Abstract: Momordica Cochinchinensis Spreng. (Gac, spiky groud, redmelon) contains high concentration of lycopene, a natural pigment that has many applications in pharmaceuticals, food supplements and colorants. This invention describes methods to extract lycopene from Gac. The methods do not involve the use of harmful solvents, therefore safe for consumption, and produce no toxic residue, nor toxic waste. This invention provides solutions to populations whose intake of lycopene is low, or having problems with high acid foods. This invention provides formulations high in lycopene, other antioxidants, and low in acid, and safe for consumers. The formulations described herein can be applied in beverage, food, supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmeticals and nutraceuticals.

Abstract: Lutein and Zeaxanthin (Lut&Zea) are essential for eye health and have been used to prevent or slow down progress of age-related macular degeration (AMD), dry macular degeneration, night blindness or other vision impair. This present invention describes novel applications of a formulation rich in lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene and antioxidants for eye care. The formulations and associated method are characterized by extract from Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng, and a lipid profile high in plant retinol and vitamin E, synergistically improve bioavailability and stablize lutein and zeaxanthin. The novelty of this invention is in the mixture of antioxidants with macular carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin) and pre-vitamin A. This invention does not involve the use of toxic solvents, provides a food-based solution to the populations at risk without long-term negative effects to subjects, nor causing more damage to the environment.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and compositions to add natural color and nutrients to food and beverage products, using the seed pulp (aril) of Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng (Gac, redmelon, gacmelon). The fruit contains high concentrations of carotenoids and antioxidants. Other nutrients are vitamin C, vitamin E and essential fatty acids. Due to high concentrations of carotenoids, the aril has an intense color, ranging from deep orange to red depending on dosage. The novelty of this invention is simultaneously enhancing color and nutrient values to food and beverage products without changing original flavor. This invention makes food and beverage products safer and more nutritious to consumers by replacing artificial colorant and adding carotenoids and antioxidants.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel applications of an oil formulation rich in carotenoids and poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) for skin care, lip care and cosmetic use. The formulation contains natural oil extract of Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng also known as gac, spiny melon, Redmelon™. The formulation contains carotenoid antioxidants (beta-carotene and lycopene), pro-vitamin A carotenoid (alpha and beta-carotene), and vitamin E. In addition, the formulation contains omega-3, omega-6, omega-9 fatty acids, the essential fatty acids important in enhancing skin integrity, elasticity. The oil-based formulation helps skin to retain water, Carotenoids in the formula protects skin from oxidative damage. The novelty of this invention is in the mixture of antioxidants, retinol and essential fatty acids to deliver a stable, bioavailable and nutritious composition for skin care. In addition, the formulation provides vitamin E and retinol beneficial in skin therapeutic and cosmetic applications.

Abstract: Stable and bioavailable formulations and methods for lycopene extraction are disclosed and described. In particular, methods to extract plant lycopene without the use of organic (chemical) solvents, to produce a water soluble food ingredient and colorantant, which are stabilized by natural, antioxidants (vit E, vit C, beta-carotene). In some aspects, the formulation can include concentrate, or dry powder of the aril of momordica conchinchinensis spreng (gac), in combination of at least one other antioxidant. Formulations described herein are palatable and less acidy than, tomatoes' products. The methods do not involve use of chemical solvents, no alcohol, therefore is safe for consumption, and produces no toxic residue, nor toxic waste. This invention provides stable and bioavailable lycopene to populations whose intake of lycopene is low, or for those who have problems with high acid foods, and can be used, in beverage, food, supplements, cosmeticals and nutraceuticals.

Abstract: Nutritional formulations and methods to produce safe vitamin A/retinol are described. In particular, methods and formulations containing plant pro-vitamin A carotenoids from momordica cochinchinensis spreng are disclosed. The formulations and associated method are characterized by high concentration of provitaminA carotenoids in a water soluble form with enhanced stability and absorption. This invention describes methods to produce water-soluble provitamin A powder from “gac” and formulas to enhance absorption of plant provitamin A carotenoids to a subject. The method described herein requires no chemical solvents, nor involves genetic modification, also delivers other nutrients to improve nutritional status of subjects. This method provides a safe source of vitamin A to be used in pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals, nutraceuticals and food supplements for humans and animals.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel applications of an oil formulation rich in carotenoids and poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) for skin care, lip care and cosmetic use. The formulation contains natural oil extract of Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng also known as gac, spiny melon, Redmelon™. The formulation contains carotenoid antioxidants (beta-carotene and lycopene), pro-vitamin A carotenoid (alpha and beta-carotene), and vitamin E. In addition, the formulation contains omega-3, omega-6, omega-9 fatty acids, the essential fatty acids important in enhancing skin integrity, elasticity. The oil-based formulation helps skin to retain water, Carotenoids in the formula protects skin from oxidative damage. The novelty of this invention is in the mixture of antioxidants, retinol and essential fatty acids to deliver a stable, bioavailable and nutritious composition for skin care. In addition, the formulation provides vitamin E and retinol beneficial in skin therapeutic and cosmetic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process to extract oil from Momordica cochinchinensis aril to yield an edible oil rich in &bgr;-carotene. The process can be carried out without the use of any harmful organic solvents, and provides products containing other carotenoids, such as lycopene, and fiber and vitamin E. This invention provides a bioavailable and stable source of &bgr;-carotene, a pro-vitamin A carotenoid, in areas where vitamin A deficiency exists. Products derived from this invention serve as a safe source of antioxidants and nutritional supplement for human and animal consumption, and for the pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industries as well as providing a suitable, effective food additives and colorants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process to extract oil from Momordica cochinchinensis aril to yield an edible oil rich in &bgr;-carotene. The process can be carried out without the use of any harmful organic solvents, and provides products containing other carotenoids, such as lycopene, and fiber and vitamin E. This invention provides a bioavailable and stable source of &bgr;-carotene, a pro-vitamin A carotenoid, in areas where vitamin A deficiency exists. Products derived from this invention serve as a safe source of antioxidants and nutritional supplement for human and animal consumption, and for the pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industries as well as providing a suitable, effective food additives and colorants.