Compositions for the reversal of stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders

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Compositions that, when used topically in a therapeutically effective amount, are safe and effective for the regression of stratum granulosum in patients exhibiting keratinization disorders, such as psoriasis. The compositions, which can be formulated as ointments, oils, soaps and shampoos, comprise a non-aqueous extract of Wrightia tinctoria, an extract of Cocos nucifera, and pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable excipients suitable for topical use.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application, filed under 35 U.S.C. 120, is a continuation-in-part of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/731,345 entitled “Compositions for the Reversal of Stratum Granulosum in Keratinization Disorders” filed on Mar. 31, 2007, and as such claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 of this application. The present application is related to U.S. non-provisional applications Ser. No. 11/288,923 filed on Nov. 28, 2005; Ser. No. 12/009,799 filed on Jul. 3, 2008; and Ser. No. 12/286,564 files on Sep. 30, 2008. The disclosures of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES OF A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compositions for the reversal of stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders. In particular, the present invention relates to herbal compositions for the regression and reversal of stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders in psoriatic lesions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ART

The skin is made up of two primary layers that differ in function, thickness, and strength. From outside to inside, they are the epidermis and its sublayers, and the dermis, after which is found subcutaneous tissue, or the hypodermis.

The epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, is thin but complex. Melanin, which is responsible for skin pigmentation, is found throughout the epidermis. The epidermis also keratinizes to produce nails, hair, sweat, and to regenerate.

Keratinization, the maturation and migration of skin cells, begins in the innermost layer of the epidermis, the stratum germinativum [see item E in FIG. 1]. These cells, called keratinocytes, accumulate and move outward toward the next epidermis layer, the stratum spinosum [see item D in FIG. 1], where they become dense. The next layer, known as the stratum granulosum [see item C in FIG. 1] layer, contains 1 to 3 rows of flattened cells whose cytoplasm contain small granules. The granules contain proteins being transformed into the waterproofing protein keratin. It is in this layer that one finds glycolipids and a thickening of the membrane. A protein called filigrin is made in this layer and is put in the granules. In this layer, cells lose their nuclei. In the cytoplasm, there are keratohyalin granules as well as membrane-coating granules which expel their lipid contents into the intercellular spaces. Lipids assist in the formation of water barriers among the cells of the skin, which, in turn, help to ensure body moisturization. At this point, the cell also becomes flattened, or horny, and the nucleus disappears; what remains is keratin. In the next layer, the stratum lucidum [see item B in FIG. 1], the cell is prepared to move into its final sublayer with the addition of melanin granules. Then, sudden changes in enzyme function cause cell death. The products of this ongoing process form the stratum corneum [see item A in FIG. 1], which is the outermost epidural layer consisting of neatly packed dead horny cells.

Keratinization disorders in the stratum granulosum layer in the epidermis can often lead to clinically significant skin manifestations. One common disorder includes thinning of the stratum granulosum layer due to malfunctioning of the keratinization process leading to reduction in the moisture barrier properties of the stratum granulosum layer. In addition, for example, over activated keratinocytes actively producing and secreting pro-angiogenic factors in the form of growth factors or cytokines can result in increased blood vessel formation in the papillary dermis which may sometime extend into the epidermis. Epidermal microvascular proliferation ultimately leads to epidermal keratinocyte hyperproliferation, thickening of the epidermis with parakeratosis of the stratum corneum and inflammatory infiltrate around the blood vessels in the papillary dermis [see FIG. 1]. The microvascular changes are also characterized by increased tortuosity of dermal capillary loops which precedes the development of epidermal hyperplasia. Mitotic activity in the basal and suprabasal cells are greatly increased [Dr. George Jacob, Seminar on Psoriasis, Dubai, January 2001]. Cellular invasion takes place, particularly in the suprapapillary region to form the Munro ‘micro abscess’ which are extruded in the horny layer or they may collect in disintegrated malphigian cells, the cytoplasm of which had been lysed to form the multilocular or stratum granulosum of Kogoj.

