U.S. patent application number 14/896122 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-03 for composition for enhancing semen quality in a male subject.
This patent application is currently assigned to NERTHUS APS. The applicant listed for this patent is Ina Giversen, Henrik Jakobsen. Invention is credited to Ina Giversen, Henrik Jakobsen.
Application Number | 20160317598 14/896122 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48576852 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160317598 |
Kind Code |
A2 |
Giversen; Ina ; et
al. |
November 3, 2016 |
COMPOSITION FOR ENHANCING SEMEN QUALITY IN A MALE SUBJECT
Abstract
The present invention relates to a composition comprising a dry
preparation of Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd (Zingiberaceae) or
Alpinia conchigera Griff and a plant extract comprising compounds
with anti-oxidative activity, such as an extract of Punica
granatum. Also disclosed herein is a method of improving semen
quality by administering said composition to a male subject in need
thereof.
Inventors: |
Giversen; Ina; (Lejre,
DK) ; Jakobsen; Henrik; (Lejre, DK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Giversen; Ina
Jakobsen; Henrik |
Lejre
Lejre |
|
DK
DK |
|
|
Assignee: |
NERTHUS APS
Lejre
DK
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20160120930 A1 |
May 5, 2016 |
|
|
Family ID: |
48576852 |
Appl. No.: |
14/896122 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
June 6, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2014/061851 PCKC 00 |
371 Date: |
December 4, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 36/9062 20130101;
A23L 31/00 20160801; A61K 9/16 20130101; A61K 36/61 20130101; A61K
36/185 20130101; A61K 36/738 20130101; A23L 5/00 20160801; A61P
15/08 20180101; A61K 31/235 20130101; A61K 36/736 20130101; A23V
2002/00 20130101; A61K 36/45 20130101; A61K 31/05 20130101; A61K
31/7048 20130101; A23L 33/105 20160801; A61K 36/185 20130101; A61K
2300/00 20130101; A61K 36/45 20130101; A61K 2300/00 20130101; A61K
36/61 20130101; A61K 2300/00 20130101; A61K 36/738 20130101; A61K
2300/00 20130101; A61K 36/736 20130101; A61K 2300/00 20130101; A61K
36/9062 20130101; A61K 2300/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61K 36/9062 20060101
A61K036/9062; A61K 31/7048 20060101 A61K031/7048; A61K 31/235
20060101 A61K031/235; A61K 31/05 20060101 A61K031/05; A61K 36/185
20060101 A61K036/185; A61K 9/16 20060101 A61K009/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 7, 2013 |
EP |
13171033.7 |
Claims
1. A composition comprising: i) a dry preparation I of Alpina
galanga or Alpinia conchigera rhizomes comprising at least 2%
1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate; and (ii) a plant extract II
comprising compounds with anti-oxidative activity obtainable from a
plant selected from the group consisting of Punica granatum,
Terminalia catappa, Terminalia citrina, Terminalia macroptera,
Terminalia myriocarpa, Terminalia oblongata, Lumnitzera racemosa,
Rosa rugosa, Rosa canina, Aronia melanocarpa, Aronia prunifolia,
Aronia mitschurinii, Euterpe oleracea, Vaccinium sp., Lycium
barbarum, and Lycium chinense.
2. The composition according to claim 1, in which the dry
preparation I comprises substantially evenly distributed components
of the rhizomes of A. galangal or A. conchigera.
3. The composition according to claim 1 , in which the dry
preparation I comprises at least 3% 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate,
preferably at least 4%, such as at least 4.5%, such as at least 5%,
such as at least 5.5%, such as at least 6%, such as at least 6.5%,
such as at least 7%, such as at least 7.5%, such as at least
8%.
4. The composition according to claim 1, in which the ratio (w/w)
between the dry preparation I and the extract II is comprised in
the range of 10:1 to 1:10.
5. The composition according to claim 4, in which the ratio (w/w)
between the dry preparation I and the extract II is in the range of
1:4 to 1:5, such as 1:4, such as 1:5.
6. The composition according to claim 1, in which the dry
preparation I has been granulated using a suitable binder, such as
polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP).
7. The composition according to claim 1, in which the extract II is
a dry extract, such as a powder or a granulate.
8. The composition according to claim 1, in which the composition
is formulated as a medicament, a medical device, a dietary
supplement, a food additive or a medical food or a food for special
medical purpose.
9. The composition according to claim 1, in which the extract II
comprises at least 40% polyphenols.
10. The composition according to claim 1, in which the extract II
comprises at least 30% punicosides.
11. The composition according to claim 1, in which the extract II
comprises at least 20% punicalagins.
12. The composition according to claim 1 for use in the treatment
of male infertility caused by low sperm count and/or by low sperm
motility, in which the composition is administrated at: a. a dosage
of dry preparation I comprising at least 5 mg
1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate/day, such as between 5 and 50 mg
1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate/day and preferably at least 10 mg
1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate/day, and b. a dosage of plant
extract II comprising at least 75 mg punicalagins/day, such as
between 75 mg punicalagins/day and 600 mg punicalagins/day, such as
between 100 mg punicalagins/day and 500 mg punicalagins/day,
preferably at least 300 mg punicalagins/day.
13. The composition according to claim 12 for use in the treatment
of male infertility, wherein the composition is administrated for a
duration of at least 30 days, such as at least 50 days, such as at
least 100 days, such as at least 150 days.
14. A method of treating male infertility caused by low sperm count
and/or by low sperm motility, which method comprises administering
to a male subject in need thereof an effective dose of the
composition according to claim 1.
15. The method according to claim 14 of treating male infertility
in which the composition is administrated to a male subject at: a.
a dosage of dry preparation I comprising at least 5 mg
1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate/day, such as between 5 and 50 mg
1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate/day and preferably at least 10 mg
1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate/day, and b. a dosage of plant
extract II comprising at least 75 mg punicalagins/day, such as
between 75 mg punicalagins/day and 600 mg punicalagins/day, such as
between 100 mg punicalagins/day and 500 mg punicalagins/day,
preferably at least 300 mg punicalagins/day.
16. The method according to claim 13, wherein the composition is
administered for a duration of at least 30 days, such as at least
50 days, such as least 100 days, such as at least 150 days.
17. The composition according to claim 1, said composition being
formulated as two distinct components, wherein the first component
comprises the dry preparation I and the second component comprises
the extract II.
18. A kit comprising the two components according to claim 15,
wherein the dry preparation I and plant extract II are contained in
separate containers.
19. A kit according to claim 16 for use in the treatment of male
infertility caused by low sperm count and/or by law sperm
motility.
20. The kit according to claim 15 in which the first component
contains at least 5 mg 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate/day, such as
between 5 and 50 mg 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate/day and
preferably at least 10 mg 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate/day, and
the second component contains at least 75 mg punicalagins/day, such
as between 75 mg punicalagins/day and 600 mg punicalagins/day, such
as between 10 mg punicalagins/day and 500 mg punicalagins/day,
preferably at least 300 mg punicalagins/day.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a U.S. National Phase of
International Patent Application Ser. No. PCT/EP2014/061851, filed
on Jun. 6, 2014, which claims priority to European Patent
Application No. 13171033.7, filed Jun. 7, 2013, the disclosures of
which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a composition comprising a
dry preparation of Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd (Zingiberaceae) or
Alpinia conchigera Griff. and a plant extract comprising compounds
with anti-oxidative activity, such as an extract of Punica
granatum. Also disclosed herein is a method of improving semen
quality by administering said composition to a male subject in need
thereof.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0003] Oligospermia (low amount of sperm in the semen) or
azoospermia (no measurable amount of sperm in the semen) are
medical conditions that are responsible for up to 20% of
infertility situations in males. Semen quality may be measured in a
number of ways. The total number of motile spermatozoa or total
motile sperm count (TMSC) is regarded as one of the sperm
characteristics most closely related to pregnancy. A semen analysis
typically measures the number of sperm per millilitre of ejaculate,
and analyses the morphology and motility of the sperm. The typical
ejaculate of a healthy, physically mature young adult male of
reproductive age with no fertility-related problems usually
contains 300-500 million spermatozoa, though only a couple hundred
survive in the acidic environment of the vagina to be candidates
for successful fertilization. Other parameters reflective of semen
quality are the concentration of white blood cells, the level of
fructose in the semen, and the volume, pH, and liquefaction time of
the ejaculate. A number of factors may influence the accuracy of
semen analysis results, and results for a single man may have a
large amount of natural variation over time. There has been
evidence for a general decline in sperm counts in Europe and the
USA between 1983 and 1990.
[0004] To date no clinically documented and officially approved
treatment exists for the improvement of semen quality. Instead,
microsurgical procedures or in vitro fecundation with the semen
from the subject or with donor semen are often the only
alternatives offered to subjects suffering from low semen quality.
Thus there is a need for methods of improving semen quality without
surgery so that men in need thereof may conceive children.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides a composition comprising a
dry preparation I of Alpinia galanga or Alpinia conchigera and a
plant extract II comprising compounds with anti-oxidative activity.
Also disclosed is a method for improving semen quality by
administration of such a composition to a male subject.
[0006] Pomegranate (Punica granatum L., Punicaceae) is a shrub or
tree mainly cultivated in areas of the Near East, India, Spain,
Israel and USA. The fruit is consumed fresh or processed to obtain
juice. In modern herbal medicine pomegranate fruit is used among
other purposes as a cardioprotective remedy, against hyperlipidemia
and against recurring prostate cancer.
