CN1372919A - Use of bean products for treating exogenous invasion - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bean product with trypsin inhibitory ability and reduced microbial content, a method for purifying the bean product and a composition containing the bean product, and the above bean product or composition on the skin , nails and hair for topical use.

Description

Application of Soybean Products in Treatment of Exogenous Injuries

Field of invention

The present invention relates to soy products, topical compositions comprising said soy products, and the preparation and use of these products.

Background of the invention

The fruits of legumes typically contain high levels of protein, lipids, and sugars. Therefore, legume fruits, such as soybeans, and compositions comprising legume fruits, are considered to be products of high nutritional value for humans. Legume fruits also usually contain substances that inhibit protease activity. For example, two protease inhibitors were isolated from soybean as early as the 1940s, the Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor (soybean trypsin inhibitor, STI) and the Bowman-Birk trypsin inhibitor (BBI). For references see Birk, Int. J. Pept. Protein Res. 25: 113-131 (1985) and Kennedy, Am. J. Clin. Neutr. 68: 1406S-1412S (1998).

STI inhibits the proteolytic activity of trypsin by forming a stable chemical equivalent complex. See Liu, K., Chemical and nutritional value of soybean components. In Soybean, Chemistry, Technology, and Applications, pp. 32-35 (Aspen publishers, Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, 1999). STI contains 181 amino acid residues, is bridged by two disulfide bonds, and is roughly spherical in shape. See Song et al., J. Mol. Biol. 275:347-63 (1998).

BBI is an 8k-Da protein that inhibits trypsin and chymotrypsin at different reactive sites. See Billings Pen, Pro. Natl. Acad. Sci. 89:3120-3124 (1992). STI and BBI are only found in soybean seeds and not in other parts of the soybean plant. See Birk, Int. J. Pept. Protein Res. 25:113-131 (1985).

However, due to its natural origin, a large number of microorganisms exist on the exterior of legume fruits such as soybeans. Thus, purification processes such as heating, organic solvent extraction, and high-shear purification can reduce the concentration of microorganisms and make them safer for human applications such as skin care. However, it has been found that these treatments usually denature the active substances in soybeans, resulting in the destruction of important biological functions (such as the reduction of protease inhibitory activity) that have cosmetic and therapeutic effects on human skin, hair and nails. Also, these treatments can lead to instability of soybean products, producing unpleasant odors and color changes. Thus, there is a commercial need to develop soy products that reduce the microbial counts of soy products without compromising the biological efficacy of these soy products.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a soybean product (for example useful as an active ingredient in skin, hair or nail care compositions) which has a reduced microbial population and retains its protease inhibitory activity. Another object of the present invention is to provide skin, hair and nail care compositions comprising said soy product and other optional active ingredients.

The invention relates to a bean product containing reduced microorganisms and maintaining its effective biological activity, a method for obtaining the product and its use in cosmetic compositions.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to soy products having trypsin inhibitory activity and reduced microbial counts, methods of decontaminating said soy products, and compositions comprising said soy products. In a preferred embodiment, the soy product is a soy product.

The present invention also relates to the topical use of soy products or compositions containing said soy products in the maintenance of the health of the skin, hair and nails, and in the prevention or treatment of diseases of the skin, hair and nails, said prevention or treatment comprising but Not limited to: Regulates the firmness of skin, hair and nails; cleanses skin, hair and nails; reduces or retards hair and nail growth; straightens or brightens hair; treats or prevents acne; regulates the color of skin, hair and nails ; regulates the texture of the skin; regulates the wrinkles of the skin; treats external aggressions to the skin, hair and nails; and beautifies the skin, hair and nails.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following detailed description and claims.

Detailed description of the invention

It is believed that one skilled in the art can, based on the description herein, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The following preferred embodiments are for illustration and explanation only, and do not limit the invention in any way.

Unless otherwise stated, the technical and scientific terms used in the present invention have the meanings commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, all publications, patent applications, patents, and other materials mentioned herein are incorporated by reference. Herein, all percentages are by weight unless otherwise indicated.

The "trypsin inhibitory activity" mentioned here refers to the ability of the soy product at a concentration of 0.1% (w/w) to inhibit the activity of trypsin, measured by the measurement method described in Example 2 below. In one embodiment the soy product of the present invention has a trypsin activity inhibitory capacity of at least about 15%. In a further preferred embodiment, the soy product has at least about 25%, such as at least about 50%, inhibition of trypsin activity.

