Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to skincare compositions containing extract of cashew apple. Particularly, the skincare composition of the invention is helpful in reducing cellulite, in improving skin elasticity and in treating
5 various other skin conditions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) belongs to the family Anacardiacea. It was originally introduced into India by the Portuguese during the 16th
10 century. Runjala et al (Cashew apple (Anacardium occidentale L.) therapeutic benefits, processing and product development: An overview; Suneetha Runjala and Dr. Lakshman Kella; The Pharma Innovation Journal 2017; 6(7): 260-264) discloses that the fruit of the cashew tree is an accessory fruit (sometimes called a pseudo carp or false fruit). What appears to be the fruit is
15 an oval or pear-shaped structure, a hypocarpium that develops from the pedicel and the receptacle of the cashew flower. Called the cashew apple, better known in Central America as
maranon, it ripens into a yellow and/or red structure about 5–11 cm long. It is edible, and has a strong "sweet" smell and a sweet taste. Cashew apples possess anti-
20 bacterial properties and have been proven to be effective in treating stomach ulcers and gastritis. Its juice is rich in vitamin C and has an anti-scurvy effect. Cashew apple juice is widely utilized in the cosmetic industry due to the presence of antioxidants and is used in the preparation of various creams and shampoos. Cashew extract contains anarcardic acid which is an antioxidant and has been
25 shown to limit the pigmentation effects of aging and to eradicate the cancer cells. Fruit of the cashew tree is used to treat infant's thrush and sore mouth.

Cashew is essentially a tropical crop, grows best in the warm, moist and typically tropical climate. The distribution of cashew is restricted to
30 altitudes below 700 m where the temperature does not fall below 200? for prolonged periods, although it may be found growing at elevation up to 1200

m. It is best adopted to the coastal regions. The cashew is hardy and drought resistant, but it is damaged by frost.

Runjala et al also states that many properties of fresh cashew apple juice have
5 been proposed and continue to be proposed for its therapeutic values like anti- oxidant, anti-fungal, antibacterial, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic activities. Anacardic acids, along with (E)-2-hexenal have been found to exhibit broad antimicrobial activity. The total anacardic acid content in cashew apple is 1.1 g/kg and is suggested for its utilization in functional food formulations. Anacardic
10 acids are used in cosmetics for disinfection. Ascorbic acid and tannic acid contribute considerably to the overall antioxidant capacity of the cashew apple juice. The antioxidant activity of cashew apple is correlated well to the quantities of alkyl phenols, anacardic acids and cardols. The antioxidant activity of anacardic acid-1 (6-[8(Z), 11(Z), 14-pentadecatrienyl] salicylic acid) relates to the inhibition
15 of superoxide generation (IC50=0.04 mM) and xanthine oxidase activity (IC50=0.30 mM). The presence of chemically active components (ascorbic acid, anacardic acid, carotenoids, condensed tannins, quercetin, and other phenolic compounds) in fresh and processed cashew apple juice are responsible for the anti- mutagenic mechanism, which is shown to be involved in stimulation of DNA repair
20 or reversion of DNA damage. Due to lack of awareness about the nutritional values of cashew apples and suitable technology for preservation, thousands of tons of cashew apples are wasted every year. Runjala et al provides the chemical composition and nutritive value of cashew apples as shown in Table 1.
Table 1

Composition Constituents Range
Sugars Total sugars (sucrose, maltose, raffinose and two higher saccharides (unidentified))
Reducing sugars (glucose and fructose) 6.3–9.9g/100g

6.24–9.8g/100g
Vitamins Vitamin C 126–372 mg/100 ml
Minerals Ca, P, Fe K 0.9-21.4 mg/100 g
1.53 g/L

Mg, Zn, Na 16–105 g/L
Amino acid Ala, Phe, Ser, Leu, Glu, Asp, Pro, Tyr 0.88-3.36mM
Polyphenols Gallic acid, protocatechuic acid,
ß-cryptoxanthin, zeinoxanthin, lutein 215.1–412.8 mg/100 ml
Organic acids Malic acid, citric acid, lactic acid 0.1–0.36 g/100 ml
Tannins 0.22–0.58 g/100 ml
Protein 0.1–1.04 g/100 g
Carotene 0.03–0.74 mg/100 g
pH 3.67–4.53

Table 2 below provides proximate fruit composition of cashew apple and cashew nut, which has an edible flesh to fruit ratio of 87%.

