Abstract: The invention relates to the improvement of visual performance, particularly of visual performance in the darkness, by administration of a colorant that is capable of being incorporated into eye tissue and/or causing yellowing of eye tissue, especially carotenoids, such as lutein and zeaxanthin.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a process to convert xanthophyll esters derived from Capsicum sources to their free (non-esterified) forms. The present invention is concerned with a process for obtaining Capsicum derived xanthophylls that meet the finished product needs for purity, yield, ease of use, industrial compatibility and cost that are required to make product suitable for the nutritional supplement, food and beverage industries. The present invention is concerned with a process which yields from 60 to 80%, of xanthophyll materials and nearly quantitative recovery of all input xanthophylls, which xanthophylls are of high purity. The present invention concerns a method to obtain xanthophyll esters present almost exclusively in the trans form when isolated from the natural plant sources. The present invention concerns a process to re-convert cis product back to the more desired trans form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tomato plants that are resistant to pathogenic plants of the Orobanchaceae family, to methods for producing said plants and to the use thereof. The invention further relates to a method of controlling parasitic plants of the Orobanchaceae family, particularly O. aegyptiaca, in tomato crops and for securing tomato fruit production.

Abstract: The invention describes the preparation and isolation of xanthophylls from plant sources, whereby a transesterification process is utilized without the necessity of an aqueous format.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for simultaneously extracting, saponifying, and isolating lutein without the use of harmful organic solvents. In one embodiment the method includes (a) dispersing Marigold oleoresin in an alkane hydrocarbon alkanol solution, (b) adding a potassium hydroxide to the Marigold oleoresin and alkane hydrocarbon alkanol solution to form a homogenous solution of Marigold oleoresin, (c) refluxing the homogeneous solution until ester hydrolysis of the Marigold oleoresin is completed, (d) cooling the homogeneous solution and allowing it to settle until lutein crystals are formed, and (e) washing the lutein crystals with methanol-hexane solution to separate and filter them from the solvents.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of cyclopropyl carbinols by cyclopropanation of unsaturated alcoholates, utilising a reagent system selected from (A) magnesium metal and dibromomethane, and (B) dibromomethane and a tertiary Grignard reagent, the reaction being carried out in the presence of an ether solvent. The process is useful, for example, for the preparation of ingredients for the flavour and fragrance industry.

Abstract: The use of ozonation has been discovered to increase the lutein extraction from aflatoxin-free corn and for some batches of alfalfa. In addition, the ozonation will substantially decrease any aflatoxin in the plant source. The structure of lutein as indicated by HPLC elution profile and the function of lutein using an antimutagenic activity was shown not to be affected by the ozonation.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for simultaneously extracting, saponifying, and isolating lutein without the use of harmful organic solvents. In one embodiment the method includes (a) dispersing Marigold oleoresin in an alkane hydrocarbon alkanol solution, (b) adding a potassium hydroxide to the Marigold oleoresin and alkane hydrocarbon alkanol solution to form a homogenous solution of Marigold oleoresin, (c) refluxing the homogeneous solution until ester hydrolysis of the Marigold oleoresin is completed, (d) cooling the homogeneous solution and allowing it to settle until lutein crystals are formed and (e) washing the lutein crystals with methanol-hexane solution to separate and filter them from the solvents.

Abstract: This invention relates to a Bicyclic triterpenoid Iripallidal as a novel anti-glioma and anti neoplastic agent, having the composition [(?)(6R,10S,11S,18R,22S)-26 Hydroxy-22-? methylcyloirid-16-enal NSC 631939], wherein it binds to Ras GRP3, a phorbol ester receptor that links DAG/phorbolester signaling with Ras activation and induces phosphorylation of ER K1/2 in a Ras dependent manner, reducing proliferation of cancer cell lines to the extent of 50-70%.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems for producing engineered oleaginous yeast or fungi that express carotenoids

Abstract: (3R,3?R,6?R)-Lutein and (3R,3?R)-zeaxanthin are two dietary carotenoids that are present in most fruits and vegetables commonly consumed in the US. These carotenoids accumulate in the human plasma, major organs, and ocular tissues. In the past decade, numerous epidemiological and experimental studies have shown that lutein and zeaxanthin play an important role in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that is the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. and Western World. The invention provides a process for the synthesis of (3R,3?R,6?R)-lutein and its stereoisomers from commercially available (rac)-?-ionone by a C15+C10+C15 coupling strategy. In addition, the present invention also provides access to the precursors of optically active carotenoids with 3-hydroxy-?-end group that are otherwise difficult to synthesize. The process developed for the synthesis of lutein and its stereoisomers is straightforward and has potential for commercialization.