The "thiol retention activity" referred to herein refers to the ability of soy products at a concentration of 0.1% (w/w) to inhibit smoke-induced loss of thiols, as measured by the measurement method described in Example 3 below. In one embodiment, the soy product of the present invention has a thiol retention activity of at least about 75%. In a further preferred embodiment, the soy product has a thiol retention activity of at least about 90%, such as at least about 95%.

The "microbial content" referred to here refers to the amount of bacteria, fungi and yeasts present in soy products. Examples of methods for measuring microbial content include, but are not limited to, the AOAC 986.23 method set forth in "Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC International", edited by Patricia Cunniff, Sixteenth Edition, 5th Revision, 1999 (AOAC International); Or the method indicated in "Official Compendiaof Standards, USP 24 USP/NF 19", United States Pharmacopoeia Agreement, Inc., 2000 (Board of Trustees, United States Pharmacopoeia Agreement).

"Inadmissible microbial content" means the number of bacteria, fungi and yeasts present in soy products harmful to humans, including, but not limited to, coliforms, E. coli, salmonella, thermophilic spores, bacillus , Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus faecalis, and those in "Disinfection, sterilization, and preservation" 4th ed., Seymour S. Block, pp. 887-888 (1991, Lea & Febiger, Malvern, PA) mentioned microorganisms.

"Topical application" as used herein refers to direct application or spreading on the skin, either by hand or with an applicator such as a powder pad, roller, or sprayer.

"Cosmetically acceptable" as referred to herein refers to those products or substances which are suitable for contact with tissues (such as skin) without undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, irritation, allergic reaction, etc.

A "topical carrier" as used herein means one or more solid or liquid filler diluents suitable for topical administration to a mammal. Examples of topical carriers include, but are not limited to, water, waxes, oils, emollients, emollients, thickeners, gels, and mixtures thereof.

As used herein, "firmity adjustment" refers to enhancing firmness or elasticity, and preventing or treating laxity, looseness or sagging of skin, hair and nails. The firmness or elasticity of the skin is measured by the application of epidermometry. See Non-invasive Methods and the Skin Handbook, eds. J. Serup & G. Jemec, Chapter 14.3 (1995). Loss of skin firmness or elasticity can be the result of a variety of factors including, but not limited to, aging, exogenous aggressions, or application of skin, hair, and nail cosmetics.

As used herein, "modification of tone" refers to lightening and/or darkening the appearance of skin, hair, and nails (eg, brightening pigmented lesions, deepening skin pallor, and/or evening out skin tone).

The term "slowing down or slowing down the growth of nails" mentioned here refers to slowing down or slowing down the growth rate of nails.

As used herein, "slowing or reducing hair growth" means slowing or reducing the rate of hair growth and/or the width of the hair shaft, including, but not limited to, reducing the visibility and appearance of hair (such as hair on the arms, legs, and face) ).

"Cleaning" as used herein refers to the removal of dirt and/or oil from the surface of the skin, hair and nails.

As used herein, "texturizing" means eliminating bumps and breaks in the surface of skin, hair and nails, and smoothing the surface, including but not limited to smoothing and evening the appearance of the skin.

As used herein, "regulating skin wrinkles" refers to preventing, delaying or reversing the formation of fine wrinkles in the skin, including but not limited to reducing the visibility of superficial wrinkles.

The "treatment of exogenous aggression" mentioned here refers to preventing or reducing the damage caused by exogenous aggression of the skin, hair and nails due to physical contact, chemical contact or temperature. Examples of exogenous aggressions include, but are not limited to, damage to the skin, hair, and nails from: use of chemicals such as cleaning agents (eg, skin and hair cleansers containing surfactants) and cosmetics; damage from physical contact Such as shaving and cutting, etc.; environmental factors such as chemical damage such as ozone, exhaust gas, pollution, chlorine and chlorine-containing compounds, and smoking, mechanical damage such as wind, and damage caused by hot and cold temperatures. The effects of exogenous aggression on skin, hair and nails include but are not limited to the destruction and modification of lipids, sugars, peptides, proteins, nucleic acids and vitamins by oxidation and/or nitrosation. The effects of exogenous insults also include, but are not limited to, loss of cell viability, loss and alteration of cell function, and alteration of gene and/or protein expression.

