Abstract: The present invention relates to skin coating compositions and methods and, in particular, to coatings containing an active agent. In some embodiments, the coating may be applied to a skin surface and may be essentially colorless and transparent. In some aspects, the coating comprises a polymer and an active agent, and the polymer may be configured for sustained release of the active agent. In some aspects, the coating forms a barrier essentially impermeable to microorganisms yet permeable to water vapor. The coating may also be flexible and conformable to the surface. The coating may be applied to the skin using any suitable method. In some embodiments, the polymer and/or active agent are dissolved and/or suspended in an alcohol solvent. In some embodiments, the alcohol may function as an antiseptic on skin.

Abstract: The application of raw wood material from a tree of the genus Larix for treatment and prophylaxis of inflammation in humans or animals is described. The present invention is based on the use of raw larch wood material as a medicament and an anti-inflammatory food/feed supplement for animals and humans, wherein preferably larch sawdust, a by-product of wood industry, is used.

Abstract: A topical cosmetic composition for increasing skin whitening or lightening is described. The composition includes a pomegranate extract in an amount effective to reduce melanin composition. The pomegranate extract may be standardized to about 20% punicalagin. The composition may also include an extract from the genus larix, such as Larix sibirica. The larix sibirica may be standardized to 80% taxifolin. A method for using the compositions is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic compositions and methods of treatment that contain or employ at least two of: an oligomeric proanthocyanidin; a protease inhibitor; and/or a lactoferrin. The compositions of this invention may be in various forms depending upon the disease or condition to be treated. The compositions and methods of this invention are useful to treat a patient suffering from or susceptible to gram negative bacterial infections, including those associated with cystic fibrosis, ear infections and with wounds.

Abstract: A cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition, to be applied topically is described, which has a hydrophilic outer phase, at least one cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical active ingredient and at least one carrier substance for the active ingredient. The carrier substance here forms such structures, which comprises at least two lamellar double membrane layers arranged one over another in the manner of a sandwich, wherein between adjacent double membrane layers, aligned parallel to each other, a layer of an inner phase is respectively arranged.

Abstract: Wrinkles are improved by applying an oral preparation, injection preparation or external skin preparation having a substance that controls heparanase as an active ingredient thereof.

Abstract: A skin lightening composition comprising Goya or an extract thereof, and pine bark extract.

Abstract: A hair growth stimulant having excellent hair growth stimulation and hair growth effects without any side effects, which contains a carbonized pine cone. The inventive hair growth stimulant has an excellent hair growth stimulation effect without causing any side effects or toxicity to the human body, while it can stimulate hair roots to greatly influence the growth of hair so as to prevent hair loss and white hair. Also, it can be provided in the form of creams or ointments having an excellent effect on hair growth stimulation, and thus can considerably shorten a treatment period. It can keep the anagen-stage hair by increasing the blood flow of the scalp, and it consists of a vegetable preparation, and so has no side effects to the human body. In addition, it can be used through smooth application to a head, and thus is easy to use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an active substance that promotes the inhibition of the formation of AGEs, for preparing a composition to prevent and/or combat the reduction in elastic and plastic properties of tissues, and in particular of the skin, for inhibiting the formation of AGEs, or for preventing and/or combating glycation of proteins in the skin. The invention also relates to a method of screening such active substances.

Abstract: A method of producing a pine cone extract and the pine cone extract produced there from, wherein the pine cone extract is useful in increasing the effects of nucleic acid vaccines and medicaments; and useful in the production of phenotypically immature and/or mature dendritic and/or fibrocyte cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for preventing or treating cancer, which contains, as an active ingredient, a Taxus cambium- or procambium-derived cell line; a lysate thereof; an extract thereof; or a culture medium thereof. The cell line, the lysate, the extract, and the culture medium has minimized side effects compared to the conventional therapeutic drugs, is safe to the human body, is involved directly in the growth of cancer to induce cancer cell death, and shows anticancer activity of inhibiting angiogenesis occurring in carcinogenesis. Accordingly, the cell line, the lysate, the extract and the culture medium is useful for the prevention, treatment and alleviation of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating a cardiovascular disease, such as hyperlipidemia or atherosclerosis, with a pharmaceutically effective amount of an extract of Torreya nucifera or abietane diterpenoid compound or terpenoid compound isolated from the same as an effective ingredient. Torreya nucifera extracts, abietane diterpenoid compound, or terpenoid compound isolated from the extracts were prepared by extracting Torreya nucifera leaves, stems, or seeds with water, alcohol, or mixed solution of water and alcohol, which is further fractionized with n-hexane, chloroform and etheyl acetate in that order. Further, the present invention provides a method for inhibiting an oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and inhibiting Acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) using an extract of Torreya nucifera or abietane diterpenoid compound or terpenoid compound isolated from the same as an effective ingredient.

