WO2015138486A1

WO2015138486A1 - Methods and compositions for transdermal delivery

Info

Publication number: WO2015138486A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/019751
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benjamin M. YU
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-03-10
Filing date: 2015-03-10
Publication date: 2015-09-17
Anticipated expiration: 2016-09-10
Also published as: US9949952B2; AU2015229521A1; CN106572986A; EP3116489A1; EP3116489A4; US20150258065A1; US20150250884A1; CA2940454A1; US9962369B2; TW201538155A

Abstract

Al-helper compositions comprise an Al compound (e.g., melatonin, alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin E, vitamin D, glutathione, resveratrol, astaxanthin, beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folic acid, and taurine) and one or more helper esters. The Al- helper compositions can be used for effective transdermal delivery of the Al compound to a subject. A use of the Al-helper composition disclosed herein for the treatments of, e.g., without limitation, skin disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease, cancer, immune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), circadian rhythm sleep disorders, insomnia, Alzheimer's disease, delirium, headaches, obesity, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, tinnitus, irritable bowel syndrome, aging and autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Description

METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR TRANSDERMAL DELIVERY PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Application

Number 61/950,702, filed March 10, 2014, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, including drawings, as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced in the human body by the pineal gland. It may play a critical role in preparing the body for sleep. Currently, melatonin is generally taken orally as a sleep aid. However, oral administration of melatonin has various limitations, such as requiring a very high dosage due to the first-pass effect, as well as delivering melatonin unevenly over time.

[0003] Alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin E, vitamin D, glutathione, resveratrol, astaxanthin, beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folic acid, and taurine are common and important ingredients in skin care products. However, existing delivery solutions for the ingredients fail to deliver necessary products to all the layers of the skin, and are often only superficial in application.

[0004] Consequently, there exists a need for a method for effective, gradual, and safe delivery of melatonin and other compounds mentioned above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] One aspect of the invention relates to an Al-helper composition comprising a first active ingredient (Al) compound and one or more helper esters. In certain embodiments, for a specific Al, the term "Al" in "Al-helper composition" may be replaced by the specific Al. For example, a melatonin-helper composition means an Al-helper composition as disclosed herein, wherein at least an Al is melatonin.

[0006] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for transdermal administration of the Al-helper composition disclosed herein comprising administering the Al-helper composition disclosed herein to a subject via an administration route selected from the group consisting of transdermal administration, transmucosal l administration, trans-nasal administration, topical administration, and any combinations thereof.

[0007] Another aspect of the invention relates to a use of the Al-helper composition disclosed herein for the treatments of, e.g., without limitation, skin disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease, cancer, immune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), circadian rhythm sleep disorders, insomnia, Alzheimer's disease, delirium, headaches, obesity, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, tinnitus, irritable bowel syndrome, aging and autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 : Effects of Al-helper compositions comprising different helper esters as disclosed herein on the human skin penetration rate of the Al, wherein the Al is melatonin. (A). Effects of melatonin-helper compositions comprising tryptophan esters. HCI at various concentrations; (B). effects of melatonin-helper compositions comprising leucine esters. HCI at various concentrations; (C). effects of melatonin-helper compositions comprising isoleucine esters. HCI at various concentrations; (D). effects of melatonin-helper compositions comprising tyrosine esters. HCI at various concentrations; (E). effects of melatonin-helper compositions comprising phenylalanine esters. HCI at various concentrations; (F). effects of melatonin-helper compositions comprising proline esters. HCI at various concentrations; and (G). effects of melatonin-helper compositions comprising (dialkylamino)alkyl 2-acetoxybenzoate hydrochloride at various concentrations; and (H). effects of melatonin-helper compositions comprising (dialkylamino)alkyl 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propionate hydrochloride at various concentrations.

[0009] Figure 2A: Effects of melatonin-helper compositions comprising different salts of tryptophan isopropyl esters on the human skin penetration rate of melatonin. (A). Control; (B). hydrochloride salt; (C). hydrofluoride salt; (D). hydrobromide salt; (E). hydroiodide salt; (F). citrate salt; (G). acetate salt; (H). benzoate salt; and (I), lactate salt.

[0010] Figure 2B: Effects of melatonin-helper compositions comprising different salts of tyrosine isopropyl esters on the human skin penetration rate of melatonin. (A). Control; (B). hydrochloride salt; (C). hydrofluoride salt; (D). hydrobromide salt; (E). hydroiodide salt; (F). citrate salt; (G). acetate salt; (H). benzoate salt; and (I), lactate salt.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Melatonin has a very low solubility in water (O.l mg/ml, 0.01 %). In certain embodiments, Al-helper compositions disclosed herein can be delivered via an administration route selected from the group consisting of transdermal administration, transmucosal administration, trans-nasal administration, topical administration, and any combinations thereof, which may provide numerous advantages over alternative administration routes (e.g. oral, injection, etc.).

I) Al-helper compositions

[0012] One aspect of the invention relates to an Al-helper composition comprising a first Al compound and one or more helper esters.

[0013] Examples of the Al compounds include, without limitation, melatonin, alpha- lipoic acid, vitamin E, vitamin D, glutathione, resveratrol, astaxanthin, beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folic acid, and taurine.

1) Structures of helper esters

[0014] As used herein, a helper ester can include the helper ester, one or more pharmaceutically acceptable solvates thereof, one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, one or more pharmaceutically acceptable stereoisomers thereof, and any mixtures thereof in any ratios.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the helper ester comprises a lipophilic portion and a primary, secondary, or tertiary amine group. Optionally, the primary, secondary, or tertiary amine group may form a salt with an acid that is non-toxic to humans and animals (e.g., without limitation, pharmaceutically acceptable acid, such as HF, HCI, HBr, HI, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, bisulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, phosphonic acid, isonicotinic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, pantothenic acid, bitartaric acid, ascorbic acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, gentisinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, glucaronic acid, saccharic acid, formic acid, benzoic acid, glutamic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, benzensulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, pamoic acid, etc.). [0016] In certain embodiments, the helper ester comprises a structure of Structure

I:

Rx-O-C(=O)-Ry

Structure I

including pharmaceutically acceptable solvates thereof, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable stereoisomers thereof, further including mixtures thereof in all ratios, wherein:

Rx is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, cycloalkyi heterocycloalkyi, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxyl, alkylthio, alkylamino, perfluoroalkyl, alkyl halide, substituted alkyl, substituted cycloalkyi, substituted heterocycloalkyi, substituted aryl, substituted heteroaryl, substituted alkoxyl, substituted alkylthio, substituted alkylamino, substituted perfluoroalkyl, substituted alkyl halide, and

wherein any carbon or hydrogen may be further

independently replaced with O, S, P, NRz, or any other pharmaceutically acceptable groups;

Rz is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, cycloalkyi heterocycloalkyi, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxyl, alkylthio, alkylamino, perfluoroalkyl, alkyl halide, substituted alkyl, substituted cycloalkyi, substituted heterocycloalkyi, substituted aryl, substituted heteroaryl, substituted alkoxyl, substituted alkylthio, substituted alkylamino, substituted perfluoroalkyl, and substituted alkyl halide;

each I, m, and n is independently selected from the group consisting of 0,1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 8, 9, and 10;

Ryi is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkyl further substituted with aryl, heteroaryl, amino, hydroxide, hydroxide aryl, hydroxide carbonyl, amino carbonyl, thiol, alkyl-S- and guanidinyl group; Ry₂ is alkyl;

X is selected from the group consisting of H, NH₂, NHR₅, OH, OCOR₅, CI, Br, I, CN, R5COS, R₅O, R5OCONH, CH2NHR5, R5SO2, R5SO, NH2SO2, and NO₂; and

each R₅ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxyl, alkylthio, alkylamino, perfluoroalkyl, alkyl halide, substituted alkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, substituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted aryl, substituted heteroaryl, substituted alkoxyl, substituted alkylthio, substituted alkylamino, substituted perfluoroalkyl, and substituted alkyl halide, wherein any carbon or hydrogen may be further independently replaced with O, S, P, NRz, or any other pharmaceutically acceptable groups.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the helper ester comprises a structure of Structure I, including pharmaceutically acceptable solvates thereof, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable stereoisomers thereof, further including mixtures thereof in all ratios, wherein:

I, m, n, and X are defined the same as supra.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the helper ester comprises a structure of Structure I, including pharmaceutically acceptable solvates thereof, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable stereoisomers thereof, further including mixtures thereof in all ratios,

wh

Ry and

I, m, and n are defined the same as supra. [0019] In certain embodiments, the helper ester comprises a structure of

Structure I, including pharmaceutically acceptable solvates thereof, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable stereoisomers thereof, further including mixtures thereof in all ratios, wherein:

Rx is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxyl, alkylthio, alkylamino, peril uoroalkyl, alkyl halide, substituted alkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, substituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted aryl, substituted heteroaryl, substituted alkoxyl, substituted alkylthio, substituted alkylamino, substituted perfluoroalkyl, and substituted alkyl halide, wherein any carbon or hydrogen may be further independently replaced with O, S, P, NRz, or any other pharmaceutically acceptable groups;

Ryi,Ry₂ and Rz are defined the same as supra.

[0020] In certain embodiments of the invention, the helper esters are selected from the group consisting of Structure 1 , Structure 2, Structure 3, Structure 4, Structure 5, Structure 6, Structure 7, Structure 8, Structure 9, Structure 10, Structure 1 1 , Structure 12, Structure 13, Structure 14, Structure 15, Structure 16, and Structure 17:

Structure 1 Structure 2 Structure 3

Structure 13 Structure 14 Structure 15

Structure 16 Structure 17,

wherein:

each X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of H, NH₂, NHR₅, OH, OCOR₅, CI, Br, I, CN, R₅COS, R₅O, R₅OCONH, CH₂NHR₅, R5SO2, RsSO, NH2SO2, and NO₂;

each Xi is independently selected from the group consisting of O, S, NH₂, and NHR₅;

each Ri_, R₅ and R is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyi, cydoalkyi, heterocydoalkyi, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxyl, alkylthio, alkylamino, perfluoroalkyi, alkyi halide, substituted alkyi, substituted cydoalkyi, substituted heterocydoalkyi, substituted aryl, substituted heteroaryl, substituted alkoxyl, substituted alkylthio, substituted alkylamino, substituted perfluoroalkyi, and substituted alkyi halide, wherein any carbon or hydrogen may be further independently replaced with O, S, P, NRz, or any other pharmaceutically acceptable groups;

each HA is independently a suitable organic acid or a suitable inorganic acid as described below, or independently selected from the group consisting of HF, HCI, HBr, HI, acetic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, lactic acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, bisulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, phosphonic acid, isonicotinic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, pantothenic acid, bitartaric acid, ascorbic acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, gentisinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, glucaronic acid, saccharic acid, formic acid, benzoic acid, glutamic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, benzensulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, pamoic acid and any other acid that is non-toxic to humans and animals;

each I, m, and n is independently selected from the group consisting of 0,1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10; and

each Rz is defined the same as supra.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the helper esters selected from the group consisting of Structure 1 , Structure 2, Structure 3, Structure 4, Structure 5, Structure 6, Structure 7, Structure 8, Structure 9, Structure 10, Structure 1 1 , Structure 12, Structure 13, Structure 14, Structure 15, Structure 16, and Structure 17 as described supra may further include pharmaceutically acceptable solvates thereof, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable stereoisomers thereof, further including mixtures thereof in all ratios.

