Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations comprising xanthine or xanthine derivatives, kits thereof, and methods for treating fibrotic diseases by local administration.

Abstract: A reagent for carrying out a difluoromethylation reaction of unsaturated compounds and ring-nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds, a zinc difluoro-methanesulfinate, as well as a method for making the reagent and a method for its use are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for increasing resting metabolic rate, reducing waist circumference, and weight control by administering a composition comprising dietary fiber, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tea blend, caffeine, and Lycium plants or Lycium plant extract preparations to the subject. The invention also provides a food or dietary supplement formulation which contains dietary fiber, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tea blend, caffeine, and Lycium plants or Lycium plant extract preparations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treatment for Parkinson Disease (PD) in a person by identifying gene variants which may indicate a more favorable response to specific medicaments, thereby allowing for personalized or individualized treatment. The present invention relates to a method of screening for a genetic predisposition to PD in a person. The present invention is also directed to a method of testing a person for the presence of particular gene variants, wherein the presence of a gene variant indicates a higher predisposition to PD, and the absence of a gene variant indicates a lower predisposition to PD, compared to a control sample. The present invention further relates to methods and kits for treating, or inhibiting the development of, PD in a person. The present invention is also directed to a method of identifying the heritage of an individual based on the genetic profile of the individual.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to methods and means for allocating, allotting, apportioning, dispensing, distributing, preparing, portioning, meting out and/or otherwise providing, controlling and/or regulating access to quantities of foods, beverages, and/or other substances. Various embodiments of the methods and means of the invention may be performed by and/or implemented in hardware, in software, by one or more entities, and/or by some combination of hardware, software and/or one or more entities.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods for improving the appearance of skin, particularly, treating, ameliorating, preventing, delaying, and/or improving one or more signs of excess accumulation and/or production of subcutaneous fat, such as cellulite, and conditions related thereto, by topically applying compositions comprising Carnitine Palmitoyl Transferase-1 (CPT-1) modulators, optionally with other anti-lipid agents; and also describes compositions and methods for treating, preventing and improving the appearance of skin, particularly, treating, preventing, ameliorating, reducing and/or eliminating loss of subcutaneous fat in the skin, wherein the compositions include natural plant constituents that stimulate lipid synthesis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition containing, preferably in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one xanthine base or a plant extract containing it, at least one polyurethane powder, and at least one non-ionic dimethicone copolyol. The invention also relates to a cosmetic method for combating cellulite and/or “orange-peel” skin and/or slimming the figure, comprising the application of the composition to the skin. The composition applied to the skin exhibits good cosmetic properties of softness and of non-tackiness.

Abstract: Cocrystals of pterostilbene are disclosed, including: pterostilbene:caffeine cocrystal, pterostilbene:carbamazepine cocrystal, pterostilbene:glutaric acid cocrystal, and pterostilbene:piperazine cocrystal. The pterostilbene:caffeine cocrystal is polymorphic. Forms I and II of the pterostilbene:caffeine cocrystal are disclosed. The therapeutic uses of the pterostilbene cocrystals and of pharmaceutical/nutraceutical compositions containing them are also disclosed. The disclosure sets out various methods of making and characterizing the pterostilbene cocrystals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising plants and extracts of plants with chlorogenic acids and antioxidants and/or caffeine; methods for preparing the same; and methods to promote weight loss through the administration of compositions containing these plants and plant extracts in specific proportions.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining Tamaritt and Tamaritt-Intermediate based materials are implemented through a secondary chemical reactor providing a second chemical reaction conducted with at least two reactants. The first reactant is Tamaritt and the second is an inorganic, or organic, or bio-molecular reagent, or their combination. Tamaritt is produced in a primary chemical reactor, modulating chemical reactions, preferably using a plasma device, and producing certain byproducts. A solid organic dye is dissolved in water producing a solution placed into the primary reactor, wherein the temperature and pressure are predeterminedly adjusted. The byproducts are injected into the solution, thereby commencing a first chemical reaction conducted until it finally results in obtaining Tamaritt. Tamaritt-Intermediate byproducts, being bond-altering catalyst-reagents, are obtained at a certain stage of the process.