Stratum granulosums of Kogoj are multilocular pustules in the upper stratum malpighii within a sponge-like network made up of flattened keratinocytes [M. S. Stone and T. L. Ray, DermPath Tutor, Department of Dermatology, Iowa College of Medicine, September 1995]. They are seen in psoriasis, Reiter's disease, geographic tongue and rarely in candidiasis. Histological studies, including immunocytochemistry, routine histology and electron microscopy have clearly established that alterations in the blood vessel formation of the skin discussed above are a prominent feature of psoriasis and there is a marked increase in cutaneous blood active edge of the psoriatic plaque [Braverman I M, Yen A. Ultrastructure of the capillary loops in the dermal papillae of psoriasis. J Invest Dermatol 1977: 68: 53-60].

Numerous therapies in the field of allopathy medicine have been reported in reducing a stratum granulosum disorder, especially in relation to psoriasis:

    • Treatment of psoriasis—Part 1—Topical Therapy and Phototherapy, Mark Lebwohl, MD, et al, American Academy of Dermatology, October 2001 Vol 45 (4).
    • Treatment of psoriasis—Part 2—Systemic Therapies, Mark Lebwohl, MD, et al, American Academy of Dermatology, November 2001 Vol 45(5).
    • The immunological basis for the treatment of psoriasis with new biological agents. James. G. Krueger, M.D, American Academy of Dermatology, June 2002 Vol 46(1) Pages 1-26.
    • New psoriasis treatments based upon a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris and psoriatic arthritis. Jeffrey P. Callen et al, American Academy of Dermatology, August 2003 Vol 49(5) Pages 351-356.

However, most of these therapies provide only temporary symptomatic relief and are either unsatisfactory or very expensive and are associated with either short term or long term undesired side effect profiles. [National Psoriasis Conference, Boston Plaza Hotel, Aug. 5-8, 2005, Boston, Mass., USA.] In addition, it is possible for the treatments to lessen the severity of one or more of the manifestations of psoriasis, but not all. These manifestations include but are not limited to stratum granulosum of Kogoj, dermal vessel tortuosity, and spongiform pustules.

It is well known that herbal formulations often have fewer undesirable side effect profiles and hence provide a viable alternative therapy to manage the keratinization disorders that exhibit stratum granulosum. Research efforts to develop herbal formulations to treat these conditions have been on the rise and there is a continuing need to develop herbal formulations to treat stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders with minimal or no side effects:

    • Chopra, R. N., Nayar, S. C., and Chopra I. C., Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants, C.S.I.R., P.259, 1956.
    • Murugesa Mudaliar, K. S., Gunapadam (Material Medica) Vegetable Section, Govt. of TamilNadu, P. 527 (1969).
    • Venkatarajan, S., Sarabendra Vaithiya Muraigal, P. 160, 161 & 167 (1965).
    • Wealth of India, Raw Materials, Vol. X, P. 588-590, CSIR., New Delhi (1976).
    • Yugimuni Vaidya Chintamani (800) Stanza 494-518, B. Rathina Nayakar & Sons, Madras, India.
    • Nair, C. P. R., Kurup, P. B., Pillai, K. G. B., Geetha, A., and Ramiah, N., Effect of Nimbidin in Psoriasis, Indian Medical Journal, October 1978.

The invention provides herbal formulations, developed by a dermatologist, based on Wrightia tinctoria and an extract of Cocos nucifera which, when used as directed in therapeutically effective amounts, have been clinically proven to be safe and efficacious in reversing or regressing stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders in humans in need of treatment. The definition of the term herb, as it is used here is taken from the definition provided by the Herb Society of America: The tem herb refers to a wide range of plants, including perennials, trees, shrubs, annuals, vines, and more primitive plants, such as ferns, mosses, algae, lichens, and fungi. The herbs are valued for their flavor, fragrance, medicinal and healthful qualities, economic and industrial uses, pesticidal properties, and coloring materials (dyes).” [Bown, Deni. The Herb Society of America New encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 2001, p. 18]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a composition that, when used topically as directed, is suitable for the reversal of stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders. The composition can be formulated, for example, as an ointment, an oil, a soap or a shampoo. The composition is comprised of efficacious amounts of a non-aqueous extract of Wrightia tinctoria, an extract of Cocos nucifera and suitable pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable excipients designated for topical use in humans.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: Illustration of the stratum granulosum layer in the epidermis

FIG. 2: Micrographs illustrating stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders—before and after treatment

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to formulations, which unexpectedly provide statistically superior efficacy to allopathy control formulations in reversal of stratum granulosum disorder when used in therapeutically effective amounts. They are proven safe to use in humans when used topically as directed.