[0022] Examples of the helper esters disclosed herein include, without limitation, L- tryptophan esters, L-leucine esters, L-isoleucine esters, L-proline esters, L-tyrosine esters, L-phenylalanine esters, L-arginine esters, L-alanine esters, L-asparagine esters, L-aspartic acid esters, L-cysteine esters, L-glutamine esters, L-histidine esters, L-lysine esters, L-methionine esters, L-serine esters, L-threonine esters, L-valine esters, D- tryptophan esters, D-leucine esters, D-isoleucine esters, D-proline esters, D-tyrosine esters, D-phenylalanine esters, D-arginine esters, D-alanine esters, D-asparagine esters, D-aspartic acid esters, D-cysteine esters, D-glutamine esters, D-histidine esters, D-lysine esters, D-methionine esters, D-serine esters, D-threonine esters, D-valine esters, glycine esters, esters of (dialkylamino)alkyl 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propionate (and salts thereof, e.g. hydrochloride), and esters of (dialkylamino)alkyl 2-acetoxybenzoate hydrochloride (and salts thereof, e.g. hydrochloride), pharmaceutically acceptable solvates thereof, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable stereoisomers thereof, further including mixtures thereof in all ratios.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the molar ratio of the one or more helper esters to the Al compound in the Al-helper composition is about 10:1 to about 1 :10, or about 10:1 .

[0024] In certain embodiments, the amount of the Al compound ranges from about 0.01 percent to about 10 percent, from about 0.1 percent to about 5 percent, from about 0.2 percent to about 3 percent, or from about 0.3 percent to about 1 percent of the Al- helper compositions by weight. Generally, out of 100 percent by weight, the amount of salts of esters of amino acids and other acids present in the Al-helper compositions will range from about 1 percent to about 50 percent, from about 2 percent to about 25 percent, from about 3 percent to about 10 percent, or from about 4 percent to about 7 percent of the Al-helper compositions by weight.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the amount of the helper esters ranges from about 1 percent to about 50 percent, from about 2 percent to about 25 percent, from about 3 percent to about 10 percent, or from about 4 percent to about 7 percent of the Al-helper composition by weight.

2) Solvent

[0026] In certain embodiments, the Al-helper compositions disclosed herein further comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent. The pharmaceutically acceptable solvent may be a pure chemical compound or a mixture of multiple chemical compounds. For example, the pharmaceutically acceptable solvent may comprise water, alcohol, glycine, acetone dimethyl sulfoxide, and any mixtures thereof.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the solvent is water. Generally, the amount of water ranges from about 1 percent to about 99 percent, from about 50 percent to about 95 percent, from about 75 percent to about 95 percent, or from about 80 percent to about 95 percent of the Al-helper composition by weight.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the solvent comprises water and one or more alcohols (e.g. ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, and butanol). The use of alcohols as a solvent may increase the evaporation rate of the Al-helper composition, consequently decrease the amount of time the Al-helper composition is noticeably wet on the skin. Generally, the amount of the alcohols ranges from about 1 percent to about 99 percent, from about 5 percent to about 75 percent, from about 10 percent to about 50 percent, or from about 10 percent to about 25 percent of the Al-helper compositions by weight.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the solvent comprises glycerin, and water and/or one or more alcohols as described supra.

[0030] In certain embodiments, the solvent comprises dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and water and/or one or more alcohols as described supra. Generally, the amount of DMSO ranges from about 1 percent to about 80 percent, from about 5 percent to about 70 percent, from about 10 percent to about 50 percent, or from about 20 percent to about 30 percent of the Al-helper compositions by weight.

3) Other additives

[0031] In certain embodiments, the Al-helper compositions disclosed herein further comprise one or more additives. Examples of additives include, without limitation, menthol, one or more amino acids (e.g. L-tryptophan, L-leucine, L-isoleucine, L-proline, L-tyrosine, L-phenylalanine, L-arginine, L-alanine, L-asparagine, L-aspartic acid, L- cysteine, L-glutamine, L-histidine, L-lysine, L-methionine, L-serine, L-threonine, L-valine, D-tryptophan, D-leucine, D-isoleucine, D-proline, D-tyrosine, D-phenylalanine, D- arginine, D-alanine, D-asparagine, D-aspartic acid, D-cysteine, D-glutamine, D-histidine, D-lysine, D-methionine, D-serine, D-threonine, D-valine, and glycine), one or more adjuvants (e.g. preservatives, wetting agents, emulsifying agents, and dispersing agents), and antibacterial and antifungal agents (e.g. paraben, chlorobutanol, and phenol sorbic acid).

[0032] In one example, the additive comprises menthol. In certain embodiments, one or more agents selected from the group consisting of alcohols, acetones, DMSO, and salts of the helper esters disclosed herein may be used to increase the solubility of menthol. The use of menthol may have the additional benefit of eliciting a cooling sensation when applied, which may provide feedback to the user as to where of the body the Al-helper composition has been administered to. Generally, the amount of menthol ranges from about 0.01 percent to about 20 percent, from about 0.1 percent to about 10 percent, from about 1 percent to about 5 percent, or from about 1 percent to about 3 percent of the Al-helper compositions by weight.

[0033] In another example, the additive comprises scent agent (e.g. peppermint) to provide a desired scent.

[0034] The additional amino acids presented in the Al-helper compositions may be beneficial to the skin (if applied to the skin), especially for amino acids that can act as anti-oxidants (e.g. histidine, cysteine, and tyrosine) to protect the skin from oxidative damage. Generally, the amount of amino acids ranges from about 0.001 percent to about 50 percent, from about 0.01 percent to about 20 percent, from about 0.1 percent to about 10 percent, or from about 0.1 percent to about 2 percent of the Al-helper compositions by weight.

4) Examples of Al-helper compositions

[0035] In certain embodiments, the Al-helper composition disclosed herein comprises a first Al compound (e.g., melatonin, alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin E, vitamin D, glutathione, resveratrol, astaxanthin, beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folic acid, taurine, etc.), one or more solvents, and one or more helper esters, such as esters of amino acids (e.g. L-tryptophan esters, L-leucine esters, L- isoleucine esters, L-proline esters, L-tyrosine esters, L-phenylalanine esters, L-arginine esters, L-alanine esters, L-asparagine esters, L-aspartic acid esters, L-cysteine esters, L-glutamine esters, L-histidine esters, L-lysine esters, L-methionine esters, L-serine esters, L-threonine esters, L-valine esters, D-tryptophan esters, D-leucine esters, D- isoleucine esters, D-proline esters, D-tyrosine esters, D-phenylalanine esters, D- arginine esters, D-alanine esters, D-asparagine esters, D-aspartic acid esters, D- cysteine esters, D-glutamine esters, D-histidine esters, D-lysine esters, D-methionine esters, D-serine esters, D-threonine esters, D-valine esters, glycine esters, etc.), and/or esters of other acids (e.g. 2-(dialkylamino)ethyl 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propionate hydrochloride, 2-(dialkylamino)alkyl 2-acetoxybenzoate hydrochloride, etc.).

[0036] In certain embodiments, the Al-helper composition comprises melatonin, a salt of an ester of tryptophan, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, or proline, and water, wherein the ester is selected from the group consisting of isopropyl ester, ethyl ester, methyl ester, propyl, butyl ester, pentyl ester, hexyl ester, and octyl; and the salt is selected from the group consisting of hydrochlorides, hydrofluorides, hydrobromides, hydroiodides, citrates, acetates, benzoates, lactates, butyrates, sulfates, and phosphates.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the Al-helper composition comprises an Al compound, a salt of an isopropyl ester of tryptophan, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, or phenylalanine, and water, wherein the Al is selected from the group consisting of alpha- lipoic acid, vitamin E, vitamin D, glutathione, resveratrol, astaxanthin, beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folic acid, and taurine; and the salt is selected from the group consisting of hydrochlorides, hydrofluorides, hydrobromides, hydroiodides, citrates, acetates, benzoates, lactates, butyrates, sulfates, and phosphates.

[0038] In certain embodiments, the Al-helper composition comprising D-amino acid esters or L-amino acid esters.

5) Definitions

[0039] As used herein, a compound or a composition that is "pharmaceutically acceptable" is suitable for use in contact with the tissue or organ of a biological subject without excessive toxicity, irritation, allergic response, immunogenicity, or other problems or complications, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio. If said compound or composition is to be used with other ingredients, said compound or composition is also compatible with said other ingredients.

[0040] As used herein, the term "solvate" refers to a complex of variable stoichiometry formed by a solute (e.g., the helper esters disclosed herein) and a solvent. Such solvents for the purpose of the invention may not interfere with the biological activity of the solute. Examples of suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, water, aqueous solution (e.g. buffer), methanol, ethanol and acetic acid. Preferably, the solvent used is a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent. Examples of suitable pharmaceutically acceptable solvents include, without limitation, water, aqueous solution (e.g. buffer), ethanol and acetic acid. Most preferably, the solvent used is water or aqueous solution (e.g. buffer). Examples for suitable solvates are the mono- or dihydrates or alcoholates of the compound according to the invention. [0041] As used herein, pharmaceutically acceptable salts of a compound refers to any pharmaceutically acceptable acid and/or base additive salt of the compound (e.g. the helper esters disclosed herein). Suitable acids include organic and inorganic acids. Suitable bases include organic and inorganic bases. Examples of suitable inorganic acids include, but are not limited to: hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydroiodic acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, bisulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, phosphonic acid, and boric acid. Examples of suitable organic acids include but are not limited to: isonicotinic acid, acetic acid, bitartaric acid, trifluoroacetic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, pantothenic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, ascorbic acid, maleic acid, gentisinic acid, saccharic acid, fumaric acid, glutamic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, benzoic acid, glycolic acid, gluconic acid, glucaronic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, citric acid, mandelic acid, benzensulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, pamoic acid. Examples of suitable inorganic bases include, but are not limited to: ammonia, hydroxyethylamine and hydrazine. Examples of suitable organic bases include, but are not limited to, methylamine, ethylamine, trimethylamine, triethylamine, ethylenediamine, hydroxyethylamine, morpholine, piperazine and guanidine. The invention further provides for the hydrates and polymorphs of all of the helper esters described herein.

[0042] The helper esters disclosed herein may contain one or more chiral atoms, or may otherwise be capable of existing as two or more stereoisomers, which are usually enantiomers and/or diastereomers. Accordingly, the helper esters disclosed herein include mixtures of stereoisomers or mixtures of enantiomers, as well as purified stereoisomers, purified enantiomers, stereoisomerically enriched mixtures, or enantiomerically enriched mixtures. The helper esters disclosed herein also include the individual isomers of the helper esters as well as any wholly or partially equilibrated mixtures thereof. The helper esters disclosed herein also cover the individual isomers of the helper esters as mixtures with isomers thereof in which one or more chiral centers are inverted. Also, it is understood that all tautomers and mixtures of tautomers of the helper esters are included within the scope of the helper esters and preferably the structures corresponding thereto. [0043] Racemates obtained can be resolved into the isomers mechanically or chemically by methods known per se. Diastereomers are preferably formed from the racemic mixture by reaction with an optically active resolving agent. Examples of suitable resolving agents are optically active acids, such as the D and L forms of tartaric acid, diacetyltartaric acid, dibenzoyltartaric acid, mandelic acid, malic acid, lactic acid or the various optically active camphorsulfonic acids, such as camphorsulfonic acid. Also advantageous is enantiomer resolution with the aid of a column filled with an optically active resolving agent. The diastereomer resolution can also be carried out by standard purification processes, such as, for example, chromatography or fractional crystallization.

[0044] It is also possible to obtain optically active helper esters by the methods described above by using starting materials which are already optically active.

[0045] As used herein, unless specified otherwise, the term "alkyl" means a branched or unbranched, saturated or unsaturated, monovalent or multivalent hydrocarbon group, including saturated alkyl groups, alkenyl groups and alkynyl groups. Examples of alkyls include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, ethenyl, propenyl, butenyl, isobutenyl, pentenyl, hexenyl, heptenyl, octenyl, nonenyl, decenyl, undecenyl, dodecenyl, ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl, isobutynyl, pentynyl, hexynyl, heptynyl, octynyl, nonynyl, decynyl, undecynyl, dodecynyl, methylene, ethylene, propylene, isopropylene, butylene, isobutylene, t-butylene, pentylene, hexylene, heptylene, octylene, nonylene, decylene, undecylene, and dodecylene. In certain embodiments, the hydrocarbon group contains 1 to 20 carbons. In certain embodiments, the hydrocarbon group contains 1 to 10 carbons. In certain embodiments, the hydrocarbon group contains 1 to 8 carbons.