[0007] The pomegranate fruit consists of a leathery pericarp,
containing numerous arils, each a single seed surrounded by a
translucent juice-containing sac. Thin membranes extend into the
interior of the fruit from the pericarp, providing a latticework
for suspending the arils. Thus, the fruit itself gives rise to
three parts: the seeds, about 3% of the weight of the fruit, and
themselves containing about 20% oil, the juice, about 30% of the
fruit weight, and the peel (pericarp) which also includes the
interior network of membranes.
[0008] The beneficial effects of pomegranate juice are attributed
to its antioxidant constituents, including: hydrolysable tannins
(among these ellagitannins such as punicalagin isomers),
anthocyanins, ellagic acid and its derivatives and vitamin C. In
commercial pomegranate juice, the water-soluble punicalagins are
the most important antioxidant compounds, rendering commercial
products up to twice as strong antioxidants as handpressed juice.
Punicalagins are abundant in the pericarp and, during commercial
processing, are extracted into pomegranate juice in significant
quantities.
[0009] The effect of pomegranate juice or extract on semen quality
has been investigated in two in vivo studies performed on mice and
rats. No studies on the effects in humans have been published
previously. In one study performed on rats, commercial, pasteurized
pomegranate juice caused an increase in sperm motility (27%) at a
daily dose of 3.6 ml pomegranate juice/kg bw for seven weeks (Turk
et al., 2008). Similar effects, although weaker, were seen at lower
doses. The study reports no effect of pomegranate on the
reproductive organs weight. In a study on rats, an ethanolic
extract of pomegranate did not affect spermatogenesis, daily sperm
production or epididymal sperm number in untreated rats, but
slightly reduced the negative effects on these parameters in rats
treated with lead acetate (Leiva et al., 2011).
[0010] No serious adverse effects have been reported in clinical
studies as far as known. Doses of 50 ml pomegranate juice/day for
several years or 240 ml/day for several months have been well
tolerated.
[0011] Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd. or greater galangal belongs to
the Zingiberaceae (ginger family). The plant is native to
Indonesia, Malaysia and India. The rhizome is used as a condiment
in some areas. The plant is traditionally used for the treatment of
inflammatory conditions, respiratory infections, cancer, dyspepsia,
colic and sea sickness and as a tonic and an aphrodisiac. Alpinia
conchigera is a closely related species native to Thailand,
Malaysia and India.
[0012] The rhizome of A. galanga comprises several phenylpropanoids
with pharmacological activity, including 1',S-1'-acetoxychavicol
acetate (ACA), 1',S-1'-acetoxyeugenol acetate (AEA) and
1',S-1'-hydroxychavicol acetate (HCA). The rhizome also contains
essential oil with 1,8-cineole being a major constituent. High
levels of magnesium, calcium, potassium and manganese are also
present.
[0013] The ethanolic extract of the rhizome of A. galanga has shown
several sperm-improving effects in mice at a daily dose of 100
mg/kg bw for three months. Both sperm motility and sperm
concentration increased slightly, but significantly, with the
increase in sperm motility being most pronounced (Qureshi et al.,
1992). The study reports no effect on the percentage of abnormal
spermatozoa.
[0014] Another study on the effect of the alcoholic extract of the
rhizome of A. galanga in rats showed that administration of a daily
dose of 200 mg extract/kg bw caused a significant increase in serum
testosterone level in 15 days (Islam et al., 2000).
[0015] No serious adverse effects are known in relation to
consumption of the ethanolic extract of the rhizome of A. galanga.
A chronic dose of 100 mg ethanolic extract/kg bw is well tolerated
in mice (Qureshi et al., 1992).
[0016] To date the effects of preparations of P. granatum and/or A.
galanga have not been studied in relation to human semen
quality.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1: GC chromatogram of a dry preparation of freeze-dried
Alpinia galanga rhizomes.
[0018] FIG. 2: GC chromatogram from fresh Alpinia galanga
rhizomes.
[0019] FIG. 3: GC chromatogram of external ACA standard.
[0020] FIG. 4: Increases in TMSC from baseline to follow-up for
each participant in the plant group and placebo group.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1. GC chromatogram of a dry preparation of Alpinia
galanga freeze-dried rhizomes. The dominating compound at rt.
34.2-34 4 min is ACA (1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate) identified by
mass spectra of the compound in the extract combined with spectra
and retention times of the ACA standard.
[0022] FIG. 2. GC chromatogram of an extract of fresh Alpinia
galanga rhizomes. The dominating compound at rt. 29.18 min is ACA
(1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate) identified by mass spectra of the
compound in the extract combined with spectra and retention times
of the ACA standard. Slightly different conditions (oven programme
and column flow) has been used for this chromatogram compared to
the chromatograms presented in FIGS. 1 and 3.
[0023] FIG. 3. GC chromatogram of ACA (1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol
acetate) standard supplied by Phytolab. The GC parameters are
similar to those used for the chromatogram presented in FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 4. Plot of the differences in TMSC (Total motile sperm
count) from baseline to follow up for each participant in the
treatment group (A) receiving the Alpinia galanga preparation and
Punica granatum pomace extract, and placebo group (B). Follow
up-baseline (Y-axis) represents the calculated differences in TMSC
between the Follow up TMSCs following 90 days of administration of
either the dry preparation of A. galanga and the P. granatum
extract (group A) or the placebo (group B) and the corresponding
TMSCs prior to administration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Definitions
[0025] 1''S-1''-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA)
[0026] 1''S-1''-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA) is a semi-volatile
phenylpropanoid. Under typical hydrolytic conditions in water or
aqueous ethanol, in particular if raised temperatures are imposed
on the extract, ACA may be partly or fully converted to
1'-hydroxychavicol acetate and/or p-acetoxycinnamic alcohol and/or
p-coumaryl diacetate.
Aerobic Microorganism
[0027] An aerobic organism or aerobe is an organism that can
survive and grow in an oxygenated environment.
Alpinia Conchigera
[0028] Alpinia conchigera Griff. belongs to the Zingiberaceae
(ginger family). The plant is native to Thailand, Malaysia and
India.
Alpinia Galanga
[0029] Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd. or greater galangal belongs to
the Zingiberaceae (ginger family). The plant is native to
Indonesia, Malaysia and India. The plant grows from rhizomes in
clumps of stiff stalks up to two meters in height with abundant
long leaves and panicles of greenish white flowers.
Anhydrous/Dry
[0030] As understood herein, the terms `anhydrous` or `dry` refer
to a substance with a water content less than 15%.
Anti-Oxidative Activity
[0031] Anti-oxidative activity is the activity exerted by
antioxidants, i.e. molecules that inhibit the oxidation of other
molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers
electrons or hydrogen from a substance to an oxidizing agent.
Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals. In turn, these
radicals can start chain reactions. When the chain reaction occurs
in a cell, it can cause damage or death to the cell. Antioxidants
terminate these chain reactions by removing free radical
intermediates, and inhibit other oxidation reactions. Antioxidants
get oxidised in the process. They are often reducing agents such as
thiols, ascorbic acid, or polyphenols.
Binder
[0032] The term "binder" refers to an excipient, which ensures
cohesion within tablets and granules and other formulations. The
use of a binder allows formulation with sufficient mechanical
strength.
Down-Sizing
[0033] As understood herein, the term "down-sizing" refers to a
process wherein a preparation such as a powder undergoes a size
reduction. For example, down-sizing of a powder results in a powder
wherein the final size of the particles of the powder is reduced.
Down-sizing can be performed in conjunction with milling, some
millers being equipped with screens which only allow passage of
particles smaller than the size of the screen's opening.
Ellagitannins
[0034] Ellagitannins are a diverse class of hydrolyzable tannins, a
type of polyphenol formed primarily from the oxidative linkage of
galloyl groups in 1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloyl glucose. Ellagitannins
have been investigated in cells and animals in laboratories for
antioxidant, anti-cancer, antiviral, antimicrobial, and
anti-parastite activities, as well as their ability to regulate
blood glucose. The pomegranate ellagitannins, which include
punicalagin isomers, are ellagitannins found in the fruit, rind
(peel), bark or heartwood of pomegranates. Punicalagins are also
found to be important for commercial pomegranate juice's
antioxidant and health benefits. Examples of ellagitannins found in
pomegranates are: punicalins, punicalagins A and B, punicalin
isomers.
Freeze-Drying
[0035] Freeze-drying as understood herein relates to a procedure
for drying a solid compound such as rhizomes of A. galanga.
Freeze-drying procedures as understood herein may comprise the
steps of: [0036] i) Freezing the rhizomes to a temperature of about
-18 or -20.degree. C.; [0037] ii) Applying vacuum until the
pressure is stable and in the range of 1.5 to 1.7 mb; the pressure
may be maintained stable by supplying e.g. nitrogen; [0038] iii)
Increasing the temperature to start the drying process; [0039] iv)
Eliminating the vacuum.
[0040] Thus, freeze-drying comprises the steps necessary to allow
sublimation of the water comprised in the material to be
freeze-dried, i.e. the rhizomes.
Granulate/Granulation
[0041] A granulate or granular material is a conglomeration of
discrete solid, macroscopic particles characterized by a loss of
energy whenever the particles interact. The constituents that
compose granular material must be large enough such that they are
not subject to thermal motion fluctuations. Thus, the lower size
limit for grains in granular material is about 1 .mu.m. The term
`granulation` refers to the process of forming a granulate.
Oxygen-Free Gas
[0042] An oxygen-free gas is to be construed as referring to a gas
mixture comprising levels of oxygen so low that the growth of
aerobic microorganisms is inhibited. Typically, levels of oxygen in
an essentially oxygen-free gas are less than 3%.
