Abstract: A paint or lacquer composition including microcapsules, which microcapsules are prepared according to the process including: (a) providing a mixture of an active and a polyvinylether; (b) polymerizing the mixture with maleic anhydride to form a copolymer matrix; and (c) cross-linking the copolymer matrix with a melamine-formalin resin to encapsulate the active in microcapsules with an average diameter of about 0.1 to about 25 ?m for incorporating into a paint or a lacquer composition is provided.

Abstract: A botanic extract of Litchi sinensis containing, based on active substance content, at least 15% by weight of an oligomeric proanthocyanidin of the OPC A2 type is disclosed. Processes of making such extracts containing at least 15% by weight of OPC A2 are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hypocholesteremic preparation containing at least one component (a) selected from the group consisting of phytostenols and phytostenol esters and at least one component (b) selected from conjugated fatty acids having from about 6 to about 24 carbon atoms and glycerides of conjugated fatty acids having from about 6 to about 24 carbon atoms is disclosed. Methods of reducing serum cholesterol content in a mammal via administration of hypocholesteremic preparations described herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions for oral administration of (a) a physiologically active fatty acid containing about 16 to 26 carbon atoms and about 2 to 6 double bonds, and esters or glycerides thereof; and (b) an oligomeric proanthocyanidin or a plant extract containing said proanthocyanidin are disclosed. Methods of using the compositions as additives in food products are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to cosmetic preparations containing (a) water-soluble ?-(1,3) glucans, substantially devoid of ?-(1,6) links, and (b) chitosans. The agents are suitable for hair care and personal hygiene and can also be used for sun protection.

Abstract: A hypocholesteremic preparation containing at least one phytostenol ester of a conjugated fatty acid having from about 6 to about 24 carbon atoms is disclosed. Methods of reducing serum cholesterol content in a mammal via administration of hypocholesteremic preparations described herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: A new chewing gum composition is disclosed. The chewing gum formulation contains extracts of plants and/or active principles contained in plant extracts. The plant extracts or plant-derived active principles can be encapsulated. A method for preparing the microcapsules is disclosed.

Abstract: Cosmetic preparations which contain (a) an ester of a hydroxycarboxylic acid and an alk(en)yl oligoglycoside, and (b) a silicone compound; are described. The esters correspond to the general formula (I): wherein X represents a hydrogen or a —CH2COOR3 substituent, Y represents a hydrogen or a hydroxyl substituent, R1, R2 and R3 each independently represents a substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, ammonium, alkyl ammoniums, hydroxyalkyl ammoniums, glucammonium, and residues of alk(en)yl oligoglycosides; wherein at least one of R1, R2 and R3 represents a residue of an alk(en)yl oligoglycoside, and with the proviso that, where X represents a —CH2COOR3 group, Y is hydrogen.

Abstract: Decorative cosmetic preparations that contain water-soluble ?-(1,3) glucans, which have intact ?-(1,3) side-chains and are free from repetitive ?-(1,6) linkages and a method of producing the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A detergent composition containing: (a) an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of an alkylbenzenesulfonate, an alkyl sulfate, a soap, an alkanesulfonate, an olefinsulfonate, a methyl ester sulfonate, and mixtures thereof; (b) a non-enzymatic protein and/or derivative thereof; (c) a phosphate; (d) a disintegrating agent; an (e) optionally, a co-surfactant selected from the group consisting of a nonionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, and mixtures thereof, and wherein the detergent composition is in a solid form.

Abstract: A process for protecting human skin or hair against the harmful effects of ageing and environmental toxins involving contacting the skin or hair with a composition containing a Vaccinium plant extract.

Abstract: Processes for preparing surfactant granules, wherein the processes comprise: (a) passing a water-containing surfactant preparation through a casting plate, wherein the casting plate vibrates, such that droplets of the preparation are formed; and (b) contacting the droplets with a gaseous drying agent; are described.

Abstract: A pearlescent composition containing: (a) a dialkyl ether corresponding to formula (I): R1—O—R2??(I) wherein R1 and R2 independently of one another represent linear or branched alkyl and/or alkenyl groups having from 12 to 22 carbon atoms; (b) a cationic polymer; and (c) an emulsifier selected from the group consisting of a fatty acid-N-alkyl polyhydroxyalkyl amide, an alkyl ether sulfate, a betaine, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of water soluble ?-(1,3) glucans, which are essentially free from (1,6) links as active ingredients agents for producing therapeutic skin treatment agents. Said products strengthen the skin's immune system, counteract the formation of wrinkles and can be used to treat psoriasis and eczemic conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of nanoscalar water-soluble ?-(1,3) glucans, which are essentially free from ?-(1,6) links and have particle diameters ranging from 10 to 300 nm for producing cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical preparations. When applied topically, the especially fine dispersion of the particles, compared to prior art glucans, facilitates their rapid penetration of both the stratum corneum of the skin and the keratin fibres of the hair.

Abstract: A pearlescent composition containing: (a) a dialkyl ether corresponding to formula (I): R1—O—R2??(1) wherein R1 and R2 independently of one another represent linear or branched alkyl and/or alkenyl groups having from 12 to 22 carbon atoms; (b) a cationic polymer; and (c) a betaine.

Abstract: A pearlescent composition containing: (a) a dialkyl ether corresponding to formula (I): R1—O—R2??(I) wherein R1 and R2 independently of one another represent linear or branched alkyl and/or alkenyl groups having from 12 to 22 carbon atoms; (b) a cationic polymer; and (c) a fatty acid-N-alkyl polyhydroxyalkyl amide.

Abstract: A cleaning composition containing: (a) a mild surfactant selected from the group consisting of an N-acylamino acid, a salt of an N-acylamino acid, and mixtures thereof; (b) a stabilizing additive selected from the group consisting of a polyol, a polyol fatty acid ester, and mixtures thereof; (c) optionally, a lower aliphatic alcohol; and (e) water.

Abstract: The invention relates to cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical preparations containing (a) water soluble &bgr;-(1,3) glucans that are substantially devoid of &bgr;-(1,6) links, and (b) deoxyribonucleic acids and their breakdown and degradation products.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of surfactant mixtures, comprising (a) anionic and/or nonionic surfactants and (b) water soluble &bgr;-(1,3) glucans, which are substantially free of &bgr;-(1,6) links. Said mixtures are used to produce oral hygiene and dental hygiene products in particulars, toothpastes. The preparations are characterized in that the mucous membranes in the mouth have a particularly high degree of tolerability with regard thereto, by exhibiting exceptional foaming properties and a stable distribution of the abrasive substances.