CA2075201C

CA2075201C - Use of an .alpha.-tocopherol phosphate or a derivative thereof for preparing cosmetic, dermatological or pharmaceutical compositions, and compositions thereby obtained

Info

Publication number: CA2075201C
Application number: CA002075201A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Alain Meybeck; Frederic Bonte; Christian Marechal
Original assignee: LVMH Recherche GIE
Current assignee: LVMH Recherche GIE
Priority date: 1990-01-31
Filing date: 1991-01-30
Publication date: 2003-12-02
Anticipated expiration: 2011-01-30
Also published as: DE69128653T2; US5387579A; DK0513104T3; EP0652010B1; JPH05505393A; ATE132370T1; FR2657526B1; DE69116135T2; ES2084808T3; FR2657526A1; EP0513104A1; GR3019341T3; WO1991011189A1; JP3186763B2; EP0513104B1; DE69116135D1; ES2114645T3; EP0652010A1; CA2075201A1; US5952001A

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of an a-tocopherol phosphate, especially in its d1 or d form, or an ester thereof, of the general formula (see formula I) in which: R1 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as the methyl or ethyl radical. in particular, or an a-tocopheryl radi-cal; and R2 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as a methyl or ethyl radical in particular, or an oxyethylene chain of the formula (see formula II) in which R3 and R4 independently are a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical and n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, or a salt thereof, for preparing a pharma-ceutical, dermatological or cosmetic composition for the prevention or treatment of allergic manifestations such as skin allergy or bronchial asthma, or inflamma-tory manifestations, or for the prevention or treatment of the harmful effects of free radicals.

Description

20 ~~20I

Use of an a-toco~herol phosphate or a derivative there-of for preparing cosmetics dermatological or pharmaceu-tical compositions,, and compositions thereby obtained.
The present invention relates in general terms 05 to the use of an a-tocopherol phosphate, or an ester thereof, or a salt of these compounds, for preparing pharmaceutical, cosmetic or dermatological compositions with antiallergic or antiinflammatory activity or for the prevention or treatment of the harmful effects of free radicals, and to pharmaceutical, cosmetic or dermatological compositions with antiallergic or anti-inflammatory activity or for the prevention or treat-ment of the harmful effects of free radicals, in which said compound is incorporated.
It is known that vitamin E has the common name of a-tocopherol in particular (see Merck Index, 10th edition, reference 9832, page 1437).
a-Tocopherol occurs in the natural state in numerous plants, usually with other compounds such as p-tocopherol and ~-tocopherol.
It is also known that a-tocopherol exists in both the dl and d forms.
a-Tocopherol is essentially used for control ling vitamin E deficiencies or as a nutritional factor, especially for controlling muscle degeneration.
It is also used as an antioxidant, but at very specific doses.
a-Tocopherol esters have also been described, in particular the succinate, the nicotinate or the acetate (Merck Index, 10th edition, references 9832, 9833, page 1437). The synthesis of a-tocopherol acetate is also described in US patent 2 723 278 and that of other esters is described in the document J.
Amer. Chem. Soc. (1943) 65, 918-924.
dl-a-Tocopherol phosphate is also known (see P.

KARRER et al., Helv. Chim. Acta (1940) 23, 1137-8), as is its action on muscle metabolism (see J. Biol. Chem.
1942, 146, pages 309-321). Another document describes the biological role as an antioxidant on brain tissue 05 (Biol. Antioxidants Trans., 1st Conf., 1946, pages 61-62). An anticoagulant action through an action on the polymerization of fibrin has also been described (Can.
J. Biochem. and Physiol. 1959, 37, pages 501-505). An antimicrobial action in vitro on B. subtilis and S.
aureus has also been described (Naturwissenschaften 1960, 47, page 17).
In another connection, German patent applica-tion A-3 416 209 describes the use of creams containing vitamin E for the treatment and prevention of inflam-matory processes. By contrast, Berkenkopf and Lutsky have described that the injection of vitamin E into rats causes a chronic localized inflammation (Agents Actions 1979, 9, (4), 350-357).
Thus the action of vitamin E on inflammation is controversial.
It has now been discovered, totally surpri-singly and unexpectedly, that «-tocopherol phosphate, especially in its dl or d form, or an ester thereof, of the general formula :H3 R10 I ( I ) CH2- H2-CHz-CH-CHZ -H

3 0 ~ P~ 0 J
in which:
R1 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as the methyl or ethyl radical in particular, or an a-tocopheryl radical: and R2 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as a methyl or ethyl radical in 05 particular, or R20 is an oxyethylene chain of the formula ~4 -(0-CHz-CH)~-OR3 in which R3 and R4 independently are a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical and n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, or a salt thereof, can be used for preparing a pharma ceutical, dermatological or cosmetic composition for the prevention or treatment of allergic manifestations such as skin allergy or bronchial asthma, or inflamma tory manifestations, or else for the prevention or treatment of the harmful effects of free radicals.
Thus an object of the present invention is to solve the new technical problem which consists in pro-viding an active substance having a good antiallergic activity, especially for the prevention or treatment of skin allergy or bronchial asthma, or a good antiinflam-oratory activity, or else a preventive or curative activity against the harmful effects of free radicals, in particular by topical or general administration, thereby constituting a valuable active ingredient for preparing cosmetic, dermatological or pharmaceutical compositions.
The present invention solves this new technical problem satisfactorily with a particularly simple solu-tion which can be used on the industrial scale.
Thus, according to a first feature, the present invention covers the use of an a-tocopherol phosphate, 207~20~

especially in its dl or d form, or an ester thereof, of the general formula 05 CI .H3 \0 3 (I) _ Rz°

in which:
R1 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as the methyl or ethyl radical 15 in particular, or an a-tocopheryl radical; and R2 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as a methyl or ethyl radical in particular, or Rz0 is an oxyethylene chain of the f ormul a -(0-CHZ-CH)~-OR3 in which R3 and RQ independently are a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical and n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, or a salt thereof, for preparing a pharmaceutical, der-matological or cosmetic composition for the prevention or treatment of allergic manifestations such as skin allergy or bronchial asthma, or inflammatory manifesta-tions, or for the prevention or treatment of the harm-ful effects of free radicals.
Thus the products used according to the present invention are a-tocopherol phosphates or esters there-of, it being possible for these products to take the form of cosmetically, dermatologically or pharmaceuti-cally acceptable salts such as, for example, alkali metal salts, especially sodium salts (monosodium or disodium salt), or alkaline earth metal salts, espe-05 cially magnesium salts, or else ammonium salts or salts of primary, secondary or tertiary amines such as, in particular, diethylamine, diethanolamine, triethylamine or triethanolamine.
In formula (I) the alkyl radicals can have a linear or branched chain.
An alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms is for example methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl or butyl, preferably methyl or ethyl.
a-Tocopheryl radical is understood as denoting the radical CE 'H3 I
CH2- Hz-CH2-CH-CHZ -N

