WO2011061144A2

WO2011061144A2 - The present invention relates to the use of beta-(1, 3)- beta-(1, 4) glucan with an average molecular weight of from 5.000 to 150.000 da for the increase of synthesis of collagen

Info

Publication number: WO2011061144A2
Application number: PCT/EP2010/067460
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marvin Karos; Heiko Barg
Original assignee: Basf Se
Priority date: 2009-11-20
Filing date: 2010-11-15
Publication date: 2011-05-26
Also published as: WO2011061144A3

Abstract

Non-therapeutic use, of beta-(1,3)-beta-(1,4) glucan with a mean molecular weight of from 5.000 to 150.000 Da, preferably 13.000 to 60.000 Da, particularly 20.000 to 0.000 Da, for the increase of synthesis of collagen.

Description

The present invention relates to the use of beta-(1 , 3)- beta-(1 , 4) glucan with an average molecular weight of from 5.000 to 150.000 Da for the increase of synthesis of collagen Glucans are homopolysaccharides consisting of glucose only. Glucans are distinctive polymers of glucose differentiated from other polymers by not only their source but also their physicochemical properties. However, different stereo chemical conformations exist, since it is possible to link the glucose molecules in different ways. Hence, glucans are a diverse group of compounds with differing chemical, physical, and functional properties. The influence of the chemical structure of polysaccharides on their properties can be appreciated by comparing the common properties of some common homo- glucans. Thus, Dextran, a (1 , 6)-[alpha]-glucan, with a small degree of branching, is extremely water soluble and non-gel forming. Amylose, an (1 , 4)-[alpha]-D-glucan, is sparingly soluble in water and can form rigid thermo-reversible gels. Cellulose, a (1 , 4)- [beta]-D-glucan, is water insoluble and highly crystalline compared to other polysaccharides. Oat [beta]-(1 , 3)-[beta]-(1 , 4)-glucan is classified as a viscous gum, (see Wood, PJ 1 5 (1993) Oat Bran Ed PJ Wood (American Association of Cereal Chemists, Inc. St. Paul, MN)). Unmodified oat [beta]-(1 , 3)-[beta]-(1 , 4)-glucan forms highly viscous solutions in water at concentrations >0.75 %wt. At concentrations >1 .2 %wt. the solu- tions have the consistency of a thick hydro gel.

Cereal [beta]-(1 ,3)-[beta]-(1 ,4)-glucans are structural polysaccharides present in the cell wall of cereals like barley and oat, among others. Oat [beta]-(1 ,3)-[beta]-(1 ,4)- glucan, is recognized by the U.S. FDA as an agent that may aid the prevention of heart disease. In 1997, the FDA allowed oat products to make a health claim.

Glucans derived from yeast, fungi, certain bacteria and genetically engineered bacteria are of significantly different molecular structure and have different physical and chemical properties compared to cereal, e.g. barley or oat glucan.

The term "beta-glucan" refers to those polysaccharides which comprise beta- glu- copyranosyl units which are linked together by (1 , 3) and (1 , 4) beta- linkages, beta- Glucans occur naturally in many cereal grains such as oats and barley. The molecular weight of beta-glucan molecules occurring in cereals is typically 200 to 2000 kilo Daltons.

Beta-Glucan is a water-soluble polysaccharide consisting of linear chains of glucose units with 1 -3 and 1 -4 linkages and has a mean molecular weight in the range of 500,000 - 1 ,000,000, typically of about 1 million kDa. beta-glucan is desirable as a food additive, for example, to impart texture ("mouth feel") to foods, beta-glucan is also useful for preparing edible films for food coatings, beta- glucan may also be used to add bulk to foods and has the advantage of having a neutral flavour. beta-glucan is also desirable as a therapeutic agent. There is evidence that beta- glucan can lower serum cholesterol levels, heal wounds, moderate glycaemic response, and alleviate constipation, beta-glucan can actively bind to specific cell receptors and therefore may be useful for the treatment of a wide variety of disorders or diseases. There are several methods describes how to extract beta-glucan. WO 2005/048735 and WO2005/122785 disclose a method for the extraction of soluble fibers from oat and barley.

WO01/57092 describes a process for obtaining beta -glucan from cereal grain, such as barley and oats. A beta -glucan product obtained by the process. Uses of the beta - glucan product as a food ingredient and for treating various diseases or disorders. The process includes the steps of forming flour from the cereal grain, mixing the flour with water to form a slurry of a process for obtaining beta -glucan from cereal grain including forming flour from the cereal grain, mixing the flour with water to form a slurry of an aqueous solution of beta -glucan and a solid residue, separating the aqueous solution from the solid residue, and removing water from the aqueous solution by evaporation or ultra filtration or combinations thereof to form a beta -glucan containing gel or solid

WO02/02645 describes a process for preparing the beta -glucan by recovering the beta -glucan from an aqueous solution containing it before any gelation of the solution begins to occur. The use of the beta-glucan for treating various disorders or diseases, and other uses including in foods and as an edible film. The beta-glucan is useful for a range of therapies. These include the lowering of serum cholesterol levels, wound healing, the regulation of glycaemic response, the stimulation of the immune system, and the alleviation of constipation. It is thought that beta-glucan can actively bind to specific cell receptors and is therefore useful for treating a variety of diseases or disorders.

WO98/13056 describes a process for obtaining beta -glucan from cereal by extracting with water and without deactivation of enzymes associated with the cereal, a process for controlling the average molecular weight of beta -glucan extracted from cereal by controlling the extraction time, a process for recovering beta -glucan from an aqueous solution of beta -glucan comprising freezing the solution, allowing the solution to thaw and separating solids from the resultant suspension, a beta -glucan produced by any of these processes with an average molecular weight in the range up to 1 ,500,000, which forms a gel when a heated solution of the beta -glucan cools and the use of beta - glucan in treating various health disorders, as an additive in cosmetics such as moisture cream and foods, and as a film forming agent. WO2006/015627 describes the use of beta-(1 ,3)-beta-(1 ,4)-glucan (a) as carrier for carrying a chemical substance through the stratum corneum into deeper layers of the skin and/or (b) for improving the penetration abilities of the chemical substance through the stratum corneum into deeper layers of the skin. In addition Oat Glucan is able to form a complex with actives such as cosmetical, therapeutical and/or pharmaceutical actives without being covalently bound to these actives. These findings are in particular of interest for the delivery of actives through the stratum corneum into the lower layers of the epidermis and beyond of intact, unharmed human skin (delivery for cosmetic purposes). The WO2006/015627 further relates to a topical composition comprising a mixture of (a) [beta]- (1 ,3)-[beta]-(1 ,4)-glucan and (b) at least one cosmetical, therapeutical and/or pharmaceutical active. The [beta]-(1 ,3)-[beta]-(1 ,4)-glucan according to WO2006/015627 preferably has a mean molecular weight of 10,000 to 5,000,000 g/mol, more preferably a mean molecular weight of 100,000 to 1 ,500,000 g/mol.

