TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition for retarding skin ageing and, more particularly, to a composition comprising a certain specific herb medicine or medicines selected from among various plant extracts having melanine formation-inhibiting, elastase-inhibiting, hyaluronidase-inhibiting, active oxygen-eliminating and/or radical-capturing type antioxidant activities. The composition, when incorporated in certain preparations, is useful in promoting the so-called whitening effects, namely skin whitening effects, maintaining the tension and elasticity of the skin, facilitating skin moistening and, further, providing the skin with anti-inflammatory and/or anti-allergic properties.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] As for the inhibition of melanine formation, certain whitening agents such as ascorbic acid or derivatives thereof, placenta extracts, kojic acids, glutathion, hydroquinone and a derivative thereof (arbutin), and plant extracts have so far been incorporated in dermatologic preparations for skin whitening for the purpose of preventing such phenomena as sunburn-induced skin darkening or inflammation and pigmentation-due formation of spots and freckles (Fragrance Journal, Vol. 18, No. 6, 1990, pp. 47-58).

[0003] Meanwhile, elastase is a protease specifically acting on elastin, which is concerned with the tension and elasticity of the skin. This participates in decreasing the quantity of elastin, leading to particularly grave results among the skin aging phenomena. Further, ultraviolet rays activate elastase, with the results that the skin loses it tension and elasticity. The effect of elastase increases with the advance of age, bringing about the same results. Therefore, if the excessive effect of elastase can be lessened, it will become possible to prevent the skin aging due to ultraviolet rays and/or aging. From such viewpoint, substances having elastase inhibiting activity have been searched for. As a result, it has been demonstrated that extracts from Schima species, eucalyptus, and Meniran ( Phylianthus niun ) or Kemiri ( Aleurifis moluccana ), among others are effective for such purposes (JP-A-9-095420, JP-A-9-087137, and JP-A-9-087136).

[0004] As for hyaluronidase, its functions in connective tissu s are considered to retain water intercellular spaces, form a j lly-like matrix in th tissu to maintain cells, maintain skin lubricity and flexibility, and protect th skin against external forces (mechanical lesions) and bacterial infection. It is said that hyaluronic acid in the skin decreases with aging, with the result that such aging phenomena as fine wrinkles formation and skin roughening. Therefore, it is considered that inhibition of the activity of hyaluronidase, which decomposes such hyaluronic acid, may contribute to the stabilization of skin hyaluronic acid and will be also effective in improving the barrier function of the skin by preventing the same from decreasing. Presumably, this also contribute to stabilization of hyaluronic acid used in preparations for the treatment of arthritis, among others, and further to stabilization of hyaluronic acid in preparations applied to the skin for improving the skin function.

[0005] Hyaluronidase is also known as an inflammatory enzyme, and it is known that inhibition of its activity is effective in reducing inflammation and that it suppresses allergy as well. Several substances capable of inhibiting hyaluronidase have been reported. Hyaluronidase inhibiting activity has been confirmed in extracts of peony root, coptis rhizome (JP-A-1-128933), ziyu ( Sanguisorba officinalis ), geranium herb (JP-A-2-011520), Mimusops elengi, Eugenia jambolana, Saraca indica, Mucuna birdwoodiana or Millettina nitida or dilisiana, senkakuso (agrimoniae herba), and Machilus thubergii or japonica (JP-A080553), among other herb medicines.

[0006] Active oxygen eliminators having SOD activity are widely used in the treatment and/or alleviation, for instance, of various diseases caused by active oxygen (O 2 —), for example circulatory disturbance-due diseases (myocardial infarct, cerebral apoplexy, hypertension, menstrual pain, muscle stiffness of shoulder, neuralgia, lumbago, hangover, etc.), adult diseses/internal diseases (cancer, nephritis, hepatitis, diabetes, etc.), cosmetic and skin diseases (spots, freckles, dry/rough skin, cold feeling, constipation, wrinkles, atopic dermatitis, etc.). They can also be used in the fields of foods, food additives, cosmetics, drugs, etc.

