Use of Extracts of Capraria Biflora in the Prevention and/or Treatment of Senile Cataracts

Abstract

The invention provides methods for treating and/or preventing the recurrence of a senile cataract, and/or for inhibiting the development of a senile cataract and/or an incipient senile cataract, in a human or animal subject. The invention further provides nutraceutical compositions suited for the same, derived from an extract of the plant Capraria biflora . The compositions comprise the extract in a therapeutically sufficient amount for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of a senile cataract in a human and/or animal subject.

1 . A composition useful for the treatment of a senile cataract in a human or animal patient comprising an extract obtained from  Capraria biflora , wherein the composition comprises said extract and one or more physiologically acceptable additives. 
     
     
         2 . A composition in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said extract is an aqueous extract prepared from the leaves of  Capraria biflora.    
     
     
         3 . A composition in accordance with  claim 2  wherein said one or more physiologically acceptable additives comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and/or carriers. 
     
     
         4 . A composition for the treatment of a senile cataract in an animal subject comprising an extract of  Capraria biflora  in a delivery system, wherein the extract comprises an aqueous extract obtained from one or more plant organs selected from the group consisting of the leaves, stems, stalks, twigs, flowers, roots and seeds of  Capraria biflora , and wherein the composition is administered to a subject in need of treatment of a senile cataract. 
     
     
         5 . A composition in accordance with  claim 4  wherein said animal subject is a mammal. 
     
     
         6 . A composition in accordance with  claim 5  wherein said mammalian subject is a human being. 
     
     
         7 . A composition comprising an extract of  Capraria biflora  in a therapeutically sufficient amount to prevent or retard the development of a senile cataract in an animal subject to which the composition is administered. 
     
     
         8 . A composition in accordance with  claim 7  wherein said extract is an aqueous extract prepared from the leaves of  Capraria biflora.    
     
     
         9 . A composition in accordance with  claim 8  further comprising one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and/or carriers. 
     
     
         10 . A composition for retarding the development of a senile cataract in a subject, comprising an extract of  Capraria biflora  in a therapeutically sufficient amount to prevent or retard the development of a senile cataract in a subject to whom the composition is administered. 
     
     
         11 . A composition in accordance with  claim 10  wherein said extract is an aqueous extract prepared from the leaves of  Capraria biflora.    
     
     
         12 . A composition in accordance with  claim 11  further comprising one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and/or carriers. 
     
     
         13 . A composition in accordance with  claim 12  wherein said subject is a mammalian subject. 
     
     
         14 . A composition in accordance with  claim 13  wherein said mammalian subject is a human being. 
     
     
         15 . A nutraceutical mixture containing an extract of  Capraria biflora  in admixture with suitable excipients and/or carriers, wherein the extract is present in an effective proportion such that, when administered to a subject in a therapeutically effective amount, the mixture is effective to prevent or retard the development of a senile cataract in a subject to whom the mixture is administered. 
     
     
         16 . A mixture in accordance with  claim 15  wherein said extract is an aqueous extract prepared from one or more plant organs selected from the group consisting of the leaves, stems, stalks, twigs, flowers, roots and seeds of  Capraria biflora.    
     
     
         17 . A mixture in accordance with  claim 16  wherein said extract is prepared from the leaves of  Capraria biflora.    
     
     
         18 . A mixture in accordance with  claim 17  wherein said subject is a human subject.