U.S. patent application number 14/061053 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-13 for flavanol and carotenoid compositions.
This patent application is currently assigned to MARS, INCORPORATED. The applicant listed for this patent is MARS, INCORPORATED. Invention is credited to Helmut SIES.
Application Number | 20140045932 14/061053 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28454790 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140045932 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SIES; Helmut |
February 13, 2014 |
FLAVANOL AND CAROTENOID COMPOSITIONS
Abstract
This invention relates to compositions containing polyphenols,
for example, cocoa polyphenols such as flavanols and their related
oligomers, and methods for treating abnormalities in gap junctional
communication of cells, such as cancer, heart arrhythmia,
neuro-degenerative diseases and cognitive dysfunction.
Inventors: |
SIES; Helmut; (Meerbusch,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MARS, INCORPORATED |
Mclean |
VA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
MARS, INCORPORATED
Mclean
VA
|
Family ID: |
28454790 |
Appl. No.: |
14/061053 |
Filed: |
October 23, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12396244 |
Mar 2, 2009 |
8568805 |
|
|
14061053 |
|
|
|
|
10392641 |
Mar 20, 2003 |
7514107 |
|
|
12396244 |
|
|
|
|
60366363 |
Mar 21, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
514/456 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23G 1/48 20130101; A61P
25/28 20180101; A61P 25/16 20180101; A23L 33/105 20160801; A23L
33/10 20160801; A61P 3/06 20180101; A61P 9/06 20180101; A61P 35/00
20180101; A23V 2002/00 20130101; A61K 31/353 20130101; A61K 36/185
20130101; A61K 45/06 20130101; A61K 36/48 20130101; A61P 43/00
20180101; A23L 2/52 20130101; A23L 33/11 20160801; A61K 36/185
20130101; A61K 2300/00 20130101; A61K 36/48 20130101; A61K 2300/00
20130101; A23V 2002/00 20130101; A23V 2250/2136 20130101; A23V
2250/2132 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
514/456 |
International
Class: |
A61K 31/353 20060101
A61K031/353; A23L 2/52 20060101 A23L002/52; A61K 45/06 20060101
A61K045/06; A23L 1/30 20060101 A23L001/30 |
Claims
1-44. (canceled)
45. A composition comprising i) a carotenoid and ii) a flavanol
compound, in a combined amount effective to stimulate gap
junctional intercellular communication in a subject in need
thereof.
46. The composition according to claim 45, wherein the flavanol
compound is a cocoa flavanol.
47. The composition according to claim 45, wherein the flavanol is
epicatechin.
48. The composition according to claim 47, wherein the flavanol is
(-)-epicatechin.
49. A composition comprising i) a carotenoid and ii) at least 50 mg
of a flavanol compound in a combined amount effective to stimulate
gap junctional intercellular communication in a subject in need
thereof, wherein the flavanol compound is selected from a compound
having the formula A.sub.n, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt
thereof, or any mixture thereof: ##STR00004## wherein A is
epicatechin; n is an integer from 2 to 18, such that there is at
least one terminal monomeric unit A, and one or a plurality of
additional monomeric units; bonding between adjacent monomeric
units takes place at positions selected from the group consisting
of 4, 6 and 8; a bond of an additional monomeric unit in position 4
has alpha or beta stereochemistry; X, Y and Z are selected from the
group consisting of monomeric unit A and hydrogen, with the proviso
that as to the at least one terminal monomeric unit, bonding of the
additional monomeric unit thereto is at position 4 and optionally
Y=Z=hydrogen.
50. The composition according to claim 49, wherein n is 2 to
12.
51. The composition of claim 49, wherein n is 2 to 10.
52. The composition of claim 49, wherein the subject is a
human.
53. The composition of claim 49, wherein the effective amount is at
least 100 mg.
54. The composition of claim 49, wherein the effective amount is at
least 150 mg.
55. The composition of claim 49, wherein the adjacent monomers bind
at positions (4.beta..fwdarw.6) or (4.beta..fwdarw.8).
56. The composition of claim 49, wherein n is 2.
57. The composition of claim 49, wherein the composition is a
pharmaceutical composition.
58. The composition of claim 49, wherein the composition is a
dietary supplement.
59. The composition of claim 49, wherein the composition is a
food.
60. The composition of claim 49, wherein the composition is a
beverage mix.
Description
[0001] This application is a divisional application of the U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/392,641, filed Mar. 20, 2003, which claims
the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. Section 119, of the U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/366,363, filed Mar. 21, 2002, both of which
are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to compositions, and methods of use
thereof, containing polyphenols such as procyanidins, for example,
cocoa polyphenols such as cocoa procyanidins for treating,
preventing, reducing the risk of, or reducing the occurrences of
heart arrhythmias. The invention also relates to the compositions,
and the methods of use thereof, containing polyphenols such as
procyanidins, for example, cocoa polyphenols such as cocoa
procyanidins for treating, preventing, reducing the risk of, or
reducing the progression of neuro-degenerative, and other diseases
involving defective gap junctional communication between cells, for
example cognitive dysfunction.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Cocoa polyphenols, such as flavanols and their related
oligomers, have been shown to have beneficial effects on
hypertension, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. These
effects are shown, for example, in the International Appl. No.
PCT/US97/05693, published as WO97/36497, and the examples reported
in the application. It has been shown therein that cocoa
polyphenols can be used to treat or prevent conditions which are
known to be affected by the administration of non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, aspirin. However, the use of
cocoa polyphenols rather than aspirin for therapy and prophylaxis
is advantageous because cocoa polyphenols do not have the side
effects of aspirin, such as stomach bleeding.
[0004] A new use of cocoa polyphenols, such as flavanols and their
related oligomers, has now been surprisingly discovered. The
compositions and products disclosed herein may be used for the
treatment, prophylaxis, reduction of risk of, and reduction of
occurrences of heart arrhythmia. Moreover, these compositions and
products may be used for treating, preventing, reducing the risk
of, or slowing the progression of any condition associated with
abnormalities in the gap junctional communication between cells
such as cancer, heart arrhythmia, and neuro-degenerative and other
diseases involving defective gap junctional communication between
cells.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The invention relates to compositions, products and methods
for treating, preventing, reducing the occurrences of, or reducing
the risk of heart arrhythmia in a mammal suffering from, or at risk
of suffering from, heart arrhythmia, a human or a veterinary animal
such as a horse, a cat or a dog. Moreover, the invention relates to
methods and products for treating, preventing, reducing the risk
of, or slowing the progression of any condition associated with
abnormalities in the gap junctional communication between cells
such as cancer, heart arrhythmia, neuro-degenerative diseases and
cognitive dysfunction involving defective gap-junctional
communication between cells.
[0006] In one aspect, the invention relates to a composition, such
as a food, a food additive, a dietary supplement, or a
pharmaceutical comprising a cocoa polyphenol. The composition may
optionally contain L-arginine and/or a cholesterol reducing
agent.
[0007] Packaged products containing the above-mentioned
compositions and a label and/or instructions for use to treat,
prevent, reduce the risk of, or slow the progression of heart
arrhythmia, a neuro-degenerative disease or any condition
associated with abnormalities in the gap junctional communication
of cells are also within the scope of the invention.
[0008] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for
treating, preventing, reducing the risk of, or reducing the
occurrences of heart arrhythmia in a mammal, such as a human or a
veterinary animal, by administering a composition containing a
cocoa polyphenol such as cocoa flavanols and/or its related
oligomers to the mammal in need thereof.
[0009] In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a method of
treating, preventing, reducing the progression of, or reducing the
risk of a condition associated with the abnormalities in the
cellular gap junction communication in a mammal, such as a human or
a veterinary animal, by administering a composition containing a
cocoa polyphenol such as cocoa flavanols and/or its related
oligomers to the mammal in need thereof. For example, such
condition is a neuro-degenerative disease or cognitive dysfunction
and the mammal suffers or is at risk of suffering of the
neuro-degenerative disease or cognitive dysfunction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1A-D represents the gap junctional intercellular
communication in WB-F344 cells measured by the Lucifer Yellow dye
transfer assay. A: control (0.2% DMSO); B: TPA 10 nM (90 min); C:
genistein 40 .mu.M (72 h); D: (-)-epicatechin 40 .mu.M (72 h).
[0011] FIG. 2A-D represents the immunofluorescence analysis of the
subcellular distribution of connexin43. A: control (0.2% DMSO); B:
TPA 10 nM; C: TPA 10 nM plus (-)-epicatechin 40 .mu.M; D: TPA 10 nM
plus genistein 40 .mu.M. Incubation time for all treatments was 90
min.
[0012] FIG. 3 shows the effects of the phytosterols, cocoa
procyanidins and a combination thereof on the absorption of
epicatechin into the blood plasma.
[0013] FIG. 4 shows the effects of the phytosterols, cocoa
procyanidins and a combination thereof on the oxidative damage to
DNA.