[0007] More specifically, there are known cosmetics in which various characteristics of SOD are utilized (e.g. JP-B59-010324, JP-A-55-087712) and dermatologic preparation compositions comprising a placenta or liver extract having stable SOD activity (JP-A61-277626). Further known as plant extracts having SOD activity are plant flavonoid-containing xtracts of Cassia nomame, Lycium chinense or barbarum, Antemisia capillanes or scoparia, Alnus sieboldiana or firma, Sophora japonica, Polygonum multiforum, Cassia obtusifolia or tora, sinom nium stem, Rubia argyi, Acorus gramineus, Rosa laevigata, Taxus cuspidata (JP-A-8-283172), hibiscus, aloe, rhubarb, osei (polygonati rhizoma), bearberry leaf, enmeiso (plectranthi herba), gardenia fruit, yobaihi (nyrice cirtex), pueraria root, bupleurum root, cnidium rhizome, atractylodes lancea rhizome, mentha leaf, poria sclerotium, glycyrrhiza, peony root, sin'i (magnoalae flos), Saururus chinensis, Japanese angelica root, cinnamon bark, houttuynia herb, coptis rhizome, moutan bark, gentian, nutgall, swertia herb, geranium herb, ephedra herb, phellodendron bark, almond, dried ginger, jujube, scutellaria root, citrus unshu peel, turmeric, nindo (lonicerae folium cum caulis), apricot fruit, rehmannia root, garlic, sage, oregano, rosemary, laurel, celery, thyme, tarragon, onion, nutmeg, mace, clove, Japanese horseradish, savory, basil, red pepper, roasted bean, black tea, green tea, persimmon leaf, coffee, horsetail, henon bamboo, mugwort, low striped bamboo, matrimony vine, Cyrtomium species, shiitake mushrooms, ginkgo (JP-A-06-024937), scutellaria root, gingko, Mucuna birdwoodiana or Millettia nitida or dillsiana, sanzasi (crataegi fructus), maikaika (rosae rugosae flos), saxifrage, Melissa, geranium herb, moutan bark, parsley, tormentil, rakanka (momordicae fructus), yashajitsu (fruit of Alunus firma ), and zikoppi (lycii cortex) (JP-A-10-307680).

[0008] Referring to antioxidants, sebum is secreted on the human skin to protect the same. When exposed to ultraviolet rays, for instance, this sebum is oxidized to give lipid peroxides, which irritate the skin. These lipid peroxides attack the cell membrane, damaging or adversely affecting the same in various ways, and these damages, in turn, are said to be involved in human skin aging. Therefore, it is considered effective not only in preventing the skin condition from worsening but also in preventing the living body from aging to inhibit the formation of such lipid peroxides by means of antioxidants.

[0009] Among specific antioxidants, there have been reported plants extracts such as extracts from birch ( Betula platyphylla ) (JP-A-10-046143) and various plant extracts obtained by extraction, with water or a lower alcohol or an aqueous lower alcohol solution, of at least one plant selected from the group consisting of hibiscus, aloe, rhubarb, osei (polygonati rhizoma), bearberry leaf, enmeiso (plectranthi herba), yobaihi (nyricae cirtex), pueraria root, cnidium rhizome, atractylodes lancea rhizome, mentha leaf, glycyrrhiza, peony root, coix seed, sin'i (magnoliae flos), cinnamon bark, houttuynia herb, coptis rhizome, moutan bark, gentian, nutgall, swertia herb, geranium herb, phellodendron bark, dried ginger, scutellaria root, chulling (poly porus), garlic, sage, oregano, rosemary, laurel, celery, thyme, tarragon, nutmeg, mace, clove, Japanese horseradish, savory, basil, red pepper, roasted bean, black tea, green tea, persimmon leaf, coffee, horsetail, henon bamboo, mugwort, Cynostemma species, low striped bamboo, matrimony vine, Cyrtomium species, and shiitake mushrooms (JP-A6-024937).

[0010] As regards the melanine formation, however, some dermatologic preparations containing these whitening agents are unsatisfactory in whitening effec, and others are effective in inhibiting melanine formation but still have problems from the safety viewpoint. In many instances, the whitening agents are denatured in the preparations, for instance, hence the desired effects are not obtained. Improvements in this respect have thus been desired.

[0011] As regards the elastase activity inhibition, if the excess elastase activity can be inhibited, it may become possible to prevent skin aging. However, the elastase inhibitors so far reported are not fully satisfactory from the viewpoint of stability, effect, and feel upon application.

[0012] As for the hyaluronidase activity inhibition, in spite of various investigations in search of cosmetic ingredients having antinflammatory or antiallergic activity, any safe and promising one has not yet been obtained. Thus, substances have been desired which are natural products and have been eaten by men for long and whose safety has thus been established and which have strong hyaluronidase inhibiting activity and further have some other effect on the skin.