[0046] As used herein, unless specified otherwise, the term "cycloalkyl" means an alkyl that contains at least one ring and no aromatic rings. In certain embodiments, a cycloalkyl is a saturated cycloalkyl group. In certain embodiments, a cycloalkyl group comprises unsaturated bonds. Examples of cycloalkyls include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclononyl, cyclodecyl, cycloundecyl, and cyclododecyl. In certain embodiments, the hydrocarbon chain contains 1 to 30 carbons. In certain embodiments, the hydrocarbon group contains 1 to 20 carbons. In certain embodiments, the hydrocarbon group contains 1 to 12 carbons. In certain embodiments, the hydrocarbon group contains 1 to 6 carbons.

[0047] As used herein, unless specified otherwise, the term "heterocycloalkyl" means a cycloalkyl wherein at least one ring atom is a non-carbon atom. Examples of the non-carbon ring atom include, but are not limited to, S, O and N.

[0048] As used herein, unless specified otherwise, the term "alkoxyl" means an alkyl, cycloalkyl, or heterocycloalkyl, which contains one or more oxygen atoms. Examples of alkoxyl include, but are not limited to, -CH₂-OH, -OCH₃, -O-alkyl, -alkyl-OH, -alkyl-O-alkyl-, wherein the two alkyls can be the same or different.

[0049] As used herein, unless specified otherwise, the term "alkyl halide" means an alkyl, cycloalkyl, or heterocycloalkyl, which contains one or more halogen atoms, wherein the halogen atoms can be either the same or different. The term "halogen" means fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine. Examples of alkyl halides include, but are not limited to, -alkyl-F, -alkyl-CI, -alkyl-Br, -alkyl-l, -alkyl(F)-, -alkyl(CI)-, -alkyl(Br)- and - alkyl(l)-.

[0050] As used herein, unless specified otherwise, the term "alkylthio" means an alkyl, cycloalkyl, or heterocycloalkyl, which contains one or more sulfur atoms. Examples of alkylthios include, but are not limited to, -CH₂-SH, -SCH₃, -S-alkyl, -alkyl- SH, -alkyl-S-alkyl-, wherein the two alkyls can be either the same or different.

[0051] As used herein, unless specified otherwise, the term "alkylamino" means an alkyl, cycloalkyl, or heterocycloalkyl, which contains one or more nitrogen atoms. Examples of alkylaminos include, but are not limited to, -CH₂-NH, -NCH₃, -N(alkyl)-alkyl, -N-alkyl, -alkyl-NH₂, -alkyl-N-alkyl and -alkyl-N(alkyl)-alkyl wherein the alkyls can be either the same or different.

[0052] As used herein, unless specified otherwise, the term "alkylcarbonyl" means an alkyl, cycloalkyl, or heterocycloalkyl, which contains one or more carbonyl groups. Examples of alkylcarbonyl groups include, but are not limited to, the aldehyde group (- R'-C(O)-H), the ketone group (-R'-C(O)-R"), the carboxylic acid group (R'-COOH), the ester group (-R"-COO-R'), carboxamide, (-R"'-COO-N(R')R"), the enone group (-R""- C(O)-C(R')=C(R")R"'), the acyl halide group (-R'-C(O)-X) and the acid anhydride group (-R"-C(O)-O-C(O)-R'), wherein R', R", R'" and R"" are either the same or different alkyls, cycloalkyls, or heterocycloalkyls.

[0053] As used herein, unless specified otherwise, the term "perfluoroalkyl" means an alkyl, cycloalkyl, or heterocycloalkyl, which contains one or more fluoro groups, including, without limitation, perfluoromethyl, perfluoroethyl, and perfluoropropyl.

[0054] As used herein, unless specified otherwise, the term "aryl" means a chemical structure comprising one or more aromatic rings. In certain embodiments, the ring atoms are all carbon. In certain embodiments, one or more ring atoms are non- carbon, e.g. oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur ("heteroaryl"). Examples of aryls include, without limitation, phenyl, benzyl, naphthalenyl, anthracenyl, pyridyl, quinoyl, isoquinoyl, pyrazinyl, quinoxalinyl, acridinyl, pyrimidinyl, quinazolinyl, pyridazinyl, cinnolinyl, imidazolyl, benzimidazolyl, purinyl, indolyl, furanyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, pyrrolyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, thiophenyl, benzothiophenyl, pyrazolyl, indazolyl, oxazolyl, benzoxazolyl, isoxazolyl, benzisoxazolyl, thiaxolyl, quanidino, and benzothiazolyl.

II) Properties of the Al-helper composition disclosed herein

[0055] A person having ordinary skill in the art would be able to test various helper esters, solvents, additives, and concentrations thereof for optimal results.

[0056] The Al-helper compositions disclosed herein have shown significantly improved transdermal delivery of the Al compound, compared to aqueous solution/suspension of the Al compound absent the helper esters, pharmaceutically acceptable solvates thereof, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable stereoisomers thereof as disclosed herein. For example, when applying about the same mole of melatonin to a skin of a subject, the subject's melatonin plasma level can be maintained for about 8 hours or more, with a melatonin plasma level about 5 to about 10 times higher than the subject applied with melatonin absent the helper esters.

[0057] The Al-helper compositions can also increase the Al compound's solubility and/or the Al compound's skin penetration rate compared to those absent the helper esters, pharmaceutically acceptable solvates thereof, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable stereoisomers thereof as disclosed herein. [0058] Solubility of melatonin in water at 20 °C is about 2 g/100 ml_ (i.e. about 103 mM, and 2% (w/v)). In certain embodiments, the presence of helper esters can increase melatonin's solubility to about 3 to about 10 g/100 ml_, more than about 3 g/100 ml_, more than about 10 g/100 ml_, more than about 10 g/100 ml_, or more than about 10 g/100 ml_, depending on the concentration of the helper esters (e.g. about 150 mM to about 500 mM, or higher) and the temperature (e.g. at 25 °C, 20 °C, at 10 °C). A person having ordinary skill in the art would be able to test various helper esters and concentrations thereof for optimal results.

[0059] Skin penetration rates of Al compounds in the presence of helper esters also increase. For example, at 20 °C, such increase can be by about 2 fold or more, about 3 fold or more, about 4 fold or more, about 2-4 fold, or about 3-4 fold, depending on the concentration of the helper esters (e.g. about 150 mM to about 500 mM, or higher), and the concentration of the Al compounds (e.g. about 3 mg/100 ml_ or higher, about 5 mg/100 ml_ or higher, about 3 mg/100 ml_ to about 5 mg/100 ml_, or about 6 mg/100 ml_ or higher). A person having ordinary skill in the art would be able to test various helper esters and concentrations thereof for optimal results.

[0060] In certain embodiments, the Al-helper composition comprises an Al compound (e.g., melatonin, alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin E, vitamin D, glutathione, resveratrol, astaxanthin, beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folic acid, taurine, etc.) and one or more helper esters, e.g. esters of amino acids (e.g. L-tryptophan esters, L-leucine esters, L-isoleucine esters, L-proline esters, L-tyrosine esters, L-phenylalanine esters, L-arginine esters, L-alanine esters, L-asparagine esters, L-aspartic acid esters, L-cysteine esters, L-glutamine esters, L-histidine esters, L-lysine esters, L-methionine esters, L-serine esters, L-threonine esters, L-valine esters, D- tryptophan esters, D-leucine esters, D-isoleucine esters, D-proline esters, D-tyrosine esters, D-phenylalanine esters, D-arginine esters, D-alanine esters, D-asparagine esters, D-aspartic acid esters, D-cysteine esters, D-glutamine esters, D-histidine esters, D-lysine esters, D-methionine esters, D-serine esters, D-threonine esters, D-valine esters, glycine esters, etc.), and/or esters of other acids (e.g. 2-(dialkylamino)ethyl 2-(4- isobutylphenyl)propionate hydrochloride, 2-(dialkylamino)alkyl 2-acetoxybenzoate hydrochloride, etc.), and one or more solvents, wherein the Al compound's solubility and/or the Al compound's penetration rate (through, e.g. skin) in such composition have increased significantly compared to those in water absent the helper esters, in various temperatures (e.g. at room temperature) (See, e.g. Tables 1 -16).

[0061] In certain embodiments, the Al-helper composition comprises an Al compound (e.g., melatonin alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin E, vitamin D, glutathione, resveratrol, astaxanthin, beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folic acid, taurine, etc.), tryptophan isopropyl ester, and water. The solubility of the Al compound in such composition has increased significantly from that in pure water.

[0062] In certain embodiments, the Al-helper composition comprising D-amino acid esters or L-amino acid esters may provide similar improvements of the solubility and skin penetration rates of the Al compound. In certain embodiments, the Al-helper composition comprising D-amino acid esters or L-amino acid esters may provide different improvements of the solubility and skin penetration rates of the Al compound.

III) Preparation of the Al-helper composition disclosed herein

[0063] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for synthesizing the helper esters disclosed herein comprising reacting a suitable acid and a suitable alcohol in the presence of one or more catalyzers, such as HCI, HBr, oxalyl chloride, sulfone dichloride, etc. Examples of specific ester preparations of one or more embodiments are disclosed below.

IV) Applications of the Al-helper composition disclosed herein

[0064] Another aspect of this invention relates to a method for using the Al-helper compositions disclosed herein for treating one or more conditions, e.g., without limitation, skin disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease, cancer, immune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), circadian rhythm sleep disorders, insomnia, Alzheimer's disease, delirium, headaches, obesity, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, tinnitus, irritable bowel syndrome, aging and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In certain embodiments, the Al-helper composition comprises a therapeutically effective amount of the Al compound (e.g., melatonin, alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin E, vitamin D, glutathione, resveratrol, astaxanthin, beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folic acid, taurine, etc.) for the purpose desired. [0065] The term "skin disorders" as used herein means skin conditions that are not desired, e.g., without limitation, wrinkles, aging, aging spot, acne, rosacea, etc.

[0066] The terms "treat," "treating," or "treatment" as used herein with regards to a condition refers to preventing the condition, slowing the onset or rate of development of the condition, reducing the risk of developing the condition, preventing or delaying the development of symptoms associated with the condition, reducing or ending symptoms associated with the condition, generating a complete or partial regression of the condition, or some combination thereof.

[0067] A "therapeutically effective amount" of an Al compound or an Al-helper composition as used herein is an amount of a composition that produces a desired effect or a desired therapeutic effect in a subject. The precise therapeutically effective amount is an amount of the compound or composition that will yield the most effective results in terms of therapeutic efficacy in a given subject. This amount will vary depending upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to the characteristics of the therapeutic compound (including, e.g., activity, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and bioavailability), the physiological condition of the subject (including, e.g., age, sex, disease type and stage, general physical condition, responsiveness to a given dosage, and type of medication), the nature of the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or carriers in the composition, and the route of administration. One skilled in the clinical and pharmacological arts will be able to determine a therapeutically effective amount through routine experimentation, namely by monitoring a subject's response to administration of a compound or composition and adjusting the dosage accordingly. For additional guidance, see Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 21 st Edition, Univ. of Sciences in Philadelphia (USIP), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA, 2005, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0068] In certain embodiments, an Al compound or Al-helper composition as provided herein may be administered one or more times a day. In other embodiments, the compound or composition may be delivered less than once a day. For example, the compound or composition may be administered once a week, once a month, or once every several months. Administration of a compound or composition provided herein may be carried out over a specific treatment period determined in advance, or it may be carried out indefinitely or until a specific therapeutic benchmark is reached. In certain embodiments, dosing frequency may change over the course of treatment. For example, a subject may receive less frequent administrations over the course of treatment as certain therapeutic benchmarks are met.