The "safe and effective amount" mentioned here refers to the amount of the used compound or composition (such as soybean product) that is sufficient to positively modify the condition to be regulated or treated, but will not cause serious side effects. The safe and effective amount of a compound or composition will vary with the age and physical condition of the ultimate user for the condition being treated, the severity of the condition being prevented/treated, the duration of treatment, other conditions being treated, and the nature of the substance or product/composition used. , the nature of the cosmetically acceptable carrier used and other factors vary.

soy products

"Physical product" means a substance derived from the fruit of a soy. Legumes are usually derived from the Fabaceae family and have dehiscent fruits such as broad beans, peas, or lentils. Examples of legumes include, but are not limited to, soybeans, lentils, peas, and peanuts.

A soy product may contain the whole bean fruit (eg, crushed bean fruit into a powder), or only a part of the bean (eg, an extract of the bean fruit). The soy product may be in the form of a fluid (such as a mixture of the soy fruit and water) or a solid (such as a powder of the soy fruit). When in fluid form, the term "soybean product" refers to the solid components of the fluid derived from the soy plant.

The compositions of the present invention comprise a safe and effective amount of a soy product (eg, a soybean product). In a specific embodiment, the composition comprises from about 0.001% to 50%, preferably from about 1% to 30%, of a legume product (eg, a soybean product).

soybean products

"Soy product" means a substance derived from soybeans. Soy products may contain only a portion of soy (eg, soy extracts such as reduced lipid soy flour, or filtered soy milk) or all of soy (eg, milled soy powder). Soy products can be fluid (such as soy milk), or solid (such as soy flour or soy milk powder). When in fluid form, the term "soy product" refers to the solid components of a fluid derived from soybeans.

In a specific embodiment, the soy product is soy flour. Soy flour can be made by rolling dried soybeans. In a particular embodiment, the soy flour has an average particle size of less than 10 microns, such as less than 1 micron. In a particular embodiment, the moisture content of the soy flour is less than 10%, such as less than 5%. In a specific embodiment, the soy flour is freeze-dried.

In a specific embodiment, the soy product is soy milk or soy milk powder. Soymilk is a mixture of solids derived from soybeans and water, from which all or part of the insolubles are filtered off. Soymilk powder is obtained by evaporating soymilk to dryness, in a specific embodiment, in the form of freeze-drying or spray-drying. The process of preparing soybean milk includes but not limited to the following three processes. First, the soybeans are placed in water to absorb the water; the expanded beans are then rolled and the remaining water is added; the mixture is filtered to remove insoluble residues. Second, soy milk can be prepared from soybean powder. Soy flour is thoroughly mixed with water (eg, for at least one hour), followed by filtration to remove insoluble residue. Third, it can also be recombined into soy milk by adding water and soy milk powder. In a specific embodiment, the soy milk comprises 1% to 50% (eg, 5% to 20%) by weight of soy solids.

Antimicrobial Treatment of Soy Products

As mentioned above, legume fruit surfaces generally contain higher concentrations of microorganisms. Therefore, when people used it earlier, soy products were processed to reduce or eliminate these microorganisms. In a specific embodiment the soy product of the invention has a total microbial count of less than 10,000 colony units (cfu) per gram. In another embodiment, the soybean product of the present invention has a microbial population of about less than 1000 cfu per gram (eg, less than 100 cfu per gram).

In a specific embodiment, the soy product of the invention has an unacceptable total number of microorganisms of less than 300 cfu per gram, eg, less than 150 cfu per gram. In a further embodiment, the soy product of the invention does not allow an undetectable level of microbial population in at least 1 gram (eg, at least 10 grams) of product.

In a specific embodiment, the soy product is exposed to gamma-ray radiation. In a further embodiment, the soy product is exposed to gamma radiation at an intensity of 2 to 30 KGy, for example gamma radiation at an intensity of 5 to 10 KGy. Applicants have unexpectedly discovered that such treatment reduces the microbial content of soy products while maintaining their biological activity (eg, serine protease inhibitory activity). Applicants have also found that treating soy products with gamma rays maintains the cosmetic benefits of the product, such as maintaining natural color, without imparting a noticeable off-flavor.

