Stable injectable .beta.-carotene micellar solutions and their preparation

US4435427A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• BASF SE

Inventors

• Peter P. Hoppe · Monsheim, DE
• Joachim Schneider · Bad Dürkheim, DE
• Bernhard Schulz · Schwetzingen, DE
• Hubert Tiefenbacher · Echterdingen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 9, 1981
• Grant date: Mar 6, 1984
• Expiry date: Dec 9, 2001

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61K47/44
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A process for the preparation of .beta.-carotene micellar solutions, wherein a non-ionic emulsifier which is suitable for the preparation of micellar solutions is heated at from 160.degree. to 180.degree. C. and a total of from 20 to 30% by weight, based on the emulsifier, of .beta.-carotene is introduced in the presence of a conventional antioxidant, the hot homogeneous mixture is cooled rapidly to below 100.degree. C. by adding water, and the formulation is brought to the desired concentration of from 3 to 6% by weight by adding further water, and the .beta.-carotene micellar solutions obtained by this process. The non-ionic emulsifiers used in this process have an HLB value of from 12 to 16, and are in particular oxyethylated triglycerides of fatty acids of 12 to 18 carbon atoms containing 20-60 oxyethylene units. Parenteral admininstration of the stable .beta.-carotene micellar solutions according to the invention to cattle relieves the disturbed estrus cycle and impaired fertility caused by .beta.-carotene deficiency.