Abstract: A nutritional supplement including ?-cryptoxanthin is found to be effective at lowering blood pressure in mammals. ?-cryptoxanthin therefore may be used to maintain cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, preventing high, elevated blood pressure and/or maintaining healthy blood pressure. Administration of ?-cryptoxanthin in combination with safflower oil is particularly effective.

Abstract: A nutritional intervention composition for reducing post-prandial blood glucose levels in humans, including between about 0.1 mg and about 10 mg of a proteinase inhibitor that is administered prior to the meal. The composition is effective for treating or ameliorating the effects of hyperglycemia and Type II diabetes. The composition also is effective in combating obesity. The proteinase inhibitor is preferably isolated from plant material, such as potatoes, soy, and beans. Potato proteinase inhibitor II and soybean Bowman-Birk inhibitor are included in the group of effective proteinase inhibitors.

Abstract: A nutritional intervention composition for reducing post-prandial blood glucose levels in humans, including between about 0.1 mg and about 500 mg of a proteinase inhibitor that is administered prior to the meal. The composition is effective for treating or ameliorating the effects of hyperglycemia and Type II diabetes. The composition also is effective in combating obesity. The proteinase inhibitor is preferably isolated from plant material, such as potatoes, soy, and beans. Potato proteinase inhibitor II and soybean Bowman-Birk inhibitor are included in the group of effective proteinase inhibitors.

Abstract: A nutritional supplement including ?-cryptoxanthin is found to be effective at lowering blood pressure in mammals. ?-cryptoxanthin therefore may be used to maintain cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, preventing high, elevated blood pressure and/or maintaining healthy blood pressure. Administration of ?-cryptoxanthin in combination with safflower oil is particularly effective.

Abstract: The use of sesquiterpenes and, in particular sesquiterpene lactone endoperoxides, such as artemisinin and analogs thereof, for the treatment of hepatitis C virus infections. Artemisinin, analogs of artemsisnin and some crude Artemisia extracts were tested in vitro against DNA-viruses, retro-viruses and Flavivirida, (an important family of human and animal RNA pathogens). These compounds were also screened for anti-tumor activity. Strong activity of artemisinin was noticed against the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). As pestiviruses, such as BVDV, share many similarities with hepatitis C virus (HCV), we can conclude that endoperoxides in general and artemisinin more specifically have efficacy as treatments for hepatitis C viral infections.

Abstract: Novel lycopene beta-monocyclase genes were identified and used to transform a host cell to produce ?-cryptoxanthin. The host cell produces lycopene and is transformed to express the novel lycopene ?-monocyclase that converts lycopene into ?-carotene. The host cell is further transformed to express a lycopene hydroxylase that hydroxylates ?-carotene to 3-hydroxy-?-carotene and a lycopene ?-bicyclase that converts 3-hydroxy-?-carotene to ?-cryptoxanthin. The host cell is grown under conditions whereby ?-carotene is produced which is hydroxylated to 3-hydroxy-?-carotene and which is converted into ?-cryptoxanthin.

Abstract: Concentrated solutions of carotenoids in essential oils and cosmetic oils for use in foods, beverages, and personal care products. The concentrated solutions comprise between about 0.8 weight % and about 8 weight % carotenoid in the oil, or between about 15 times and about 100 times the maximum concentration reported in the prior art. The concentrated solutions are particularly suited for adding carotenoids to foods, beverages, and personal care products. An antioxidant may be added to help in preventing oxidation of the carotenoid.

Abstract: A method for removing protein impurities from extracts of protease inhibitor-containing plant material. Plant materials containing protease inhibitors, such a potato tubers that contain protease inhibitor II, are extracted using an alcohol-free solvent. The proteins present in the extract include impurities other than the protease inhibitor, specifically Kunitz, Bowman-Birk and carboxypeptidase inhibitors. The extract is subjected to heat treatment to denature and precipitate the unstable protein impurities followed by centrifugation to remove the precipitate. Ultrafiltration in the presence of a buffer removes the Bowman-Birk and carboxypeptidase inhibitors. The resulting purified protease inhibitor has applicability in the control of obesity and diabetes.

Abstract: A stable product containing finely a dispersed carotenoid for use in supplementing aqueous systems, such as foods, beverages, and personal care products, with the carotenoid. An emulsifier is dissolved in water and an anti-foam agent and a source of the carotenoid are added to the solution. The concentrated product may be added to the aqueous systems or dried to form a powder that is readily dispersible in aqueous systems. The product may also include an antioxidant to preserve the activity of the carotenoid. Emulsifiers particularly suited for use include sucrose fatty acid esters. The product is produced without the use of organic solvents or elevated temperatures.