Compositions for topical application based on thermal muds and gelling agents

Abstract: Gelled compositions based on thermal muds for cosmetic and therapeutic use are described. The process for the preparation thereof is also described.

Description: The present invention relates to gelled compositions for cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical use based on more or less hydrated thermal muds; it also relates to the process for the preparation thereof. The beneficial effects, both of cosmetic and therapeutic nature, deriving from treatments and cures based on thermal muds have been well known from ancient times and form the basis of so∼called mud balneotherapy: it is also now universally recognised that thermal muds provide beneficial effects by means of a number of different actions, which can generally be summarised as thermal. mechanical and chemical stresses. EP-646647, GB-695916 and FR-1453967 disclose thermal mud compositions containing a gelling agents. As regards thermal stresses, it has been found that mud, owing to its particular structure and granulometry and depending on the degree of hydration, is capable of absorbing substantial amounts of heat which can then be delivered slowly to the desired region of application; this feature differentiates mud from any other heat~transmitting means of therapeutic interest. In addition, owing to its plasticity, mud is capable of being shaped perfectly to the application surface and of being accepted by the latter without unpleasant side effects. For these reasons, thermal muds can also reach elevated temperatures of up to approximately 45°C without causing any thermal discomfort in the patient However, as regards mechanical stresses it is important to underline the fact that, during treatment with thermal muds, a distinct reduction in intravascular pressure occurs in the human body, which facilitates both venous return and lymphatic drainage and also reduces stasis of interstitial liquids, with a consequent substantial improvement in venous circulation. Finally, chemical stresses brought about by mud balneotherapy depend on the quantity and quality of the salts and gases dissolved in the waters accompanying thermal muds (the so~called thermal waters), although a further element of not inconsiderable importance is represented by any radiation contained therein. All thermal waters have a more or less variable content of the hydrosulphide anion (HS ∼ ) and they are therefore generally called sulphur waters, and they differ from one another further as a function of the other dissolved anions (for example, sulphurous/sulphate, sulphur-ous/bicarbonate. sulphurous/sulphate/bicarbonate, sulphurous bromoiodic waters, etc.). Analogously, a further distinction can be made on the basis of the different cations present, among which there have been mentioned those of the alkali and alkaline earth metals, of iron and of arsenic. However, as regards the dissolved gases, the capillary dilatation action brought about by hydrogen sulphate (H 2 S) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is of enormous importance. However, thermal mud treatments have the disadvantage of requiring that they be carried out in the area of the sources of mud, so that it has long been known that it is necessary to render thermal mud treatment possible near the users. The present invention relates to novel gelled compositions for topical application, for cosmetic and/or therapeutic use, containing more or less hydrated thermal muds and at least one galling agent. The gelling agents may be either of natural origin, such as carrageenin, alginates, dextrins, dextrans, gelatins and xanthan gum, or of synthetic origin, such as carboxypolymethylene (Carbopol). carboxycelluloses (especially sodium carboxymethykellulose). hydroxycelluloses (especially hydroxypropylcellulose and hydroxymethylcellulose). acrylates and alkyl acrylates (especially mixtures of cross∼linked crylate and C 10∼30 alkyl acrylate copolymers). For the implementation of the present invention, it is preferable to use gelling substances of natural origin, such as the carrageenins normally available on the