EP 0 476 063 describes pharmaceutical compositions comprising a drug chemically bound to or being contained within whole beta-glucan particles. In particular a whole beta-glucan drug delivery vehicle that non-specifically enhances the immune response, and is safe for human use, is taught. A drug is incorporated into a whole beta-glucan micro particle, and the combination is administered to an individual. The beta-glucan vehicle allows sustained release of the drug component while simultaneously enhancing the effectiveness of the drug by boosting the individual's endogenous immune response. WO 96/14873 discloses a glucan composition containing a beta-1 ,3-glucan covalently attached to a bioactive agent. The beta-1 ,3-glucan is attached to the bioactive agent by means of a hydrolysable covalent linkage to form a glucan/agent product. Also disclosed are methods relating to said product, including a method for the treatment of a pathogen capable of invading or colonizing phagocytic cells, and a method for deliver- ing an antigen to a phagocytic cell.

US 5,676,967 discloses a wound dressing for covering a wound of the body, providing slow release of a combination of collagenic protein and oligosaccharide, enhancing vapor transmission from the wound, and enhancing healing. It comprises an aqueous combination of collagen and oligosaccharide coated on a mesh surface and dehydrated to a low moisture content. The mesh netting used has holes or openings, and the structure of the netting permits a solution of oligosaccharide such as glucan and a collagen to impregnate and fill the openings. The impregnated netting is then dehydrated and oligosaccharide and collagen are deposited and adhere to the fibers. An aqueous based mixture of the oligosaccharide and collagen for impregnating the mesh netting may contain about 1 -10 percent oligosaccharide and 1 -15 percent collagen. The mixture is applied to the mesh netting to substantially impregnate it. An aqueous- based solution of oat-derived beta-D-glucan and bovine collagen containing Type I and Type III collagens was prepared and the mesh netting impregnated therewith.

EP 1 046 394 is directed to compositions and their use for delivering compounds into a cell. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions comprise, in combination with the compound to be delivered, an organic halide, a targeting ligand, and a nuclear localization sequence, optionally in the presence of a earner. In case the composition comprises a carrier or stabilizing materials, a large number of polymers may be used, inter alia glucans are suitable. The compositions are particularly suitable for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. WO 01/87255 relates to an external application having enhanced skin absorbency of the active agents by using protease stabilized by beta-1 ,3- glucan branched with beta-1 ,6-linkage as an agent for enhancing the skin absorption. Stabilization of the protease is achieved by a chemical reaction in order to covalently bind the protease to the beta-glucan, the resulting product is then able to enhance the skin absorption of the active agents.

WO 03/054077 teaches the use of beta glucan as a film forming delivery system for controlled delivery of actives into an aqueous system, i.e. the mouth cavity. Cereal [be- ta]-(1 ,3)-[beta]- (1 ,4)-glucan is used as a film or coating agent to produce clear, edible, biodegradable, delivery, lubricating, and protecting agents. The [beta]-(1 ,3)-[beta]-(1 ,4)- glucan forms a matrix to sequester other materials, such as pharmaceutical, medical and therapeutic agents, flavours, fragrances. The technology has applications to essential oils and non-aqueous materials that are rendered deliverable by the [beta]-(1 ,3)- [beta]-(1 ,4)-glucan. The [beta]-(1 ,3)-[beta]-(1 ,4)- glucan films described may be con- sumed whereby they dissolve in the mouth in a controlled manner and may be used for the delivery of pharmaceutical, medical or confectionery products.

Several papers (Hecker, K. D., M. L. Meier, et al. (1998). "Barley Beta-Glucan Is Effective As a Hypocholesterolaemic Ingredient in Foods." Journal of the Science of Food & Agriculture 77(2): 179-183, Keogh GF, Cooper GJ, Mulvey TB, et al. Randomized controlled crossover study of the effect of a highly beta-glucan-enriched barley on cardiovascular disease risk factors in mildly hypercholesterolemic men. Am J Clin Nutr.

2003;78:71 1-718, Newman, R. and C. W. Newman (1989). "The hypocholesterolemic function of barley beta-glucans." Cereal Foods World 34: 883-886) describe the hypo- cholesterolaemic function of barley Beta-Glucan when added to human food as well as the alteration of intestinal viscosity and reduction of plasma cholesterol concentration in chicken (Jones, A. (1993). "Barley beta-glucan." Cereal Foods World 38: 160-161 ).

It was an object of the present invention to provide further fields of use for a low mo- lecular weight beta-(1 , 3)- beta-(1 , 4) glucan. Beta-(1 , 3)- beta-(1 , 4) glucan with a low molecular weight can have a great influence on the synthesis of collagen.

It might also be possible to use of beta-(1 , 3)- beta-(1 , 4) glucan with an average molecular weight of from 5.000 to 150.000 Da for the increase of cell proliferation and/or viability or as anti-inflammatory substance or for the protection of at least one endogenous growth factor.

The present invention relates to the non-therapeutic use of beta-(1 ,3)- beta-(1 ,4) glucan with a mean molecular weight of from 5.000 to 150.000 Da for the increase of syn- thesis of collagen. Preferably the MW is from 13.000 to 60.000 Da, particularly 20.000 to 50.000 Da. Preferably the soluble collagen produced in human dermal fibroblasts will be significantly increased after treatment with the low molecular weight glucan according to the present invention. In a preferred embodiment the mean MW is 20.000 Da. In another embodiment the mean MW is 50.000 Da. This low molecular weight is ex- pected to show a much higher synthesis of collagen compared to a beta glucan with a molecular weight of 1 ,5 million Da according to the state of the art as it is much smaller and able to penetrate easier through the skin and interact much better in the cell.