[0069] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for delivering the Al compound (e.g., melatonin, alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin E, vitamin D, glutathione, resveratrol, astaxanthin, beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folic acid, taurine, etc.) to a subject (e.g. human or animals) comprising applying the Al- helper composition disclosed herein to the subject, wherein the Al-helper composition comprising the Al compound.

1) Transdermal administration of the Al-helper composition disclosed herein

[0070] In one embodiment, the Al-helper composition is applied transdermal^ (e.g. via applying to the skin).

[0071] For example, the Al-helper composition may be applied via a fine mist or stream of liquid dispensed via a spray bottle to various locations on the skin (e.g. face, neck, upper arms, back, wrists, hip, etc.). In another example, the Al-helper composition is administered transdermal^ via a roll-on bottle. This method of administration allows for application of the Al-helper composition to a more exact region of the skin.

[0072] In certain embodiments, the Al-helper composition is administered by employing a cotton swab soaked with the Al-helper composition. A cotton swab may be dabbed in the Al-helper composition, which is held in a reservoir, and then applied directly to the skin, and this procedure may be repeated as many times as necessary until the desired amount of Al compound composition has been dispensed.

[0073] In comparison with oral ingestion, transdermal composition application may be effective at a lower dosage of an Al compound, as transdermal composition avoids the first-pass effect that consumes a significant amount of an Al compound taken orally.

2) Administration methods of the Al-helper composition disclosed herein [0074] In certain embodiments, the Al-helper composition disclosed herein is applied to the subject via transdermal administration, transmucosal administration, trans-nasal administration, topical administration, and any combinations thereof.

VI). A kit comprising one or more Al-helper compositions disclosed herein

[0075] Another aspect of the invention relates to a kit comprising one or more Al- helper compositions disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, the kit further comprising articles used to apply the Al-helper compositions to a subject.

V). ADVANTAGES

[0076] In certain embodiments, the solubility and/or skin penetration rate of the Al compound in the Al-helper compositions are greatly increased compared to those of the Al compound in aqueous solution absent the helper esters. Thus, an Al compound composition having higher Al compound concentration may be prepared to allows more Al compound to be applied to a target region of skin than an aqueous Al compound composition without the helper esters disclosed herein. Higher skin penetration rates of Al compound in the Al-helper compositions further facilitates the delivery of the Al compound to a user. These improvements to the solubility and skin penetration rate of the Al compound make the Al-helper compositions viable to a wide range of users.

[0077] In certain embodiments, the Al-helper compositions may be applied transdermal^ with the benefits discussed supra.

[0078] In certain embodiments, administration (e.g. transdermal administration) of the melatonin compositions disclosed herein to a subject has provided a relatively steady melatonin plasma level for about 8 hours or more, or about 4 hours or more. This prevents the disadvantage of oral or intravenous ingestion of melatonin, where a large amount of the melatonin is absorbed into the body at the same time. Having a steady rate of permeation as opposed to absorbing all the melatonin at once is desirable as it helps deliver the stimulatory effects of melatonin smoothly over several hours, at once prolonging the effect of the melatonin and also mitigating the risk of overdose from absorbing more melatonin than desirable at one time.

[0079] In certain embodiments, the administration methods disclosed herein allow the user to control the amount of the Al compound applied by varying the number of administrations. Unlike Al compound containing drinks, which encourage the imbiber to consume a set amount of liquid and the Al compound, the methods disclosed herein encourage the user to regulate each dose so that they only receive the amount of stimulation they desire from the Al compound, and do not overdose.

[0080] The following examples are intended to illustrate various embodiments of the invention. As such, the specific embodiments discussed are not to be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various equivalents, changes, and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of invention, and it is understood that such equivalent embodiments are to be included herein. Further, all references cited in the disclosure are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, as if fully set forth herein.

VII). EXAMPLES

Example 1. Al-helper compositions showed higher Al compound solubility and higher skin penetration rates compared to those absent the helper esters.

[0081] Solubility was tested by adding small amounts of Al compound to a set volume of an Al-helper composition at a certain temperature until the Al-helper composition was saturated with the Al compound, and measuring the amount of the Al compound added to calculate the solubility of the Al compound in the Al-helper composition at the temperature.

[0082] Penetration rate of Al compound in the Al-helper composition through human skin were measured in vitro by modified Franz cells. A Franz cell had two chambers: the top sample chamber and the bottom receiving chamber. The human skin tissue (450-500 μιτι thick) that separated the top and the receiving chambers was isolated from the anterior or posterior thigh areas.

Table 1 Solubility of melatonin (%, w/v) in melatonin-helper compositions comprising a tryptophan ester hydrochloride (D- or L-isomer) and water

Tryptophan L- 6 20 >1.3% isopropyl ester

Tryptophan D- 6 20 >1.3% isopropyl ester

Tryptophan L- 10 20 >1.5% isopropyl ester

Tryptophan D- 10 20 >1.5% isopropyl ester

Tryptophan L- 10 20 >1.5% ethyl ester

Tryptophan D- 10 20 >1.5% ethyl ester

Tryptophan L- 10 20 >1.5% butyl ester

Tryptophan D- 10 20 >1.5% butyl ester

Tryptophan L- 6 10 >1% isopropyl ester

Tryptophan D- 6 10 >1% isopropyl ester

Tryptophan L- 10 10 >1% isopropyl ester

Tryptophan D- 10 10 >1% isopropyl ester

Tryptophan L- 10 10 >1% ethyl ester

Tryptophan D- 10 10 >1% ethyl ester

Tryptophan L- 10 10 >1% butyl ester Tryptophan D- 10 10 >1 %

butyl ester

Table 2 Skin penetration rates of Al compounds in Al-helper compositions comprising an Al compound, a tryptophan ester hydrochloride (D- or L-isomer), and water

n butyl 35 ester

Melatonin Tryptopha L- 6 1 20 15.012±1 .3 n pentyl 15 ester

Melatonin Tryptopha D- 6 1 20 15.003±1 .5 n pentyl 13 ester

Melatonin None N/A N/A 1 20 1 .153±0.1 1

(suspension) 1

Alpha- None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.071 ±0.06 lipoic acid 3

Alpha- Tryptopha D- 6 0.5 25 35.456±2.4 lipoic acid n 76

isopropyl

ester

Alpha- Tryptopha L- 6 0.5 25 36.378±2.9 lipoic acid n 78

isopropyl

ester

Vitamin E None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.008±0.00

8

Vitamin E Tryptopha D- 6 0.5 25 22.783±3.1 n 45 isopropyl

ester

Vitamin E Tryptopha L- 6 0.5 25 23.657±4.1 n 20 isopropyl

ester

Vitamin D None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.102±0.1 1 3

Vitamin D Tryptopha D- 6 0.5 25 15.138±2.1 n 79 isopropyl

ester

Vitamin D Tryptopha L- 6 0.5 25 16.345±2.9 n 12 isopropyl

ester

Glutathio None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.008±0.01 ne 3

Glutathio Tryptopha D- 6 0.5 25 18.126±3.4 ne n 51

isopropyl

ester

Glutathio Tryptopha L- 6 0.5 25 17.978±3.4 ne n 79

isopropyl

ester

Resveratr None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.017±0.02 ol 1

Resveratr Tryptopha D- 6 0.5 25 20.728±3.9 ol n 62

isopropyl

ester

Resveratr Tryptopha L- 6 0.5 25 20.177±3.1 ol n 95

isopropyl

ester

Astaxant None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.012±0.01 hin 3 Astaxant Tryptopha D- 6 0.5 25 13.131 ±2.1 hin n 02

isopropyl

ester

Astaxant Tryptopha L- 6 0.5 25 13.341 ±2.7 hin n 62

isopropyl

ester

Beta None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.009±0.01

Carotene 3

Beta Tryptopha D- 6 0.5 25 1 1 .598±2.1

Carotene n 73

isopropyl

ester

Beta Tryptopha L- 6 0.5 25 1 1 .372±2.3

Carotene n 26

isopropyl

ester

Vitamin A None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.018±0.01

2

Vitamin A Tryptopha D- 6 0.5 25 21 .715±3.6 n 85 isopropyl

ester

Vitamin A Tryptopha L- 6 0.5 25 20.977±3.7 n 41 isopropyl

ester

Vitamin C None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.007±0.01

3

Vitamin C Tryptopha D- 6 0.5 25 1 1 .136±2.3 n 85 isopropyl

ester

Vitamin C Tryptopha L- 6 0.5 25 1 1 .345±2.6 n 12 isopropyl

ester

Vitamin None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.007±0.01 B12 1

Vitamin Tryptopha D- 6 0.5 25 8.718±3.12 B12 n 5

isopropyl

ester

Vitamin Tryptopha L- 6 0.5 25 8.897±3.21 B12 n 1

isopropyl

ester

Vitamin None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.059±0.03 B6 1

Vitamin Tryptopha D- 6 0.5 25 17.131 ±2.3 B6 n 32

isopropyl

ester

Vitamin Tryptopha L- 6 0.5 25 17.251 ±2.4 B6 n 15

isopropyl

ester

Folic acid None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.009±0.01

1

Folic acid Tryptopha D- 6 0.5 25 6.725±3.32 n 7 isopropyl

ester

Folic acid Tryptopha L- 6 0.5 25 6.915±3.45 n 2 isopropyl

ester

Taurine None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.005±0.00

8

Taurine Tryptopha D- 6 0.5 25 9.131 ±2.32 n 1 isopropyl

ester

Taurine Tryptopha L- 6 0.5 25 9.172±2.1 1 n 7 isopropyl

ester

Table 3 Solubility of melatonin (%, w/v) in melatonin-helper compositions comprising leucine ester hydrochloride and water

Leucine 6 10 >0.5% isopropyl ester

Leucine 10 10 >0.5%

isopropyl ester

Leucine methyl 10 10 >0.5%

ester

Leucine hexyl 10 10 >0.4%

ester

Table 4 Skin penetration rates of Al compounds in Al-helper compositions comprising an Al compound, a leucine ester hydrochloride (D- or L-isomer), and water

Melatonin None N/A N/A 0.5 (a 20 1 .147±0.12 suspension) 3

Alpha- None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.051 ±0.02 lipoic acid 3

Alpha- Leucine D- 6 0.5 25 27.476±2.1 lipoic acid isoprop 16

yl ester

Alpha- Leucine L- 6 0.5 25 28.377±2.3 lipoic acid isoprop 78

yl ester

Vitamin E None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.012±0.00

7

Vitamin E Leucine D- 6 0.5 25 19.723±3.0 isoprop 46 yl ester

Vitamin E Leucine L- 6 0.5 25 19.61 1 ±3.1 isoprop 26 yl ester

Vitamin D None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.082±0.05

3

Vitamin D Leucine D- 6 0.5 25 13.139±2.0 isoprop 26 yl ester

Vitamin D Leucine L- 6 0.5 25 13.155±2.1 isoprop 12 yl ester

Glutathion None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.01 1 ±0.00 e 8

Glutathion Leucine D- 6 0.5 25 14.121 ±2.1 e isoprop 31 yl ester

Glutathion Leucine L- 6 0.5 25 14.128±2.1 e isoprop 19

yl ester

Resveratr None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.013±0.01 ol 1

Resveratr Leucine D- 6 0.5 25 16.028±2.8 ol isoprop 62

yl ester

Resveratr Leucine L- 6 0.5 25 16.126±3.0 ol isoprop 05

yl ester

Astaxanth None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.010±0.00 in 8