Other microbial treatments that also preserve the protease inhibitory activity of soy products may be used alone or in combination with gamma radiation, including but not limited to X-rays, high energy electron or proton beams, ultraviolet radiation, fluid static pressure, and the addition of chemical agents with antimicrobial activity, and combinations thereof. A complete record of methods for reducing microbial populations is set forth in "Disinfection, Sterilization, Preservation" 4th Edition, Seymour S. Block, pp. 887-888 (1991, Lea & Febiger, Malvem, PA).

Applicants have found that the use of heat treatment results in a loss of protease inhibitory activity and must be handled with great care. For example, Applicants found that heating soy milk at 100°C for as little as 10 minutes reduced the protease inhibitory activity of soy milk from 86% (at 4°C) to 46%. Applicants have also discovered that heating soy milk results in changes in product color and taste.

topical composition

Topical compositions useful in the present invention include those combinations suitable for topical application to the skin. In a specific embodiment, the composition includes a soy product and a cosmetically acceptable topical carrier. In a specific embodiment, the cosmetically acceptable topical carrier comprises from 50% to 99.99% (eg, from 80% to 95%) by weight of the composition.

The compositions can be formulated into a variety of different product types including, but not limited to, lotions, creams, gels, sticks, sprays, shaving creams, ointments, cleansing washes and solid cleansing bars, shampoos, ointments, Powders, mousses, shaving creams, liniments, patches, nail polish, wound dressings and adhesive bandages, hydrogels, films and cosmetics such as foundation, mascara and lipstick. These product dosage forms may contain several cosmetically acceptable topical carriers including, but not limited to, solutions, emulsions (eg, microemulsions and nanoemulsions), gels, solids, and liposomes. The following are non-limiting examples of these vectors. Other vectors can be obtained by conventional methods by those skilled in the art.

The topical compositions of the present invention can be formulated as solutions. Solutions typically include an aqueous solvent (eg, 50%-99.99%, or 90%-99% of a cosmetically acceptable aqueous solvent).

Topical compositions for use in accordance with the present invention may be formulated as solutions containing emollients. Such compositions preferably comprise from about 2% to about 50% emollient. As used herein, "emollients" refer to those substances that can be used to prevent or reduce dryness, thereby achieving the effect of protecting the skin. Many suitable emollients are known and can be used herein. Sagarin, Cosmetics, Science and Technology, 2nd Edition, Vol.1, pp.32-43 (1972), and International Dictionary and Handbook of Cosmetic Active Ingredients, eds. Wenninger and McEwen, pp.1656-61, 1626, and 1654 -55 (The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Assoc., Washington, D.C., 7th Edition, 1997) (hereinafter referred to as "ICI Handbook") describes many suitable examples of the aforementioned substances.

Lotions can be prepared from the above solutions. Lotions typically contain about 1%-20% (eg, about 5%-10%) of an emollient and about 50%-90% (eg, about 60%-80%) water.

Another dosage form that can be prepared from solutions of the products of the present invention is emulsions. Emulsions typically contain about 5%-50% (eg, about 10%-20%) emollient, and about 45%-85% (eg, about 50%-75%) water.

Yet another dosage form that can be prepared from solution is an ointment. Ointments usually contain a simple base such as animal or vegetable oils or semisolid hydrocarbons. Ointments may contain about 2%-10% emollients, plus about 0.1%-2% thickening agents. Commonly used thickeners or thickeners can be found in Sagarin, Cosmetics, Science and Technology, 2nd Edition, Vol.1, pp.72-73 (1972), and ICI Handbook pp.1693-1697.

The topical compositions of the present invention may be formulated as emulsions. If the carrier is an emulsion, it should contain about 1%-10% (eg, about 2%-5%) emulsifier. Emulsifiers can be nonionic, anionic or cationic. Suitable emulsifiers are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,755,560, 4,421,769, McCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers, North American Edition, pp. 317-324 (1986), and ICI Handbook, pp. 1673-1686.

Lotions and creams can be made into lotions. Typically such lotions contain about 0.5%-5% emulsifier. Such emulsions typically contain about 1%-20% (such as about 5%-10%) of an emollient; about 20%-80% (such as about 30%-70%) of water; and about 1%-10% (such as about 2%-5%) emulsifier.