It is an object of the invention to provide a composition that comprises a non-aqueous extract of Wrightia tinctoria, an extract of Cocos nucifera, and pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable excipients suitable for topical use. The composition can be formulated as an ointment, an oil, a soap and a shampoo, and, when a therapeutic amount is applied topically to the affected area, in the treatment of stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders and is safe in humans.

The herbal extract in the topical composition for the regression of stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders is derived from the Wrightia tinctoria plant, especially the leaves, twigs, flowers, fruits or a combination of these parts of the plant. Wrightia tinctoria is an apocynaceae tree growing throughout India. Its flowers are white and fragrant.

It is another object of the invention to provide a process for preparing the non-aqueous extract of Wrightia tinctoria. The non-aqueous extract is prepared at ambient temperature by cleaning and pulverizing the selected parts of the Wrightia tinctoria plant and soaking them in a non-aqueous oil medium containing coconut oil. Care should be taken to add sufficient oil medium to ensure that the plant material is completely submerged. The plant material/oil medium is then irradiated with a light source in the spectrum range of 300-1100 nm for a period of approximately 5 days. During this time the herbal ingredients are allowed to extract into the non-aqueous oil medium. At the end of the extraction, the oil medium is a purplish brown color. It is then filtered and the filtrate is stored for further processing as the non-aqueous herbal extract of Wrightia tinctoria.

Other herbal extracts may optionally be included in the formulation, including Melia azadirachta Linn oil (Neem oil), which has been documented to have beneficial skin effects [Nair et al., 1978]. The topical composition of the invention for the reversal of stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders optionally comprises an extract of the active herbal ingredient mentioned above in the extraction medium in the amount from 1% to 20% by weight.

The herbal extract of Cocos nucifera in the composition of this invention is derived from the copra of the coconut. The copra of the coconut is dried and then processed by grinding and pressing to extract the oil, which is then purified and stabilized. The composition of the present invention comprises the herbal extract (the oil) of Cocos nucifera present in the amount of 40% to 80% by weight.

It is an object of the invention to provide formulations for topical use by further compounding the compositions of the invention with ingredients mentioned herein to prepare formulations, including but not limited to, an ointment, an oil, a liquid soap and a shampoo.

The ointment formulation of the herbal composition of the invention suitable, when used topically in a therapeutically effective amount, for the reversal of stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders, includes pharmaceutically acceptable excipients such as beeswax, paraffin (liquid, soft and hard), and other standard ointment bases or their equivalents to optimize the use characteristics of the formulations, such as consistency and spreadability, as well as manufacturability and stability. The ointment composition comprises one or more of the excipients including beeswax, optimally present in the amount of 1 to 5% by weight; paraffin, optimally present in the amount of 5 to 40% by weight; and standard ointment bases, optimally present in the amount of 5 to 50% by weight.

The oil formulation of the herbal composition of the invention suitable, when used topically in a therapeutically effective amount, for the reversal of stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders, includes pharmaceutically acceptable excipients such as vegetable oil, animal oil, and synthetic oils such as mineral oil and liquid paraffin or their equivalents to optimize the use characteristics of the formulations, such as consistency and spreadability, as well as manufacturability and stability. Preferentially, the oil composition comprises excipients, such as coconut oil, present in the amount of 70 to 95% by weight.

The liquid soap formulation of the herbal composition of the invention suitable, when used topically in a therapeutically effective amount, for the reversal of stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders, includes pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, including but not limited to: water, surface active agents, thickeners and viscosity enhancers, foam boosters, and stabilizers to optimize the use characteristics, such as consistency, cleaning, spreadability and foaming, as well as manufacturability and stability. The liquid soap formulation of the present invention preferentially comprises excipients such as water present in the amount of 60 to 85% by weight; surface active agents present in the amount of 5 to 40% by weight; thickeners or viscosity enhancers present in the amount of 0.5 to 8% by weight; foam boosters present in the amount of 1 to 4% by weight; and stabilizers present in the amount of 0.5 to 2% by weight.

The shampoo formulation of the herbal composition of the invention suitable, when used topically in a therapeutically effective amount, for the reversal of stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders, includes pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, comprising water, surface active agents, thickeners or viscosity enhancers, foam boosters, and stabilizers to optimize the use characteristics such as consistency, cleaning, spreadability and foaming, as well as manufacturability and stability. The shampoo composition of the present invention preferentially comprises excipients including water present in the amount of 50 to 85% by weight; surface active agents present in the amount of 10 to 30% by weight; thickeners or viscosity enhancers present in the amount of 2 to 8% by weight; foam boosters present in the amount of 2 to 6% by weight; and stabilizers present in the amount of 0.5 to 2% by weight.