Pharmacological Activity
[0043] Pharmacological activity refers to the effects of a drug on
living matter. When a drug is a complex chemical mixture, this
activity is exerted by the substance's active ingredient or
pharmacophore but can be modified by the other constituents.
Activity is generally dosage-dependent.
Phenylpropanoids
[0044] Phenylpropanoids are a diverse family of organic compounds
that are synthesized by plants from the amino acid phenylalanine.
Their name is derived from the six-carbon, aromatic phenyl group
and the three-carbon propene tail of cinnamic acid, which is
synthesized from phenylalanine in the first step of phenylpropanoid
biosynthesis. Phenylpropanoids are found throughout the plant
kingdom, where they serve as essential components of a number of
structural polymers, provide protection from ultraviolet light,
defend against herbivores and pathogens, and mediate
plant-pollinator interactions as floral pigments and scent
compounds. Three of the phenylpropanoids found in Alpinia galanga
are 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA), 1'S-1'-acetoxyeugenol
acetate (AEA) and V-hydroxychavicol acetate (HCA).
Powder/Pulverisation
[0045] A powder is a dry, bulk solid composed of a large number of
very fine particles that may flow freely when shaken or tilted. The
term `pulverisation` refers to the process of transforming a solid
substance into a powder, e.g. by milling.
Punica Granatum
[0046] Pomegranate (Punica granatum L., Punicaceae) is a shrub or
tree mainly cultivated in areas of the Near East, India, Spain,
Israel and USA. The fruit is consumed fresh or processed to obtain
juice. In modern herbal medicine pomegranate fruit is used among
other purposes as a cardioprotective remedy, against hyperlipidemia
and against recurring prostate cancer.
[0047] The pomegranate fruit consists of a leathery pericarp,
containing numerous arils, each a single seed surrounded by a
translucent juice-containing sac. Thin membranes extend into the
interior of the fruit from the pericarp, providing a latticework
for suspending the arils. Thus, the fruit itself gives rise to
three parts: the seeds, about 3% of the weight of the fruit, and
themselves containing about 20% oil, the juice, about 30% of the
fruit weight, and the peel (pericarp) which also includes the
interior network of membranes.
Punicalagins
[0048] Punicalagins A and B are a subclass of ellagitannins found
to be important for commercial pomegranate juice's antioxidant and
health benefits. Punicalagins are also found in other plants of the
Combretaceae family: in the leaves of Terminalia catappa L., in the
fruits of Terminalia citrina (Gaertn.) Roxb., in the roots of
Terminalia macroptera Guill. & Perr., in the leaves of
Terminalia myriocarpa Van Heurck & Mull. Arg., in the leaves of
Terminalia oblongata F. Muell., in the leaves of Combretum molle R.
Br. ex G. Don. and in the leaves of Lumnitzera racemosa Willd.
Punicalins
[0049] Punicalin is an ellagitannin. The term punicalins as
understood herein relates to punicalins A and B as well as
punicalin isomers.
Punicosides
[0050] As understood herein, the term punicosides refers to the
punicalagins and punicalins, including punicalagin A and B,
punicalins A and B and punicalin isomers.
Rhizome
[0051] A rhizome is a modified subterranean stem of a plant that is
usually found underground, often sending out roots and shoots from
its nodes.
Semen
[0052] Semen, also known as seminal fluid, is an organic fluid that
may contain spermatozoa. It is secreted by the gonads (sexual
glands) and other sexual organs of male or hermaphroditic animals
and can fertilize female ova.
Semen Quality
[0053] Semen quality is a measure of the ability of semen to
accomplish fertilization. Thus, it is a measure of fertility in a
male subject. Semen quality involves both sperm quantity and
quality. Decreased semen quality is a major factor of male
infertility. Semen quality can be assessed by semen analyses.
Examples of parameters measured in a semen analysis are: sperm
count, motility, morphology, volume, fructose level and pH.
Sperm Motility
[0054] This term refers to the ability of spermatozoa to move
forward. In the present context, the term is to be understood as
referring also to the motility grade, where the motility of sperm
are divided into four different grades: [0055] Grade a: Sperm with
progressive motility. These are the strongest and swim fast in a
straight line. [0056] Grade b: (non-linear motility): These also
move forward but tend to travel in a curved or crooked motion.
[0057] Grade c: These have non-progressive motility because they do
not move forward despite the fact that they move their tails.
[0058] Grade d: These are immotile and fail to move at all.
Spermatogenesis
[0059] Spermatogenesis is the process by which male primordial germ
cells called spermatogonia undergo meiosis, and produce a number of
cells termed spermatozoa. The initial cells in this pathway are
called primary spermatocytes.
Total Motile Sperm Count (TMSC)
[0060] Total motile sperm count (TMSC) or Total motile spermatozoa
(TMS) is a combination of sperm count, motility and volume,
measuring how many million sperm cells in an entire ejaculate are
motile. The TMSC is defined as: ejaculate volume.times.spermatozoa
concentration.times.percentage of motile spermatozoa.
Volatility and Semi-Volatility
[0061] Volatility is the tendency of a substance to vaporize.
Volatility is directly related to a substance's vapour pressure. At
a given temperature, a substance with higher vapour pressure
vaporizes more readily than a substance with a lower vapour
pressure. Volatile compounds are compounds that have a high vapour
pressure at ordinary, room-temperature conditions. Their high
vapour pressure results from a low boiling point, which causes
large numbers of molecules to evaporate or sublimate from the
liquid or solid form of the compound and enter the surrounding air.
A semi-volatile compound is a compound which has a boiling point
higher than water and which may vaporize when exposed to
temperatures above room temperature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0062] The present invention relates to a composition comprising a
dry preparation I of Alpinia galanga or Alpinia conchigera rhizomes
and an extract II comprising compounds with anti-oxidant activity.
Within the scope of the invention are also compositions comprising
a dry preparation I, comprising essentially all the semi-volatile
and non-volatile compounds of Alpinia galanga or Alpinia conchigera
rhizomes. Using such a composition surprisingly results in an
average increase in total motile sperm count of up to 74%.
Dry Preparation I
[0063] The dry preparation I is obtainable from Alpinia galanga or
Alpinia conchigera, preferably by the method comprising the steps
of: [0064] i) providing non-dried rhizomes of Alpinia galanga or
Alpinia conchigera; [0065] ii) freeze-drying said rhizomes for a
duration such that the water content of said rhizomes is below 15%;
[0066] iii) pulverizing said freeze-dried rhizomes at a temperature
lower than 50.degree. C.; said dry preparation comprising
essentially all the non-volatile and semi-volatile compounds of
Alpinia galanga or Alpinia conchigera. The dry preparation I
comprises essentially all the non-volatile compounds and
semi-volatile compounds of Alpinia galanga or Alpinia
conchigera.
[0067] Preferred methods for producing the dry preparation I of
Alpinia galanga or Alpinia conchigera result in a dry preparation I
comprising essentially all the semi-volatile and non-volatile
compounds of Alpinia galanga or Alpinia conchigera. The dry
preparation I may also comprise volatile compounds of A. galanga or
A. conchigera. The compounds which may be comprised in the dry
preparation I include, but are not limited to: i) phenylpropanoids,
including, but not limited to, 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate
(ACA), 1'S-1'-acetoxyeugenol acetate (AEA) and
1'S-1'-hydroxychavicol acetate (HCA); ii) essential oils,
including, but not limited to, 1,8-cineole; iii) minerals,
including, but not limited to, magnesium, calcium, potassium and
manganese. The dry preparation I may also comprise degradation
products of the compounds present in fresh A. galanga or A.
conchigera rhizomes, such as, but not limited to:
1'-hydroxychavicol acetate, p-acetoxycinnamic alcohol, p-coumaryl
diacetate. The invention further relates to a dry preparation I
comprising one or more of the following: phenylpropanoids, such as
1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA), 1'S-1'-acetoxyeugenol
acetate, 1'S-1'-hydroxychavicol acetate, p-hydroxycinnamaldehyde,
p-coumaryl-diacetate, trans-coniferyl-diacetate, trans-p-coumaryl
alcohol, trans-p-hydroxycinnamyl acetate, p-acetoxycinnamyl
alcohol, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, chavicol acetate, chavicol,
methyl-eugenol, eugenol, eugenol acetate, methyl cinnamate;
terpenes and related compounds, including monoterpenes and
sesquiterpenes, such as 1,8-cineole, .alpha.-pinene,
.delta.-pinene, .alpha.-terpineol, terpinen-4-ol or 4-terpineol,
camphene, camphor, myrcene, (Z)-.beta.-ocimene, limonene, linalool,
fenchyl acetate, geranyl acetate, bornyl acetate, citronellyl
acetate, 2-acetoxy-1,8-cineole, 3-acetoxy-1,8-cineole, guaiol,
.beta.-famesene, .beta.-bisabolene, (Z,E)-farnesol,
.beta.-caryophyllene, .alpha.-bergamotene.
[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the rhizomes of A. galanga or A.
conchigera provided for preparing the dry preparation I are fresh
rhizomes. The apical shoots may be removed, or the rhizomes may
still comprise at least one apical shoot. The stems may be removed,
or the rhizomes may still comprise at least one stem. In one
embodiment, the harvested rhizomes are stored frozen at a
temperature between -20 and 0.degree. C. until drying. In other
embodiments, the harvested rhizomes are stored at a temperature
between 0 and 25.degree. C. until drying, such as at a temperature
between 0 and 20.degree. C., such as at a temperature between 0 and
15.degree. C., such as at a temperature between 0 and 10.degree.
