WO2010145655A1

WO2010145655A1 - Herbal extract composition comprising petroselinum and ocimum extract

Info

Publication number: WO2010145655A1
Application number: PCT/DK2009/050136
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jan Tommy Enggaard Christensen
Original assignee: Rexcure V/Jan Enggaard
Priority date: 2009-06-19
Filing date: 2009-06-19
Publication date: 2010-12-23

Abstract

Method for producing herbal extract comprising a Petroselinum specie and an Ocimum specie, said method comprising the steps of(i)Mixing at least one herb selected among the group consisting of a Petroselinum specie, preferably Carum Petroselinum, and an Ocimum specie, preferably Ocimum Basilicum, with at least one fluid, preferably water, at an elevated temperature; (ii) Optionally allowing the obtained mixtureto cool, (iii) Optionally stirring to further divide said at least one herb into finer parts, (iv) Filtering the mixture, optionally under pressure, and discarding herb fragments, (v) Optionally adding at least one preservative, preferably sodium benzoate, to the remaining extract, preferably while the extract is still at an elevated temperature;(vi) If not both a Petroselinum specie and an Ocimum specie were used in step (i), further mixing the obtained extract of steps (i) to (v) with another extract comprising the other herb and obtained by steps (i) to (v).The herbal extract is useful for repelling insects and for the treatment of a range of skin conditions comprising insect stings or bites, eczema, rashes, sunburn and acne.

Description

HERBAL EXTRACT COMPOSITION COMPRISING PETROSELINUM AND OCIMUM EXTRACT

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a herbal extract and a method for producing it. In particular the present invention relates to a herbal extract comprising parsley and basil.

Background of the invention

The International patent application WO 00/16752 concerns transdermal devices comprising essential oils for aromatherapy. This application suggests using one or more essential oils selected among a large number of herbs in the preparation of aromatherapeutic devices.

The International patent application WO 2006/077568 concerns microencapsulated essential or botanical oils, which may inter alia be selected among a number of herbs.

US patent 5965137 discloses insect repellents having ingredients selected among essential oils of numerous different plants.

US patent 5578312 is directed to a skin care system and a method of improving moisture retention in skin. This patent inter alia discloses a mixture obtained by boiling 2-3 cc dry tea with Vi to 1 liter water. The dry tea comprises 6 % basil, 6 % parsley, and 3 % chamomile (% by volume), providing a ratio of basil/parsley:water of about 1 :2778 to 1 :8333 per volume in the boiling mixture.

There is a need for improved efficacious, non-toxic formulations for treating various conditions, such as skin conditions.

Summary of the invention The inventor of the present invention has surprisingly found that combinations of extracts of herb species belonging to the genus Petroselinum, e.g. common parsley, with herb species belonging to the genus Ocimum, e.g. basil, may be used to provide a herbal extract having a notable effect on various skin problems, such as mosquito bites, wasp sting, horsefly bites, red jellyfish sting, nettle burns, pain and redness of the skin after applied heat, scalding, burns, Hell Fire, sunburn, acne, eczemas, asthma eczema, child eczema, chicken pox, shingles, psoriasis, and sun rash. The inventor has discovered that extracts of parsley and basil provide a synergistic effect, which neither of the two herbs has in isolation. The extract of parsley and basil acts as active agents when used together. The herbal extract of the present invention may be used alone or in combination with other ingredients or products.

Without being bound by any theory, the inventor of the present invention speculates that, as basil (and oregano) contains epidermal carotenoid binding protein (eCBP), this is believed to play a role in the synergistic effect obtained when basil and parsley extracts are combined, resulting in improved soothing effects on the skin.

The inventor has developed a method for making a particularly efficacious herbal extract. Preferably, the method involves extraction of the active components from ecologically produced herbs using hot water. This herbal extract is further non- toxic.

An object of the present invention relates to a method for making a herbal extract.

One aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing herbal extract comprising a Petroselinum specie and an Ocimum specie, said method comprising the steps of mixing at least one herb selected among the group consisting of a Petroselinum specie, preferably Carum Petroselinum, and an Ocimum specie, preferably Ocimum Basilicum, with at least one fluid, preferably water, at an elevated temperature; filtering the mixture, optionally under pressure, and discarding herb fragments; and, if not both a Petroselinum specie and an Ocimum specie were used in the mixing step, further mixing the obtained extract with another extract comprising the other herb and obtained by the same steps. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a herbal extract obtainable by a method according to the invention.

An additional aspect of the present invention relates to a herbal extract comprising an amount of Petroselinum specie extract corresponding to a herb : fluid ratio of at least 1 :2500, and an amount of Ocimum specie extract corresponding to a herb : fluid ratio of at least 1 :2500.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide the use of a mixture comprising a Petroselinum specie and an Ocimum specie, or use of herbal extract according to the invention, for a purpose selected among cleansing the skin, moisturizing the skin, treating the skin after sun burn, insect bites, nettling, irritation, eczemas, acne, jelly fish sting and prevention of head lice bites. In particular it is useful to soothe and moisturise the skin after shaving and waxing.

Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide an extract according to the invention for use as a medicament, optionally for dermal or topical use.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a spray or ointment comprising a herbal extract according to the invention, preferably for dermal or topical use.

An additional aspect of the present invention is to provide a food, beverage or feed, characterized in that the food, beverage or feed comprises an extract according to the invention. An insect repellent for treatment of food comprising an effective amount of the extract according to the present invention. The herbal extract may be used e.g. as spray to keep insect away from food.

The present invention will now be described in more detail in the following.

Detailed description of the invention

According to an aspect the invention concerns a method for producing herbal extract comprising a Petroselinum specie and an Ocimum specie, said method comprising the steps of (i) Mixing at least one herb selected among the group consisting of a Petroselinum specie, preferably Carum Petroselinum, and an Ocimum specie, preferably Ocimum Basilicum, with at least one fluid, preferably water, at an elevated temperature, (ii) Optionally allowing the obtained mixture to cool,

(iii) Optionally stirring to further divide said at least one herb into finer parts,

(iv) Filtering the mixture, optionally under pressure, and discarding herb fragments, (v) Optionally adding at least one preservative, preferably sodium benzoate, to the remaining extract, preferably while the extract is still at an elevated temperature;

(vi) If not both a Petroselinum specie and an Ocimum specie were used in step (i), further mixing the obtained extract of steps (i) to (v) with another extract comprising the other herb and obtained by steps (i) to (v).

Carum Petroselinum is also known as common parsley or Petroselinum Crispum.

Ocimum Basilicum is also known as basil.

When the extraction process is finished, the mixture of herbal material and fluid is filtered, optionally under pressure, to obtain herb extract and herb fragments.

Optionally, the herb fragments are pressed and filtered by press means, and further herb extract is separated centrifugally. The herb fragments are discarded.

Odours can refer to both pleasant and unpleasant odours.

Throughout this description, the term "preservative" is used to define a substance added to products, such as herbal extracts, to preserve them against decay, discoloration or spoilage under conditions of storage (salt, sugar and spice are common preservatives); any chemical substance added to a product, such as herbal extracts, for extending its keeping life; substances which prolong the shelf- life of products, such as herbal extracts, by protecting them against deterioration caused by micro-organisms. Common anti-microbial preservatives include calcium propionate, sodium nitrate, sodium nitrite, sulfites (sulfur dioxide, sodium bisulfite, potassium hydrogen sulfite, etc.) and disodium EDTA. Common antioxidants include BHT (butylated hydroxy toluene) and BHA (butylated hydroxy anisole). Other preservatives include formaldehyde (usually in solution), glutaraldehyde (kills insects), ethanol and methylchloroisothiazolinone.

Antioxidants are used in a wide range of products. These are starting to be replaced by natural preservatives such as rosemary, tea extracts, tocopherol and ascorbate. However, the current natural preservatives can be expensive which limits their broader use, leading to continued use of the synthetic preservatives.

Antibiotics are also currently employed as preservatives within the food industry to extend product shelf life, improve product safety, maintain product quality, reduce processing costs and increase the ability to distribute products globally in complex supply chains. The term "antibiotic" is used to define a chemical substance which has the capacity to inhibit the growth of, or to kill, other microorganisms, while being suitable for the intended use of the product.

