Bioactive composition for cosmetic applications

Abstract

The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a plant extract from Curcuma plants, characterized by the process steps process step A) liquid extraction of Curcuma rhizomes, process step B) optionally, separation of a curcuminoid-containing solid obtained by precipitation from the extraction mixture obtained in process step A), process step C) removal of solvents present from the extraction mixture obtained in process step A) or B) to obtain a concentrate and process step D) distillation of the concentrate at a pressure of less than 1 bar to give the extract as distillate.

1 . A process for the preparation of a plant extract from  Curcuma  plants, comprising:
 providing a liquid extraction mixture of  Curcuma  rhizomes;   removing solvent present in the extraction mixture to obtain a concentrate; and   distillating the concentrate at a pressure of less than 1 bar to give an extract as a distillate.   
     
     
         2 . The process of  claim 1  wherein said providing the liquid extraction mixture includes supercritical liquid extraction that is carried out using a compressed gas. 
     
     
         3 . The process of  claim 1  wherein said distillating includes molecular distillation. 
     
     
         4 . The process of  claim 1  wherein said distillating includes falling-film distillation, short-path evaporation or thin-film distillation each of which is executed with a pressure <10 mbar. 
     
     
         5 . The process of  claim 1  further comprising separating a curcuminoid-containing solid from said extraction mixture between said providing and separating steps, said separating includes precipitation. 
     
     
         6 . A process for the preparation of a plant extract from  Curcuma  plants, comprising:
 providing a liquid extraction mixture of  Curcuma  rhizomes;   separating a curcuminoid-containing solid from said extraction mixture, said separating includes precipitation;   removing solvent present in the extraction mixture to obtain a concentrate; and   distillating the concentrate at a pressure of less than 1 bar to give an extract as a distillate.   
     
     
         7 . An extract prepared with a process according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         8 . An extract having a Gardner color number of <6. 
     
     
         9 . A method for increasing the moisture content of the skin, for reducing and smoothing wrinkles in the skin, for even skin coloration or for producing an even appearance of the skin surface, comprising applying an extract having a Gardner color number of less than 6 to skin, said extract being prepared in accordance with the process according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         10 . A method for reducing the skin damage caused by environmental toxins or induced by UV comprising applying an extract having a Gardner color number of less than 6 to skin, said extract being prepared in accordance with the process according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         11 . A formulation comprising an extract having a Gardner color number of less than 6 said extract being prepared in accordance with the process according to  claim 1 .