Compositions and methods relating to fish milt and intra-lamellar gels from algae

Abstract

Although compositions from seaweed have long been sought after for beneficial properties for the skin, the ability to produce efficacious compositions has been elusive. An intra-lamellar gel, produced from marine algae, has been found to enhance the condition of skin and hair. Milt, optionally in combination with intra-lamellar gel, also provides a composition useful for application to the skin or hair.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A composition comprising an intra-lamellar gel that has been obtained from marine algae.  
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said algae is selected from the group consisting of Mazzaella, Condracanthus, Fucus, Nori, Chondus, and Rhodophyta.  
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one oil.  
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 3 , wherein said oil is selected from the group consisting of clary, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, neroli, rosemary, cajeput, grapefruit, sage, and thyme.  
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said intra-lamellar gel is fluorescent.  
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 1 , further comprising milt.  
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 6 , wherein said milt is obtained from fish.  
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 7 , wherein said fish is cod or salmon.  
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 7 , comprising said intra-lamellar gel and said milt in a ratio of 1:1 (volume:volume) .  
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 7 , comprising said intra-lamellar gel and said milt in a ratio of 2:1 (volume:volume).  
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 7 , wherein said algae is selected from the group consisting of Mazzaella, Condracanthus, Fucus, Nori, Chondus, and Rhodophyta.  
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 7 , further comprising at least one oil.  
     
     
         13 . The composition of  claim 12 , wherein said oil is selected from the group consisting of clary, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, neroli, rosemary, cajeput, grapefruit, sage, and thyme.  
     
     
         14 . The composition of  claim 7 , wherein said intra-lamellar gel is fluorescent.  
     
     
         15 . A composition comprising milt, wherein said composition is selected from the group consisting of shampoo, soap, lotion, and hair conditioner.  
     
     
         16 . A method of producing intra-lamellar gel from marine algae, comprising the steps of (a) heating a mixture comprising blades of said algae, at least one essential oil, and water under conditions suitable and for a time sufficient to create an intra-lamellar gel in said algae blades, and (b) extracting said intra-lamellar gel from said heated algae blades.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said mixture contains more than one essential oil.  
     
     
         18 . A kit comprising a container that contains the composition of any one of claims  1 ,  4 ,  6  or  13 .  
     
     
         19 . The kit of  claim 18 , wherein said container is airtight and resealable.  
     
     
         20 . The kit of  claim 19 , wherein said container does not contain atmospheric oxygen.