Preferably the low molecular weight beta glucan according to the intervention just has 1 , 3 and 1 , 4 linkages and does not contain any 1 , 6 linkage between the glucose monomers.

Preferably the glucan is prepared from a cereal, preferably from barley. The glucan can also be prepared from other cereals, which show the same molecular structure in the glucan such as oat, or other cereals.

According to one embodiment, the range of the molecular weight of the beta glucan depends on the mean molecular weight off the glucan. The lower the mean molecular weight, the broader the range can be. For a mean molecular weight of from 5000 to 20,000 Da the lower end of the range is about 10% of the mean molecular weight and the upper end of the range is about 200% of the mean molecular weight. In a preferred embodiment the range is from about 2000 to about 40,000 Da for a mean molecular weight off 20,000 Da.

For a mean molecular weight from 40,000 to 80,000 Da the lower end of the range is about 80% of the mean molecular weight and the upper end of the range is about

120% off the mean molecular weight. And another preferred embodiment the range of molecular weight is from about 40,000 to about 60,000 Da for a mean molecular weight off 50,000 Da. The beta glucan can be used at a concentration of from 0.0001 % to 10 %. In a preferred embodiment the beta glucan is used at a concentration in the range from 0.001 % to 2 %, preferably 0.1 % to 2 %, more preferably from 0.5 % to 1.5 %, particularly at 1 %. Most preferably the beta glucan with a mean molecular weight of 50,000 Da is used at a concentration of 1 %. Alternatively the beta glucan with a mean molecular weight of 20,000 Da can be used at a concentration of 1 %. The dose depends on the individual MW for each application and it is also possible to apply the glucan at 0,5 % or 0,1 %.

The beta glucan according to the present invention can be used with any standard ingredients of cosmetic products as well as with other active compounds in cosmetic protests. The following gives some examples of possible ingredients or active com- pounds which can be used together with the beta glucan according to the invention.

The invention also relates to a cosmetic composition comprising -(1 ,3)- beta-(1 ,4) glucan with a mean molecular weight of less than 50.000 Da. The cosmetic compositions according to the invention may be skin cosmetic, nail cosmetic, hair cosmetic, derma- tological, hygiene or pharmaceutical compositions.

Suitable auxiliaries and additives for producing hair cosmetic, nail cosmetic or skin cosmetic preparations are known to the person skilled in the art and can be found in handbooks of cosmetics, for example Schrader, Grundlagen und Rezepturen der Kos- metika [Fundamentals and formulations of cosmetics], Huthig Verlag, Heidelberg, 1989, ISBN 3-7785-1491 -1.

Preferably, the compositions according to the invention are in the form of a gel, foam, spray, ointment, cream, emulsion, suspension, lotion, milk or paste. If desired, lipo- somes or microspheres can also be used.

The cosmetically or pharmaceutically active compositions according to the invention can additionally comprise cosmetically and/or dermatologically active ingredients and auxiliaries.

Preferably, the cosmetic compositions according to the invention comprise at least one beta-glucanas defined above, and at least one constituent different therefrom which is chosen from cosmetically active ingredients, emulsifiers, surfactants, preservatives, perfume oils, thickeners, hair polymers, hair and skin conditioners, graft polymers, wa- ter-soluble or dispersible silicone-containing polymers, photoprotective agents, bleaches, gel formers, care agents, colorants, tints, tanning agents, dyes, pigments, consistency regulators, moisturizers, re-fatting agents, collagen, protein hydrolysates, lipids, antioxidants, antifoams, antistats, emollients and softeners. The beta-glucan active ingredients may also be present in encapsulated form in the cosmetic preparations.

Advantageously, the antioxidants are chosen from the group consisting of amino acids (e.g. glycine, histidine, tyrosine, tryptophan) and derivatives thereof, imidazoles (e.g. urocanic acid) and derivatives thereof, peptides such as D,L-carnosine, D-carnosine, L- carnosine and derivaties thereof (e.g. anserine), carotenoids, carotenes (e.g. β- carotene, lycopene) and derivatives thereof, chlorogenic acid and derivatives thereof, lipoic acid and derivatives thereof (e.g. dihydrolipoic acid), aurothioglucose, propyl- thiouracil and other thiols (e.g. thioredoxin, glutathione, cysteine, cystine, cystamine and the glycosyl, N-acetyl, methyl, ethyl, propyl, amyl, butyl and lauryl, palmitoyl, oleyl, γ-linoleyl, cholesteryl and glyceryl esters thereof) and salts thereof, dilauryl thiodipropi- onate, distearyl thiodipropionate, thiodipropionic acid and derivatives thereof (esters, ethers, peptides, lipids, nucleotides, nucleosides and salts), and sulfoximine com- pounds (e.g. buthionine sulfoximines, homocysteine sulfoximines, buthionine sulfones, penta-, hexa-, heptathionine sulfoximine) in very low tolerated doses (e.g. pmol to μΓηοΙ/kg), also (metal) chelating agents (e.g. a-hydroxy fatty acids, palmitic acid, phytic acid, lactoferrin), α-hydroxy acids (e.g. citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid), humic acid, bile acid, bile extracts, bilirubin, biliverdin, EDTA and derivatives thereof, unsaturated fatty acids and derivatives thereof (e.g. γ-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid), folic acid and derivatives thereof, ubiquinone and ubiquinol and derivatives thereof, vitamin C and derivatives thereof (e.g. sodium ascorbate, ascorbyl palmitate, Mg ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl acetate), tocopherol and derivatives (e.g. vitamin E acetate, to- cotrienol), vitamin A and derivatives (vitamin A palmitate), and coniferyl benzoate of benzoin resin, rutinic acid and derivatives thereof, a-glycosyl rutin, ferulic acid, fur- furylideneglucitol, carnosine, butylhydroxytoluene, butylhydroxyanisole, nordihy- droguaiacic acid, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, trihydroxybutyrophenone, uric acid and derivatives thereof, mannose and derivatives thereof, zinc and derivatives thereof (e.g. ZnO, ZnS04), selenium and derivatives thereof (e.g. selenomethionine), stilbenes and derivatives thereof (e.g. stilbene oxide, trans-stilbene oxide).