[0013] The in vivo enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) is known as an active oxygen eliminator. However, this is difficult to purify, thermally unstable and readily deactivated, hence it is very expensive. Therefore, the advent of SOD substitutes (substances having SOD-like activity) which show active oxygen eliminating activity, like SOD and are highly stable and can be obtained at low cost has been awaited.

[0014] As for the antioxidants so far used, cosmetics and dermatologic preparations containing BHT, BHA and the like tend to cause contact dermatitis and their safety is questionable. On the other hand, gallic acid derivatives and vitamin E species are insufficient in antioxidant activity and thus fail to effectively prevent fat/oil-containing products from becoming rancid. Even if the effect of preventing skin aging due to peroxidation of skin lipids, in particular, is expected of the dermatologic preparations containing them, no satisfactory effects can be obtained.

[0015] Further, referring to the whitening effect, the direct inhibitory effect on melanine-synthesizing melanocytes as well as the effect of suppressing the production of melanocyte-stimulating agents (MSH, endotehlin, NO, histamine, PGE2, etc.) r I ased by melanocyte-surrounding cells is an important factor. Therefore, the antinflammatory action inhibiting these stimulators from being released by keratinocyt s is also considered to be effective in promoting whitening.

[0016] Furthermor, ascorbic acid d rivatives and arbutin, which are whitening agents in conventional use, have themselves antioxidant activity, and it Is considered that their active oxygen- and free radical-quenching activity is party involved in the mechanisms of whitening. Therefore, herb extracts having such whitening and antioxidant activities together with antiinflammatory and other activities will be more effective. However, no investigations have so far been made in search of such herb medicine extracts having such a plurality of activities.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0017] It is an object of the present invention to provide a composition for retarding skin aging which can promote whitening, allow the skin to retain its tension and elasticity, facilitate skin moistening, and exert antiinflammatory and antiallergic effects on the skin.

[0018] In an aspect of the invention, the skin age-retarding composition comprises, together with a base and/or additive medicinally acceptable for external dermal application, one or more plant extracts selected from the group consisting of extracts of Suei-Ding Hsiang ( Ludwigia octovalvis ), Yui-Jen-Sau ( Ansomeles indica ), Ban-Ji-Lien ( Scutellaria rivularis ), Chi-Mu-Sau ( Urena lobata ), Ma-Bien-Sau ( Verbana officinalis ), Tu-Chi-Chi ( Cuscuta australis ), Ma-Ti-Gin ( Dichondra micrantha ), Yeh-Sia-Chu ( Phyllanthus urnaria ), Ku-Chi ( Physalis angulata ), Bai-Hua-Tsai ( Cleome gynandra ), San-Jei-Tsai ( Rorppa indica ), Pien-Di-Gin ( Hydrocotyte formosana ), Samg-Han-Sau ( Vemonia cinerae ), Gin-New-Kou ( Spilanthes acmeila ), Mei-Zen-Giau ( Canna indica ), Ma-Ar-Tung ( Ipomoea pes-caprae ), Hua-Shi-Su ( Clerodendrum calamitosum ), Gin-Di-Lo ( Drosera burmanni ), Gin-Hsien-Lien ( Anoectochilus formosanus ), Nan-Ung-Yia-Hua ( Wikstroemia indica ), Bai-YehChi-Ken ( Elaeagnus oldhamii ), Yui-YehGin-Hua ( Mussaenda parviflora ), Taiwan Ma-Dou-Ling (Aristolochia mollis), HuangGin-Guei (Cudrania cochinchinensis var. gerontogea), Chou-Mor-Li ( Clerodendrum phillippinum ), Da-Ching ( Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum ), Bai-LomgChun-Hua (Clerodendnim paniculataum var. albifloraum), Mu-Chu-Ma (Boehmeria densfflora), Ya-Jou (Sapium sebiferum), San-Yeh-Pu-Tao (Tetrastigma dentatum), Hsia-Yeh-Pu-Tao ( Vitis thunbergit ), Gi-Hua-Mu ( Bauhinia championt ), Gin-Shi-Liu ( Bredia oldhami ), Ha-Sai-Hua ( Staurogyne concinnula ), Shi-Shamg-Bor ( Selaginella doededfeinit ), Hu-Ji-Chi ( Lespedeza cuneata ), Ci-YehSuei-Ding-Hsiang ( Ludwigia hyssopifolia ), Wu-Jei ( Sphenomens chusana ), Tie-Hsien-Jei ( Adiantum flabellulatum ) Gi-Yien-Sau ( Kummerowia striata ), Hai-Chou-Chung-San ( Clerodendrum trichotumum ), Huang-Ging ( Vitex negundo ), HsienFongSau (Bidens pilosa var. mino6, Su-Chi-Sau (Gnaphalium affine), Tsu-Bei-Sau ( Emilia sonchifolia ), Ham-Hsiu-Sau ( Mimosa pudica ), Zu-Chi-Sau ( Euphorbia hirta ), Cher-Chien-Sau ( Plantago formosana ), Bai-HuaTung ( Plumbago zeylanica ), Ding-Di-WuGong (Torenia concolor var. formosona), DaGia-Sau ( Euphorbia formosana ), Gi-YehTsu-Hua-Di-Ding ( Viola phillippica ), Taiwan Her-Shou-Wu (Polygonum multiflorum var. hypoleucum), New-Zu-Zong (Ficus erecta var. beecheyana), Bi-YehDung-Lomg-Sau ( Kabanchoe spathulata ), KamgHsiang-Tung ( Mallotus repandus ), Taiwan KouTung ( Uncana hirsuta ), Lo-Chi-Yien-Fu-Mu (Rhus semialata var. roxburghiana), Gin-Gien-Sau ( Rubia lanceolata ), Homg-Hua-SuWei-Sau ( Salvia coccinea ), Tu-Chi-Tsai ( Ixeris chinensis ), Dau-Shamg-Sau (Ixens laevigata var oldhami), Ku-LarmPam ( Clerodendrum inerme ), DuHomg-Hua ( Callicarpa formosana ), Yeh-Hu ( Aeginetia indica ), Tomg-Chuei-Yui-Di-Sau ( Pratia nummularia ), and San-YehWuGia ( Acanthopanax trifoliatus ).

