Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (“glyphosate”) from N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (“PMIDA”), and more particularly to methods for control of the conversion of PMIDA, for the identification of reaction end points relating to PMIDA conversion and the preparation of glyphosate products having controlled PMIDA content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for reducing the appearance of dynamic facial wrinkles by administering oral and/or topical compositions comprising therapeutically-effective amounts of extracts of one or more relaxing herbal agents (“RHAs”) alone or in combination with one or more extracts of an edible solanaceous glycoalkaloid-containing plant (“ESGP”) or an edible glycoalkaloid-containing fungus (“EGF”) selected from plant species in the genus Solanum and mushrooms. RHAs are selected from the group consisting of extracts of Q. amara, E. angustifolia, P. oleracea, M. dubia, P. orientalis and A. muscaria and plant species from the genus Valeriana, Passiflora, Verbascum, Scutellaria, Cypripedium, Magnolia, Atriplex and Symphytum. Additionally, the methods of the present invention may comprise exfoliating the skin, preferably with at least one acid protease enzyme.

Abstract: A dietary supplement composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one sirt 1 activating agent, a therapeutically effective amount of at least one Qi activating agent, and an therapeutically effective amount of at least one adaptogen is disclosed. An optional herbal treatment for stress-related deep wrinkles comprises chronic oral administration for at least two weeks of a beverage containing an effective amount of a valerian root extract sufficient to provide a desired reduction in the appearance of the deep wrinkles. A photoprotective agent may also be included. Also included are a microcirculation increasing agent. Also optional are an herbal toner and topical cellulite product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for reducing the appearance of dynamic facial wrinkles by administering oral and/or topical compositions comprising therapeutically-effective amounts of extracts of one or more relaxing herbal agents (“RHAs”) alone or in combination with one or more extracts of an edible solanaceous glycoalkaloid-containing plant (“ESGP”) or an edible glycoalkaloid-containing fungus (“EGF”) selected from plant species in the genus Solanum and mushrooms. RHAs are selected from the group consisting of extracts of Q. amara, E. angustifolia, P. oleracea, M. dubia, P. orientalis and A. muscaria and plant species from the genus Valeriana, Passiflora, Verbascum, Scutellaria, Cypripedium, Magnolia, Atriplex and Symphytum. Additionally, the methods of the present invention may comprise exfoliating the skin, preferably with at least one acid protease enzyme.

Abstract: A dietary supplement composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one sirt 1 activating agent, a therapeutically effective amount of at least one Qi activating agent, and a therapeutically effective amount of at least one adaptogen is disclosed. An optional herbal treatment for stress-related deep wrinkles comprises chronic oral administration for at least two weeks of a beverage containing an effective amount of a valerian root extract sufficient to provide a desired reduction in the appearance of the deep wrinkles. A photoprotective agent may also be included. Also included are a microcirculation increasing agent. Also optional are an herbal toner and topical cellulite product.

Abstract: The invention provides herbal treatments for aged skin employing valerian extracts and other active herbal agents that are effective as relaxants. Surprisingly, mere ingestion of valerian tea on a daily basis is effective to reduce deep wrinkles. The treatments are particularly effective on persons afflicted by stress and are shown by clinical tests to reduce wrinkles and acne lesions and to improve skin texture and skin color without an increase in puffiness such as might be expected from mere hydration of the skin. The herbal agents can be administered either in a tea or a topical composition, and a combination of the two treatments is particularly effective. A preferred herbal agent is an aqueous valerian root extract. Other herbal agents include extracts of passion flower and mullein.

Abstract: New topically applied treatments for structurally deteriorated or otherwise aged skin are shown by comparative data to effect structural improvements in the deteriorated skin, as shown by skin-thickening data. The disclosed treatments disrupt the skin's water barrier and elevate trans-epidermal moisture loss (TEML) for extended periods of weeks or months and include methods of mechanical or solvent action, for example, tape stripping, or acetone washes. Preferred treatments use cosmetic creams or gels with active ingredients such as lactic acid as a primary, water-soluble barrier disruption agent, a retinoid, for example vitamin A palmitate as a lipid-soluble barrier disruption agent and a particular cerebroside to inhibit barrier repair. Such novel creams or gels can be applied daily for extended periods to provide chronic, sustained disruption of the barrier as indicated by significantly elevated TEML.