J
When R20 is an oxyethylene chain, n will generally be greater than or equal to 1, for example between 2 and 50, preferably between 2 and 25 and in particular equal to 2 or 5.
In another advantageous embodiment according to the invention, a compound of formula I as defined above, preferably as a salt, is used in the form of small liposome-type vesicles obtained by dispersing said compound or said salt in water or in an aqueous medium such as a buffer solution, especially by means of mechanical stirring followed by homogenization, for 20~52~1 example with the aid of ultrasound or a homogenizer under pressure.
Preferably, the size of these vesicles is adjusted to a value of between about 6.10-2 ~m and 2 ~m 05 by modifying the homogenization parameters such as the energy and the duration.
In an advantageous variant of the previous embodiment, the above-mentioned aqueous medium contains a biologically active agent, said agent being at least partially encapsulated after dispersion in the above-mentioned vesicles.
Preferably, the above-mentioned active agent is an antiallergic substance such as an extract of Scutel-laria, for example an extract of the root of Scutel-laria Baicalensis Georgi described in French patent application A-2 628 317, or an antiinflammatory sub-stance.
In an advantageous embodiment of the use accor-ding to the invention, the concentration by weight of the compound of formula (I) mentioned above, or a salt thereof, is between 0.001 and 10%, preferably between 0.01% and 1% and particularly preferably between 0.05 and 0.5%, relative to the total weight of the compo-sition.
In a currently preferred embodiment, the com-pound of formula (I) mentioned above is dl-a-tocopherol phosphate. The preferred salts are the monosodium salts and the disodium salt.
The compounds used according to the invention are generally commercially available and can be pre pared especially by following procedures described in the literature, for example in Chem. Pharm. Bull.
(1971) 19, (4), pages 687 to 695; Khim.-Pharm. Zh.
(1983) 17, (7), pages 840 to 844; Khim.-Pharm. Zh.
(1985) 19, (1), pages 75 to 77, or else in US patent 2 457 932 or Japanese patent 79-54978.
According to a second feature, the present invention covers a cosmetic or dermatological compo-sition which comprises, as the active ingredient, at 05 least one compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, as def fined above .
In an advantageous embodiment, the cosmetic or dermatological composition comprises, as the active ingredient, at least one compound of formula (I) as defined above, preferably as a salt, in the form of small liposome-type vesicles obtained by dispersing said compound or said salt in water or in an aqueous medium such as a buffer solution, especially by means of mechanical stirring followed by homogenization, for example with the aid of ultrasound or a homogenizer under pressure.
Preferably, the size of these vesicles is adjusted to a value of between about 6.10-~ ~m and 2 ~sm by modifying the homogenization parameters such as the energy and the duration.
In an advantageous variant of the previous embodiment, the above-mentioned aqueous medium contains a biologically active agent, said agent being at least partially encapsulated after dispersion in the above mentioned vesicles.
Preferably, the above-mentioned active agent is an antiallergic substance such as an extract of Scutel-laria, for example an extract of the root of Scutel-laria Baicalensis Georgi described in French patent application A-2 628 317; or an antiinflammatory sub-stance.
In another advantageous embodiment, said cos-metic or dermatological compositions are prepared for the prevention and treatment of allergic manifestations such as skin allergy or bronchial asthma, or inflam-20'~~~~~.
-8_ matory manifestations, or for the prevention or treat-ment of the harmful effects of free radicals.
The concentration of active ingredients in these cosmetic or dermatological compositions is as 05 described above for their use.
The compositions according to the invention can be formulated in any form acceptable for their use in cosmetology, dermatology or pharmacy. In particular, they can be in the form of a preventive and curative l0 skin allergy cream, a soothing antiallergic cream, a soothing antiallergic oil, a preventive or curative antiallergic lotion, an alcoholic aftershave lotion for soothing skin irritations, a hypoallergenic cream or a colloidal antiasthmatic solution, or else in the form 15 of a solution for controlling the toxic effects of the superoxide radicals which are formed as a result of intensive care techniques using oxygen.
The compositions according to the invention can also be formulated as make-up compositions such as 20 make-up foundation, lipstick, mascara and pigmented powder.
According to a third feature, the present invention covers a method of reducing the allergic or irritant potential of a pharmaceutical, dermatological 25 or cosmetic composition, which consists in incorpora-ting into said composition an effective amount of at least one compound of formula (I) or at least one salt thereof, as defined above.
In a currently preferred embodiment, the com-30 pound of formula (I) mentioned above is dl-a-tocopherol phosphate. The preferred salts are the monosodium salts and the disodium salt.
Advantageously, the concentration of compound of formula (I) or salt thereof is as described above 35 for its use.

2~7~~~1 _ g _ According to a fourth feature, the present invention further relates to a process for the manu-facture of a cosmetic or dermatological composition intended in particular for the prevention or treatment 05 of allergic manifestations such as skin allergy, or inflammatory manifestations, or for the prevention or treatment of the harmful effects of free radicals, which comprises incorporating a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, as defined above, into a cosmeti-cally or dermatologically acceptable excipient, vehicle or carrier.
According to a fifth feature, the present invention further covers a process for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of allergic manifestations such as bronchial asthma, or inflammatory manifestations, or for the prevention or treatment of the harmful effects of free radicals, which comprises incorporating a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, as defined above, into a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, vehicle or carrier.
The incorporation of the compound of formula I
or a salt thereof into said cosmetic, dermatological or pharmaceutical composition can be effected by different methods accessible to those skilled in the art, depen-ding on the desired type of formulation.
In an advantageous mode of carrying out said manufacturing processes, when the composition comprises an aqueous phase, the compound of formula (I) mentioned above is first dispersed, preferably in the form of a salt as already defined, in water or in said aqueous phase to form small vesicles, and the resulting disper-sion is then mixed with the other possible constituents of the composition.
According to a sixth feature, the present invention covers a method of preventing or treating allergic manifestations such as skin allergy or bron-chial asthma, or inflammatory manifestations, or of preventing or treating the harmful effects of free 5 radicals, which comprises applying an effective amount of at least one compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, as defined above, incorporated in a cosmeti-cally, dermatologically or pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, vehicle or carrier.
10 In accordance with one aspect of t:he present invention, there is provided a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition, comprising an effective amount of a tocopherol compound selected frc>m the group consisting of: a) an alpha-tocopherol compound of the following general formula (I) ~3 RiC~ (~ ~3 C CH3 j H3 (1?
Q CHy CHZ-o-CHZ-CH-CHZ 3 g Rz0 CH3 wherein: Rl represents an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a alpha-tocopheryl radical, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or R20 represents an oxyethylenated chain, of formula -(O--CHZ"'C~n t~R3~
wherein R3 and R4 represents independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical, and n represents an integer number higher or equal to l, b) a DL form of the 10a tocopherol compound of formula (Ij, c) a D form of the tocopherol compound of formula (I), d) a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable ester of the tocopherol compound of formula (I), e) a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the tocopherol compound of formula (I) and a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
In accordance with another aspect of i~he present invention, there is provided a cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition comprising, as active ingredient, an effective amount of a tocopherol compound selected from the group consisting of: a) an alpha-tocopherol compound of the following general formula (I) CHg O CH3 j H3 P ~ CHZ CH2-CH2-CH-CH2 3 H
/ ~O

