Abstract: Methods and formulations for increasing the water solubility and/or bioavailability of resveratrol are disclosed. The formulations may be employed to treat a disease states, including cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical compositions and related methods that exhibit potent and selective inhibition of the cycloooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. The formulation can comprise a hops extract that exhibits COX-2 selectivity as defined by dividing the IC50 COX-2/IC50COX-1 concentrations that are determined by testing with the William Harvey Whole Blood Assay (WHMA), and can fall within the range of 0.011 to 0.2. Such compositions may also optionally contain high levels of alpha acids and low levels of beta acids, some flavonoid compounds, and virtually no essential oils. Such compositions are useful for treating conditions that manifest as inflammatory pain, or are impacted by the COX-2 enzyme. The recited compositions are particularly beneficial for treating osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and can be used for chronic pain with reduced gastric side-effects.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing sustained-release powders that is fast, efficient, and economical. The process involves melting an animal or vegetable oil with a melting point above 110 degrees F. in specially designed mixer through either the work energy input of the mixer shaft itself, or a specially fitted plow type mixer equipped with a heating tank, cooling unit, jacket for hot water circulation, and heated lines with nozzles for atomizing the hot oil to be sprayed on. The entire manufacturing process can be completed in about 5-30 minutes, and results in small, sustained-release particles that are free flowing and solid at room temperature. The preferred oil is a hydrogenated soy oil with a melting point range of 145-160 degrees F. which is applied at about a 5% level by weight in a high shear mixer. Also included are sustained-release compositions for therapeutic agents such as drugs, botanicals, biological agents, fungicides, and fertilizers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing powders from high viscosity fluids including mixing a mixture comprising a high viscosity fluid and at least one absorbing agent until a dry dispersion is produced; combining, under shear, a combination of the dry dispersion with a naturally derived oil having a melting point at least about 110° F.; and granulating the combination into a powder. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include a high viscosity fluid, at least one absorbing agent; and a naturally derived oil with a melting point at least about 110° F., together with sustained-release embodiments of such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns composition, kits and methods for reducing the flushing effect (cutaneous erythema) of an antilipemic drug, for treating hyperlipemia, for improving the effectiveness of an anti-platelet aggregating drug (e.g., in nonresponders) and for treating thrombosis. The present compositions and kits for reducing the flushing effect and for treating hyperlipemia contain an antilipemic drug (such as niacin) and either a sustained release NSAID (such as aspirin) or an NSAID and a carboxylic acid compound other than the NSAID and antilipemic drug. The kits contain (a) pre-dosages of the NSAID and optional carboxylic acid compound and (b) an antilipemic dosage of the antilipemic drug, which optionally may be combined with NSAID and optional carboxylic acid compound in an amount effective to maintain the reduction of the flushing effect.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods for reducing cutaneous flushing in a patient to whom niacin is administered. According to the present method, two or more doses of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug are administered to a patient prior to administering niacin. Alternatively, the nonstcroidal anti-inflammatory drug can be administered concurrently with niacin administration. The nonstcroidal anti-inflammatory drug can be aspirin, ibuprofen, indomethacin, phenylbutazone, or naproxen. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug is administered in an amount effective to reduce cutaneous flushing caused by the niacin, and is administered in an amount up to 160 mg for aspirin and ibuprofen, 10 mg for indomethacin, and 100 mg for phenylbutazone and naproxen.