C., preferably at a temperature between 0 and 5.degree. C. The
rhizomes may be intact, or preferably cut or sliced prior to
drying, for example they may be cut longitudinally in order to
increase the exposed surface of the rhizomes, thus facilitating the
drying process.
[0069] The dry preparation I contains preferably at least 1%
1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate, such as at least 1.5%
1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate, such as at least 2%
1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate, such as at least 2.5%, such as at
least 3%, such as at least 3.5%, such as at least 4%, such as at
least 4.5%, such as at least 5%, such as at least 5.5%, such as at
least 6%, such as at least 6.5%, such as at least 7%, such as at
least 7.5%, such as at least 8%. Without being bound by theory, the
inventors hypothesise that the contents of ACA are indicative of
the contents of the components of A. galanga or A. conchigera which
are prone to hydrolysis and/or degradation.
[0070] The freeze-drying may be performed at temperatures greater
than 25.degree. C. Preferably, the drying process comprises the
steps of: [0071] i) Freezing the rhizomes to a temperature of about
-18 or -20.degree. C.; [0072] ii) Applying vacuum until the
pressure is stable and in the range of 1.5 to 1.7 mb; the pressure
may be maintained stable by supplying e.g. nitrogen; [0073] iii)
Increasing the temperature to start the drying process; [0074] iv)
Drying at a given temperature; [0075] v) Eliminating the
vacuum.
[0076] Thus, freeze-drying comprises the steps necessary to allow
sublimation of the water comprised in the material to be
freeze-dried, i.e. the rhizomes. The drying temperature applied in
step iv) is above 0.degree. C., such as up to 10.degree. C., up to
20.degree. C., up to 30.degree. C., up to 40.degree. C., up to
50.degree. C., up to 60.degree. C., up to 70.degree. C., up to
80.degree. C., up to 90.degree. C. The drying temperature applied
in step iv) may preferably be greater than 25.degree. C., such as
30.degree. C., such as 37.degree. C., such as 40.degree. C., such
as 47.degree. C., such as 50.degree. C., such as 52.degree. C.,
such as 60.degree. C., such as 70.degree. C., such as 80.degree.
C., such as 90.degree. C.
[0077] In some embodiments, the freeze-dried rhizomes have a water
content less than 15%, such as less than 14%, such as less than
13%, such as less than 12%, such as less than 11%, such as less
than 10%, such as less than 9%, such as less than 8%, such as less
than 7%, such as less than 6%, such as less than 5%.
[0078] It will be obvious to the skilled man that the temperatures
and the durations used for each of the steps involved in the
freeze-drying may vary depending e.g. on parameters such as the
performance of the oven, on the pressure used, on the age of the
rhizomes, on the extent of chopping or cutting of the roots.
[0079] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise milling
the dry preparation I by methods known in the art, resulting in a
powder.
[0080] The milling of the dry preparation I is preferably performed
at a temperature suitable for preventing hydrolysis of volatile
compounds such as ACA. Thus milling is preferably performed at a
temperature lower than 50.degree. C., such as lower than 40.degree.
C., such as lower than 35.degree. C., such as lower than 30.degree.
C. Without being bound by theory, the inventors hypothesize that
high temperatures may accelerate hydrolysis of ACA in the
freeze-dried rhizomes, which still contain some water. Thus milling
is preferably performed on a miller equipped with a cooling system
in order to maintain the temperature within a suitable range
despite the milling process being exothermic.
[0081] In some embodiments, the milling step comprises at least one
step of down-sizing. The down-sizing may be performed in a miller
equipped with a screen, wherein the screen has an opening smaller
than 15 mm, such as 12 mm, such as 10 mm, such as 5 mm, such as 4
mm, such as 3 mm, such as 2 mm, such as 1 mm.
[0082] In some embodiments, the at least one step of down-sizing is
three steps of down-sizing performed in the following order: [0083]
i) down-sizing on a 12 mm screen; [0084] ii) down-sizing on a 2 mm
screen; [0085] iii) down-sizing on a 1 mm screen.
[0086] Performing multiple steps of down-sizing may facilitate the
down-sizing process by first sorting out the bigger particles,
whereby further down-sizing of the selected particles is
easier.
[0087] In some embodiments, the resulting down-sized powder thus
comprises particles having a size smaller than the smallest size of
any screen used in the down-sizing process. It will be obvious to
the skilled person that the choice of the screen depends on the
desired particle size. The step of milling and/or the at least one
step of down-sizing preferably result in a substantially homogenous
dry preparation I, wherein the components of the rhizomes of A.
galanga or A. conchigera are substantially evenly distributed.
[0088] In some embodiments, the dry preparation I is substantially
homogenous.
[0089] In a preferred embodiment, the dry preparation I is
formulated as an ingestible preparation, such as, but not limited
to, a tablet, a pill, a capsule or a powder. It may also be
formulated as a food additive or as a dietary supplement, a medical
food or food for special medical purpose. The methods for
formulating the dry preparation I may be any method known by the
skilled man. The formulation may comprise other ingredients and may
comprise coating.
[0090] In some embodiments, any additional formulation steps are
performed at a temperature lower than 50.degree. C., such as lower
than 40.degree. C., such as lower than 35.degree. C., such as lower
than 30.degree. C.
[0091] The dry preparation I of A. galanga or A. conchigera may be
obtained by the above method, further comprising the steps of: i)
transferring the dry preparation to a gas-tight sealed container,
said container containing an oxygen-free gas; ii) optionally,
heating said container at a temperature comprised between
50.degree. C. and 90.degree. C., such as between 60.degree. C. and
80.degree. C., such as between 70.degree. C. and 80.degree. C.,
such as at 75.degree. C. The oxygen-free gas may be nitrogen, or
any other oxygen-free gas which will prevent growth of aerobic
microorganisms. The dry preparation I should be stored in the
container for a duration such that the titres in aerobic
microorganisms, whether facultative or mandatory aerobes, are
greatly decreased. For example, the dry preparation I is stored in
the container containing oxygen-free gas for a duration of at least
5 days, such as at least 6 days, such as at least 7 days, such as
at least 8 days, such as at least 9 days, such as at least 10 days,
such as 11 days, such as 12 days, such as 13 days, preferably for
at least 14 days, such as 15 days, such as 16 days.
[0092] The gas-tight sealed container containing the oxygen-free
gas and the dry preparation I of A. galanga or A. conchigera may
further be heated at a temperature comprised between 50.degree. C.
and 90.degree. C., such as between 60.degree. C. and 80.degree. C.,
such as between 70.degree. C. and 80.degree. C., such as at
75.degree. C. to ensure that growth of the remaining aerobic
microorganisms and growth of the anaerobic microorganisms is
inhibited. The container may be heated for a duration such that the
total bacterial count in the dry preparation I is low.
Surprisingly, such heating does not cause low ACA recovery in the
dry preparation (see example 1).
[0093] Other methods known in the art may be used to reduce the
total bacterial counts in the dry preparation I, such as, but not
limited to: chemical sterilisation, irradiation, gas sterilisation,
high pressure.
[0094] Specific embodiments of the invention have total bacteria
counts such that ingestion of the present dry preparation I is
regarded as safe and non-hazardous. For example, Salmonella species
should be absent from a 25 g sample of the preparation, as
recommended in general food safety guidelines (Guidelines on the
Evaluation of Pathogenic Microorganisms in Food, Ministry for Food,
Agriculture and Fishing, Denmark, 1999; Regulation (EC) No
2160/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 Nov.
2003 on the control of Salmonella and other specified food-borne
zoonotic agents). Escherichia coli counts should be within the
acceptable range of less than 100 per g of preparation. Such
preparations are considered essentially devoid of
microorganisms.
[0095] Also provided herein is a method for preparing a granulate
powder of Alpinia galanga or Alpinia conchigera, said method
comprising the steps of: [0096] i) providing a dry preparation of
Alpinia galanga or Alpinia conchigera; [0097] ii) binding said dry
preparation with a binder solution comprising a binder dissolved in
an essentially pure organic solvent, said binder solution being
essentially devoid of water; [0098] iii) removing the organic
solvent; wherein steps ii) and iii) are performed at a temperature
lower than 50.degree. C., such as lower than 40.degree. C., such as
lower than 35.degree. C., such as 30.degree. C.
[0099] Examples of suitable binders include, but are not limited
to: saccharides and derivatives thereof: disaccharides, e.g.
sucrose or lactose, polysaccharides and derivatives thereof, e.g.
starches, cellulose or modified cellulose such as microcrystalline
cellulose and cellulose ethers such as hydroxypropyl cellulose
(HPC); sugar alcohols and derivatives thereof, e.g. xylitol,
sorbitol or maltitol; proteins, e.g. gelatin; synthetic polymers,
e.g. polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyethylene glycol (PEG).
Preferably, the binder is a solution binder. In one embodiment, the
binder is PVP, for example PVP90.
[0100] Suitable organic solvents include solvents which are
essentially pure and devoid of water. Without being bound by
theory, the inventors believe that it is important that the solvent
is devoid of water in order to prevent hydrolysis of ACA and other
compounds of Alpinia galanga or Alpinia conchigera.
[0101] In some embodiments, the organic solvent is ethanol or
isopropanol. It will be understood that any organic solvent capable
of dissolving a binder to obtain a suitable binder solution can be
used.
[0102] The skilled person will know in which mass ratio the binder
should be dissolved in the organic solvent. Thus in some
embodiments, suitable solvent/binder_mass ratios are comprised
between 80:20 and 98:2, such as 85:15 and 96:4, such as 87:13 and
94:6, such as 89:11 and 92:8, such as 91.5:8.5.
