Nail restructuring compositions for topical application

Abstract

The present invention is directed to compositions containing a combination of a herb from the genus Equisetum together with one film forming agent and its use as a nail topical formulation, like nail varnish, cream, gel, lotion or foam. The present invention is further directed to the use of a water soluble film forming agent as an additive in a nail topical formulation. These compositions can be used to treat specific alterations of the ungula structure, like reduced strength, onychoschizia and ungula brittleness.

1 - 24 . (canceled)  
     
     
         25 . Method for the treatment of Onychoschizia which comprises the administration of a topical composition comprising: 
 a) at least one herb extract from the genus  Equisetum,      b) at least one film forming agent to a patient in needs of such a treatment.    
     
     
         26 . Method according to  claim 25 , wherein said composition comprises c) at least one physiologically acceptable carrier.  
     
     
         27 . Method according to  claim 25 , wherein said composition comprises d) at least one sulfur donor.  
     
     
         28 . Method according to  claim 25 , wherein the component a) is selected from:  Equisetum arvense  in form of plant or part of plant, juice, dry extract, alcoholic extract, hydro alcoholic extract or glycolic extract, or  Equisetum hiemale  in form of plant or part of plant, juice, dry extract, alcoholic extract, hydro alcoholic extract or glycolic extract.  
     
     
         29 . Method according to  claim 25 , wherein the component 
 a) is a glycolic extract of  Equisetum arvense.      
     
     
         30 . Method according to  claim 25 , wherein component b) is a water-soluble film forming agent.  
     
     
         31 . Method according to  claim 30 , wherein said water-soluble film forming agent is a derivative of chitosan.  
     
     
         32 . Method according to  claim 31  wherein said derivative of chitosan is selected from hydroxyalkyl chitosans and/or carboxyalkyl chitosans.  
     
     
         33 . Method according to  claim 32  wherein said hydroxyalkyl chitosans are selected from chitosans which are derivatized with C 1-6  alkyl groups possessing 1 to 3 hydroxy groups, preferably hydroxypropyl chitosan.  
     
     
         34 . Method according to  claim 32  wherein said carboxyalkyl chitosans are selected from chitosans which are derivatized with C 1-6  alkyl groups possessing 1 to 3 carboxy groups, preferably carboxymethyl chitosan.  
     
     
         35 . Method according to  claim 25 , wherein the component c) is water or a mixture of water with at least one co-solvent.  
     
     
         36 . Method according to  claim 35 , wherein said co-solvent is an alcohol.  
     
     
         37 . Method according to  claim 36 , wherein said alcohol is a branched or linear alcohol having 1 to 3 hydroxy groups and 2 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably ethanol, 1-propanol and/or isopropanol.  
     
     
         38 . Method according to  claim 25 , wherein the component d) is selected from sulphated amino acids and derivatives thereof, 1-methionine, 1-cysteine, 1-cystine, taurine, 4-thiazolidinecarboxylic acid and/or methylsulphonylmethane.  
     
     
         39 . Method according to  claim 25 , wherein said composition comprises penetration enhancers, sedimentation retarders, chelating agents, antioxidants, silicates, aroma substances, wetting agents, lanolin derivates, light stabilizers and/or antibacterial substances.  
     
     
         40 . Method according to  claim 25 , wherein said composition comprises an additional active agent selected from antimycotic agents, antibiotic agents, anti-inflammatory agents, antiseptic agents and/or local anaesthetic agents.  
     
     
         41 . Method according to  claim 25 , wherein the component a) is present in an amount of 0.1 to 15 wt. %, preferably 0.3 to 15 wt. %, more preferably 0.5 to 10 wt. % by weight of the total composition.  
     
     
         42 . Method according to  claim 25 , wherein the component b) is present in an amount of 0.1 to 10 wt. %, preferably by 0.3 to 8 wt. %, more preferably 0.5 to 5 wt. % by weight of the total composition.  
     
     
         43 . Method according to  claim 25 , wherein the component c) is present in an amount of 40 to 99.8 wt. %, preferably 60 to 99 wt. %, more preferably 80 to 95 wt. %, by weight of the total composition.  
     
     
         44 . Method according to  claim 43 , wherein the water content in component c) is 15 to 70 wt. % , preferably 30 to 65 wt. % by weight of component c).  
     
     
         45 . Method according to  claim 25 , wherein the component d) is present in an amount from 0.1 to 20 wt. %, preferably from 0.2 to 10 wt. % by weight of the total composition.  
     
     
         46 . Method according to  claim 25 , wherein said composition essentially consists of: 
 b) at least one herb extract from the gene  Equisetum,      c) at least one film forming agent,    d) at least one physiologically acceptable carrier,    e) at least one sulfur donor.    
     
     
         47 . Method according to  claim 25 , as a nail topical formulation.