skin other than the promotion of hair growth. The total amount of optional ingredients can form the balance of up to 84.99% by weight of the composition. Process for preparation of composition The invention also provides a process for the preparation of a composition suitable for topical application to mammalian skin, particularly to the hair and/or scalp of the human subject which comprises mixing an oligosaccharide with a suitable cosmetically or physiologically acceptable vehicle, to provide a composition containing the oligosaccharide at a concentration of from 0.01 to 10% by weight. Form of composition The composition of the invention can be formulated as liquids, for example as a lotion, shampoo, milk or cream for use in conjunction with an applicator such as a roll-ball applicator, or a spray device such as an aerosol can containing propellant, or a container fitted with a pump to dispense the liquid product. Alternatively, the composition of the invention can be solid or semi-solid, for example sticks, creams or gels, for use in conjunction with a suitable applicator or simply a tube, bottle or lidded jar, or as a liquid-impregnated fabric, such as a tissue wipe. The invention accordingly also provides a closed container containing a composition as herein defined. Use of compositions The invention also provides for the use of an oligosaccharide in the topical treatment of baldness. The compositions according to the invention are primarily intended for topical application to mammalian skin, particularly to the scalp of the human subject, especially where the head is already bald or balding. The compositions can also be applied prophilactically to the hair and hence the scalp to reduce or prevent the onset of baldness. The amount of the composition and the frequency of application to the hair and/or scalp can vary widely, depending on personal needs, but it is suggested as an example that topical application of from 1 to 5g daily containing from 0.001 to 1g of a selected oligosaccharide over the period of at least six months will in most cases result in an improvement in hair growth. Efficacy testing The efficacy of the compositions according to the invention was examined using the rat as an animal model, in order to assess both the duration and amount of hair growth, following daily administration of such compositions. For this purpose, hair was clipped from the treatment area at regular intervals and weighed as an index of hair production. The increased duration of anagen phase was apparent from growth curves obtained by plotting weight of hair recovered from clippings against duration of the experiment. This model was validated using minoxidil, a compound known to stimulate hair growth, as a positive control. Effective compounds were selected on the basis of their ability to increase hair production and to increase the duration of anagen phase, both of which are required attributes of any product for reversing baldness. EXAMPLES The invention is illustrated by the following examples: Example 1 This Example illustrates a lotion according to the invention which is suitable for topical application to the scalp in order to promote hair growth. The lotion has the following formulation: % w/w disaccharide structure (53) 0.1 ethanol 99.995 perfume q.s. Example 2 This Example illustrates a hair tonic which is suitable for application to hair or scalp. The hair tonic has the following formulation: % w/w disaccharide : structure (54) 0.8 ethanol 50 water 49 perfume q.s. Example 3 This Example also illustrates a lotion which is suitable for topical application to the scalp. The lotion has the following formulation: % w/w disaccharide : structure (55) 1.5 propan-2-ol 10 ethanol 88.5 perfume q.s. Example 4 This Example also illustrates a hair tonic which is suitable for application to hair or scalp. The hair tonic has the following formulation: % w/w disaccharide : structure (56) 0.2 ethanol 40 water 59.80 perfume q.s. Examples 5 to 8 The following formulations represent lotions which can be used topically in the treatment of bald or balding male or female heads. % w/w 5 6 7 8 Hydroxyethyl cellulose 0.4 - 0.4 - Absolute ethanol 25 25 25 25 Propane-1,2-diol - - 38.4 38.4 Butane-1,3-diol 38.4 38.8 - - Paramethyl benzoate 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Disaccharide structure (57) 5 - - - Disaccharide structure (58) - 1 - - Disaccharide structure (59) - - 0.8 - Disaccharide structure (60) - - - 0.6 Perfume 1 1 1 1 Water to 100 100 100 100 Examples 9 to 12 The following formulations represent creams which can be used in the treatment of baldness. % w/w 9 10 11 12 Cetyl alcohol polyoxyethylene (10) 4 4 4 4 Cetyl alcohol 4 4 4 4 Mineral oil 4 2 - - Paraffin wax - 2 4 - Partial glyceride of palmitic and stearic acids - - - 4 Disaccharide : structure (30) 2 - - - Disaccharide : structure (61) - - - 1 Disaccharide : structure (62) - 1.5 - - Disaccharide : structure (63) - - 2 - Triethanolamine 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 Butane-1,3-diol 3 3 3 3 Xanthan gum 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 Preservative 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 Perfume q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. Water to 100 100 100 100 Example 13 This Example illustrates a water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion containing a novel disaccharide according to the invention. The emulsion consisted of 10% by volume oily phase and 90% by weight aqueous phase. The oily phase and the aqueous phase had the following consitution: The emulsion was prepared by taking 10 parts by volume of the oily phase and to it adding slowly with stirring 90 parts by volume of the aqueous phase. The high internal phase water-in-oil emulsion so formed can be applied topically to the scalp, to improve hair growth and regrowth. The following examples 14 to 18 illustrate shampoos for use in washing the hair and scalp, and for promoting hair growth on the scalp. Example 14 % w/w Sodium lauryl ether sulphate (2 EO) : 21% AD 41.4 Lauryl dimethylamino acetic acid betaine * 30% AD 4 Coconut fatty acid diethanolamine 1.5 Oleyl triethoxy phosphate (BRIPHOS 03D) 1 Polyglycol-polyamine condensation resin (POLYQUART H) : 50% active 1.5 Preservative, colouring matter, salt 0.58 Disaccharide : structure (7) 5 Perfume q.s. Water to 100 Example 15 % w/w Sodium lauryl ether sulphate (2 EO) : 100% AD 12 POLYQUART H : 50% active 2.5 BRIPHOS 03D 2.5 Disaccharide : structure (8) 4 Perfume q.s. Water to 100 Example 16 % w/w Monoethanolamine lauryl sulphate : 100% AD 20 POLYQUART H : 50% active 3 BRIPHOS 03D 1.7 Coconut diethanolamide 5 Disaccharide : structure (5) 1 Perfume q.s. Water to 100 pH adjusted to 6.5 Example 17 % w/w Sodium lauryl ether sulphate (3 EO) : 100% AD 12 POLYQUART H : 50% active 0.3 BRIPHOS O3D 1 Disaccharide : structure (10) 2 Perfume q.s. Water to 100 pH adjusted to 6.5 Example 18 % w/w Sodium laury ether sulphate ( 2 EO) : 100% AD 12 POLYQUART H : 50% active 3 BRIPHOS 03D 1 Opacifier 9 Disaccharide : structure (11) 5 Perfume q.s. Water to 100 pH adjusted to 6.5 Examples 19 to 24 The following Examples 19 to 24 illustrate powder compositions according to the invention which can be applied topically to the scalp. % w/w 19 20 21 22 23 24 Chemically modified starch 5 - 5 - 5 - Chemically modified cellulose - 5 - 5 - 5 Boric acid 10 10 10 10 10 10 Zinc oxide 5 5 5 5 5 5 Disaccharide : structure (13) 5 - - - - - Disaccharide : structure (15) - 10 - - - - Disaccharide : structure (18) - - 2 - - - Disaccharide : structure (17) - - - 4 - - Disaccharide : structure (20) - - - - 1 - Disaccharide : structure (22) - - - - - 3 Perfume q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. Chalk 10 10 10 10 10 10 Talc to 100 100 100 100 100 100 Example 25 This Example illustrates a lotion according to the invention which is suitable for topical application to the scalp in order to promote hair growth. The lotion has the following formulation: % w/w disaccharide structure (24) 0.1 ethanol 99.995 perfume q.s. Example 26 This Example illustrates a hair tonic which is suitable for application to hair or scalp. The hair tonic has the following formulation: % w/w disaccharide : structure (25) 0.9 ethanol 50 water 49 perfume q.s. Example 27 This Example also illustrates a lotion which is suitable for topical application to the scalp. The lotion has the following