wherein: R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an a:Lkyl radical having from l to 4 carbon atoms, or an alpha-tocopheryl radical; R2 represents an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or R20 represents an oxyethylenated chain, of formula -(O--CHZ-CH)n OR3, wherein R3 and R4 represents independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical, and n represents an integer number higher or equal to 1, b) a DL form of the tocopherol compound of formula (I), c) a D form of the tocopherol compound of formula (I), d) a cosmetically o CA 02075201 2002-04-10 lOb or pharmaceutically acceptable ester of the tocopherol compound of formula ( I ) , e) a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the tocopherol compound of formula (I), the tocopherol compound being optionally incorporated in a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of an effective amount of a tocopherol compound selected from the group consisting of: a) an alpha-tocopherol compound of the following general formula (I) CH3 (n R~a\o 0 oH3 ~ H3 P~ ~ CHZ CH2-CHZ-CH-CH;~ 3 H
p ~ v ~3 wherein: R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an a:Lkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alpha-tocopheryl radical, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or R20 represents an oxyethylenated chain, of formula -(O--CH2-Ci~~-OR3, wherein R3 and R4 represents independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical, and n represents an integer number higher or equal to l, b) a DL form of the tocopherol compound of formula (I), c) a D form of the tocopherol compound of formula (I), d) a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable ester of th.e tocopherol compound of formula (I), e) cosmE:tically or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the tocopherol L~C
compound of formula (I), as an agent for the prevention or treatment of an allergic reaction.
In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for lowering the allergic capacity or irritating capacity of a cosmetical or pharmaceutical composition having the propensity to cause an allergic reaction, comprising incorporating in that composition an effective amount of a tocopherol compound selected from the group consisting of: a) an alpha-tocopherol compound of the following general formula (I) C~i3 C8Z C~IZ~CHZ-CH-CHZ 3 H

wherein: R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alpha-tocopheryl radical, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or R20 represents an oxyethylenated chain, of formula ~(O~CIiZ-C~n"'OR3, wherein R3 and R4 represents independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical, and n represents an integer number higher or equal to 1, b) a DL form of the tocopherol compound of formula (I), c) a D form of the tocopherol compound of formula (I), d) a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable ester of the tocopherol compound of formula (I) e) a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the tocopherol lOd compound of formula (I), the tocopherol compound being incorporated in a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of an effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of: (a) an alpha tocopherol compound of the following general formula (I) CH3 CH3.
R1O'O p CH3 ~~
CHI, CH2-CH2-CH-CHZ 3 H

wherein: R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an a7_kyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alpha tocopheryl radical; R2 represents a hydrogen atom, and alkyl radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or Rz0 represents an oxyethylenated chain having the formula:
~(O=-CHI-CH)n ORg.
wherein R3 and R4 represent independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical, and n represents an integer of 1 or morel (b) a DL form of the tocopherol compound of Formula (I); (c) a D form of the tocopherol compound of Formula (I); (d) a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable ester of the tocopherol compound of Formula (I): (e) a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the tocopherol compound of Formula (I); the tocopherol compound defined above being incorporated in a cosmetically or pharmaceutically 1 Qe acceptable excipient, as an agent for the treatment of inflammatory reactions due to allergy.
In accordance with yet a. further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for 5 cosmetic care comprising topically applying onto any body skin area of a person a cosmetically effective amount of a tocopherol compound selected from the group consisting of: a) an a,-tocopherol compound of general formula (I), as follows:

Rlo o ~H3 cH3 o cn CH3 j H3 O _ CHZ CHZ-CHZ-CH-CHZ H

15 wherein: R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alpha-tocopheryl radical, Rz represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or R20 represents an oxyethylenated chain, of formula 20 ~Ra -(O-CH2-CH)"-OR3, wherein R3 and R4 represent independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical, and n represents an integer number greater than or equal to 1; b) a DL form of the 25 tocopherol compound of formula (I); c) a D form of the tocopherol compound of formula (I); d) a cosmetically acceptable ester of the tocopherol compound of formula (I), wherein at least one of R1 and R2 is alkyl, alpha-tocopheryl, or R20 represents the oxyethylenated chain;
30 and e) a cosmetically acceptable salt of the tocopherol compound of formula (I), the tocopherol compound being v lOf incorporated in a cosmetically acceptable exc:ipient.
Ln accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for cosmetic care for protecting skin cells f=rom damage caused by free radicals comprising topically applying onto any body skin area of a patient an effective amount of a tocopherol compound selected from the group consisting of: a) an alpha-tocopherol compound of general formula (I), as follows:

O CHg ~ H3 CH2 CHZ-CHz-CH-CHz/ 3 wherein: R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alpha-tocopheryl radical, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or R20 represents an oxyethylenated chain, of formula ~a ~(O--CH2-Cf~ln OR;, wherein R3 and R4 represent independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical, and n represents an integer number greater than or equal to 1; b) a DL form of the tocopherol compound of formula (I); c) a D form of the tocopherol compound of formula- (I); d) a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable ester of the tocopherol compound of formula (I) , wherein at least one of R1 and R2 is alkyl, alpha-tocopheryl, or R20 represents the oxyethylenated chain; and e) a cosmetically acceptable lOg salt of the tocopherol compound of formula (I), the tocopherol compound being optionally incorporated in a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable e~xcipient.
In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for cosmetic care comprising topically delivering on body skin areas of a person a cosmetically effective amount of a cosmetically acceptable salt of a tocopherol phosphate, selected from the group consisting of: a) an a-tocopherol compound of general formula (I), as follows:

