Natural marine source phospholipids comprising polyunsaturated fatty acids and their applications

Abstract

A phospholipid extract from a marine or aquatic biomass possesses therapeutic properties. The phospholipid extract comprises a variety of phospholipids, fatty acid, metals and a novel flavonoid.

1 . A method for treating hypercholesterolemia comprising orally administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a krill oil, the krill oil comprising a phospholipid of the general formula (I), 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein:
 R1 and R2, each together with the respective carboxyl groups to which each is attached, each independently represents a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or an eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) residue, 
 X is —CH 2 CH 2 NH 3 , —CH 2 CH 2 N(CH 3 ) 3  or 
 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       and
 said composition is suitable for human consumption. 
 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said krill oil is contained in a capsule. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said krill oil further comprises free fatty acids in an amount of about 5%, wherein about represents ±10%. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said krill oil comprises polyunsaturated fatty acids in an amount of at least 15% w/w of the total lipids. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said polyunsaturated fatty acids are omega-3 fatty acids. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said krill oil comprises phospholipids in an amount of about 40% w/w, wherein about represents ±10%. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said krill oil further comprises astaxanthin.