Abstract: A nutritional supplement comprises components (A), (B) and (C), and optionally, additional component(s) (D). The nutritional supplement can activate a subject's antioxidant system, more specifically the subject's antioxidant response element (ARE). In one embodiment, the nutritional supplement comprises: (A) glabridin; (B) licochalcone A; and (C) licorice root flavonoids. In another, the nutritional supplement comprises: (A) a first licorice root extract comprising glabridin; (B) a second licorice root extract comprising licochalcone A; and (C) a third licorice root extract comprising flavonoids. Components (A), (B) and (C) are in a combined amount sufficient to activate the subject's antioxidant system after ingestion. In addition, components (A), (B) and (C) are present in a weight ratio (A:B:C) such that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their separate effects regarding activation of the subject's antioxidant system after ingestion of the nutritional supplement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for treating insomnia or sleeplessness. The compositions of the present invention comprise extracts of white peony root and in particular comprise paeoniflorin, either alone or in combination with at least one of jujube extract, radix polygala extract, and passion flower extract. The compositions of the present invention bind to GABA receptors and work synergistically to shorten the time needed to fall asleep and to improve the quality of sleep by reducing awakenings during sleep and increasing the duration of sleep.

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: 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.