Customary thickeners in such formulations are crosslinked polyacrylic acids and derivatives thereof, polysaccharides and derivatives thereof, such as xanthan gum, agar- agar, alginates or tyloses, cellulose derivatives, e.g. carboxymethylcellulose or hy- droxycarboxymethylcellulose, fatty alcohols, monoglycerides and fatty acids, polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Preference is given to using nonionic thickeners.

Suitable cosmetically and/or dermatologically active ingredients are, for example, coloring active ingredients, skin and hair pigmentation agents, tinting agents, tanning agents, bleaches, keratin-hardening substances, antimicrobial active ingredients, pho- tofilter active ingredients, repellent active ingredients, substances with a hyperemic effect, substances with a keratolytic and keratoplastic effect, antidandruff active ingredient, antiphlogistics, substances with a keratinizing effect, active ingredients with an antioxidative or free-radical-scavenging effect, substances which moisturize the skin or keep the skin moist, re-fatting active ingredients, antierythimatous or antiallergic active ingredients, branched fatty acids such as 18-methyleicosanoic acid, and mixtures thereof. Active ingredients which tan the skin artificially and which are suitable for tanning the skin without natural or artificial irradiation with UV rays are, for example, dihydroxyace- tone, alloxan and walnut shell extract. Suitable keratin-hardening substances are usu- ally active ingredients as are also used in antiperspirants, such as, for example, potassium aluminum sulfate, aluminum hydroxychloride, aluminum lactate, etc.

Antimicrobial active ingredients are used to destroy microorganisms or to inhibit their growth and thus serve both as preservatives and also as deodorizing substance which reduces the formation or the intensity of body odor. These include, for example, customary preservatives known to the person skilled in the art, such as p-hydroxybenzoic esters, imidazolidinylurea, formaldehyde, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, etc. Such deodorizing substances are, for example, zinc ricinoleate, triclosan, undecylenic alkylolamides, triethyl citrate, chlorhexidine etc.

Suitable preservatives to be used advantageously according to the invention are listed below with their E number.

E 200 Sorbic acid Calcium hydrogensulfite

E 227

E 201 Sodium sorbate E 228 Potassium hydrogensulfite

E 202 Potassium sorbate E 230 Biphenyl (diphenyl)

E 203 Calcium sorbate E 231 Orthophenylphenol

E 210 Benzoic acid E 232 Sodium

orthophenylphenoxide

E 21 1 Sodium benzoate E 233 Thiabendazole

E 212 Potassium benzoate E 235 Natamycin

E 213 Calcium benzoate E 236 Formic acid

E 214 Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate E 237 Sodium formate

E 215 Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate Na salt E 238 Calcium formate

E 216 n-Propyl p-hydroxybenzoate E 239 Hexamethylenetetramine

E 217 n-Propyl p-hydroxybenzoate Na salt E 249 Potassium nitrite

E 218 Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate E 250 Sodium nitrite

E 219 Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate Na salt E 251 Sodium nitrate

E 220 Sulfur dioxide E 252 Potassium nitrate

E 221 Sodium sulfite E 280 Propionic acid

E 222 Sodium hydrogensulfite E 281 Sodium propionate

E 223 Sodium disulfite E 282 Calcium propionate E 224 Potassium disulfite E 283 Potassium propionate

E 226 Calcium sulfite E 290 Carbon dioxide

Also suitable according to the invention are preservatives or preservative auxiliaries customary in cosmetics dibromodicyanobutane (2-bromo-2- bromomethylglutarodinitrile), 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate, 2-bromo-2- nitropropane-1 ,3-diol, imidazolidinylurea, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2- chloroacetamide, benzalkonium chloride and benzyl alcohol. + formaldehyde donors.

Also suitable as preservatives are phenyl hydroxyalkyl ethers, in particular the com- pound known under the name phenoxyethanol on account of its bactericidal and fungicidal effects on a number of microorganisms.

Other antimicrobial agents are likewise suitable for being incorporated into the preparations according to the invention. Advantageous substances are, for example, 2,4,4'- trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether (irgasan), 1 ,6-di(4-chlorophenylbiguanido)hexane (chlorhexidine), 3,4,4'-trichlorocarbanilide, quaternary ammonium compounds, oil of cloves, mint oil, thyme oil, triethyl citrate, farnesol (3,7,1 1 -trimethyl-2, 6,10-dodecatrien- 1 -ol), and the active ingredients or active ingredientcombinations described in the patent laid-open specifications DE-37 40 186, DE 39 38 140, DE-42 04 321 , DE-42 29 707, DE-43 09 372, DE-44 1 1 664, DE-195 41 967, DE-195 43 695, DE-195 43 696, DE-195 47 160, DE-196 02 108, DE-196 02 1 10, DE 196 02 1 1 1 , DE-196 31 003, DE- 196 31 004 and DE-196 34 019 and the patent specifications DE 42 29 737, DE-42 37 081 , DE-43 24 219, DE-44 29 467, DE-44 23 410 and DE-195 16 705. Sodium hydro- gencarbonate is also to be used advantageously. Antimicrobial polypeptides can also likewise be used.

Suitable photofilter active ingredients are substances which absorb UV rays in the UV- B- and/or UV-A region. Suitable UV filters are, for example, 2,4,6-triaryl-1 ,3,5-triazines in which the aryl groups may in each case carry at least one substituent which is pref- erably chosen from hydroxy, alkoxy, specifically methoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, specifically methoxycarbonyl and ethoxycarbonyl and mixtures thereof. Also suitable are p- aminobenzoic esters, cinnamic esters, benzophenones, camphor derivatives, and pigments which stop UV rays, such as titanium dioxide, talc and zinc oxide. Suitable UV filter substances are any UV-A and UV-B filter substances. The following examples may be mentioned: Substance CAS No.

