Abstract: This invention provides an isolated mixture of higher molecular weight primary aliphatic alcohols having 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 30, 32 and 34 carbon atoms and having enhanced purity. This invention also provides a process for obtaining the alcohol mixture by extracting a natural product with organic solvents with or without saponification of the natural product. The alcohol mixture is useful in pharmaceutical compositions, foodstuffs and dietary supplements and is effective for lowering total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol and increasing HDL-cholesterol levels and therefore is effective in treating hypercholesterolemia. The composition may be used to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, to inhibit the atherosclerotic process (platelet hyperaggregability, ischemia and thrombosis), and can be used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic agent. The composition also possesses neurotrophic properties and is useful for improving male sexual activity.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated mixture of higher molecular weight primary aliphatic alcohols having 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 30, 32 and 34 carbon atoms and having enhanced purity. This invention also provides a process for obtaining the alcohol mixture by extracting a natural product with organic solvents with or without saponification of the natural product. The alcohol mixture is useful in pharmaceutical compositions, foodstuffs and dietary supplements and is effective for lowering total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol and increasing HDL-cholesterol levels and therefore is effective in treating hypercholesterolemia. The composition may be used to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, to inhibit the atherosclerotic process (platelet hyperaggregability, ischemia and thrombosis), and can be used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic agent. The composition also possesses neurotrophic properties and is useful for improving male sexual activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a naturally obtained mixture of higher molecular weight primary aliphatic alcohols which contain 20 to 34 carbon atoms. This invention also relates to the process for obtaining the alcohol mixture by extraction and purification with organic solvents from a natural product, such as beeswax with and without saponification of the natural product. The alcohol mixture obtained from beeswax has enhanced purity and contains a mixture of alcohols having 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 30, 32 and 34 carbon atoms. The alcohol mixture is useful in pharmaceutical compositions, foodstuffs and dietary supplements and is effective for lowering cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol and increasing HDL-cholesterol levels so that it is effective in treating hypercholesterolemia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a naturally obtained mixture of higher molecular weight primary aliphatic alcohols which contain 20 to 34 carbon atoms. This invention also relates to the process for obtaining the alcohol mixture by extraction and purification with organic solvents from a natural product, such as beeswax with and without saponification of the natural product. The alcohol mixture obtained from beeswax has enhanced purity and contains a mixture of alcohols having 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 30, 32 and 34 carbon atoms. The alcohol mixture is useful in pharmaceutical compositions, foodstuffs and dietary supplements and is effective for lowering cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol and increasing HDL-cholesterol levels so that it is effective in treating hypercholesterolemia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a naturally obtained mixture of higher molecular weight primary aliphatic alcohols which contain 20 to 34 carbon atoms. This invention also relates to the process for obtaining the alcohol mixture by extraction and purification with organic solvents from a natural product, such as beeswax with and without saponification of the natural product. The alcohol mixture obtained from beeswax has enhanced purity and contains a mixture of alcohols having 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 30, 32 and 34 carbon atoms. The alcohol mixture is useful in pharmaceutical compositions, foodstuffs and dietary supplements and is effective for lowering cholesterol levels so that it is effective in treating hypercholesterolemia.

Abstract: Compositions for maintaining normal sexual function and treating sexual dysfunction in males and females comprising at least 15% by weight icariside I or at least 3.5% by weight anhydroicaritin, derived from extracts of plants belonging the Epimedium genus, and methods for preparing the same, are provided. The methods comprise subjecting an Epimedium extract to mild acid hydrolysis. Methods for maintaining normal sexual function and treating sexual dysfunction in both males and females are also provided, comprising oral administration of an effective amount of a novel composition of this invention comprising at least 15% by weight icariside I or at least 3.5% by weight anhydroicaritin.

Abstract: An improved pigment composition containing an anthocyanin pigment and a pigment-improving agent selected from the group consisting of flavonoid glycuronides, flavonoid glucuronides, and caffeic acid derivatives. The pigment-improving agents deepen and improve the intensity of the anthocyanin pigment and increase its stability in the presence of light, heat and/or pH.