The preservative should be present in such a quantity as to produce a satisfactory preservative effect during its expected period of use.

According to an embodiment of the invention, it concerns a method, wherein the ratio of said at least one herb to said at least one fluid after mixing in step (i) is at least 1 :2500, preferably at least 1 : 1000, more preferred at least 1 :500, preferably at least 1 :250, more preferred at least 1 : 100, preferably at least 1 :50, more preferred at least 1 :25, preferably at least 1 : 10, more preferred at least 1 :4 (w/w)

Alternatively, the desired concentration of herb in the mixture may be reached by concentrating the mixture via evaporation.

According to an embodiment of the invention, it concerns a method, wherein the total amount of said at least one herb in said fluid after mixing in step (i) is at least 0.04%, preferably at least 0.05%, more preferred at least 0.08%, preferably at least 0.1%, more preferred at least 0.2%, preferably at least 0.5%, more preferred at least 1%, preferably at least 5%, more preferred at least 10%, preferably at least 20% (w/w).

According to an embodiment of the invention, it concerns a method, wherein the amount of said at least one herb specie in said fluid upon mixing in step (i) falls within a range selected among 0.01-30%; 0.02-25%; 0.05-20%; 0.1-10%; 0.2- 5%; 0.5-3%; and 1-2% (w/w).

According to an embodiment of the invention, it concerns a method, wherein the total amount of Petroselinum specie(s) and Ocimum specie(s) used for the herbal extract falls within a range selected among 0.01-30%; 0.02-25%; 0.05-20%; 0.1-10%; 0.2-5%; 0.5-3%; and 1-2% (w/w) of the herbal extract.

According to an embodiment of the invention, it concerns a method, wherein said at least one fluid in step (i) is kept below its boiling point after mixing with said at least one herb. Preferably the mixture of hot fluid and said at least one herb is not allowed to boil. Preferably the fluid is kept just below boiling temperature in step (i). It appears the herbal extract becomes more efficacious when temperatures below the boiling temperature of said fluid is used. One way to obtain this is to pour boiling liquid over the herbs and allowing the mixture to cool.

Preferably the temperature is sufficiently high to avoid soil bacteria surviving, such as at least 70⁰C, preferably at least 75°C, more preferred at least 80⁰C, preferably at least 85°C, more preferred at least 90⁰C, preferably at least 95°C, more preferred at least 97°C, preferably at least 98°C, more preferred at least 99°C, preferably at least 99.5°C, more preferred at least 99.8°C. If desired, the pressure may be elevated to obtain an even higher temperature, without reaching the boiling point, i.e. 100⁰C when the fluid is water.

Accordingly, the temperature in step (ii) is preferably at least 70⁰C, preferably at least 75°C, more preferred at least 80⁰C, preferably at least 85°C, more preferred at least 90⁰C, preferably at least 95°C, more preferred at least 97°C. According to an embodiment of the invention, it concerns a method, wherein said elevated temperature in step (i) is a temperature selected among 0.01-0.5; 0.05- 1; 0.1-2;0.2-3; 0.5-5; l-10;2-20; 5-30; 10-50; and 20-60⁰C below the boiling point of said at least one fluid.

According to an embodiment of the invention, it concerns a method, wherein said at least one fluid is selected among water; an alcohol, such as ethanol, propanol, isopropanol; acetone, diethylether, glycerin and aqueous ammonia; or a mixture of any of these.

According to an embodiment of the invention, it concerns a method, wherein the time period from mixing said at least one herb with said at least one fluid to filtering of the mixture is selected among 1-240, 2-120, 3-60, 4-30, 5-20 and 10- 15 minutes.

According to an embodiment of the invention, it concerns a method, wherein odours are removed preferably after filtering and before any addition of preservative, by evaporation. Preferably about 1 - 2 mass% of the extract is removed by evaporation to improve the smell of the mixture. Preferably gentle evaporation at elevated temperatures such as 30-90 ⁰C, preferably 40-80, more preferably 50-70 ⁰C, preferably 55-65 ⁰C, most preferably 60 ⁰C is used. The odour removal may preferably be performed in a system where odorous gas and/or steam is removed during the process.