(=acid)

4-Aminobenzoic acid 150-13-0

3-(4'-Trimethylammonium)benzylidenebornan-2-one methyl 52793-97-2 sulfate

3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexyl salicylate 1 18-56-9 (homosalate)

2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone 131-57-7 (oxybenzone)

2-Phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid and its potassium, so27503-81-7 dium and triethanolamine salts

3,3'-(1 ,4-Phenylenedimethine)bis(7,7-dimethyl- 90457-82-2 2-oxobicyclo[2.2.1 ]heptane-1-methanesulfonic acid) and its

salts

Polyethoxyethyl 4-bis(polyethoxy)aminobenzoate 1 13010-52-9

2-Ethylhexyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate 21245-02-3

2-Ethylhexyl salicylate 1 18-60-5

2-lsoamyl 4-methoxycinnamate 71617-10-2

2-Ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate 5466-77-3

2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone-5-sulfonic acid 4065-45-6 (sulisobenzone) and the sodium salt

3-(4'-Sulfobenzylidene)bornan-2-one and salts 58030-58-6

3-Benzylidenebornan-2-one 16087-24-8

1-(4'-lsopropylphenyl)-3-phenylpropane-1 ,3-dione 63260-25-9

4-lsopropylbenzyl salicylate 94134-93-7

3-lmidazol-4-ylacrylic acid and its ethyl ester 104-98-3

Ethyl 2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate 5232-99-5

2 -Ethylhexyl 2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate 6197-30-4

Menthyl o-aminobenzoate or: 134-09-8 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl) 2-aminobenzoate 21 Glyceryl p-aminobenzoate or: 136-44-7 1 -glyceryl 4-aminobenzoate

22 2,2'-Dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (dioxybenzone) 131-53-3

23 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxy-4-methylbenzophenone 1641-17-4 (mexenone)

24 Triethanolamine salicylate 2174-16-5

25 Dimethoxyphenylglyoxalic acid or: 4732-70-1 3,4-dimethoxyphenylglyoxal acidic sodium

26 3-(4'-Sulfobenzylidene)bornan-2-one and its salts 56039-58-8

27 4-tert-Butyl-4'-methoxydibenzoylmethane 70356-09-1

28 2,2',4,4'-Tetrahydroxybenzophenone 131 -55-5

29 2,2'-Methylenebis[6-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1 ,1 ,3,3 - 103597-45-1 tetramethylbutyl)phenol]

30 2,2'-(1 ,4-Phenylene)bis-1 H-benzimidazole-4,6- 180898-37-7 disulfonic acid, Na salt

31 2,4-bis[4-(2-Ethylhexyloxy)-2-hydroxy]phenyl- 187393-00-6 6-(4-methoxyphenyl)-(1 ,3,5)-triazine

32 3-(4-Methylbenzylidene)camphor 36861-47-9

33 Polyethoxyethyl 4-bis(polyethoxy)paraaminobenzoate 1 13010-52-9

34 2,4-Dihydroxybenzophenone 131-56-6

35 2,2'-Dihydroxy-4,4'-dimethoxybenzophenone-5,5'- 3121-60-6 disodium sulfonate

36 Benzoic acid, 2-[4-(diethylamino)-2-hydroxybenzoyl], hexyl ester 302776-68-7

37 2-(2H-Benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-methyl-6-[2-methyl-3-[1 , 3,3,3- 155633-54-8 tetramethyl-1 -[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]disiloxanyl]propyl]phenol

38 1 ,1 -[(2,2^'-Dimethylpropoxy)carbonyl]-4,4-diphenyl-1 ,3-butadiene 363602-15-7

The cosmetic and dermatological preparations according to the invention may advantageously additionally comprise inorganic pigments which stop UV rays based on metal oxides and/or other metal compounds which are insoluble or slightly soluble in water and chosen from the group of oxides of zinc (ZnO), titanium (Ti02), iron (e.g. Fe203), zirconium (Zr02), silicon (Si02), manganese (e.g. MnO), aluminum (AI203), cerium (e.g. Ce203), mixed oxides of the corresponding metals and mixtures of such oxides.

The inorganic pigments can be present here in coated form, i.e. are surface-treated. This surface treatment can consist, for example, in providing the pigments with a thin hydrophobic layer by a method known per se, as described in DE-A-33 14 742.

Suitable repellent active ingredients are compounds which are able to repel or drive away certain animals, in particular insects, from humans. These include, for example, 2-ethyl-1 ,3-hexanediol, N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide etc. Suitable hyperemic substances, which stimulate the flow of blood through the skin, are e.g. essential oils, such as dwarf pine extract, lavender extract, rosemary extract, juniperberry extract, horse chestnut extract, birch leaf extract, hayflower extract, ethyl acetate, camphor, menthol, peppermint oil, rosemary extract, eucalyptus oil, etc. Suitable keratolytic and keratoplastic substances are, for example, salicylic acid, calcium thioglycolate, thioglycolic acid and its salts, sulfur, etc. Suitable antidandruff active ingredients are, for example, sulfur, sulfur polyethylene glycol sorbitan monooleate, sulfur ricinol polyethoxylate, zinc py- rithione, aluminum pyrithione, etc. Suitable antiinflammatory agents, which counteract skin irritations, are, for example, allantoin, bisabolol, dragosantol, camomile extract, panthenol, etc.

The cosmetic compositions according to the invention can comprise, as cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical active ingredient (and also if appropriate as auxiliary), at least one cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable polymer which differs from the poly- mers which form the polyelectrolyte complex used according to the invention. These include, quite generally, cationic, amphoteric and neutral polymers.

Suitable polymers are, for example, cationic polymers with the INCI name Poly- qua- ternium, e.g. copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone/N-vinylimidazolium salts (Luviquat FC, Luviquat HM, Luviquat MS, Luviquat&commat, Care), copolymers of

N-vinylpyrrolidone/dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, quaternized with diethyl sulfate (Luviquat PQ 1 1 ), copolymers of N-vinylcaprolactam/N-vinylpyrrolidone/N- vinylimidazolium salts (Luviquat E Hold), cationic cellulose derivatives (Polyqua- ternium-4 and -10), acrylamido copolymers (Polyquaternium-7) and chitosan.