[0103] In some embodiments, the organic solvent is at least 90%
pure, such as at least 95% pure, such as at least 96% pure, such as
at least 97% pure, such as at least 98% pure, such as at least 99%
pure, such as 99.5% pure, such as 100% pure. Thus in some
embodiments the organic solvent is ethanol which is at least 90%
pure, such as at least 95% pure ethanol, such as at least 96% pure
ethanol, such as at least 97% pure ethanol, such as at least 98%
pure ethanol, such as at least 99% pure ethanol, such as 99.5% pure
ethanol, such as 100% pure ethanol. In other embodiments the
organic solvent is isopropanol which is at least 90% pure, such as
at least 95% pure isopropanol, such as at least 96% pure
isopropanol, such as at least 97% pure isopropanol, such as at
least 98% pure isopropanol, such as at least 99% pure isopropanol,
such as 99.5% pure isopropanol, such as 100% pure isopropanol.
[0104] The skilled person will know in which mass ratio the dry
preparation is dissolved in the binder solution. In some
embodiments, the dry preparation and the binder are contacted at a
mass ratio comprised between 80:20 and 98:2, such as 85:15 and
96:4, such as 87:13 and 94:6, such as 89:11 and 93:7, such as
92.5:7.5.
[0105] Preferably, at least one of steps ii) and iii) is performed
at a temperature of 30.degree. C. or less. Generally, it is
preferable to perform at least one of these steps at a temperature
where hydrolysis of ACA and other compounds of Alpinia galanga or
Alpinia conchigera is reduced. Thus in some embodiments, at least
steps ii) and iii) are performed at a temperature of 30.degree. C.
or less. In other embodiments, all of steps i), ii) and iii) are
performed at a temperature of 30.degree. C. or less.
[0106] The method for preparing a granulate powder of Alpinia
galanga or Alpinia conchigera may further comprise a milling
step.
[0107] The milling step is preferably performed at a temperature
suitable for preventing hydrolysis of volatile compounds such as
ACA. Thus milling is preferably performed at a temperature lower
than 50.degree. C., such as lower than 40.degree. C., such as lower
than 35.degree. C., such as lower than 30.degree. C. Without being
bound by theory, the inventors hypothesize that high temperatures
may accelerate hydrolysis of ACA in the freeze-dried rhizomes,
which still contain some water. Thus milling is preferably
performed on a miller equipped with a cooling system in order to
maintain the temperature within a suitable range despite the
milling process being exothermic.
[0108] In some embodiments, the milling step comprises at least one
step of down-sizing. The down-sizing may be performed in a miller
equipped with a screen, wherein the screen has an opening smaller
than 15 mm, such as 12 mm, such as 10 mm, such as 5 mm, such as 4
mm, such as 3 mm, such as 2 mm, such as 1 mm.
[0109] In some embodiments, the at least one step of down-sizing is
three steps of down-sizing performed in the following order: [0110]
i) down-sizing on a 12 mm screen; [0111] ii) down-sizing on a 2 mm
screen; [0112] iii) down-sizing on a 1 mm screen.
[0113] Performing multiple steps of down-sizing may facilitate the
down-sizing process by first sorting out the bigger particles,
whereby further down-sizing of the selected particles is
easier.
[0114] In some embodiments, the resulting down-sized granulate
powder thus comprises particles having a size smaller than the
smallest size of any screen used in the down-sizing process. It
will be obvious to the skilled person that the choice of the screen
depends on the desired particle size. The step of milling and/or
the at least one step of down-sizing preferably result in a
homogenous granulate powder, wherein the components of A. galanga
or A. conchigera are evenly distributed.
[0115] The dry preparation provided in step i) may be a powder. The
method for granulating such powder preferably results in a
granulate with a higher density than the powder provided in step
i). Thus in some embodiments, the granulate powder obtained by the
method of the invention has a density greater than 12 g/100 mL,
such as greater than 15 g/100 mL, such as greater than 20 g/100 mL,
such as greater than 22 g/100 mL, such as greater than 25 g/100 mL,
such as greater than 26 g/100 mL, such as 27 g/100 mL, such as 28
g/100 mL, such as 29 g/100 mL, such as 30 g/mL
[0116] In some embodiments, the granulate powder has an angle of
repose comprised between 30.degree. and 50.degree., such as between
35.degree. and 45.degree., such as between 36.degree. and
43.degree., such as between 37.degree. and 41.degree., such as
between 38.degree. and 40.degree., such as 39.degree..
[0117] The dry preparation provided in step i) may be obtained as
described above using one of the methods of the present
invention.
[0118] The present method may further comprise a step of coating
the granulate with a coating agent. Suitable coating agents are
known in the art. Water-based coating agents may be employed. Such
coating agents do not appear to accelerate hydrolysis of ACA.
[0119] In some embodiments, the granulate obtained by the present
method is substantially homogenous.
[0120] In other embodiments, all the steps of the method for
preparing a granulate are performed at a temperature of 30.degree.
C. or less.
[0121] In another embodiment, the dry preparation I of A. galanga
or A. conchigera comprises essentially all the non-volatile
compounds of A. galanga or A. conchigera; and at least 1%
1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate.
[0122] The dry preparation I is obtainable by the method described
herein and is essentially devoid of living microorganisms. It may
be formulated as an ingestible preparation, such as a tablet, a
pill, a capsule or a powder, as a dietary supplement, a food
additive, or a medical food or a food for special medical
purpose.
[0123] The dry preparation I of A. galanga or A. conchigera may be
used as a medicament or as a medical device.
[0124] The dry preparation I may be administered to a male subject
for enhancing male fertility. The male subject is preferably a
mammal, such as, but not limited to, a human or a domestic animal,
for example a bull, a sheep, a pig, a horse, a dog or a cat.
[0125] The dry preparation I may be administered together with an
extract II comprising compounds with anti-oxidative activity. The
extract II may be an extract of mashed fruits of Punica granatum
(pomegranate) or an extract of Terminalia catappa or of Terminalia
myriocarpa or of Combretum molle. Such extract may be obtained by
mashing the pericarp of the fruits, e.g. by mashing the remains of
squeezed fruits essentially devoid of juice followed by extraction.
Alternatively, whole fruits may be mashed or pulverised prior to
extraction. In other embodiments, the dry preparation I is
administered together with a plant extract II comprising at least
20% of punicalagins. In yet other embodiments, the plant from which
the extract II is obtained is a plant selected from the group
consisting of Punica granatum, Terminalia catappa, Terminalia
citrina. Terminalia oblongata and Lumnitzera racemosa. In other
embodiments, the plant extract II is obtainable from a plant
selected from the group consisting of Rosa rugosa, Rosa canina,
Aronia melanocarpa, Aronia prunifoloia, Aronia mitschurinii,
Euterpe oleracea, Vaccinium spp., Lycium barbarum, Lycium chinense.
The plant extract II may be obtained from Terminalia spp. or from
any plant comprising compounds with anti-oxidative activity.
Plant Extract II
[0126] The plant extract II is obtainable by methods known in the
art. The plant from which the extract II is obtained may be a plant
selected from the group consisting of Punica granatum, Terminalia
catappa, Terminalia citrina. Terminalia oblongata and Lumnitzera
racemosa. In other embodiments, the plant extract II is obtainable
from a plant selected from the group consisting of Rosa rugosa,
Rosa canina, Aronia melanocarpa, Aronia prunifoloia, Aronia
mitschurinii, Euterpe oleracea, Vaccinium spp., Lycium barbarum,
Lycium chinense. The extract II may be obtained from the pericarp
of Punica granatum, from the leaves of Terminalia catappa, from the
fruits of Terminalia citrina, from the roots of Terminalia
macroptera, from the leaves of Terminalia myriocarpa, from the
leaves of Terminalia oblongata, from the leaves of Combretum molle,
or from the leaves of Lumnitzera racemosa. The plant extract II may
be extracted from any Terminalia spp. comprising compounds with
anti-oxidative activity. Preferably, the extract is obtained from
the pericarp of Punica granatum, e.g. by mashing and extracting the
remains of squeezed fruits. The extract II is preferably a dry
extract, such as a powder or a granulate. In some embodiments, the
extract II may be obtained from the fruits of Rosa rugosa, Rosa
canina, Aronia melanocarpa, Aronia prunifoloia, Aronia
mitschurinii, Euterpe oleracea, Vaccinium sp., Lycium barbarum,
Lycium chinense. Other methods of preparing an extract II well
known in the art are also within the scope of the invention.
[0127] Specific embodiments relate to extracts II comprising at
least 40% polyphenols. The extract II preferably further comprises
at least 30% punicosides and/or at least 20% punicalagins.
Composition
[0128] The present compositions may be such that the ratio (w/w)
between the dry preparation I and the extract II is comprised in
the range of 10:1 to 1:10, preferably the ratio is 3:4., even more
preferably the ratio is 1:4 or 1:5.
[0129] In one embodiment, the composition comprising a dry
preparation I and an extract II comprising compounds with
anti-oxidative activity is a composition comprising a dry
preparation of A. galanga or A. conchigera and an extract of Punica
granatum. In some embodiments the composition is administered to a
subject with poor semen quality. Poor semen quality may be
reflected by a low total motile sperm count (TMSC), such as a
TMSC<15.times.10.sup.6. Poor semen quality may also be reflected
by low sperm motility. In some embodiments, administration of a
composition comprising the present dry preparation I of A. galanga
or A. conchigera and an extract II of pomegranate to a male subject
results in increased semen quality, for example it results in
increased TMSC and/or increased sperm motility and/or increased
spermatogenesis. Increased sperm motility may be reflected by an
improvement in the motility grade, such as an improvement from
grade d to grade c, from grade c to grade b, from grade b to grade
a.