Abstract: A lutein extraction process comprises pulverizing marigold, adding organic solvent in the former, then placing into an ultrasonic extraction vessel for ultrasonic extraction, filtering the extracted solution, and recovering to obtain a filtrate containing lutein ester; adding an alkaline solution that is 2 times of the filtrate volume in the filtrate recovered in the above step, and performing saponification on the lutein ester in the filtrate at 50-70° C.; washing the resultant after saponification with deionized water until lutein crystallization occurs, centrifuging the solution containing the lutein crystals to obtain crude crystals of lutein; subjecting the crude crystals of lutein to recrystallization; washing the lutein crystals obtained by recrystallization, and drying to obtain lutein crystal product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for converting lutein and/or lutein esters to (3R)-?-cryptoxanthin and (3R,6?R)-?-cryptoxanthin, suitable for human consumption as dietary supplements, by employing safe and environmentally friendly reagents. (3R)-?-Cryptoxanthin and (3R,6?R)-?-cryptoxanthin are two rare food carotenoids that are not commercially available and the former exhibits vitamin A activity. In the first synthetic step, commercially available lutein and/or lutein esters are transformed into a mixture of dehydration products of lutein (anhydroluteins) in the presence of a catalytic amount of an acid. The resulting anhydroluteins are then converted to (3R)-?-cryptoxanthin (major product) and (3R,6?R)-?-cryptoxanthin (minor product) by heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation employing transition elements of group VIII (Pt, Pd, Rh supported on alumina or carbon) in a variety of organic solvents under atmospheric pressure of hydrogen and at temperatures ranging from ?15° C. to 40° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a composition containing at least one xanthophyll selected from the group consisting of lutein and zeaxanthin, said process comprising the steps of providing an extract of Marigold flower containing the xanthophyll(s) in esterified form; saponifying the Marigold flower extract and isolating the xanthophyll(s). The process according to the invention is characterized in that the step of saponifying the Marigold flower extract is carried out in the presence of a quaternary ammonium base.

Abstract: The use of ozonation has been discovered to increase the lutein extraction from aflatoxin-free corn and for some batches of alfalfa. In addition, the ozonation will substantially decrease any aflatoxin in the plant source. The structure of lutein as indicated by HPLC elution profile and the function of lutein using an antimutagenic activity was shown not to be affected by the ozonation.

Abstract: The method includes storing a carotenoid pigment in a container that has an average spectral transmittance of 0.01 to 45.0% at a wavelength of 535 to 695 nm.

Abstract: Compositions that provide health benefits and methods regarding same are presented. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a primary composition comprising at least one carotenoid-containing material, enriched in Z isomers of the carotenoid compound. For example, the carotenoid-containing material contains by weight a greater percentage of an isomer selected from the group consisting of 5-Z, 9-Z and combinations thereof than of 13-Z isomer.

Abstract: Novel vitamin D analogues are useful for making pharmaceutical compositions for the prevention or treatment of bone disorders such as osteoporosis

Abstract: The invention describes the preparation and isolation of xanthophylls from plant sources. whereby a transesterification process is utilized without the necessity of an aqueous format.

Abstract: A novel process for the preparation of highly purified carotenoids from plant extracts, especially the marigold flower extracts, is disclosed. The process includes the formation, isolation and purification of carotenoids, primarily lutein and zeaxanthin, at lower temperatures with the use of at least a polar solvent and at least a non-polar solvent. The highly purified carotenoids so obtained are useful for human consumption, such as nutritional supplements and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: A process for isolation of carotenoids crystals having lutein and zeaxanthin in a weight ratio of about 10:1, 5:1 or 1:1. The process comprises contacting a plant source rich in lutein with hexane and extracting at a temperature of about 40° C. to 60° C. to obtain an oleoresin rich in lutein; contacting a plant source rich in zeaxanthin with hexane and extracting at a temperature of about 40° C. to 60° C. to obtain an oleoresin rich in zeaxanthin. The oleoresin rich in lutein and the oleoresin rich in zeaxanthin are mixed separately in a ratios ranging from about 80:20(w/w) to 90:10(w/w) or about 70:30(w/w) to 30:70(w/w) or about 10:90(w/w) to 20:80(w/w) and homogenized to obtain a mixed oleoresin. The mixed oleoresin is hydrolyzed with an alcoholic alkali at a temperature of about 70° C. to 80° C. to obtain a reaction mixture. The carotenoids crystals are precipitated by adding hot water to the reaction mixture to form a precipitate.