[0019] In another aspect of the invention, the skin age-retarding composition comprises, together with a base and/or additive medicinally acceptable for external dermal application, one or more plant extracts having, in particular, melanine formation-inhibiting activity as the aging retarding effect as selected from the group consisting of extracts of Yui-Jen-Sau ( Anisomeles indica ), Chi-Mu-Sau ( Urena lobata ), Tu-Chi-Chi ( Cuscuta australis ), Ma-Ti-Gin ( Dichondra micrantha ), KuChi ( Physalis angulata ), Bai-Hua-Tsai ( Cleome gynandra ), SartJei-Tsai (Rorippa indica), Pien-Di-Gin ( Hydrocotyfe formosana ), Gin-New-Kou ( Spilanthes acmella ), Mei-Zen-Giau ( Canna indica ), Gin-Hsien-Lien ( Anoectochilus formosanus ), Nan-Ling-Yia-Hua ( Wikstroemia indica ), Taiwan Ma-Dou-Ling ( Anstolochia mollis ), HuangGin-Guei ( Cudrania cochinchinensis var. gerontogea ), Da-Ching ( Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum ), Gi-Hua-Mu ( Bauhinia championi ), Shi-ShamgBor ( Selaginella doededteinil ), Hu-Ji-Chi ( Lespedeza cuneata ), Ci-Yeh-Suei-Ding-Hsiang ( Ludwigia hyssopifolia ), Hsien-Fong-Sau (Bidens pilosa var. minor), Tsu-Bei-Sau ( Emilia soncritoiia ), Cner-Ch-iei-Sau ( Plantago formosana ), Bai-Hua-Tung ( Plumbago zeylanica ), Ding-Di-Wu-Gong ( Torenia concolor var. formosona ), Gi-Yeh-Tsu-Hua-Di-Ding ( Viola phillippica ), New-Zu-Zong ( Ficus eecta var. beecheyana ), Bi-Yeh-Dung-Lomg-Sau ( Kalanchoe spathulata ), Gin-Gien-Sau ( Rubia lanceolata ), and Horng-Hua-Su-Wei-Sau ( Salvia coccinea ).

[0020] In a further aspect of the invention, the skin age-retarding composition comprises, together with a base and/or additive medicinally acceptable for external dermal application, one or more plant extracts having elastase-inhibiting activity as the aging retarding effect as selected from the group consisting of extracts of YehSia-Chu ( Phyllanthus urinaria ), Nan-Ling-Yia-Hua ( Wikstroemia indica ), Huang-Gin-Guei ( Cudrania cochinchinensis var. gerontogea ), Mu-Chu-Ma ( Boehmeria densiflora ), San-YehPu-Tao ( Tetrastigma dentatum ), Hsia-YehPu-Tao ( vitis thunbergit ), Gi-Hua-Mu ( Bauhinia championi ), Gin-Shi-Liu ( Bredia oldhami ), Hu-Ji-Chi ( Lespedeza cuneata ), Ci-YehSuei-Ding-Hsiang ( Ludwigia hyssopifolia ), Tie-Hsien-Jei ( Adiantum ftlabellulatum ), Harn-Hsiu-Sau ( Mimosa pudica ), Bai-Hua-Tung (P/umbago zeylanica), Ding-Di-Wu-Gong ( Torenia concolor var. formosona ), Taiwan Her-Shou-Wu ( Polygonum mulfiflorum var. hypoleucum ), Taiwan Kou-Tung ( Uncaria hirsuta ), and Lo-Chi-Yien-Fu-Mu ( Rhus semialata var. roxburghiana ).