Abstract: A composition for reducing the weight of a human. The composition is provided in the form of a capsule comprising an effective amount of capsaicin and/or analogs thereof, L-tyrosine, supplemental caffeine and/or and analogs thereof, green tea extract containing catechin and caffeine, and embodiments which include calcium. The invention is also directed toward methods for reducing and maintaining weight of a human using the composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for improving the bioavailability of a renin inhibitor, preferably, of a ?-amino-?-hydroxy-?-aryl-alkanoic acid derivative, which method comprises co-administering to a mammal, especially a human, in need of such treatment, a combination of a renin inhibitor, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and an MDR1 inhibitor selected from a non-pharmacologically active compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermolabile caffeine fraction useful for an efficient Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation in plant systems to develop desired traits in plants, and a method of preparing said fraction from tea leaves and also, an efficient and cost-effective method of introducing said Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation into plant systems using said caffeine fraction of tea leaves.

Abstract: Blood diluent for use in the analysis of blood components may include at least one purine compound or salt thereof. The blood diluent may also include at least one of alkali metal salt and/or at least one organic buffers and/or inorganic buffer. The blood diluent may be utilized to stabilize blood cells during storage and facilitate the analysis thereof.

Abstract: Provided are antibacterial compounds having Formula I: In such compositions, X is O or S; Y is CH2; n is 0 or 1. One of R1 and R1? is —C(O)NR5R5?, —C(O)—Q—NR5R5?, —CH2NR5R5? or —S(O)2NR5R5? and the other is H or R3. One of R2 and R2? is —NHC(O)R6 or —NHS(O)2R6 and the other is H or R4. Q is an amino acid or peptide. R3 is H, halogen, —NR5R5? or —NHC(O)R6; and R4 is selected from the group consisting of H, halogen, hydroxyl, amino, carboxyl, alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl. R5 is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl optionally substituted with halogen, OH, amino, amidinyl, guanidinyl, urea, alkyl, carboxyl, oxo, carboxamide; R5? is H or R5 and R5? together form a 5-16 member heterocycle optionally substituted with halogen, OH, amino, alkyl, carboxyl, carbonyl or carboxamide.

Abstract: A kit for determining the presence of caffeine in a beverage. The kit is portable, provides a rapid, visible indication of the presence of caffeine in the beverage and may be read without the use of instrumentation. A first embodiment of the kit comprises (a) a probe adapted to be dipped into the beverage, a portion of the probe having an antibody affixed thereto operable for specifically binding to either caffeine or a labeled protein-caffeine conjugate; (b) a wash solution comprising water; (c) a solution comprising a labeled protein-caffeine conjugate. The label comprising the protein-caffeine conjugate is preferably a chromatophore that is visible to the eye. In another embodiment, the kit further includes a developer reagent. The label is made visible by reacting the probe bearing the protein-caffeine conjugate with a developer reagent to provide a visible product.

Abstract: Processes for the preparation of 1,3-oxathiolane nucleosides are provided that include efficient methods for the preparation of the 1,3-oxathiolane ring and subsequent condensation of the 1,3-oxathiolane with a pyrimidine or purine base. Using the processes described herein, the compounds can be provided as isolated enantiomers.

Abstract: A caffeine detector comprises a reaction medium and a reagent impregnated in at least a portion of the reaction medium. The reagent provides the reaction medium with a color which is changed when a liquid containing a threshold amount of caffeine reacts with the reagent.