[0014] FIG. 5 shows the effects of the phytosterols, cocoa
procyanidins and a combination thereof on the oxidative damage to
lipids.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] All patents, patent applications and references cited in
this application are hereby incorporated herein by reference. In
case of any inconsistency, the present disclosure governs.
[0016] The present invention relates to a composition containing a
flavanol and/or its related oligomers, such as at least one cocoa
flavanol and/or its related procyanidin oligomer, to a mammal in
need thereof. The composition may optionally contain a cholesterol
lowering agent, for example, a sterol and/or stanol based
cholesterol lowering agent, L-arginine, calcium, potassium,
magnesium, an antioxidant, for example vitamin E and vitamin C, any
of the vitamins of the B complex, a carotenoid, guar gum, or a mono
or polyunsaturated fatty acid (e.g. omega-3 fatty acid), vitamin
D3, retinal, retinoids, soy protein and selenium. Compositions may
contain polyphenols from sources other than cocoa, e.g. peanut
skins, which have properties similar to those of cocoa polyphenols
in addition to, or in place of, the cocoa polyphenols.
[0017] As used herein, the term "cocoa polyphenol" (CP) refers to a
polyphenolic substance such as flavanols and their related
oligomers present in cocoa beans or extracted from cocoa beans or
cocoa ingredients. The term "flavanol" includes the monomers
catechin and epicatechin. Oligomers of catechin and epicatechin are
referred to as procyanidins. Any reference to cocoa polyphenol
herein should be understood to also apply to cocoa flavanols and
procyanidin, in combination and individually.
[0018] The term "cocoa ingredient" refers to a cocoa
solids-containing material derived from shell-free cocoa nibs such
as chocolate liquor and partially or fully-defatted cocoa solids
(e.g. cake or powder).
[0019] The phrase "cholesterol lowering agent" means any compound,
combination of compounds, an extract or a plant component,
naturally found or processed, that has the property of lowering
cholesterol levels in a mammal when administered in an effective
amount. When such cholesterol lowering agent is a compound or a
combination of compounds that is of a sterol or stanol type, i.e.,
including derivatives and isomeric forms, the cholesterol lowering
agent is referred to as a "sterol and/or stanol based cholesterol
lowering agent." When the phrase is used in reference to a
composition, for example, "a cholesterol reducing dark chocolate,"
it means that the composition has the property of lowering
cholesterol.
[0020] The cocoa polyphenols may be of natural origin, i.e.,
derived from a cocoa bean, or prepared synthetically. A person of
skill in the art may select natural or synthetic cocoa polyphenol
based on availability or cost. Cocoa polyphenols may be included in
the composition in the form of a cocoa ingredient containing cocoa
polyphenols, for example, chocolate liquor included in chocolate,
or may be added independently of cocoa ingredients, for example, as
an extract, extract fraction, isolated and purified individual
compound, pooled extract fractions or a synthetically prepared
compound.
[0021] The cocoa polyphenols include cocoa flavanols and their
oligomers. Flavanols include (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin and
their respective epimers (e.g. (-)-catechin and (+)-epicatechin)
and have the structure:
##STR00001##
[0022] The procyanidin oligomers may have from 2 to about 18,
preferably from 2 to about 12, and most preferably from 2 to about
10 monomeric units. For example, oligomers may be dimers, trimers,
tetramers, pentamers, hexamers, heptamers, octamers, nonamers and
decamers. In the oligomer, monomers are connected via interflavan
linkages of (4.fwdarw.6) and/or (4.fwdarw.8). Oligomers with
exclusively (4.fwdarw.8) linkages are linear; while the presence of
at least one (4.fwdarw.6) bond results in a branched oligomer. In
the case of peanut skins polyphenols, linkages, such as
C2.fwdarw.O.fwdarw.C7, are also present.
[0023] Thus, a polymeric compound of the formula A.sub.n, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, may be used in the
compositions and methods of the present invention:
##STR00002##
wherein
[0024] n is an integer from 2 to 18, such that there is at least
one terminal monomeric unit A, and one or a plurality of additional
monomeric units;
[0025] R is 3-(.alpha.)-OH, 3-(.beta.)-OH;
[0026] bonding between adjacent monomers takes place at positions
selected from the group consisting of 4, 6 and 8;
[0027] a bond of an additional monomeric unit in position 4 has
alpha or beta stereochemistry;
[0028] X, Y and Z are selected from the group consisting of
monomeric unit A or hydrogen, with the provisos that as to the at
least one terminal monomeric unit, bonding of the additional
monomeric unit thereto is at position 4 and optionally
Y=Z=hydrogen.
[0029] The cocoa polyphenol may be prepared by extraction from
cocoa beans, cocoa nibs, or cocoa ingredients such as chocolate
liquor, partially defatted cocoa solids, and/or fully defatted
cocoa solids. Preferably, the extract is prepared from a fully or
partially defatted cocoa powder. Beans from any species of
Theobroma, Herrania or inter- and intra-species crosses thereof may
be used. The extract may be prepared from fermented, underfermented
or unfermented beans, the fermented beans having the least amount
of cocoa polyphenols and the unfermented the most. The selection of
beans may be made based on the fermentation factor of the beans,
for example, the extract may be made from the beans having a
fermentation factor of about 275 or less. Optimizing the level of
polyphenols in the cocoa ingredient and extract thereof by
manipulating the degree of fermentation may be done as described in
the International Appl. No. PCT/US97/15893 published as WO98/09533,
the relevant portions of which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
[0030] Cocoa polyphenols may be extracted from cocoa ingredients
that have been processed using traditional methods of cocoa
processing (described, for example, in Industrial Chocolate
Manufacture and Use, ed. Beckett, S. T., Blackie Acad. &
Professional, New York, 1997, such as in Chapters 1, 5 and 6) or
using an improved processing method described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,015,913 to Kealey et al. that preserves polyphenols (by
preventing their destruction) in cocoa ingredients in contrast to
the traditional methods. The improved cocoa processing method omits
the traditional roasting step. Thus, cocoa ingredients obtainable
by (a) heating the cocoa bean for a time and a temperature
sufficient to loosen the cocoa shell without roasting the cocoa
nib; (b) winnowing the cocoa nib from the cocoa shell; (c) screw
pressing the cocoa nib and (d) recovering the cocoa butter and
partially defatted cocoa solids which contain preserved levels of
cocoa polyphenols, may be used. The method retains a much higher
level of higher procyanidin oligomers than traditional processing
methods. Cocoa solids produced by this method may contain greater
than 20,000 .mu.g of total flavanol and/or procyanidins per gram
nonfat solids; preferably greater than 25,000 .mu.g/g, more
preferably greater than 28,000 .mu.g/g, and most preferably greater
than 30,000 .mu.g/g. For purposes of this invention, the total
flavanol and/or procyanidin amounts are determined as described in
Example 2.
[0031] Cocoa polyphenols may be extracted from the sources
indicated above using solvents in which the polyphenols dissolve.
Suitable solvents include water or organic solvent such as
methanol, ethanol, acetone, isopropyl alcohol and ethyl acetate.
Solvent mixtures may also be used. When water is used as the
solvent, it may be slightly acidified, for example with acetic
acid. Examples of some solvents are mixtures of water and organic
solvent, for example aqueous methanol, ethanol or acetone. Aqueous
organic solvents may contain, for example, from about 50% to about
95% of organic solvent. Thus, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%,
about 80% and about 90% organic solvent in water may be used. The
solvent may also contain a small amount of acid such as acetic
acid, for example, in the amount of about 0.5% to about 1.0%. The
composition of the extracts, i.e., the representation (i.e.,
oligomeric profile) and the amount of procyanidin oligomers, will
depend on the choice of solvents. For example, the water extract
contains primarily monomers, the ethyl acetate extract contains
monomers and lower oligomers, mainly dimers and trimers, and the
aqueous methanol, ethanol or acetone extract contains monomers and
a range of higher oligomers. One of the solvents for extraction of
monomer as well as higher procyanidin oligomers is about 70%
acetone. However, any extract containing polyphenols is useful in
the invention. The methods of cocoa polyphenol extraction are known
in the art and are described, for example, in the U.S. Pat. No.
5,554,645 to Romanczyk et al. and the International Appl. No.
PCT/US97/05693, published as WO97/36497. Thus, in one embodiment,
the cocoa extract is prepared by reducing cocoa beans to cocoa
powder, defatting the powder, extracting the cocoa polyphenols, and
purifying the extract. The cocoa powder can be prepared by
freeze-drying the cocoa beans and pulp, depulping and dehulling the
freeze-dried cocoa beans, and grinding the dehulled beans.
