Abstract: The invention provides a method for improving cognitive performance in a physically active subject. The invention further provides a method of enhancing neurogenesis in a physically active subject. In one embodiment, the method encompasses administering to the subject an effective amount of one or more flavonoids. In a further embodiment, the method encompasses administering to the subject an effective amount of one or more antioxidants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of processing a fat-containing bean, e.g., cocoa beans, for producing solids comprising active polyphenols and/or fat-containing products, comprising extracting the fat to produce solids and fat-containing products. Additionally, the inventive method also provides cocoa compositions comprising at least one active polyphenol, wherein the concentration of the polyphenol(s) with respect to the nonfat solids is conserved with respect to the concentration of the active polyphenol(s) in the bean from which the compositions are derived.

Abstract: A cocoa extract which is rich in procyanidin monomer and oligomers is made by extracting de-fatted, unroasted, unfermented cocoa beans with organic solvents. The yield of procyanidins in an extract varies with the type of solvent used, reaction temperature, reaction pH and whether or not the solvent is an aqueous solution. Extraction parameters can be optimized to increase procyanidin yield, and different conditions results in the preferential extraction of the higher or lower oligomers. A preferred extraction method is countercurrent extraction method.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are cocoa extracts such as polyphenols or procyanidins, methods for preparing such extracts, as well as uses for them, especially as antineoplastic agents and antioxidants. Disclosed and claimed are antineoplastic compositions containing cocoa polyphenols or procyanidins and methods for treating patients employing the compositions. Additionally disclosed and claimed is a kit for treating a patient in need of treatment with an antineoplastic agent containing cocoa polyphenols or procyanidins as well as a lyophilized antineoplastic composition containing cocoa polyphenols or procyanidins. Further, disclosed and claimed is the use of the invention in antioxidant, preservative and topoisomerase-inhibiting compositions and methods.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of processing a fat-containing bean, e.g., cocoa beans, for producing solids comprising active polyphenols and/or fat-containing products, comprising extracting the fat to produce solids and fat-containing products. Additionally, the inventive method also provides cocoa compositions comprising at least one active polyphenol, wherein the concentration of the polyphenol(s) with respect to the nonfat solids is conserved with respect to the concentration of the active polyphenol(s) in the bean from which the compositions are derived.

Abstract: Cocoa components having enhanced levels of cocoa polyphenols, processes for producing the cocoa components while conserving a significant amount of the cocoa polyphenols, compositions containing the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols, and methods of using the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols for improving the health of a mammal are described. The cocoa components include partially and fully defatted cocoa solids, cocoa nibs and fractions derived therefrom, cocoa polyphenol extracts, cocoa butter, chocolate liquors, and mixtures thereof. The invention provides processes for extracting fat from cocoa beans and for otherwise processing cocoa beans to yield a cocoa component having conserved concentrations of polyphenols relative to the starting materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions, and methods of use thereof, containing polyphenols such as flavanols, procyanidins, their derivatives and epimers thereof, for inducing peripheral blood vessel vasodilation, for example for treating or preventing peripheral vascular diseases.

Abstract: A method for controlling the isomerization of (?)-epicatechin to (?)-catechin in an epicatechin-containing product, preferably an edible product, which method comprises the step of heating the product at a temperature of up to about 190° C. and at a pH of up to about 8. A method for controlling the isomerization of (+)-catechin to (+)-epicatechin in a catechin-containing product, preferably an edible product, which method comprises the step of heating the product, at a temperature of up to about 190° C. and at a pH of up to about 8. Preferably, the temperature is from about 72° C. to about 125° C., the pH is from about 4 to about 7, and the time is at least about 15 seconds. Under either method, the isomerization may be carried out in an open food processor in a reduced oxygen atmosphere or in a closed food processor. The edible product may be pasteurized, boiled or sterilized during the isomerization.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions containing derivatized flavanols such as methylated flavanols, and methods of use thereof for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of a human or a veterinary animal for example as anti-platelet agents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of processing a fat-containing bean, e.g., cocoa beans, for producing solids comprising active polyphenols and/or fat-containing products, comprising extracting the fat to produce solids and fat-containing products. Additionally, the inventive method also provides cocoa compositions comprising at least one active polyphenol, wherein the concentration of the polyphenol(s) with respect to the nonfat solids is conserved with respect to the concentration of the active polyphenol(s) in the bean from which the compositions are derived.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions, such as pharmaceuticals, foods, food additives, or dietary supplements, containing dimer digallates, and methods of use thereof, for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of a human or a veterinary animal to treat or prevent NO-responsive health conditions, treat hypertension, cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, diabetes, cognitive dysfunction or disorder and/or vascular circulation disorders, prevent or reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure and/or kidney failure, or to improve blood flow, for example renal blood flow. The composition may optionally contain an additional NO modulating agent and/or a vascular-protective or therapeutic agent, or may be administered in combination with such an agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions, such as pharmaceuticals, foods, food additives, or dietary supplements, containing A-type procyanidins, and methods of use thereof, for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of a human or a veterinary animal to treat or prevent NO-responsive health conditions, treat hypertension, cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease and/or vascular circulation disorders, prevent or reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure and/or kidney failure, or to improve blood flow, for example renal blood flow. The composition may optionally contain an additional NO modulating agent and/or a cardiovascular-protective or therapeutic agent, or may be administered in combination with such an agent.

Abstract: Processes are provided for preparing ready-to-eat health bars such as chocolate granola bars and chocolate confectioneries such as dark or milk chocolate chews. The bars and confectioneries contain sterol ester(s) and/or stanol esters and cocoa solids having a high cocoa procyanidin content. The cocoa solids are pretreated with the sterol/stanol ester(s) or other edible oils or fats during the preparation of the products to prevent the loss of cocoa procyanidins. Other particulate antioxidants can be pretreated with food grade fats and/or oils or emulsifiers such as lecithin to conserve their effectiveness.