Abstract: A process for the resolution of a racemic mixture of nucleoside enantiomers that includes the step of exposing the racemic mixture to an enzyme that preferentially catalyzes a reaction in one of the enantiomers. The nucleoside enantiomer (−)-2-hydroxymethyl-5-(5-fluorocytosin-1-yl)-1,3-oxathiolane is an effective antiviral agent against HIV, HBV, and other viruses replicating in a similar manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of theobromine and/or its salts and/or its complexes optionally in admixture with other known active ingredients and inert solid or liquid carriers, additives and auxiliary agents for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition suitable for relieving cough syndrome. Further subject of the invention is a method of treatment of a human or animal subject being in condition where relieving of cough is desirable which comprise steps of administering in an effective amount theobromine and/or salts and/or its complexes optionally in admixture with other known active ingredients and suitable inert, solid or liquid carriers, additives and auxiliary agents.

Abstract: A process is described for decaffeinating caffeine-containing aqueous extracts with which the caffeine is extracted selectively with activated carbon fibers.

Abstract: An aqueous agent comprising at least one arginine amide selected from the group consisting of (2R,4R)-4-methyl-1-[N.sup.2 -((RS)-3-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-8-quinolinesulfonyl)-L-arginyl]-2-piper idinecarboxylic acid, monohydrate thereof and pharmacologically acceptable salts thereof, and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of cyclodextrin and caffeine; a method for improving the solubility of arginine amide in water, comprising adding at least one compound selected from the group consisting of cyclodextrin and caffeine; and a method for stabilizing arginine amide in water, comprising adding caffeine. According to the present invention, the solubility of arginine amide in water can be enhanced to, for example, a concentration permitting inhibition of fibrin formation at the time of entoptic operation. In addition, the stability of arginine amide in water can be enhanced with less irritation of the eye.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for recovering caffeine from caffeine-loaded activated carbon and which is characterized in that the caffeine destroying activity of the activated carbon is reduced before or after loading with caffeine. The activated carbon can to that end be treated with acids, buffers, complexing agents, redox substances, caffeine and other xanthine derivatives. The caffeine recovery yield can be considerably increased by this means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for recovering caffeine from caffeine-loaded activated carbon using a circulated inert gas sweeping stream held at a temperature of 250.degree. to 460.degree. C., in which process the activated carbon is preheated prior to the desorption of the caffeine with heat sources other than the sweeping gas and held during the desorption step at a uniform temperature or at a temperature increasing from the inlet to the outlet of the inert gas sweeping stream within the range of 250.degree. to 460.degree. C. and the caffeine is subsequently separated from the inert gas sweeping stream by conventional means.

Abstract: Tea trimmings and wastes are dried and then burned either directly or indirectly to liberate caffeine which is recovery by water scrubbing or electrostatic precipitation. The crude caffeine is then concentrated and purified by crystallization for use in foods and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Disclosed are a compound of the formula (I) or an acid addition salt thereof: ##STR1## wherein Q represents R.sup.1 , R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, n and z are defined as in the specification, preparation method thereof and fungicides containing the same.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for caffeine recovery from supercritical carbon dioxide is disclosed. The process involves countercurrent extraction of caffeine from supercritical carbon dioxide with water at pressures in excess of 1,000 p.s.i. in an unpacked extraction column. The apparatus includes an unpacked extraction vessel having a distributor therein for distributing water throughout substantially the entire cross-sectional area of the vessel.

Abstract: A process for decaffeinating green coffee by extraction of the coffee with water and treatment of the aqueous extract with activated carbon whereby the caffeine is largely absorbed by the activated carbon. The resulting caffeine-loaded activated carbon is then treated with a selected acid whereby the caffeine is largely removed from the activated carbon. The carbon is then washed with water until it has pH in the range of 3 to 6, determined by the standard test method for pH of activated carbon (ASTM D 3838-80). The activated carbon is then ready to be reused more than ten times in the process without further treatment.