[0032] The cocoa polyphenol extract may be purified, for example,
by removal of the caffeine and/or theobromine, and further purified
by gel permeation chromatography and/or High Pressure Liquid
Chromatography (HPLC). Gel permeation chromatography (e.g. on
Sephadex LH-20) may be used to enrich the extract for higher
procyanidin oligomers. For example, the eluate containing monomers
and lower oligomers may not be collected until the oligomer(s) of
choice begins eluting from the column. An example of such an
extract is known in the art and is described in Example 5 of the
International Appl. No. PCT/US97/05693, published as WO97/36497,
the relevant portions of which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein. By using preparative HPLC, for example, normal phase HPLC,
the extract may be fractionated, for example, into monomeric and
oligomeric fractions containing at least 50% by weight of the
monomer or specific oligomer(s). When a particular fraction
contains the monomers or any of the lower oligomers (e.g. dimers,
trimers or tetramers fraction), the fraction contain about 90 to
95% by weight of the particular oligomeric fraction. The desired
fractions may be pooled after separation to obtain a combination of
oligomers of choice for example to contain oligomers 3-10 or 5-10.
A person of skill in the art can manipulate the chromatographic
conditions to achieve the desired procyanidin profile in view of
the guidance in this specification, general knowledge in the art
and, for example, the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,645 to
Romanczyk et al. and the International Appl. No. PCT/US97/05693,
published as WO97/36497.
[0033] The monomeric fraction typically contains a mixture of
monomers epicatechin and catechin; and the oligomeric fraction
typically contains a mixture of dimers (in a dimer fraction),
trimers (in a trimer fraction), tetramers (in a tetramer fraction),
etc. Mixtures of monomers and oligomers occur in isolated fractions
because cocoa contains more than one type of each of monomer,
dimer, etc. The oligomeric variability occurs as a result of two
monomers, epicatechin and catechin, that are building blocks of
procyanidins, as well as the chemical bond connecting monomers in
the oligomer. Thus, cocoa dimers are primarily B2 and B5, each of
which contains two monomers of epicatechin. Individual monomers and
oligomers may be obtained using reversed-phase HPLC, e.g. using a
C18 column.
[0034] Cocoa polyphenol may be used in the compositions of the
invention as a cocoa extract, e.g. solvent-derived extract, cocoa
fraction, isolated compounds or in the form of a cocoa ingredient
or a chocolate containing an effective amount of cocoa flavanols
and/or procyanidins. The cocoa ingredients may be prepared using
traditional cocoa processing procedures but is preferably prepared
using the method described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,913 to Kealey et
al. Alternatively, to enhance the level of cocoa polyphenols,
chocolate liquor and cocoa solids prepared from cocoa beans having
a fermentation factor of about 275 or less may be used. These
ingredients have cocoa polyphenol content that is higher than can
be obtained using traditional cocoa processing methods (e.g. with
roasting) and fully fermented beans. The chocolate may be prepared
using conventional techniques from the ingredients described above
or using an improved process for preserving cocoa polyphenols
during chocolate manufacturing as described in the International
Appl. No. PCT/US99/05414 published as WO99/45788, the relevant
portions of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. A
chocolate prepared by at least one of the following non-traditional
processes is referred to herein as a "chocolate having a conserved
amount of cocoa polyphenols": (i) preparing cocoa ingredients from
underfermented or unfermented cocoa beans; (ii) preserving cocoa
polyphenol during cocoa ingredient manufacturing process; and (iii)
preserving cocoa polyphenol during chocolate manufacturing
process.
[0035] In some embodiments, the compositions contain at least one
oligomer, such as for example a dimer. Such compositions may
additionally contain at least one monomer or a combination of
monomers, e.g. catechin and epicatechin. In another embodiment,
compositions containing a combination of monomers, catechin and
epicatechin, e.g. in a form of a monomer fraction isolated from
cocoa, are also prepared and used.
[0036] Synthetic procyanidins may also be used and are prepared by
methods known in the art and as described for example in the
International Appl. No. PCT/US98/21392 published as WO99/19319, the
relevant portions of which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference. Cocoa polyphenol derivatives may also be useful. These
include gallated monomers and oligomers, glycosylated monomers and
oligomers, and mixtures thereof; metabolites of the procyanidin
monomers and oligomers, such as the sulphated, glucoronidated, and
methylated forms; and enzyme cleavage products of procyanidins
generated by colonic microflora metabolism or internal mammalian
metabolism. The derivatives may be from natural sources or prepared
synthetically.
[0037] The composition may optionally comprise a cholesterol
lowering agent. Any cholesterol lowering agent irrespective of its
mode of action may be used. Suitable agents may act by reducing
cholesterol absorption in the bile of a mammal or by reducing
cholesterol synthesis. Examples of suitable agents are
phytosterols, phytostanols and their derivatives and isomers; soy
protein; soluble fibers, e.g. beta-glucan from, for example, oat
and psyllium, nuts, rice bran oil, each of which is particularly
suitable for use in food, dietary supplements and food additive
compositions. Known cholesterol reducing drugs may also be used but
are less preferred for use in the food and food additive
compositions, but may be used in a pharmaceutical. It will be
obvious to a person of skill in the art that the choice of the
cholesterol lowering agent depends on the intended delivery vehicle
(e.g. food, supplement, pharmaceutical) and the mode of
administration. Thus, an agent that reduces absorption of
cholesterol in the bile will not be preferred for intravenous
administration. Similarly, if the delivery vehicle is food, a
cholesterol lowering agent having a strong medicinal taste or smell
may not be desirable.
[0038] Phytosterols are plant sterols that do not dissolve in water
and have the molecular weight and the structure similar to
cholesterol. Phytosterol reduce cholesterol absorption in the bile
(of both endogenic and dietary cholesterol) as well as serum
cholesterol levels (total and LDL) without being absorbed
themselves. Over forty plant sterols have been identified but
beta-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol are most abundant.
Other examples of useful sterols are brassicasterol, desmosterol,
chalinosterol, poriferasterol, an clionasterol. Individual sterols
or a mixture of sterols, isolated from natural sources or
synthetic, and isomers and derivatives thereof may be used.
Particularly useful are saturated derivatives of sterols, known as
stanols, in which all carbon-carbon bonds in the rings are
saturated. Suitable stanols have 28 or 29 carbon atoms and include
beta-sitostanol, clionastanol, 22,23-dyhydrobrassicastanol and
campestenol. Phytosterols may be solid (e.g. powder, granules) or
liquid (e.g. oil) form.
[0039] The sterols and stanols are found in several plant materials
as described for example in the International Appl. No.
PCT/EP96/02344. Exemplary sources of sterols/stanols are pine bark,
soy oil, tall oil, bamboo shoot extract (described in the
International Appl. No. PCT/US98/12556, published as WO98/57545),
cocoa hulls and oil, and rice bran oil. Tall oil, a byproduct of
the pulp and paper industry, is a good source of stanol, i.e.,
beta-stanol.
[0040] Plant sterol may be obtained from natural sources such as
vegetative oils, vegetative oil sludge, vegetative oil distillates,
and other plant oil sources such as tall oil by relatively simple
and inexpensive means. For example, a preparation of sterols from
vegetable oil sludge by using solvents such as methanol is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,420,427 to Hamunen. Stanols are found
in small amounts in nature but may be easily prepared from sterols
by hydrogenating sterols by any of the several methods known to
those of skill in the art. When a sterol starting material is
prepared from a plant material it will contain a mixture of several
different sterols thus, after hydrogenation, the resulting stanol
will also be a mixture of different stanols. The mixtures are
suitable for use in the present invention. However, pure specific
sterol preparations may be hydrogenated as well to produce pure
stanols that can also be utilized.
[0041] Cocoa oil extracted from cocoa hulls is a good source of
phytosterol. Cocoa phytosterols are a mixture of free and bound
sterols, with the free sterols being up to about 90% of the
phytosterols present. The phytosterols include campesterol,
.beta.-sitosterol, stigmasterol, cycloartenoyl, 24-methylene
cycloartenoyl, as well as minor amounts of other phytosterols. The
bound phytosterols include the fatty acid esters or ferulate
derivatives of the phytosterols. The cocoa oil also contains
tocols, which include tocopherols (which have antioxidant
properties) and tocotrienols (which may have cholesterol lowering
activity. The cocoa oil is prepared by the process comprising the
steps of: (i) grinding the cocoa hulls; (ii) extracting the ground
cocoa hulls with a solvent for the phytosterols; (iii) removing the
solvent; and (iv) recovering the cocoa oil. The cocoa hulls, a
byproduct of the cocoa bean roasting, can be from dried fermented
cocoa beans, micronized cocoa beans, roasted cocoa beans, and
preferably from dried unfermented beans, which contain the highest
total sterol content. The preferred cocoa beans are from Theobroma
cacao. The preferred solvents are petroleum ether, hexane, pentane,
and ethyl ether. The solvent may be recovered by vacuum
distillation. In one embodiment, freeze dried hulls are ground to a
fine powder with a Tekmar Mill (Cincinatti, Ohio) and the ground
mass is subjected to an overnight extraction with redistilled
petroleum ether (b. p. 38-39.6.degree. C.) in a Soxtec apparatus
(Fisher Scientific, Springfield, N.J.). The following morning, the
solvent is carefully removed by slow evaporation under a stream of
nitrogen, and the resultant extract is stored at -40.degree. C. The
phytosterols may then be purified by preparative HPLC or column
chromatography.
