MEDICAL PREPARATIVES FOR TREATING SKIN DISEASES

PCT No. PCT/GB92/00359 Sec. 371 Date Aug. 26, 1993 Sec. 102(e) Date Aug. 26, 1993 PCT Filed Feb. 28, 1992 PCT Pub. No. WO/9215314 PCT Pub. Date Sep. 17, 1992.A process is provided which is suitable for the preparation of herbal compositions for the treatment of skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis. The process comprises preparing an extract or extracts of herbs which provide an anti-inflammatory agent, an adrenocortical stimulant and a cortisol protecting agent by steam distillation and decoction and then treating the extracts to reduce the polysaccharide and/or sugar content. This is achieved by fermentation or enzymic action or by extraction with a solvent having a polarity in the range E DEG 0.4 to 0.95 or by precipitation with an inorganic compound and/or colloid or by a combination of two or more of the above. As a final concentration step, the material is further purified by extraction with a solvent having a polarity in the range mentioned above. The reduction of the sugar/polysaccharide content greatly improves the handling characteristics of the extract which can be dried to a free flowing powder. Tablets and capsules for oral administration can be prepared from the extract and it is also suitable for the preparation of topical compositions.