Abstract: A process for recovering from caffeine-loaded activated carbon by treatment f the loaded carbon with an acid. According to the present invention, activated carbon is treated with a compound having the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is methyl, H or Cl, and R.sub.2 is Cl, OH or phenyl.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for recovering caffeine from laden acated carbon by treating the laden activated carbon with an organic acid. In order to achieve good extraction efficiencies, on the one hand, and to avoid problems with the flash point, such as with acetic acid, on the other hand, the process according to the invention is characterized by treating the activated carbon with a mixture comprising at least 65% by weight of acetic acid and at least 2% by weight of citric acid.

Abstract: A method of decaffeination wherein a caffeine-containing coffee extract solution is contacted with caffeic acid in the presence of water. The caffeine and the caffeic acid form an insoluble caffeine/caffeic acid complex wherein the complex is separated from the coffee extract solution.

Abstract: A process for the purification of caffeine which comprises carrying out the following steps in any order;(a) recrystallization of caffeine from an aqueous alkaline solution of caffeine containing a reducing agent and(b) extraction of the caffeine from an aqueous alkaline solution of caffeine with a substantially water-immiscible solvent which is liquid under the conditions of the process.

Abstract: A process for forming a purified solute from an aqueous solution is provided whereby a mixture of an extractant, a hydrate former and the aqueous solution is first formed. The hydrate former forms a hydrate with water while the solute does not form a hydrate. The extractant takes up the solute from the aqueous solution. The mixture is subjected to a temperature and pressure sufficient to form the solid hydrate of the hydrate former, an aqueous solution of the solute and a portion comprising the extractant containing the solute. The solute is recovered from the portion comprising the extractant and the solute.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for separating caffeine from caffeine-loaded active carbon in which a circulated inert gas sweeping stream is passed rectangularly through the stream of active carbon at a temperature of 350.degree. to 450.degree. C., and the caffeine desorbed from the active carbon is precipitated in the form of solid particles by quenching the inert gas sweeping stream, and separated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of separately recovering caffeine and non-caffeine solids adsorbed on activated carbon. Activated carbon containing the adsorbed solids is contacted with an aqueous basic solution to elute the non-caffeine coffee solids. The two components are separated. The activated carbon is subsequently contacted with a concentrated aqueous acidic solution to elute the relatively pure caffeine. The two components are separated. The non-caffeine solids in the basic solution may be re-adsorbed onto the activated carbon. Essentially pure caffeine may be refined from the aqueous acidic solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for recovering caffeine adsorbed to activated carbon by treating the loaded activated carbon with formic acid.

Abstract: A process for the purification of caffeine which comprises carrying out the following steps in any order;(a) recrystallization of caffeine from an aqueous alkaline solution of caffeine containing a reducing agent and(b) extraction of the caffeine from an aqueous alkaline solution of caffeine with a substantially water-immiscible solvent which is liquid under the conditions of the process.

Abstract: A method of decaffeinating caffeine-containing liquids and particularly aqueous coffee extracts is disclosed. Caffeic acid is added to a caffeine-containing aqueous coffee extract so as to form an insoluble, colloidal caffeic acid/caffeine complex. Crystals of the insoluble caffeic acid/caffeine complex are then grown and subsequently separated from the aqueous decaffeinated coffee extract. The coffee extracts intended for use herein include both roasted and green coffee extracts.

Abstract: The recovery of caffeine from activated carbon is accomplished according to the present invention by employing an aqueous acetic acid solution, preferably having a concentration of between about 50 and 80%, by weight, and which is capable of competing for the active sites on the carbon occupied by the caffeine to displace at least a portion of the caffeine which is then dissolved in the solvent. After the desired period of contact, preferably at a temperature above 100.degree. C., the caffeine is separated from the solution.