[0130] Specific embodiments relate to the use of a composition as
disclosed herein for enhancing male fertility by administration to
a male subject for a duration of at least 30 days, such as at least
50 days, such as at least 100 days, such as at least 150 days.
Preferably, the composition is administered at least until the
subject has conceived offsprings.
[0131] Other embodiments relate to the use of a composition as
disclosed herein for enhancing male fertility by administration to
a male subject. Preferably, the dry preparation I in the
composition is at a dosage of at least 100 mg preparation/day, such
as at least 125 mg preparation/day, such as at least 250 mg
preparation/day, such as between 250 and 3000 mg preparation/day,
preferably at least 500 mg preparation/day, such as 225 mg
preparation/day. Other embodiments relate to the use of a
composition for enhancing male fertility by administration to a
male subject at a dosage of at least 2 mg ACA/day.
[0132] In some embodiments, male fertility is enhanced by
administration of a dry preparation I of A. galanga or A.
conchigera and an extract II to a male subject. The extract II
comprises preferably at least 40% polyphenols, at least 30%
punicosides and/or at least 20% punicalagins. In some embodiments,
the composition is administered to a male subject at a dosage of at
least 75 mg punicalagins/day, such as between 75 mg/day and 600
mg/day, such as between 100 mg/day and 500 mg/day, preferably at
least 300 mg/day. In some embodiments, the dosage of punicosides is
at least 100 mg/day, such as between 100 mg/day and 800 mg/day,
such as between 100 mg/day and 600 mg/day, preferably at least 400
mg/day. The dosage of polyphenols is at least 125 mg/day, such as
between 125 mg/day and 1000 mg/day, such as between 123 mg/day and
700 mg/day, preferably at least 500 mg/day. In a preferred
embodiment, the composition comprises a dry preparation I of
Alpinia galanga rhizomes and an extract II of Punica granatum
pomace.
[0133] The present composition may be formulated in a formulation,
preferably an ingestible formulation, such as a medicament, a
dietary supplement, a food additive or a medical food or a food for
special medical purpose. The formulation may comprise other
ingredients, such as, but not limited to, an excipient, a coating
agent, a flavouring agent. The composition may be formulated as a
tablet, a pill, a capsule, a powder or a granulate. Other
formulations suited for the purpose will be obvious to the skilled
man and are also envisioned. Preferably, the dry preparation I is
homogenised prior to formulation of the composition. The
composition may be formulated as distinct formulations, wherein the
first device comprises the dry preparation I and the second device
comprises the extract II. Alternatively, the composition may be
formulated as a single formulation.
[0134] The present invention also relates to a method for
increasing the quality of semen, said method comprising the step of
administering a composition as described above to a male subject.
The composition may be administered as an ingestible medicament, as
a medical device, a dietary supplement, a food additive or a
medical food or a food for special medical purpose. Preferably, the
dry preparation I in the composition is at a dosage of at least 100
mg preparation I/day, such as at least 125 mg preparation I/day,
such as at least 250 mg preparation I/day, such as between 250 and
3000 mg preparation I/day, preferably at least 500 mg preparation
I/day, such as 225 mg preparation I/day. Other embodiments relate
to the use of a composition for enhancing male fertility by
administration to a male subject at a dosage of at least 2 mg
ACA/day, such as between 5 and 50 mg ACA/day, preferably at least
10 mg ACA/day. The extract II comprises preferably at least 40%
polyphenols, at least 30% punicosides and at least 20%
punicalagins. In some embodiments, the composition is administered
to a male subject at a dosage of at least 75 mg punicalagins/day,
such as between 75 mg/day and 600 mg/day, such as between 100
mg/day and 500 mg/day, preferably at least 300 mg/day. In some
embodiments, the dosage of punicosides is at least 100 mg/day, such
as between 100 mg/day and 800 mg/day, such as between 100 mg/day
and 600 mg/day, preferably at least 400 mg/day. The dosage of
polyphenols is at least 125 mg/day, such as between 125 mg/day and
1000 mg/day, such as between 125 mg/day and 700 mg/day, preferably
at least 500 mg/day. In a preferred embodiment, the composition
comprises a dry preparation I of Alpinia galanga rhizomes and an
extract II of Punica granatum pomace.
[0135] Also disclosed herein is a method for enhancing semen
quality in a male subject with low or normal sperm quality. The
subject may suffer from azoospermia, oligospermia, low total motile
sperm count, low sperm motility. The male subject may be human. The
invention is of particular interest for those men whose sperm
quality is decreased as a consequence of lifestyle, for example
because of smoking, high coffee consumption, stress, alcohol. In
other embodiments, the male subject is selected from the group
consisting of male domestic animals, especially animals for which
the production of offspring may be strongly desirable, such as, but
not limited to, a bull, a horse, a sheep, a pig, a rabbit, a dog or
a cat.
[0136] In another aspect, the present compositions may be
administered for preventing hypertension, hypotension, high density
lipid oxidation, low density lipid oxidation, atherosclerosis,
oxidative stress in the body, development of colds, urinary
infections, bacterial, viral or fungi infections, impotence, weight
variations, free radical-induced damage to DNA and cell membrane,
for regulating testosterone and/or total androgen levels in the
serum, for increasing endurance, mental or physical energy, for
reducing mental stress, for increasing potency or sexual
activity.
[0137] Based on the results shown in the examples below, the
inventors hypothesise that a combination of ACA and polyphenolic
compounds such as punicosides, including punicalagins and/or
punicalins, induces health benefits such as preventing
hypertension, hypotension, high density lipid oxidation, low
density lipid oxidation, atherosclerosis, oxidative stress in the
body, development of colds, urinary infections, bacterial, viral or
fungi infections, impotence, weight variations, free
radical-induced damage to DNA and cell membrane, for regulating
testosterone and/or total androgen levels in the serum, for
increasing endurance, mental or physical energy, for reducing
mental stress, for increasing potency or sexual activity.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0138] Fresh rhizomes of Alpinia galanga were harvested and the
stems growing from the rhizome were cut off at harvest 10-20 cm
above the base. The apical shoots were left intact on the rhizome.
The rhizomes were kept cool at all times (0-5.degree. C.). Shortly
prior to freeze-drying or freezing, the stems of the rhizomes were
cut at the base and the rhizomes split longitudinally in order to
facilitate the transfer of water vapours to the gas phase during
the freeze-drying process. After the splitting process, the
rhizomes were frozen at -18.degree. C. until freeze-drying.
[0139] The rhizomes were freeze-dried under the following
conditions:
[0140] Step 1:10 h at 47.degree. C.
[0141] Step 2: 6 h at 52.degree. C.
[0142] Step 3: 4 h decrease ramp to 37.degree. C.
[0143] Step 4: 90 min at 37.degree. C.
[0144] Step 5: Termination/elimination of vacuum
[0145] The pressure was maintained at 1.5 mb by supplying
nitrogen.
[0146] Microbiological counts were performed on the dried rhizomes
after freeze-drying (table 1).
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Microbiological counts on dried rhizomes
after freeze-drying. Method Tests Ref. Results Units MICROBIOLOGY
REPORT T.V.C 30.degree. c. 3 days SM01 160000 cfu/g Coliforms I
SM02 150000 cfu/g E. coli SM25 330 cfu/g B. cereus SM11 201 cfu/g
S. aureus SM07 <20 cfu/g C. perfringens SM29 <10 cfu/g Yeast
SM12 81000 cfu/g Mould SM12 <10 cfu/g
[0147] After drying, the water content in the A. galanga rhizome
was 2-5%.
[0148] The dried rhizomes were then transferred to a gas- and aroma
tight sealed foil bag and stored in an oxygen-free gas (Nitrogen)
for 14 days in order to eliminate or decrease the presence of
aerobic microorganisms.
[0149] Characteristics of the foil bag:
[0150] (WMPET12/DRY/LPDE Film 100) Total 114 .mu.m foil
thickness
[0151] Dimensions 720 mm(W)* 1190 mm (L)
Manufacturer: Won Ji Canada Corp.
[0152] After storage, the gas- and aroma tight bags with dried
rhizomes were transferred to a heating oven for 3 hours at
75.+-.3.degree. C. in order to further decrease the number of
microorganisms in the product.
[0153] Microbiological counts were performed on the dried rhizomes
after this step (table 3).
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Microbiological counts on dried rhizomes
after storage in nitrogen for 14 days and heating for 3 hours at 75
.+-. 3.degree. C. Analyse Result 56490 Aerobes, 30.degree. C./3 d.
280 56080 Yeast <10 56079 Mould <10 55106 Salmonella neg/25 g
56496 E. coli <10 55304 Enterobacteriaceae <10 56341 List.
monocytogenes neg/25 g 55323 Koag. pos. Staph. <10 92029
Pesticides SP201 Not detected 92030 Pesticides SP203 Not
detected
[0154] After freeze-drying, storage in oxygen-free nitrogen
atmosphere (<3% oxygen) and heating of the rhizomes in the foil
bags, analytical tests of the ACA levels were performed after
extraction with ethanol and subsequent GC-MS quantification. The
level of ACA in the dry roots was 4.03% (with 3% water content in
the rhizomes). An example of the GC-MS chromatogram of the
quantification of ACA recovered from the freeze-dried AG rhizomes
is presented in FIG. 1. Examples of GC chromatograms of extracts
from a preparation of freeze dried Alpinia galanga rhizomes (FIG.
1) and fresh rhizomes (FIG. 2) clearly illustrate that ACA
(1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate) is the most abundant compound in
Alpinia galanga rhizomes. Quantification was performed using a
calibration curve for the external ACA standard (FIG. 3).