5 Table 2

Proximate Apple (gm/100gm) Nut (gm/100gm)
Water 85.4 5.2
Energy (kcal) 53.0 553.0
Protein 0.8 18.2
Lipid (Fat) 0.4 43.9
Carbohydrate 13.1 30.2
Fibre 0.4 3.3
Ash 0.3 2.54

Minerals Apple (mg) Nut (mg)
Calcium 7.0 37.0
Iron 0.6 6.7
Magnesium 292.0
Phosphorus 18.0 593.0
Potassium 124.0 660.0
Sodium 7.0 12.0

Vitamins Apple (mg) Nut (mg)
Ascorbic Acid 198.0 0.5
Thiamine 0.02 0.42
Riboflavin 0.01 0.06
Niacin 0.5 1.06
Vitamin A 50 IU 0.0

Cashew apple is rich in vitamin C, sugars and contains considerable amount of tannins and minerals mainly calcium, iron and phosphorus. Ripe cashew apple contains 88 to 90% moisture, 12.3 % carbohydrates, 0.2% proteins, 0.1% fat, 0.9%
5 crude fibre, 10.0 mg/100g Calcium, 0.2 mg/100 g iron, 261mg/100 g Vitamin C, 0.2% minerals, 0.02 mg/100g thiamine, 0.5mg/100 g riboflavin, 0.4mg/100 g nicotinic acid, 39.0 IU vitamin A, 10.37% total sugars, 9.61% reducing sugars, 0.32% titratable acidity, 199.08mg/100g ascorbic acid, and 0.15% tannins.

10 While a lot is known about the components of the cashew apple fruit, and about use of the same in various ailments and conditions, there is no reference disclosing the use of the cashew apple extract for application to the skin to reduce cellulite.

The present invention provides an easy and effective remedy for reducing cellulite
15 and for improving skin elasticity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides the use of cashew apple extract for reducing cellulite and for improving the look and feel of the skin.
20
The present disclosure provides a composition comprising cashew apple extract in an amount ranging from about 0.5% to about 50% by weight of the composition and cosmetically suitable excipients.

In one embodiment the cashew apple extract is formulated into a suitable cosmetic composition that can be applied easily to the required area of the skin for reducing cellulite.

5 In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition containing the cashew apple extract helps in improving elasticity of the skin.

In yet another embodiment, the composition containing the cashew apple extract is applied at least once daily to the affected area of the skin.
10
The compositions containing cashew apple extract also contain cosmetically suitable excipients that help provide a composition that can easily handled and applied to the skin.

15 In another embodiment, the cashew apple extract containing composition is stable over a period of at least 1 year, when stored at room temperature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 provides cytotoxicity evaluation chart of the cashew apple extract of the
20 present invention at different concentrations.

Figure 2 provides Adipocyte Lipolytic Assay with differentiated adipocytes using 50% concentration of Cashew apple extract of the present invention.

25 Figure 3A provides pictorial representation of Sebutape test of Serum A (left) and Serum B (right) of Example 1. In the figures, A stands for Blank and B stands for test sample applied

Figure 3B provides microscopic evaluation of strip from female subject after 20 minutes where (a) provides observation for Blank, and (b) provides that for Test Serum A.

5 Figure 3C provides microscopic evaluation of strip from male subject after 20 minutes where (a) provides observation for Blank, and (b) provides that for Test Serum B.

Figure 3D provides microscopic evaluation of strip from female subject after 3
10 hours where (a) provides observation for Blank, and (b) provides that for Test Serum A.