R10~ II O CH3 P 0 CHZ CHZ-CHZ-CH-CH;~ 3 H
~3 wherein: R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an a:Lkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alpha-tocopheryl radical, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or R20 represents an oxyethylenated chain, of formula ~ (O~-CHZ-CH)n-OR3, wherein R3 and R4 represent independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical, and n represents an integer number greater than or equal to 1, and wherein at least one of R1 and R2 is a hydrogen atom, b) a DI. form of the tocopherol-phosphate of formula (I), c) a D form of the tocopherol-phosphate of formula (I): and d) a cosmetically acceptable ester of the tocopherol-Yi lOh phosphate of formula (I), wherein one of R1 and Rz is alkyl, alpha-tocopheryl or R20 represents the oxyethylenated chain, and the other of R1 a.nd R2 is a hydrogen atom, the tocopherol compound being admixed with a cosmetically acceptable excipient.
In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for cosmetic care for protection of skin cells from damage caused by free radicals comprising topical:Ly applying on body skin areas of a person an effective amount of a cosmetically acceptable salt of a tocopherol phosphate, selected from the group consisting of: (a) an a-tocopherol compound of general formula (I), as follows:
~3 Rlo o ~3 o cH3 cH~ ~ m CHZ CHZ-CH2--CH_CHZ 3 H
RZO/ O v ~3 wherein: Rl represents a hydrogen atom, an a:Lkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alpha-tocopheryl radical, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or R20 represents an oxyethylenated chain, of formula --(O--CHI-CH)~ OR3, wherein R3 and R4 represent independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical, and n represents an integer number greater than or equal to 1, and wherein at least one of Rl and R2 is a hydrogen atom; b) a DL form of the tocopherol-phosphate of formula (I), c) a D form of the tocopherol-phosphate of formula (I),; and d) a 1~1 cosmetically acceptable ester of the tocopherol-phosphate of formula (I), wherein one of R1 and R2 is alkyl, alpha-tocopheryl or R20 . represents the oxyethylenated chain, and the other of R1 and RZ is a hydrogen atom; the tocopherol compound being admixed with a cosmetically acceptable excipient.
The invention will now be illustrated in detail with the aid of several practical Examples,. which are given simply by way of illustration and cannot in any way limit the scope of the invention.
Unless indicated otherwise, the percentages are given by weight in the Examples.
Example 1 a) Preparation of a suspension of monosodium dl-oc-toco-~herol phosphate 0.8g of powdered disodiuin dl-cx-tocopherol phosphate, obtained by the method described by P.
KARRER (Helv. Chim. Acta (1940) 23, 1137-8),. is weighed out.
This powder is poured into 96.28 of double distilled water, with stirring, and stirring is con tinued for about 2 hours.
The mixture is then homogenized by ultrasound for 10 mm at 150 W until a clear suspension _i.s obtained, which gives rise to the production of liposome-type vesicles of disodium tocopherol phosphate.
Where larger volumes are involved, a homogenizer under pressure can advantageously be used, for example a homogenizer of the Manton-Gaulin~ type at a pressure of about 500 bar.
The pH is subsequently lowered to 7 by the 207~2~1 addition of about 3 ml of 0.5 N HC1, with stirring, and then adjusted to 6.5 by the addition of 0.1 N HC1, with stirring. At this pH the tocopherol phosphate is now in the form of the monosodium salt.
05 The resulting size of the vesicles of mono-sodium a-tocopherol phosphate can be determined for example by means of an Autosizer 2C from MALVERN. The average size measured in this Example is of the order of 100 nm.
It will also be noted that various dilutions can be made by modifying the amount of compounds added at the start or by modifying the volume of the disper-sion solution, which represents an easy method of pre-paring various concentrations of active principle.
The Example described gave about 100 g of suspension containing about 0.8~ of monosodium dl-a-tocopherol phosphate in the form of liposome-type vesicles of substantially homogeneous sizes.
b) Preparation of a Qelled composition of monosodium a-tocopherol phosphate The homogenized suspension obtained above can be gelled by mixing with a gel such as a vinylic polymer gel, in particular the one marketed under the tradename Carbopol~ 940.
In a manner known per se, this gel can be pre pared for example by dispersing 1 g of Carbopol~ 940 in 99 g of water in the presence of a preservative, and then, after swelling, by neutralizing to pH 7.5, for example with triethanolamine.
100 g of this gel are added to the 100 g of homogenized suspension obtained above to give a gelled composition having a monosodium a-tocopherol phosphate concentration of about 0.4%.
Gelled compositions having various a-tocopherol phosphate concentrations can be obtained by the method indicated above.
Example 2 05 Demonstration of the antiallergic activityr and anti-free radical activity of the compositions according to the invention A. ANTIALLERGIC ACTIVITY
The purpose of this study is to demonstrate antiallergic effects on the skin after sensitization with DNFB (2,4-dinitro-1-fluorobenzene).
a) Experimental protocol 64 female BalB/C mice, having essentially the same weight and showing no detectable signs of allergy, are divided up into eight groups of eight animals.
Group no. 1 receives only DNFB.
Group no. 2 receives only isotonic solution and a non-irritant dose of DNFB.
Groups no. 3 to 8 receive a test product after sensitization with DNFB, the test products being res-pectively as follows:
Group no. 3: gel of monosodium dl-«-tocopherol phos-phate (TP.Na) according to the invention Group no. 4: gel of dl-«-tocopherol («-toco) Group no. 5: gel of dl-«-tocopherol acetate (Ac-toco) Group no. 6: gel of polyethoxylated d-«-tocopherol succinate (Vit. E TPGS) Group no. 7: gelled excipient of «-toco and Ac-toco (T1) Group no. 8: gelled excipient of TP.Na and Vit. E.
TPGS (T2) The procedure is more precisely as follows:

20 ~~~0~

1) Preparation of the test products The concentration of each substance is deter-mined so that the test products are equimolar in res-pect of tocopherol.

a) Gel containing 0.128% of monosodium dl-a-tocopherol phosphate (TP.Na) according to the invention This gel is prepared as indicated in Example 1.
b) Gel containing 0.1% of dl-a-toco~herol (a-toco) 0.1 g of a-toco is dissolved in 49.9 g of absolute ethanol. The solution is stirred at room tem-perature and then mixed with 50 g of Carbopol~ 940 gel.
c) Gel containing 0.109% of dl-a-tocopherol acetate (Ac-toco) 0.109 g of Ac-toco is dissolved in 49.891 g of absolute ethanol and the solution is then mixed with 50 g of Carbopol~ 940 gel.
d) Gel containing 0.357% of Vit. E TPGS (poly-ethylene glycol 1000 d-a-tocopherol succinate) 0.357 g of Vit. E TPGS is dissolved in 49.643 g of double-distilled water. The solution is heated at 70°C, with stirring, until dissolution is complete (about 15 min). It is left to return to room tempera ture (the solution remains clear). 50 g of Carbopol~
940 gel are then added.
e) Gelled excipient of «-toco and Ac-toco (T1) This excipient is a 50/50 mixture of absolute ethanol and Carbopol~ 940 gel.
f) Gelled excipient of TP.Na and Vit. E TPGS

207~~0~.