Example 2
[0155] Alpinia galanga root powder (2 g) (Commercial extract 2) was
extracted with 10 ml dichloromethane in a closed Blue Cap flask (25
ml) overnight in the dark under stirring at room temperature. The
filtered dichloromethane extract was analyzed directly by GC-MS (70
eV). The major peak in the chromatogram (not shown) at retention
time 26.16 min has a molecular ion at m/z 164 and major fragment
ions at m/z 131 and 133 (base peaks), which indicates that it is
closely related to eugenol and/or chavicol. Search in the MS
database gave no obvious candidates but its molecular ion and its
fragments indicate that the compound could be 1-hydroxy chavicol
methyl ether. Furthermore, it can be concluded that the extract
contained only trace amounts of the characteristic marker compounds
of galanga roots such as 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA),
hydroxychavicol acetate (HCA) or 1'-S-1'-acetoxyeugenol acetate.
Table 3 shows a comparative analysis of several Alpinia galanga
preparations and their content in ACA.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Comparative analysis of A. galanga
preparations. Source Marker Method Content Commercial ACA GC-MS
Traces extract 1 Commercial ACA GC-MS Traces extract 2 Rhizomes ACA
GC-MS 4.03% (prepared as described herein)
Example 3
[0156] Here is shown an example of a formulation of the invention
based on a dry preparation of A. galanga (table 4).
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 mg/pr tablet Compound Function 190.910 Dried
powder of Alpinia galanga Active ingredient prepared according to
the procedures described above 18.000 Talc (E553b) 194.300
Cellulose, microcrystalline (E460) 54.270 Syloid AL1 (E551) 4.00
Magnesium steareate (E470b) 461.480 Total core tablet 1.000 Shellac
(E904) Part of the filmcoat 0.010 Copper complexes of Part of the
filmcoat - Chlorophylls (E14i) colouring agent 0.621 Propylene
glycol (E1520) Part of the filmcoat 1.055 Talc (E553b) Part of the
filmcoat 2.917 Titanium dioxide (E171) Part of the filmcoat 3.103
Pharmacoat 615 (Hydroxypropyl Part of the filmcoat methyl
cellulose) (E464) 8.706 Total film coat
Example 4
[0157] Table 5 shows an example of formulating tablets comprising a
dry preparation of A. galanga and an ethanolic extract of P.
granatum (pomace extract).
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 mg/pr tablet Compound Function 190.910 Dried
powder of Alpinia galanga Active ingredient prepared according to
the procedures described ealier in this section 250.000 Dried
powder extract Active ingredient (ethanolic/water) of Punica
granatum pomace (40% Punicosides) Talc (E553b) Cellulose,
microcrystalline (E460) Syloid AL1 (E551) Cellulose,
microcrystalline, magnesium stearate (E470b) Total core tablet
1.000 Shellac (E904) Part of the filmcoat 0.010 Copper complexes of
Part of the filmcoat - Chlorophylls (E14i) colouring agent 0.621
Propylene glycol (E1520) Part of the filmcoat 1.055 Talc (E553b)
Part of the filmcoat 2.917 Titanium dioxide (E171) Part of the
filmcoat 3.103 Pharmacoat 615 (Hydroxyoropyl Part of the filmcoat
methyl cellulose) (HPMC) (E464) 8.706 Total film coat
Example 5
Clinical Study
[0158] The effects of the administration of a dry preparation of A.
galanga together with an extract of P. granatum on semen quality
was investigated in male subjects in a randomized, double-blinded,
placebo-controlled clinical study. The purpose of the study was to
test the efficacy of treatment with the plant preparations compared
with placebo. The study period lasted 3 months (90 days) in order
to cover the full cycle of sperm production (72-74 days).
Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
[0159] Study participants were recruited from Nordic Cryobank
(rejected as sperm donors due to relatively low sperm counts), from
the Fertility Clinic at Region Hospital Horsens, Denmark, and
through advertising in local newspapers. Inclusion criteria were
two baseline sperm samples each showing a total number of motile
spermatozoa (TMSC) 5 200.times.10.sup.6. Potential study
participants which fulfilled this requirement should then fill out
a questionnaire about life style, former illness and medicine
consumption to ensure that the reason for inferior semen quality
was not due to obvious medicinal reasons, such as cryptorchidism or
genital tract infection. Another exclusion criterion was
azoospermia. Study participants were not examined by a medical
doctor prior to the inclusion. Otherwise study participants must be
at least 18 years old.
[0160] Upon termination of the study the participants completed
another questionnaire in order to examine the occurrence of any
negative or positive side effects.
Sample Collection
[0161] Semen samples were collected at Nordic Cryobank, Arhus, or
at Region Hospital Horsens. Samples collected at Nordic Cryobank
were stored at body temperature for a few hours before transport to
Region Hospital Horsens where they were analysed.
Study Participants
[0162] Within the time schedule for the study, it was possible to
recruit 70 men. Four of the men did not enter the study for unknown
reasons. Of the remaining 66 participants, 11 men had a semen
quality at baseline of TMSC.ltoreq.40.times.10.sup.6. Thus a
minority of the included men had normal semen quality as defined by
the TMSC.
[0163] Altogether 32 men received treatment while 34 men received
placebo. One study participant in the treatment group had only one
follow up value.
Randomization and Blinding
[0164] The randomisation unit was each individual. Study
participants were randomized equally to treatment or placebo within
blocks of 10.
[0165] Clinical investigator, laboratory technician, study
participants and statistician were blinded.
Measurement
[0166] Semen quality was measured twice before initiation of the
treatment with an interval of 4-10 days between the two
measurements. The average of these two measurements was designated
the baseline value. Semen quality was measured again 4-8 days after
initiation of treatment in order to test if there was an acute
effect of the treatment. Finally, semen quality was measured twice
at the end of the treatment period (90 days) with an interval
between the two measurements of 4-10 days. The average of these two
measurements was designated the follow-up value.
Primary Outcome
[0167] The primary outcome was change in semen quality expressed as
the total motile sperm count (TMSC)/ejaculate during the study
period. The TMSC is defined as: ejaculate volume.times.spermatozoa
concentration.times.percentage of motile spermatozoa. These three
parameters were measured according to the methods described in the
WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human
semen, 5.sup.th Edition, WHO (2010). The primary outcome was
calculated as the difference between the follow-up value and the
baseline value. The difference between the treatment group and
placebo group with respect to this outcome was analysed by an
unequal variance t-test.
[0168] This test takes into account variance heterogeneity between
the two groups and deviation from normal distribution. As a
confirming analysis all confidence intervals and p-values were
calculated by the bootstrap method.
Treatment Vs. Placebo
[0169] Both the treatment group and the placebo group had to take
2.times.4 tablets each day, 4 in the morning and 4 in the evening,
if possible in combination with a meal.
[0170] The daily treatment consisted of 4 tablets with extract of
Punica granatum and 4 tablets with Alpinia galanga (2 of each in
the morning and 2 of each in the evening). One tablet with P.
granatum contained 250 mg extract so that the total daily dose was
1 g. One tablet of A. galanga contained 191 mg pulverized material,
so that the total daily dose was 764 mg. The participants received
all the tablets at the beginning of the study in two separate
containers. The participants in the placebo group also received all
tablets in two different containers.
Daily Dose and Active Compounds of P. granatum Tablets
[0171] The daily dose of P. granatum extract was 1000 mg extract
pr. day. The contents of major ellagitannins in the tablets were
measured by HPLC-analyses with the following results:
[0172] 1.8-2.8 mg ellagic acid/tablet; 7.4-11 mg ellagic acid/4
tablets (daily dose)
[0173] 20-28 mg punicalagin A/tablet; 79-110 mg punicalagin A/4
tablets (daily dose)
[0174] 61-85 mg punicalagin B/tablet; 243-340 mg punicalagin B/4
tablets (daily dose)
[0175] 1.2 mg punicalin/tablet 4.7 mg punicalin/4 tablets (daily
dose)
[0176] Standards of punicalagin A and B were purchased from
Chromadex, while the standard of punicalin was purchased from
Stanford Chemicals. The standard of ellagic acid was purchased from
PhytoLab.
[0177] From these analysis results the content of the major
ellagitannins in the extract can be calculated: [0178] Punicalagin
A: 7.9-11% [0179] Punicalagin B: 24-34%
[0180] Thus the total content of punicalagin A+B is between 32% and
45%. This is accordance with information from the specification of
the extract which states that the total content of punicalagin A+B
in the extract is >30%.
Daily Dose and Active Compounds of A. galanga Tablets
[0181] The daily dose of galangal preparation was 763.64 mg pr. day
corresponding to approx. 7 g of fresh rhizome of A. galanga.
[0182] The content of ACA in the tablets was measured by
GC/MS-analysis with the following result:
[0183] 3.9 mg ACA/tablet; 16 mg ACA/4 tablets (daily dose)
[0184] The standard of ACA was purchased from PhytoLab.
[0185] The content of ACA in the tablets was diminishing over time
as shown in table 6. ACA is a semivolatile phenylpropanoid. At high
temperatures, ACA may be partly or fully converted to
1-hydroxychavicol acetate and/or p-acetoxycinnamic alcohol and/or
p-coumaryl diacetate.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 The reduction in ACA-content (%) of the
tablets as a function of elapsed time after production. Months
after production 1 5 12 21 Reduction in ACA-content (%) 0 22 35
48
[0186] The last analysis value at 21 months was the average of
tablets from two different containers stored at different
temperatures (approx. 5.degree. C. and room temperature,
respectively). Storage temperature did not seem to affect the
ACA-loss of the tablets.