In addition, the ointment, oil, liquid soap and shampoo formulations of the herbal composition of the invention suitable, when used topically in a therapeutically effective amount, for the reversal of stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders, optionally comprise preservatives, coloring agents and fragrances as needed, wherein the preservatives, coloring agents and fragrances are present in the amount of 0 to 5 total weight %.

Safety and efficacy studies were conducted on subjects exhibiting of stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders using topical formulations of the herbal composition of the present invention described above, containing a non-aqueous herbal extract of Wrightia tinctoria, an herbal extract of Cocos nucifera and pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable excipients. Patients suffering from chronic inflammatory skin conditions selected for the study exhibited stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders in the form of psoriatic lesions. Psoriasis is a representative example of a condition exhibiting stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders. The results are illustrated by the following example.

EXAMPLE

Twenty patients were enrolled in a clinical study and were divided into two groups of 10 patients each. Group I was treated with the herbal formulation (see Table 1 for details) once daily and Group II was treated with an allopathy control formulation (see Table 2 for details) once daily. All patients recruited were screened and were determined to be suffering from stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders. All patients were psoriasis patients.

TABLE 1 Herbal Ointment Formula of Invention No. Ingredient Quantity 1 Wrightia Tinctoria 5% 2 Cocos Nucifera 65%  3 Bees Wax 6% 4 Liquid Paraffin 24% 

TABLE 2 Dithranol Ointment (Allopathy Control) No. Ingredient Quantity 1 Dithranol 1% 2 Standard Ointment Base QS

Assignment of patients to treatment groups was randomized as per standard statistical methods to minimize bias in the study. Patients were enrolled in the study on a first come, first served basis and assigned a subject number sequentially. The assignment of each patient to the treatment group was determined by the randomization list provided by the statistician.

Each patient voluntarily enrolled in the study and received the treatment for 8 weeks. Skin biopsies at the treatment site were taken from all patients at the beginning (T0) and end of the study (T8w) for histopathological evaluation. In addition, at the beginning (T0), end of treatment (T8w) haemogram analysis, liver function testing and renal function testing were done to document the safety profile of the treatments administered.

Histopathology of the skin biopsy was done by an expert pathologist and the stratum granulosum parameter was measured at visits T0 and T8w. The results of the stratum granulosum measurements were scored as follows:

    • (3)=representing the absence of a granular layer
    • (2)=representing a thinning of the granular layer
    • (1)=representing a normal thickness granular layer of normal thickness.
      The stratum granulosum parameter represents the thickness and integrity of the stratum granulosum layer. The more active the disease, the thinner the stratum granulosum layer and the lower the lipid content.

FIG. 2 presents photomicrographs of the skin of patients observed before and after the 8-week treatment with the herbal formulation of Wrightia tinctoria and Cocos nucifera. It is clear from the photographs that the treatment with the herbal formulation is very effective in increasing the integrity and thickness of the stratum granulosum layer as compared to the condition prior to the start of treatment.

Statistical Analysis of Results

Results of the statistical analysis of the stratum granulosum measurement data for the two treatment groups are presented in Table 3. A p-value of 0.05 is considered to be significant.

TABLE 3 Statistical Analysis of Histopathology Measurements for Stratum Granulosum Herbal Allopathy Control TIME (Group I) (Group II) POINTS MEAN SD MEAN SD t P-Value T0W 2.00 0.94 1.6 0.84 1.000 0.331 T8W 1.00 0.00 1.2 0.63 1.000 0.331 PAIRED t 3.354 1.078 STATISTIC SIG 0.008 0.309 (2 - TAILED)

To examine the treatment effects, if any, a t-test was performed with the data taken for the two groups at the beginning and the end of the treatment. No statistical significance was observed (p>0.05) for treatment effects on the stratum granulosum measurements at the beginning (p=0.388) and the end of treatment. That is, no difference in values could be attributed to the different treatments).