Both oil-in-water and water-in-oil single-phase emulsion skin care formulations, such as lotions and creams, are well known in the cosmetic art and are used in the present invention. Multiphase emulsion compositions, such as the water-in-oil-in-water type, are disclosed in US Patent Nos. 4,254,105 and 4,960,764 and are also used in the present invention. Generally, the above-mentioned single-phase and multiple-phase emulsifiers contain water, emollients and emulsifiers as essential components. The topical compositions of the present invention may also be formulated as gels (eg, hydrogels using suitable gelling agents). Suitable gelling agents for use as aqueous gels include, but are not limited to, natural gums, acrylic acid and acrylate polymers and copolymers, cellulose derivatives (eg hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose). Suitable gelling agents for oil gels such as mineral oil include, but are not limited to, hydrogenated butylene/ethylene/styrene copolymers, and hydrogenated ethylene/propylene/styrene copolymers. The aforementioned gel usually contains about 0.1%-5% by weight of the aforementioned gelling agent.

The topical compositions of the present invention may also be in solid dosage form (eg, wax bars, soap compositions, powders, or powder rubs).

Liposomal formulations are also compositions of the invention. Liposomes can be unilamellar, multilamellar and oligolamellar liposomes, which may or may not contain phospholipids. Such compositions are prepared by first combining hesperetin with phospholipids, such as dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, cholesterol and water according to Mezei & Gulasekharam, "Liposomes-A Selective Drug Delivery System for the Topical Route of Administration; Gel Dosage Form", Journal of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, Vol.34 (1982), pp.473-474 described method combination, or carry out modification. Cuticle lipids of suitable composition forming liposomes may be substituted for phospholipids. The liposomes are then mixed with one of the aforementioned carriers (eg gel or oil-in-water emulsion) to obtain a liposomal dosage form. Other compositions and medicinal use of liposomes for topical administration In Mezei, M., "Liposomes as a Skin Drug Delivery System", Topics in Pharmaceutical Sciences (D.D. Breimer and P.Speiser, eds.,) Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., New York, N.Y., 1985, pp.345-358, PCT Patent application WO9631194 and US Pat. No. 5260065 are described in detail.

The topical compositions of the present invention may contain, in addition to the aforementioned components, a variety of additional oil-soluble and/or water-soluble substances which can be applied to the skin, hair and nails in a conventional manner at the levels established in the prior art for the composition .

Additional Cosmetic Actives

In a particular embodiment, the topical composition may further contain another cosmetically active agent in addition to the soy product. Here "cosmetic active agent" refers to a substance that has a cosmetic or therapeutic effect on the skin, hair and nails, such as brightening agents, darkening agents (such as self-tanning agents), anti-acne agents, matting agents, anti-aging agents, etc. Microbial agents, anti-inflammatory agents, antifungal agents, antiparasitic agents, topical analgesics, sunscreen agents, photoprotectants, antioxidants, keratolytic agents, detergents/surfactants, moisturizers, nutritional agents , vitamins, energy enhancers, antiperspirants, astringents, deodorants, hair strippers, curing agents, antihardening agents and skin, hair and nail conditioners.

In a specific embodiment, these agents may be selected from the group including, but not limited to, hydroxy acids, peroxybenzoic acid, thioresorcinol, ascorbic acid, D-panthenol, hydroquinone, octyl methoxycinnamate, Titanium dioxide, octyl salicylate, trimethylcyclohexyl salicylate, avobenzone, polyphenols, carotenoids, free radical scavengers, self-applying scavengers, retinoids such as retinol and retinyl palmitate, Ceramides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, essential fatty acids, enzymes, enzyme inhibitors, minerals, hormones such as estrogen, steroids such as hydrocortisone, 2-dimethylaminoethanol, copper salts such as copper chloride, containing copper Peptides such as Cu:Gly-His-Lys, Coenzyme Q10, peptides such as those disclosed in PCT patent application WO0015188, lipoic acid, amino acids such as proline and tyrosine, vitamins, lactobionic acid, acetyl-CoA, niacin , riboflavin, vitamin B1, ribose, electron transfer agents such as NADH and FADH2, and other plant extracts such as aloe vera, their derivatives and mixtures thereof. Cosmetic active agents in the compositions of the present invention generally comprise from about 0.001% to 20%, such as from about 0.01% to 10%, further such as from about 0.1% to 5%, by weight of the composition.