Astaxanth Leucine D- 6 0.5 25 1 1 .134±2.1 in isoprop 83

yl ester

Astaxanth Leucine L- 6 0.5 25 1 1 .251 ±2.1 in isoprop 12

yl ester

Beta None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.012±0.01

Carotene 1

Beta Leucine D- 6 0.5 25 9.501 ±2.76

Carotene isoprop 3

yl ester

Beta Leucine L- 6 0.5 25 9.252±2.32

Carotene isoprop 1

yl ester

Vitamin A None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.015±0.01

1 Vitamin A Leucine D- 6 0.5 25 16.315±3.1 isoprop 72 yl ester

Vitamin A Leucine L- 6 0.5 25 16.357±3.1 isoprop 21 yl ester

Vitamin C None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.008±0.01

0

Vitamin C Leucine D- 6 0.5 25 8.256±2.07 isoprop 8 yl ester

Vitamin C Leucine L- 6 0.5 25 8.378±2.15 isoprop 2 yl ester

Vitamin None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.008±0.00 B12 9

Vitamin Leucine D- 6 0.5 25 6.756±2.32 B12 isoprop 5

yl ester

Vitamin Leucine L- 6 0.5 25 6.813±3.1 1 B12 isoprop 1

yl ester

Vitamin None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.029±0.03 B6 5

Vitamin Leucine D- 6 0.5 25 13.138±2.1 B6 isoprop 31

yl ester

Vitamin Leucine L- 6 0.5 25 13.252±2.1 B6 isoprop 23

yl ester Folic acid None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.007±0.01

2

Folic acid Leucine D- 6 0.5 25 5.523±3.01 isoprop 2 yl ester

Folic acid Leucine L- 6 0.5 25 5.786±3.16 isoprop 2 yl ester

Taurine None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.008±0.00

9

Taurine Leucine D- 6 0.5 25 7.231 ±2.38 isoprop 6 yl ester

Taurine Leucine L- 6 0.5 25 7.175±2.25 isoprop 7 yl ester

Table 5 Solubility of melatonin (%, w/v) in melatonin-helper compositions comprising an isoleucine ester hydrochloride and water

Isoleucine 6 10 >0.5% isopropyl ester

Isoleucine 10 10 >0.5%

isopropyl ester

Isoleucine methyl 10 10 >0.5%

ester

Isoleucine hexyl 10 10 >0.4%

ester

Table 6 Skin penetration rates of Al compounds in Al-helper compositions comprising an Al compound, an isoleucine ester hydrochloride (D- or L-isomer), and water

ester

Melatonin None N/A N/A 0.5 (a 20 1 .147±0.12 suspension) 3

Alpha- None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.057±0.03 lipoic acid 6

Alpha- Isoleucin D- 6 0.5 25 28.013±2.0 lipoic acid e 78

isopropyl

ester

Alpha- Isoleucin L- 6 0.5 25 28.897±2.1 lipoic acid e 26

isopropyl

ester

Vitamin E None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.016±0.00

9

Vitamin E Isoleucin D- 6 0.5 25 19.321 ±3.0 e 12 isopropyl

ester

Vitamin E Isoleucin L- 6 0.5 25 19.412±3.0 e 76 isopropyl

ester

Vitamin D None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.078±0.03

7

Vitamin D Isoleucin D- 6 0.5 25 13.315±2.1 e 26 isopropyl

ester

Vitamin D Isoleucin L- 6 0.5 25 13.425±2.1 e 32 isopropyl

ester

Glutathio None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.013±0.01 ne 1

Glutathio Isoleucin D- 6 0.5 25 14.581 ±2.1 ne e 83

isopropyl

ester

Glutathio Isoleucin L- 6 0.5 25 14.698±2.3 ne e 21

isopropyl

ester

Resveratr None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.016±0.01 ol 0

Resveratr Isoleucin D- 6 0.5 25 16.318±2.7 ol e 62

isopropyl

ester

Resveratr Isoleucin L- 6 0.5 25 16.236±2.8 ol e 05

isopropyl

ester

Astaxanth None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.013±0.00 in 9

Astaxanth Isoleucin D- 6 0.5 25 1 1 .354±2.4 in e 52

isopropyl

ester

Astaxanth Isoleucin L- 6 0.5 25 1 1 .431 ±2.3 in e 12

isopropyl ester

Beta None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.015±0.00

Carotene 7

Beta Isoleucin D- 6 0.5 25 9.471 ±2.32

Carotene e 3

isopropyl

ester

Beta Isoleucin L- 6 0.5 25 9.412±2.78

Carotene e 1

isopropyl

ester

Vitamin A None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.015±0.00

8

Vitamin A Isoleucin D- 6 0.5 25 16.515±3.2 e 12 isopropyl

ester

Vitamin A Isoleucin L- 6 0.5 25 16.656±3.0 e 21 isopropyl

ester

Vitamin C None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.01 1 ±0.00

8

Vitamin C Isoleucin D- 6 0.5 25 8.526±2.27 e 1 isopropyl

ester

Vitamin C Isoleucin L- 6 0.5 25 8.369±2.10 e 2 isopropyl

ester Vitamin None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.001 1 ±0.0

B12 06

Vitamin Isoleucin D- 6 0.5 25 6.816±2.37

B12 e 2

isopropyl

ester

Vitamin Isoleucin L- 6 0.5 25 6.873±3.06

B12 e 1

isopropyl

ester

Vitamin None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.022±0.01

B6 7

Vitamin Isoleucin D- 6 0.5 25 13.468±2.2

B6 e 1 1

isopropyl

ester

Vitamin Isoleucin L- 6 0.5 25 13.632±2.1

B6 e 25

isopropyl

ester

Folic acid None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.012±0.00

7

Folic acid Isoleucin D- 6 0.5 25 5.598±2.81 e 2 isopropyl

ester

Folic acid Isoleucin L- 6 0.5 25 5.793±3.1 1 e 6 isopropyl

ester

Taurine None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.009±0.00 7

Taurine Isoleucin D- 6 0.5 25 7.521 ±2.31 e 2 isopropyl

ester

Taurine Isoleucin L- 6 0.5 25 7.247±2.07 e 6 isopropyl

ester

Table 7 Solubility of melatonin (%, w/v) in melatonin-helper compositions comprising a tyrosine ester hydrochloride and water

isopropyl ester

Tyrosine ethyl 10 10 >0.7% ester

Tyrosine propyl 10 10 >0.7% ester

Tyrosine pentyl 10 10 >0.7% ester

Tyrosine hexyl 10 10 >0.6% ester

Table 8 Skin Penetration rates of melatonin in melatonin-helper compositions comprising a tyrosine ester hydrochloride (D- or L-isomer) and water at 20°C

Tyrosine L- 6 1 14.212±1 .215 hexyl ester

Tyrosine D- 6 1 14.009±1 .254 hexyl ester

None N/A N/A 1 (suspension) 1 .153±0.1 1 1

Table 9 Solubility of melatonin (%, w/v) in melatonin-helper compositions comprising a phenylalanine ester hydrochloride and water

Table 10 Skin penetration rates of Al compounds in Al-helper compositions comprising an Al compound, a phenylalanine ester hydrochloride (D- or L- isomer), and water

lipoic ne isopropyl 68 acid ester

Vitamin E None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.016±0.01

1

Vitamin E Phenylalani D- 6 0.5 25 21 .363±2.0 ne isopropyl 15 ester

Vitamin E Phenylalani L- 6 0.5 25 21 .357±3.1 ne isopropyl 20 ester

Vitamin None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.072±0.03 D 3

Vitamin Phenylalani D- 6 0.5 25 15.478±2.1 D ne isopropyl 26

ester

Vitamin Phenylalani L- 6 0.5 25 15.327±2.0 D ne isopropyl 32

ester

Glutathio None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.016±0.00 ne 9

Glutathio Phenylalani D- 6 0.5 25 17.526±2.4 ne ne isopropyl 51

ester

Glutathio Phenylalani L- 6 0.5 25 17.358±2.2 ne ne isopropyl 59

ester

Resverat None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.015±0.01 rol 1

Resverat Phenylalani D- 6 0.5 25 18.745±3.1 rol ne isopropyl 12 ester

Resverat Phenylalani L- 6 0.5 25 18.978±2.1 rol ne isopropyl 35

ester

Astaxant None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.019±0.01 hin 1

Astaxant Phenylalani D- 6 0.5 25 12.431 ±2.1 hin ne isopropyl 78

ester

Astaxant Phenylalani L- 6 0.5 25 12.341 ±2.0 hin ne isopropyl 42

ester

Beta None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.019±0.00

Carotene 8

Beta Phenylalani D- 6 0.5 25 10.658±2.0

Carotene ne isopropyl 03

ester

Beta Phenylalani L- 6 0.5 25 10.772±2.1

Carotene ne isopropyl 74

ester

Vitamin A None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.026±0.01

5

Vitamin A Phenylalani D- 6 0.5 25 20.015±3.0 ne isopropyl 25 ester

Vitamin A Phenylalani L- 6 0.5 25 20.177±3.2 ne isopropyl 41 ester

Vitamin None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.017±0.01 C 5 Vitamin Phenylalani D- 6 0.5 25 10.378±2.1 C ne isopropyl 55

ester

Vitamin Phenylalani L- 6 0.5 25 10.301 ±2.0 C ne isopropyl 22

ester

Vitamin None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.012±0.00 B12 6

Vitamin Phenylalani D- 6 0.5 25 8.156±2.87 B12 ne isopropyl 5

ester

Vitamin Phenylalani L- 6 0.5 25 8.236±3.05 B12 ne isopropyl 7

ester

Vitamin None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.057±0.01 B6 1

Vitamin Phenylalani D- 6 0.5 25 16.531 ±2.1 B6 ne isopropyl 06

ester

Vitamin Phenylalani L- 6 0.5 25 16.751 ±2.0 B6 ne isopropyl 12

ester

Folic acid None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.012±0.00

7

Folic acid Phenylalani D- 6 0.5 25 6.771 ±2.87 ne isopropyl 2 ester

Folic acid Phenylalani L- 6 0.5 25 6.757±3.01 ne isopropyl 2 ester Taurine None N/A N/A 0.5 25 0.01 1 ±0.00

6

Taurine Phenylalani D- 6 0.5 25 8.339±2.17 ne isopropyl 8 ester

Taurine Phenylalani L- 6 0.5 25 8.372±2.23 ne isopropyl 7 ester

Table 11 Solubility of melatonin (%, w/v) in melatonin-helper compositions comprising a proline ester hydrochloride and water

Table 12 Skin penetration rates of melatonin in melatonin-helper compositions comprising a proline ester hydrochloride and water at 20°C

Table 13 Solubility of melatonin (%, w/v) in melatonin-helper compositions comprising a (dialkylamino)alkyl 2-acetoxybenzoate hydrochloride (non-amino acid ester) and water

2-(Dibutylamino)ethyl 2- 10 20 >1 % acetoxybenzoate

3-(Diethylamino)propyl 6 10 >0.6% 2-acetoxybenzoate

3-(Diethylamino)propyl 10 10 >0.7% 2-acetoxybenzoate

2-(Diethylamino)ethyl 2- 10 10 >0.7% acetoxybenzoate

2-(Dimethylannino)ethyl 10 10 >0.7% 2-acetoxybenzoate

2-(Dibutylamino)ethyl 2- 10 10 >0.7% acetoxybenzoate

Table 14 Skin Penetration rates of melatonin in melatonin-helper compositions comprising a (dialkylamino)alkyl 2-acetoxybenzoate hydrochloride and water at 20°C

None N/A 1 (suspension) 1 .153±0.1 1 1

Table 15 Solubility of melatonin (%, w/v) in melatonin-helper compositions comprising a (dialkylamino)alkyl 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propionate hydrochloride (non-amino acid ester) and water

Table 16 Skin penetration rates of Al compounds in Al-helper compositions comprising an Al compound, a dialkylaminoalkyl 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propionate hydrochloride, and water Al Dialkylaminoalkyl Concentration of Concentr Tempera Skin compo 2-(4- dialkylaminoalkyl ation of ture penetrati und isobutylphenyl)pr 2-(4- Al (°C) on rate opionate isobutylphenyl)pr compoun of Al opionate d (%, w/v) compou hydrochloride nd (%, w/v) (Mg/cm²/ h)