To examine the time effects within each group, a paired t-test was done with data at the beginning and end of treatment within each group. With the herbal group, there was a statistically significant time effect (p-values equal to 0.015) on the stratum granulosum measurements and it was found that the stratum granulosum values decreased with time suggesting a positive response to herbal treatment with time.

However, with the allopathy control (Group II), no statistically significant time effect was found for the Allopathy control formulation (p-value equal to 0.081).

The statistical data analysis clearly indicates that the herbal treatment for regression of stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders is effective and is superior to the allopathy control formulation.

Safety Evaluation

The safety of the use of the herbal formulation over the treatment period was evaluated by taking measurements of vital signs, haemogram measurements, liver function test (LFT) measurements, and renal function test (RFT) measurements and analyzing the data as a function of time.

The vital signs were measured 6 times during the treatment: T0, T1w, T2w, T4w, T6w, and T8w; the haemogram, the LFT and RFT measurements were made only at the beginning and end of the treatment (T0, T8w).

The results of the statistical analysis of the vital sign measurements (Systolic and Diastolic BP, pulse rate and respiratory measurements) are presented in Table 4. The BP was measured using a manual mercury sphygmomometer. The unit of measurement is mm of Hg. The pulse rate was measured (beats per minute) in the radial artery by palpating the artery with the middle, index and ring finger. The respiratory rate was measured by watching the expansion of the abdomen with each respiration and counting the expansions for one minute.

TABLE 4 Statistical Analysis of Vital Sign Measurements for herbal treatment. Respiratory Time BP-Systolic BP-Diastolic Pulse Rate Rate Points Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD 0w 121.10 15.31 81.00 8.76 87.60 17.33 23.00 6.20 T1w 111.40 11.43 77.00 8.01 75.80 8.77 21.40 7.00 T2w 114.00 14.30 79.20 9.85 74.60 11.70 22.30 6.93 T4w 107.00 8.23 79.00 5.68 85.40 11.47 24.20 5.45 T6w 111.40 8.00 78.80 5.27 78.70 22.60 24.00 3.62 T8w 109.00 12.87 78.00 6.32 82.40 11.96 25.40 4.99 Grand 112.32 12.36 78.83 7.28 80.75 14.88 23.38 5.72 Mean 1-Way 1.674 0.317 1.273 0.612 ANOVA F-value p-value 0.157 0.901 0.289 0.691

A regular one-way ANOVA was also used to analyze the data at different time points for the vital signs measurements. The data clearly indicates that there were no statistically significant time effects on BP systolic measurements (p=0.157); BP diastolic measurements (p=0.901); pulse rate measurements (p=0.289) and respiratory rate measurements (0.691) with the herbal treatment. In summary, there is no statistically significant change in the vital sign measurements over time due to treatment with the formulation of the present herbal invention for the regression of stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders, suggesting no safety issues.

Results of the statistical analysis of the haemogram measurements [Total count of white blood cells (TC), differential white blood cells count as polymorphonuclear neutrophil (DC-P), lymphocytes (DC-L), eosinophils (DC-E) and haemoglobin (Hb)] are presented in Table 5. TC (Total count of white blood cells in the blood) was measured using a Neubauer Counting Chamber. The normal range for TC measurements is 4000-11,000 cells per cubic millimeter. DC-P, which stands for the percentage of P-polymorphonuclear neutrophil, was measured using Neubauer Counting Chamber. The normal range for DC-P measurements is 55-65% of total white cell count. DC-L, which is the percentage of lymphocytes present, was measured using a Neubauer Counting Chamber. The normal range for DC-L Measurements is 30-40% of the total white cell count. DC-L was measured. DC-E, which is the percentage of eosinophils, was measured using the Neubauer Counting Chamber. The normal range for DC-E measurements is 1-7% of the total white blood cell count. DC-E was measured. HB, which is the haemoglobin measurements, was measured using the RA 50 Biochemical Analyzer and the normal range is 12-14 gms.

