A method for extracting flavone aglycones in Chrysanthemum morifolium is provided. The method includes: (a) immersing a Chrysanthemum morifolium raw material in water or an aqueous solution to perform an immersion procedure for 3.5 hours or more to obtain an immersion sample; and (b) adding an extraction solvent to the immersion sample to perform an extraction procedure 5-60 minutes to obtain an extract. The Chrysanthemum morifolium raw material includes at least one of the following parts of Chrysanthemum morifolium: whole plant, roots, stems, leaves and flowers.

The present invention relates to a blood pressure lowering composition which contains as an active ingredient exopolysaccharide produced by means of Ceriporia lacerata, a Ceriporia lacerata mycelium culture medium comprising same, or dry powder or an extract of same. The composition can be used as an antihypertensive for preventing or treating hypertension or cerebral apoplexy or as a functional health food having antihypertensive effect.

The present invention provides a crude extract, fractions and sub-fractions from the seaweed Fucus distichus (FD), method of preparation and its use for inhibiting the growth of microbial cells, particularly bacteria causing acne or nosocomial infections such as MRSA in humans or MRSP in dogs.

Botanical materials are treated by processes utilizing a solvent system that includes the use of acetone solvent with or without a CO.sub.2 co-solvent wherein the solvent system is allowed to process the botanical material under certain conditions to obtain extracts (including Whole Plant Extracts) of the botanical materials that are substantially free of pigments, waxes, fats, lipids, and the like.

A pharmacological composition for use in inhibiting differentiation, functional activities, and population of granulo-cytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (gMDSCs) and/or suppressing, tumor metastasis in a subject in need thereof is disclosed. The composition comprises a therapeutically effective amount of Bidens pilosa extract, or more than one polyacetylenic compounds purified or isolated from the B. pilosa extract, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The present invention provides an Actinidia chinensis Planch ferment and the use thereof in a composition for increasing the antioxidant activity, increasing the anti-glycation activity, increasing the activity of proteolytic enzymes, improving the gastrointestinal dyspepsia, and increasing the gastrointestinal flora diversity. The Actinidia chinensis Planch ferment is prepared by fermenting Actinidia chinensis Planch extract with yeast, lactic acid bacteria and acetic acid bacteria in a three-staged fermentation.

Methods and apparatus are described for the partitioning of difficult to handle materials such as viscous and sticky materials. The partitioning is accomplished accurately and precisely using an apparatus to extrude the material in portions on or in receptacles disposed on a stage.

A method for increasing the expressions of CLOCK, ARNTL and/or PER2 genes is provided, wherein the method comprises administering to a subject in need an effective amount of Momordica charantia extract. The method is useful for treating or preventing diseases related to CLOCK, ARNTL and/or PER2 genes, or regulating physiological functions related to CLOCK, ARNTL and/or PER2 genes. The method is especially for adjusting the biological clock, improving sleep quality, and facilitating sleep.

The present invention is directed to a method for preparing plant extracts comprising the steps of (i) preparing a soluble extract from (a) plants or parts thereof and (b) an aqueous, alcoholic or aqueous alcoholic mixed extractant; and removal of insoluble components, (ii) concentrating the extract to a dry substance content at which the contained lipids and lipoids form suspended and/or emulgated aggregates, (iii) separating the suspended and/or emulgated aggregates by microfiltration from the concentrated extract, and (iv) optionally removing the extractant. The invention further pertains to an extract and composition comprising said extract as prepared by this method.

A process for preparing a total extract which is a mixture of a fresh plant matter with a fatty matter includes a. contacting the fresh plant matter which comprises at least 10% of water by weight relative to its total weight before or after desiccation loss, with the fatty matter chosen from hydrogenated oil or fat at a temperature between 50° C. and 180° C.; b. grinding the plant matter-fatty matter mixture at said temperature between 50° C. to 180° C.; and c. recovering a total extract that is solid or liquid at ambient temperature with a concentration of less than or equal to 4% of water by weight relative to the total weight of the total extract. Extracts recovered from such process and treatments using the extracts are also disclosed.