formulation: % w/w disaccharide : structure (27) 1.5 propan-2-ol 10 ethanol 88.5 perfume q.s. Example 28 This Example also illustrates a hair tonic which is suitable for application to hair or scalp. The hair tonic has the following formulation: % w/w disaccharide : structure (29) 0.2 ethanol 40 water 59.80 perfume q.s. Examples 29 to 32 The following formulations represent lotions which can be used topically in the treatment of bald or balding male or female heads. % w/w 29 30 31 32 Hydroxyethyl cellulose 0.4 - 0.4 - Absolute ethanol 25 25 25 25 Propane-1,2-diol - - 38.4 38.4 Butane-1,3-diol 38.4 38.8 - - Paramethyl benzoate 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Disaccharide structure (30) 5 1 - - Disaccharide structure (31) - 1 4 - Disaccharide structure (32) - - 1 3 Disaccharide structure (33) 2 - - 3 Perfume 1 1 1 1 Water to 100 100 100 100 Examples 33 to 36 The following formulations represent creams which can be used in the treatment of baldness. % w/w 33 34 35 36 Cetyl alcohol polyoxyethylene (10) 4 4 4 4 Cetyl alcohol 4 4 4 4 Mineral oil 4 2 - - Paraffin wax - 2 4 - Partial glyceride of palmitic and stearic acids - - - 4 Disaccharide : structure (10) 4 - 2 - Disaccharide : structure (11) - 5 - 1 Disaccharide : structure (13) - 1.5 - 3.5 Disaccharide : structure (18) 2 - 2 - Triethanolamine 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 Butane-1,3-diol 3 3 3 3 Xanthan gum 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 Preservative 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 Perfume q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. Water to 100 100 100 100 Example 37 This Example illustrates a water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion containing a novel disaccharide according to the invention. The emulsion consisted of 10% by volume oily phase and 90% by weight aqueous phase. The oily phase and the aqueous phase had the following consitution: The emulsion was prepared by taking 10 parts by volume of the oily phase and to it adding slowly with stirring 90 parts by volume of the aqueous phase. The high internal phase water-in-oil emulsion so formed can be applied topically to the scalp, to improve hair growth and regrowth. The following examples 38 to 42 illustrate shampoos for use in washing the hair and scalp, and for promoting hair growth on the scalp. Example 38 % w/w Sodium lauryl ether sulphate (2 EO) : 21% AD 41.4 Lauryl dimethylamino acetic acid betaine: 30% AD 4 Coconut fatty acid diethanolamine 1.5 Oleyl triethoxy phosphate (BRIPHOS 03D) 1 Polyglycol-polyamine condensation resin (POLYQUART H) : 50% active 1.5 Preservative, colouring matter, salt 0.58 Disaccharide : structure (37) 5 Perfume q.s. Water to 100 Example 39 % w/w Sodium lauryl ether sulphate (2 EO) : 100% AD 12 POLYQUART H : 50% active 2.5 BRIPHOS 03D 2.5 Disaccharide : structure (15) 4 Perfume q.s. Water to 100

Claims: An oligosaccharide including at least one disaccharide unit consisting of a uronic acid residue having the structure: and a hexosamine residue having the structure: Where R' is C₃ to C₁₀ alkyl or R'' is -H, C₁ to C₄ alkyl, -CO(CH₂) m CH₃, -SO₃M R''' is -H, -CO(CH₂) m CH₃, or -SO₃M M is -H, or a metallic or organic cation n is O or an integer of from 1 to 7 m is O or the integer 1 or 2 the groups designated R'' being the same or different, one R'' group from each pyranose ring structure being linked by a glycosidic linkage having the configuration α-1,3; α-1,4; β-1,3; or β-1,4; and the -COOR', -CH₂OR'' and -OR'' groups being of either configuration with respect to the pyranose rings; provided the when the oligosaccharide is a disaccharide unit having the structure: then R' is C₅ to C₁₀ alkyl or An oligosaccharide according to Claim 1 which comprises from 2 to 8 saccharide residues, at least two of which form the disaccharide unit. An oligosaccharide according to Claim 2, which comprises from 2 to 4 saccharide residues. An oligosaccharide according to any preceding claim having the generic structure: An oligosaccharide according to claim 4, chosen from those having the following structures: An oligosaccharide according to any of claims 1 to 3 having the generic structure: An oligosaccharide according to Claim 