Abstract: An aqueous composition containing a hydrophobic material, and, more particularly, a water soluble matrix of a water soluble polymer and a water soluble surfactant, in the form of a complex, for stabilizing the hydrophobic material, as a nanoparticulate dispersion or emulsion. A delivery system for delivering bioactive hydrophobic materials as an aqueous nanoparticle dispersion of a water soluble matrix of polymer and a surfactant.

Abstract: Time release repellent formulations and methods of making formulations, comprising a natural repellent, alum in an amount effective to keep microbial count below a pre-determined level and a natural binder. The natural repellent may be animal urine or a natural oil. The natural binder is selected from the group consisting of: rice, pearlite, polymer, peat moss, clay and foam. The pH level of the formulation is maintained within a pre-determined range by adding a natural acid to lower the pH level or adding a natural base to raise the pH level.

Abstract: Disclosed is a safe substance which can inhibit the activity of aromatase (an enzyme capable of converting androgen into estrogen) to thereby effectively treat and/or prevent a sex hormone-dependent disease such as breast cancer occurring in a female person after menopause, as well as a climacteric disorder in a male person and metabolic syndrome caused by the accumulation of a visceral fat. Specifically disclosed is a therapeutic and/or prophylactic agent for a sex hormone-dependent disease, which is characterized by comprising at least one herbal extract selected from the group consisting of “Kokeiten” (golden root), prunella spike, sweet hydrangea leaf, milk thistle, a jasmine tea, “Bokusoku” (a bark of Quercus acutissima or a closely related plant thereof), “Tencha” (sweet tea), “Karensou” (Eclipta prostrata), “Youbaihi” (a bark of Myrica rubra Sie b. et Zucc.), French maritime pine, betel palm, asparagus, “Rouro” (a root of Rhaponticum unifloru m DC.

Abstract: Functional particulate carrier materials with enhanced retention capabilities are described. The materials comprise at least one functional particulate carrier material subjected to at least one surface treatment, and at least one active ingredient. The at least one surface treatment may be at least one physical surface treatment and/or at least one chemical surface treatment with at least one surface treating agent. The at least one active ingredient may be a biocide, a fungicide, a mildewcide, an antibiotic, an insecticide, a preservative, or an antimicrobial agent. Methods for enhancing the performance of plastics and liquid-based media, for example, coatings and paints, are also described by increasing the retention factors of active ingredients in those plastics and media through surface treatment of functional particulate carrier materials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a compression bandage for the treatment of pain and inflammation, comprising a support substrate and an interpenetrating network of PVA disposed within the support substrate. The bandage provides cooling and delivery of therapeutic compounds. The bandage comprises an open cell foam matrix carrying an incorporated PVA hydrogel and optionally at least one additional therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The invention concerns active substances modulating the expression of the receptors of the products of the POMC gene (MC-IR, MC-2R, and the ? opioid receptor), and possibly modulating the expression of POMC in cutaneous cells, notably to modulate the proliferation and differentiation of epidermal cells in order to re-epithelial, maintain innervation, irrigate the skin, or restore normal pigmentation, or to fight against aging, or to modulate pigmentation independently or not of cutaneous aging. The invention also concerns a method of screening such active substances.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a natural oriental medicinal composition for the promotion of hair growth. The oriental medicinal composition comprises a black bean extract, a tangerine extract, a potato extract, a pine needle extract and a quartzite powder. Since the oriental medicinal composition comprises crude drugs extracted from natural substances that can prevent hair loss, it is effective for hair growth and has ensured biostability. Particularly, the oriental medicinal composition allows newborn hair to grow in the form of stiff hair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to silver-ionized plant extraction liquid and the use thereof. Particularly, there are provided herein a silver-ionized liquid extraction liquid prepared by ionizing silver in a plant extraction liquid used as an electrolyte and an antimicrobial composition comprising the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a skin or surface disinfectant composition with broad spectrum antimicrobial activity comprising one or more essential oil (and/or one or more component thereof) and one or more fruit acid. The compositions of the invention may be used as non-toxic alternatives to conventional disinfectants or may be added to other antimicrobial agents to enhance their activity. The invention provides effective alternatives to harsher products which may be particularly useful in personal care and household products and where children and/or pet exposure may be a concern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition, especially a cosmetic and/or dermatological composition, containing, in a physiologically acceptable medium, a combination of at least one monosaccharide chosen from mannose, rhamnose and a mixture thereof, and of at least one antioxidant. The present invention also relates to the use of such a composition.