[0021] In a still further aspect of the invention, the skin age-retarding composition comprises, together with a base and/or additive medicinally acceptable for external dermal application, one or more plant extracts having hyaluronidase-inhibiting activity as the aging retarding effect as selected from the group consisting of extracts of Huang-Gin-Guei ( Cudrania cochinchinensis var. gerontogea ), IIsia-YehPuTao ( Vitis thunbergii ), and Gi-Hua-Mu ( Bauhinia championi ).

[0022] In a still further aspect of the invention, the skin age-retarding composition comprises, together with a base and/or additive medicinally acceptable for external dermal application, one or more plant extracts having active oxygen eliminating activity as the aging retarding effect as selected from the group consisting of extracts of Suei-Ding Hsiang ( Ludwigia octovalvis ), Yui-Jen-Sau ( Anisomeles indica ), BanJi-Uen ( Scutellana rivularis ), Ma-Bien-Sau (Verbana officinalis), Tu-Chi-Chi ( Cuscuta australis ), YehSia-Chu ( Phyllanthus urinaria ), Ku-Chi ( Physalis angulata ), Bai-Hua-Tsai ( Cleome gynandra ), SamgHan-Sau ( Vemonia cinerae ), Mei-Zen-Giau ( Canna indica ), Ma-An-Tung (Ipomoea pes-caprae), Hua-ShiSu ( Clerodendrum calamitosum ), Gin-Di-Lo ( Drosera burmanni ), Nan-Ling-Yia-Hua ( Wikstroemia indica ), Bai-Yeh-Chi-Ken ( Elaeagnus oldhamit ), Yui-Yeh-Gin-Hua ( Mussaenda parvfflora ), Huang-Gin-Guei (Cudrania cochinchinensis var. gerontogea), Chou-Mor-U ( Clerodendrum phillippinum ), Da-Ching ( Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum ), Bai-LomgChun-Hua ( Clerodendrum paniculataum var. albifloraum ), Mu-Chu-Ma ( Boehmenia densiflora ), Ya-Jou ( Sapium sebiferum ), San-YehPu-Tao ( Tetrastigma dentatum ), Hsia-YehPu-Tao ( Vitis thunbefgit ), Gi-Hua-Mu ( Bauhinia championi ), Gin-Shi-Liu (Bredia oldhamj), Ha-Sai-Hua ( Staurogyne concinnula ), Hu-Ji-Chi ( Lespedeza cuneata ), CiYeh-Suei-DingHsiang ( Ludwigia hyssopifolia ), Tie-Hsien-Jei ( Adiantum flabellulatum ), Hai-Chou-Chung-San ( Clerodendrum trichotumum ), Huang-Ging ( Vitex negundo ), Su-Chi-Sau ( Gnaphalium affine ), Ham-Hsiu-Sau (Mimosa pudica), Zu-Chi-Sau ( Euphorbia hirta ), Ding-Di-Wu-Gong (Torenia concolor var. formosona), Da-Gia-Sau ( Euphorbia formosana ), Taiwan Her-Shou-Wu ( Polygonum multiflorum var. hypoleucum ), Kamg-Hsiang-Tung ( Mallotus repandus ), Taiwan Kou-Tung ( Uncaria hirsuta ), Lo-ChiYien-Fu-Mu (Rhus semialata var. roxburghiana), Cher-Chien-Sau ( Plantago formosana ), Gin-Gien-Sau ( Rubia lanceolata ), Tu-Chi-Tsai ( Ixens chinensis ), Dau-Shamg-Sau (Ixens/aevigata var. oldhami), KuLam-Pam ( Clerodendrum inerne ), Du-Homg-Hua ( Callicarpa formosana ), Yeh-Hu ( Aeginetia indica ), Tomg-Chuei-Yui-Di-Sau ( Pratia nummularia ), and San-Yeh-WuGia ( Acanthopanax trifoliatus ).