Abstract: New topically applied treatments for cellulite are shown by comparative data to effect structural improvements in cellulite-afflicted thigh area tissues including skin-thickening, thigh-firming and thigh-reduction. The disclosed treatments disrupt the skin's water barrier and elevate trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) for extended periods of weeks or months and include methods of mechanical or solvent action, for example, tape stripping, or acetone washes. Preferred treatments use creams with active ingredients such as lactic acid to elevate TEWL, a retinoid, preferably vitamin A palmitate to disrupt barrier rebuilding and prolong elevation of TEWL levels, and a cerebroside to inhibit lipid synthesis and intensify the TEWL elevation. Diuretics, for immediate esthetic improvements, anti-irritants and anti-oxidants for irritation control are optional ingredients.

Abstract: A skin-conditioning composition is disclosed which can be applied topically to improve skin cell renewal rates with low irritation levels and comprises minor proportions of a salicylic acid and a somewhat hydrophobic alpha hydroxy aliphatic acid formulated into an acidic cosmetic composition, optionally with an anti-irritant or anti-oxidant additive. Preferred acids are salicylic and lactic and appropriate compositions are also useful topical treatments for the scalp to reduce hair loss.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the adverse reaction of skin to chemicals and compositions that contact the skin, e.g., topical cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations, and to contact physical irritants. The active ingredient of the composition of the invention comprises a hydro-alcoholic extract of Cola nitida.

Abstract: Cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions and methods comprising delivery systems for the controlled release and enhanced penetration of biologically active materials (e.g., Vitamin A) to the skin. The delivery systems comprise cholesteric liquid crystals wherein the active material is retained within the lamellar molecular structure (i.e., between the molecular sheets) of the cholesteric liquid crystal.

Abstract: Pantethine and pantetheine in permanent waving operations for hair to increase waving efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition and to a method of using that composition to enhance the penetration of topically applied ingredients into the cells of the skin. The composition preferably comprises:(a) at least one cosmetic ingredient selected from the group consisting of retinyl palmitate at a concentration of about 0.01 to about 1% by weight, pantethine or a cosmetically acceptable ester of pantethine at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 2% by weight, superoxide dismutase at a concentration of about 0.001 to about 1% by weight, and epidermal growth factor at a concentration of about 0.001 to about 1% by weight;(b) about 0.1 to about 20% by weight of trehalose; and(c) a cosmetically acceptable vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed are a composition for protecting hair from damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet light and a method of using the composition. The composition comprises:(a) a first component selected from the group consisting of a material having superoxide dismutase activity, ascorbic acid, Cytochrome C, mixtures of nicotinamide dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase, uric acid, uric acid salts, and mixtures thereof;(b) a second component selected from the group consisting of mannitol, catalase, and mixtures thereof, and(c) a third component selected from the group consisting of a disulfide, a thiol, and mixtures thereof, said disulfide and said thiol each having a molecular weight of at least about 100.

Abstract: An aqueous hair conditioning shampoo composition comprising about 0.5-10 percent by weight of cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine and about 0.1-6 percent by weight of a quaternary halide of an N,N,N-trialkylaminoalkylene gluconamide.

Abstract: A nail conditioning composition comprising an aqueous emulsion of sodium lauryl sulfate, urea and hydrolyzed animal protein in the aqueous phase and mineral oil, cholesterol and a lipid in the oil phase, said lipid being cetyl alcohol, cetyl palmitate or a base salt of palmitic or stearic acids. The composition moisturizes and imparts flexibility to the nail and softens the cuticle area.

Abstract: An improved aqueous hair conditioning shampoo composition containing about 0.5-10 percent by weight of cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine and about 0.1-6 percent by weight of a quaternary halide of an N,N,N-trialkylaminoalkylene gluconamide, the improvement being the inclusion of about 5-20 percent by weight of a mixture of two surfactants, ammonium lauryl sulfate and triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, in a 1:1 to 5:1 ratio, respectively.

Abstract: An equilibrium melt from a standard hydrolytic or anionic polymerization of caprolactam is spun at a temperature between about 230.degree. and 270.degree. C. through a spinnerette, preferably one having a multiplicity of holes spaced from each other in an asymmetric arrangement, the spinning take-away speed being less than about 250 meters/minute. The molten strands of polycaprolactam are quenched in two phases: (1) gas at a temperature of less than 20.degree. C. is directed from a first entrance in a crosscurrent flow upon the face of the spinnerette and upon the molten polycaprolactam strands immediately adjacent thereto, and is exhausted adjacent to the back of the spinnerette; and (2) gas at a temperature of less than 20.degree. C. is directed in a countercurrent flow from a second entrance downstream from the first entrance with respect to the direction of movement of the polycaprolactam strands; whereby the surface temperature of the polycaprolactam strands is reduced to 30.degree.-70.degree. C.