Abstract: The invention relates to methods of reducing circulating glucose levels with compositions obtained from botanical sources. More specifically, the invention relates to methods of treating individuals whom wish to reduce their circulating glucose levels, particularly individuals having elevated circulating glucose levels, with an extract product of Aframomum melegueta.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of reducing circulating glucose levels with compositions obtained from botanical sources. More specifically, the invention relates to methods of treating individuals whom wish to reduce their circulating glucose levels, particularly individuals having elevated circulating glucose levels, with an extract product of Aframomum melegueta.

Abstract: A method of preparing a chicory extract enriched with sesquiterpene lactones is provided. The method includes performing an initial extraction chicory in a polar solvent, such as methanol or ethanol, at ambient temperature to form an alcoholic extract. The alcoholic extract is subsequently defatted with a non-polar solvent, preferably hexane or n-heptane. A second extraction of the defatted alcoholic extract is performed with a solvent which is more polar than the solvent used in the defatting process and less polar than the solvent used in the initial extraction, for example, it can be chosen from the group consisting of ethyl acetate, n-butanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, dichloromethane, acetonitrile, and mixtures thereof; resulting in a sesquiterpene lactones enriched extract, preferably containing at least 60% sesquiterpene lactones.

Abstract: A method of preparing a chicory extract enriched with sesquiterpene lactones is provided. The method includes performing an initial extraction chicory in a polar solvent, such as methanol or ethanol, at ambient temperature to form an alcoholic extract. The alcoholic extract is subsequently defatted with a non-polar solvent, preferably hexane or n-heptane. A second extraction of the defatted alcoholic extract is performed with a solvent which is more polar than the solvent used in the defatting process and less polar than the solvent used in the initial extraction, for example, it can be chosen from the group consisting of ethyl acetate, n-butanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, dichloromethane, acetonitrile, and mixtures thereof; resulting in a sesquiterpene lactones enriched extract, preferably containing at least 60% sesquiterpene lactones.

Abstract: Substances having antiviral activity against one or more human disease-causing viruses are disclosed. These antiviral substances are obtained from the cuticular and extracuticular layers of plants. Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations comprising the antiviral substances are also disclosed, as are methods of using such formulations to treat viral diseases.

Abstract: A Tyrosinase inhibitor extracted from Osage orange (Maclura pomifera) heartwood is described. Methods of producing the extract as well as a variety of applications for the extract are also described. Applications for the extract include use as a skin-whitening agent in cosmetic products, a pharmaceutical agent interfering with the aromatic amino acid metabolism, an insect controlling agent, and an agent that prevents browning of fruits and vegetables.

Abstract: The invention relates to anti-inflammatory compositions obtained from botanical sources. More specifically, the invention relates to anti-inflammatory compositions comprising an anti-inflammatory extract product of Aframomum melegueta, methods of making an anti-inflammatory composition, and methods of treating and preventing inflammatory responses.

Abstract: Substances having antiviral activity against one or more human disease-causing viruses are disclosed. These antiviral substances are obtained from the cuticular and extracuticular layers of plants. Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations comprising the antiviral substances are also disclosed, as are methods of using such formulations to treat viral diseases.