[0023] In a still further aspect of the invention, the skin age-retarding composition comprises, together with a base and/or additive medicinally acceptable for external dermal application, one or more plant extracts having antioxidant activity as the aging retarding effect as selected from the group consisting of extracts of SueiDing Hsiang ( Ludwigia octovalvis ), Yui-Jen-Sau ( Anisomeles indica ), Ban-Ji-Lien ( Scutellaria nivularis ), Ma-Bien-Sau ( Verbana officinalis ), Yeh-Sia-Chu ( Phyllanthus urinania ), Samg-Han-Sau ( Vemonia cinerae ), Ma-An-Tung (Ipomoea pes-caprae), Gin-Di-Lo ( Drosera burmanni ), Nan-Ling-Yia-Hua ( Wikstroemia indica ), Bai-Yeh-Chi-Ken ( Elaeagnus cochinchinensis var. gerontogea ), Da-Ching ( Clerodendrum cyrtophyilum ), Mu-Chu-Ma ( Boehmeria densiflora ), Ya-Jou ( Sepium sebiferum ), San-YehPuTao ( Tetrastigma dentatum ), Hsia-Yeh-Pu-Tao (Vitis thunbergit), Gi-Hua-Mu ( Bauhinia championm ), Gin-Shi-Liu ( Bredia oldhami ), Ha-Sai-Hua ( Staurogyne concinnula ), Hu-Ji-Chi ( Lespedeza cuneata ), Ci-Yeh-Suei-Ding-Hsiang ( Ludwigia hyssopifolia ), WuJei ( Sphenomenis chusana ), Tie-Hsien-Jei ( Adiantum flabellulatum ), Gi-Yien-Sau ( Kummerowia striata ), Hai-Chou-Chung-San ( Clerodendrum trichotumum ), Huang-Ging ( Vitex negundo ), Zu-Chi-Sau ( Euphorbia hirta ), Ding-Di-WuGong ( Torenia concolor var. fommosona ), Da-Gia-Sau ( Euphorbia formosana ), Taiwan Her-Shou-Wu ( Polygonum multiflorum var. hypoleucum ), New-Zu-Zong (Ficus erecta var. beecheyana), Kamg-Hsiang-Tung ( Mallotus repandus ), Taiwan Kou-Tung ( Uncaria hirsuta ), and Lo-Chi-Yien-Fu-Mu ( Rhus semialata var. roxburghiana ).

[0024] The present invention also provides a cosmetic composition and a dermatologic preparation each containing the skin age-retarding composition mentioned above.

[0025] The medicinal herbs to be used in accordance with the invention respectively have the common names and scientific names listed below in Table 1. Various parts (whole herb, flower, caput, floral spike, female floral spike, fruit spike, corpus glandulae, leaf, branch, leaf-bearing branch, rhizome, velamen, root, seed, etc.) of each plant may be extracted either as such or after grinding to give extracts ready for use. 1

[0026] The method of producing such medicinal herb extracts is not particularly restricted but may be any of the methods in conventional use. The following method, for example, may be preferably employed. Thus, any of the starting herb materials mentioned above is finely ground, 5 to 10 weights of an extracting solvent (water, alcohol or organic solvent, or mixture thereof) is added, the mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature for at least one week and then filtered, the filtrate is lyophilized, and the lyophilization product is used as a medicinal herb extract. Alternatively, an extracting solvent (water or organic solvent) is added to the herb material and, after a certain period of digestion or heating at the refluxing temperature of the solvent, the mixture is filtered, and the filtrate is concentrated to dryness.

[0027] Usable as specific extracting solvents are aqueous solvents (e.g. water, acidic or basic aqueous solvents, etc.), alcohols (e.g. lower alcohol such as methanol, absolute ethanol, ethanol, or polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, etc.), ketones such as acetone, diethyl ether, dioxane, acetonitrile, esters such as ethyl acetate, and organic solvents such as xylene, benzene and chloroform. These may be used either singly or in the form of a mixture of two or more. In particular, water, methanol, ethanol, and 50% ethanol are preferred. Two or more solvent extracts may be used in combination.

[0028] In the practice of the invention, the plant extract(s) mentioned above may be used as such or may be admixed with per se known bases or additives medicinally acceptable for dermal application, including, as cosmetics components, for instance, water, alcohols, oleaginous substances, surfactants, preservatives, perfumes, colorants, humectants, thickening agents, water-soluble polymers, antioxidants, chelating agents, pH adjusting agents, foaming agents, (pigments, ultraviolet absorbing/scattering agents, powders), vitamins, amino acids, antimicrobial agents, algae extracts, various drugs, additives, and so forth.