market. It is even more preferable to use carrageenins purified in accordance with patent USA 5,246,702 which have a substantially lower molecular weight than have commercial carrageenins (approximately 10 times lower) and which, therefore, do not have the unpleasant disadvantage of leaving a kind of covering film on the epidermis so treated. It has been found that carrageenin is capable of dispersing thermal muds homogeneously and of forming a micro-suspension therewith which can be distributed in an excellent and uniform manner on the epidermis. The gelled micro-suspension can readily be heated to a temperature of 38°C, fully preserving the dispersion of the mud and thus permitting excellent distribution on those parts of the body where intervention is necessary. The gelled compositions according to the present invention, in addition to offering the indisputable cosmetic and therapeutic benefits of thermal muds, facilitating the methods of use, transport and dosage thereof, are also characterised by the ability to impart to the epidermis a particular and pleasant feeling of freshness, combined with a softness and cleanliness from all imperfections which may be found on the epidermis. For that reason, a second subject of the present invention is constituted by the above∼mentioned gelled compositions based on thermal muds as true vehicles of active ingredients of varying nature dispersed or solubilised therein. The activity of some active ingredients for either cosmetic or therapeutic use is enhanced by the gelled mud and by the intrinsic properties which this mud thus vehicled already possesses. The results obtained by using such vehicles for the active ingredients are better than those obtainable by using different vehicles for the active ingredients alone, especially as regards the cosmetic field. Therefore, by using the gelled muds, a series of finished cosmetic products has been prepared which range from face packs, individualised in accordance with the various skin types (distinguishing, for example, those characterised by blackheads or forms of acne from those requiring stimulation and functional renewal of the tissue), to anti~cellulite compositions. It has also been found that the gelled compositions forming the subject~ matter of the present invention, irrespective of whether they contain additional active ingredients or not, may require slight heating, before the relevant application, to a temperature of approximately 38°C. Before it can be used for the preparation of the gelled compositions forming the subject~matter of the present invention, the thermal mud has to undergo a pretreatment in accordance with the following general scheme. 1. Determination of the aqueous content of the mud mass which may vary from 20 to 80% by weight, depending on the thermal source of origin. 2. Mechanical sieving through a network of meshes having a mesh size of preferably not greater than 0.8 mm, and elimination of all material which has not been able to pass through the sieve. 3. Sterilisation of the filtrate; the sterilisation can be carried out using the normal standard techniques, preferably by using gamma rays of at least 25 KGy or by sterilisation in an autoclave in a current of steam. Once the pretreatment has been carried out, the mud is heated to a temperature of from 25 to 90°C, preferably 60°C, after which the gelling substance, preferably carrageenin. is added. The amount of gelling substance which has to be added to obtain the compositions of the present invention is calculated on the basis of the amount of dry mud; to be more precise, this amount must be from 0.5 to 6% by weight relative to the amount of dry mud, preferably from 2 to 3.5% in the case of carrageenin and. even more preferably, 2.7%. Analogously, if other gelling agents are used. these may be used alone or in combination with one another, in accordance with the percentages indicated below: • Cross~linked acrylate/C10∼30 alkyl acrylate copolymers: 0.5∼3% • Hydroxyethylcellulose: 0.5∼3% • Hydroxypropylcellulose: 0.5∼3% • Sodium carboxymethylcellulose: 0.5∼4% • Xanthan gum: 0.5∼6% • Alginates: 0.2∼3% • Dextrins: 0.2∼3% • Dextrans: 