Suitable cationic (quaternized) polymers are also Merquat (polymer based on di- methyldiallylammonium chloride), Gafquat (quaternary polymers which are produced by the reaction of polyvinylpyrrolidone with quaternary ammonium compounds), Polymer JR (hydroxyethylcellulose with cationic groups) and plant-based cationic polymers, e.g. guar polymers such as the Jaguar grades from Rhodia. Further suitable polymers are also neutral polymers, such as polyvinylpyrrolidones, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and vinyl acetate and/or vinyl propionate, polysilox- anes, polyvinylcaprolactam and other copolymers with N-vinylpyrrolidone, polyethyle- neimines and salts thereof, polyvinylamines and salts thereof, cellulose derivatives, polyaspartic acid salts and derivatives. These include, for example, Luviflex 0 Swing (partially saponified copolymer of polyvinyl acetate and polyethylene glycol, BASF).

Suitable polymers are also nonionic, water-soluble or water-dispersible polymers or oligomers, such as polyvinylcaprolactam, e.g. Luviskol 0 Plus (BASF), or polyvinylpyr- rolidone and copolymers thereof, in particular with vinyl esters, such as vinyl acetate, e.g. Luviskol 0 VA 37 (BASF), polyamides, e.g. based on itaconic acid and aliphatic diamines, as are described, for example, in DE-A-43 33 238.

Suitable polymers are also amphoteric or zwitterionic polymers, such as the octy- lacrylamide/methyl methacrylate/tert-butylaminoethyl methacrylate/hydroxypropyl methacrylate copolymers obtainable under the names Amphomer (National Starch), and zwitterionic polymers as are disclosed, for example, in the German patent applications DE39 29 973, DE 21 50 557, DE28 17 369 and DE 3708 451. Acrylamidopropyl- trimethylammonium chloride/acrylic acid or methacrylic acid copolymers and alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof are preferred zwitterionic polymers. Further suitable zwitterionic polymers are methacroylethylbetaine/ methacrylate copolymers, which are available commercially under the name Amersette (AMERCHOL), and copolymers of hydroxyethyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate, Ν,Ν-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and acrylic acid (Jordapon (D)).

Suitable polymers are also nonionic, siloxane-containing, water-soluble or water- dispersible polymers, e.g. polyether siloxanes, such as Tegopren 0 (Goldschmidt) or Besi&commat (Wacker). The formulation base of pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention preferably comprises pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries. Pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries are those which are known for use in the field of pharmacy, food technology and related fields, in particular those listed in the relevant pharmacopeia (e.g. DAB Ph. Eur. BP NF) and other auxiliaries whose properties do not preclude a physiological application.

Suitable auxiliaries may be: lubricants, wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, preserving agents, antioxidants, antiirritatives, chelating agents,

emulsion stabilizers, film formers, gel formers, odor-masking agents, resins, hydrocol- loids, solvents, solubility promoters, neutralizing agents, permeation accelerators, pigments, quaternary ammonium compounds, refatting and superfatting agents, ointment, cream or oil base substances, silicone derivatives, stabilizers, sterilizers, propellants, drying agents, opacifiers, thickeners, waxes, softeners, white oil. Formulation in this regard is based on specialist knowledge, as given, for example, in Fiedler, H.P.

Lexikon der Hilfsstoffe fur Pharmazie, Kosmetik und angrenzende Gebiete [Lexicon of Auxiliaries for Pharmacy, Cosmetics and related fields], 4th ed., Aulendorf: ECV-Editio- Kantor-Verlag, 1996.

To prepare the dermatological compositions according to the invention, the active ingredients can be mixed or diluted with a suitable auxiliary (excipient). Excipients may be solid, semisolid or liquid materials which can serve as a vehicle, carrier or medium for the active ingredient. Further auxiliaries are added, if desired, in the manner known to the person skilled in the art. In addition, the polymers and dispersions are suitable as auxiliaries in pharmacy, preferably as or in coating(s) or binder(s) for solid drug forms. They can also be used in creams and as tablet coatings and tablet binders. The skincare compositions according to the invention are, in particular, W/O or O/W skin creams, day and night creams, eye creams, face creams, antiwrinkle creams, an- tisun creams, moisturizing creams, bleach creams, self-tanning creams, vitamin creams, skin lotions, care lotions and moisturizing lotions. Skin cosmetic and dermatological compositions based on the above-described poly- electrolyte complexes exhibit advantageous effects. The polymers can, inter alia, contribute to the moisturization and conditioning of the skin and to an improvement in the feel of the skin. The polymers can also act as thickeners in the formulations. By adding the polymers according to the invention, in certain formulations a considerable im- provement in the skin compatibility can be achieved.

Depending on the field of use, the compositions according to the invention can be applied in a form suitable for skincare, such as, for example, as a cream, foam, gel, stick, mousse, milk, spray (pump spray or propellant-containing spray) or lotion.

Besides the beta-glucan and suitable carriers, the skin cosmetic preparations can also comprise further active ingredients and auxiliaries customary in skin cosmetics, as described above. These include preferably emulsifiers, preservatives, perfume oils, cosmetic active ingredients, such as phytantriol, vitamin A, E and C, retinol, bisabolol, pan- thenol, photoprotective agents, bleaches, colorants, tints, tanning agents, collagen, protein hydrolysates, stabilizers, pH regulators, dyes, salts, thickeners, gel formers, consistency regulators, silicones, moisturizers, re-fatting agents and further customary additives. Preferred oil and fat components of the skin cosmetic and dermatological compositions are the abovementioned mineral and synthetic oils, such as, for example, paraffins, silicone oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons having more than 8 carbon atoms, animal and vegetable oils, such as, for example, sunflower oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, lanolin, or waxes, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, such as, for example, triglycerides of the C6-C30-fatty acids, wax esters, such as, for example, jojoba oil, fatty alcohols, vaseline, hydrogenated lanolin and acetylated lanolin, and mixtures thereof.

The beta-glucan according to the invention can also be mixed with conventional polymers if specific properties are to be established.

To establish certain properties, such as, for example, improvement in the feel to the touch, the spreading behavior, the water resistance and/or the binding of active ingredients and auxiliaries, such as pigments, the skin cosmetic and dermatological preparations can additionally also comprise conditioning substances based on silicone compounds. Suitable silicone compounds are, for example, polyalkylsiloxanes, polyarylsiloxanes, polyarylalkylsiloxanes, polyethersiloxanes or silicone resins.

The cosmetic or dermatological preparations are prepared by customary methods known to the person skilled in the art.