[0029] More specifically, the oleaginous substances include vegetable oils and fats such as macadamia nut oil, castor oil, olive oil, cacao oil, tsubaki oil, coconut oil, Japan wax, jojoba oil, grape seed oil, and avocado oil, animal oils and fats such as mink oil and yolk oil, waxes such as beeswax, spermaceti, lanolin, carnauba wax, and candelilla wax, hydrocarbons such as liquid paraffin, squalane, microcrytalline wax, ceresin wax, paraffin wax, and Vaseline, natural or synthetic fatty acids such as capric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, lanolin fatty acids, linolic acid, linolenic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, oleic acid, and isostearic acid, natural and synthetic higher alcohols such as cetanol, stearyl alcohol, hexyldecanol, octyldodecanol, lauryl alcohol, capryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, cholesterol, and phytosterol, and esters such as isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, octyldodecyl myristate, octyidodecyl oleate, and cholesterol oleate, among others.

[0030] Examples of the above-mentioned surfactants are nonionic surfactants such as sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monoplamitate, sorbitan sesquioleate, sorbitan trioleate, polyoxyethylenesorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylenesorbitan monostearate, polyethylene glycol monooleate, polyethylene glycol alkylates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyglycol diethers, lauroyldiethanolamide, fatty acid isopropanolamides, maltitol hydroxyfatty acid ethers, alkylated polysaccharides, alkyl glucosides, and sugar esters; nonionic surfactants such as lipophilic glycerol monostearate, self-emulsificable glycerol monostearate, polyglycerol monostearate, polyglycerol alkylates, sorbitan monooleate, polyethylene glycol monostearate, polyoxyethylenesorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene cetyl ether, polyoxyethyienateu sterol, polyoxyethylenated lanolin, polyoxyethylenated beeswax, and polyoxyethylenated hardened castor oil; anionic surfactants such as sodium stearate, potassium palmitate, sodium cetyl sulfate, sodium lauryl phosphate, palmitic acid triethanolamide, sodium polyoxyethylenelauryl phosphate, sodium N-acylglutamate, sodium palmitate, sodium laurate, sodium lauryl, potassium lauryl sulfate, alkyl sulfate triethanolamine ethers, Turkey red oil, linear dodecylbenzenesulfuric acid, polyoxyethylene-hardened castor oil maleic acid, and acylmethyltaurine; cationic surfactants such as stearyidimethylbenzylammonium chloride, stearyltrimethylammonium chloride, stearyltrimethylammonium chlrodie, benzalkonium chloride, and laurylamine oxide; and amphoteric surfactants such as alkylaminoethylglycine hydrochloride solutions, and lecithin.

[0031] Examples of the above preservatives are benzoic acid salts, salicylic acid salts, sorbic acid salts, dehydroacetic acid salts, parahydroxybenzoic acid esters, 2,4,4′-tri-chloro-2′-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 3,4,4′-trichlorocarbanilide, benzalkonium chloride, hinokitiol, resorcinol, and ethanol.

[0032] The above humectants include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol, erythritol, xylitol, maltitol glycerol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, sorbitol, polyglycerol, polyethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 1,2-pentanediol, and isoprene glycol; NMF components such as amino acids, sodium lactate, and sodium pyrrolidonecarboxylate; water-soluble polymer substances such as xyloglucan, quince seeds, carrageenan, pectin, mannan, curdlan, galactan, dermatan sulfate, glycogen, keratan sulfate, chondroitin, mucoitin sulfate, keratosulfate, locust bean gum, succinoglucan, charonic acid, hyaluronic acid, heparan sulfate, sodium hyaluronate, collagen, mucopolysaccharides, and chondroitin sulfate; silicones such as dimethylpolysiloxane and methylphenylsiloxane; and culture supernatants such as of lactic acid bacteria/bifidus bacilli, among others.

[0033] The above thickeners include, among others, natural polymer substances such as sodium alginate, xanthan gum, aluminum silicate, marmelo seed extracts, gum arabic, hydroxyethyl-guar gum, carboxymethyl-guar gum, guar gum, dextran, tragacanth gum, starch, chitin, chitosan, carboxymethylchitin, and agar; semisynthetic polymer substances such as cellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, methylhydroxypropylcellulose, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, soluble starch, and cationized cellulose; and synthetic polymer substances such as carboxyvinyl polymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and vinyl alcohol-vinyl acetate copolymers.