0.2∼3% • Gelatins: 0.2∼6% • Carboxypolymethylene (Carbopol): 0.2∼3% • Hydroxypropyl∼, hydroxyethyl∼, hydroxymethyl∼cellulose: 0.5∼3% The mixture so obtained in left under agitation for a period of from 1 to 6 hours, preferably 2 hours, maintaining the temperature at from 25 to 90°C, preferably 60°C; the temperature is then adjusted to ambient values, generally 22°C, and the gelled composition is ready to be packaged. Any additional active ingredients can be added during any phase of preparation, their thermal resistance being the only restriction. The following are examples relating both to the process of preparation and to some particular types of gelled composition, and must be regarded as illustrative and non-limiting examples of the invention. In particular, both the active ingredients and the excipients used may vary in accordance with the requirements for which the finished product is intended. Example 1/Process of Preparation After mechanical sieving using a network of meshes having a mesh size of 0.8 mm, 5000 g of mud having an aqueous content of 63% by weight were sterilised using gamma rays and then heated to a temperature of 60°C. 50 g of low~molecular~weight carrageenin purified in accordance with USA 5,246,702 were then added slowly and the mixture was subsequently left under agitation at a temperature of 65°C. After 2 hours, the temperature was reduced to 22°C, a completely homogeneous gelled composition thus being obtained with a content of dry mud of 37%. Example 2/Mud Gell for Cellulite • 37% Gelled mud (dry residue): 97.2 g • Escine: 0.4 g • Mucopolysaccharide: 0.3 g • Deacetylated soya phospholipid: 0.5 g • Preservatives: 1.6 g Example 3/Mud gel for sunburn • 37% gelled mud (dry residue): 94.9 g • Allantoin: 1.5 g • Glycol extract of tomato 2 g • Preservatives: 1.6 g Example 4/Cream emulsion of gelled mud for skin imperfections 1) Active components: • Deacetylated soya phospholipid: 0.5 g • Mucopolysaccharide: 0.3 g • Hydroglycol extract of mallow (GATTEFOSSE'): 2 g • 37% gelled mud (dry residue): 50.5 g 2) Lipid portion: 14 g 3) Water∼soluble and liposoluble preservatives: 1.6 g 4) Water: balance to 100 g 5) Perfume: 0.75% Example 5/Cream emulsion of gelled mud for cellulite 1) Active components: • Deacetylated soya phospholipid: 0.5 g • Mucopolysaccharide: 0.3 g • Escine: 0.3 g • Centella asiatica (GATTEFOSSE'): 1 g • Hydroglycol extract of horse chestnut (GATTEFOSSE'): 2 g • Hydroglycol extract of seaweed (GATTEFOSSE'): 2 g • 37% gelled mud (dry residue): 50.5 g 2) Lipid portion: 14 g 3) Water∼soluble and liposoluble preservatives: 1.6 g 4) Water: balance to 100 g 5) Perfume: 0.75% Example 6/Cream emulsion of gelled mud for the face 1) Active components: • Hydroglycol extract of mallow (GATTEFOSSE') 2 g • Hydrolysed soya protein: 5 g • 37% gelled mud (dry residue): 50.5 g 2) Lipid portion: 14 g 3) Water∼soluble and liposoluble preservatives: 1.6 g 4) Water: balance to 100 g 5) Perfume: 0.75% Example 7/Anti∼aging cream emulsion with vitamins of gelled mud 1) Active components: • Deacetylated soya phospholipids : 0.5 g • Vitamin E acetate: 0.75 g • Vitamin C: 0.75 g • Hydroglycol extract of mallow (GATTEFOSSE'): 2 g • Hydroglycol extract of arnica (GATTEFOSSE'): 2 g • 37% gelled mud (dry residue): 50.5 g 2) Lipid portion: 14 g 3) Water∼soluble and lippsoluble preservatives: 1.6 g 4) Water: balance to 100 g 5) Perfume: 0.75% Example 8/Cream emulsion for firming the bust based on gelled mud 1) Active components: • Deacetylated soya phospholipids 0.5 g • Hydroglycol extract of hop (GATTEFOSSE): 2 g • Hydroglycol extract of ginseng (GATTEFOSSE'): 2 g • 37% gelled mud (dry residue): 50.5 g 2) Lipid portion: 14 g 3) Water∼soluble and liposoluble preservatives: 1.6 g 4) Water: balance to 100 g 5) Perfume: 0.75% Example 9/Cream emulsion of gelled mud for the hair 1) Active components: • Deacetylated soya phospholipids 0.5 g • Fresh plant amino∼protein complex: 5 g • Hydroglycol extract of nasturtium (GATTEFOSSE): 2 g • 37% gelled mud (dry residue): 50.5 g 2) Upid portion: 14 g 3) Water∼soluble and liposoluble preservatives: 1.6 g 4) Water: balance to 100 g 5) Perfume: 0.75% Example 10/Soothing face cream