According to an embodiment of the invention, it concerns a method, wherein at least one preservative is added, selected among benzoates, such as sodium benzoate, sorbates, such as sodium sorbate, antibiotics, antioxidants, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, ethanol, methylchloroisothiazolinone, rosemary, tea extract, tocopherol, citric acid, ascorbic acid, ascorbate, BHA, BHT, propyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate, ethoxyquin, and polyphenols.

According to an embodiment of the invention, it concerns a method, wherein at least one preservative is added, in a amount with respect to the total amount of obtained herbal extract, selected among: 0.01-30%; 0.02-25%; 0.05-20%; 0.1- 10%; 0.2-5%; 0.5-3%; 0.4-1% (w/w), the latter percentage ranges being the preferred ranges.

According to an embodiment of the invention, it concerns a method, wherein a camomile extract is further added to the herbal extract by mixing, said camomile extract being obtainable by a) Mixing camomile, preferably Chamomila Recutita, with at least one fluid, preferably water, b) Heating the camomile and fluid mixture, and c) Filtering the mixture to obtain a clear camomile filtrate; preferably without squeezing camomile flowers through steps (a) to (c).

The camomile may be a species of Matricaria, such as Chamomila Recutita also known as Matricaria Recutita. The at least one fluid may be selected among water; an alcohol, such as ethanol, propanol, isopropanol; acetone, diethylether, glycerin and aqueous ammonia; or a mixture of any of these.

The inventor of the present invention have found that flower extracts of the genus Chamomila can further increase the positive effect on various skin problems found by the combined extracts of Petroselinum and Ocimum. Chamomila is a genus of flowering plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae).

In another preferred embodiment the weight ratio of Petroselinum herb to Ocimum herb, used in the method for producing the herb extract, is selected among 1 :99-99: 1, 2:98-98:2, 5:95-95:5, 10:90-90: 10, 15:85-85: 15, 20:80- 80:20, 25:75-75:25, 30:70-70:30, 35:65-65:35, 40:60-60:40, 45:55-55:45, and 50:50. Preferably, the ratio is selected among 30:70-70:30, 35:65-65:35, 40:60- 60:40, 45:55-55:45, and 50:50.

In yet another preferred embodiment the weight ratio of the Chamomila herb flowers to the combined weigh of Petroselinum herb and Ocimum herb used in the method for producing the herb extract, is selected among 1 :99-99: 1, 2:98-98:2, 5:95-95:5, 10:90-90: 10, 15:85-85: 15, 20:80-80:20, 25:75-75:25, 30:70-70:30, 35:65-65:35, 40:60-60:40, 45:55-55:45, and 50:50. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a herbal extract obtainable by a method according to the invention.

An additional aspect of the present invention relates to a herbal extract comprising an amount of Petroselinum specie extract corresponding to a herb : fluid ratio of at least 1 :2500, and an amount of Ocimum specie extract corresponding to a herb : fluid ratio of at least 1 :2500. The herbal extract may be obtained by the method of the present invention, but could also be obtained in a different manner.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide the use of a mixture comprising a Petroselinum specie and an Ocimum specie, or use of herbal extract according to the invention, for a purpose selected among cleansing the skin, moisturizing the skin, treating the skin after various burns including sun burn, treating insect bites, nettling, irritation, eczemas, acne and jelly fish sting, especially alleviating the symptoms of said insect bites, nettling, irritation, eczemas, acne and jelly fish sting. The mixture may also be used for the prevention of head lice bites. In particular it is useful to soothe and moisturise the skin after shaving and waxing both face and body.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is the use of a mixture comprising a Petroselinum specie and an Ocimum specie, or use of herbal extract according to the invention, to repel insects. The mixture may repel insects from anything where insects are unwanted, including mammals, birds including chickens, and plants especially roses.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a spray or ointment comprising a herbal extract according to the invention, preferably for dermal or topical use. A spray is especially advantageous as using a sprays makes it unnecessary to rub anything in to the irritated areas, thereby agitating the skin condition. An additional aspect of the present invention is to provide a food, beverage or feed, characterized in that the food, beverage or feed comprises an extract according to the invention. An insect repellent for treatment of food comprising an effective amount of the extract according to the present invention. The herbal extract may be used e.g. as spray to keep insect away from food or other products.

