Flavanol and carotenoid compositions

Abstract

This invention relates to compositions containing polyphenols, for example, cocoa polyphenols such as flavanols and their related oligomers, and methods for treating abnormalities in gap junctional communication of cells, such as cancer, heart arrhythmia, neuro-degenerative diseases and cognitive dysfunction.

1 - 44 . (canceled) 
     
     
         45 . A composition comprising i) a carotenoid and ii) a flavanol compound, in a combined amount effective to stimulate gap junctional intercellular communication in a subject in need thereof. 
     
     
         46 . The composition according to  claim 45 , wherein the flavanol compound is a cocoa flavanol. 
     
     
         47 . The composition according to  claim 45 , wherein the flavanol is epicatechin. 
     
     
         48 . The composition according to  claim 47 , wherein the flavanol is (−)-epicatechin. 
     
     
         49 . A composition comprising i) a carotenoid and ii) at least 50 mg of a flavanol compound in a combined amount effective to stimulate gap junctional intercellular communication in a subject in need thereof,
 wherein the flavanol compound is selected from a compound having the formula A n , a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or any mixture thereof:   
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein
 A is epicatechin; 
 n is an integer from 2 to 18, such that there is at least one terminal monomeric unit A, and one or a plurality of additional monomeric units; 
 bonding between adjacent monomeric units takes place at positions selected from the group consisting of 4, 6 and 8; 
 a bond of an additional monomeric unit in position 4 has alpha or beta stereochemistry; 
 X, Y and Z are selected from the group consisting of monomeric unit A and hydrogen, with the proviso that as to the at least one terminal monomeric unit, bonding of the additional monomeric unit thereto is at position 4 and optionally Y=Z=hydrogen. 
 
     
     
         50 . The composition according to  claim 49 , wherein n is 2 to 12. 
     
     
         51 . The composition of  claim 49 , wherein n is 2 to 10. 
     
     
         52 . The composition of  claim 49 , wherein the subject is a human. 
     
     
         53 . The composition of  claim 49 , wherein the effective amount is at least 100 mg. 
     
     
         54 . The composition of  claim 49 , wherein the effective amount is at least 150 mg. 
     
     
         55 . The composition of  claim 49 , wherein the adjacent monomers bind at positions (4β→6) or (4β→8). 
     
     
         56 . The composition of  claim 49 , wherein n is 2. 
     
     
         57 . The composition of  claim 49 , wherein the composition is a pharmaceutical composition. 
     
     
         58 . The composition of  claim 49 , wherein the composition is a dietary supplement. 
     
     
         59 . The composition of  claim 49 , wherein the composition is a food. 
     
     
         60 . The composition of  claim 49 , wherein the composition is a beverage mix.