Efficient method for producing compositions enriched in total phenols

Abstract

This invention provides a process for the preparation of compositions enriched in total phenols from a crude plant extract. The process includes a novel column purification step using a brominated polystyrene resin. This invention also includes compositions enriched in total phenols. The enriched compositions are characterized as containing monomeric, oligomeric and polymeric phenols and having HPLC chromatograms substantially as set forth in FIGS. 10 - 13 . This invention encompasses methods of using the total phenol-enriched compositions for treating warm-blooded animals, including humans, infected with paramyxovaridae such as respiratory syncytial virus, orthomyoxovaridae such as influenza A, B, and C, parainfluenza, Herpes viruses such as HSV-1 and HSV-2, and Flaviviruses such as West Nile Virus, and for treating inflammation such as caused by arthritis, stress and digestive disease.

1 . A composition enriched in total phenols prepared without the addition of bisulfite ions from plant material comprising fruits and berries selected from the group consisting of blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, red currants, black currants and cherries, wherein said composition has an enriched total phenol concentration greater than 12% and said composition exhibits in vitro COX-2 activity enhanced by a factor of at least 2.5 over a standard aspirin dose of 660 μg/mL.  
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the enriched total phenol concentration is greater than 25%.  
     
     
         3 . A composition enriched in total phenols prepared from plant material comprising fruits and berries selected from the group consisting of blueberries and cranberries, wherein said composition has an enriched total phenol concentration greater than 12% and said composition exhibits in vitro COX-2 activity enhanced by a factor of at least 2.5 over a standard aspirin dose of 660 μg/mL.  
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 3 , wherein the enriched total phenol concentration is greater than 25%.  
     
     
         5 . A composition enriched in total phenols prepared without the addition of bisulfite ions from plant material comprising fruits and berries selected from the group consisting of blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, plums, red currants, black currants and cherries, wherein said composition has an enriched total phenol concentration greater than 12.5% and said composition exhibits in vitro antiviral activity against a virus which is more potent than an ED 50  value of 100 μg/ML.  
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 5 , wherein the enriched total phenol concentration is greater than 25%.  
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 5 , wherein the virus is selected from the group consisting of influenza virus type A, influenza virus type B, rhinovirus type 2, Herpes simplex virus 1, Herpes simplex virus 2, parainfluenza virus, West Nile virus, Varicella-zoster virus, Rhinovirus Type 2, Adenovirus Type I, and Punta Toro A virus.  
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 7 , wherein the enriched total phenol concentration is greater than 25%.  
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 5 , wherein the selected berries are cranberries and/or blueberries.  
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 9 , wherein the virus is selected from the group consisting of influenza virus type A, influenza virus type B, rhinovirus type 2, Herpes simplex virus 1, Herpes simplex virus 2, parainfluenza virus, West Nile virus, Varicella-zoster virus, Rhinovirus Type 2, Adenovirus Type I, and Punta Toro A virus.  
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 10 , wherein the enriched total phenol concentration is greater than 25%