emulsion of gelled mud 1) Active components: • Deacetylated soya phospholipids * : 0.5 g • Hydroglycol extract of lime (GATTEFOSSE'): 2 g • Hydroglycol extract of tomato (GATTEFOSSE'): 2 g • Hydroglycol extract of aloe (GATTEFOSSE'): 2 g • 37% gelled mud (dry residue): 50.5 g 2) Lipid portion: 14 g 3) Water∼soluble and liposoluble preservatives: 1.6 g 4) Water: balance to 100 g 5) Perfume: 0.75% Example 11/Anti-stretch mark cream emulsion of gelled mud 1) Active components: • Deacetylated soya phospholipids : 0.5 g • Hydroglycol extract of ivy (GATTEFOSSE'): 2 g • Kydroglycol extract of papaya (GATTEFOSSE'): 2 g g 37% gelled mud (dry residue): 50.5 g 2) Lipid portion: 14 g 3) Water~soluble and liposoluble preservatives: 1.6 g 4) Water: balance to 100 g 5) Perfume: 0.75% Example 12/Anti∼acne cream emulsion of gelled mud 1) Active components: • Deacetylated soya phospholipids 0.5 g • Ethyl azelate 0.5 g • Hydroglycol extract of lavender (GATTEFOSSE'): 2 g • 37% gelled mud (dry residue): 50.5 g 2) Lipid portion: 14 g 3) Water∼soluble and liposoluble preservatives: 1.6 g 4) Water: balance to 100 g 5) Perfume: 0.75%

Claims: Compositions containing thermal mud with an aqueous content of from 20 to 80% by weight together with at least one gelling agent, characterised in that the gelling agent is carrageenin and it is present in an amount of from 0.5 to 6% by weight with respect to the dry mud. Compositions according to Claim 1, characterised in that carrageenin is present in an amount of from 2 to 3.5% by weight with respect to the dry mud. Compositions according to Claim 2, characterised in that carrageenin is present in an amount of 2.7% by weight with respect to the dry mud. Compositions according to Claim 1, characterised in that carrageenin is purified carrageenin having a low molecular weight. Compositions for cosmetic use according to any one of the preceding claims. Compositions according to Claims 1-5, characterised in that they contain at least one active ingredient for topical application. Compositions according to Claim 6, characterised in that said active ingredient for topical application is provided with cosmetic activity. Compositions according to Claim 7, characterised in that said active ingredient provided with cosmetic activity is selected from: deacetylated soya phospholipids, mucopolysaccharides, allantoin, escine, Centella asiatica, vitamins, dry or plant hydroglycol extracts. Compositions according to Claim 8, characterised in that the deacetylated soya phospholipids are selected from: L-α-glycerylphosphorylethanolamine and L-α-glycerylphosphoryl choline. Process for the preparation of compositions according to Claim 1, characterised by the following stages: a) mechanical sieving through a network of meshes, b) sterilisation of the filtrate, c) heating of the sterilised filtrate and addition of the at least one gelling agent, the gelling agent being carrageenin under stirring. Process according to Claim 10, characterised in that the meshes of the mesh network are of a size not greater than 0.8 mm. Process according to Claim 10, characterised in that the sterilisation is carried out by the use of gamma rays of at least 25 KGy or in an autoclave in a current of steam. Process according to Claim 10, characterised in that the heating is carried out at a temperature of from 25 to 90°C. Process according to Claim 13, characterised in that the heating is carried out at a temperature of 60°C. Process according to Claim 10, characterised in that the gelling agent is added at a temperature of 60°C. Process according to Claim 10, characterised in that the so-obtained mixture is maintained under stirring at a temperature of from 25 to 90°C for a period of from 1 to 6 hours. Process according to Claim 16, characterised in that stirring is maintained for a period of 2 hours. Process according to Claim 16, characterised in that stirring is carried out at a temperature of 60°C.

Inventors: REINER ALBERTO, REINER GIORGIO, REINER, ALBERTO, REINER, GIORGIO
Applicants: APR APPLIED PHARMA RES S A, APR APPLIED PHARMA RESEARCH S.A.
Application year: 1997
Main classification: A61K7
IPC codes: A61Q5, A61Q19, A61K8