1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to compositions for anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits to mammals, more particularly humans. This composition is obtained from higher plants belonging to genus Chlorophytum. The extraction process for obtaining such composition, as well as pharmaceutical, nutritional and veterinary use products thereof, are also disclosed.
2. Description of the Related Art
Chlorophytum arundinaceum Baker (family—Liliaceae) (Hindi, Safed Musli) is a reputed Indian medicinal plant, whose root-tubers are used as an aphrodisiac and for health-restorative and health-promotional purposes in Ayurvedic medicine since the 2nd Century B.C. See for example, Sharma, P. V. (1978), Dravyaguna Vijnan, p. 559. Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, India. More than 175 species of Chlorophytum have been reported in the world. Chlorophytum comosum is widely used as ornamental plant and is commonly known as spider ivy, spider plant, aeroplane plant, or walking anthericum. In India, about eight species under the name of Safed Musli are reported. These are as follows:
Out of these (listed above), only Chlorophytum arundinaceum, Chlorophytum borivilianum and Chlorophytum tuberosum are usually collected for commercial purposes from the wild. Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant. & F. is reported in Bastar Forests (Madhya Pradesh), Dangs forest (Gujarat), Mount Abu, Mahi, Aravalli hills (Rajasthan) of India. It is also reported to occur in some parts of Pakistan.
Chlorophytum arundinaceum is reported to be available in many parts of India: all districts of Chota Nagpur, Vindhya, Satpura & Aravali Hills, parts of central India, Taria region of North-East Himalayas in Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar states. Chlorophytum is found in soils rich in organic matter. It requires bright sunlight for growth. It is now widely cultivated in different parts of India like Andhra Pradesh, Rajashthan, Gujarat, Maharastra on commercial basis. The crop is a popular rainy season crop in India and a commercial root harvest can be obtained in 3-4 months.
The beneficial effects attributed to this plant in Ayurveda are for Chlorophytum arundinaceum Baker (Liliaceae), and not Chlorophytum borivilianum. In fact, this species can be regarded as a substitute for Asparagus adscendens Roxb. (Liliaceae). It is the Asparagus adscendens which is originally known as Safed Musli in Ayurvedic literature Extracts of both these plants (Chlorophytum arundinaceum and Chlorophytum borivilianum) are used in herbal medicines as aphrodisiac and tonic (vitalizer). The chemical constituents of both, which are mainly responsible for these bioactivities, constitute steroidal spiroketal saponins, their genins and glycoalkaloids. It should be noted that Panax ginseng does not contain spiroketal steroidal saponins/sapogenins, but only triterpenoidal saponins. The bioactivities of spiroketal steroidal saponins/sapogenins would considerably differ from those of triterpenoidal saponins. Moreover, Panax ginseng saponins are known to suffer from several adverse side-effects, not present in Safed Musli saponins.
Obesity is known to impair libido and can also adversely affect health due to adverse systemic signaling by the deposited fat, however, no scientific study is reported that assesses the anti-obesity and immuno-modulatory effects of Cholorphytum species.
The present invention provides a composition for anti-obesity property with health-restorative and health-promotional benefits to humans comprising the extract of Chlorophytum species, and more particularly, Chlorophytum arundinaceum. Throughout the specification, unless otherwise indicated reference to the composition means the chemical composition or chemical makeup of the plant extract being referenced.
The bio-active components of the present invention responsible for the anti-obesity property with health-restorative and health-promotional benefits comprises one or more of the following chemical constituents:
The bio-active components of the present invention responsible for anti-obesity property with health-restorative and health-promotional benefits may also contain, one or more of the following additional constituents:
The composition of the present invention can also include other active ingredient(s), for example, one or more antioxidants, one or more adaptogens, vitamins, minerals, or one or more plant extracts other than Chlorophytum species, and mixtures thereof.