Figure 3E provides microscopic evaluation of strip from male subject after 3 hours where (a) provides observation for Blank, and (b) provides that for Test Serum B.
15
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure provides a skincare composition that contains cashew apple extract, and provides skin whitening properties, anti-aging properties, antioxidant properties and cellulite reduction properties. The
20 present disclosure uses the cashew apple extract to provide cosmetic formulations having skin moisturising, anti- oxidant and skin regeneration effects. These functional properties are a result of definitive results in skin studies conducted with the cashew apple extract.

25 Cellulite is the name for collections of fat that push against the connective tissue beneath the skin. It often appears on thighs, stomach and buttocks. Cellulite makes the surface of the skin look lumpy and puckered, or appear dimpled. Cellulite affects both men and women. However, women get cellulite at a much higher rate than men. It is a common condition affecting between 80% and 90% of all women
30 who have gone through puberty. Genetics, sex, age, the amount of fat in the body and the thickness of the skin determine how much cellulite there is, and how visible

it is. As a person ages, and/or based on improper care or lack of care, the skin loses elasticity and can make the appearance of cellulite more evident. Gaining weight can also make the appearance of cellulite more prominent. Although people with obesity have pronounced cellulite, it is not uncommon for very lean people to notice
5 the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite looks like lumpy or dimpling skin. It may be visible at all times or only when the skin is pinched.

It is not known what exactly causes cellulite. Cellulite forms when fibrous bands connecting your skin to the underlying muscle tighten irregularly. This tightening
10 pulls down on the skin, and the normal layer of fat beneath the skin pushes upward. The result is a puckering appearance to the skin. It is also not known why cellulite is more common in women than men. One theory involves the bands connecting skin, hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue) and deep muscle layers. In men, the fibers that make up the connective bands, crisscross together. In women, the fibers that
15 make up the connective bands, run the same direction and are an equal distance apart (parallel). Parallel bands may show puckering better than crisscross bands. Another theory is that higher amounts of the hormone estrogen may cause cellulite. Cellulite often develops when women produce more estrogen, usually during adolescence or pregnancy. While a few remedies like massage, cupping, surgical
20 interventions are known to treat cellulite, it does not provide longer lasting effects, and cannot be used widely across the impacted population. For example, such methods may not be suitable in persons with other skin conditions such as varicose veins, or diabetes that prevents surgical intervention. There is therefore a need for a simple remedy for effective treatment of cellulite, and preferably an at-home
25 remedy. Cashew fruit extract of the present invention has shown tremendous activity in regeneration of the compromised skin structure that develops as a result of cellulite.

Cashew fruit is typically found in the Konkan region of the state of Maharashtra in
30 India. The cashew fruit from this region was collected for preparing the extract of the present invention. Preferably, cashew fruit from Vengurla region in Konkan was

procured. The extract was obtained by macerating the fruits in an aqueous alcoholic solvent for about 3 to about 5 days, straining the liquid through appropriate filters, and using the same as the cashew fruit extract, for incorporation into cosmetic formulations or compositions.
5
The chemical composition of Cashew Apple of Vengurle Variety 6, which was preferably used for the extraction, was found to be as follows –

Total sugars (%) 5.7
Reducing sugars (%) 0.34
Titratable acidity (%) 0.15
pH 5.58
Ascorbic acid (mg/100ml) 90.24
Tannins (%) 0.121
Proteins (%) 0.262

10 The cashew apple extract of the present disclosure was evaluated for the chemical constituents and it was observed that it contains flavonoids, tannins, proteins and triterpenoids. Flavonoids are particularly useful for maintaining healthy circulation. In addition to being potent antioxidants, some flavonoids have anti-allergic, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Tannins are
15 polyphenolic compounds that are astringent, making them useful for tightening up loose tissue, such as that which is found in varicose veins. Proteins help in functioning of cells. Triterpenoid compounds have proven anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-tumor activity on the skin. The anti-inflammatory activity protects the connective tissue of the skin by
20 reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and suppressing enzymes that degrade collagen and other structural support proteins of the skin. Its purported effects are strengthening of tissues surrounding fat- storage cells, to stimulate collagen in the weakened walls of sub-dermal veins.

