Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for increasing serum antioxidant levels, decreasing serum levels of oxidative chemical species, inhibiting insulin-receptor signaling activity, decreasing triglycerides levels, increasing serum ghrelin levels, and decreasing serum TNF-alpha levels. Compositions provided comprise a mixture of zinc-charged, fragmented proteins derived, for example, from serum or milk. Compositions are administered in a therapeutically effective amount to, for example, reduce oxidative stress levels in a mammalian subject.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating or preventing, for example, overweight or obesity are provided. Compositions provided comprise zinc-charged, protease digested serum or milk proteins. Compositions are administered in a therapeutically effective amount to treat or prevent, for example, overweight or obesity.

Abstract: This invention characterizes the specific peptide fragment derived from specially prepared zinc charged fetuin and a method of preparation thereof, wherein the fragment was found to contain an apoptosis-inducing activity. Specifically, the amino acid sequence of this peptide is His Thr Phe Ser Gly Val Ala Ser Val Glu (SEQ ID NO: 1). The peptide induced apoptosis in LNCaP (prostate cancer) and HT-29 (colon cancer) cells without affecting CCD 18 Co (normal colon) cells. The in vitro tissue culture study demonstrated that the peptide is more potent than the parent molecule (full-length zinc charged fetuin) in inducing apoptosis. The peptide has a LD50 of 0.3-0.4 ?M, while the LD50 for zinc-charged fetuin is 3-10 ?M.

Abstract: This invention characterizes the selective apoptotic activity of specially prepared Alpha 2-HS glycoprotein and fragments thereof. Specifically, Alpha 2-HS glycoprotein which has been overloaded with zinc, as well as fragnents thereof, selectively induce apoptosis in HT-29 (colon cancer), LNCaP (prostate cancer) and Hep G2 (hepatoma) cells while having no effect on CCD 18 Co (normal colon) cells.

Abstract: An extract from the Melothria Indica Lou plant, which has the effect of inhibiting the release of cytokines, including Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, by immune response cells, such as macrophages, for the therapeutic treatment of sepsis.

Abstract: An extract from the Melothria Indica Lou plant, which has the effect of inhibiting the release of cytokines, including Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, by immune response cells, such as macrophages, for the therapeutic treatment of sepsis.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of inducing apoptosis in cancer cells by administering an extract of Melothria indica Lou to the cancer cells. The invention also includes a method of using an extract of Melothria indica Lou to induce apoptosis in cancer cells by administering the extract to the cancer cells. The cancer cells can be leukemia cells and prostate cancer cells. Further included in the invention is a method for purifying the Melothria indica Lou into an extract used for inducing apoptosis in cancer cells.