Abstract: An efficient method is disclosed for extracting lutein from corn, sweet potato, and other plant products, and for extracting aflatoxin-free lutein from aflatoxin-contaminated plant grains and other plant products safely without any toxic by-products. The lutein is extracted using acetone, and either chilled or saponified to separate from the lipids. If contaminated with aflatoxin, the extracted aflatoxin-contaminated lutein is treated with lipoxidase. This method may be used in producing aflatoxin-free lutein from other contaminated grains or plant oils, or other plant products, including corn, cotton, soybean, rice, barley, wheat, maize, millet, and peanut.

Abstract: (3R,3?R,6?R)-Lutein and (3R,3?R)-zeaxanthin are two dietary carotenoids that are present in most fruits and vegetables commonly consumed in the US. These carotenoids accumulate in the human plasma, major organs, and ocular tissues. In the past decade, numerous epidemiological and experimental studies have shown that lutein and zeaxanthin play an important role in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that is the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. and Western World. The invention provides a process for the synthesis of (3R,3?R,6?R)-lutein and its stereoisomers from commercially available (rac)-?-ionone by a C15+C10+C15 coupling strategy. In addition, the present invention also provides access to the precursors of optically active carotenoids with 3-hydroxy-?-end group that are otherwise difficult to synthesize. The process developed for the synthesis of lutein and its stereoisomers is straightforward and has potential for commercialization.

Abstract: (3R, 3?R, 6?R)-Lutein and (3R, 3?R)-zeaxanthin are two dietary carotenoids that are present in most fruits and vegetables commonly consumed in the US and accumulate in the human plasma, major organs, and ocular tissues. Another stereoisomer of (3R, 3?R)-zeaxanthin that is not of dietary origin but is found in the human ocular tissues is (3R, 3?S; meso)-zeaxanthin. There is growing evidence that these carotenoids play an important role in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that is the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. and the Western World. In view of the potential therapeutic application of dietary lutein, (3R, 3?R)-zeaxanthin, and (3R, 3?S; meso)-zeaxanthin, the industrial production of these carotenoids is of considerable importance.

Abstract: Methods and systems for obtaining zein and/or xanthophylls in highly pure form. Zein is first extracted from corn using aqueous ethanol. Suspended corn solids are separated, and the resulting extract is purified in a single size-exclusion chromatography step to separate impurities and produce substantially purified zein. The chromatography step may simultaneously produce substantially purified xanthophylls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a composition containing at least one xantophyll selected from the group consisting of lutein and zeaxanthin, said process comprising the steps of: providing an extract of Marigold flower containing the xantophyll(s) in esterified form; saponifying the Marigold flower extract and isolating the xantophyll(s). The process according to the invention is characterized in that the step of saponifying the Marigold flower extract is carried out in the presence of a quaternary ammonium base.

Abstract: Procedure to obtain the hydrate of calcipotriol. A procedure is described, used to obtain the hydrate of calcipotriol, which consists of the reaction of anhydrous calcipotriol in water, in the absence of organic solvents.

Abstract: This invention has disclosed a method for preparation of food-grade zeaxanthin through chemical isomerizaton reaction from lutein. The technical issues to be solved in this invention are quite low product yield obtained with existing methods, need of purification treatment process, and inadaptability to industrialized production. The technical schemes of this invention are: a. Mix xanthophyll crystal or its fatty acid ester with food-grade glycol or propylene glycol, for full dissolution under 60-90° C. temperature. Add organic alkali into the mixed liquor acquired from step 1, for isomerization reaction to take place under inertial environment. c. Dilute the reaction solution gained from step b with the mixed solution of deionized water and ethanol, and separate the obtained crystal with conventional separating method. d. Vacuum dries the acquired crystal from step c, to get the zeaxanthin crystal.

