Abstract: Cosmetic/pharmaceutical/dermatological compositions suited for promoting desquamation of the skin of a mammalian organism in need of such treatment and/or to stimulate epidermal renewal and thus to combat intrinsic and/or extrinsic aging thereof, via topically applying same to the skin of such organism, comprise a cutaneous aging-combating effective amount of at least one polyholoside, preferably a heterogeneous polyholoside, in a topically applicable, cosmetically/pharmaceutically/dermatologically acceptable vehicle, carrier or diluent therefor.

Abstract: A process that can be used for isolating a fluorinated alkanoic acid from an aqueous solution also containing inorganic fluorides is provided. This process comprises (A) acidifying an aqueous solution comprising an ammonium salt of a fluorinated alkanoic acid to produce an acidified solution, (B) heating the acidified solution to produce an organic layer and an aqueous layer, (C) separating and recovering the organic layer from the aqueous layer, (D) optionally washing the organic layer with an acid solution, (E) optionally isolating the fluorinated alkanoic acid, and (F) further optionally converting the fluorinated alkanoic acid to its ammonium salt.

Abstract: Nitric oxide scavengers, such as dithiocarbamate-containing compounds, are used to reduce side effects caused by therapeutic administration of nitric oxide sources by administering the nitric oxide scavenger(s) to the subject after the therapeutic effect of the nitric oxide source has been achieved. For example, the nitric oxide source can be coadministered with the nitric oxide scavenger, with the latter formulated in a time release vehicle selected to delay release of the scavenger for a period of time sufficient to ensure that the therapeutic goal of the nitric oxide source has been achieved before release of the scavenger. Formulations and kits, including a bubble pack with pairwise arrangement of unit doses of a desired nitric oxide source and nitric oxide scavenger, are also provided.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition on an external treatment agent containing microcapsules, with an average particle size of 0.1 to 2000 &mgr;m, enclosing a hydrophobic component, wherein the microcapsules are composed of a gelatin film swollen with water.

Abstract: The invention relates to lipid mixture compositions comprising one or more cholesteryl esters in an amount of at least about 25% by weight of the composition, and less than about 5% by weight of sphingolipid, as well as cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations for topical application to the lips containing the lipid mixture.

Abstract: Hair styling gels containing a carboxylated polyurethane resin, a viscosity enhancer, and an optional second hair fixative resin, in an aqueous carrier, are disclosed. The styling gel compositions impart excellent hair styling, conditioning, and hair set retention properties to treated hair.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting refractive errors of the eye are disclosed. Accelerated reshaping of the corneal tissue is accomplished by administering one or more enzymes and/or other agents to the eye which temporarily soften the cornea. The cornea is thereafter fitted with a rigid contact lens or a series of lenses which have a concave curvature that will correct a refractive error. The softened cornea then rapidly reshapes its convex curvature to the concave curvature of the contact lens or series of lenses, thereby rendering the eye emmetropic. The enzymes and/or other agents then dissipate from the cornea, and the cornea "hardens" to retain the new emmetropic shape. After "hardening" has occurred, the lens rendering the eye emmetropic is removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical matrix pellet formulations providing an adequate drug release profile. The matrix of said pellets is formed from:(a) a hydrophilic compound selected among the group consisting of starch, a starch derivative and mixture thereof, and(b) a hydrophobic compound selected among the group consisting of wax, micro-crystalline wax and mixture thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel anhydrous or water-in-oil synthetic ester compositions which are used in formulating dermatological products having uniform structure ranging in consistency from a soft gel to a hard stick. The compositions comprise a new component, dibehenyl fumaric acid ester, which has a melting point of approximately 72-74.degree. C. The dibehenyl fumaric acid ester component has exceptional benefits when used in combination with any cosmetically acceptable oil in varying ratios, to produce homogeneous materials having a uniform structure. The di-behenyl fumaric acid ester according to the present invention may be used to harden or stiffen any cosmetically acceptable oil or water-in-oil emulsions and can be used to create compositions varying widely in viscosity and/or hardness from gels to solid systems such as sticks or to enhance the stability of water-in-oil emulsions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a formulation of herbal cream for cracked heels and palms. Since the components in the formulation are from herbal sources it is very safe and eco-friendly and does not produce any harmful effects on the skin. It is comprised of a natural wax as an emulsifier, extract of curcuma and the gum of Acacia or Colophonium or Shorea. The gum gives a synergistic effect in binding and healing the skin with natural wound healing herbal extract selected from the aqueous extracts of curcuma, neem and allantonin. This is combined with a wound healing fragrant oil. The natural wound healing herbal extract acts as a humectant and the gum gives an synergistic effect in binding the skin thereby reducing water loss from the skin. The cream spreads evenly and smoothly when applied on the affected parts, and quickens healing, restores natural suppleness and softness and also serves as an antiseptic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions useful as cosmetic or therapeutic agents, as well as methods of their use. The compositions herein are particularly useful as coatings for mammalian nails. More particularly, the present invention relates to compositions which, when applied to mammalian nails exhibit long wear properties including excellent adhesion to the nail.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pigment composition comprising an effective amount of an aqueous extract of coffee and at least one organic pigment. The pigment compositions are useful in preparing cosmetic formulations in which a true black color in the final product is needed. In particular, the pigment composition is useful in the preparation of eyeliner, lash coloring, and hair dyes or rinses.

Abstract: A topical barrier composition contains a, synthetic, polymeric, hydrophobic silicone material, a bentonite component, zinc oxide, water and an unctuous carrier base for the other ingredients of the composition. The composition provides a barrier function protecting mammalian epidermis against external insults such as hyperhydration and maceration from any cause with an intended use for protection against extended periods of exposure to urine and feces.

Abstract: A flavonol-containing dry composition derived from wine and useful as a food supplement is provided wherein at least 25% of the composition derived from wine includes polyphenols and at least 1.0% w/w of the composition is flavonol.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions containing dermaphile oils and methods for their use. Preferred composition contain Purcellin Oil and are useful in treating a wide variety of adverse skin conditions, including disorders manifesting inflammatory and non-inflammatory symptoms and having a variety of etiologies. The compositions are especially useful in treating psoriasis, eczema, acne, surgical scars and sunburn, but are also useful in treating cuts, insect bites, pruritis, cold sores and dry skin. Methods for the use of these compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flavonol-containing dry composition suitable for human consumption, together with uses thereof.

Abstract: The use of conjugated linoleic acid to inhibit cyclooxygenase-catalyzed conversion of arachidonic acid, thromboxane formation and platelet aggregation.

Abstract: Substances that are solid at 25.degree. C. are obtained by dissolving sodium valproate in heated valproic acid and cooling the resultant solution. The resulting solid substances can easily be processed into solid pharmaceutical dosage forms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substantially dry, disposable, personal cleansing product useful for both cleansing and conditioning the skin or hair. These products are used by the consumer by wetting the dry product with water. The product comprises of a water insoluble substrate, a lathering surfactant, and a conditioner component. The invention also encompasses methods for cleansing and conditioning the skin or hair using these products and to methods for manufacturing these products.

Abstract: Transfer-resistant cosmetic/dermatological compositions (e.g., lipcolors) formulated as supple and homogeneous doughs, advantageously via extrusion, include a fatty phase which comprises at least one volatile oil, at least one phenylated silicone oil and at least 12% by weight of at least one wax.