Abstract: An improved roast and ground coffee extract decaffeination method which involves partitioning non-caffeine solids from caffeine and returning the non-caffeine solids to a decaffeinated coffee product for improved flavor and economics. Liquid-liquid extraction is used to partition the non-caffeine solids into an aqueous phase from a caffeine-solvent phase. Caffeine is recovered from the caffeine-solvent phase as a valuable byproduct.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for recovering caffeine adsorbed to activated carbon with simultaneous regeneration of the activated carbon in which the caffeine-loaded activated carbon is treated with water at a pressure of at least 86 bar and at a temperature of at least 300.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for the decaffeination of green coffee beans by the extraction, process stage (a), of soaked green coffee beans with an equilibrium extract of coffee beans, from which extract caffeine has been removed, resulting in caffeine-deficient beans, which are recovered, and an equilibrium extract of the beans, which in a series of successive process stages (b), (c), (d) and (e), is contacted with an adsorbent circulating counter-currently through the same process steps, said adsorbent having a preferential adsorption capacity for caffeine. The equilibrium extract from stage (a) together with solution from stage (e) are contacted in stage (b) with adsorbent from stage (c) with adsorption of caffeine from the solution. The resulting solution is partly returned to stage (a), and partly, in stage (e), contacted with "clean" adsorbent from stage (d). The resulting "clean" solution is contacted, in stage (d) with adsorbent from stage (e) with desorption of caffeine from said adsorbent.

Abstract: An aqueous coffee extract is decaffeinated with a treated activated carbon. The activated carbon is first contacted with an ethyl cellulose solution in order to adsorb the ethyl cellulose on the carbon. The ethyl cellulose-containing activated carbon is then dried and contacted with an aqueous coffee extract. The substantially decaffeinated extract is subsequently separated from the carbon.

Abstract: A process for producing a decaffeinated vegetable material, such as coffee or tea in aqueous extract or solid form, for use in preparation of beverages, which comprises:(a) contacting a caffeine-containing composition with a liquid, water-immiscible fatty material which is capable of removing caffeine therefrom;(b) maintaining said vegetable material and said fatty material in contact for a time sufficient to transfer caffeine from said vegetable material to said fatty material; and(c) separating the decaffeinated vegetable material from the caffeine-laden fatty material.Other features of the invention are described in the specification.

Abstract: Provided is a method of increasing the purity of amphoteric compound compositions. The method is: (a) providing an amount of a crude amphoteric compound composition, (b) using a portion of the crude composition to prepare in solution a cationic salt of the amphoteric compound, (c) using another portion of the crude composition to prepare in solution an anionic salt of the amphoteric compound, (d) mixing together the solutions wherein a precipitate is formed, and (e) collecting the precipitate which is an amphoteric compound composition of higher purity than the crude composition.

Abstract: Caffeine adsorbed on caffeine adsorbents is recovered by contacting the carbon with a solvent, preferably an aqueous solution of ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate. The caffeine adsorbent is contacted with the solvent for a period time sufficient to remove at least a portion of the caffeine adsorbed thereon and then separated from caffeine-containing solvent. The caffeine may be recovered from the solvent by precipitation.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of theobromine from an aqueous solution containing theobromine extracted from cocoa material, which comprises contacting the solution with a substantially neutral adsorbent and separating the adsorbent, with theobromine adsorbed thereon, from the aqueous solution of reduced theobromine content.

Abstract: A process for removal of caffeine from green coffee beans is disclosed by extraction with an aqueous liquid and preferential adsorption of caffein from the extract by means of a synthetic polymer resin of the type that is obtainable by polymerization or copolymerization of monomers containing aromatic ring systems and acid groups, and whereby the ratio of the total adsorption capacity for caffein to the total ion exchange capacity is larger than about 1 and smaller than about 25.

Abstract: Extraction of caffeine from solutions thereof is accomplished with carbon dioxide under high pressure, using adsorbents which combine a high adsorption capacity for caffeine with such hydrophilic properties that the caffeine-laden adsorbent can be regenerated using water only.

Abstract: Caffeine is selectively adsorbed from aqueous solutions such as coffee and tea by contact with a particular form of zeolites created by high temperature rigorous steaming of a low sodium form of zeolite Y.