The cashew apple extract of the present invention may be incorporated in various skincare and cosmetic compositions such as creams, gels, lotions, solutions, tinctures, ointments, mousse, serums, sprays, mists, oils, pastes
5 and the like. These compositions contain varying amounts of the cashew apple extract along with other carriers and cosmetically suitable excipients conventionally used in such preparations. These include one or more of solvents, polymers, oils, penetration enhancers, saccharides, thickening agents, preservatives, antioxidants, chelating agents, fragrances, colors, pH
10 adjusting agents, and the like. These compositions can be made by processes known to persons in the industry. Cosmetically suitable excipients used along with the cashew apple extract of the present invention are such that they do not interact with the extract and/or with each other, and which are non-toxic, safe and protective to the skin. A person skilled in the art of
15 making cosmetics or cosmeceuticals would be conversant with using the desirable excipients and processes to obtain the compositions. To be clear, the invention is not in making the composition, but in using cashew apple extract incorporated compositions for favorable effects on the skin. Particularly, the cashew apple extract helps in reducing cellulite and
20 improving the look, feel and texture of skin. The advantage of the present invention that it teaches the use of cashew apple extract in providing the skin benefits discussed herein, especially in reducing cellulite, which was heretofore an unknown property or effect of cashew fruit extract on the skin. While cashew apple extract or juice has been used orally and topically for
25 various indications, we have not found any literature that teaches or suggests the use of the extract for topical application to the skin to reduce cellulite. The cellulite reducing effect of the cashew apple extract has been elaborated in the examples included herein below.

30 The Sebutape method was used for testing the compositions containing the cashew apple extract of the present invention. Sebutape® is an adhesive, white tape

specifically designed for the collection of sebum. As sebum issues from the orifices, it is trapped in microcavities in the tape, yielding a pore pattern that can be quantified in regard to the number of spots, total area, and size distribution. It detects not only the amount of sebum but also the sebum pore structure of the skin.
5 The area occupied by spots per cm2 is a measure of sebum production, while the number of spots reflects actively secreting follicles. The Sebutape® is removed after one hour of application to the area of skin that needs to be analysed, and placed upon a black card for storage and analysis. Active pores (filled with sebum) block the light and form spots on the film, when viewed against a black background. In
10 order to quantify skin pore widening, three-dimensional data of skin pore is produced by a stereoimage optical topometer (SOT). The sizes of follicular infundibulum are measured quantitatively, with reserved sebum by Sebutape®. This method is used for testing of cosmetic formulations, and the analysis of the tape using this method helps understand the impact of the formulation on the lipid
15 structure of the skin. The testing revealed that the extract provided desirable results in reducing cellulite.

Cosmetic compositions containing the cashew apple extract of the present invention were used in human volunteers with cellulite. Daily application of the composition
20 was found to reduce cellulite and improve the look and feel of the skin. The composition containing the cashew apple extract of the present application may be applied daily to the skin, by uniformly spreading and light massaging. The application of the cashew apple extract containing composition may be applied once or twice daily, for a period of at least 15 days to observe visible results in cellulite
25 reduction. The topical application of the cashew apple extract of the present invention provides significant advantage in reducing cellulite in that there is no surgical intervention required, and the remedy is easily available to the individual for personal application, without any adverse events. The examples included herein below provide confidence that the cashew apple extract of the invention is not toxic
30 to the skin (see Examples 3 and 4) and therefore adverse events would be low or

almost none. The long term use of the cashew apple extract, such as for 15 days or more, is thus not expected to pose problems to the skin.

The compositions containing the cashew apple extract of the present invention were
5 packaged in suitable containers, made of materials that retain the efficacy and stability of the composition. The packaging used is such that it does not allow fermentation of the cashew apple extract, nor does it allow the composition to be exposed to environmental factors that might impact its physical and chemical integrity. The packaging may contain applicators that make it convenient to apply
10 the composition to the affected area of the skin, such as spatulas. The packaging may be conventional in terms of bottles, jars, tubes that may be used, and can also be packed in bottles with metered dose dispensers, allowing defined quantity of the composition to be delivered. Accordingly, one or more metered dose amounts of the composition may be applied uniformly to the affected area, with uniform
15 spreading and gentle rubbing.