It should be noted that embodiments and features described in the context of one of the aspects of the present invention also apply to the other aspects of the invention.

All patent and non-patent references cited in the present application, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The invention will now be described in further details in the following non-limiting examples.

Examples The inventors have tested extracts of both parsley and basil in isolation on a group of four people. None of the individual herb extracts had any notable effect on various skin problems, such as mosquito bites, wasp sting, pain and redness of the skin after applied heat, Hell Fire, sunburn, acne, and sun rash.

Throughout the examples test individuals perception of the products efficiency ("average effect") is given on a scale of 1-10, where 1 is ineffective/poor and 10 is highly effective.

Example 1 - Method for producing herbal extract of parsley and/or basil A Herbal extract of parsley and/or basil may be produced as follows.

Herbs = stems and leaves.

Water = freshwater with no additives such as chlorine or fluorine, preferably natural spring water. 1 kg of herbs to 4 L of water is used, i.e. a ratio of ca. 1 :4 (W/V). Expressed in volume 1000 ml parsley weighed about 1002 g, while 1000 ml basil weighed about 1004 g, i.e. the herb: water W/W ratio is effectively also ca. 1 :4 for both herbs.

1. Add 1000 g of cleaned and fresh (preferably no older than 24 hours since harvest) ecologically produced petroselinum species (parsley) and/or ecologically produced ocimum species (basil) to a vessel heated to 80 ⁰C. 2. Add 4 L of water having a temperature of 98 ⁰C (must not boil) over the herbs, and leave it to cool until the mixture is approximately 85 ⁰C.

3. Blend the herbs mechanically until the maximum particle size of the herbs is no larger than approximately 5 x 5 mm.

4. After a period of approximately 1 hour the mixture is filtered to obtain a liquid extract free of solids such as plant fragments (e.g. using a thick filter cardboard applied in a filterpress).

5. Subject the extract to an evaporator to reduce levels of odorous agents. Evaporation is performed until the volume is reduced by 1-2%.

6. Add the preservative (Sodium Benzoate) immediately after evaporation, as it is preferred that the extract is warm when adding the preservative.

Example 2 - method for producing camomile extract

1 kg of camomile to 4 L of water is used, i.e. a ratio of ca. 1 :4 (W/V).

1. Add cleaned ecologically produced Camomile to 4 L of cold water in a heating vessel.

2. Warm it up to 90 ⁰C and maintain this temperature for 3 minutes.

3. Strain the camomile water through a filter to obtain a clear solution. Avoid excessive squeezing of the camomile flowers to prevent unwanted solid components in the filtrate.

Example 3 - Recipes for blended products

In a vessel fitted with a mechanical stirrer 1000 Liters of blended product is made using the components listed in Table 1, the optimum order of addition is from left to right in the table: Table 1 - recipes for blended products

Blend Sodium Parsley Basil € extract Camomile Clean cold

1 4,5 kg 6% -300 L 4% - 200 L 3% - 395, 5 L

2 4,5 kg 5,2% - 260 4,8% - 240 0 L 495, 5 L

3 4,5 kg 4,2% - 210 5% - 250 L 3% - 385, 5 L

This affords the following ratios of the herb species in the three blends: Blend 1 : ratio of parsley/basil/camomile = 62:28: 10 Blend 2: ratio of parsley/basil/camomile = 54:46:0 Blend 3: ratio of parsley/basil/camomile = 34:48: 18 The w/w percentage of Sodium benzoate is 0.45% for all blends.

Example 4 - Tests of parsley and basil extract blend (blend 2) as insect repellent A product blend (Blend 2) of the herbs Carum Petroselinum and Ocimum Basilicum was tested. Sodium Benzoate was used to preserve the product. The product was tested as an insect repellent. 50 individuals were tested over a period of 10 days in areas infested with mosquitoes. They sprayed the test product on one arm and the control substance on the other arm. The Control Substance consisted of demineralised water with Sodium benzoate. The results are shown in the table 2 below.