Examples of vitamins include but are not limited to vitamin A, vitamin B series such as vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin E and its derivatives.

Examples of hydroxy acids include, but are not limited to, glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, salicylic acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid. See European Patent Application No. 273202.

Examples of antioxidants include but are not limited to water-soluble antioxidants such as thiol compounds and derivatives, (such as sodium metabisulfite and N-acetylcysteine), lipoic acid and dihydrolipoic acid, resveratrol alcohol, lactoferrin, and ascorbic acid and ascorbic acid derivatives (such as vitamin C palmitate and vitamin C polypeptide). Oil-soluble antioxidants suitable for use in the compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, butylated hydroxytoluene, retinoids (such as retinol and retinyl palmitate), vitamin E (such as tocopheryl acetate), Tocotrienols, Coenzyme Q. Antioxidant-containing natural extracts suitable for the composition of the present invention include, but are not limited to, extracts of flavonoids, isoflavones and their derivatives (such as trihydroxyisoflavones and diadzein), extracts containing resveratrol, and others. Natural extracts include grape seed, green tea, pine bark, and propolis. Examples of other antioxidants are found on pages 1612-13 of the ICI Handbook.

other substances

Other different materials can also be used in the compositions of the present invention. These include humectants, proteins and peptides, preservatives, and alkaline agents. These reagents are disclosed in ICI Handbook, pp. 1650-1667. The compositions of the present invention may also contain chelating agents such as EDTA and preservatives such as parabens. Examples of suitable preservatives and chelating agents are disclosed in the ICI Handbook, pp. 1626 and 1654-55. Additionally, the topical compositions herein will generally contain cosmetic adjuvants such as dyes, opacifiers (eg titanium dioxide), pigments and fragrances.

mineral water

Mineral water can be used in the preparation process of the soybean product (such as soybean milk) and the composition of the present invention. In a specific embodiment, the degree of mineralization of the mineral water is at least about 200 mg/L (eg, about 300 mg/L to about 1000 mg/L). In a specific embodiment, the mineralized water comprises at least about 10 mg/L calcium and/or at least about 5 mg/L magnesium.

Compositions and formulations containing the compositions of the present invention can be prepared by those of ordinary skill in the art according to known conventional techniques.

Example 1: Gamma Irradiation Treatment of Soy Products

Applicants found that soymilk powder contained high levels of microorganisms, up to 50000 cfu per gram, prior to sterilization operations such as gamma ray irradiation. Such products have also been found to have detectable levels of impermissible microorganisms, such as Streptococcus faecalis, in concentrations as high as 20,000 cfu per gram.

Applicants exposed different amounts of soymilk powder (eg, from about 1 gram to about 200 kilograms) to gamma rays from 1 KGy to 16 KGy. The dose required to bring the total microbial content below 100 cfu per gram is approximately 10 KGy. The dose to reduce Streptococcus faecalis by 1 logarithm was determined to be about 3KGy, and the radiation dose required to keep the microbial content in 10 grams of soybean milk powder samples at an undetectable level was about 5KGy. Ultimately, however, the amount of gamma radiation used to irradiate soy products is determined by the microbial content and how much of the soy product is so treated.

Trypsin inhibitory activity of embodiment 2 bean products

The inhibitory effect of fluorescent casein peptide fragments on trypsin-induced cleavage was measured using the EnzChex ^TM Protease Assay Kit according to the manufacturer's instructions (EnzChex ^TM Protease Assay Kit Product Information, revised 3/15/99; Molecular Probes, Eugene OR). Briefly, different soybean products were first diluted in 1X digestion buffer (prepared in the kit) and mixed with 1000 units of trypsin (Sigma, St.Louis, MO) cultivated together. Pure serine protease inhibitor (soybean trypsin inhibitor from Sigma, St. Louis, MO) at 0.1%, 0.01% and 0.001% w/v concentrations were used as positive controls. Next, a 1.0 mg/ml BODIPY FL casein stock solution was obtained by adding 0.2 ml of deionized water to the vial providing the substrate (prepared in the kit), then made to a final concentration of 10 micrograms/ml in digestion buffer. After incubation of trypsin with BODIPY fluorescent casein substrate for one hour at room temperature with or without the addition of test substances, the fluorescence was measured (excitation wavelength 485 nm, emission wavelength 530 nm) by ^SpectraMax® Gemini microtiter plate reader (Molecular Devices Corporation, Sunnyvale, CA), using Softmax ⁽ R) Pro 3.0 software (Molecular Devices Corporation). Each experiment was carried out in triplicate, and each experiment was performed twice.