Content of P. granatum Tablets
[0187] The P. granatum tablets contained the following ingredients
(per tablet):
[0188] 250 mg P. granatum extract standardized to 40% punicosides
(the ellagitanins punicalagins and punicalins). A 40% ethanolic
extraction of mashed P. granatum pomace (15-20:1) was followed by
spraydrying.
[0189] 2.55 mg silicon dioxide (E 551)
[0190] 75 mg sodium bicarbonate (E 500ii)
[0191] 122.2 mg microcrystalline cellulose (E 460)
[0192] 5 mg Syloid AL1 (E 551)
[0193] 5.25 mg magnesium stearate (E 470b)
Content of A. galanga Tablets
[0194] The A. galanga tablets contained the following ingredients
(per tablet):
[0195] 190.91 mg pulverized A. galanga
[0196] 18.00 mg talc (E 553b)
[0197] 194.30 mg microcrystalline cellulose (E 460)
[0198] 54.27 mg Syloid AD (E 551)
[0199] 4.00 mg magnesium stearate (E 470b)
Content of Placebo Tablets (P. granatum)
[0200] The placebo tablets matching the P. granatum tablets
consisted of the following ingredients (per tablet):
[0201] 167.6 mg sodium bicarbonate (E 500ii) 296.6 mg
microcrystalline cellulose (E 460)
[0202] 2.35 mg Syloid AL1 (E 551)
[0203] 5.15 mg magnesium stearate (E 470b)
Content of Placebo Tablets (A. galanga)
[0204] The placebo tablets matching the A. galanga tablets
consisted of the following ingredients (per tablet):
[0205] 460.85 mg microcrystalline cellulose (E 460)
[0206] 6.00 mg Syloid AL1 (E 551)
[0207] 5.15 mg magnesium stearate (E 470b)
Coating
[0208] All tablets were coated with a white film coat consisting of
the following compounds (per tablet):
[0209] 1,000 mg shellac (E 904)
[0210] 0.621 mg propylene glycol (E 1520)
[0211] 1.055 mg talc (E 553b)
[0212] 2.917 mg titanium dioxide (E 171)
[0213] 3.103 mg hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (E 464)
[0214] Furthermore, the A. galanga tablets and matching placebo
tablets were coloured with the following food colouring:
[0215] 0.01 mg copper complexes of chlorophylls (E 141i).
Results
[0216] Administration of a combination of a newly developed
composition of Alpinia galanga and Punica granatum induced an
average 62% increase (P=0.026) in TMSC for men with inferior semen
quality following 90 days of treatment (Table 7). In the first half
of the study where the content of ACA in the A. galanga composition
was highest, the average increase in sperm counts was 74% (P=0.045)
(Table 7). No effects on the sperm counts were observed after only
1 week of treatment (Table 7), indicating that the observed
positive effects can be explained by a positive influence on
spermatogenesis rather than an antioxidative protection of the
mature sperm cells prior to or after ejaculation.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Average of total motile sperm counts for the
two treatment groups A = Alpinia galanga + Punica granatum, B =
placebo Treatment A B (n = 32) (n = 34) Difference P-value Baseline
23.4 (14.3; 32.4) 19.9 (12.0; 27.8) 3.5 (-8.3; 15.3) 0.56
Initiating treatment 23.6 (14.4; 32.8) 20.1 (12.1; 28.1) 3.5 (-8.4;
15.4) 0.56 Follow-up 37.8 (23.6; 52.1) 23.9 (14.2; 33.6) 14.0
(-3.0; 30.9) 0.10 Initiating treatment - 0.2 (-1.9; 2.4) 0.2 (-3.3;
3.6) 0.1 (-4.0; 4.1) 0.98 baseline Follow-up - baseline 14.5 (6.8;
22.1) 4.0 (-1.3; 9.3) 10.5 (1.3; 19.7) 0.026
[0217] The increases in TMSC from baseline to follow up for each
participant in the plant group and placebo group are shown in FIG.
4.
Example 6
[0218] Analysis of a number of dry A. galanga extracts sold as raw
material for food supplements showed very low or no ACA content in
the products analyzed. The ACA content in fresh rhizomes is
relatively high (up to 11% DW). It is possible that the
considerable, or in some cases, total, loss of ACA in the final
products, may be caused by either 1) one or more of the
methodological steps converting the fresh rhizomes to dry powders
suitable for incorporation in tablets and/or 2) loss during storage
prior to or after the preparation of the dry extracts or
tablets.
[0219] Breakdown of the major active compound in A. galanga, ACA,
may be initiated by hydrolysis in the presence of water and raised
temperatures.
[0220] Further, our initial tests on the preparations of A.
galangal produced by milling the freeze dried rhizomes into powder,
showed, that the fibers of the rhizome have a different density and
structure than the remainder components produced by the milling
process. It was not possible to incorporate this inhomogeneous
mixture of light fibers and heavier components evenly into tablets,
i.e., the first tablets produced would have a higher proportion of
the heavier fragments compared to those produced at the end of the
tablet production process because the smaller and heavier fragments
would move to the bottom of the funnel feeding the material into
the tablet machine.
[0221] In order to obtain an even distribution of fibers and other
fractions in the tablets a water-free and low-temperature method
for granulation of the dry preparation was developed.
[0222] Prior to freeze-drying, the rhizomes were split or chopped
as described above.
[0223] Subsequently, the split or chopped freeze-dried rhizomes
were milled on a Co-mill equipped with air cooling system in order
to avoid heating of the rhizomes during the grating process. The
tough fibres present in the rhizomes cause significant friction in
the grating process. Our initial experiments showed that the
temperature in the powder would reach 50.degree. C. or more which
is expected to accelerate the hydrolysis of ACA. We therefore
applied a standard air cooling system to the miller which kept the
temperature below 30.degree. C. GC quantification of the ACA
content showed no significant loss of ACA following milling using
the cooling system and the following sequence of down-sizing on a
series of screens: first a 12 mm screen, then a 2 mm screen and
finally a 1 mm screen. The distribution of particle sizes using
this series of screens is presented in table 8.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Distribution of particle sizes following
milling with three down-sizing steps using initially a 12 mm
screen, then a 2 mm screen and finally a 1 mm screen. Particle
size, .mu.m Distribution, percent 2000-1000 0.10 1000-500 28.90
500-250 35.90 250-125 21.40 125-63 12.00 63-45 1.70 <45 0.0
Total 100
[0224] As mentioned above, the powder needs to be brought into a
homogeneous mixture with higher density in order to be incorporated
into tablets.
[0225] For this purpose a standard procedure in the industry has
been to apply a binder (e.g. Polyvinylpyrrolidone) dissolved in a
relatively high percentage of water and e.g. organic solvent such
as ethanol. We developed a procedure dissolving the binder (7.5%
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP 90)) in 99.5% ethanol in order to reduce
hydrolysis of ACA. Further the temperature was decreased to
30.degree. C. This is important as there is still some water
present in the freeze-dried roots, which may hydrolyse ACA or other
compounds. The granulation process took place in vacuum at
40-50.degree. C. After granulation, the solvent was dried off under
vacuum at a temperature lower than 30.degree. C. This caused no
significant loss of ACA.
[0226] PVP90 was dissolved in 99.5% ethanol (91.5% w/w ethanol,
8.5% w/w PVP90). A dry preparation of A. galanga was mixed with
PVP90 as binder (92.5% w/w dry preparation, 7.5% w/w PVP90).
Tablets were manufactured, each tablet weighing 457.50 mg, and
containing 7.50 mg coating and 120 mg granulate (corresponding to
111 mg of the dry preparation).
[0227] The granulation process caused the density of the powder to
increase from 12 g/100 ml to 27 g/100 ml (Angle of
repose:)39.degree.. The granulated powder was further milled on a
Co-mil using a 1 mm screen. The granulated powder was now suitable
for incorporation into tablets.
[0228] We compared the ACA content in the freeze-dried rhizomes
with that of the powder (prior to granulation) and also with the
ACA content following granulation. The ACA content in the three
products was not statistically different (between 7.9% and 8.1%),
showing that the processes described here, preserve the ACA content
in the freeze-dried roots.
[0229] The granulated powder was incorporated into tablets using a
standard procedure in the industry. This procedure caused no
significant change in the ACA content of the granulated powder
(between 7.9 and 8.1%).
REFERENCES
[0230] Islam, M. W., Zakaria, M. N. M., Radhakrishnan, R., Liu,
X.-M., Ismail, A., Chan, K., and Al-Attas, A. (2000): Galangal
(Alpinia galanga Willed.) and Black seeds (Nigella sativa Linn.)
and sexual stimulation in male mice. Journal of Pharmacy and
Pharmacology 52 (Suppl.), 278-278.
[0231] Leiva, K. P., Rubio, J., Peralta, F., and Gonzales, G. F.
(2011): Effect of Punica granatum (pomegranate) on sperm production
in male rats treated with lead acetate. Toxicol. Mech. Methods 21,
6, 495-502.
[0232] Qureshi, S., Shah, A. H., and Ageel, A. M. (1992): Toxicity
Studies on Alpinia-Galanga and Curcuma-Longa. Planta Medica 58, 2,
124-127.
[0233] Turk, G., Sonmez, M., Aydin, M., Yuce, A., Gur, S., Yuksel,
M., Aksu, E. H., and Aksoy, H. (2008): Effects of pomegranate juice
consumption on sperm quality, spermatogenic cell density,
antioxidant activity and testosterone level in male rats. Clinical
Nutrition 27, 2, 289-296.
* * * * *