A method of making a low molecular weight fraction of Phyllanthus niruri is provided. Such low molecular weight fraction is particularly useful for treating the skin, for example skin in need of treatment for signs of aging, for reducing inflammation, or for skin lightening.
1. A method of reducing skin inflammation comprising the step of applying to a skin in need of reducing skin inflammation a topical formulation comprising a cosmetically acceptable topical carrier and an effective amount of a low molecular weight fraction of Phyllanthus niruri substantially free of molecular species having a molecular weight of greater than about 100,000 daltons.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said low molecular weight fraction contains less than about 5% by weight of molecular species having a molecular weight greater than about 100,000 daltons.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said low molecular weight fraction is water extractable from Phyllanthus niruri.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said topical formulation comprises about 0.1 to about 5% by weight of said low molecular weight fraction.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein said topical formulation further comprises an additional anti-inflammatory agent selected from the group consisting of resorcinols, Feverfew extract, and combinations thereof.