[0042] Esterified forms of both sterols and stanols may also be
used. Esterification renders the sterols/stanols more soluble in
fats and oils, which may, in some instances, help their
incorporation into food products or other delivery vehicles. For
example, sterols may be esterified with fatty acid esters. Examples
of such esterified sterols include sitosterol acetate, sitosterol
oleate and stigmasterol oleate. Stanol esters may be prepared as is
known in the art and for example as described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,031,118 to van Amerongen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,892,068 to
Higgins, U.S. Pat. No. 5,502,045 to Miettenen et al, and the
International Appl. No. PCT/CA99/00655 (published as WO00/04887).
In one embodiment, useful stanol esters are prepared by esterifying
at least one sterol with a C.sub.2 to C.sub.22 fatty acid ester as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,958,913 to Miettenen et al. Other
methods known in the art may be used to increase the solubility of
sterols/stanols upon administration to a mammal. One such method is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,932,562 to Ostlund, wherein the
sterol/stanol is mixed with lecithin to obtain a water soluble
powder.
[0043] Sterols/stanols may be added to the composition in powder
form by mixing with other ingredients. In case of a food
composition, stanol/sterols as well as other cholesterol lowering
agents are conveniently added at the step of mixing. During the
preparation of cholesterol lowering chocolate, for example,
sterols/stanols may be added to the dry mix containing sugar, the
melting butter; the nibs before milling; or the melted chocolate,
which may be less preferred. To facilitate mixing, sterols/stanols
may be first dissolved in a solubilizing agent such as fat,
vegetable oil, monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides,
tocopherols and mixtures thereof. Effective carriers for making
suspensions and emulsions of sterols/stanols are water, alcohol,
polyol, other edible compounds, for example chocolate liquor, in
which sterols/stanols are at least partially soluble and mixtures
thereof.
[0044] Soy protein may be added to the composition in any known
form, for example, it may be soy protein isolate, soy protein
concentrate, textured soy protein or soy flour, flakes and grits.
Whole grain or fragment thereof may also be used as described, for
example, in Example 5. Various forms of soy protein are well known
in the art and are commercially available. Its properties and
methods of obtaining are described, for example, in Soy Protein and
Human Nutrition, Wilcke et al., eds., Acad. Press, NY, 1979. Soy
protein may be used in combination with any sterol and/or stanol
based cholesterol lowering agent.
[0045] Soluble plant fibers, e.g. beta-glucan, are capable of
reducing plasma cholesterol. The fibers for use in the present
invention may be obtained from any source of beta-glucan,
preferably oat grain and oat bran. The fibers may be prepared and
added to compositions according to methods known in the art. They
are particularly suitable for orally delivered compositions such as
foods and dietary supplements. Beta-glucan and other soluble plant
fibers may be used in combination with any sterol and/or stanol
based cholesterol lowering agent.
[0046] The composition of the invention may also contain
L-arginine, which may be provided in the composition of the
invention in various forms, for example as a purified compound, an
extract from an L-arginine containing plant, or in the form of a
seed/nut ingredient, e.g. nut flour, or as an entire seed/nut. Any
L-arginine source may be used, synthetic or natural. Preferred
L-arginine sources are soy beans and nut meats such as peanuts,
walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts. Defatted and partially defatted
nut meats may be used. These may be ground and are referred to as
nut flour.
[0047] The composition may also contain calcium, potassium,
magnesium, antioxidant such as vitamin E and vitamin C, any of the
vitamins of the B complex, a carotenoid, guar gum, or a mono or
polyunsaturated fatty acid (e.g. omega-3 fatty acid), which can be
obtained according to the methods known in the art. The mono or
polyunsaturated fatty acids may be used in the form of an olive
oil, fish oil or a nut. Examples of nuts suitable for this use are:
peanuts, almonds and walnuts.
[0048] The composition of the invention is useful as a food, a food
additive, a dietary supplement, or a pharmaceutical. The
compositions may contain a carrier, a diluent, or an excipient.
Depending on the intended use, the carrier, diluent, or excipient
may be chosen to be suitable for human or veterinary use, food,
additive, supplement or pharmaceutical use.
[0049] As used herein a "food" is a material consisting essentially
of protein, carbohydrate and/or fat, which is used in the body of
an organism to sustain growth, repair and vital processes and to
furnish energy. Foods may also contain supplementary substances
such as minerals, vitamins and condiments. See Merriam-Webster's
Collegiate Dictionary, 10th Edition, 1993. The term food includes a
beverage adapted for human or animal consumption. As used herein a
"food additive" is as defined by the FDA in 21 C.F.R. 170.3(e)(1)
and includes direct and indirect additives. As used herein, a
"pharmaceutical" is a medicinal drug. See Merriam-Webster's
Collegiate Dictionary, 10th Edition, 1993. A pharmaceutical may
also be referred to as a medicament. As used herein, a "dietary
supplement" is a product (other than tobacco) that is intended to
supplement the diet that bears or contains the one or more of the
following dietary ingredients: a vitamin, a mineral, an herb or
other botanical, an amino acid, a dietary substance for use by man
to supplement the diet by increasing the total daily intake, or a
concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract or combination of
these ingredients.
[0050] Any conventional food including any beverage which has been
improved by the presence of a cocoa polyphenol or a derivative
thereof, e.g. methylated compounds or metabolic breakdown products,
and optionally in combination with a cholesterol lowering agent,
L-arginine, calcium, potassium, magnesium, an oxidant such as
vitamin E and vitamin C, any of the vitamins of the B complex, a
carotenoid, guar gum, and/or a mono or polyunsaturated fatty acid
(e.g. omega-3), is within the scope of the invention.
[0051] The improvement is achieved either (i) by adding cocoa
polyphenol or a derivative thereof to a food that does not contain
cocoa polyphenol or (ii) when the food traditionally may contain
cocoa polyphenols, such as for example chocolate, by enhancing the
polyphenol level over the one found in the traditionally prepared
food. The enhancement may be achieved by adding additional cocoa
polyphenols, for example, in a form of an extract, fraction or
isolated and purified compound there from; by adding cocoa
polyphenol in combination with another polyphenol containing
ingredient (e.g. nut skins); by manipulating the cocoa ingredients
processing and cocoa bean selection, as described above, to
preserve cocoa polyphenol in the cocoa ingredient used for the
manufacture of the food product; or by manipulating the chocolate
manufacturing process as described above. Thus, these foods
(including beverages) contain an "elevated level of polyphenols"
(including cocoa procyanidins) in comparison to comparative
conventional foods (including beverages). An example of a chocolate
having an elevated level of polyphenol occurs when a chocolate
manufacturer adds a cocoa extract containing cocoa polyphenols to
its previously commercially available product. The foods may also
be referred to as "high cocoa polyphenol foods," i.e., they contain
higher levels of polyphenol than their traditional
counterparts.
[0052] The foods comprising cocoa polyphenols and optionally at
least one cholesterol lowering agent (e.g. a sterol and/or stanol
based cholesterol lowering agent), L-arginine, calcium, potassium,
magnesium, an antioxidant such as vitamin E and vitamin C, any of
the vitamins of the B complex, a carotenoid, guar gum, or a mono or
polyunsaturated fatty acid (e.g. omega-3) may be adapted for human
or veterinary use, and include pet foods. The food may be other
than a confectionery, however, the preferred cholesterol lowering
food is a confectionery such as a standard of identity (SOI) and
non-SOI chocolate, such as milk, sweet and semi-sweet chocolate
including dark chocolate, low fat chocolate and a candy which may
be a chocolate covered candy. Other examples include a baked
product (e.g. brownie, baked snack, cookie, biscuit) a condiment, a
granola bar, a toffee chew, a meal replacement bar, a spread, a
syrup, a powder beverage mix, a cocoa or a chocolate flavored
beverage, a pudding, a rice cake, a rice mix, a savory sauce and
the like. If desired, the foods may be chocolate or cocoa flavored.
Food products that contain L-arginine, in addition to the cocoa
polyphenol and the cholesterol lowering agent, are preferably
chocolates and candy bars, such as granola bars, containing nuts,
for example, peanuts, walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts. It should be
noted that the addition of nuts with skins to the food described
herein may also increase the total polyphenol content since, for
example, peanut skins contain about 17% flavanols and procyanidins
and almond skins contain about 30% flavanols and procyanidins. In
one embodiment, the nut skins are added to the nougat of a
chocolate candy containing a cholesterol lowering agent.
[0053] In certain embodiments, the non-chocolate food product
contains from about at least 5 micrograms/g to about 10 mg/g, and,
for example, at least 5 micrograms/g food product, preferably at
least 10 microgram/g, more preferably at least 100 micrograms/g of
cocoa flavanols and/or procyanidin oligomers. If desired, the
non-chocolate food products can contain much higher levels of cocoa
procyanidins than those found in the chocolate food products
described below.