Abstract: Improved citral and citronellal derivatives, and fragrance and flavorings including the derivatives, that have a longer useful shelf life than citral and citronellal and/or fragrances and flavoring including citral and citronellal, are disclosed. In particular, the derivatives maintain the fragrance characteristics of citral and citronellal, while lowering the allergic properties, and lemony flavors and fragrances with a longer shelf-life than citral and citronellal, are disclosed. Also discovered are methods of making the derivatives, and articles of manufacture including the derivatives. The derivatives replace the aldehyde group in citral or citronellal with a hydroxy group. In one embodiment, the derivatives also replaced one or more double bonds in citral or the double bond in citronellal with a cyclopropyl group, which can be unsubstituted, or substituted with one or two alkyl, preferably methyl, groups, or with an oxirane or thiirane ring or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method for preparing a molecule bearing a trifluoromethyl group on a quaternary carbon atom, includes providing a reactant having a quaternary carbon atom bearing a carboxylic acid group and an electron withdrawing group; and reacting the reactant with SF4 in a solvent to substitute the carboxylic acid group with the trifluoromethyl group and provide a reaction product mixture including the molecule bearing the trifluoromethyl group on the quaternary carbon atom.

Abstract: A process for removing metal species from a composition comprising contacting: a. an oligomer mixture stream comprising the monomers of a partially aromatic polyester polymer and at least one metal species, or b. a molten polyester polymer stream comprising partially aromatic polyester polymers and at least one metal species, with a non-catalytic porous material in the presence of hydrogen to produce a treated stream containing a reduced amount of at least one metal species. There is also provided a composition comprising a partially aromatic polyester polymer having an It.V. of at least 0.50 produced in a direct esterification melt phase process, from greater than 0 to less than 50 ppm antimony, and less than 40 ppm cobalt. There is also provided a composition comprising partially aromatic polyester polymers having an It.V. of at least 0.50 produced in an ester exchange melt phase process, from greater than zero to less than 5 ppm titanium, and less than 10 ppm manganese.

Abstract: A compound of formula (Ia) or (Ib), wherein in each of formulae (Ia) and (Ib) R1 and R2, independently of one another, are H or CH3, and the use thereof as a sandalwood fragrance.

Abstract: This invention has disclosed a method for preparation of food-grade zeaxanthin through chemical isomerizaton reaction from lutein. The technical issues to be solved in this invention are quite low product yield obtained with existing methods, need of purification treatment process, and inadaptability to industrialized production. The technical schemes of this invention are: a. Mix xanthophyll crystal or its fatty acid ester with food-grade glycol or propylene glycol, for full dissolution under 60-90° C. temperature. Add organic alkali into the mixed liquor acquired from step 1, for isomerization reaction to take place under inertial environment. c. Dilute the reaction solution gained from step b with the mixed solution of deionized water and ethanol, and separate the obtained crystal with conventional separating method. d. Vacuum dries the acquired crystal from step c, to get the zeaxanthin crystal.

Abstract: Process for preparing tricyclodecanedialdehyde by hydroformylation of dicyclopentadiene by means of a CO/H2 mixture at elevated temperature and under superatmospheric pressure in the presence of a rhodium catalyst which has not been modified by means of a ligand and is homogeneously dissolved in the hydroformylation medium, wherein the hydroformylation is carried out at a pressure of from 200 to 350 bar in at least two reaction zones, with a reaction temperature of from 80 to 120° C. being set in a first reaction zone and a reaction temperature of from 120 to 150° C. being set in a reaction zone following this reaction zone, with the proviso that the reaction temperature in the subsequent reaction zone is at least 5° C. higher than in the preceding reaction zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing 3(4),8(9)-dihydroxymethyltricyclo[5.2.102.6]decane by hydrogenating the hyd roformylation products of d icyclopentad lene. The process comprises carrying out the hydrogenation in the presence of water, optionally after addition of water.

Abstract: A process for isolation and purification of xanthophylls crystals from plant oleoresin is disclosed. The organic solvents involved in the process is no other than food grade alcohol. The process includes saponifying the plant oleoresin containing xanthophyll diesters, neutralizing the saponified reaction mixture with an acid and washing water-soluble impurities and other fat-soluble oil with warm water and alcohol, respectively. The process can improve purity and yield of products, by which the content and the recovery of xanthophylls are as high as 90% and 80% respectively. And the process is economical and easy to perform in industrial production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reacting (3R,3?R,6?R)-lutein with a catalytic amount of an acid to obtain a mixture of anhydroluteins, rich in anhydrolutein III, with substantially no Z-isomers being formed. The mixture is converted to (3R)-?-cryptoxanthin (major product) and (3R,6?R)-?-cryptoxanthin (minor product) by reacting the anhydroluteins with borane-amine complexes (e.g. Me3N.BH3) or other hydride donors and an acid in a chlorinated solvent, preferably dichloromethane, at ambient temperature to produce (3R)-?-cryptoxanthin and (3R,6?R)-?-cryptoxanthin.