(T2) This excipient is a 50/50 mixture of double-distilled water and Carbopol~ 940 gel.
05 2) Sensitization with DNFB
On day D-0 groups 1 and 3 to 8 receive, by injection into a paw, a sensitizing dose of 55 ~,1 of a to solution of DNFB in absolute ethanol, diluted two-fold with Freund's adjuvant.
Group no. 2 receives isotonic solution under the same conditions.
3) Application of the products From day D-1 to day D-7 groups no. 3 to 8 receive a daily application of 100 dal of test product deposited on the inside of the right ear and then spread delicately over both sides of the ear with the aid of a syringe.
On day D-7 this application is made 1 h 30 min after the initiating administration of DNFB described below.
4) Initiating administration of DNFB
On day D-7 groups 1 to 8 receive, on both sides of the right ear, a non-irritant initiating dose of 100 u1 of a 0.1~ solution of DNFB in absolute ethanol.
5) Development of the antiallergic effect 24 hours after the initiating application of DNFB, the animals are sacrificed and the right ears are delicately removed and then weighed.
b) Results The results obtained have been reported in Table I below.

20'~52~I

This Table contains the mean weight (M) of the right ears for each group, the standard deviation (e) of M and the percentage protection (P) against the action of DNFB.
05 The percentage protection P was calculated using the formula M1 - Mp P = x 100 in which:
M1 is the mean weight for group 1 (DNFB), M2 is the mean weight for group 2 (isotonic solution), and Mp is the mean weight for groups 3 to 8 (test pro-ducts ) .
The comparison of the results was evaluated statistically by means of the Student test:
- (S1): between groups 3 to 8 and group 1 (DNFB - posi-tive control) - (S2): between groups 3 to 8 and group 2 (isotonic solution - negative control).
TABLE I
M a P% S1 S2 Group 1 (DNFB) 161.7 12.4 Group 2 (iso. sol.) 133.7 9.6 Group 3 (TP.Na) 144.0 16.4 +63.2 s ns Group 4 (a-toco) 173.5 18.8 -42.1 ns s Group 5 (Ac-toco) 161.8 12.5 - 0.3 ns s Group 6 (Vit. E TPGS)161.8 7.7 - 0.3 ns s Group 7 (T1) 159.8 18.2 + 6.7 ns s Group 8 (T2) 152.7 19.9 +32.1 ns s s : significant ns: not significant It can be seen from Table I that the edema 20'5201 caused by the action of DNFB is significantly reduced by the product according to the invention (TP.Na), whereas in this model the comparative products, in par-ticular dl-a-tocopherol and dl-a-tocopherol acetate, 05 have no influence or have even increased the reaction caused by DNFB.
The antiallergic activity of the compounds according to the invention is therefore particularly high and surprising, especially in view of the negative activity of tocopherol.
Various Examples of topical, dermatocosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions, especially dermatological compositions, are given below.
B. Study of the anti-free radical activity This study is performed according to the proto-col described by M.S. NOEL-HUDSON, C. de BELILOVSKI, N.
PETIT, A. LINDENBAUM, J. WEPIERRE in TOXIC. in vitro, 1989, 3, (2), 103-109.
Tests are carried out on cultures of human keratinocytes. The stock solution of the test product according to the invention is a 0.1% aqueous solution of disodium dl-a-tocopherol phosphate. This solution is used at different dilutions in MCDB153 culture medium (Irvine~) supplemented with ethanolamine, phos-phoethanolamine, cortisone, insulin and calcium (0.1 mM), so as to give the following concentrations of dl-a-tocopherol phosphate salt:
10-3%, 5.10-4%, 10-4% and 5.10-5%.
The test dilution is brought into contact with the culture cells for 48 hours just after inoculation.
The culture medium is then discarded and the cells are rinsed with phosphate buffer. The hypo xanthine/xanthine oxidase system (HX-XO), which is a free radical generator, is then applied for 2 hours 30 minutes. After a further rinse with phosphate buffer, the cytocoxicity is determined by the so-called neutral red method (Borenfreund arid Puerner, Toxocol. Lett.
19$5, vol. 24 (2-3); pp 119-24).
The values shown in Table II represent the cell viabil~.ty expressed as the percentage of living yells relative to the total number of cells in Lhe culture in question.
TABLH II
Concetttrazi.ous of the test product 0'i lA'sZ 5.I0-4x 1(1'~Z 5.10~6x coxstrol cultures 100 66.40 87.92 94_28 100 Treated culsures 10.57 39.59 32.79 12.19 9.28 CI~iX-Xo ) It is seen that the percentage cell viability is very considerably improved in the cultures which have been in contact with the product according Lo the invention prior to treatment with the HX-XO system, compared with chat of the culture to wha.ch no product has been added beforehand.
Thin very clearly shows the preventive protective activity of the produce according to the invention against the cytotaxic action of free radicals such as those produced by the hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase system.

Examples of pharmaceutical or cosmetic formulations containing vitamin E phosphate Example 3 05 Preventive allergy and curative cream skin Com,_p osition A - Cera bellina 5.00 g Silicone 200 1.50 g Squalane 5.00 g Myglyol 812 5.00 g Nylon* 12 SP 500 3.00 g BHT 0.05 g B - Demineralized water 49.56 g EDTA 0.10 g Propylene glycol 4.00 g Carbopol~ 1342 0.45 g Triethanolamine 0.54 g 0.4~ dispersion of mono-sodium dl-a-tocopherol phosphate, pH 6.6 25.00 g C - Germaben II~ 0.80 g Procedure: Mixture A is heated, with stirring, to give a homogeneous mixture. Mixture B is prepared by dispersing the Carbopol~ 1342 in an aqueous solution containing the EDTA and the propylene glycol in 49.56 g of distilled water, and neutralizing with the tri-ethanolamine. The 0.4~ dispersion (non-gelled) of dl-a-tocopherol phosphate, obtained according to Example 1, is then added.
Mixture B is then heated to 75°C and held at this temperature, with stirring, while mixture A is added. The resulting mixture is left to cool to 45°C, * - Trade-mark 207~~01 the Germaben II~ is then added and the mixture is left to cool further to room temperature, with stirring.
This gives a cream.
05 Example 4 Soothing antiallergic cream Composition:
A - Soya lecithin 2.00 g Cosbiol~ 8.50 g B - Demineralized water 58.85 g EDTA 0.10 g Glycerol 4.00 g Carbopol~ 940 0.35 g Triethanolamine 0.40 g Germaben II~ 0.80 g C - 0.4% dispersion of mono sodium a-tocopherol phosphate, pH 6.6 25.00 g Procedure: The Cosbiol~ and the lecithin are heated, with stirring, until they have completely dis-solved, and the solution is left to cool to room tem-perature. Mixture B is obtained by dispersing the Carbopol~ 940 in the mixture water + EDTA + glycerol.
The whole is neutralized with the triethanolamine, after which the Germaben II~ is added.
Mixture A is then poured into mixture B, with stirring. The resulting mixture is homogenized and the dispersion obtained as in Example 1 is then added. The mixture is homogenized again to give a cream which can be applied locally in the morning and evening to soothe allergic skin reactions.