[0054] In one embodiment, a chocolate confectionery contains an
effective amount of cocoa flavanol and/or procyanidin to treat,
prevent, reduce the risk of, or reduce the occurrences of heart
arrhythmia, or generally any condition associated with
abnormalities in gap junctional communication, such as for example,
a neuro-degenerative disease. The chocolate confectionery may be
milk or dark chocolate. In certain embodiments, the chocolate
comprises at least 3,600 micrograms, preferably at least 4,000
micrograms, preferably at least 4,500 micrograms, more preferably
at least 5,000 micrograms, and most preferably at least 5,500
micrograms cocoa flavanols and/or procyanidins each per gram of
chocolate, based on the total amount of nonfat cocoa solids in the
product. In other embodiments, the chocolate contains at least
6,000 micrograms, preferably at least 6,500 micrograms, more
preferably at least 7,000 micrograms, and most preferably at least
8,000 micrograms of cocoa procyanidins per gram, and even more
preferably 10,000 micrograms/g based on the nonfat cocoa solids in
the product.
[0055] A milk chocolate confectionery may have at least 1,000
micrograms, preferably at least 1,250 micrograms, more preferably
at least 1,500 micrograms, and most preferably at least 2,000
micrograms cocoa flavanols and/or procyanidins each per gram of
milk chocolate, based on the total amount of nonfat cocoa solids in
the milk chocolate product. In the preferred embodiment, the milk
chocolate contains at least 2,500 micrograms, preferably at least
3,000 micrograms, more preferably at least 4,000 micrograms, and
most preferably at least 5,000 micrograms cocoa flavanols and/or
procyanidins each per gram of milk chocolate, based on the total
amount of nonfat cocoa solids in the milk chocolate product.
[0056] The amount of L-arginine in the food products can vary.
Typically, cocoa contains between 1 to 1.1 grams of L-arginine per
100 grams of partially defatted cocoa solids. It can range from 0.8
to 1.5 per 100 grams of cocoa. The chocolate food products of this
invention contain L-arginine in an amount greater than that which
naturally occurs in the cocoa ingredients. Knowing the amount of
cocoa ingredients and L-arginine used in the food product, one of
ordinary skill in the art can readily determine the total amount of
L-arginine in the final product. The food product will generally
contain at least 5 micrograms/g, preferably at least 30
micrograms/g, or at least 60 micrograms/g, even more preferably at
least 200 micrograms/g food product.
[0057] When the cholesterol lowering agent is used in the food, its
amount will depend on the type of the agent used and can be
determined by a person of skill in the art based on the guidance in
the specification, particularly daily dosages provided below, and
the knowledge in the art. A food composition, for example, may
contain from about 0.5 to about 10 g per 45 g serving size,
preferably about 1.5 to about 5 g per 45 g serving size, most
preferably about 2 to about 4.5 g per 45 g serving size of
sterols/stanols. With respect to soy protein and soluble fiber from
oats, FDA has provided minimum amounts per food serving to be able
to make a health claim. According to the FDA, a food serving
containing beta-glucan must contain at least 0.75 g, and the food
serving containing soy protein must contain at least 6.25 g soy
protein. These values may also be used as a guide for determining
the amount of these cholesterol lowering agents in the food.
[0058] A daily effective amount of cocoa flavanols and/or
procyanidins may be provided in a single serving. Thus, a
confectionery (e.g. chocolate) may contain at least about 100
mg/serving (e.g. 150-200, 200-400 mg/serving) cocoa procyanidins.
When the cholesterol lowering agent is included in the composition,
at least 1.5 (e.g. 1.5-4.5 g) per serving sterol/stanol may be
added.
[0059] Pharmaceuticals containing cocoa flavanols and/or
procyanidins, optionally in combination with a cholesterol lowering
agent and/or L-arginine, may be administered in a variety of ways
such as orally, sublingually, bucally, nasally, rectally,
intravenously, parenterally and topically. A person of skill in the
art will be able to determine a suitable cholesterol lowering agent
depending on the mode of administration. Thus, dosage forms adapted
for each type of administration are within the scope of the
invention and include solid, liquid and semi-solid dosage forms,
such as tablets, capsules, gelatin capsules (gelcaps), bulk or unit
dose powders or granules, emulsions, suspensions, pastes, creams,
gels, foams or jellies. Sustained-release dosage forms are also
within the scope of the invention and may be prepared as described
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,024,843; 5,091,190; 5,082,668; 4,612,008 and
4,327,725, relevant portions of which are hereby incorporated
herein by reference. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers,
diluents, or excipients are generally known in the art and can be
determined readily by a person skilled in the art. The tablet, for
example, may comprise an effective amount of the cocoa
polyphenol-containing composition and optionally a carrier, such as
sorbitol, lactose, cellulose, or dicalcium phosphate.
[0060] The dietary supplement containing cocoa flavanol and/or
procyanidin, and optionally at least one cholesterol lowering agent
and/or L-arginine, may be prepared using methods known in the art
and may comprise, for example, nutrient such as dicalcium
phosphate, magnesium stearate, calcium nitrate, vitamins, and
minerals.
[0061] Further within the scope of the invention is a package
comprising the composition of the invention (e.g. a food, a dietary
supplement, a pharmaceutical) and a label indicating the presence
of, or an enhanced content of cocoa flavanol and/or procyanidin
and/or a derivative thereof, or directing use of the composition to
treat, prevent, reduce the occurrences of, or reduce the risk of
heart arrhythmia or any condition associated with the abnormality
in the cellular gap junction communication, such as a
neuro-degenerative disease. Optionally, the label may indicate the
cholesterol lowering agent and/or L-arginine content, the
beneficial properties of the combined polyphenol(s), cholesterol
lowering agent(s) and optionally L-arginine. The package may
contain the composition and the instructions for use to treat,
prevent, reduce the risk of, slow progression or reduce the
occurrences of heart arrhythmia or any condition associated with
the abnormality/defect in the cellular gap junction communication,
such as a neuro-degenerative disease or cancer.
[0062] As used herein, "treatment" means improving an existing
medical condition, for example, heart arrhythmia, or the symptoms
associated therewith. The term "preventing" means reducing the
risks associated with developing a disease, including reducing the
onset of the disease. The prevention or prophylaxis may be used in
an individual known to be at high risk of developing a disease or
in a population at large for maintaining good health, for example,
reducing the risk of arrhythmia. The methods may be used in a human
or a veterinary animal, such as a dog, a cat, and a horse.
[0063] The methods comprise administering to a mammal, preferably a
human or a veterinary animal, for an effective period of time (for
example, to induce de novo connexin synthesis), an amount of the
composition comprising a flavanol and/or its related oligomer, such
as a cocoa flavanol and/or its related oligomer, optionally in
combination with a cholesterol lowering agent, L-arginine, an
antioxidant (e.g. vitamin E, vitamin C), the flavanol and/or its
related oligomer being in the amount effective to treat, prevent or
reduce the occurrences of heart arrhythmia or any condition
associated with the gap junctional abnormalities/defects, e.g.
neuro-degenerative diseases (such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's).
Moreover, treatment of cognitive dysfunctions which are connexin,
for example, connexin 40 and/or 43, related is also within the
scope of the invention. Thus, connexin related functions may be
treated or improved. Examples of cognitive dysfunctions that may be
treated according to the invention are short term memory and
depression. Other polyphenols such as those isolated from peanut
skins may also be used.
[0064] Thus, the following use is within the scope of the
invention. Use of a cocoa flavanol and/or its oligomer in the
manufacture of a medicament, food, nutraceutical or dietary
supplement for use in treating, preventing, reducing the risk of,
or reducing the progression of a disease involving defective gap
junctional communication in a human or a veterinary animal.
[0065] The following uses are representative of some embodiments.
Use of a cocoa flavanol and/or its oligomer in the manufacture of a
medicament, food, nutraceutical or dietary supplement for use in
treating, preventing, reducing the risk of, or reducing the
occurrence of heart arrhythmias in a human or a veterinary animal.
Use of a cocoa flavanol and/or its oligomer in the manufacture of a
medicament, food, nutraceutical or dietary supplement for use in
treating, preventing, reducing the risk of, or reducing the
progression of a cognitive dysfunction in a human or a veterinary
animal.
[0066] A polymeric compound of the formula A.sub.n, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, may be used in the
compositions and uses of the present invention:
##STR00003##
wherein n is an integer from 2 to 18, such that there is at least
one terminal monomeric unit A, and one or a plurality of additional
monomeric units;
[0067] R is 3-(.alpha.)-OH, 3-(.beta.)-OH;
[0068] bonding between adjacent monomers takes place at positions
selected from the group consisting of 4, 6 and 8;
[0069] a bond of an additional monomeric unit in position 4 has
alpha or beta stereochemistry;
[0070] X, Y and Z are selected from the group consisting of
monomeric unit A or hydrogen, with the provisos that as to the at
least one terminal monomeric unit, bonding of the additional
monomeric unit thereto is at position 4 and optionally
Y=Z=hydrogen.