This measurement method can be used for the measurement of soybean products treated with seven different methods. Example A is ground soybean (Sunshine Foods Co., Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C). Example B is the powder of Example A treated with about 8-15 KGy of gamma ray radiation. Example C is a soybean powder from which the oil has been extracted (Soyafluff®, from Central Soya Company Inc., Fort Weyne, IN). Example D is a soymilk powder obtained from dehulled soybeans and water by filtration, heating, spray drying (Devansoy Farms, Carroll, Iowa) and treatment with gamma radiation at 7-9 KGy. Example E is soy milk powder obtained by mixing soybeans with water, heating the mixture overnight, adding 1,3-butanediol and mixing (Flavosterone from Ichimaru Pharcos CO., Ltd, Gifu, Japan). Example F is a soymilk powder obtained by mixing soybeans with water, heating the mixture overnight, and adding ethanol (Flavosterone from Ichimaru Pharcos CO., Ltd, Gifu, Japan). Example G is a soybean protein extract (Vegeseryl HGP LS 8572 from Laboratories Serobiologiques S.A., Pulnoy, France). All of these soybean products were compared with soybean trypsin inhibitor (STI) (Sigma).

The percentage inhibition of substrate trypsin cleavage by different soybean products was calculated by Microsoft Excel ^™ and recorded in Table 1. Table 1 test product concentration % trypsin inhibitory capacity STI 0.01 43.0 STI 0.1 76.1 Example A 0.01 32.8 Example A 0.1 67.1 Example B 0.01 31.5 Example B 0.1 67.2 Example C 0.01 22.7 Example C 0.1 36.2 Example D 0.01 8.92 Example D 0.1 17.4 Example E 0.01 7.83 Example E 0.1 10.8 Example F 0.01 4.87 Example F 0.1 5.99 Example G 0.1 6.85

As shown in Table 1, STIs could inhibit trypsin-induced cleavage in a dose-response manner. Example A, soybean powder, also had significant trypsin inhibitory activity. Gamma irradiation of other soybean flours (eg, Example B) unexpectedly did not significantly affect their trypsin inhibitory activity while reducing microbial populations. Heat and/or extraction treatments such as Examples C-G, however, significantly reduced the trypsin inhibitory activity of the soy flour.

The mercaptan retention activity of embodiment 3 bean products

The ability of soybean powder to prevent smoke-induced loss of thiols was evaluated in human normal dermal fibroblasts (Clonetics, San Diego, CA). Thiols, primarily glutathione, are part of the endogenous cellular antioxidant defense system. Glutathione is a redox buffer, thus maintaining the balance of oxidants and antioxidants. Glutathione is also a preferred substrate for some enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase (which breaks down hydrogen peroxide) and glutathione S-transferase (an important detoxifying enzyme). See A. Meister, Cancer Res. 54:1969s-1975s (1994).

Skin antioxidants (enzymatic and non-enzymatic), including glutathione, lose their effect in the presence of UV light or ozone. See M.J. Connor and L.A. Wheeler, Photochem. Photobiol. 46:239-246 (1987), and R.M. Tyrrell and M. Pidoux, Photochem. Photobiol. 47:405-412 (1988). In cell culture models, low levels of intracellular glutathione (GSH) lead to higher sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. Topical application of a cysteine derivative to the skin surface of rats prevents photodamage of the skin by ultraviolet light; this effect is associated with increased glutathione synthesis. See L.T. van den Broeke and G.M.J. Beijersbergen van Henegouwen, J. Photochem. Photobiol. B Biol. 27: 61-65 (1995); K. Hanada, et al., J. Invest. Dermatol. 108: 727-730 (1997); and D.P.T. Steenvoorden, et al., Photochem. Photobiol. 67:651-656 (1998). Therefore, glutathione is the main endogenous antioxidant with high responsiveness to environmental changes, can regulate skin tone and wrinkles, and can be used to deal with exogenous aggressions.

