Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of processing a fat-containing bean, e.g., cocoa beans, for producing solids comprising active polyphenols and/or fat-containing products, comprising extracting the fat to produce solids and fat-containing products. Additionally, the inventive method also provides cocoa compositions comprising at least one active polyphenol, wherein the concentration of the polyphenol(s) with respect to the nonfat solids is conserved with respect to the concentration of the active polyphenol(s) in the bean from which the compositions are derived.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions having an enhanced level of cocoa polyphenol and L-arginine which are effective in inducing vasodilation. The invention also relates to products including foods such as confectionary and pet foods, comprising cocoa polyphenols and L-arginine which are useful for inducing vasodilation.

Abstract: The invention relates to products, including foods such as confectionary and pet foods, comprising nut skins. Exemplary nut skins are peanut and almond skins. The products may also contain cocoa polyphenol and/or L-arginine, and are useful for inducing vasodilation.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are cocoa extracts such as polyphenols or procyanidins, methods for preparing such extracts, as well as uses for them, especially as antineoplastic agents and antioxidants. Disclosed and claimed are antineoplastic compositions containing cocoa polyphenols or procyanidins and methods for treating patients employing the compositions. Additionally disclosed and claimed is a kit for treating a patient in need of treatment with an antineoplastic agent containing cocoa polyphenols or procyanidins as well as a lyophilized antineoplastic composition containing cocoa polyphenols or procyanidins. Further, disclosed and claimed is the use of the invention in antioxidant, preservative and topoisomerase-inhibiting compositions and methods.

Abstract: Various processes are disclosed for preparing procyanidin oligomers having (4,8)-interflavan linkages. In an improved process, a tetra-O-protected-epicatechin or -catechin monomer or oligomer is coupled with a protected, C-4 alkoxy-activated-epicatechin or -catechin monomer in the presence of an acidic clay instead of a Lewis acid. In a second process, a 5,7,3?,4?-tetra-O-protected or preferably penta-O-protected-epicatechin or -catechin monomer or oligomer is reacted with a tetra-O-protected or preferably penta-O-protected-epicatechin or -catechin monomer having a thio activating group at the C-4 position; the coupling is carried out in the presence of silver tetrafluoroborate. In third process, two molecules of a penta-O-protected-epicatechin or -catechin monomer activated with a 2-(benzothiazolyl)thio group at the C-4 position are self-condensed in the presence of silver tetrafluoroborate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of processing a fat-containing bean, e.g., cocoa beans, for producing solids comprising active polyphenols and/or fat-containing products, comprising extracting the fat to produce solids and fat-containing products. Additionally, the inventive method also provides cocoa compositions comprising at least one active polyphenol, wherein the concentration of the polyphenol(s) with respect to the nonfat solids is conserved with respect to the concentration of the active polyphenol(s) in the bean from which the compositions are derived.

Abstract: Oligomeric procyanidins containing 4?-linked epicatechin units are rare in nature and have hitherto not been accessible through stereoselective synthesis. Provided herein is the preparation of the prototypical dimer, epicatechin-4?,8-epicatechin, by reaction of the protected 4-ketones with aryllithium reagents derived by halogen/metal exchange from the aryl bromides. Removal of the 4-hydroxyl group from the resulting tertiary benzylic alcohols is effected by tri-n-butyltin hydride and trifluoroacetic acid in a completely stereoselective manner, resulting in hydride delivery exclusively from the ? face.

Abstract: Cocoa components having enhanced levels of cocoa polyphenols, processes for producing the cocoa components while conserving a significant amount of the cocoa polyphenols, compositions containing the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols, and methods of using the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols for improving the health of a mammal are described. The cocoa components include partially and fully defatted cocoa solids, cocoa nibs and fractions derived therefrom, cocoa polyphenol extracts, cocoa butter, chocolate liquors, and mixtures thereof. The invention provides processes for extracting fat from cocoa beans and for otherwise processing cocoa beans to yield a cocoa component having conserved concentrations of polyphenols relative to the starting materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of treating, decreasing, or preventing pain or fever comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a composition comprising the inventive compounds.