[0071] The effective amount may be determined by a person of skill
in the art using the guidance provided herein. For example, the
effective amount may be such as to achieve a physiologically
relevant concentration in the body of a mammal. Such a
physiologically relevant concentration may be at least 20 nanomolar
(nM), preferably at least about 100 nM, and more preferably at
least about 500 nM. In one embodiment, at least about one micromole
in the blood of the mammal is achieved.
[0072] The methods may further comprise determining the
effectiveness of the treatment by, for example, determining the
heart beat, such as using electrocardiogram (ECG), ambulatory
monitors, holter monitors, transtelephonic monitors (optionally
with memory loop), stress test, echocardiogram, cardiac
catheterization, electophysiology study and head upright tilt
test.
[0073] The composition may be administered to a healthy mammal for
prophylactic purposes or to a mammal in need of a treatment or
having at least one of the risk factors associated with heart
arrhythmia. Any individual having at least one of the risk factors
associated with heart arrhythmia is a subject for administration of
the compositions described herein. The individuals with a familial
history of heart arrhythmia, hypertension, coronary artery disease,
heart attack, abnormal thyroid function as well as those smoking,
and having alcohol, caffeine, or illegal substance intake (e.g.
cocaine), or those recovering from heart surgery, are susceptible
individuals in need of the treatment described herein. Other
populations of mammals that are susceptible to developing vascular
health problems will be apparent to a person of skill in the
art.
[0074] Veterinary animal, for example dogs, cats and horses, may be
administered the above described compositions to treat, prevent or
reduce the occurrences of heart arrhythmia.
[0075] The effective amount to treat, prevent, reduce the risk of
and/or reduce the occurrences of heart arrhythmia may be determined
by a person skilled in the art using the guidance provided herein
and the general knowledge in the art. Cocoa flavanols and/or
related oligomers may be administered at from about 50 mg/day to
about 1000 mg/day, preferably from about 100-150 mg/day to about
900 mg/day, and most preferably from about 300 mg/day to about 500
mg/day. However, given that cocoa polyphenols are non-toxic,
amounts higher than stated above may be used.
[0076] To additionally obtain a cholesterol lowering effect, using
sterols/stanols, more than what is normally found in the average
diet of a non-vegetarian should be administered. A person on a
typical North American diet consumes about 200-400 mg/day. Thus,
when phytosterol, such as sitosterol, is used to reduce cholesterol
levels, about at least 1 g/day, preferably at least about 3 g/day
should be administered. Preferably, from at least about 1 g/day,
preferably at least about 4.5 g/d, to about 20 g/day is used.
However, the amount will vary depending on the cholesterol lowering
potency of the phytosterol so that, for example, if a more potent
sitostanol is used, the effective amount may be as low as about one
to about three g/day. The amounts may be determined using the
analytical procedure described in Roger et al., J. Amer. Oil Chem.
Soc. 70(30) 1993 and Carpenter, et al., J. Amer. Oil Chem. Soc.
71(8) 1994. Soy protein may be administered, for example, at least
about 25 g/day. Further guidance can be found in Recommended Daily
Allowances, 9.sup.th ed., National Res. Council/National Acad.
Sci., Washington, D.C. Soluble fiber may be administered, for
example, in the amount of at least 3 g/day.
[0077] L-arginine, when used in the compositions and the treatment,
may be administered from about 2 g/day to about 50 g/day,
preferably from about 3 g/day to about 10 g/day, and most
preferably from about 6 g/day to about 8 g/day. Here as well, given
that L-arginine naturally occurs in foods, amounts higher than
stated above may be used. Polyphenols generally may be administered
in the amounts known in the art. The enhanced absorption in the
presence of sterols/stanols may also be taken into consideration
when determining the effective amount.
[0078] The treatments/preventive administration may be continued as
a regimen, i.e., for an effective period of time, e.g., daily,
monthly, bimonthly, biannually, annually, or in some other regimen,
as determined by the skilled medical practitioner for such time as
is necessary. The administration may be continued for at least a
period of time required to induce connexin synthesis. Preferably,
the composition is administered daily, most preferably two or three
times a day, for example, morning and evening to maintain the
levels of the effective compounds in the body of the mammal. To
obtain the most beneficial results, the composition may be
administered for at least about 30 to about 60 days. These
regiments may be repeated periodically.
[0079] The invention is further described in the following
non-limiting examples.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
The Effects of Cocoa Flavanol/Procyanidin on Gap Junctional
Communication of Cells
Cell Culture.
[0080] WB-F344 rat liver epithelial cells (kindly provided by Dr.
Trosko, East Lansing, Mich.) were grown in Dulbecco's modification
of Eagle's Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum
(FCS), 2 mM L-glutamine and penicillin/streptomycin in 35 mm
plastic dishes. Cells were incubated at 37.degree. C. in a
humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO.sub.2. The confluent cells
were incubated with DMEM (without FCS) for 24 h to decrease the
basal level of cell-cell communication. (-)-Epicatechin, genistein
(Sigma) or TPA were dissolved in DMSO and added to the medium;
controls received DMSO only. The final concentration of DMSO in the
medium was 0.2%. The epicatechin dimer was prepared as described in
Adamson et al. ("HPLC Method for the Quantification of Procyanidins
in Cocoa and Chocolate Samples and Correlation to Total Antioxidant
Capacity" J. Ag. Food Chem., Vol. 7:10, 4184-4188), the relevant
portion of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0081] Gap Junctional Communication Assay.
[0082] Cells were treated with (-)-epicatechin (4 to 40 .mu.M) and
genistein (40 .mu.M) for 24 and 72 h and GJIC was determined. For
the experiments with TPA, incubation was for 90 min with TPA (1, 5,
10 nM), TPA (1, 5, 10 nM) plus epicatechin (40 .mu.M), and TPA (1,
5,10 nM) plus genistein (40 .mu.M); DMSO (0.2%) was used as a
control. GJIC was measured by microinjection of the fluorescent dye
Lucifer Yellow CH (10% in 0.33 M LiCl) into selected cells by means
of a micromanipulator and a microinjector system (Eppendorf). One
min after injection, the number of fluorescent cells around a
single cell which was loaded with the dye were counted. Ten
individual cells were injected per dish and means of the number of
fluorescent neighboring cells were calculated. Images were taken
with a Zeiss axiovert fluorescent microscope coupled to a CCD
camera (ORCA II, Hamamatsu).
[0083] Western Blot Analysis.
[0084] To obtain cell lysate, WB-F344 rat liver epithelial cells
were washed with PBS (2.7 mM KCl, 1.5 mM KH.sub.2PO.sub.4, 137 mM
NaCl, 10 mM Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4; pH 7.4) and treated two times with
SDS-PAGE lysis buffer (125 mM Tris, 4% SDS, 20% glycerol, 100 mM
dithiothreitol, 0.2% bromophenol blue; pH 6.8). After sonication
the lysates were heated for 5 min at 95.degree. C. and applied to
SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (10% (w/v) acrylamide). The
gels were blotted onto polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membranes.
Immunodetection was performed with a polyclonal rabbit anti-Cx43
antibody (Zymed) as primary antibody and goat anti-rabbit IgG
(Dianova) as secondary antibody.
[0085] Immunohistochemistry.
[0086] For immunohistochemistry, WB-F344 cells were grown in
complete medium with FCS on coverslips in 35 mm plastic dishes
until they reached 90% confluence. The cells were incubated for 90
min with 1, 5, or 10 nM TPA, 40 .mu.M (-)-epicatechin or 40 .mu.M
genistein or a combination of 40 .mu.M (-)-epicatechin and (1, 5,
10 nM) TPA or 40 .mu.M genistein and (1, 5, 10 nM) TPA; DMSO (0.2%)
was used as a control. After treatment, cells were washed with PBS
and fixed with methanol for 10 min at -20.degree. C. After further
washing with PBS, non-specific binding sites were blocked with 3%
normal goat serum (NGS) in PBS containing 0.3% (v/v) Triton-X-100
for 45 min at room temperature. Cells were incubated with a
polyclonal anti-Cx 43 antibody (Zymed); diluted 1:1500 in PBS with
1% (v/v) NGS overnight at 4.degree. C. Cells were washed with PBS,
and incubated with an Alexa 546-coupled goat anti-rabbit Ig G (H+L)
secondary antibody (Molecular Probes; diluted to 1:800 in PBS) for
45 min at 37.degree. C. After washing and embedding, images were
taken with a Zeiss axiovert fluorescent microscope coupled to a CCD
camera (ORCA II, Hamamatsu).
[0087] Results
[0088] Genistein affects GJIC in cell culture at levels above 10
.mu.M [Zhang Y W, Morita I, Nishida M, Murota S I. Involvement of
tyrosine kinase in the hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced gap junctional
intercellular communication abnormality in cultured human umbilical
vein endothelial cells. J Cell Physiol 1999; 180:305-13.].