Preferably, the cosmetic and dermatological compositions are in the form of emulsions, in particular water-in-oil (W/O) or oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions.

It is, however, also possible to choose other types of formulations, for example gels, oils, oleogels, multiple emulsions, for example in the form of W/O/W or 0/W/O emulsions, anhydrous ointments or ointment bases, etc. Emulsifier-free formulations such as hydrodispersions, hydrogels or a Pickering emulsion are also advantageous embodiments. The emulsions are prepared by known methods. Besides at least one beta-glucan, the emulsions generally comprise customary constituents, such as fatty alcohols, fatty acid esters and, in particular, fatty acid triglycerides, fatty acids, lanolin and derivatives thereof, natural or synthetic oils or waxes and emulsifiers in the presence of water. The selection of the additives specific to the type of emulsion and the preparation of suit- able emulsions is described, for example, in Schrader, Grundlagen und Rezepturen der Kosmetika [Fundamentals and Formulations of Cosmetics], Huthig Buch Verlag, Heidelberg, 2nd edition, 1989, third part, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference. A suitable emulsion as W/O emulsion, e.g. for a skin cream etc., generally comprises an aqueous phase which is emulsified by means of a suitable emulsifier system in an oil or fat phase. To provide the aqueous phase, a polyelectrolyte complex can be used. Preferred fat components which may be present in the fatty phase of the emulsions are: hydrocarbon oils, such as paraffin oil, purcellin oil, perhydrosqualene and solutions of microcrystalline waxes in these oils; animal or vegetable oils, such as sweet almond oil, avocado oil, calophylum oil, lanolin and derivatives thereof, castor oil, sesame oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, karite oil, hoplostethus oil, mineral oils whose distillation start point under atmospheric pressure is about 250°C and whose distillation end point is 410°C, such as, for example, vaseline oil, esters of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, such as alkyl myristates, e.g. isopropyl, butyl or cetyl myristate, hexadecyl stearate, ethyl or isopropyl palmitate, octanoic or decanoic acid triglycerides and cetyl ricinoleate.

The fatty phase can also comprise silicone oils soluble in other oils, such as dimethyl- polysiloxane, methylphenylpolysiloxane and the silicone glycol copolymer, fatty acids and fatty alcohols.

Besides the beta-glucan it is also possible to use waxes, such as, for example, car- nauba wax, candelilla wax, beeswax, microcrystalline wax, ozokerite wax and Ca, Mg and Al oleates, myristates, linoleates and stearates. In addition, an emulsion according to the invention can be in the form of an O/W emulsion. Such an emulsion usually comprises an oil phase, emulsifiers which stabilize the oil phase in the water phase, and an aqueous phase, which is usually present in thickened form. Suitable emulsifiers are preferably O/W emulsifiers, such as polyglycerol esters, sorbitan esters or partially esterified glycerides.

Suitable auxiliaries and additives for producing hair cosmetic or skin cosmetic preparations are familiar to the skilled worker and can be found in handbooks of cosmetics, for example Schrader, Grundlagen und Rezepturen der Kosmetika, Huthig Verlag, Heidelberg, 1989, ISBN 3-7785-1491 -1 .

In a further embodiment, this hair cosmetic or skin cosmetic preparation serves to care for or protect the skin or hair and is the form of an emulsion, a dispersion, a suspension, an aqueous surfactant preparation, a milk, a lotion, a cream, a balsam, an ointment, a gel, a granulation, a dusting powder, a stick product such as, for example, a lipstick, a foam an aerosol or a spray. Such formulations are very suitable for topical preparations. Suitable emulsions are oil-in-water emulsions and water-in-oil emulsions or microemulsions.

The hair cosmetic or skin cosmetic preparation is ordinarily used for application to the skin (topically) or hair. Topical preparations mean in this connection preparations which are suitable for applying the active substances to the skin in fine distribution and preferably in a form which can be absorbed through the skin. Examples suitable for this purpose are aqueous and hydroalcoholic solutions, sprays, foams, foam aerosols, ointments, aqueous gels, emulsions of the O/W or W/O type, microemulsions or cosmetic stick products. In a preferred embodiment of the cosmetic composition of the invention, the composition comprises a carrier. A preferred carrier is water, a gas, a water-based liquid, an oil, a gel, an emulsion or microemulsion, a dispersion or a mixture thereof. Said carriers are well tolerated by skin. Particularly advantageous for topical preparations are aqueous gels, emulsions or microemulsions.

Emulsifiers which can be used are nonionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, am- pholytic surfactants or anionic emulsifiers. The emulsifiers may be present in the composition of the invention in amounts of from 0.1 to 10, preferably 1 to 5, % by weight based on the composition.

It is possible to use as nonionic surfactant for example a surfactant from at least one of the following groups: adducts of 2 to 30 mol of ethylene oxide and/or 0 to 5 mol of propylene oxide with lin- ear fatty alcohols having 8 to 22 C atoms, with fatty acids having 12 to 22 C atoms and with alkylphenols having 8 to 15 C atoms in the alkyl group;

C12/18 fatty acid monoesters and diesters of adducts of 1 to 30 mol of ethylene oxide with glycerol; glycerol monoesters and diesters and sorbitan monoesters and diesters of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids having 6 to 22 carbon atoms and their ethylene oxide adducts; alkyl mono- and oligoglycosides having 8 to 22 carbon atoms in the alkyl radical and their ethoxylated analogs; adducts of 15 to 60 mol of ethylene oxide with castor oil and/or hardened castor oil; polyol esters and especially polyglycerol esters such as, for example, polyglycerol polyricinoleate, polyglycerol poly-12-hydroxystearate or polyglycerol dimerate. Likewise suitable are mixtures of compounds from a plurality of these substance classes; adducts of 2 to 15 mol of ethylene oxide with castor oil and/or hardened castor oil; partial esters based on linear, branched, unsaturated or saturated C6/22 fatty acids, ricinoleic acid and 12-hydroxystearic acid and glycerol, polyglycerol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, sugar alcohols (e.g. sorbitol), alkyl glucosides (e.g. methyl glucoside, butyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside) and polyglucosides (e.g. cellulose); mono-, di- and trialkyl phosphates and mono-, di- and/or tri-PEG-alkyl phosphates and the salts thereof; wool wax alcohols; polysiloxane-polyalkyl polyether copolymers and corresponding derivatives; mixed esters of pentaerythritol, fatty acids, citric acid and fatty alcohol as disclosed in DE 1 165574 and/or mixed esters of fatty acids having 6 to 22 carbon atoms, methyl glucose and polyols, preferably glycerol or polyglycerol, and polyalkylene glycols; betaines.