Table 2 - efficiency of blend 2 as insect repellent

In conclusion, the Test Product (blend 2) is an effective insect repellent for a period of 3 to 4 hours after application.

Example 5 - Test of parsley and basil extract blend (blend 2) for the treatment of insect bites

The efficiency of blend 2 for the treatment of of existing insect stings or bites or nettle rash was tested. For mosquito stings the product was applied at different time periods after the actual sting. Results are depicted in table 3 below.

Table 3 - efficiency of blend 2 as insect sting/bite treatments

Example 6 - Test of parsley and basil extract blend (blend 2) for the treatment of Acne, rashes and eczemas The test individuals applied the Test Product (blend 2) for the treatment of areas with sensitive skin. This included areas affected by Acne, Sun Rash and various forms of eczemas. The number of people perceiving improvements and/or side effects is depicted in Table 4.

Table 4 - efficiency of blend 2 for the treatment of sensitive skin

The majority of test individuals perceived that the itching from eczema was gone within 15 to 30 minutes. Acne is significantly reduced within 1 to 2 weeks.

Example 7 - Test of parsley and basil extract blend (blend 2) for the treatment of other skin conditions When the opportunity arose among the test individuals blend 2 was applied to a series of acute skin conditions as depicted in table 5 below.

Table 5 - efficiency of blend 2 for the treatment of miscellaneous skin conditions

The product provided a soothing effect within 5 to 10 minutes in all the above mentioned complications.

Example 8 - Test of parsley and basil extract blend (blend 2) as insect repellent applied to food

The Test Product was applied as an insect repellent on food. The product can be eaten without any problems and without distaste. The tests were performed on ten pieces of the products listed below, where five of the pieces were sprayed with the Test Product and five with the Control Substance in an area infested with insects.

Table 6 - efficiency of blend 2 as insect repellent on food items

Example 9 - Test of efficiency of blends 1, 2 and 3 for the treatment of conditions for which they were optimized

The inventors have, based on the above tests, developed and tested the three blends of example 3 for the specific purposes given below.

-Blend 1 : Can cool and damp itching, pain and redness after Eczema. Blend 1 was tested on an average of the Danish population aged 2 years to 87 years (48% male and 52% female). -Blend 2: Can cool and damp itching, pain and redness after the mosquito and insect sting, nettles, red jellyfish, hornets and bee-sting, horseflies, mild burning and scalding, and sunburn. Blend 2 was tested on an average of the Danish population aged O to 58 years (44% male and 56% female).

-Blend 3: Acne. Blend 3 was mainly tested on young men and woman aged 12 to 26 years (70% male and 30% female).

Blend 1 comprises extracts of the herbs Carum Petroselinum, Ocimum Basilicum and Chamomilla Rekutita. Sodium Benzoate is used for the preservation of the product. The product contains an excess of parsley compared to basil. All herbs are ecologically produced. Packaging, sprayer and label are produced from environmentally friendly PE. The tests were conducted on 46 individuals over a period of two months. All test persons were provided with 2 sprayers for use in 1 month (1 month with A and 1 month with B). One sprayer contained control substance and one sprayer the blend. The tested individuals were unaware which sprayer contained the blend.

Table 7 - Test of blend 1 for the treatment of eczema

For the control substance 3 individuals perceived improvements, but effect was estimated below 4.

Blend 2 comprises extracts of the herbs Carum Petroselinum and Ocimum Basilicum. Sodium Benzoate is used for the preservation of the product. The product contains more parsley than basil. All herbs are ecologically produced. Packaging, sprayer and label are produced from environmentally friendly PE. The tests were conducted on 46 individuals over a period of two months. All test persons were provided with 2 sprayers for use in 1 month (1 month with A and 1 month with B). One sprayer contained control substance and one sprayer the blend. The tested individuals were unaware which sprayer contained the blend.

Table 8 - Test of blend 2 for the treatment of acute skin conditions

For the control substance 14 individuals perceived improvements, but effect was estimated below 3 for all.