2U7~~~1 Example 5 Soothing antiallergic oil 0.1 g of powdered disodium a-tocopherol phos phate is dissolved in 99.9 g of trioctyl citrate at 05 70~C for 8 h, with magnetic stirring.
The resulting oily solution can be applied locally, like the cream of Example 4.
Example 6 Alcoholic aftershave lotion Composition:

Disodium a-tocopherol phosphate 0.2 g Ethanol 40 g Propylene glycol 0.5 g Pantothenol 0.1 g Perfumed aqueous excipient qsp 100 g Preparation: The disodium tocopherol phosphate is dissolved in the absolute alcohol, and the other constituents are dissolved in the water to give a separate solution. The two solutions obtained are mixed and the whole is homogenized by means of ultra-sound .
This lotion makes it possible to soothe the irritations due to shaving, which are commonly referred to as "smarting".
Example 7 Preventive or curative antiallergic lotion Composition:
4% dispersion of mono-sodium a-tocopherol phosphate 25.00 g ~o~~~o~

Ethanol 10.00 g Propylene glycol 5.00 g Aqueous excipient qsp 100.00 g 05 The 4% dispersion of a-tocopherol phosphate is prepared as in Example 1, except that this dispersion has a greater concentration of monosodium a-tocopherol phosphate.
The constituents of the above formulation are mixed together and homogenized by means of ultrasound.
Example 8 Colloidal antiasthmatic solution Composition:
4o dispersion of mono-sodium a-tocopherol phosphate 12.50 g Buffered aqueous excipient + preservative qsp 100.00 g The dispersion of monosodium tocopherol phos-phate is prepared as in Example 1. After homogeniza-tion with ultrasound, a colloidal solution is obtained which is then incorporated into the buffered excipient.
This solution can be used as a spray in the upper respiratory tract, especially for soothing asthmatic coughs.

Example 9 Colloidal solution for intensive care tech-niques Composition:
05 4% dispersion of mono sodium a-tocopherol phosphate 7.50 g Buffered aqueous excipient + preservative to qsp 100.00 g This composition is prepared as in the previous Example.
It can be used for controlling the toxic 15 effects of the superoxide radicals which are formed as a result of intensive care techniques using oxygen. In this case it is administered as an intratracheal instillation at the same time as the gaseous mixture is administered.
Example 10 Antiallergic make-up foundation Composition:
Disodium dl-a-tocopherol phosphate 0.5 g Emulsion for make-up foundation 99.5 g This composition is prepared by incorporating the disodium tocopherol phosphate, previously dispersed in water, into the aqueous phase of the emulsion. The emulsion is then prepared by the conventional proce-dure.
This make-up foundation minimizes the risks of allergic manifestations due to a raw material or to an allergenic substance coming into contact with the skin.

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition, comprising an effective amount of a tocopherol compound selected from the group consisting of:
a) an alpha-tocopherol compound of the following general formula (I) wherein:
R1 represents an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alpha-tocopheryl radical, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or R20 represents an oxyethylenated chain, of formula wherein R3 and R4 represents independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical, and n represents an integer number higher or equal to 1, b) a DL form of said tocopherol compound of formula (I), c) a D form of said tocopherol compound of formula (I), d) a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable ester of said tocopherol compound of formula (I) e) a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said tocopherol compound of formula (I) and a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

2. The composition of claim 1 wherein said compound of formula (I) is in the form of small vesicles of the liposomal type obtained by dispersion of said compound in water or in an aqueous medium.

3. The composition of claim 1, comprising a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said tocopherol compound of formula (I).

4. The composition of claim 2 wherein the size of said vesicles ranges between 6 × 10 -2 micrometers and 2 micrometers.

5. The composition of claim 2 wherein said aqueous medium contains a biologically active agent, said agent being encapsulated in said vesicles.

6. The composition of claim 5 wherein said biologically active agent is an anti-allergic substance.

7. The composition of claim 6, wherein said anti-allergic substance comprises a Scutellaria extract.

8. The composition of claim 7, wherein said Scutellaria extract is an extract from the roots of Scutellaria.

9. The composition of claim 5, wherein said biologically active agent is an anti-inflammatory substance.

10. The composition of claim 2, wherein said compound of formula (I) is incorporated in a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable excipient to constitute a composition, said compound of formula (I) being present in a weight concentration ranging from 0.001 to 10% with respect to the total weight of said composition.

11. The composition of claim 6, wherein said anti-allergic substance is an extract from Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi.

12. The composition of claim 11, wherein said Scutellaria extract is an extract from the roots of Scutellaria.

13. The composition of claim 1 wherein said compound of formula (I) is incorporated in a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable excipient to constitute a composition, said compound of formula (I) being in a weight concentration ranging from 0.001 to 10% with respect to the total weight of said composition.

14. A cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition comprising, as active ingredient, an effective amount of a tocopherol compound selected from the group consisting of:

a) an alpha-tocopherol compound of the following general formula (I) wherein:
R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alpha-tocopheryl radical;

R2 represents an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or R2O
represents an oxyethylenated chain, of formula wherein R3 and R4 represents independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical, and n represents an integer number higher or equal to 1, b) a DL form of said tocopherol compound of formula (I), c) a D form of said tocopherol compound of formula (I), d) a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable ester of said tocopherol compound of formula (I), e) a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said tocopherol compound of formula (I), said tocopherol compound incorporated in a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

15. The composition of claim 14, wherein said compound of formula (I) is present as small vesicles of the liposomal type obtained by dispersion of said compound in water or in an aqueous medium.

16. The composition of claim 14, wherein said tocopherol compound comprises a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said tocopherol compound of formula (I).

17. The composition of claim 15, wherein the size of said vesicles ranges between 6 x 10 -2 micrometers and 2 micrometers.

18. The composition of claim 15, wherein said aqueous medium contains a biologically active agent, said agent being encapsulated in said vesicles.