The anti-obesity composition and formulations thereof of the present invention also provides cardiovascular relief due to decrease in fasting sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipid, VLDL and serum cortisol with concomitant increase in hemoglobin, serum high-density lipid and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in stress subjects after treatment. The composition and formulation of the present invention provides weight-loss to stressed humans as well by reducing cortisol-induced weight gain. The present invention also provides a means of protecting target organs against stress-induced damage.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a suitable delivery system for the composition of the present invention. Such delivery systems include, but are not limited to, a nutritional beverage, nutritional bar, powder, coffee, tea, soft drink, capsule, tablet, granule, pudding, yoghurt, candy, cookie, cereal, and the like.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical, veterinary or nutritional formulation. The formulation of the present invention comprises extracts of Chlorophytum species, and more specifically, the Chlorophytum arundinacceum extract composition that is present in an amount of about 0.05% to about 99% by weight is desired.
Also described are pharmaceutical formulations comprising extracts of Chlorophytum species, and more specifically, the Chlorophytum arundinacceum extract composition. The pharmaceutical formulation can be in the form of a tablet, syrup, elixir or capsule, or any other pharmaceutically acceptable form.
Also described is a nutritional formulation comprising extracts of Chlorophytum species, and more specifically, Chlorophytum arundinacceum extract composition. The nutritional formulation contains about 0.05% to about 99% of the Chlorophytum arundinacceum extract composition by weight.
Also described is a veterinary formulation comprising extracts of Chlorophytum species, and more specifically, the Chlorophytum arundinacceum extract composition. The veterinary formulation contains about 0.05% to about 99% of the Chlorophytum arundinacceum extract composition by weight.
Reference will now be made in greater detail to a preferred embodiments of the invention.
An average person has about 40 billion fat cells in the body. When calorie intake exceeds expenditure, fat cells swell to as much as six times their minimum size, and begin to multiply from 40 billion in an average adult up to 100 billion. Fat requires a copious supply of blood in tiny capillaries (compared with an equal weight of lean muscle, which is supplied by larger blood vessels); this puts a strain on the cardiovascular system. Obesity creates wear on the joints leading to osteoarthritis. The accumulation of fat around the windpipe can interfere with breathing when muscles relax in sleep. And fat discourages exercise. Fat cells are continuously sending messages through the bloodstream to the rest of the body and their adverse signals can ruin human health. It is almost impossible to destroy them without impairing the metabolic functions of the body.
Obesity researchers are up against a phenomenally complex and robust system, devised by evolution precisely for the purpose of hoarding fat against the certainty of future famine. The search for a simple cure for obesity failed for decades. Surprisingly, it was found that an extract of Chlorophytum arundinaceum, has significant anti-obesity, health-restorative and health-promotional benefits to animals, and in particular, humans.
Of about eight species under the name of Safed Musli reported in India, Chlorophytum arundinaceum is richest in terms of variety and content of the bioactives of Safed Musli and is the preferred variety for practicing the invention. Additionally, a cultivated variety is preferred over a wild crafted variety. However, bioactives are present in all the reported varieties and all may be used in the practice of the present invention.
The major bioactive constituents of Safed Musli, and in particular of Chlorophytum arundinaceum, are disclosed. The uses of the extracts of Safed Musli, and in particular of Chlorophytum arundinaceum, for medicinal purposes are also disclosed. More specifically, the biological effects of the bioactive constituents on food intake, body weight, plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels, immuno-modulatory effect(s), AAPH induced haemolysis of RBC, and lipid peroxidation are disclosed. Because of its impact on these biological indicators, the bioactive constituents of Safed Musli, and in particular of Chlorophytum arundinaceum are useful for treating a variety of health conditions including, but not limited to, obesity.
The present invention is now exemplified in detail by using Chlorophytum arundinaceum plant.