Blend 3 comprises extracts of the herbs Carum Petroselinum, Ocimum Basilicum and Chamomilla Rekutita. Sodium Benzoate is used for the preservation of the product. Blend 3 contains more basil than parsley as opposed to blends 1 and 2. All herbs are ecologically produced. Packaging, sprayer and label are produced from environmentally friendly PE. The tests were conducted on 46 persons over a period of two months. All test persons were provided with 2 sprayers for use in 1 month (1 month with A and 1 month with B). One sprayer contained control substance and one sprayer the blend. The tested individuals were unaware which sprayer contained the blend. Table 9 - test of blend 3 for the treatment of acne and impure skin

For the control substance no individuals perceived improvements. Shaving includes shaving of the face, neck, armpits, legs, bikini line, pubic hair or other body parts.

Claims

1. Method for producing herbal extract comprising a Petroselinum specie and an Ocimum specie, said method comprising the steps of (i) Mixing at least one herb selected among the group consisting of a Petroselinum specie, preferably Carum Petroselinum, and an Ocimum specie, preferably Ocimum Basilicum, with at least one fluid, preferably water, at an elevated temperature; (ii) Optionally allowing the obtained mixture to cool, (iii) Optionally stirring to further divide said at least one herb into finer parts, (iv) Filtering the mixture, optionally under pressure, and discarding herb fragments,

(v) Optionally adding at least one preservative, preferably sodium benzoate, to the remaining extract, preferably while the extract is still at an elevated temperature;

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of said at least one herb to said at least one fluid after mixing in step (i) is at least 1 :2500, preferably at least 1 : 1000, more preferred at least 1 :500, preferably at least 1 :250, more preferred at least 1 : 100, preferably at least 1 :50, more preferred at least 1 :25, preferably at least 1 : 10, more preferred at least 1 :4 (w/w).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the total amount of said at least one herb in said fluid after mixing in step (i) is at least 0.04%, preferably at least 0.05%, more preferred at least 0.08%, preferably at least 0.1%, more preferred at least 0.2%, preferably at least 0.5%, more preferred at least 1%, preferably at least 5%, more preferred at least 10%, preferably at least 20% (w/w).

4. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of said at least one herb specie in said fluid upon mixing in step (i) falls within a range selected among 0.01-30%; 0.02-25%; 0.05-20%; 0.1- 10%; 0.2-5%; 0.5-3%; and 1-2% (w/w).

5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the total amount of Petroselinum specie(s) and Ocimum specie(s) used for the herbal extract falls within a range selected among 0.01-30%; 0.02- 25%; 0.05-20%; 0.1-10%; 0.2-5%; 0.5-3%; and 1-2% (w/w) of the herbal extract.

6. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one fluid in step (i) is not heated to its boiling point after mixing with said at least one herb.

7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said elevated temperature in step (i) is a temperature selected among 0.01-0.5; 0.05-1; 0.1-2;0.2-3; 0.5-5; l-10;2-20; 5-30; 10-50; and 20-60⁰C below the boiling point of said at least one fluid.

8. Method according to any of the preceding claims where said at least one herb is fresh from harvest, preferably less than 72 h from harvest, such as 60 h, 48 h, 36 h, 24 h, 12 h, 10 h from harvest, most preferably 8 h from harvest.

9. Method according to any of the preceding claims where said at least one herb is not dried.

10. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one fluid is selected among water; an alcohol, such as ethanol, propanol, isopropanol; acetone, diethylether, glycerin and aqueous ammonia; or a mixture of any of these.

11. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the time period from mixing said at least one herb with said at least one fluid to filtering of the mixture is selected among 1-240, 2-120, 3-60, 4-30, 5- 20 and 10-15 minutes.

12. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein odours are removed, by evaporation, preferably evaporation at elevated temperatures such as 30-90 ⁰C, preferably 40-80, more preferably 50- 70 ⁰C, preferably 55-65 ⁰C, most preferably 60 ⁰C is used. The odour removal may be performed before or after filtration.

13. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one preservative is added, selected among benzoates, such as sodium benzoate, sorbates, such as sodium sorbate, antibiotics, antioxidants, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, ethanol, methylchloroisothiazolinone, rosemary, tea extract, tocopherol, citric acid, ascorbic acid, ascorbate, BHA, BHT, propyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate, ethoxyquin, and polyphenols.

14. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one preservative is added, in a amount with respect to the total amount of obtained herbal extract, selected among 0.01-30%; 0.02-25%; 0.05- 20%; 0.1-10%; 0.2-5%; 0.3-3%; 0.4-1% (w/w).

15. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a camomile extract is further added to the herbal extract by mixing, said camomile extract being obtainable by a) Mixing camomile, preferably Chamomila Recutita, with at least one fluid, preferably water, b) Heating the camomile and fluid mixture, and c) Filtering the mixture to obtain a clear camomile filtrate; preferably without squeezing camomile flowers through steps (a) to (c).

16. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the weight ratio of Petroselinum herb to Ocimum herb, used in the method for producing the herb extract, is selected among 1 :99-99: 1, 2:98-98:2, 5:95-95:5, 10:90-90: 10, 15:85-85: 15, 20:80-80:20, 25:75-75:25, 30:70-70:30, 35:65-65:35, 40:60-60:40, 45:55-55:45, and 50:50.

17. Method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the weight ratio of the Chamomila herb flowers to the combined weigh of Petroselinum herb and Ocimum herb used in the method for producing the herb extract, is selected among 1 :99-99: 1, 2:98-98:2, 5:95-95:5, 10:90-90: 10, 15:85- 85: 15, 20:80-80:20, 25:75-75:25, 30:70-70:30, 35:65-65:35, 40:60- 60:40, 45:55-55:45, and 50:50.

18. Herbal extract obtainable according to any of the preceding claims, or by substituting the herbs with essential oils of the herbs.

19. Herbal extract comprising an amount of Petroselinum specie extract corresponding to a herb : fluid ratio of at least 1 :2500, and an amount of Ocimum specie extract corresponding to a herb : fluid ratio of at least 1 :2500, said herbal extract preferably being obtainable by the method of claims 1-15.

20. Herbal extract according to claim 19, wherein the amount of said Petroselinum specie extract corresponds to a herb : fluid ratio of at least 1 : 1000, more preferred at least 1 :500, preferably at least 1 :250, more preferred at least 1: 100, preferably at least 1 :50, more preferred at least 1 :25, preferably at least 1 : 10, more preferred at least 1 :4

(w/w) and said Ocimum specie extract corresponds to a herb : fluid ratio of at least 1 : 1000, more preferred at least 1 :500, preferably at least 1 :250, more preferred at least 1 : 100, preferably at least 1 :50, more preferred at least 1 :25, preferably at least 1 : 10, more preferred at least 1 :4 (w/w)

21. Use of a mixture comprising a Petroselinum specie and an Ocimum specie, or use of herbal extract according to claims 18-20, for a purpose selected among cleansing the skin, moisturizing the skin, treating the skin after sun burn, insect bites, nettling, irritation, eczemas, acne and jelly fish sting.

22. Use of a mixture comprising a Petroselinum specie and an Ocimum specie, or use of herbal extract according to claims 18-20, for a purpose selected among alleviating symptoms of the skin after sun burn, insect bites, nettling, irritation, eczemas, acne and jelly fish sting.

23. Use of a mixture comprising a Petroselinum specie and an Ocimum specie, or use of herbal extract according to claims 18-20, for repelling insects.

24. Use of a mixture comprising a Petroselinum specie and an Ocimum specie, or use of herbal extract according to claims 18-20 for the prevention of insect stings or bites on birds and mammals, especially mosquito stings and head lice bites.

25. Use of a mixture comprising a Petroselinum specie and an Ocimum specie, or use of herbal extract according to claims 18-20, for repelling insects from food items.

26. Use of a mixture comprising a Petroselinum specie and an Ocimum specie, or use of herbal extract according to claims 18-20, for repelling insects from plants, preferably garden plants, most preferably roses.

27. The extract according to claims 18-20 for use as a medicament, preferably for a use according to claim 21-24, optionally for dermal or topical use.

28. Spray or ointment comprising a herbal extract according to claim 18-20, preferably for dermal or topical use.

29. A food, beverage or feed, characterized in that the food, beverage or feed comprises an extract according to claim 18-20.