6, chosen from those having the structures: An oligosaccharide according to any of Claims 1 to 3, having the generic structure: An oligosaccharide according to Claim 8 having the structure: An oligosaccharide according to any of Claims 1 to 3, having the generic structure: An oligosaccharide according to Claim 10 having the structure: An oligosaccharide according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, having the generic structure: An oligosaccharide according to Claim 12 chosen from those having the structure: An oligosaccharide according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, having the generic structure: An oligosaccharide according to Claim 14 having the structure: An oligosaccharide according to Claim 1, 2 or 3 having the generic structure: An oligosaccharide according to Claim 16, having the structure: An oligosaccharide according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, having the generic structure: An oligosaccharide according to Claim 18, chosen from those having the structure: An oligosaccharide according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, having the generic structure: An oligosaccharide according to Claim 20, having the structure: An oligosaccharide according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, having the generic structure: An oligosaccharide according to Claim 22, having the structure: A process for the synthesis of an oligosaccharide as defined in any claims 1 to 9, which comprises the steps of: ( i) Subjecting a glycosaminoglycan chain to chemical cleavage to yield oligosaccharide fragments containing at least one disaccharide unit comprising a hexosamine residue having the structure: which is glycosidically linked to the C-1 position of a uronic acid residue having the structure: and ( ii) modifying the oligosaccharide fragments by one or more process steps in any sequence chosen from: acylation of free hydroxyl groups, acylation of free amino groups, sulphation of free hydroxyl groups, sulphation of free amino groups, esterification of free hydroxyl groups, and etherification of free hydroxyl groups; to provide the oligosaccharide. A process according to claim 24 for the synthesis of an oligosaccharide as defined in any of claims 1 to 9, having the structure chosen from structures (4), (9) and (12), in which the glycosaminoglycan is chosen from chondroitin sulphate and hyaluronic acid. A process according to claim 24 or 25, in which the chemical cleavage is achieved by acid hydrolysis. A process according to claim 24 or 25, in which the chemical cleavage is achieved by enzymic digestion. A process according to claim 24, 25 or 26, for the synthesis of the disaccharide having the structure (5), which process comprises the steps of: ( i) subjecting the glycosaminoglycan chondroitin sulphate to acid hydrolysis to yield the disaccharide chondrosine having the structure; ( ii) subjecting the chondrosine to N-acetylation to yield N-acetylchondrosine having the structure; (iii) subjecting the N-acetylchondrosine to sulphation in the C-6 position of the hexosamine moiety to yield N-acetylchondrosine -6-O-sulphate having the structure; ( iv) subjecting the N-acetylchondrosine -6-O-sulphate to esterification to yield the intermediate product having the structure; and ( v) subjecting the intermediate product having the structure (33) to full acetylation to yield the disaccharide having the structure. A process for the synthesis of an oligosaccharide as defined in any of claims 1 to 3 and 10 to 23 having at least one uronic acid residue linked in the β configuration through the C-1 position to a hexosamine residue, or having at least one hexosamine residue linked in the α or β configuration through the C-1 position to a uronic acid residue, which process comprises the steps of: ( i) condensing a hexosamine residue having the structure: with a uronic acid residue having the structure: to form an oligosaccharide intermediate, the functional groups of which residues have been modified or protected in such a way that glycosidic bond formation can only occur between the C-1 position of one residue and a free hydroxyl group in the C-3 or C-4 position of the other residue, the