Method of producing durable saponine containing extracts from horse chestnut and products obtained therefrom

摘要

A stable horse-chestnut seed extract containing saponin, effective transcutaneously, is prepared by (a) extracting horse-chestnut seed material or (b) dissolving a dry extract of horse-chestnut seed material prepared by known methods, with a polar organic solvent, having a boiling point higher than water, and containing preferably not more than 5 and particularly 3 carbon atoms in the molecule, especially propylene glycol. Anhydrous horse-chestnut seed material may be extracted with anhydrous methanol at below 30 DEG C. and preferably below 0 DEG C. and the dry extract remaining after removal of the solvent is dissolved in a mixture of a monohydric alcohol with 2 to 3 carbon atoms and propylene glycol containing 20 to 40% water. Alternatively, dried and degreased horse-chestnut seeds may be extracted with the aforesaid solvent mixture. Solvent mixtures which may be employed consist of (a) 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, glycerol or beta pyridine carbinol with (b) aliphatic monohydric alcohol containing 2-5 carbon atoms, ketones with 2-5 C atoms and a chloromethane, e.g. methylene chloride or chloroform. The liquid extracts may be used topically as a cosmetic, e.g. for wrinkled skin, or therapeutic preparation, e.g. for inflammatory conditions, e.g. rheumatism, ulcers and arthritis.