Abstract: A process comprising contacting a liquid polyester stream with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst comprising a metal supported on the surface of silicon carbide at a metal dispersion of at least 0.5% or graphite at a metal dispersion of at least 10% to produce a treated liquid polyester stream. The treated stream may be polycondensed in the presence of a polycondensation catalyst to produce a polyester polymer having an It.V. of at least 0.55 dL/g. The liquid polyester stream desirably has a composition comprising: a) terephthalic acid residues, isophthalic acid residues, and/or naphthalenedicarboxylic acid residues and b) an average degree of polymerization of 0.5 to 20 and c) an acid number ranging from 5 to 600.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for conversion of (3R,3?R,6?R)-lutein to (3R,6?R)-?-cryptoxanthin, (3R)-?-cryptoxanthin, anhydroluteins I, II, and III (dehydration products of lutein), and a method for separating and purifying the individual carotenoids including the unreacted (3R,3?R)-zeaxanthin. The invention also includes two methods that transform (3R,3?R,6?R)-lutein into (3R,6?R)-?-cryptoxanthin in excellent yields.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for extracting carotenoids from green plant materials using supercritical fluid extraction. A first and second supercritical fluid extraction is performed on the green plant composition at two different pressures to obtain two extracts. The first extract includes substantial amounts of ?-carotene. The second extract may have a controlled concentration of ?-carotene, and includes substantial amounts of lutein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to process wherein (+)-2-carene epoxide is coupled with a compound X—Y that contains nucleophilic and electrophilic moieties, to produce a compound of formula (5). The reaction mixture consists essentially of a source of (+)-2-carene epoxide, compound X—Y, optionally an inert solvent and optionally a pH buffer. No acid catalyst is used in the process.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of (3R,3′R,6′R)-lutein to 3′-epilutein, a carotenoid precursor for industrial production of naturally occurring (3R,3′R)-zeaxanthin, is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention disclosed in this application relates to a process for the preparation of xanthophyll crystals containing at least 85% total xanthophylls with at least 90% trans-lutein and/or zeaxanthin, trace amounts of cis-lutein and other carotenoids which comprises admixing and heating xanthophyll ester concentrate using excess alcoholic alkali solution, maintaining the resulting mixture at a temperature in the range of 65.degree.C. to about 80.degree C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for extracting carotenoids from green plant materials using supercritical fluid extraction. A first and second supercritical fluid extraction is performed on the green plant composition at two different pressures to obtain two extracts. The first extract includes substantial amounts of &bgr;-carotene. The second extract is substantially free of &bgr;-carotene, and includes substantial amounts of lutein.

Abstract: The invention disclosed in this application relates to a process for the preparation of xanthophyll crystals containing at least 85% total xanthophylls with at least 90% trans-lutein and/or zeaxanthin, trace amounts of cis-lutein and other carotenoids which comprises admixing and heating xanthophyll ester concentrate using excess alcoholic alkali solution ,maintaining the resulting mixture at a temperature in the range of 65 .degree. C. to about 80 .degree C.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of optically pure acetylenediols of the formulae R-I and S-I 1

Abstract: A process is described for preparing dry powders of one or more oxygenated carotenoids by a) dispersing one or more oxygenated carotenoids in an aqueous molecular dispersion or colloidal dispersion of a protecting colloid and b) converting the dispersion formed into a dry powder by removing the water and any solvents additionally used and drying, in the presence or absence of a coating material, which comprises using as protecting colloid in process step a) at least one partially hydrolyzed soybean protein having a degree of hydrolysis greater than 5%.

Abstract: A method of isolating, purifying and recrystallizing substantially pure lutein, preferably from saponified marigold oleoresin in its pure free form, apart from chemical impurities and other carotenoids. Lutein may be used as an analytical standard or in cancer prevention trials and as a safe and effective color additive for human food.

Abstract: A method of isolating, purifying and recrystallizing substantially pure lutein, preferably from saponified marigold oleoresin in its pure free form, apart from chemical impurities and other carotenoids. Lutein may be used as an analytical standard or in cancer prevention trials and as a safe and effective color additive for human food.

Abstract: A method of isolating, purifying and recrystallizing substantially pure lutein, preferably from saponified marigold oleoresin in its pure free form, apart from chemical impurities and other carotenoids. Lutein may be used as an analytical standard or in cancer prevention trials and as a safe and effective color additive for human food.