Abstract: Compositions comprising sesamol or a sesamol metabolite, such as pharmaceutical or therapeutic agents, dietary supplements and nutritional solutions, are described for use as anti-inflammatory agents. Methods for inhibiting inflammation are also described.

Abstract: Described herein is a nutritional supplement which provides fats, proteins and carbohydrates of compositions and proportions so as to have the effects of reducing the symptoms of stress and improving performance by causing a reduction in the level of PGE2. Of particular importance is a balance of carbohydrate, proteins and fats derived from different structural families.

Abstract: Yeast-derived fiber has been demonstrated, as described herein, to effectively improve the serum lipid profile in humans, when provided as a dietary supplement, without some of the disadvantages known to accompany dietary supplementation with oat fiber or psyllium fiber. Described herein are dietary supplements comprising yeast fiber, e.g., &bgr;-glucan or glucomannan, and further comprising folic acid or a salt thereof, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. The dietary supplements of the invention can further comprise fats, carbohydrates and proteins, for example, and other ingredients added to formulate a food product. Such food products can be in the form, for example, of solid or semi-solid foods, such as food bars, pudding, or spreads. By including folate and vitamin B6, the dietary supplement provides a second benefit of suppressing the level of homocysteine in the blood.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting &Dgr;-5-desaturase activity, for inhibiting arachidonic acid metabolism, for inhibiting PGE2 levels and for inhibiting PLA2 activity comprising administering sesamol are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel diabetic supplement bar which includes about 10-60% by weight simple carbohydrate, about 1-25% by weight protein, about 2-40% by weight lipid and about 1-60%, preferably about 5-35% by weight complex carbohydrate. This formulation is particularly useful for the treatment or prevention of nighttime hypoglycemia in diabetic patients who require insulin injections.

Abstract: An improved enteral formulation that is low in fat and contains protein hydrolysates has been developed. The osmolality of the formulation is controlled to be below 500 mOs/kg H.sub.2 O, preferably about 300 mOs/kg H.sub.2 O. In a preferred embodiment, the formulation contains corn starch to control blood glucose levels. This formulation is particularly useful for treatment of critically ill patients and in minimizing a risk of pulmonary aspiration and/or gastrointestinal dysfunction in such patients.

Abstract: A nutritional supplement is described comprising approximately from about 10 to about 75 grams carbohydrate; approximately from about 5 to about 50 grams protein; approximately from about 3 to about 30 grams fat; and therapeutic amount of antioxidant, for use in weight maintenance in individuals who will undergo major surgery to prevent or reduce postoperative complications.

Abstract: A nutritional supplement comprising approximately from about 5 to about 25 grams carbohydrate; approximately from about 1 to about 25 grams protein; and approximately from about 1 to about 10 grams fat, for use in treating low appetite that may result in weight loss, is described.

Abstract: A novel diabetic supplement bar which includes about 10-60% by weight simple carbohydrate, about 1-25% by weight protein, about 2-40% by weight lipid and about 1-60%, preferably about 5-35% by weight complex carbohydrate. This formulation is particularly useful for the treatment or prevention of nighttime hypoglycemia in diabetic patients who require insulin injections.

Abstract: The uses of lignans of the sesamin family to treat infection and inflammation is disclosed. These lignans may be delivered enterally or parenterally and either in the form of sesame oil or in purified form. A total parenteral nutrition solution or dietary supplement are the preferred forms of administration.

Abstract: The invention describes an herbal formulation and its use for reducing/alleviating symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and reactive arthritis and for reducing the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Foods and beverages containing the herbal formulation are also described.

Abstract: The present invention features saponin containing enteral formulations for treatment of infection and inflammation. These saponin containing formulations are particularly useful in conjunction with oils rich in .omega.3 polyunsaturated fatty acids such as fish oils and flax oil but also show benefits with .omega.6 rich oils such as borage oil, black currant seed oil, canola oil and rapeseed oil. These formulations may also contain a lignan from the sesamin family.

Abstract: A method of pulsatile infusion of a drug or other therapeutic agent is described. The pulsatile infusion method minimizes tachyphylaxis, while enabling the target cell, tissue, or organ to benefit from the administered drug or other therapeutic agent. The drug or other therapeutic agent, an agonist or antagonist for a molecule of the receptor system, is administered in a succession of at least two pulses. The pulses have a selected amplitude and duration so that the binding affinity of the receptor system molecule is decreased by a predetermined amount in response to each pulse. This predetermined amount is less than the difference between the maximum binding affinity of the receptor system molecule, when it is not exposed to either the agonist or antagonist, and its minimum binding affinity for the agonist or antagonist, when it is continuously exposed to the agonist or antagonist.

Abstract: The present invention features saponin containing enteral formulations for treatment of infection and inflammation. These saponin containing formulations are particularly useful in conjunction with oils rich in .omega.3 polyunsaturated fatty acids such as fish oils and flax oil but also show benefits with .omega.6 rich oils such as borage oil, black currant seed oil, canola oil and rapeseed oil. These formulations may also contain a lignan from the sesamin family.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of minimizing the effects of a catabolic illness in an individual by administering to the individual a diet which is controlled in the type of fatty acid intake. The diet comprises an oil rich in .omega.9 monounsaturated fatty acids, preferably oleic acid. Oils rich in monounsaturated fatty acids include olive oil, canola oil and high oleic acid safflower or high oleic acid sunflower oil. The diet can also be administered to an individual to minimize infection or to minimize the risk of infection in the individual. A dietary supplement useful in methods of the invention and a structured lipid are also disclosed.