Abstract: Improved processes for the preparation of tetra-O-benzyl protected catechin, for the coupling of the tetra-O-benzyl protected catechin or epicatechin with a C-4 activated, tetra-O-benzyl protected epicatechin for the galloylation of the epicatechin-(4?,8)-catechin or -epicatechin dimer-the dimer digallates, and for the deprotection (i.e., debenzylation) of the protected epicatechin dimers and protected epicatechin dimer digallates are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for improving blood glucose levels in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of improving renal function comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a composition comprising the inventive compounds. Also disclosed is a method of improving renal function where the subject is at risk of or suffering from renal failure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of treating inflammation comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a composition comprising the inventive compounds. Also disclosed is a method of treating inflammation where the subject is suffering from a rheumatic or inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract: Various processes are disclosed for preparing protected epicatechin oligomers having (4?,8)-interflavan linkages. In one process, a tetra-O-protected epicatechin monomer or oligomer is coupled with a protected, C-4 activated epicatechin monomer in the presence of an acidic clay such as a mortmorillonite clay. In another process, a 5,7,3?,4?-benzyl protected or a 3-acetyl-, 5,7,3?,4?-benzyl protected epicatechin or catechin monomer or oligomer is reacted with 3-O-acetyl-4-[(2-benzothiazolyl)thio]-5,7,3?,4?-tetra-O-benzylepicatechin in the presence of silver tetrafluoroborate. In another process, two 5,7,3?,4?-benzyl protected epicatechin monomers activated with 2-(benzothiazolyl)thio groups at the C-4 positions are cross-coupled in the presence of silver tetrofluoroborate. A process is also disclosed for reacting an unprotected epicatechin or catechin monomer with 4-(benzylthio) epicatechin or catechin.

Abstract: This invention relates to an article of manufacture comprising a polymeric compound of formula An and an additional NO-modulating agent and method of use thereof. Also disclosed and claimed is a method of making an article of manufacture comprising of the polymeric compound of formula An.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions, such as pharmaceuticals, foods, food additives, or dietary supplements, containing dimer digallates, and methods of use thereof, for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of a human or a veterinary animal to treat or prevent NO-responsive health conditions, treat hypertension, cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, diabetes, cognitive dysfunction or disorder and/or vascular circulation disorders, prevent or reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure and/or kidney failure, or to improve blood flow, for example renal blood flow. The composition may optionally contain an additional NO modulating agent and/or a vascular-protective or therapeutic agent, or may be administered in combination with such an agent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of processing a fat-containing bean, e.g., cocoa beans, for producing solids comprising active polyphenols and/or fat-containing products, comprising extracting the fat to produce solids and fat-containing products. Additionally, the inventive method also provides cocoa compositions comprising at least one active polyphenol, wherein the concentration of the polyphenol(s) with respect to the nonfat solids is conserved with respect to the concentration of the active polyphenol(s) in the bean from which the compositions are derived.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are flavanols, e.g. epicatechin, compositions such as pharmaceutical compositions containing an effective amount of flavanols, e.g. epicatechin, and methods of treatment or prevention of hypertension using the same.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are cocoa extracts, compounds, combinations thereof and compositions containing the same, such as polyphenols or procyanidins, methods for preparing such extracts, compounds and compositions, as well as uses for them, especially a polymeric compound of the formula An, wherein A is a monomer of the formula: wherein n is an integer from 2 to 18, such that there is at least one terminal monomeric unit A, and one or a plurality of additional monomeric units; R is 3-(?)-OH, 3-(?)-OH, 3-(?)-O-sugar, or 3-(?)-O-sugar; bonding between adjacent monomers takes place at positions 4, 6 or 8; a bond of an additional monomeric unit in position 4 has alpha or beta stereochemistry; X, Y and Z are selected from the group consisting of monomeric unit A, hydrogen, and a sugar, with the provisos that as to the at least one terminal monomeric unit, bonding of the additional monomeric unit thereto (the bonding of the additional monomeric unit adjacent to the terminal monomeric unit) is at position 4 and op

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions, and methods of use thereof, containing polyphenols such as procyanidins and derivatives thereof, for treating certain tumors, and more generally to inducing dephosphorylation of a hyperphosphorylated cell cycle regulatory protein in a tumor cell in which hyperphosphorylation of said protein contributed to cell transformation.