1. Major Bioactives of Chlorophytum arundinaceum Baker
Three distinct types of compounds (typically Type-1,10-30%; Type-I, 0.5-5% and Type-III, 15-40%) (
Type-1: constitutes spirosta-steroidal saponins comprising diosgenin, tigogenin, neotigogenin and sarsasapogenin as the major genin components and mono-, di- and oligosaccharides, comprising glucose, rhamnose, arabinose, galactose and xylose as glycosidic components.
Optionally, Type-I may constitute an additional type of constituents belonging to phenolic dibenzyls. They are reduced resveratrol-type compounds having potent anti-oxidant and immuno-modulatory activities.
Type-II: constitutes spirosta-steroidal glycoalkaloids comprising mainly solasodine and tomatidine as the alkaloidal aglycones, and mono-, di- and oligosaccharides, comprising glucose, rhamnose, arabinose, galactose and xylose as glycosidic components.
Type-III: constitutes galacto-glucan oligosaccharides. Optionally, they contain oligosaccharides comprising glucose, rhamnose, arabinose, galactose and xylose.
2. Biological Effects of the Chemical Constituents of Chlorophytum arundinaceum
The results of administration of the Type-I saponins or the total extractives (comprising Type-I to -III compounds) of Chlorophytum arundinaceum on the attendant changes in the food intake and body weight of albino rats (270±20 grams) are given in Table-1. Administration of haloperidol causes obesity as it appreciably increases food intake and induces rapid weight gain. The feeder contained at least three times more pellets than are normally consumed. Food intake and the body weight were assessed for one week in all rats prior to initiation of administration of the test compound(s). Both Type-I saponins and the total extractives annulled the gluttonous craving for food due to haloperidol with appreciable decrease in weight gain, compared to the haloperidol group. The Type-I saponins administered alone, however, exhibited a better effect than the total extractives (Table-1). Sibutramine is used as a recognized anorexic drug.
n = 10-12
aduring the 21-day study period, compared to the initial value
bOn day-21, compared to the initial value
c1 ml of water, p.o., once daily for 21 days
dHaloperidol (Seranace), 20 mg/Kg, i.p., once daily for 21 days
eSibutramine (Cipla), 10 mg/Kg, p.o., once daily for 21 days
f100 mg/Kg, p.o. (in water), once daily for 21 days
The findings of administration of Type-I saponins, Type-II steroidal glycoalkaloids, and the total extractives (aqueous-methanol) of Chlorophytum arundinaceum on plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels of obese albino rats (270±20 grams) are given in Table-2. The results indicate that the Type I and Type III compounds, alone or in combination, have a beneficial effect on the total cholesterol triglycerides levels in plasma. The results also indicate that the Type-III compounds (oligosaccharides) provide additive effect to the Type-I compounds in respect of decrease in the plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
aThe test compounds were administered 100 mg/Kg, p.o. (in water, 1 ml), once daily for 14 days
b1 ml water, p.o., once daily for 14 days
ccomprising saponins (17.2%), steroidal alkaloids (2.1%) and oligosaccharides (22.5%) values are expressed as mean ± SEM of 6-8 rats in each group; * and ** indicate p < 0.05 and 0.01, respectively, compared to control group (ANOVA followed by Newman-Keuls test).
In another aspect, the immuno-modulatory effect(s) of the constituents of Chlorophytum arundinaceum was assessed, among other determinations, by their capacity to attenuate the cold-immobilization stress-induced elevated level of plasma corticosterone. The results are given in Table-3.