Melaton 5- 6 0.5 20 10.321 ±1 in (Diethylamino)pent .145

yl 2-(4- isobutylphenyl)prop

ionate

Melaton 2- 6 0.5 20 10.239±1 in (Dimethylannino)eth .173

yl 2-(4- isobutylphenyl)prop

ionate

Melaton (Dipentylamino)nnet 6 0.5 20 9.271 ±1 . in hyl 2-(4- 134

isobutylphenyl)prop

ionate

Melaton 4- 6 0.5 20 9.949±1 . in (Diethylamino)butyl 158

2-(4- isobutylphenyl)prop

ionate

Melaton None N/A 0.5 (a 20 1 .147±0. in suspensio 123

n)

Alpha- None N/A 0.5 25 0.056±0. lipoic 032 acid

Alpha- 2- 6 0.5 25 30.478±2 lipoic (Diethylamino)ethyl .982 acid 2-(4- isobutylphenyl)prop

ionate

Vitamin None N/A 0.5 25 0.012±0. E 006

Vitamin 2- 6 0.5 25 19.783±4 E (Diethylamino)ethyl .025

2-(4- isobutylphenyl)prop

ionate

Vitamin None N/A 0.5 25 0.72±0.0 D 63

Vitamin 2- 6 0.5 25 13.179±2 D (Diethylamino)ethyl .215

2-(4- isobutylphenyl)prop

ionate

Glutathi None N/A 0.5 25 0.012±0. one 010

Glutathi 2- 6 0.5 25 16.356±3 one (Diethylamino)ethyl .01 1

2-(4- isobutylphenyl)prop

ionate

Resver None N/A 0.5 25 0.015±0. atrol 01 1

Resver 2- 6 0.5 25 18.568±3 atrol (Diethylamino)ethyl .1 12 2-(4- isobutylphenyl)prop

ionate

Astaxan None N/A 0.5 25 0.019±0. thin 010

Astaxan 2- 6 0.5 25 12.331 ±2 thin (Diethylamino)ethyl .182

2-(4- isobutylphenyl)prop

ionate

Beta None N/A 0.5 25 0.015±0.

Caroten 01 1 e

Beta 2- 6 0.5 25 10.138±2

Caroten (Diethylamino)ethyl .381 e 2-(4- isobutylphenyl)prop

ionate

Vitamin None N/A 0.5 25 0.021 ±0. A 01 1

Vitamin 2- 6 0.5 25 18.347±3 A (Diethylamino)ethyl .132

2-(4- isobutylphenyl)prop

ionate

Vitamin None N/A 0.5 25 0.016±0. C 012

Vitamin 2- 6 0.5 25 10.1 12±2 C (Diethylamino)ethyl .322

2-(4- isobutylphenyhprop

ionate

Vitamin None N/A 0.5 25 0.016±0.

B12 008

Vitamin 2- 6 0.5 25 8.127±3.

B12 (Diethylamino)ethyl 21 1

2-(4- isobutylphenyl)prop

ionate

Vitamin None N/A 0.5 25 0.023±0.

B6 027

Vitamin 2- 6 0.5 25 15.251 ±2

B6 (Diethylamino)ethyl .015

2-(4- isobutylphenyl)prop

ionate

Folic None N/A 0.5 25 0.012±0. acid 007

Folic 2- 6 0.5 25 6.235±1 . acid (Diethylamino)ethyl 356

2-(4- isobutylphenyl)prop

ionate

Taurine None N/A 0.5 25 0.012±0.

006

Taurine 2- 6 0.5 25 8.71 1 ±1 .

(Diethylamino)ethyl 871 2-(4- isobutylphenyl)prop

ionate [0083] Although data shown in Tables 1 -16 related to hydrochloride salts of certain helper esters as examples, salts of other acids of helper esters achieved similar effects without significantly altering the Al compounds' solubility or skin penetration rates in the helper ester composition (Tables 17 and 18).

Table 17 Solubility of melatonin in a melatonin-helper composition comprising water and a salt of helper esters with different acids (HA) at 20°C

HF 10 >1.3%

HBr 10 >1.2%

HI 10 >1%

citric acid 10 >1%

acetic acid 10 >1.1%

benzoic 10 >1%

acid

lactic acid 10 >1.1%

butyric acid 10 >1%

1/2H₂SO₄ 10 >1%

H₂SO₄ 10 >1.2%

1/3H₃PO₄ 10 >1.0%

2/3H₃PO₄ 10 >1.1%

Table 18 Skin penetration rate of melatonin (1%, w/v) or alpha-lipoic acid (0.5%, w/v) in an Al-helper composition comprising various salts of helper esters (6%, w/v) and water at 20°C

H₂SO₄ 16.780±1 .891

1/3H₃PO₄ 15.321 ±1 .497

2/3H₃PO₄ 15.691 ±1 .571

HA Skin penetration rate of alpha-lipoic acid (_Mg/cm²/h)

HCI 35.456±2.476

HF 34.673±3.156

HBr 35.21 1 ±3.285

HI 34.467±2.583

Citric acid 35.371 ±3.587

Acetic acid 35.006±2.892

Benzoic acid 34.665±3.019

Lactic acid 35.007±2.879

Butyric acid 35.178±3.598

1/2H₂SO₄ 33.928±2.876

H₂SO₄ 33.780±2.891

1/3H₃PO₄ 34.321 ±2.867

2/3H₃PO₄ 34.691 ±3.51 1

Tyrosine isopropyl ester- HA

HA Skin penetration rate of melatonin

(_Mg/cm²/h)

HCI 16.313±1 .753

HF 15.765±1 .946

HBr 16.578±2.1 17

HI 15.863±1 .970

Citric acid 16.246±2.319

Acetic acid 15.983±3.471

Benzoic acid 17.002±3.257

Lactic acid 16.029±2.467

Butyric acid 16.125±1 .972 1/2H₂SO₄ 15.978±2.136

H₂SO₄ 16.632±1 .357

1/3H₃PO₄ 15.848±1 .782

2/3H₃PO₄ 16.156±3.124

HA Skin penetration rate of lipoic acid

(_Mg/cm²/h)

HCI 33.613±2.819

HF 33.613±3.219

HBr 34.013±3.219

HI 33.572±3.129

Citric acid 34.013±2.569

Acetic acid 33.513±2.319

Benzoic acid 32.913±4.319

Lactic acid 32.987±4.212

Butyric acid 33.452±3.756

1/2H₂SO₄ 34.012±2.685

H₂SO₄ 33.567±3.125

1/3H₃PO₄ 33.25±2.762

2/3H₃PO₄ 34.124±2.912

1% melatonin (a suspension) without Skin penetration rate of melatonin helper esters (_Mg/cm²/h)

1 .153±0.1 1 1

0.5% alpha-lipoic acid without helper Skin penetration rate of alpha-lipoic esters acid (_Mg/cm²/h)

0.071 ±0.063

[0084] The ability for a concentrated Al-helper composition to stay entirely dissolved, even at cold temperatures (e.g. 10 °C and 20 °C), allows the Al-helper composition to be used in a wide variety of everyday situations.

Example 2. Transdermal delivery of melatonin using examples of melatonin- helper compositions disclosed herein. [0085] Control compositions (2.0 ml of 0.15% melatonin suspension in water) were applied to a skin on the neck of a subject (20cm x 20 cm). Various melatonin-helper compositions having 7% helper esters and various melatonin concentrations (depending on the composition volume applied to maintain the total mole of melatonin applied being the same as that of the control compositions) were applied to a skin on the back of a subject (20cm x 20 cm). Plasma level of melatonin was tested at 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, and 8 hours respectively after the administration. Results are shown in Figs 1A-1 H, and Table 19.

[0086] I) Transdermal delivery of melatonin using melatonin-helper compositions comprising tryptophan esters. HCI (0.3 ml_, +1% melatonin in water, Fig. 1A, Table 19).

[0087] Compared to control composition (A), melatonin-helper compositions (B: tryptophan isopropyl ester.HCI; C: tryptophan ethyl ester.HCI; and D: tryptophan butyl ester.HCI) provided more efficient and effective transdermal delivery of melatonin.

[0088] II) Transdermal delivery of melatonin using melatonin-helper compositions comprising leucine esters. HCI (0.60 ml_, + 0.5% melatonin in water, Fig. 1 B, Table 19).

[0089] Compared to control composition (A), melatonin-helper compositions (B: leucine isopropyl ester.HCI; C: leucine methyl ester.HCI; and D: leucine hexyl ester.HCI) provided more efficient and effective transdermal delivery of melatonin.

[0090] III) Transdermal delivery of melatonin using melatonin-helper compositions comprising isoleucine esters. HCI (0.60 ml_, +0.5% melatonin in water, Fig. 1 C, Table 19).

[0091] Compared to control composition (A), melatonin-helper compositions (B: isoleucine isopropyl ester.HCI; C: isoleucine methyl ester.HCI; and D: isoleucine hexyl ester.HCI) provided more efficient and effective transdermal delivery of melatonin.

[0092] IV) Transdermal delivery of melatonin using melatonin-helper compositions comprising tyrosine esters. HCI (0.3 ml_, +1% melatonin in water, Fig. 1 D, Table 19). [0093] Compared to control composition (A), melatonin-helper compositions (B: tyrosine isopropyl ester.HCI; C: tyrosine propyl ester.HCI; and D: tyrosine pentyl ester.HCI) provided more efficient and effective transdermal delivery of melatonin.

[0094] V) Transdermal delivery of melatonin using melatonin-helper compositions comprising phenylalanine esters. HCI (0.60 ml_, +0.5% melatonin in water, Fig. 1 E, Table 19).

[0095] Compared to control composition (A), melatonin-helper compositions (B: phenylalanine isopropyl ester.HCI; C: phenylalanine methyl ester.HCI; and D: phenylalanine octyl ester.HCI) provided more efficient and effective transdermal delivery of melatonin.

[0096] VI) Transdermal delivery of melatonin using melatonin-helper compositions comprising proline esters. HCI (0.60 ml_, +0.5% melatonin in water, Fig. 1 F, Table 19).

[0097] Compared to control composition (A), melatonin-helper compositions (B: proline isopropyl ester.HCI; C: proline methyl ester.HCI; and D: proline hexyl ester.HCI) provided more efficient and effective transdermal delivery of melatonin.

[0098] VII) Transdermal delivery of melatonin using melatonin-helper compositions comprising (dialkylamino)alkyl 2-acetoxybenzoate hydrochloride (0.375 ml_, +0.8% melatonin in water, Fig. 1 G, Table 19).

[0099] Compared to control composition (A), melatonin-helper compositions (B: 2- (diethylamino)ethyl 2-acetoxybenzoate hydrochloride; C: 3-(diethylamino)propyl 2- acetoxybenzoate hydrochloride; D: 6-(dimethylamino)hexyl 2-acetoxybenzoate hydrochloride; and E: 2-(dibutylamino)ethyl 2-acetoxybenzoate hydrochloride) provided more efficient and effective transdermal delivery of melatonin.

[00100] VIII) Transdermal delivery of melatonin using melatonin-helper compositions comprising (dialkylamino)alkyl 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propionate hydrochloride (0.60ml_, +0.5% melatonin in water, Fig. 1 H, Table 19).

[00101] Compared to control composition (A), melatonin-helper compositions (B: 5- (diethylamino)pentyl 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propionate hydrochloride; C: 2- (dimethylamino)ethyl 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propionate hydrochloride; and D: 4- (diethylamino)butyl 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propionate hydrochloride) provided more efficient and effective transdermal delivery of melatonin.