19. The composition of claim 18, wherein said biologically active agent is an anti-allergic substance.

20. The composition of claim 19, wherein said anti-allergic substance comprises a Scutellaria extract.

21. The composition of claim 20, wherein said Scutallaria extract is an extract from the roots of Scutellaria.

22. The composition of claim 18, wherein said biologically active agent is an anti-inflammatory substance.

23. The composition of claim 14, wherein said compound of formula (I) is incorporated in a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable excipient to constitute a composition, said compound of formula (I) being present in a weight concentration ranging from 0.001 to 10% with respect to the total weight of said composition.

24. The composition of claim 14, wherein said salt of compound of formula (I) is selected from a monosodium salt and disodium salt.

25. The composition of claim 19, wherein said anti-allergic substance is an extract from Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi.

26. The composition of claim 25, wherein said Scutellaria extract is an extract from the roots of Scutellaria.

27. Use of an effective amount of a tocopherol compound selected from the group consisting of:

a) an alpha-tocopherol compound of the following general formula (I) wherein:

R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alpha-tocopheryl radical, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or R2O represents an oxyethylenated chain, of formula wherein R3 and R4 represents independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical, and n represents an integer number higher or equal to 1, b) a DL form of said tocopherol compound of formula (I), c) a D form of said tocopherol compound of formula (I), d) a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable ester of said tocopherol compound of formula (I) e) a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said tocopherol compound of formula (I), as an agent for the prevention or treatment of an allergic reaction.

28. The use according to claim 27, wherein said tocopherol compound of formula (I) is in the form of small vesicles of the liposomal type dispersed in water or aqueous medium.

29. The use according to claim 28, wherein said agent comprises a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said tocopherol compound of formula (I).

30. The use according to claim 28, wherein the size of said vesicles ranges between 6 x 10 -2 micrometers and 28 micrometers.

31. The use according to claim 28, wherein said aqueous medium contains a biologically active agent, said agent being encapsulated in said vesicles.

32. The use according to claim 31, wherein said biologically active agent is an anti-allergic substance.

33. The use according to claim 32, wherein said anti-allergic substance comprises a Scutellaria extract.

34. The use according to claim 33, wherein said Scutellaria extract is an extract from the roots of Scutellaria.

35. The use according to claim 31, wherein said biologically active agent is an antiinflammatory substance.

36. The use according to claim 27, wherein said compound of formula (I) is incorporated in a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable excipient to constitute a composition, said compound of formula (I) being present in a weight concentration ranging from 0.001 to 10% with respect to the total weight of said composition.

37. The use according to claim 27, wherein said compound of formula (I) is DL-alpha-tocopherol phosphate.

38. The use according to claim 27, wherein said salt of compound of formula (I) is selected from a monosodium salt and a disodium salt.

39. The use according to claim 27, wherein said allergic reaction is selected from the group consisting of a cutaneous allergy and bronchial asthma.

40. The use according to claim 32, wherein said anti-allergic substance is an extract from Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi.

41. The use according to claim 40, wherein said Scutellaria extract is an extract from the roots of Scutellaria.

42. A method for lowering the allergic capacity or irritating capacity of a cosmetical or pharmaceutical composition having the propensity to cause an allergic reaction, comprising incorporating in that composition an effective amount of a tocopherol compound selected from the group consisting of:

a) an alpha-tocopherol compound of the following general formula (I) wherein:

R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alpha-tocopheryl radical, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or R2O represents an oxyethylenated chain, of formula wherein R3 and R4 represents independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical, and n represents an integer number higher or equal to 1, b) a DL form of said tocopherol compound of formula (I), c) a D form of said tocopherol compound of formula (I), d) a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable ester of said tocopherol compound of formula (I) e) a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said tocopherol compound of formula (I), said tocopherol compound being incorporated in a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein said compound of formula (I) is incorporated in said composition in a weight concentration ranging from 0.001 to 10% with respect to the total weight of said composition.

44. The method of claim 42, wherein said compound of formula (I) is DL-alpha-tocopherol phosphate.

45. The method of claim 42, wherein said salt of compound of formula (I) is selected from a monosodium salt and a disodium salt.

46. The method of claim 42, wherein said tocopherol compound of formula (I) is in the form of small vesicles of the liposomal type dispersed in water or aqueous medium.

47. The method of claim 46 wherein a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said tocopherol compound of formula (I) is used.

48. The method of claim 46 wherein the size of said vesicles ranges between 6.10 x 10 -2 micrometers and 28 micrometers.

49. The method of claim 46 wherein said aqueous medium contains a biologically active agent, said agent being encapsulated in said vesicles.

50. The method of claim 49 wherein said biologically active agent is an anti-allergic substance.

51. The method of claim 50 wherein said anti-allergic substance comprises a Scutellaria extract.

52. The method of claim 51 wherein said Scutellaria extract is an extract from the roots of Scutellaria.

53. The method of claim 49 wherein said biologically active agent is an anti-inflammatory substance.

54. The method of claim 42 whereto said allergic reaction is selected from the group consisting of a cutaneous allergy and bronchial asthma.

55. The method of claim 50 wherein said anti-allergic substance is an extract from Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi.

56. The method of claim 55 wherein said Scutellaria extract is an extract from the roots of Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi.

57. Use of an effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of:

(a) an alpha tocopherol compound of the following general formula (I) wherein:

R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alpha tocopheryl radical;

R2 represents a hydrogen atom, and alkyl radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or R2O represents an oxyethylenated chain having the formula:

wherein R3 and R4 represent independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical, and n represents an integer of 1 or more;

(b) a DL form of said tocopherol compound of Formula (I);

(c) a D form of said tocopherol compound of Formula (I);

(d) a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable ester of said tocopherol compound of Formula (I);

(e) a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said tocopherol compound of Formula (I);

said tocopherol compound defined above being incorporated in a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, as an agent for the treatment of inflammatory reactions due to allergy.

58. The use according to claim 57, wherein said tocopherol compound of formula (I) is in the form of small vesicles of the liposomal type dispersed in water or aqueous medium.

59. The use according to claim 58, wherein said agent comprises a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said tocopherol compound of formula (I) is used.

60. The use according to claim 58, wherein the size of said vesicles ranges between 6.10 x 10 -2 micrometers and 28 micrometers.

61. The use according to claim 58, wherein said aqueous medium contains a biologically active agent, said agent being encapsulated in said vesicles.

