Composition containing as the active ingredient componantes from salvia sclarea seed

Abstract

The present invention concerns a food supplement comprising Salvia sclarea seeds, or flour, oil or pulp or extracts obtained from the seeds as well as finished food products comprising the food supplement. The present invention further concerns a nutraceutical or cosmetic preparation comprising as an active ingredient Salvia sclarea seeds, or flour, oil or pulp or extracts obtained from the seeds.

1 . A composition, for use as a food supplement, comprising as an active ingredient a composition of matter selected from: 
 (a)  Salvia sclarea  seed;    (b)  Salvia sclarea  seed oil in an essentially pure form;    (c) extracts from  Salvia sclarea  seeds;    (d)  Salvia sclarea  seed crushed or milled to form a flour or powder; and    (e)  Salvia sclarea  seed pulp.    
   
   
       2 . A composition according to  claim 1  consisting essentially of a composition of matter selected from: 
 (a)  Salvia sclarea  seed;    (b)  Salvia sclarea  seed oil in an essentially pure form;    (c) extracts from  Salvia sclarea  seeds;    (d)  Salvia sclarea  seed crushed or milled to form a flour or powder; and    (e)  Salvia sclarea  seed pulp.    
   
   
       3 . A composition according to  claim 1  further comprising a carrier suitable for consumption.  
   
   
       4 . A composition according to claim  1 (b) wherein the essentially pure oil is obtained by: 
 (a) crushing and pressing the  Salvia sclarea  seed;    (b) separating the oily phase of the crushed and pressed seed; and optionally;    (c) purifying the separated oily phase.    
   
   
       5 . A composition according to claim  4 (b) wherein the separation of the oily phase is obtained by centrifugation of the crushed and pressed seed and collection of the supernatant.  
   
   
       6 . A composition according to claim  4 (b) wherein the separation of the oil phase is obtained by extraction with volatile solvents, followed by evaporation of the solvents by application of heat or vacuum or a combination of heat and vacuum.  
   
   
       7 . A composition according to claim  4 (b) wherein the oil is separated by the use of liquid CO 2  or liquid nitrogen.  
   
   
       8 . Use of a composition of matter selected from: 
 (a)  Salvia sclarea  seed;    (b)  Salvia sclarea  seed oil in an essentially pure form;    (c) extracts from  Salvia sclarea  seeds;    (d)  Salvia sclarea  seed crushed or milled to form a flour or powder; and    (e)  Salvia sclarea  seed pulp.    for the preparation of a food supplement.    
   
   
       9 . A nutraceutical composition comprising a nutraceutically acceptable carrier and as an active ingredient a composition of matter selected from: 
 (a)  Salvia sclarea  seed;    (b)  Salvia sclarea  seed oil in an essentially pure form;    (c) extracts from  Salvia sclarea  seeds;    (d)  Salvia sclarea  seed crushed or milled to form a flour or powder; and    (e)  Salvia sclarea  seed pulp  Salvia sclarea  seed oil in an essentially pure form.    
   
   
       10 . A nutraceutical composition according to  claim 9  for the treatment of a disease or disorder wherein a therapeutically beneficial effect may be evident by increase in the level of at least one omega-3 fatty acid.  
   
   
       11 . A nutraceutical composition according to  claim 10  wherein the disease or disorder is selected from: arthrosclerosis, coronary artery disease, chronic inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis and IBD, diabetes, cancer, prevention of blood vessels from closing after vascular surgery, relieving symptoms of psoriasis, skin wrinkles and depression and mood disorders  
   
   
       12 . A cosmetic composition comprising a cosmetically acceptable carrier and as an active ingredient  Salvia sclarea  seed oil in an essentially pure form.  
   
   
       13 . A composition according to  claim 12 , wherein said cosmetic composition is designed to prevent wrinkling of skin, or to ensure skin health.  
   
   
       14 . Use of  Salvia sclarea  seed oil in an essentially pure form for the preparation of a nutraceutical composition.  
   
   
       15 . Use according to  claim 14  wherein the medicament is for the treatment of a disease or a disorder wherein a therapeutically beneficial effect may be evident by increase in the level of at least one omega-3 fatty acid.  
   
   
       16 . Use according to  claim 15  wherein the disease or condition is selected from: arthrosclerosis, coronary artery disease, chronic inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis and IBD, diabetes, cancer, prevention of blood vessels from closing after vascular surgery, relieving symptoms of psoriasis, skin wrinkles and depression and mood disorders.  
   
   
       17 . A food product comprising the food supplement of  claim 1 .  
   
   
       18 . A food product according to  claim 17 , comprising whole seeds of  Salvia sclarea , the food product selected from: granola-like cereals, granola-like snake bars, food stuff for hens, food stuff for cattle, whole breads, rolls, crackers and biscuits.  
   
   
       19 . A food product according to  claim 17  comprising  Salvia sclarea  seeds, ground or milled to produce flour/powder, the food product selected from: granola-like cereals, granola-like snake bars, food stuff for hens, cows, a or fish, whole breads, rolls, crackers, biscuits, pasta and other baked goods; thickener in gravy, soup, dips, dressings and other prepared food.  
   
   
       20 . A food product according to  claim 17  comprising  salvia sclarea  seeds oil, the food product selected from: oily pastes or dips, Tehini, Humus, oils and paste in sesame oil or sesame paste, margarine, margarine-like- spreads, salad dressings, fish oil, caviar-like products.  
   
   
       21 . A food product according to  claim 17 , comprising  Salvia sclarea  pulp, the food product selected from: low calorie baked products, low calorie drinks and low calorie shakes.