[0089] In the present study, the exposure of WB-F344 rat liver
epithelial cells to genistein or (-)-epicatechin (40 .mu.M) led to
a stimulation of GJIC which was dependent on the time of
incubation. After 24 h of exposure the stimulation of GJIC with
genistein and (-)-epicatechin was 2.1-fold and 1.5-fold of control,
respectively. Upon incubation for 72 h the increase was 2.9-fold
above controls for genistein and 2.1-fold for (-)-epicatechin. The
controls were treated with DMSO (0.2%) only; baseline communication
was 13.4.+-.1.0 cells at 24 h and 12.1.+-.1.3 cells at 72 h. FIG. 1
shows typical examples of communication measurements with the dye
transfer assay; control (FIG. 1A), inhibition with TPA (10 nM)
after 90 min (FIG. 1B), stimulation with genistein (FIG. 1C) or
(-)-epicatechin (FIG. 1D) at 40 .mu.M after 72 h of treatment.
[0090] Both flavonoids showed no significant effect on GJIC after
90 min incubation. With increasing levels of (-)-epicatechin in
cell culture (4 to 40 .mu.M), the number of communicating cells was
increased (Table 1). In cells treated with the lowest concentration
(4 .mu.M) the communication was still 1.6-fold above solvent
control. The dimeric form of the epicatechin tested at the 20 .mu.M
level stimulated GJIC to about the same level as 40 .mu.M of the
monomer.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Effects of (-)-epicatechin and genistein on
GJIC in WB-F344 rat liver. Cells were exposed to different
concentration of (-)-epicatechin (4-40 .mu.M). Genistein was
measured at 40 .mu.M. Communication was determined after 72 h of
incubation. GJIC is given as numbers of communicating cells
measured by the dye transfer assay and as % of control. Controls
were treated with DMSO (0.2%); basal communication was 12.1 .+-.
1.3 cells which was set to 100%. The data represent means .+-. SD
of 3 independent experiments. Number of Compound communicating
cells % of Control Control (0.2% DMSO) 12.1 .+-. 1.3 100 .+-. 11
(-)-Epicatechin 4 .mu.M 18.1 .+-. 2.2* 156 .+-. 18* 10 .mu.M 20.1
.+-. 6.8* 173 .+-. 56* 40 .mu.M 24.2 .+-. 3.1* 209 .+-. 26*
Epicatechin dimer 20 .mu.M 23.4 .+-. 3.1* 202 .+-. 26* Genistein 40
.mu.M 35.4 .+-. 2.4* 293 .+-. 20* *significantly different from
control (p < 0.001)
[0091] TPA affects GJIC by modification of the Cx43 protein. Since
Cx43 is a major gap junction protein in WB344 cells, we
investigated the effects of TPA on GJIC in the presence of
(-)-epicatechin and genistein (Table 2). When the cells were
exposed for 90 min to TPA alone, intercellular communication was
completely disrupted at levels of 5 and 10 nM (FIG. 1B); GJIC was
diminished by about 40% when 1 nM TPA was used. No effect was found
with 0.1 nM TPA. In all experiments cell viability was not
affected. The incubation of cells with TPA for 72 h had no effect
on GJIC; the number of communicating cells was comparable to the
control, i.e., there was a complete recovery from the loss observed
at 90 min.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Inhibitory effects of TPA on GJIC;
counteraction by (-)- epicatechin and genistein. Cells were exposed
to different levels of TPA and combinations of different amounts of
TPA with either 40 .mu.M (-)- epicatechin or 40 .mu.M genistein.
GJIC is presented as % of control. Controls were treated with DMSO
(0.2%); basal communication was 18.6 +/- 2.9 cells which was set to
100%. Communication was measured after 90 min of incubation. The
data represent means +/- SD of 3 independent experiments. TPA plus
(-)- TPA plus TPA epicatechin 40 .mu.M genistein 40 .mu.M TPA (nM)
(% control) (% control) (% control) 0.1 94 .+-. 14 95 .+-. 14 n.m.
1 55 .+-. 19 95 .+-. 19* 90 .+-. 23* 5 0 61 .+-. 15* 83 .+-. 18* 10
0 50 .+-. 16* 72 .+-. 17* *significantly different from treatment
with TPA (p < 0.001) means .+-. SD (n = 3) n.m.: not
measured
[0092] The complete loss of GJIC by TPA after 90 min (5 and 10 nM)
was partially counteracted when TPA was coincubated with 40 .mu.M
of (-)-epicatechin or genistein. Genistein was slightly more
effective than (-)-epicatechin. Both compounds restored GJIC to
basal levels when applied together with 1 nM of TPA.
[0093] In parallel, the distribution of Cx43 protein within the
cells was investigated by immunostaining (FIG. 2). A typical
control is shown in FIG. 2A. The cells are confluent, and connexin
proteins are localized at the plasma membrane. Some protein signal
is also detectable within the cytoplasm. Upon treatment with TPA
for 90 min (10 nM), the signal of membrane-associated Cx43
decreased dramatically (FIG. 2B), no more areas of accumulated Cx43
protein being detectable. When (-)-epicatechin (FIG. 2C) or
genistein (FIG. 2D) was present in cell culture, the TPA effect was
attenuated. Cx43 protein was detectable in the membrane organized
in clustered structures comparable to the control (FIG. 2A).
Similar counteracting effects of (-)-epicatechin and genistein were
found when TPA was used at 1 and 5 nM.
Example 2
Determination of Flavanols/Procyanidins
[0094] Procyanidins were quantified as follows: a composite
standard was made using commercially available (-)-epicatechin, and
dimers through decamers obtained in a purified state by the methods
described in Hammerstone, J. F. et al., J. Ag. Food Chem.; 1999; 47
(10) 490-496; Lazarus, S. A. et al., J. Ag. Food Chem.; 1999; 47
(9); 3693-3701; and Adamson, G. E. et al., J. Ag. Food Chem.; 1999;
47 (10) 4184-4188. Standard Stock solutions using these compounds
were analyzed using the normal-phase HPLC method described in the
previously cited Adamson reference, with fluorescence detection at
excitation and emission wavelengths of 276 nm and 316 nm,
respectively. Peaks were grouped and their areas summed to include
contributions from all isomers within any one class of oligomers
and calibration curves were generated using a quadratic fit.
Monomers and smaller oligomers had almost linear plots which is
consistent with prior usage of linear regression to generate
monomer-based and dimer-based calibration curves.
[0095] These calibration curves were then used to calculate
procyanidin levels in samples prepared as follows: First, the cocoa
or chocolate sample (about 8 grams) was defatted using three hexane
extractions (45 mL each). Next, one gram of defatted material was
extracted with 5 mL of the acetone/water/acetic acid mixture
(70:29.5:0.5 v/v). The quantity of procyanidins in the defatted
material was then determined by comparing the HPLC data from the
samples with the calibration curves obtained as described above
(which used the purified oligomers). The percentage of fat for the
samples (using a one gram sample size for chocolate or one-half
gram sample size for liquors) was determined using a standardized
method by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC
Official Method 920.177). The quantity of total procyanidin levels
in the original sample (with fat) was then calculated. Calibration
was performed prior to each sample run to protect against
column-to-column variations.
Example 3
The Effect of Oral Consumption of Cocoa Procyanidins, Phytosterols
and the Combination Thereof
[0096] The results of this experiment show the effects of feeding a
combination of non-esterified phytosterols and phytostanols
available from tall oil ("phytosterol") and cocoa powder (CPd),
containing about 70 mg/g of total cocoa procyanidins, on (1)
indices of oxidative stress and damage, and (2) on cholesterol
levels, as well as the synergistic effect of the combined
administration of phytosterols and cocoa procyanidins.
[0097] A purified egg shell diet was supplemented with phytosterols
(2 wt %) and/or CPd (0, 0.5, 1, 2 wt %) and used to feed male rats
for a period of 2 weeks. The rats were divided in eight groups
(three rats per group) and fed 20-25 g/day of the control and test
diets according to the following:
TABLE-US-00003 Diet + 2% phytosterol (440 mg/d) Diet-phytosterol
Group 1 0% CPd(0.0 mg/d) Group 5 0% CPd(0.0 mg/d) Group 2 .5%
CPd(110 mg/d) Group 6 .5% CPd(110 mg/d) Group 3 1% CPd(220 mg/d)
Group 7 1% CPd(220 mg/d) Group 4 2% CPd(440 mg/d) Group 8 2%
CPd(440 mg/d)
Water was fed ad lib and consumption was determined by weighing
leftover/spilled food collected underneath the food cups. The food
intake was measured daily and the rat weight every other day.
[0098] The oxidative damage/stress parameters, cholesterol levels
and the epicatechin absorption into the blood plasma were
measured.
[0099] Plasma TBARS were measured using a modification of the
method described by Yagi (Biochem Med 15:212-6. 1976). One hundred
.mu.L of whole blood was added to one ml of physiological saline
and centrifuged at 1700 g for 15 minutes. The supernatant was
collected and frozen at -70.degree. C. until analyzed. Lipids were
isolated by precipitating them with a phosphotungstic acid/sulfuric
acid system. The lipid fraction was then reacted with
thiobarbituric acid, and the resulting adducts measured
fluorimetrically, using 1,1',3,3'-tetraethoxypropane as the
standard. Results were expressed as nanomoles of MDA per milliliter
plasma and as a function of the concentration of plasma
polyunsaturated fatty acids.