a100 mg/Kg, (in 1 ml water), p.o. once daily for 7 days
bfor % composition, see Table-2 (footnote c)
In another aspect, the effects of the chemical constituents of Chlorophytum arundinaceum were evaluated as protector against lipid peroxidation and also their per se anti-haemolytic effect. Unlike other bioactive saponins, which suffer from the adverse effect of per se haemolytic activity (even the reputed adaptogen Panax ginseng suffers from its haemolytic activity), Chlorophytum arundinaceum saponins (Type-I compounds) particularly in higher doses, produced anti-haemolytic activity (
3. Anti-Haemolytic Effect and Inhibition of Lipid Peroxidation by Chlorophytum arundinaceum Root Extractives and the Contained Saponins (Type-I)
a) Inhibition of AAPH-Induced Haemolysis:
Membrane protecting activity was observed for Chlorophytum arundinaceum constituents against AAPH [2,2′-Azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride]-induced haemolysis. AAPH generates oxygen free radicals (OH) which, in turn, disrupt RBC membrane resulting in haemolysis. Agents that inhibit AAPH-induced haemolysis possess strong oxygen radical scavenging activity. Different doses (20-600 μg/ml) of the Chlorophytum arundinaceum constituents were incubated at 37° C. for 90 minutes with 10% RBC suspension (from mice, goat and human blood) in presence of AAPH (200 mM). The IC50 values to protect against haemolysis (AAPH) were calculated. The results are depicted in Table 4.
b) Inhibition of Spontaneous Lipid Peroxidation:
Chlorophytum arundinaceum constituents (Type-I saponins and the aqueous-methanol extractives), in the dose range of 50-500 μg/ml, were tested. Mice brain homogenate (25%) was allowed to spontaneous lipid peroxidation in the presence and absence of different doses of the two test compounds. Each mixture was put to a shaking water bath for 60 minutes. The amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) produced was estimated by developing color using 1% thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and incubated for one hour at 85-90° C. The developed pink color was measured at 532 nm using the formula:
The respective IC50 values are depicted in Table 5.
4. Mechanism of Biological Action of Chlorophytum arundinaceum (Chemical Spectroscopic and Ex-Vivo Evidence)
While not bound by theory an investigation into the mechanism of biological action of Safed Musli was performed. The total aqueous methanol extractives and the Type-I saponins of Chlorophytum arundinaceum produced sparingly water-soluble stable adducts with both cholesterol and triglycerides. For the adduct formation, optimum ratios of the two adduct-components, e.g. Chlorophytum arundinaceum constituents: cholesterol or triglycerides were found to be in the range of 4:1 to 2:1. The adduct formation and their tenacious attachment to each other were established by HPTLC [CAMAG TLC evaluation software; precoated plates Sigel Merck 60F254; solvent, ethyl acetate—formic acid—acetic acid—water, 100:11:11:27; visualizing and scanning after Libermann-Burchard reagent spray, and heating] and by GC-MS (as OTMS derivatives) analyses, using respective markers. These observations suggest that excess of systemic cholesterol/triglycerides, in tissues or from food materials, can be excreted out as adducts on treatment with Chlorophytum arundinaceum (Type-I saponins or total extractives). Indeed, administration of the Type-I saponins (20-100 mg/Kg, p.o.) to albino rats, fed with cholesterol and triglyceride-rich diets, caused significant dose-dependant fecal elimination (10-40% increase over the control values) of cholesterol and triglycerides as adducts. The fecal matter was extracted with n-butyl alcohol and the butanol extractives before and after acidic hydrolysis was subjected to HPTLC and GC-MS analyses. Since glycosidation greatly reduces the toxicity of steroidal alkaloids and increases their systemic efficacy, it is expected that the Type-II glycoalkaloids of Chlorophytum arundinaceum will be ideal candidates for the above biological effects.
5. Anti-Obesity. Health-Restorative and Health-Promotional Compositions from Other Plant Sources
In another aspect of the invention, additional plants containing the same or similar bioactives as found in Chlorophytum arundinaceum are as follows:
Extracts of these plants may be used in the same manner as Chlorophytum arundinaceum to produce the health benefits of the present invention.
The anti-obesity effect (Table 1) and the unique ability of the bioactive agents (
6. Other Actives
The inventive composition may optionally include one or more of the following active ingredients:
The extracts of the present invention can be incorporated into an acceptable pharmaceutical or medicinal formulation with nutritionally or veterinary acceptable excipients. The formulation can be administered to a mammal, particularly a primate, and more particularly, a human in an effective dose to reduce obesity, which may also reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipids. In the preferred embodiment, the formulation is administered once or twice a day.