In this experiment, 24-well format Transwell inserts (Corning Human normal neonatal dermal fibroblasts in Costar, Cambridge, MA) were cultured for 24 hours in a medium containing different concentrations of soy milk powder (treated with approximately 5 KGy of gamma-ray radiation). Prior to exposure to the soot environment, the media on the inserts of soybean products were removed, washed three times with Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (Life Technologies, Gaithersbury, MD), and then only the media under the inserts were exposed to the smoke. Immediately after the treatment, the cells were cultured for another 24 hours with the previous medium, and the cells were washed five times with Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline solution, and the cells were incubated at 37°C by adding 60 μM monobromobimane (Molecular Probes, Eugene, OR, USA) to the cells. Fluorescence was read after 30 minutes of incubation to measure intracellular thiols. Monobromobimane exhibits fluorescence in the presence of thiols. Fluorescence measurements were made using a CytoFluor ^(R) fluorescence plate reader (PerSeptive Biosystems, Framingham, MA, USA) under the following filter conditions: excitation wavelength 360 nm, emission wavelength 460 nm.

The experimental results are shown in Table 2. Table 2 Soymilk powder concentration (weight%) Mercaptans (percentage of mercaptans including smoke-free group; mean ± SEM) no smoke 0 100±6.71 Smoke (10 minutes) 00.512 65.38±7.1691.24±14.2595.39±4.52106.92±17.06

The results show that soymilk powder treated with gamma-ray radiation is surprisingly protective against smoke-induced loss of thiols (data expressed as values ± mean of three independent replicates)

It can be understood that the detailed description of the present invention is used to illustrate the present invention, but not to limit the scope of the present invention, which is determined by the scope of the appended claims. Other features, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the claims.

Claims (32)

CLAIMS 1. A composition for treating exogenous afflictions of the skin, nails or hair, the composition comprising a soybean product. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein said exogenous aggression is the result of chemical exposure. 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein said exogenous aggression is the result of physical contact. 4. The composition of claim 2, wherein said exogenous aggression is caused by the use of a cleaning agent. 5. The composition of claim 3, wherein said exogenous aggression is shaving damage. 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein said composition is for the treatment of an exogenous aggression to the skin. 7. The composition of claim 2, wherein said composition is for the treatment of an exogenous aggression to the skin. 8. The composition of claim 3, wherein said composition is for the treatment of an exogenous aggression to the skin. 9. The composition of claim 4, wherein said composition is for the treatment of an exogenous aggression to the skin. 10. The composition of claim 5, wherein said composition is for the treatment of an exogenous aggression to the skin. 11. The composition of claim 1, wherein said soy product has a thiol retention activity of at least about 75%. 12. The composition of claim 2, wherein said soy product has a thiol retention activity of at least about 75%. 13. The composition of claim 3, wherein said soy product has a thiol retention activity of at least about 75%. 14. The composition of claim 4, wherein said soy product has a thiol retention activity of at least about 75%. 15. The composition of claim 5, wherein said soy product has a thiol retention activity of at least about 75%. 16. A method of treating an exogenous affliction of the skin, nails or hair comprising topical application of a soybean product. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein said exogenous insult is caused by chemical exposure. 18. The method of claim 16, wherein said exogenous insult is the result of physical contact. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein said exogenous aggression is injury caused by use of a cleaning agent. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein said exogenous insult is damage from shaving. 21. The method of claim 16, wherein said method is for the treatment of an exogenous insult to the skin. 22. The method of claim 17, wherein said method is for the treatment of an exogenous insult to the skin. 23. The method of claim 18, wherein said method is for the treatment of an exogenous insult to the skin. 24. The method of claim 19, wherein said method is for the treatment of an exogenous insult to the skin. 25. The method of claim 20, wherein said method is for the treatment of an exogenous insult to the skin. 26. The method of claim 16, wherein said soybean product has a thiol retention activity of at least about 75%. 27. The method of claim 17, wherein said soybean product has a thiol retention activity of at least about 75%. 28. The method of claim 18, wherein the soybean product has a thiol retention activity of at least about 75%. 29. The method of claim 19, wherein the soybean product has a thiol retention activity of at least about 75%. 30. The method of claim 20, wherein said soybean product has a thiol retention activity of at least about 75%. 31. The composition of claim 1, wherein said soybean product is treated with gamma radiation. 32. The method of claim 16, wherein said soybean product is treated with gamma radiation.