The amount of composition containing the cashew apple extract of the present invention that is needed for achieving desirable results in cellulite reduction, and in improving elasticity of the skin, can be easily determined by skilled persons, such
20 as dermatologists. The composition may be applied once or twice daily, depending on the need, for a period of at least 15 days to observe visible results in cellulite reduction.

The terms “composition” and “formulation” have been used interchangeably
25 herein.

The terms “cashew apple fruit”, “cashew fruit” and “extract” may be used interchangeably, and they all relate to the cashew apple extract of the present invention, which is extracted and used in the manner described herein.
30

The examples used herein are merely exemplary and should not be used to narrow the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES
5 Example 1
The crushed cashew apple fruit was placed in a covered container with a mixture of water and alcohol, and allowed to stand at room temperature over a period of time, while ensuring that it does not ferment. The mixture was then strained and the liquid was clarified by filtration. The extract thus
10 obtained was tested qualitatively for the chemical contents by the standard detection methods. The extract was evaluated for its cytotoxicity on 3T3 cell line by Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. The efficacy of the extract was also evaluated on adipose cell line.

15 The results of analysis of the cashew apple extract are provided below –

Colour Total Sugars
% Reducing Sugars
% Titratable Acidity
% pH Ascorbic acid
(mg/100ml) Tannins
% Proteins
%
Golden
yellow 3.2 0.14 0.15 5.22 78.06 0.108 0.235

The extract was found to have a shelf life of approximately 3 years.

20 Example 2
The cashew apple extract of Example 1 was incorporated at a concentration of 20% in two serum base compositions. The extract was used with and without penetration enhancers (Serum A and Serum B, respectively). Commercially available Black Pepper extract was used as the penetration
25 enhancer. The extract was then incorporated in Serum B, as follows.

Ingredients Serum A
(%w/w) Serum B
(%w/w)
Water 76.85 74.61
Cashew Fruit extract of
Example 1
20.00
20.00
Trehalose 2.00 02.00
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 0.80 0.80
Methyl Paraben 0.25 0.25
Black pepper extract - 2.24
Sodium EDTA 0.10 0.10

The polyacrylate crosspolymer was first mixed with water and allowed to swell. Methyl paraben, Trehalose, Black pepper extract and sodium EDTA was then added to it. Finally, Cashew fruit extract of Example 1 was added to the mixture and it
5 was stirred till a desired serum consistency was achieved.
The compositions (or serums) were then tested for stability and tested on human volunteers for efficacy. The compositions were used on regular basis by 5 volunteers under observation and were found to have no adverse events during the study period. The evaluation of the product for safety was done by a dermatologist.
10 The compositions were subjected to stability testing, (i) under accelerated stability conditions for 6 months, and (ii) at room temperature for a period of 1 year, and were found to be stable. No fermentation or other reaction was observed. No physical or chemical degradation was observed.

15 Example 3
SRB Assay: The study was conducted using several concentrations of cashew extract of Example 1, to check for the cell viability. The study was conducted as per the guidance provided in Skehan (P. Skehan et al: A New Colorimetric

Cytotoxicity Assay for Anticancer-Drug Screening, Journal National Cancer Institute 82:1107-1112, 1990). The cashew apple extract of Example 1 was tested at concentrations of 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1%. The stock solution was freshly prepared in sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Further dilutions were prepared
5 in sterile PBS. Higher concentrations were limited by solubility. Stock solution of 100 mg/ml of reference standard was prepared in sterile PBS. All concentrations were prepared by serial dilutions and were freshly prepared just before use in PBS.

