Water-based Personal Moisturizers and Lubricants, in Particular Vaginal Lubricants, and Uses Thereof

Abstract

There is a need for water-based sperm- and egg-friendly vaginal lubricant. We describe novel water-based nature-friendly personal moisturizers and lubricants that relieve vaginal dryness. In addition to being non-spermicidal, sperm- and egg-friendly and biological-fluids mimicking, these personal moisturizers and lubricants also enhance sperm survival and motility, promote binding of sperm to eggs and facilitate the process of fertilization. Novel articles, and systems as well as methods of preparation and use of the novel compositions are also provided.

1 .- 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A method of imparting lubrication to a substrate of a human in need thereof, the method comprising
 contacting the substrate with an aqueous topical lubricant composition in an amount and for a time sufficient to lubricate the contacted substrate,   wherein the lubricant composition comprises:
 (a) an aqueous lubricant base comprising a combination of lubricious agents in an aqueous balanced salt solution wherein the combination comprises methylparaben, glycerol, and a cellulose selected from the group consisting of methylcellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose; 
 (b) a combination of chloride salts of calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium ions; and 
 (c) an antioxidant; 
   wherein the composition excludes additional therapeutic drugs, has a pH in the range of 5.0-9.0, has an osmolality in the range of 200 to 700 mOsm/kg, and kills less than about 1% of spermatozoa that are exposed to the composition.   
     
     
         24 - 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the substrate is a hand, fingers, skin, or reproductive tissue. 
     
     
         27 - 59 . (canceled) 
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the cellulose is hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose. 
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the pH is in the range of 7.0 to 8.5. 
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the composition is devoid of EDTA. 
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the composition is formulated as a solution, gel, foam, cream, jelly, suppository, douche, or film. 
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the osmolality of the composition is between 300 and 400 mOsm/kg. 
     
     
         65 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the antioxidant is vitamin E. 
     
     
         66 . A method of imparting lubrication to a substrate of a human in need thereof, the method comprising contacting the substrate with an aqueous topical lubricant composition in an amount and for a time sufficient to lubricate the contacted substrate, wherein the lubricant composition consists of
 (a) an aqueous lubricant base consisting of methylparaben, glycerol, and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose in an aqueous balanced salt solution of dibasic sodium phosphate and monobasic sodium phosphate;   (b) a combination of salts consisting of chloride salts of calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium; and   (c) an antioxidant   wherein the composition has a pH in the range of 7.0-8.5 and an osmolality in the range of 200 to 700 mOsm/kg.   
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein the substrate is a hand, fingers, skin, or reproductive tissue. 
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein the composition is formulated as a solution, gel, foam, cream, jelly, suppository, douche, or film. 
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein the osmolality of the composition is between 300 and 400 mOsm/kg. 
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein the antioxidant is vitamin E.