[0100] The 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OH2' dG) was measured as
follows. Nuclear DNA was isolated using the Wako DNA Extractor WB
kit (Wako Chemical USA, Inc., Richmond, Va.). Tissue (100-250 mg)
or cells (10.sup.6 cells) were homogenized in the kit lysis buffer
and centrifuged at 10,000 g for 20 seconds at 4.degree. C. The
pellet was treated with the lysis buffer and the resulting pellet
dissolved in the kit enzyme reaction solution. RNase was added to a
final concentration of 20 .mu.g/ml and the sample was incubated at
50.degree. C. for 10 minutes. The kit proteinase solution was added
and the 50.degree. C. incubation was continued for an additional
hour. The sample was centrifuged at 10,000 g for five minutes at
room temperature and the supernatant was treated with the kit NaI
solution and isopropanol to purify the DNA. The precipitate was
collected at 10,000 g for 10 minutes at room temperature and washed
with the kit solutions A and B. The final pellet was briefly
air-dried and resuspended in 200 .mu.l of 0.1 mM desferyl/20 mM Na
acetate, pH 4.8. The DNA digestion and analysis was carried out
according to the method of Shigenaga et al. (Methods Enzymol
234:16-33, 1994) with some modification. Briefly, DNA was digested
to nucleotide 5'-monophosphates by incubation with Nuclease P1 at a
final concentration of 0.1 mg/ml for 15 minutes at 65.degree. C.
The pH was adjusted with 1M Tris-HCl, pH 8.5, and calf intestine
alkaline phosphatase was used to further digest the sample to
nucleotides (one hour, 37.degree. C.). The pH of the sample was
adjusted with 3 M sodium acetate buffer, pH 5.1, and 0.1 mM
EDTA/0.1 mM desferyl was added to prevent metal-mediated oxidation.
The sample was put through a 30,000 MW cutoff spin filter and
placed in an HPLC injection vial. Samples were analyzed within 48
hours of preparation to prevent artifact formation. For analysis,
samples were injected onto a Hewlett Packard 1100 HPLC equipped
with an electrochemical detector (ESA, Coulochem II). Separation
was achieved using a Supelcosil LC-18-DB column (150.times.4.6 mm,
3 micron particle size) and mobile phase of 100 mM Na acetate
buffer, pH 5.2, with 5% methanol, isocratic, at a flow rate of 1.0
ml/min. OH.sup.8dG was detected at 450 mV using electrochemical
detection and 2'-deoxyguanosine (dG) was detected at 248 nm using
UV detection. Levels of OH.sup.8dG were expressed relative to the
amount of dG in the samples.
[0101] Epicatechin absorption was measured as described in Rein et
al., J. of Nutr., 2000, 130 (8S), 2109S-2114S.
[0102] Results
[0103] The results establish unexpected benefits of the combined
administration of phytosterols and polyphenols.
[0104] Referring to FIG. 3, the amount of the absorbed epicatechin
increased in a dose dependent fashion. Surprisingly, the
administration of phytosterols enhanced the absorption of
epicatechin so that, for example, at 2 wt % CPd diet, the
epicatechin plasma levels were enhanced by about 30% in comparison
to the comparable diet without phytosterols. Hence, the phytosterol
augmented the bioavailability of epicatechin.
[0105] Referring to FIG. 4, CPd inhibited oxidative damage to DNA
in a dose dependent manner. Surprisingly, at higher doses of CPd (2
wt %), an unexpected reduction in the oxidative damage to DNA was
observed indicating a synergistic effect of phytosterols and CPd in
preventing oxidative damage to DNA.
[0106] Referring to FIG. 5, feeding a diet containing phytosterols
surprisingly caused a higher oxidative stress than the control
diet, i.e., the intake of phytosterol together with food (without
cocoa procyanidins), which was recommended in the art prior to the
filing date of this application, exacerbated the oxidative stress.
Feeding of cocoa procyanidins reversed or blunted this negative
effect of phytosterols.
[0107] Total plasma cholesterol was also measured and the results
are represented in Table 3.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 3 Total Plasma Cholesterol Count Mean 2%
Sterol 3 84,000 2% Sterol + 0.5% 2 84,500 Coca 2% Sterol + 1% 3
82,000 Cocoa 2% Sterol + 2% 3 80,000 Cocoa No Sterol + No 3 88,333
Cocoa 0.5% Cocoa 3 82,667 1% Cocoa 3 87,000 2% Cocoa 3 81,667
Referring to Table 3, as expected, phytosterols reduced cholesterol
levels. Surprisingly, however, when phytosterols were administered
with CPd, the cholesterol levels decreased even more, in a dose
dependent manner. For example, the mean total cholesterol level of
the three rats fed a phytosterol-containing diet was 84 mg/dl.
Supplementation of this diet with 2 wt % CPd resulted in an
additional decrease of total cholesterol to 80 mg/dl, indicating a
synergistic effect of the two compounds. The rats fed the control
diet had a mean cholesterol level of 88.3 mg/dl.
Example 4
Food Compositions Containing Cholesterol Lowering Agents in
Combination with Cocoa Procyanidin Containing Cocoa or
Chocolate
[0108] Dark chocolate, toffee chew and granola bars containing
cholesterol lowering agents were prepared.
[0109] Toffee chew was prepared from the ingredients shown in Table
4 by pre-blending sugar and cocoa and mixing it with caramel. Free
phytosterols (as is or pulverized) were added to the sugar and
cocoa mix.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 4 Phytosterol-Containing Toffee Chews %
Formula - Cocoa range % Formula Phytosterols Procyanidins Caramel
55-65 63 Cocoa 20-30 22 Sugar 5-10 7.4 Phytosterols 5-12 7.5 Total
per 100 g 7.5 550 Total per 45 g 3.375 248 serving
[0110] Dark chocolate containing a free sterol was prepared using a
commercially available dark chocolate (DOVE Dark available from
Mars Inc.). To facilitate mixing with melted chocolate and to avoid
any adverse effect on the chocolate texture, granulated forms of
plant sterol/stanol were milled on Universal Muche M20,
manufactured by IKA, for 30-60 seconds, mixed, and milled for
another 30 seconds until the particle size became comparable to
that of chocolate. Dark chocolate was melted and the sterol was
added by slow mixing to ensure uniform distribution of sterol
particles. The resulting composition is shown in Table 5.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 5 Phytosterol-Containing Dark Chocolate %
Formula - Cocoa range % Formula Phytosterols Procyanidins Dark
Chocolate 88-95 92.5 Phytosterols 5-12 7.5 Total per 100 g 7.5 361
Total per 45 g 3.375 162 serving
[0111] Granola bars containing cholesterol lowering oat fiber was
prepared from the ingredients listed in Tables 6 and 7. The syrup
binder was prepared by melting palm kernel oil to 45 C and was kept
at that temperature until it was ready for use. Corn syrup,
glycerin, cocoa powder, brown sugar, salt, lecithin, and propyl
gallate were combined and the palm kernel oil added. The mixture
was kept warm. To prepare granola, oats or soy puffs (available
from Sovex Food, Collegedale, Tenn.) were blended with the
chocolate pieces and the warm syrup binder prepared as described
above was folded into the mixture. The granola mixture was then
made into slabs, dusted with a mixture of 10.times. sugar (62%),
cocoa powder (33%), and cinnamon (5%), and cut into pieces. The
cocoa powder used in the mixture was prepared according to the
method of U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,913 to Kealey et al.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 6 Granola Bar with Chocolate and Oats %
Formula - Cocoa range % Formula Oats Procyanidins 63 DE Corn Syrup
20-30 24.0 Palm Kernel Oil 0-4 3.2 Glycerin 2-3 2.4 Cocoa Powder
1-5 1.7 Brown granulated 1-2 1.3 Sugar Salt 0.2-0.5 0.3 Lecithin
0.1-0.5 0.1 Propyl Gallate 0.01-0.05 0.01 Oats 20-35 30 Sugar 0-20
11 Vegetable Oil 0-10 6 Semi-sweet chocolate 10-30 20 pieces Total
per 100 g 30 150 Total per 45 g serving 13.5 68
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 7 Granola Bar with Chocolate and Soy Protein %
Formula - Soy Cocoa range % Formula Protein Procyanidins 63 DE Corn
Syrup 20-30 24.0 Palm Kernel Oil 0-4 3.2 Glycerin 2-3 2.4 Cocoa
Powder 1-5 1.7 Brownulated Sugar 1-2 1.3 Salt 0.2-0.5 0.3 Lecithin
0.1-0.5 0.1 Propyl Gallate 0.01-0.05 0.01 Soy Pieces 50-60 52
Semi-sweet 10-30 15 chocolate pieces Total per 100 g 20 125 Total
per 45 g 9 56 serving
* * * * *