Table 19. Transdermal delivery of melatonin (12.9 moles of melatonin applied to the skin of the subject) using melatonin-helper compositions (Figs. 1A-1 H)

8 2.5

0 0

Tryptophan

1 2.0 ethyl ester

0.3 260.47 2 2.2 hydrochloride

4 1.9

8 1.8

0 0

Tryptophan

1 1.8 butyl ester

0.3 235.90 2 1.9 hydrochloride

4 1.7

8 1.7

0 0

1 0.1

None 2 0 2 0.1

4 0.1

8 0.1

0 0

Leucine 1 1.7 isopropyl ester 0.60 333.76 2 1.8 hydrochloride 4 1.9

8 1.8

LEUCINE 0 0

Leucine methyl 1 1.5 ester 0.60 385.28 2 1.7 hydrochloride 4 1.8

8 1.8

0 0

Leucine hexyl

1 1.4 ester 0.60 278.04

2 1.5 hydrochloride

4 1.5 8 1.3

0 0

1 0.1

None 2.00 0 2 0.1

4 0.1

8 0.1

0 0

1 1.7

Isoleucine

0.60 333.76 2 1.8 isopropyl ester

4 1.9

ISOLEUCINE 8 1.8

0 0

1 1.6

Isoleucine

0.60 385.28 2 1.7 methyl ester

4 1.8

8 1.7

0 0

1 1.2

Isoleucine hexyl

0.60 278.04 2 1.3 ester

4 1.4

8 1.3

0 0

1 0.1

None 2.00 0 2 0.1

4 0.1

TYROSINE

8 0.1

0 0

Tyrosine 1 2.1

0.30 269.50

isopropyl ester 2 2.9

4 2.7 8 2.8

0 0

1 2

Tyrosine propyl

0.30 269.5 2 2.5 ester

4 2.6

8 2.6

0 0

1 1.8

Tyrosine pentyl

0.30 243.25 2 2.1 ester

4 2.2

8 2.1

0 0

1 0.1

None 2.00 0 2 0.1

4 0.1

8 0.1

0 0

Phenylalanine 1 1.6 isopropyl ester 0.60 287.21 2 1.7

PHENYLALA hydrochloride 4 1.6

NINE 8 1.7

0 0

Phenylalanine 1 1.4 methyl ester 0.60 324.52 2 1.5 hydrochloride 4 1.5

8 1.4

0 0

Phenylalanine

1 1.3 octyl ester 0.60 223.02

2 1.4 hydrochloride

4 1.3 8 1.2

0 0

1 0.1

None 2.00 0 2 0.1

4 0.1

8 0.1

0 0

Proline 1 1.4 isopropyl ester 0.60 361.41 2 1.4 hydrochloride 4 1.5

8 1.4

PROLINE 0 0

Proline methyl 1 1.2 ester 0.60 422.66 2 1.4 hydrochloride 4 1.3

8 1.3

0 0

Proline hexyl 1 1.1 ester 0.60 296.94 2 1.2 hydrochloride 4 1.3

8 1.2

0 0

1 0.1

2- None 2.00 0 2 0.1

(DIALKYLAMI 4 0.1

NO)ALKYL 2- 8 0.1

ACETOXYBE 2- 0 0

NZOATE (Diethylamino)et 1 2.3

0.375 221.69

hyl 2- 2 2.6 acetoxybenzoat 4 2.7 e hydrochloride 8 2.4

3- 0 0

(Diethylamino)pr 1 2.1 opyl 2- 0.375 212.24 2 2.2 acetoxybenzoat 4 2.3 e hydrochloride 8 2.1

6- 0 0

(Dimethylamino) 1 1.7 hexyl 2- 0.375 203.56 2 2.1 acetoxybenzoat 4 2.1 e hydrochloride 8 1.9

2- 0 0

(Dibutylamino)et 1 1.6 hyl 2- 0.375 188.23 2 1.9 acetoxybenzoat 4 1.8 e hydrochloride 8 1.6

0 0

1 0.1

None 2.00 0 2 0.1

4 0.1

2-

8 0.1

(DIALKYLAMI

5- 0 0

NO)

(Diethylamino)p 1 1.6 ALKYL 2-(4- entyl 2-(4- 2 1.9 ISOBUTYLPH 0.60 182.28

isobutylphenyl)p 4 1.9

ENYL)

ropionate

PROPIONATE 8 1.7 hydrochloride

2- 0 0

(Dimethylamino) 0.60 222.60 1 1.5 ethyl 2-(4- 2 1.7 isobutylphenyl)p 4 1 .6

ropionate

8 1 .5

hydrochloride

4- 0 0

(Diethylamino)b 1 1 .4

utyl 2-(4- 2 1 .5

0.60 189.21

isobutylphenyl)p 4 1 .5

ropionate

8 1 .3

hydrochloride

Example 3. Transdermal delivery of melatonin using melatonin-helper compositions comprising various salts of tryptophan isopropyl ester (Figure 2A, Table 20) or tyrosine isopropyl ester (Figure 2B, Table 21) as the helper esters.

[00102] In certain embodiments, melatonin-helper compositions comprising various salts of the helper esters disclosed herein formed with various acids showed similar improvements in transdermal delivery of melatonin (Figures 2A and 2B, Tables 20 and 21 ).

[00103] Control composition (2.0 ml of 0.15% melatonin suspension in water) was applied to a skin on the neck of a subject (20 cm x 20 cm). Various melatonin- helper compositions (0.30 ml_, 7% helper esters and 1 % melatonin in water) were applied to a skin on the back of a subject (20 cm x 20 cm). Plasma level of melatonin was tested at 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, and 8 hours respectively after the administration. Results are shown in Fig. 2A and Table 20 when the helper ester is tryptophan isopropyl ester, and in Fig. 2A and Table 20 when the helper ester is tyrosine isopropyl ester.

[00104] Compared to control composition (A), melatonin-helper compositions (B: hydrochloride salt; C: hydrofluoride salt; D: HBr salt; E: HI salt; F: citratre salt; G: acetate salt; H: benzoate salt; and I: lactate salt) provided more efficient and effective transdermal delivery of melatonin. Table 20. Transdermal delivery of melatonin (12.9 moles of melatonin applied to the skin of the subject) using melatonin-helper compositions comprising various salts of tryptophan isopropyl ester (Fig. 2A)

4 2.2

8 2.1

0 0

1 2.1

Citrate ion 0.30 159.67 2 2.3

4 2.4

8 2.1

0 0

1 1 .9

AcO^" 0.30 228.48 2 2.2

4 2.1

8 2.0

0 0

1 1 .8

Benzoate

0.30 189.98 2 1 .8 ion

4 2.0

8 1 .7

0 0

1 1 .9

Lactate

0.30 208.1 1 2 2.0 ion

4 1 .9

8 1 .8

Table 21. Transdermal delivery of melatonin (12.9 moles of melatonin applied to the skin of the subject) using melatonin-helper compositions comprising various salts of tyrosine isopropyl ester (Fig. 2B)

0 0

1 0.1

N/A 2.0 0 2 0.1

4 0.1

8 0.1

0 0

1 2.1

CI^" 0.30 269.51 2 2.9

4 2.7

8 2.8

0 0

1 2.2

F 0.30 287.91 2 2.8

4 2.8

8 2.5

0 0

1 2.3

Br^" 0.30 230.16 2 2.7

4 2.7

8 2.6

0 0

1 2.1

Γ 0.30 199.43 2 2.3

4 2.3

8 2.1

0 0

1 2.0

Citrate ion 0.30 168.49 2 2.3

4 2.2

8 2.0 0 0

1 1 .8

AcO^" 0.30 245.0 2 2.0

4 1 .9

8 21 .8

0 0

1 1 .6

Benzoate

0.30 202.65 2 2.0 ion

4 1 .8

8 1 .7

0 0

1 1 .7

Lactate

0.30 221 .97 2 1 .8 ion

4 2.0

8 1 .6

[00105] Thus, melatonin-helper compositions comprising salts of the helper esters disclosed herein formed with any acid that is non-toxic for humans and animals (e.g. pharmaceutically acceptable acids, as described supra) should also improve the transdermal delivery of melatonin.

Example 4. Preparations of helper esters

[00106] Other helper esters (e.g. esters of amino acids or other acids (e.g. (dialkylamino)ethyl 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propionate and 2-(dialkylamino)alkyl 2- acetoxybenzoate), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof (e.g. hydrochlorides thereof)) may be prepared by similar methods as described below.

I) Preparation of tyrosine isopropyl ester.HCI

[00107] Tyrosine (1 kg) was suspended in isopropanol (5 L) in a 10 L flask. HCI gas (350 g) was bubbled into the reaction mixture. The mixture was stirred for 2 days at 50°C. The solvent was evaporated off at below 40°C, and fresh isopropanol (4 L) was added into the residue. The mixture was stirred for 1 day at 50°C. The solvent was evaporated off at below 40°C, and isopropyl acetate (3 L) was added into the residue. The solid was collected by filtration and washed with isopropyl acetate (3 x 1 L). The solid was dried in a vacuum oven at 50°C.

II) Preparation of D- tyrosine isopropyl ester.HCI

[00108] D- Tyrosine (1 kg) was suspended in isopropanol (5 L) in a 10 L flask. HCI gas (350g) was bubbled into the reaction mixture. The mixture was stirred for 2 days at 50°C. The solvent was evaporated off at below 40°C, and fresh isopropanol (4 L) was added into the residue. The mixture was stirred for 1 day at 50°C. The solvent was evaporated off at below 40°C, and isopropyl acetate (3 L) was added into the residue. The solid was collected by filtration and washed with isopropyl acetate (3 x 1 L). The solid was dried in a vacuum oven at 50°C.

III) Preparation of 2-(diethylamino)ethyl 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propionate

hydrochloride

[00109] 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propionoic acid (4120 g) was dissolved in ethyl acetate (R0061 , 4 L) and thionyl chloride (1750 ml). The mixture was refluxed for 3 h. The mixture was evaporated to dryness completely. Isopropyl acetate (3 L) was added into the residue and the mixture was evaporated to dryness. Isopropyl acetate (3 L) was added into the residue and evaporated off. Isopropyl acetate (20 L) was added into the reaction mixture. The mixture was cooled to 5°C in an ice-water bath. N,N- diethylaminoethanol (2340 g) was added into the reaction mixture drop by drop. K2CO3 (2800 g) was added into the reaction mixture slowly. The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. Water (10 L) was added into the mixture. The ethyl acetate mixture was collected and washed with 5% NaHCO₃ (1 x 7 L) and water (3 x 6 L) and dried over Na2SO₄. Sodium sulfate was removed by filtration and washed with isopropyl acetate (3 x 1 L). HCI gas (700 g) was added into the mixture and stirred. The solid was collected and washed with isopropyl acetate (3 x 2 L). The product was dried in a vacuum oven at 45°C.

Example 5. The preparation of composition 1. [00110] Tryptophan ethyl ester.HCI (70 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (10 g) was added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 6. The preparation of composition 2.

[00111] D-Tryptophan ethyl ester.HCI (70 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (10 g) was added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 7. The preparation of composition 3.

[00112] Tyrosine isopropyl ester.HBr (70 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (10 g) were added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 8. The preparation of composition 4.

[00113] Tyrosine isopropyl ester.lactic acid (70 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (10 g) and ethanol (100 ml) were added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 9. The preparation of composition 5.

[00114] Tyrosine isopropyl ester.HCI (70 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (6 g) were added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 10. The preparation of composition 6.

[00115] Leucine isopropyl ester.HCI (100 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (5 g) were added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 11. The preparation of composition 7. [00116] Isoleucine isopropyl ester.HCI (70 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (5 g) were added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 12. The preparation of composition 8.

[00117] Tyrosine isopropyl ester.HCI (70 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (7 g) were added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 13. The preparation of composition 9.

[00118] Tyrosine isopropyl ester.HCI (70 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (6 g) were added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred for a few minutes. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 14. The preparation of composition 10.

[00119] Tyrosine isopropyl ester.HCI (70 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin ( g)10, and ethanol (100 ml) were added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll- on bottles.

Example 15. The preparation of composition 11.

[00120] Proline ethyl ester.HCI (100 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (5 g) was added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 16. The preparation of composition 12.

