Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of Echinacea as a cancer chemopreventive agent to block the formation of and to detoxify cancer-causing agents, or carcinogens. More particularly, the present invention relates to the induction of phase II enzymes by Echinacea, and specifically by lipid-soluble fractions isolated from Echinacea. The present invention also contemplates a novel method of extracting the desired lipid-soluble fractions from Echinacea.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions containing Persea american var. drymifolia leaf and leaf extracts for lowering cholesterol levels and methods thereof.

Abstract: Echinacea preparations having standardized chicoric acid levels and inducing an augmented level of immune-stimulatory activity. Augmentation of the immune stimulatory activity is achieved by the selection of a harvest time for Echinacea plants that is during a plant maturation stage that is prior to full bloom. Methods for augmenting the immune-stimulatory effects of Echinacea extracts by harvesting Echinacea plants prior to full bloom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising Persea american var. drymifolia for lowering cholesterol levels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising Persea american var. drymifolia for lowering cholesterol levels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the extraction of herbs and plant materials. More particularly, the present invention relates to extraction methods for Echinacea. The extraction methods of the present invention provide a higher soluble solids content and a higher level of desired marker compounds, such as alkylamides, than conventional extraction procedures. Thus, the extraction methods of the present invention result in a greater yield at a lower cost from a given amount of starting material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the extraction of herbs and plant materials. More particularly, the present invention relates to extraction methods for Echinacea. The extraction methods of the present invention provide a higher soluble solids content and a higher level of desired marker compounds, such as alkylamides, than conventional extraction procedures. Thus, the extraction methods of the present invention result in a greater yield at a lower cost from a given amount of starting material.

Abstract: A method of increasing the concentration of caffeic acid derivatives, such as cichoric acid, and the concentration of alkylamides, such as tetraene alkylamides, in Echinacea plant postharvest; and a composition, having increased amounts of these phytochemicals per gram of plant material. The method includes the following steps: (1) harvesting a plant having caffeic acid derivatives and alkylamides; (2) separating the plant into fragments; and (3) storing the separated fragments in refrigerated conditions at a controlled relative humidity which prevents wilting and microbial decay. The raw plant material obtained from this process can be used alone or in combination with other nutrients in a medicine or dietary supplement.

Abstract: A process for producing an Echinacea powder having an increased amount of the cichoric acid present in the harvested Echinacea plant material. The process includes the following steps: 1) milling the harvested Echinacea plant material to reduce the particle size, 2) blanching the milled plant material, 3) recovering the juice from the blanched material, 4) concentrating the juice to have at least about a 20% soluble solids content, and 5) drying the juice to produce the Echinacea powder having a moisture content of less than about 8%. The blanching step enhances the juice recovery from the Echinacea plant material. The Echinacea powder can be tableted or combined with other nutrients in a dry supplement form.