TABLE 5 Statistical Analysis of Haemogram Measurements for the herbal treatment. Time TC DC-P DC-L DC-E HB Points Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD T0w 7343.00 1588.76 57.30 2.95 37.90 1.79 4.80 2.90 13.02 1.72 T8w 8634.00 1104.94 58.90 2.69 37.10 2.38 4.00 2.49 12.95 0.94 Paired in −1291.00 2279.49 −1.60 3.78 0.80 3.22 0.80 3.77 0.075 2.13 differ mean Paired t −1.791 −1.340 0.784 0.672 0.100 statistic Sig 0.107 0.213 0.453 0.519 0.924 (2-tailed)

To examine the time effects, a paired t-test was done with data taken at the beginning and end of treatment for each of the haemogram measurements. The data clearly indicates that there were no statistically significant time effects on TC measurements (p=0.107); DC-P measurements (p=0.213); DC-L measurements (p=0.453); DC-E measurements (p=0.519) and HB measurements (p=0.924) with the herbal treatment. In summary, there is no statistically significant change in haemogram measurements with time due to the treatment with the herbal formulation, suggesting no safety issues.

Results of the statistical analysis of the liver function test (LFT) measurements [serum glutamic oxalo acetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and serum bilirubin] are presented in Table 6. SGOT, serum glutamic-oxalo acetic transaminase (international unit per liter), was measured at visits T0 and T8w. The normal range is 0-46 IU/L. SGPT, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (international units/liter) was measured at visits T0 and T8w. The normal SGPT ranges from 0 to 49 IU/L. The serum bilirubin was measured at visits T0 and T8w. The normal serum bilirubin ranges from 0.0 to 1.0 mg/dl.

TABLE 6 Statistical Analysis of Liver Function Test (LFT) Measurements for the herbal treatment. Time SGOT SGPT Serum Bilirubin Points Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD T0w 24.90 8.80 26.10 14.78 0.73 0.23 T8w 24.00 8.94 26.60 11.01 0.69 0.24 Paired in 0.90 10.97 −0.50 11.24 0.035 0.31 differ mean Paired t 0.259 0.141 0.352 statistic Sig 0.801 0.891 0.733 (2-tailed)

To examine the time effects a paired t-test was done with data taken at the beginning and the end of treatment for each of the LFT measurements. The data clearly indicates that there were no statistically significant time effects on SGOT measurements (p=0.801); SGPT measurements (p=0.891); and the serum bilirubin measurements (p=0.733) with the herbal treatment. In summary, there is no statistically significant change in LFT measurements with time due to treatment with the herbal formulation of the present invention for the regression of stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders, suggesting no safety issues.

Results of the statistical analysis of the Renal Function Test (RFT) measurements for serum creatinine and serum urea,] are presented in Table 7. Serum creatinine was measured at visits T0 and T8w. The normal serum creatinine value ranges from 0.8 to 1.4 mg/dl. Serum urea was measured at visits T0 and T8w. The normal serum urea value ranges from 10 to 50 mg/dl.

TABLE 7 Statistical Analysis of Renal Function Test (RFT) Measurements for the Herbal Treatment. Time Serum Creatinine Serum Urea Points Mean SD Mean SD T0w 1.06 0.22 32.40 17.50 T8w 1.08 0.18 25.49 7.75 Paired in −0.021 0.244 6.91 18.81 differ mean Paired t −0.271 1.161 statistic Sig 0.792 0.275 (2-tailed)

To examine the time effects paired t-test was done with data at the beginning and end of treatment for each of the RFT measurements. The data clearly indicates that there were no statistically significant time effects on serum creatinine measurements (p=0.792) and serum urea measurements (p=0.275) with the herbal treatment. In summary, there is no statistically significant change in RFT measurements with time due to treatment with the herbal formulation of the present invention for the regression of stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders, suggesting no safety issues.

It is clear from the histopathological examination and statistical analysis of the clinical data that the herbal formulations of the compositions of the present invention are very effective in the treatment of stratum granulosum and is superior to the allopathy control. In addition, the evaluation of haemogram, LFT and RFT test results clearly show that the herbal formula of the present invention is also safe to use on humans when used as directed.

Other modifications and variations of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from an examination of the above specification and examples. Therefore, other variations of the present invention may be made which fall within the scope of the appended claims even though such variations were not specifically discussed above.

Claims

1. An herbal composition that, when used topically in therapeutically effective amounts, is effective for the regression of stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders, comprising:

an extract of Wrightia tinctoria in a non-aqueous medium,
an extract of Cocos nucifera and
pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable excipients for use in ointment, oil, soap and shampoo formulations.

2. The herbal composition according to claim 1, wherein the non-aqueous medium for the herbal extract is a non-volatile oil.

3. The herbal composition according to claim 2, wherein the non-volatile oil is a vegetable oil, selected from the group: coconut oil, gingely oil (sesame seed oil), sunflower oil, corn oil, and a refined vegetable oil.