[00121] Tyrosine isopropyl ester.HCI (70 g) and tyrosine (7g) were dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (8 g) and ethanol (100 ml) were added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 17. The preparation of composition 13. Tyrosine isopropyl ester.HCI (70 g) and tyrosine (7g) were dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (8 g) was added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 18. The preparation of composition 14.

[00122] Tryptophan isopropyl ester.HBr (120 g) and tryptophan (5g) were dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (10 g) and ethanol (100 ml_) were added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 19. The preparation of composition 15.

[00123] Valine ethyl ester.HCI (100 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (5 g) and DMSO (200 ml) were added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 20. The preparation of composition 16.

[00124] Valine ethyl ester.HCI (100 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (5 g) and DMSO (200 ml) were added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 21. The preparation of composition 17.

[00125] Phenylalanine butyl ester.HCI (100 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (5 g) and glycerin (100 ml) were added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 22. The preparation of composition 18.

[00126] Phenylalanine butyl ester.HCI (100 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (5 g) and sodium benzoate (50 g) were added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 23. The preparation of composition 19.

[00127] 2-(diethylamino)propyl 2-acetoxybenzoate hydrochloride (100 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (5 g) and glycerin (100 ml) were added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution is formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 24. The preparation of composition 20.

[00128] 2-(diethylamino)propyl 2-acetoxybenzoate hydrochloride (70 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (6 g) was added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled either into spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 25. The preparation of composition 21.

[00129] Tryptophan isopropyl ester.HBr (100 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (10 g) was added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 26. The preparation of composition 22.

[00130] Tryptophan isopropyl ester.lactic acid (80 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (10 g) was added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 27. The preparation of composition 23.

[00131] Tryptophan isopropyl ester.HCI (70 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (5 g) was added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 28. The preparation of composition 24. [00132] Leucine isopropyl ester.HCI (100 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (5 g) and acetone (100 mL) were added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll- on bottles.

Example 29. The preparation of composition 25.

[00133] Isoleucine isopropyl ester.HCI (100 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (7 g) and isopropanol (100 mL) were added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 30. The preparation of composition 26.

[00134] Tyrosine isopropyl ester.HCI (120 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (10 g) was added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 31. The preparation of composition 27.

[00135] Tyrosine isopropyl ester.HCI (70 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (6 g) and ethanol (300 mL) added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 32. The preparation of composition 28.

[00136] Tyrosine isopropyl ester.HCI (70 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (10 g) and ethanol (150mL) were added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll- on bottles.

Example 33. The preparation of composition 29. [00137] Proline ethyl ester.HCI (100 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (5 g) and DMSO(100mL) were added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 34. The preparation of composition 30.

[00138] Tyrosine isopropyl ester.HCI (70 g) and tyrosine (7g) were dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (7 g) was added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 35. The preparation of composition 31.

Tyrosine isopropyl ester.HCI (70 g) and tyrosine (7g) were dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (7 g) and ethanol (150ml_) were added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 36. The preparation of composition 32.

[00139] Tryptophan isopropyl ester.HBr (120 g) and tryptophan (5g) were dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (10 g) and ethanol (10 ml_) were added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred for a few minutes. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 37. The preparation of composition 33.

[00140] Valine ethyl ester.HCI (100 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (5 g) and ethanol(150ml_) were added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 38. The preparation of composition 34. [00141] Valine ethyl ester.HCI (60 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (5 g) was added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 39. The preparation of composition 35.

[00142] Phenylalanine butyl ester.HCI (70 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (7 g) and glycerin (200 ml) were added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 40. The preparation of composition 36.

[00143] Phenylalanine butyl ester.HCI (70 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (5 g) and sodium benzoate (50 g) were added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Example 41. The preparation of composition 37.

[00144] 2-(diethylamino)propyl 2-acetoxybenzoate hydrochloride (70 g) was dissolved in water (1 L). Melatonin (8 g) and glycerin (200 ml) were added into the mixture and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was formed. The mixture was filled into either spray bottles or roll-on bottles.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 . An Al-helper composition comprising an Al compound, one or more helper esters, pharmaceutically acceptable solvates thereof, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, pharmaceutically acceptable stereoisomers thereof, or mixtures thereof in any ratios.

2. The Al-helper composition according to claim 1 , wherein the Al compound is selected from the group consisting of melatonin, an alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin E, vitamin D, glutathione, resveratrol, astaxanthin, beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folic acid, and taurine.

3. The Al-helper composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the helper esters comprise a lipophilic portion and a primary, secondary or tertiary amine group.

4. The Al-helper composition according to claim 3, wherein the primary, secondary or tertiary amine group forms a salt with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid selected from the group consisting of HF, HCI, HBr, HI, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, bisulfuricacid, phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, phosphonic acid, isonicotinic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, pantothenic acid, bitartaric acid, ascorbic acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, gentisinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, glucaronic acid, saccharic acid, formic acid, benzoic acid, glutamic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, benzensulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, and pamoic acid.

5. The Al-helper composition according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one or more helper esters are selected from the group consisting of Structure 1 , Structure 2, Structure 3, Structure 4, Structure 5, Structure 6, Structure 7, Structure 8, Structure 9, Structure 10, Structure 1 1 , Structure 12, Structure 13, Structure 14, Structure 15,

Structure 16, and Structure 17:

Structure 1 Structure 2 Structure 3

Structure 4 Structure 5 Structure 6

Structure 7 Structure 8 Structure 9

Structure 16 Structure 17, wherein:

each X is independently selected from the group consisting of H, NH₂, NHR₅, OH, OCORs, CI, Br, I, CN, R₅COS, R₅O, R5OCONH, CH₂NHR₅, R5SO2, R5SO, NH₂SO₂, and NO₂; each X is independently selected from the group consisting of O, S, NH₂, and NHR₅;

each Ri_, R₅ and R is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxyl, alkylthio, alkylamino, perfluoroalkyi, alkyl halide, substituted alkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, substituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted aryl, substituted heteroaryl, substituted alkoxyl, substituted alkylthio, substituted alkylamino, substituted perfluoroalkyi, and substituted alkyl halide, wherein any carbon or hydrogen may be further independently replaced with O, S, P, NRz, or any other pharmaceutically acceptable groups;

Rz is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxyl, alkylthio, alkylamino, perfluoroalkyi, alkyl halide, substituted alkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, substituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted aryl, substituted heteroaryl, substituted alkoxyl, substituted alkylthio, substituted alkylamino, substituted perfluoroalkyi, and substituted alkyl halide;

each HA is independently selected from the group consisting of pharmaceutically acceptable acids; and

each I, m, and n is independently selected from the group consisting of 0,1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.

6. The Al-helper composition according to claim 5, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable acid is selected from the group consisting of HF, HCI, HBr, HI, acetic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, lactic acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, bisulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, phosphonic acid, isonicotinic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, pantothenic acid, bitartaric acid, ascorbic acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, gentisinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, glucaronic acid, saccharic acid, formic acid, benzoic acid, glutamic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, benzensulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, and pamoic acid.

7. The Al-helper composition according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the helper esters are esters of amino acids, (dialkylamino)alkyl 2-(4- isobutylphenyl)propionate, or (dialkylamino)alkyl 2-acetoxybenzoate.

8. The Al-helper composition according to claim 7, wherein the esters of amino acids are selected from the group consisting of L-tryptophan esters, L-leucine esters, L- isoleucine esters, L-proline esters, L-tyrosine esters, L-phenylalanine esters, L-arginine esters, L-alanine esters, L-asparagine esters, L-aspartic acid esters, L-cysteine esters, L-glutamine esters, L-histidine esters, L-lysine esters, L-methionine esters, L-serine esters, L-threonine esters, L-valine esters, D-tryptophan esters, D-leucine esters, D- isoleucine esters, D-proline esters, D-tyrosine esters, D-phenylalanine esters, D- arginine esters, D-alanine esters, D-asparagine esters, D-aspartic acid esters, D- cysteine esters, D-glutamine esters, D-histidine esters, D-lysine esters, D-methionine esters, D-serine esters, D-threonine esters, D-valine esters, and glycine esters.

9. The Al-helper composition according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the amount of Al compound ranges from about 0.01 percent to about 10 percent, from about 0.1 percent to about 5 percent, from about 0.2 percent to about 3 percent, or from about 0.3 percent to about 1 percent of the Al-helper compositions by weight.

10. The Al-helper composition according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the amount of the helper esters ranges from about 1 percent to about 50 percent, from about 2 percent to about 25 percent, from about 3 percent to about 10 percent, or from about 4 percent to about 7 percent of the Al-helper composition by weight.

1 1 . The Al-helper composition according to any of claims 1 to 10, further comprising one or more amino acids selected from the group consisting of, without limitation, L- tryptophan, L-leucine, L-isoleucine, L-proline, L-tyrosine, L-phenylalanine, L-arginine, L- alanine, L-asparagine, L-aspartic acid, L-cysteine, L-glutamine, L-histidine, L-lysine, L- methionine, L-serine, L-threonine, L-valine, D-tryptophan, D-leucine, D-isoleucine, D- proline, D-tyrosine, D-phenylalanine, D-arginine, D-alanine, D-asparagine, D-aspartic acid, D-cysteine, D-glutamine, D-histidine, D-lysine, D-methionine, D-serine, D- threonine, D-valine, and glycine.

12. The Al-helper composition according to claim 1 1 , wherein the amount of amino acids ranges from about 0.001 percent to about 50 percent, from about 0.01 percent to about 20 percent, from about 0.1 percent to about 10 percent, or from about 0.1 percent to about 2 percent of the Al-helper composition by weight.

13. The Al-helper composition according to any of claims 1 to 12, further comprising menthol, and the amount of menthol ranges from about 0.01 percent to about 20 percent, from about 0.1 percent to about 10 percent, from about 1 percent to about 5 percent, or from about 1 percent to about 3 percent of the Al-helper composition by weight.

14. The Al-helper composition according to any of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a solvent.

15. The Al-helper composition according to claim 14, wherein the solvent comprises water, and the amount of water ranges from about 1 percent to about 99 percent, from about 50 percent to about 95 percent, from about 75 percent to about 95 percent, or from about 80 percent to about 95 percent of the Al-helper composition by weight.

16. The Al-helper composition according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the solvent comprises one or more alcohols, and the amount of the one or more alcohols ranges from about 1 percent to about 99 percent, from about 5 percent to about 75 percent, from about 10 percent to about 50 percent, or from about 10 percent to about 25 percent of the Al-helper composition by weight.

17. The Al-helper composition according to claim 16, wherein the one or more alcohols are selected from the group consisting of ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, and butanol.

18. The Al-helper composition according to any of claims 14-17, wherein the solvent comprises glycerin, and the amount of glycerin ranges from about 1 percent to about 50 percent, from about 1 percent to about 25 percent, from about 5 percent to about 20 percent, or from about 5 percent to about 10 percent of the Al-helper compositions by weight.

19. The Al-helper composition according to any of claims 14-18, wherein the solvent comprises dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and the amount of DMSO ranges from about 1 percent to about 80 percent, from about 5 percent to about 70 percent, from about 10 percent to about 50 percent, or from about 20 percent to about 30 percent of the Al- helper compositions by weight.

20. The Al-helper composition according to any of claims 1 to 19, further comprising one or more adjuvants selected from the group consisting of preservatives, wetting agents, emulsifying agents, dispersing agents, antibacterial agents, and antifungal agents.

21 . The Al-helper composition according to claim 20, wherein the antibacterial agents and antifungal agents are selected from the group consisting of paraben, chlorobutanol, and phenol sorbic acid.

22. A method for delivering an Al compound to a subject comprising applying the Al- helper composition according to any of claims 1 -21 by an administration route selected from the group consisting of transdermal, transmucosal, trans-nasal, topical, and any combinations thereof.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the Al-helper composition is applied by spraying or rolling-on to the subject.