In further embodiments, an adaptogen may be included in the formulation. Other additional components may also be added, including but not limited to the following: antioxidants; effective amounts of transition and/or trace metals; additional anti-obesity ingredients; and phenolic dibenzyl phenolic dibenzyl, for example, reduced resveratrol-type compounds having potent anti-oxidant and immuno-modulatory activities.
The transition or trace metals preferably include one or more of copper, chromium, zinc, selenium and/or metal ions ranging from 1 to about 500 ppm levels. Additional anti-obesity ingredients preferably include one or more of conjugated linoleic acid, or bitter orange, or hydroxycitric acid, or chitosan, or startch blockers or dehydroepiandesterone (DHEA) or adaptogens.
It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative of only a few of the many possible specific embodiments, which can represent applications of the principles of the invention. Numerous and varied other arrangements can be readily devised in accordance with these principles by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The following describes examples of formulations of the present invention that incorporate the inventive extract composition.
Beverage Mixes
Sugar-free red punch powdered soft drink mix with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits: serving size: 1.4 gm mixed with 8 oz of water.
Process: Mix all the powdered ingredients in a suitable blender for 15 minutes.
Sugar-free iced tea powdered soft drink mix with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits: serving size: 1.3 g mixed with 8 oz of water.
Process: Mix all the powdered ingredients in a suitable blender for 15 minutes.
Ready to Drink Beverages
30% Orange juice beverage with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits: serving size: 8 oz.
Process:
Light lemon iced tea with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits.
Process:
Low calorie carbonated soft drink with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits: serving size: 8 oz.
Process:
Regular carbonated soft drink with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits: serving size: 8 oz.
Process:
Chocolate-flavored meal replacement beverage mix with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits.
Process:
Sports beverage with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits: serving size: 220 g
Process:
Cappuccino mix with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits: serving size: 26 g
Process:
Tea with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits: serving size: 31 g
Process:
Instant coffee with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits: serving size: 5 gm mixed in 200 ml hot water.
Process:
Percolated coffee with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits: serving size: 200 ml.
Process:
Chocolate chip cookies with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits: serving size: 25 g.
Process:
White bread with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits: serving size: 35 g.
Process:
Coffee cake with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits: serving size: 90 g.
Process:
Energy bar with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits: serving size: 50 g.
Process:
Salad dressing, dry mix, with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits: serving size: 2.5 g.
Process:
Cream of mushroom soup with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits: serving size: 240 g.
Procedure:
Stage I: Emulsion Preparation
Beef patty with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits: serving size: 113 g.
Procedure:
Sour cream with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits: serving size: 30 g.
Procedure:
Gelled candies with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits: serving size: 40 g.
Procedure:
Cough lozenges with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits: serving size: 3.7 g.
Procedure:
Chewable antacid tablets with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits: tablet weight: 1.5 g.
Procedure:
2. Add magnesium stearate and blend for 5 minutes.
3. Compress into tablets with a target weight of 1500 mg and hardness of 4-6 kp.
4. Package in airtight containers.
Capsules with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits: dose: one capsule twice daily.
Procedure:
Extra-strength capsules with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits: dose: one capsule twice daily.
Procedure:
Tablets with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits dose: one tablet twice daily.
Procedure:
Tablets with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits dose: one tablet twice daily.
Procedure:
Chewable tablets with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits: dose: 1-2 tablets twice a day.
Procedure:
Chlorophytum species or Chlorophytum
arundinaceum and purified Shilajit (1:1)
Procedure:
Maintenance B-Complex vitamin tablets or capsules with anti-obesity, health-restorative and health promotional benefits: dose: 1-2 tablets/capsules every day.
Procedure:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/612,106, filed Sep. 22, 2004, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this application.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60612106 | Sep 2004 | US |