Peptides and Their Use in The Treatment of Hair

Abstract

Peptides, topical compositions, and methods of improving health and/or appearance of human integuments, such as keratinous surfaces and fibers are provided. The peptides have from 3-12 amino acid residues and comprise the sequence YNT (SEQ ID NO: 1) or PVG (SEQ ID NO: 2).

1 . A method for strengthening, thickening, and/or promoting growth of human keratin fibers comprising topically applying to skin in the area of keratin fiber follicles a composition comprising, in a physiologically acceptable vehicle, an active agent comprising a peptide having from 3-6 amino acid residues, comprising the sequence YNT (SEQ ID NO: 1) or PVG (SEQ ID NO: 2). 
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said active agent comprises the sequence YNT (SEQ ID NO: 1). 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein said active agent comprises the sequence PVG (SEQ ID NO: 2). 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said active agent is peptide wherein said peptide is optionally functionalized with a C 2-24  hydrocarbon to improve lipophilicity. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein said active agent is palmitoyl-(YNT). 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein said active agent is palmitoyl-(PVG). 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein said active agent is K-Ava-YNTK (SEQ ID NO: 3). 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein said active agent is K-Ava-PVGK (SEQ ID NO: 4). 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said composition is applied at least once daily for at least four weeks. 
     
     
         10 . A composition comprising an active agent comprising a peptide having from 3-6 amino acid residues, comprising the sequence YNT (SEQ ID NO: 1) or PVG (SEQ ID NO: 2), and a physiologically acceptable vehicle, wherein the active agent is present in an amount from about 0.0001% to about 10% by weight of the composition. 
     
     
         11 . The composition according to  claim 10 , wherein said active agent comprises the sequence YNT (SEQ ID NO: 1). 
     
     
         12 . The composition according to  claim 10 , wherein said active agent comprises the sequence PVG (SEQ ID NO: 2). 
     
     
         13 . The composition according to  claim 10 , wherein said active agent is peptide wherein said peptide is optionally functionalized with a C 2-24  hydrocarbon to improve lipophilicity. 
     
     
         14 . The composition according to  claim 13 , wherein said active agent is palmitoyl-(YNT). 
     
     
         15 . The composition according to  claim 13 , wherein said active agent is palmitoyl-(PVG). 
     
     
         16 . The composition according to  claim 10 , wherein said active agent is K-Ava-YNTK (SEQ ID NO: 3). 
     
     
         17 . The composition according to  claim 10 , wherein said active agent is K-Ava-PVGK (SEQ ID NO: 4). 
     
     
         18 . The cosmetic composition of  claim 10 , wherein the active agent is present in an amount from about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the composition. 
     
     
         19 . The composition of  claim 10 , wherein said topically acceptable vehicle comprises a water-in-oil, oil-in-water, silicone-in-water, or water-in-silicone emulsion, further comprising an emulsifier. 
     
     
         20 . The composition of  claim 10 , wherein said composition is in the form of a shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, mousse, tonic, or lotion. 
     
     
         21 . The composition of  claim 10 , wherein said composition further includes one or more of creatine, a botanical extract from  Pouzolzia pentandra,  N-biotinyl-gly-his-lys, hydrolyzed wheat protein, saw palmetto (Serenoa) extract,  Emblica officianalis  extract, and beta-glycyrrhetic acid.