[0034] The above antioxidants include, among others, dibutylhydoxytoluene, butylhydroxyanisole, propyi gaiiate, and ascorbic acid; the chelating agents include, among others, disodium edetate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid salts, pyrophosphoric acid salts, hexametaphosphoric acid salts, citric acid, tartaric acid, and gluconic acid; the pH adjusting agents include, among others, sodium hydroxide, triethanolamine, citric acid, sodium citrate, boric acid, borax, and potassium hydrogen phosphate.

[0035] The above ultraviolet absorbing/scattering agents include, among others, paraaminobenzoic acid type ultraviolet absorbers, anthranilic acid type ultraviolet absorbers, salicylic acid type ultraviolet absorbers, cinnamic acid type ultraviolet absorbers, benzophenone type ultraviolet absorbers, sugar type ultraviolet absorbers, 3-(4′-methylbenzylidene)-d-camphor, 3-benzylidene-d, I-camphor, urocanic acid, ethyl urocanate, 2-phenyl-5-methylbenzoxazole, 2,2′-hydroxy-5-methylphenylbenzotriazole, 2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-t-octylphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-methylphenyl)benzotriazole, dibenzalazine, dianisoylmethane, 4-methoxy-4′-t-butylbenzophenone, 5-(3,3-dimethyl-2-norbornylidene)-3-pentan-2-one, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, octyidiemthyl paraaminobenzoate, ethylhexyl paramethoxycinnamate, titanium oxide, kaolin, and talc.

[0036] The above vitamins include, among others, vitamin A and derivative thereof, vitamin B species such as vitamin B6 hydrochloride, vitamin B6 tripalmitate, vitamin B6 dioctanoate, vitamin B2 and derivatives thereof, vitamin B12, vitamin B15 and derivatives thereof, ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid sulfate and salts thereof, ascorbic acid phosphate and salts thereof, ascorbic acid dipalmitates, ascorbic acid glucosides, acylascorbic acid glucosides, vitamin E species such as α-tocopherol, α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, and vitamin E acetate, vitamin D species, vitamin H, pantothenic acid, pantethine, vitamin F, vitamin K, vitamin P, vitamin U, carnitine, ferulic acid, γ-oryzanol, α-lipoic acid, orotic acid and derivatives thereof.

[0037] The above amino acids include glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, serine, threonine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, asparagine, glutamine, taurine, tryptophan, cystine, cysteine, methionine, proline, hydroxyproline, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, histidine, lysine, and derivatives thereof.

[0038] The above antimicrobial agents include benzoic acid, salicylic acid, parahydroxybenzoic acid alkyl esters, and hexchlorophene, among others.

[0039] The above algae extracts include extracts from brown algae, red algae, green algae, blue algae and so on. More specific examples are extracts from tangle, Japanese tangle, hijiki, agar-agar, coralline, Palmara, carrageen moss, lav r, sea lettuce, holey sea lettuce, Ascopifyfllum, wrack mozuku, Okinawa mozuku, Himantada, etc.

[0040] Specific examples of the various drugs mentioned above are nictlnamiide, benzyl nicotinate, γ-oryzanol, allantoin, glycyrrhizic acid (salts), glycyrrhetic acid and derivatives thereof, hinokitiol, bisabolol, eucalyptone, thymol, inositol, saponins such as psychosaponin, carrot saponin, loofah saponin and soapberry saponin, pantothenyl ethyl ether, ethynylestradiol, tranexamic acid, arbutin, capharanthine, and placenta extract.

[0041] In the practice of the invention, the level of incorporation of the medicinal herb extract is not particularly restricted but may be adequately selected according to the intensity (IC 50 value) of the activity of the extract and the preparation form, for instance. Preferably, the level of incorporation of the medicinal herb extract is selected within the range of 0.0001-30 wt %, more preferably 0.001-10 wt %, on the extract solid basis, relative to the whole amount of the skin age-retarding composition.

[0042] The cosmetics, dermatologic preparations, quasi drugs and so forth, which contain the skin age-retarding composition of the invention, can be produced in the conventional manner. They may have various forms, for example, basic cosmetic forms such as skin lotions, milky lotions, moisturizing creams, deansing creams, massage creams, facial cleansing creams, packs, and essence, hair care products such as shampoos and rinses, bath products such as bath salt compositions, makeup cosmetics such as foundations, and special cosmetics such as anti-suntan compositions.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0043] The following test examples and working examples illustrate the invention in further detail. They are, however, by no means limitative of the scope of the invention.