The present invention provides a novel composition of matter comprised of a mixture of two specific classes of compoundsFree-B-ring flavonoids and flavansfor use in the prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions mediated by the COX-2 and 5-LO pathways. The present invention further provides a novel method for simultaneously inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) enzymes, and reducing cox-2 mRNA production. Finally, the present invention includes a method for weight loss and blood glucose control. The methods of this invention are comprised of administering to a host in need thereof an effective amount of the composition of this invention together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This invention relates generally to the prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions mediated by the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathways, including but not limited to the relief joint discomfort and pain associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other injuries that result from overuse.

The present invention provides a novel composition of matter comprised of a mixture of two specific classes of compoundsFree-B-Ring flavonoids and flavansfor use in the prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions associated with the skin. This composition of matter simultaneously inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymatic activity in normal, aged and damaged dermal cells and tissues. This invention further provides a method for the prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions of the skin mediated by cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX). The method for preventing and treating COX and LOX mediated diseases and conditions of the skin is comprised of topically administering to a host in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a mixture of Free-B-Ring flavonoids and flavans synthesized and/or isolated from a single plant or multiple plants, preferably in the Scutellaria and Acacia genus of plants and pharmaceutically and/or cosmetically acceptable carriers. Finally the present invention provides a method for the prevention and treatment of COX and LOX mediated diseases and conditions, including but not limited to sun burns, thermal burns, acne, topical wounds, minor inflammatory conditions caused by fungal, microbial and viral infections, vitilago, systemic lupus erythromatosus, psoriasis, carcinoma, melanoma, as well as other mammal skin cancers, skin damage resulting from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, chemicals, heat, wind and dry environments, wrinkles, saggy skin, lines and dark circles around the eyes, dermatitis and other allergy related conditions of the skin. Use of the composition described herein also affords the benefit of smooth and youthful skin with improved elasticity, reduced and delayed aging, enhanced youthful appearance and texture, and increased flexibility, firmness, smoothness and suppleness.

The present invention provides a novel composition of matter comprised of a mixture of two specific classes of compoundsFree-B-Ring flavonoids and flavansfor use in the prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions associated with the skin. This composition of matter simultaneously inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymatic activity in normal, aged and damaged dermal cells and tissues. This invention further provides a method for the prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions of the skin mediated by cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX). The method for preventing and treating COX and LOX mediated diseases and conditions of the skin is comprised of topically administering to a host in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a mixture of Free-B-Ring flavonoids and flavans synthesized and/or isolated from a single plant or multiple plants, preferably in the Scutellaria and Acacia genus of plants and pharmaceutically and/or cosmetically acceptable carriers. Finally the present invention provides a method for the prevention and treatment of COX and LOX mediated diseases and conditions, including but not limited to sun burns, thermal burns, acne, topical wounds, minor inflammatory conditions caused by fungal, microbial and viral infections, vitilago, systemic lupus erythromatosus, psoriasis, carcinoma, melanoma, as well as other mammal skin cancers, skin damage resulting from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, chemicals, heat, wind and dry environments, wrinkles, saggy skin, lines and dark circles around the eyes, dermatitis and other allergy related conditions of the skin. Use of the composition described herein also affords the benefit of smooth and youthful skin with improved elasticity, reduced and delayed aging, enhanced youthful appearance and texture, and increased flexibility, firmness, smoothness and suppleness.

The present invention provides a novel composition of matter comprised of a mixture of two specific classes of compoundsFree-B-Ring flavonoids and flavansfor use in the prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions associated with the skin. This composition of matter simultaneously inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymatic activity in normal, aged and damaged dermal cells and tissues. This invention further provides a method for the prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions of the skin mediated by cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX). The method for preventing and treating COX and LOX mediated diseases and conditions of the skin is comprised of topically administering to a host in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a mixture of Free-B-Ring flavonoids and flavans synthesized and/or isolated from a single plant or multiple plants, preferably in the Scutellaria and Acacia genus of plants and pharmaceutically and/or cosmetically acceptable carriers. Finally the present invention provides a method for the prevention and treatment of COX and LOX mediated diseases and conditions, including but not limited to sun burns, thermal burns, acne, topical wounds, minor inflammatory conditions caused by fungal, microbial and viral infections, vitilago, systemic lupus erythromatosus, psoriasis, carcinoma, melanoma, as well as other mammal skin cancers, skin damage resulting from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, chemicals, heat, wind and dry environments, wrinkles, saggy skin, lines and dark circles around the eyes, dermatitis and other allergy related conditions of the skin. Use of the composition described herein also affords the benefit of smooth and youthful skin with improved elasticity, reduced and delayed aging, enhanced youthful appearance and texture, and increased flexibility, firmness, smoothness and suppleness.