Abstract: A bedsore treatment ointment comprises a mixture including aloe vera, arnica, eucalyptus oil, pine oil, methyl salicylate, phenol, and lanolin. The mixture is positioned on bedsores for the treatment thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to extracting biologically active substances from raw vegetable matter, consists in using a liquefied carbon dioxide and can be used in the pharmaceutical, perfume-and-cosmetic and food industries. The aim of the invention is to produce a cell sap concentrate by using liquefied carbon dioxide for the irradiation thereof. The inventive method consists in extracting a milled matter by means of liquefied carbonic acid at room temperature and in separating an oil fraction, wherein the extraction is carried out at a high rate of the liquefied carbonic acid with a proportion of not less than 11 of carbonic acid per 1 g of extracted vegetable cell sap and a vegetable cell sap concentrate is produced by separating the oil fraction from a water fraction.

Abstract: A natural oriental medicinal composition for the promotion of hair growth is provided. The oriental medicinal composition includes a black bean extract, a tangerine extract, a potato extract, a pine needle extract and a quartzite powder. Since the oriental medicinal composition includes crude drugs extracted from natural substances that can prevent hair loss, it is effective for hair growth and has ensured biostability. Particularly, the oriental medicinal composition allows newborn hair to grow in the form of stiff hair.

Abstract: A method for treating and killing lice and lice eggs in hair of a person includes the steps of: combing and ironing the hair of the person using a hand-held flat-iron device. The flat-iron device includes a handle having a first arm and a second arm that is pivotally coupled to the first arm at first ends thereof, wherein in an open position, strands of hair are inserted between the first and second arms. The flat-iron device also includes at least one heat conducting plate that is disposed along an inner surface of one of the first and second arms. The plate is operably coupled to a source of heat for controlled heating of the plate to a temperate of at least 130° F. A first edge of the heat conducting plate extends to within 1 millimeter of a first edge of the arm on which the heat conducting plate is disposed.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a taxane by which a taxane is isolated from a growth medium, such as soil, pumice, perlite, rocks, and/or gravel in which a taxane-producing plant has grown. A method for obtaining a taxane by which a taxane is isolated from water effluent from plantings of living plants (e.g. a yew tree) that produce a taxane have grown in a growth medium, such as soil, pumice, perlite, rocks, and/or gravel.

Abstract: A perfume-containing PIT emulsion which is suited to contribute to an excellent and long-lasting scenting of textiles during the use of a dryer. The PIT emulsion is simple for the user to handle and allows the user to better control the user's individual scent experience during the handling of textiles. The PIT emulsions can also be used for aroma therapy purposes and for the scenting of rooms. In addition, a kit made of detergents and the perfume-containing PIT emulsion, which enables the user to obtain optimal laundry scenting results.

Abstract: A semi-finished product is manufactured from raw liquid, extract or powder obtained from wood material, an end product composition for skin or hair care being obtained from the semi-finished product by adding one or more components thereto. The semi-finished product optionally contains a UV protector, and is a liquid, emulsion, microemulsion or nanoemulsion or a dispersion, suspension, wax, lotion or gel or a solid substance. The semi-finished product further contains an active ingredient mixture which contains phenolic compounds having antioxidative and/or microbicidal properties and/or abilities to capture free radicals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drink composition comprising active agents, and to a method for composing a drink. Specifically, the invention is directed to a drink composition to be used during long-lasting sports activities demanding constant energy supply and intensive concentration. The drink composition of the invention in characterized in that it contains glucose, fructose, guarana, and a physiologically active amount of a pycnogenol extract. The method of the invention in characterized in that the active agents are individually selected on the basis of the characteristics of the target group, single user and/or conditions of use, said active agents having at least partly complementing actions.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with nutritional or pharmaceutical compositions comprising extracts or concentrates of plants and the mixtures thereof belonging to Pinus. sp with specific reference to Pinus pinea. The extracts have been screened and characterized for their activity in the treatment of increased bone resorption and bone formation, osteoporosis in particular. The invention further relates to the use of the extracts as a supplement or a medicament useful in the treatment/alleviation or prevention of diseases or conditions characterized by increased bone resorption and a method of promoting bone growth, maintenance of bone health, comprising the administration of an therapeutically effective amount of the composition containing the extract.

