Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for providing non-lipid, liquid form herbal extracts in a vegetable gelatin, HPMC, or any other cellulose derivative capsule. The process includes extracting an herbal plant material with an alcohol to provide an aqueous alcoholic herbal extract. The aqueous alcoholic herbal extract is contacted with sufficient glycerin to maintain the extract preferably in solution, and at least dispersed in the mixture of glycerin and aqueous alcoholic herbal extract. Alcohol and water is removed form the mixture to provide a glycerin-based liquid or semi-solid herbal extract and having a moisture content of less than 10 percent by weight, and preferably less than 5 percent by weight. The herb extract is then encapsulated in a vegetable gelatin, HPMC, or any other cellulose derivative capsule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the extraction of herbs and plant materials. More particularly, the present invention relates to extraction methods for Echinacea. The extraction methods of the present invention provide a higher soluble solids content and a higher level of desired marker compounds, such as alkylamides, than conventional extraction procedures. Thus, the extraction methods of the present invention result in a greater yield at a lower cost from a given amount of starting material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles including non-aqueous compositions for protecting the barrier function of the skin. The compositions can be applied to the bodyfacing surfaces of absorbent articles so that the compositions come into contact with the skin. The compositions of the invention have improved stability on the bodyfacing surfaces after processing. The compositions of the invention provide several benefits including prevention and alleviation of skin irritations associated with the use of absorbent articles. The compositions can include emollients, viscosity enhancers and extracted botanical actives.

Abstract: An effervescent sub-lingual type composition, optionally in tablet form, comprising at least one active ingredient, one ore more fruit acids, and one or more effervescing alkalis, wherein at least the acid component(s) have been coated with protective layer of polydimethylsiloxane that substantially minimizes contact between the acid(s) and atmospheric moisture until the composition is purposely mixed with water or is used sub-lingually. A method of preparation of the effervescent compositions is also dislcosed.

Abstract: An improved medicinal composition includes an effective amount of a decongestant pharmaceutical and an effective amount of a nutraceutical in a pharmaceutically acceptable base. At least one of the pharmaceutical and the nutraceutical treats a condition caused by an immune response to a virus, a microorganism, or an atmospheric pollutant or allergen. The medicinal composition may additionally include a pain relieving pharmaceutical or an antihistamine. The nutraceutical is preferably an immune booster, an anti-oxidant, a liver protectant, or a combination thereof. Methods of using these compositions to treat conditions caused by an immune response are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the extraction of herbs and plant materials. More particularly, the present invention relates to extraction methods for Echinacea. The extraction methods of the present invention provide a higher soluble solids content and a higher level of desired marker compounds, such as alkylamides, than conventional extraction procedures. Thus, the extraction methods of the present invention result in a greater yield at a lower cost from a given amount of starting material.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition is provided that includes petroleum jelly and an anti-irritant agent which achieves at least a 10% reduction of Interleukin-1 alpha in an EpiDerm™ Skin Culture Model. The agent may be a botanical active or a decoupling polymer. Particularly preferred botanicals are echinacea, yucca, green tea and willow herb.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a reconstituted fruit, herb, and/or seed fiber product, the product produced using the method, and dietary supplements containing the product. The steps used to produce the product include expressing juice from a fruit, herb, or seed; concentrating the juice by removing water; infusing pomace obtained during expression of the juice with the concentrated juice, and drying the steeped pomace to obtain a dry, non-hygroscopic, free-flowing nutritional supplement.

Abstract: A composition for relief of symptoms of colds and influenza, containing, by weight, about 80-88% olive leaf extract powder containing oleuropein, about 5-10% neem leaf powder and up to about 8% of a homeopathic blend for symptom relief which preferably comprises aconitum napelius, belladonna, eupatorium perfoliatum, gelsemium sempervirens, Echinacea angustifolia and ferrum phosphoricum.

Abstract: A method for making and identifying processed botanical materials as being of a pharmaceutical grade for use in clinical settings and patient treatment. The method utilizes fingerprints of the processed botanical material with respect to bioactivity and/or composition to establish whether the material meets previously established pharmaceutical grade requirements. The method is applicable to processed botanical materials, such as plant extracts, powders and the like which are used in medicinal applications.