Proliferation assessment of samples of cashew apple extract of Example 1 on
10 Murine fibroblast cell line 3T3 by Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay was designed to study the cytotoxicity potential of the cashew apple extract. The assay was performed in a 96-well tissue culture plate. The duration of the assay was 3 days. The cells were seeded into the plate, and after they were sub-confluent they were treated with the test material (cashew apple extract of Example 1) for 24 hours. The
15 cells were then fixed and stained with Sulforhodamine B, which is a protein stain. The color was read at 570 nm using a plate reader. The absorbance of near red medium was read, from which cell viability was calculated. The intensity of the color was directly proportional to the total protein, which is an indication of cell viability. The cytotoxicity/proliferation was scored on the basis of comparison with
20 the untreated control. Reference standards were used to give an indication of cytotoxicity and/or proliferation.

The results are provided in the table below –

Mean viabilities at different concentrations
Concentration 0.25%
(2.5mg/ml) 0.5%
(5mg/ml) 0.75%
(7.5mg/ml) 1%
10mg/ml
Cashew apple 95.91% ±2.48 97.68% 96.55% ±0.98 97.61%
extract of ±0.93 ±2.56
Example 1

Concentration 0.005%
(0.05 mg/ml) 0.01%
(0.1 mg/ml) 0.015%
(0.15 mg/ml) 0.02%
(0.2 mg/ml)
Reference
standard 107.71%
±9.65 88.34%
±5.47 46.60% ±2.83 27.16%
±1.29

Cashew extract induced a cell viability of 95.91% ± 2.48 at the lowest concentration of 0.25% (2.5 mg/ml) and 97.61% ± 2.56 at the highest concentration of 1% (10 mg/ml), while that for the reference standard was 07.71% ± 9.65 at 0.005%, which
5 reduced in a dose dependent manner to 27.16% ± 1.29 at 0.02%. There was no cytotoxicity observed. It was seen that viability of cells decreased with increase in concentration of the cashew apple extract.

Example 4
10 An agar diffusion assay was carried out to study the reactivity by determining the inhibition zone due to the cashew apple extract of Example 1, on Murine Fibroblast cell line (3T3), in full compliance with the USP Guidelines for biological reactivity tests (U.S. Pharmacopoeia, Biological tests / (87) Biological tests, in vitro, Agar Diffusion Test. Pg 2525-2526). A total of three independent experiments were
15 carried out. The Reactivity of the test sample was assessed by the measurement of the inhibition zone. The assay was carried out to study the effect of the sample for 24 hrs, using the Murine Fibroblast Cell Line (3T3). The investigational sample was tested neat.

20 The assay was performed in 60 mm tissue culture grade plastic petridishes. The duration of the
assay was 4 days. The cells were seeded into the petridishes and after they were sub-confluent they were treated with the test material for 24 hours. After an exposure of 24 hours, the assay was terminated by addition of MTT (3-[4,5-
25 Dimethylthiazol – 2 – yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide; Thiazolyl blue; Sigma M 5655). MTT is a water-soluble tetrazolium salt, which is converted to an insoluble purple formazan. This conversion is caused by active mitochondrial dehydrogenases of living cells. Dead cells do not cause this change. Thus, if the

investigational sample causes cell death, this will be indicated by a clear zone of inhibition. The colour was allowed to develop overnight and the zone of inhibition was measured.

5 Cashew apple extract of Example 1 was found to have no zone of inhibition at 100% concentration; there were no malformed or degenerated cells observed under specimen loading. Hence, it was classified as non-reactive. The positive control was found to have an average zone of inhibition of 1.05± 0.05 cm. The negative control was found to have no zone of inhibition.
10
In brief the study yielded the following zones of inhibition –

Zone of Inhibition (cm)

Cashew Extract
Positive Control
Negative Control
Cashew apple extract of Example 1 Positive control Negative control
Experiment 1 0.00 1.01 0.00
Experiment 2 0.00 1.11 0.00
Experiment 3 0.00 1.03 0.00
Mean ± SD 0.00 1.05 ± 0.05 0.00