Abstract: A liquid carrier for topical administration is provided that contains a mineral oil, turpentine and, optionally, camphor, and optionally other terpenoid components containing pinene, and its use to provide an antifungal composition containing a mixture of antifungal essential oils and the carrier system, wherein the mixture of antifungal essential oils includes an effective amount of each of Eucalyptus globulus, peppermint, cedarwood, and Manuka; along with the use of this composition in the topical treatment of fungal infection, particularly of the nail.

Abstract: A liquid carrier for topical administration is provided that contains a mineral oil, turpentine and, optionally, camphor, and optionally other terpenoid components containing pinene, and its use to provide an antifungal composition a mixture of antifungal essential oils and the carrier system, wherein the mixture of antifungal essential oils includes an effective amount of each of eucalyptus globulus, peppermint, cedarwood, and Manuka; along with the use of this composition in the topical treatment of fungal infection, particularly of the nail.

Abstract: An “all-natural” topical insect repellent formulation having a long shelf life. The formulation includes a carrier base of fractionated coconut oil, and an effective amount of at least one essential oil with insect repellent capabilities. As active ingredients the essential oils cedarwood oil, citronella oil and lemongrass oil may be employed, with a total concentration of these active ingredients of 15.3% by weight.

Abstract: A device and composition for delivering menthol, camphor, eucalyptus essential oils, and other essential oils with balsamic benefits, to be used for the relief of symptoms of common cold.

Abstract: A device for administering aromatherapy to a subject and the method of using the device are disclosed. The device comprises an aromatherapy composition housed within a container. The container has at least one opening or aperture through which the subject may breathe in or inhale the aromatic and volatile components of the aromatherapy composition through the mouth and/or nose. The aromatherapy composition comprises a particulate component comprising one or more irregularly- or regularly-shaped particles, granules, beads or the like. In addition, the aromatherapy composition has a volatile component comprising an amount of an essential oil-containing composition. The volatile component is that portion of the essential oil-containing composition that is retained by the particulate component after contacting the particulate component with the essential oil-containing composition and removal of the portion that is not retained by the particulate component.

Abstract: As a lipid metabolism improving agent for allowing lipids in the body to be metabolized efficiently, a lipid metabolism improving agent containing a pine bark extract as an active component is provided. The lipid metabolism improving agent of the present invention has abilities to promote cholesterol excretion, inhibit lipid absorption, reduce body fat, and inhibit fat accumulation, and the like.

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: The present invention relates to a composition for the prevention and the treatment of cardiovascular disease containing extracts of T. nucifera or abietane diterpenoid compound or terpenoid compound isolated from the same as an effective ingredient. T. nucifera extracts or abietane diterpenoid compound or terpenoid compound isolated from the same of the present invention not only shows excellent anti-oxidative activity to LDL but also effectively inhibits ACAT activity. Further, T. nucifera extracts of the present invention reduce blood LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol. Therefore, the composition of the present invention can be effectively used for the prevention and the treatment of cardiovascular diseases including hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis caused by the LDL oxidation and the synthesis and accumulation of cholesteryl ester.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are non-toxic antimicrobial compositions for cleaning, reducing the bioburden and substantially killing gram negative and positive bacteria on hard surfaces. The antimicrobial compositions comprise about 0.01% to about 4.0% by weight of one or more oils selected from the group comprising rosemary oil, tea tree oil, spearmint oil, peppermint oil, clove oil, lemongrass oil, cedar oil, and cinnamon oil and about 0.1% to about 4.0% by weight of one or more acids selected from the group comprising carboxylic acids, ascorbic acid, glutamic acid, fumaric acid, oxalic acid and malonic acid. In an embodiment of the invention, an alkali base such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide is added to the above antimicrobial solution to increase the pH of the antimicrobial solution to a range of about 2.0 to about 4.0 to effect a rapid reduction of the bioburden on the hard surfaces within 5 minutes.