62. The use according to claim 61, wherein said biologically active agent is an anti-allergic substance.

63. The use according to claim 62, wherein said anti-allergic substance comprises a Scutellaria extract.

64. The use according to claim 63, wherein said Scutellaria extract is an extract from the roots of Scutellaria.

65. The use according to claim 61, wherein said biologically active agent is an anti-inflammatory substance.

66. The use according to claim 57, wherein said compound of Formula (I) is incorporated in a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable excipient to constitute a composition, said compound of Formula (I) being present in a weight concentration ranging from 0.001 to 10% with respect to the total weight of the composition.

67. The use according to claim 57, wherein said compound of Formula (I) is DL-alpha tocopherol phosphate.

68. The use according to claim 57, wherein said compound of Formula (I) is selected from a monosodium salt and a disodium salt.

69. The use according to claim 57, wherein said allergic reaction is selected from the group consisting of cutaneous allergy and bronchial asthma.

70. The use according to claim 63, wherein said Scutellaria extract is an extract from Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi.

71. The use according to claim 70, wherein said Scutellaria extract is an extract from the roots of Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi.

72. Use of a cosmetically effective amount of a tocopherol compound selected from the group consisting of:

a) an .alpha.-tocopherol compound of general formula (I), as follows:

wherein:

R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alpha-tocopheryl radical, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or R2O represents an oxyethylenated chain, of formula wherein R3 and R4 represent independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical, and n represents an integer number greater than or equal to 1;

b) a DL form of said tocopherol compound of formula (I);

c) a D form of said tocopherol compound of formula (I);

d) a cosmetically acceptable ester of said tocopherol compound of formula (I), wherein at least one of R1 and R2 is alkyl, alpha-tocopheryl, or R2O represents said oxyethylenated chain; and e) a cosmetically acceptable salt of said tocopherol compound of formula (I), said tocopherol compound defined above being incorporated in a cosmetically acceptable excipient to provide a composition for a cosmetic care.

73. The use of claim 72, wherein said compound of formula (I) is in a form of small liposomal vesicles obtained by dispersion of said compound in water or in an aqueous medium.

74. The use of claim 73, wherein said tocopherol compound is present in a form of a cosmetically acceptable salt.

75. The use of claim 73, wherein said vesicles range in size between 6 x 10-2 micrometers and 2 micrometers.

76. The use of claim 73, wherein said vesicles contain a biologically active agent in addition to said compound of formula (I).

77. The use of claim 72, wherein said compound of formula (I) is present in a weight concentration ranging from 0.001 % to 10% with respect to a total weight of said composition.

78. The use of claim 72, wherein said compound of formula (I) is DL-alpha-tocopherol phosphate.

79. The use of claim 72, wherein said salt of said compound of formula (I) is selected from a monosodium salt and a disodium salt.

80. Use of an effective amount of a tocopherol compound selected from the group consisting of:

a) an alpha-tocopherol compound of general formula (I), as follows:
wherein:
R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alpha-tocopheryl radical, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or R2O represents an oxyethylenated chain, of formula wherein R3 and R4 represent independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical, and n represents an integer number greater than or equal to 1;
b) a DL form of said tocopherol compound of formula (I);
c) a D form of said tocopherol compound of formula (I);
d) a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable ester of said tocopherol compound of formula (I), wherein at least one of R~ and R2 is alkyl, alpha-tocopheryl, or R20 represents said oxyethylenated chain; and e) a cosmetically acceptable salt of said tocopherol compound of formula (I), said tocopherol compound being incorporated in a cosmetically acceptable excipient to form a composition, for protecting skin cells from damage from free radicals.

81. The use of claim 80, wherein said compound of formula (I) is in a form of small liposomal vesicles obtained by dispersion of said compound in water or in an aqueous medium.

82. The use of claim 81, wherein said tocopherol compound is present in a form of a cosmetically acceptable salt.

83. The use of claim 81, wherein said vesicles range in size between 6 x 10-2 micrometers and 2 micrometers.

84. The use of claim 81, wherein said vesicles contain a biologically active agent in addition to said compound of formula (I).

85. The use of claim 80, wherein said compound of formula (I) is present in a weight concentration ranging from 0.001 % to 10% with respect to a total weight of said composition.

86. The use of claim 80, wherein said compound of formula (I) is DL-alpha-tocopherol phosphate.

87. The use of claim 80, wherein said salt of compound of formula (I) is selected from a monosodium salt and a disodium salt.

88. Use of a cosmetically effective amount of a cosmetically acceptable salt of a tocopherol phosphate, selected from the group consisting of:
a) an .alpha.-tocopherol compound of general formula (I), as follows:

wherein:
R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alpha-tocopheryl radical, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or R2O represents an oxyethylenated chain, of formula wherein at least one of R1 and R2 is a hydrogen atom, b) a DL form of said tocopherol-phosphate of formula (I) c) a D form of said tocopherol-phosphate of formula (I); and d) a cosmetically acceptable ester of said tocopherol-phosphate of formula (I), wherein one of R1 and R2 is alkyl, alpha-tocopheryl or R2O
represents said oxyethylenated chain, and the other of R1 and R2 is a hydrogen atom, said tocopherol compound being admixed with a cosmetically acceptable excipient to from a composition, for cosmetic care.

89. The use of claim 88, wherein said cosmetically acceptable salt of tocopherol phosphate is monosodium or disodium DL-alpha-tocopherol phosphate incorporated in a cosmetically acceptable excipient to constitute a composition wherein said monosodium or disodium salt of tocopherol phosphate is present in a weight concentration ranging from 0.001 % to 10 with respect to a total weight of said composition.

90. Use of an effective amount of a cosmetically acceptable salt of a tocopherol phosphate, selected from the group consisting of:
(a) an .alpha.-tocopherol compound of general formula (I), as follows:
wherein:
R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alpha-tocopheryl radical, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or R20 represents an oxyethylenated chain, of formula wherein R3 and R4 represent independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical, and n represents an integer number greater than or equal to 1, and wherein at least one of R1 and R2 is a hydrogen atom;
b) a DL form of said tocopherol-phosphate of formula (I) c) a D form of said tocopherol-phosphate of formula (I); and d) a cosmetically acceptable ester of said tocopherol-phosphate of formula (I), wherein one of R1 and R2 is alkyl, alpha-tocopheryl or R2O
represents said oxyethylenated chain, and the other of R1 and R2 is a hydrogen atom;
said tocopherol compound being admixed with a cosmetically acceptable excipient to form a composition, for protecting skin cells from damage from free radicals.

91. The use of claim 90, wherein said cosmetically acceptable salt of tocopherol phosphate is monosodium or disodium DL-alpha-tocopherol phosphate incorporated in a cosmetically acceptable excipient to constitute a composition wherein said monosodium or disodium salt of tocopherol phosphate is present in a weight concentration ranging from 0.001 % to 10% with respect to a total weight of said composition.