Abstract: This invention comprises an extract of Artemisia dracunculus that can be used for the treatment and prevention of diabetes, diabetic complications, metabolic syndrome and other comorbidities that share the underlying commonality of insulin resistance. The invention includes the identity of six compounds from the extract that contribute to the activity of the extract by inhibiting protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP-1B) activity, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) gene expression or aldose reductase activity (ALR2). The compounds include 4,5-Di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, davidigenin, 6-demethoxycapillarisin, 2?,4-dihydroxy-4?-methoxydihydrochalcone, 2?,4?-dihydroxy-4-methoxdihydrochalcone and sakuranetin.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for obtaining gaultherin, a natural salicylate derivative, from plant tissue. The methods involve preventing the hydrolysis of the gaultherin in the plant tissue by disrupting the plant tissue under solvent conditions lacking a drying agent. The disclosure further provides various forms of plant-derived gaultherin, including alcoholic extracts, aqueous solutions and dried preparations, all suitable for use as a natural aspirin substitute. Moreover, the disclosure provides methods of using gaultherin-containing compositions to increase serum salicylic acid, to treat cancer cells, to treat cardiovascular (e.g., cardiopulmonary) conditions, to treat anti-inflammatory responses, and to inhibit cyclooxygenase.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for obtaining gaultherin, a natural salicylate derivative, from plant tissue. The methods involve preventing the hydrolysis of the gaultherin in the plant tissue by disrupting the plant tissue under solvent conditions lacking a drying agent. The disclosure further provides various forms of plant-derived gaultherin, including alcoholic extracts, aqueous solutions and dried preparations, all suitable for use as a natural aspirin substitute. Moreover, the disclosure provides methods of using gaultherin-containing compositions to increase serum salicylic acid, to treat cancer cells, to treat cardiovascular (e.g., cardiopulmonary) conditions, to treat anti-inflammatory responses, and to inhibit cyclooxygenase.

Abstract: Intact living plants or plant parts are contacted with water to extract from the plant or plant part exuded chemical compounds, with the extracted chemical compounds subsequently being recovered from the water. The plant is treated with an elicitor or inducer to initiate or increase production of a chemical compound. The roots may be harvested for recovery of the chemical compounds. Valuable substances exuded from or onto a plant surface, such as a plant cuticle or the root of a plant, can be identified as biologically active. Libraries of substances exuded or secreted from various plant species can be elicited or induced to produce one or more of such substances.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for obtaining gaultherin, a natural salicylate derivative, from plant tissue. The methods involve preventing the hydrolysis of the gaultherin in the plant tissue by disrupting the plant tissue under solvent conditions lacking a drying agent. The invention further provides various forms of plant-derived gaultherin, including alcohol extracts, aqueous solutions and dried preparations, all suitable for use as a natural aspirin substitute.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for obtaining phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a natural glucosinylate derivative, from plant tissue. The methods involve selection of plant tissue naturally rich in PEITC, followed by aqueous extraction under conditions that promote optimal release of PEITC from the tissue. The invention further provides plant preparations containing significant quantities of PEITC and nutraceutical formulations comprising these preparations.