4. The herbal composition according to claim 2, wherein the non-volatile oil is present in the extract in an amount of from 80% to 99% by weight of the extract.

5. The herbal composition according to claim 1, wherein the Wrightia tinctoria is obtained from at least one of the leaves, twigs, flowers, and fruit of the Wrightia tinctoria plant.

6. The herbal composition according to claim 5, wherein the herbal extract of Wrightia tinctoria is present in the non-aqueous medium in an amount of from 1% to 20% by weight.

7. The herbal composition according to claim 1, wherein the Cocos nucifera is extracted from the copra of the coconut.

8. The herbal composition according to claim 7, wherein the Cocos nucifera is present in the amount of 40% to 80% by weight.

9. An ointment formulation for the regression of stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders, that, when used topically in therapeutically effective amounts, comprises the herbal composition according to claim 1 and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

10. An oil formulation for the regression of stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders, that, when used topically in therapeutically effective amounts, comprises the herbal composition according to claim 1 and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

11. A liquid soap formulation for the regression of stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders, that, when used topically in therapeutically effective amounts, comprises the herbal composition according to claim 1 and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

12. A shampoo formulation for the regression of stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders, that, when used topically in therapeutically effective amounts, comprises the herbal composition according to claim 1 and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

13. A method for the regression of stratum granulosum in keratinization disorders, which comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a formulation comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a composition according to claim 1, said formulation in a form chosen from the group: an oil, a shampoo, an ointment and a liquid soap.

14. An herbal composition for the regression of stratum granulosum in psoriatic lesions when used topically in therapeutically effective amounts, comprising:

an extract of Wrightia tinctoria in a non-aqueous medium,
an extract of Cocos nucifera and
pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable excipients for use in ointment, oil, soap and shampoo formulations.

15. The herbal composition according to claim 13, wherein the non-aqueous medium for the herbal extract is a non-volatile oil.

16. The herbal composition according to claim 14, wherein the non-volatile oil is a vegetable oil, selected from the group: coconut oil (Cocos nucifera), gingely oil (sesame seed oil), sunflower oil, corn oil, and a refined vegetable oil.

17. The herbal composition according to claim 14, wherein the non-volatile oil is present in the extract in an amount of from 80% to 99% by weight of the extract.

18. The herbal composition according to claim 14, wherein the Wrightia tinctoria is obtained from at least one of the leaves, twigs, flowers, and fruit of the Wrightia tinctoria plant.

19. The herbal composition according to claim 17, wherein the herbal extract of Wrightia tinctoria is present in the non-aqueous medium in an amount of from 1% to 20% by weight.

20. The herbal composition according to claim 18, wherein the Cocos nucifera is extracted from the copra of the coconut.

21. The herbal composition according to claim 19, wherein the Cocos nucifera is present in the amount of 40% to 80% by weight.

22. An ointment formulation for the regression of stratum granulosum in psoriatic lesions that, when used topically in therapeutically effective amounts, comprises the herbal composition according to claim 13 and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

23. An oil formulation for the regression of stratum granulosum in psoriatic lesions that, when used topically in therapeutically effective amounts, comprises the herbal composition according to claim 13 and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

24. A liquid soap formulation for the regression of stratum granulosum in psoriatic lesions that, when used topically in therapeutically effective amounts, comprises the herbal composition according to claim 13 and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

25. A shampoo formulation for the regression of stratum granulosum in psoriatic lesions that, when used topically in therapeutically effective amounts, comprises the herbal composition according to claim 13 and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

26. A method for the regression of stratum granulosum in psoriatic lesions which comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a formulation comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one composition according to claim 1, said formulation in a form chosen from the group: an oil, a shampoo, an ointment and a liquid soap.

Patent History
Publication number: 20090181113
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 23, 2008
Publication Date: Jul 16, 2009
Applicant:
Inventors: N.B. Baktha Reddy (Chennai), Vilambi Nrk Reddy (Trichy), Anil Torgalkar (Crambury, NJ), N.R. Murugan (Trichy)
Application Number: 12/317,642
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Containing Or Obtained From Palmaceae (e.g., Date, Coconut, Saw Palmetto, Etc.) (424/727)
International Classification: A61K 36/889 (20060101); A61P 17/06 (20060101); A61P 17/00 (20060101);