Abstract: A composition and method of improving skin barrier function of compromised skin by applying onto the compromised skin a composition containing: (a) a complex comprised of a metal-copper-antioxidant botanical pigment; (b) an extract of pinus pinaster bark; (c) an extract of pilewort; and (d) a carrier vehicle.

Abstract: Nanoparticle-coated medical devices, nanoparticle-containing formulations and methods of using for treating a vascular disease are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition containing as its main component proanthocyanidin oligomer to which a substance having a phloroglucinol ring structure or resorcinol ring structure has been bonded, and reduced in the molecular weight, which is obtained by heating plant materials containing proanthocyanidin polymer or extract thereof with a substance having a phloroglucinol ring structure or resorcinol ring structure in an acidic aqueous solution, production method thereof, and uses of the composition in health products and pharmaceutical products. According to the invention, proanthocyanidin oligomer having physiological activity, to which a substance having a phloroglucinol ring structure or resorcinol ring structure has been bonded and reduced in the molecular weight to such a level that the oligomer can be absorbed into living body, which has been conventionally difficult to obtain at high yield from plant raw materials, can be produced efficiently and easily.

Abstract: A hydrophile gel system for cosmetic and/or skin care applications. The gel system comprises a detachable carrier film and a hydrogel which contains at least 15 percent by weight of karaya gum and whose water content is less than 5 percent by weight.

Abstract: There is provided a novel anti-wrinkle composition comprising one or more from among watercress, juniper, baizhu and coltsfoot extracts as active ingredients.

Abstract: A cosmetic skincare process intended to prevent and/or treat at least one cutaneous sign of aging, includes the topical application to the skin of a composition containing at least one active agent capable of stimulating tensin 1 expression. The cosmetic use of an active agent capable of stimulating tensin 1 expression, for preventing and/or treating at least one cutaneous sign of aging, an extract of elemi or of Canarium indicum L. or of Canarium luzonicum or of Canarium commune and a cosmetic composition containing the extract are also disclosed.

Abstract: The method for making a hair pomade composition includes the steps of melting petroleum jelly over a heated surface and then mixing sesame seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, Cyprus oil, basil sweet oil, Rosemary oil, black pepper oil, lemon oil, and Anise oil with the melted petroleum jelly into a mixture. Thereafter, the all-natural hair pomade mixture is solidified.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting COX-2, inhibiting NF-Kappa B activation, treating inflammation, or treating cancer may comprise administering a therapeutically effective amount of an extract of Salacia cuspidata to a patient. A medicament as described herein may comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle and a therapeutically effective amount of an extract of Salacia cuspidata suspended in the vehicle. A method of making an extract of Salacia cuspidata may comprise creating a component solution by treating Salacia cuspidata material with an extractor and a solvent and producing an extract by at least partially removing liquid from the component solution. An extract of Salacia cuspidata may comprise components extracted using various solvents.

Abstract: A method of treating cancer by targeting two proteases, MMP-9 and cathepsin B is provided. Therapeutic compositions comprising one or more plant extracts that inhibit MMP-9 and/or cathepsin B, which are capable of inhibiting neoplastic and/or endothelial cell migration, tumour growth, tumour-induced angiogenesis and/or metastasis are also provided. The therapeutic compositions of the invention can be used in the treatment of cancer, and, methods of inhibiting tumour growth, tumour metastasis, and/or tumour-induced angiogenesis using the therapeutic compositions alone or in combination with an anti-cancer agent are, therefore, also provided.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, medical devices are provided which contain at least one polymeric region. The polymeric region contains at least one copolymer, which includes at least one high Tg vinyl aromatic monomer and at least one low Tg monomer. Moreover, the polymeric region contains at least one surface sub-region that is crosslinked and at least one bulk sub-region that is substantially non-crosslinked. According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided which includes exposing a polymeric region of a medical device to energetic species such that at least one surface sub-region of the polymeric region becomes crosslinked and at least one bulk sub-region remains substantially non-crosslinked. The polymeric region contains at least one copolymer, which includes at least one high Tg vinyl aromatic monomer and at least one low Tg monomer.