α or β configuration of the glycosidic linkage so formed being dictated by the nature of the leaving group on the C-1 position; and ( ii) removal of at least one protecting group from the oligosaccharide intermediate by one or more process steps in any sequence chosen from: reduction, acid catalysis, and base catalysis; to provide the oligosaccharide. A process according to claim 29, which further comprises modifying the oligosaccharide intermediate by one or more process steps in any sequence, chosen from: acylation of free hydroxyl groups acylation of free amino groups sulphation of free hydroxyl groups sulphation of free amino groups esterification of free hydroxyl groups, and etherification of free hydroxyl groups. A process according to claim 29 or 30, for the synthesis of the disaccharide having the structure (15), which process comprises the steps of: ( i) condensing the oxazoline derivative of N-acetylglucosamine having the structure: with the benzylated uronic acid moiety having the structure: in the presence of nitromethane and p-toluene sulphonic acid to yield the benzylated β-1,4 disaccharide having the structure: ( ii) hydrogenating the benzylated β-1,4 disaccharide to remove the benzyl groups to yield a β-1,4 partially acetylated disaccharide having the structure: and, (iii) acetylating the partially acetylated β-1,4 disaccharide to yield the fully acetylated β-1,4 disaccharide having the structure: A composition suitable for topical application to mammalian skin for promoting or enhancing the growth of hair, said composition comprising an effective amount of an oligosaccharide as defined in any of claims 1 to 23, together with a cosmetically or physiologically acceptable carrier. A composition according to claim 32, in which the oligosaccharide has the structure (5). A composition according to claim 32, in which the oligosaccharide has the structure (33). A composition according to claim 32, in which the oligosaccharide has the structure (23). A composition according to claims 32 and 35, in which the oligosaccharide has the structure (24). A composition according to claims 32 and 35, in which the oligosaccharide has the structure (25). A composition according to claim 32, in which the oligosaccharide has the structure (28). A composition according to claims 32 and 38, in which the oligosaccharide has the structure (29). A composition according to any of claims 32 to 39, in which the effective amount of the oligosaccharide present in the composition is from 0.01 to 10% by weight. A composition according to any of claims 32 to 40, in which the effective amount of the oligosaccharide present in the composition is from 0.01 to 5% by weight. A composition according to any of claims 32 to 41, in which the carrier forms from 10 to 99.99% by weight. A composition according to any of claims 32 to 42, in which the carrier forms from 50 to 99.5% by weight. A composition according to any of claims 32 to 43, which additionally comprises a perfume. A composition according to any of claims 32 to 44, which additionally comprises an activity enhancer. A composition according to any of claims 32 to 45, which is in the form of a cream, a gel, a lotion or a stick. A method for the conversion of vellus hair to growth as terminal hair, which comprises applying to mammalian skin in the region of vellus hair, an effective amount of a composition according to any of claims 32 to 46. A method for increasing the rate of terminal hair growth in mammalian species, which comprises applying to mammalian skin in the region of terminal hair, an effective amount of a composition according to any of claims 32 to 46. The use of an oligosaccharide as defined in any of claims 1 to 31 in the promotion of mammalian hair growth or regrowth. The use of an oligosaccharide as defined in any of claims 1 to 31 in the preparation of a compositon for the treatment of baldness.

Inventors: COUCHMAN, JOHN ROBERT DIAB. RES. & TRAINING CENTRE, GIBSON, WALTER THOMAS, Couchman, John Robert Diab. Res. &amp; Training Centre
Applicants: UNILEVER N.V., UNILEVER PLC
Application year: 1986
Main classification: C07H3
IPC codes: C07H13, C07H3, C07H7, A61K31, A61K8, A61Q5, A61Q7, C07H15, A61P17, C07H11