Zwitterionic surfactants can also be used as emulsifiers. The surface-active com- pounds referred to as zwitterionic surfactants are those having at least one quaternary ammonium group and at least one carboxylate or one sulfonate group in the molecule. Particularly suitable zwitterionic surfactants are the so-called betaines such as the N- alkyl-N,N-dimethylammonium glycinates, for example the cocoalkyldimethylammonium glycinate, N-acylaminopropyl-N,N-dimethylammonium glycinates, for example the co- coacylaminopropyldimethylammonium glycinate, and 2-alkyl-3-carboxylmethyl-3- hydroxyethylimidazolines each having 8 to 18 C atoms in the alkyl or acyl group, and the cocoacylaminoethylhydroxyethylcarboxymethyl glycinate. A particularly preferred fatty amide derivative is that known under the CTFA name cocamidopropyl betaine. Emulsifiers which are likewise suitable are ampholytic surfactants. Ampholytic surfactants means surface-active compounds which, apart from a C8/18-alkyl or -acyl group, comprise at least one free amino group and at least one -COOH or S03H group in the molecule and are able to form inner salts. Examples of suitable ampholytic surfactants are N-alkylglycines, N-alkylpropionic acids, N-alkylaminobutyric acids, N- alkyliminodipropionic acids, N-hydroxyethyl-N-alkylamidopropylglycines, N- alkyltaurines, N-alkylsarcosines, 2-alkylaminopropionic acids and alkylaminoacetic acids each having about 8 to 18 C atoms in the alkyl group.

Particularly preferred ampholytic surfactants are N-cocoalkylaminopropionate, cocoa- cylaminoethylaminopropionate and C12/18-acylsarcosine. Besides the ampholytic emulsifiers, also suitable are quarternary emulsifiers, with particular preference for those of the ester quat type, preferably methyl-quaternized di-fatty acid triethanolamine ester salts. Anionic emulsifiers which can also be employed are alkyl ether sulfates, monoglyceride sulfates, fatty acid sulfates, sulfosuccinates and/or ether carboxylic acids. Suitable oily substances are guerbet alcohols based on fatty alcohols having 6 to 18, preferably 8 to 10, carbon atoms, esters of linear C6-C22 fatty acids with linear C6-C22 fatty alcohols, esters of branched C6-C13 carboxylic acids with linear C6-C22 fatty alcohols, esters of linear C6-C22 fatty acids with branched alcohols, especially 2- ethylhexanol, esters of linear and/or branched fatty acids with polyhydric alcohols (such as, for example, propylene glycol, dimerdiol or trimertriol) and/or guerbet alcohols, triglycerides based on C6-C10 fatty acids, liquid mono/di , triglyceride mixtures based on C6-C18 fatty acids, esters of C6-C22 fatty alcohols and/or guerbet alcohols with aromatic carboxylic acids, especially benzoic acid, esters of C2-C12 dicarboxylic acids with linear or branched alcohols having 1 to 22 carbon atoms or polyols having 2 to 10 carbon atoms and 2 to 6 hydroxyl groups, vegetable oils, branched primary alcohols, substituted cyclohexanes, linear C6-C22 fatty alcohol carbonates, guerbet carbonates, esters of benzoic acid with linear and/or branched C6-C22 alcohols (e.g. Finsolv® TN), dialkyi ethers, ring-opened products of epoxidized fatty acid esters with polyols, silicone oils and/or aliphatic or naphthenic hydrocarbons. Further oily substances which can be employed are silicone compounds, for example dimethylpolysiloxanes, methylphenyl- polysiloxanes, cyclic silicones and amino , fatty acid , alcohol , polyether , epoxy , fluorine , alkyl and/or glycoside-modified silicone compounds which may at room temperature be both in liquid form and in the form of a resin. The oily substances may be present in the compositions of the invention in amounts of from 1 to 90, preferably 5 to 80, and in particular 10 to 50, % by weight based on the composition.

The individual features of the invention can be implemented in one embodiment individually or in combination, and in no way represent a restriction of the invention to the described embodiment.

The wording of the patent claims is hereby explicitly made subject matter of the description.

Claims

Claims:

1 . Use, which is a non-therapeutic use, of beta-(1 ,3)- beta-(1 ,4) glucan with a mean molecular weight of from 5.000 to 150.000 Da, preferably 13.000 to 60.000 Da, particu- larly 20.000 to 50.000 Da, for the increase of synthesis of collagen.

2. Use according to claim 1 , wherein the glucan is free from beta (1 , 6) linkages.

3. Use according to any preceding claim, wherein the glucan is derived from cereal, preferably from barley.

4. Use according to any preceding claim, wherein for a mean molecular weight of 20.000 Da the molecular weight of the glucan has a range from about 2000 to about 40.000 Da

5. Use according to any preceding claim, wherein the molecular weight ranges from about 40.000 to about 60.000 Da for a mean molecular weight of 50.000 Da.

6. Use according to any preceding claim, wherein the concentration of glucan is in the range from 0.0001 % to 10 % (w/w), preferably from 0.001 % to 2 %, more preferably from 0.1 % to 2 %, particularly 0.5 to 1 .5 %, most preferred at 1 %.

7. Use according to any preceding claim, wherein the glucan is used in combination with suitable auxiliaries and additives of cosmetic compositions.

8. Use according to any preceding claim, wherein the glucan is used in combination with other cosmetically active ingredients.

9. Use of a beta glucan for the preparation of a composition for the increase of syn- thesis of collagen.

10. Use of a beta glucan for the preparation of a composition for the increase of cell proliferation and/or viability.

1 1 . Use of a beta glucan for the preparation of an anti-inflammatory cosmetic composition.

12. Use of a beta glucan for the preparation of a composition for the protection of at least one endogenous growth factor.

13. Cosmetic composition comprising beta-(1 ,3)- beta-(1 ,4) glucan with a mean molecular weight of less than 50.000 Da.