A graph was plotted for the absorbance (Y-axis) against the concentration of drug
15 (X-axis) (Figure 1). The IC50 was calculated as the drug concentration that is required to reduce the absorbance to half that of the control sample. The IC50 was found to be 600 µg/mL. The mean absorbance reading from the wells in columns 2 and 11 was used as a control. The cytotoxicity studies revealed that cashew apple extract is nontoxic to 3T3 fibroblast cells and is safe to be used in cosmetic products.
20
Example 5
Differentiated adipose cell efficacy study: An in vitro assessment of the cashew apple extract of Example 1 was done on differentiated adipose cells for anti-cellulite activity. The objective of the anti-cellulite assay was to study the adipocyte lipolysis

potential by determining the reduction in cell size due to the test samples, i.e. the cashew apple extract of Example 1 at 50% concentration. The assay was performed in tissue culture grade 96 well plates. The duration of the assay was 4 weeks. The undifferentiated stem cells were seeded into the 96 well plates and differentiated
5 into adipocytes over a period of 3-4 weeks using differentiation protocol. After the cells had undergone differentiation, they were treated with the test samples for 24 hours. The assay was terminated by staining the cells with Oil Red O, solubilized and read at 450 nm on a plate reader. If the investigational sample has any lipolytic effect, the adipocytes will shrink leading to a reduction in the color. The percentage
10 activity was calculated by percentage reduction in color, in comparison with the untreated control.

The cashew apple extract of Example 1 was found to have an average percentage reduction in color of 5.57 at 50% concentration, indicative of reduced adipogenesis,
i.e. reduction in cellulite. The results are shown in Figure 2.

15 Example 6
The Sebutape method was used to analyse the skin surface lipid before and after application of the compositions containing cashew apple extract. Sebutape strip was applied on marked area of skin and kept intact with the skin for two time modules (after 20 minutes and 3 hours) and evaluated under microscope. Simultaneously,
20 tape stripping method was used to evaluate the skin texture of the area. Quantitative image analysis of a photograph of the Sebutape strip placed against a black background allowed determination of the number and size of lipid spots.
Serum A and Serum B was tested on volunteers using Sebutape method, using a blank as control. It was observed that the skin pore size was reduced and the surface
25 of the skin was found to be smoother and more subtle, and fibres were more meshed after application of the samples. The cashew apple extract (both Serum A and Serum B) was found to give a moisturizing and toning effect to the skin. It was also found to reduce the gap between the skin cells, and it helped remove only the fats. The study confirmed that the cashew apple extract of the present invention removes

fat from skin without replacing the surface lipids. Figures 3A-3E provide testing and microscopic evaluation details for Serum A and Serum B of Example 2.

Example 7
5 The serums A and B of Example 2 were tested on human volunteers and it was observed that a 50% reduction in the thigh and arm area was attained after use of products for 15 days. The thigh and arms were measured before and after the application of the product twice a day. The observations for application to thighs are recorded below.
10

Days Serum A Serum B
Day 1 20.4 cm 21.2 cm
Day 7 19.4 cm 18.3 cm
Day 15 19.2 cm 14.9 cm

The Serum B was found to penetrate the skin better than Serum A, and worked on the targeted area without any irritation or discomfort throughout the application. The gap between the skin cells was found to reduce, and
15 the skin appeared to be more firm and moisturized, leading to a smooth and soft feel.
, Claims:1. A composition comprising cashew apple extract in an amount ranging from about 0.5% to about 50% by weight of the composition and cosmetically suitable excipients, wherein the composition is topically applied at least once daily for at least 15 days to the skin so as to reduce cellulite.
2. The composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the composition is selected from the group consisting of cream, gel, lotion, solution, tincture, ointment, mousse, serum, spray, mist oils and pastes.
3. The composition as claimed in claim 2 wherein the composition is a serum.
4. The composition as claimed in claim 3 wherein the composition improves the skin texture and reduces dimpling.
5. The composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cosmetically suitable excipients include one or more of solvents, polymers, oils, penetration enhancers, saccharides, thickening agents, preservatives, antioxidants, chelating agents, fragrances, colors, pH adjusting agents.