Use of chicoric acid and derivatives for regulating skin pigmentation
View Patent ↗The present invention relates generally to the field of food supplements for cosmetic purpose. More specifically, the present invention aims to provide an ingredient containing chicoric acid and/or derivatives for preventing and/or treating hyper-pigmentation of skin, skin color imperfections such as age-spots and other skin disorders characterized by abnormal pigments. The present invention also aims at improving skin tone as well as providing a skin lightening agent.
1. A method for treating an individual having a skin pigment disorder and/or skin pigment imperfection associated with hyperpigmentation, comprising a step of administering orally to said individual a food supplement which contains a daily dose of 0.01 g to 100 g of Chicory extract; wherein said Chicory extract comprises chicoric acid and/or derivatives in an effective amount in the range of 0.001-99.99 weight % of dry weight of the Chicory extract.
2. Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the skin disorder is selected from the group consisting of melasma, freckles, and age spots.
3. Method in accordance with claim 1 for improving skin tone and/or skin complexion.
4. A method for lightening and/or whitening skin tone in an individual in need thereof, comprising a step of administering orally to said individual a food supplement which contains a daily dose of 0.01 g to 100 g of Chicory extract; wherein said Chicory extract comprises chicoric acid and/or derivatives in an effective amount in the range of 0.001-99.99 weight % of dry weight of the Chicory extract.
5. Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the Chicory extract is obtained by extraction with a solvent from Chicory plant material.
6. Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the said Chicory extract is administered in a daily dose of 0.25 g-10 g.
7. Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the said Chicory extract comprises chicoric acid and/or derivatives in an amount of 0.1 to 99.99 weight % of dry weight.
8. Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the food supplement comprises at least one kind of food grade micro-organisms.
9. Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the food supplement includes an effective amount of at least one active agent for improving skin hydration or skin ageing.
10. Method in accordance with claim 4 , wherein the Chicory extract is obtained by extraction with a solvent from Chicory plant material.
11. Method in accordance with claim 4 , wherein the Chicory extract is administered in a daily dose of 0.25 g-10 g.
12. Method in accordance with claim 4 , wherein the said Chicory extract comprises chicoric acid and/or derivatives in an amount in the range of 0.1 to 10 weight % of dry weight.
13. Method according to claim 1 , wherein the oral administration of said food supplement is repeated 2 to 3 times a day, for at least 4 weeks.
14. Method according to claim 4 , wherein the oral administration of said food supplement is repeated 2 to 3 times a day, for at least 4 weeks.
15. Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said Chicory extract is obtained after a defatting procedure on a plant material, to produce an extract that results from fats removed from the plant material.
16. Method in accordance with claim 4 , wherein said Chicory extract is obtained after a defatting step on a plant material, to produce an extract that results from fats removed from the plant material.
17. Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the food supplement is selected from a group consisting of: capsules, gelatin capsules, soft capsules, tablets, sugar-coated tablets, pills, pastes, pastilles, gums, drinkable solutions, emulsions, syrups and gels.
18. Method in accordance with claim 4 , wherein the food supplement is selected from a group consisting of: capsules, gelatin capsules, soft capsules, tablets, sugar-coated tablets, pills, pastes, pastilles, gums, drinkable solution, emulsions, syrups and gels.
19. Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the food supplement is enriched in chicoric acid and/or derivatives thereof.
20. Method in accordance with claim 4 , wherein the food supplement is enriched in chicoric acid and/or derivatives thereof.