Oral pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, health foods and medical device compositions based on polysaccharides from Opuntia Ficus Indica cladodes in combination with other active substances are useful for the prevention or treatment of GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease), gastric esophagitis and related diseases (e.g. dyspepsia, esophagitis, esofageal tumour, gastro-intestinal symptoms, chronic pharyngitis, Barrett's esophagus, esophageal adenocarcinoma, GERD-related pulmonary symptoms).

Oral pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, health foods and medical device compositions based on polysaccharides from Opuntia Ficus Indica cladodes in combination with other active substances are useful for the prevention or treatment of GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease), gastric esophagitis and related diseases (e.g. dyspepsia, esophagitis, esofageal tumour, gastro-intestinal symptoms, chronic pharyngitis, Barrett's esophagus, esophageal adenocarcinoma, GERD-related pulmonary symptoms).

The present invention provides a set of body slimming compositions, for application to a body before irradiating the body with a far-infrared ray in an atmosphere of 50 C. or thereabout. The slimming composition set includes a first external composition containing a cosmetic base, a Bacillus-fig-soybean fermented liquor, a Bacillus-Monascus-angelica-soybean fermented liquor, a Bacillus-longan-soybean fermented liquor, orizanol, tocopheryl acetate, macadamia nut oil, and glucosyl hesperidin, and a second external composition containing a cosmetic base, a Bacillus-persimmon-soybean fermented liquor, a Waltheria indica leaf extract, and ascorbyl tetrahexyldecanoate. The first external composition is applied to a lymphatic node region of the body, and the second external composition is applied to a slimming target region of the body. The composition set of the invention can activate lymph or lipase, whereby a remarkable body slimming effect can be attained.

The present invention provides a set of body slimming compositions, for application to a body before irradiating the body with a far-infrared ray in an atmosphere of 50 C. or thereabout. The slimming composition set includes a first external composition containing a cosmetic base, a Bacillus-fig-soybean fermented liquor, a Bacillus-Monascus-angelica-soybean fermented liquor, a Bacillus-longan-soybean fermented liquor, orizanol, tocopheryl acetate, macadamia nut oil, and glucosyl hesperidin, and a second external composition containing a cosmetic base, a Bacillus-persimmon-soybean fermented liquor, a Waltheria indica leaf extract, and ascorbyl tetrahexyldecanoate. The first external composition is applied to a lymphatic node region of the body, and the second external composition is applied to a slimming target region of the body. The composition set of the invention can activate lymph or lipase, whereby a remarkable body slimming effect can be attained.

The present invention provides a novel composition of matter comprised of a mixture of two specific classes of compoundsFree-B-ring flavonoids and flavansfor use in the prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions mediated by the COX-2 and 5-LO pathways. The present invention further provides a novel method for simultaneously inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) enzymes, and reducing cox-2 mRNA production. Finally, the present invention includes a method for weight loss and blood glucose control. The methods of this invention are comprised of administering to a host in need thereof an effective amount of the composition of this invention together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This invention relates generally to the prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions mediated by the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathways, including but not limited to the relief joint discomfort and pain associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other injuries that result from overuse.

A Maclura pubescens extract or fraction or a Prunus cerasoides extract or fraction having neuroglobin (Ngb) activation and neuroprotective effects and, on the basis thereof, a neuroprotective composition containing, as an active ingredient, a Maclura pubescens extract or fraction or a Prunus cerasoides extract or fraction. The neuroprotective composition can be used, through the activation of neuroglobin (Ngb), as a pharmaceutical composition or a food composition for treatment, alleviation and prevention of a stroke, a cerebral infarction, thrombosis, cerebral degenerative disease, vascular dementia, memory loss, short-term memory impairment, a concentration disorder, anxiety, nervousness and the like, and for brain damage protection, brain function improvement and cranial nerve cell protection.