Abstract: Echinacea extract in cosmetic skin care compositions, as anti-irritant, to reduce skin irritation caused by hydroxy acids, and to boost the anti-aging efficacy of hydroxy acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of administering nutritional supplements. The compositions and methods of the present invention are based on nutritional supplements that are encapsulated in lipid vesicles for administration as an aerosol or liquid droplet spray.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunostimulant compositions and methods for the preparation and use thereof which contain a therapeutically effective amount of an active polysaccharide containing Echinacea extract. In one aspect, the method for making an immunostimulant composition may include the steps of: providing an Echinacea source, extracting an active polysaccharide from the Echinacea source into an aqueous solution, precipitating a water precipitate containing the active polysaccharide from the aqueous solution; and recovering the water precipitate.

Abstract: Echinacea extract in cosmetic skin care compositions, as anti-irritant, to reduce skin irritation caused by hydroxy acids, and to boost the anti-aging efficacy of hydroxy acids.

Abstract: A medicinal composition for treating pain resulting from an inflammatory response comprises at least one pain relieving and anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical and at least one nutraceutical in a pharmaceutically acceptable base. The pharmaceutical is preferably acetaminophen or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The nutraceutical is preferably an immune booster, an anti-oxidant, a liver protectant, or a joint relief agent. Methods of using these compositions to treat pain caused by inflammation are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved medicinal composition includes an effective amount of a pain relieving and anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical and an effective amount of a nutraceutical in a pharmaceutically acceptable base. At least one of the pharmaceutical and the nutraceutical treats a condition caused by an immune response of the respiratory system, particularly an immune response that triggers the cough reflex. The pharmaceutical is preferably a cough suppressant, an expectorant, or a decongestant. The nutraceutical is preferably an immune booster, an antioxidant, a liver protectant, a nutraceutical which sedates the cough reflex, or a combination thereof. Methods of using these compositions to treat conditions caused by a respiratory immune response are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved medicinal composition includes an effective amount of a pain relieving and anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical and an effective amount of a nutraceutical in a pharmaceutically acceptable base. At least one of the pharmaceutical and the nutraceutical treats a condition caused by an immune response to a virus, a microorganism, or an atmospheric pollutant or allergen. The pain relieving and anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical is preferably acetaminophen or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The medicinal composition may additionally include a pharmaceutical decongestant or antihistamine. The nutraceutical is preferably an immune booster, an anti-oxidant, a liver protectant, or a combination thereof. Methods of using these compositions to treat conditions caused by an immune response are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved medicinal composition includes an effective amount of an antihistamine pharmaceutical and an effective amount of a nutraceutical in a pharmaceutically acceptable base. At least one of the pharmaceutical and the nutraceutical treats a condition caused by an immune response to a virus, a microorganism, or an atmospheric pollutant or allergen. The medicinal composition may additionally include a pain relieving pharmaceutical or a decongestant. The nutraceutical is preferably an immune booster, an anti-oxidant, a liver protectant, or a combination thereof. Methods of using these compositions to treat conditions caused by an immune response are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating nicotine addiction or deterring tobacco use in a subject by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of Hypericum perforatum or at least one active component thereof is disclosed. As disclosed, the composition may further comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The composition may also comprise a supplementary compound such as L-phenylalanine, L-tyrosine, tryptophan, 5-hydroxy tryptamine, serotonin, calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide, kava-kava, a kava alkaloid, valerian, hops, a passion flower extract, vitamin C, or Echinacea.

Abstract: A herbal formulation that is orally administered and which affects colds or the flu in a human subject comprises beta glucans, olive leaf extract, echinacea, goldenseal, una de gato, pao d'arco, elderberry dried berries and cayenne pepper. The formulation can also include zinc lozenges if symptoms of a sore throat are present in the subject.

Abstract: An improved and useful organic oil-based foot cleansing composition and topical transdermal delivery system for hydrating and nourishing dry, cracked, itching, dermatitic, and eczemic skin infirmities, as well as the treatment and alleviation of fungal conditions of the foot, which has as its main constituents, safflower oil, flaxseed oil, boric acid, tincture of benzoin, and borax, in a glycerin base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a reconstituted fruit, herb, and/or seed fiber product, the product produced using the method, and dietary supplements containing the product. The steps used to produce the product include expressing juice from a fruit, herb, or seed; concentrating the juice by removing water; infusing pomace obtained during expression of the juice with the concentrated juice, and drying the steeped pomace to obtain a dry, non-hygroscopic, free-flowing nutritional supplement.