Use of a novel phytonutrient rich bioactive concentrate (Ri-ActiveTM) for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other health disorders

摘要

The present invention is generally related to the discovery of the use of a novel composition (Ri-Active™), containing a concentrate of the bioactives, micronutrients and antioxidants present in the unsaponifiable fraction of rice bran oil or rice germ oil, in the prevention and treatment of health disorders. The novel use of the by-products of rice bran oil or rice germ (and other vegetable oils) industries directly after purification and stabilization for therapeutic purposes is a unique and innovative approach that has been proved in the pilot study conducted by the current inventors. The current inventors have pioneered a new approach to prevent and treat health disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes which is both effective and inexpensive. The proprietary technology developed by the current inventors to produce Ri-Active™ from rice bran oil by-products or rice germ is very different from others who use these by-products to either isolate or purify individual micronutrients of value for use in other nutraceutical formulations. Most of the by-products of the edible oil refining industry are either discarded or sold at a throw away cost to the soap industry for their free fatty acid content. The novel technology and approach developed by the current inventors to utilize these low cost by-products from the edible oil refining industry and produce a highly effective therapeutic product has yielded a new and valuable use for these materials. This invention extends to the uses (therapeutic usefulness) and cost effectivity of similar whole extract concentrates of unsaponifiable micronutrients prepared from other vegetable oils rich in unsaponifiable fractions. The current discovery specifically covers the uses of Ri-Active™ (derived either from rice bran oil or rice germ oil), in preventing or treating cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia and arteriosclerosis. Ri-Active™ contains many unsaponifiable bioactives and antioxidants of rice bran and rice germ in very high concentrations in a natural lipid matrix. These constituents in their natural lipid matrix act synergistically in the treatment of cardiovascular disease and other disorders and therefore the whole extract concentrate containing these constituents is far more efficacious than administering a mixture of procured ingredients in similar concentrations. The efficacy of this novel composition (Ri-Active™) in the treatment of cardiovascular disease risk factors has been proved in the pilot animal study conducted by the current inventors. Ri-Active™ has been tested to be safe, and highly effective in small doses.