Polyphenol Extraction Process

Abstract

The invention relates to a process for extracting one or more polyphenols from fruits such as apples and to uses of said extracts in the treatment or prophylaxis of cardiovascular disease, colon cancer and digestive health.

1 .- 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A polyphenol containing extract prepared by a process comprising the steps of:
 (a) removing the coating of the fruit;   (b) freeze-drying or freezing the fruit obtained in step (a);   (c) optionally powdering the freeze-dried or frozen material obtained in step (b);   (d) subjecting the material obtained in step (b) or step (c) to one or more solvent reaction cycles;   and optionally thereafter   (e) isolating one or more polyphenols from the liquid extract obtained in step (d).   
     
     
         13 .- 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A polyphenol containing extract prepared by the method comprising the steps of:
 (a) removing the natural wax coating of the apple;   (b) freeze-drying or freezing the apple obtained in step (a);   (c) powdering the freeze-dried or frozen material obtained in step (b);   (d) subjecting the powdered material obtained in step (c) to one or more solvent extraction cycles wherein the solvent is water;   (e) evaporation of the water from step (d);   (f) chromatographic separation of isolated polyphenols from the crude extract prepared from step (e) by elution with ethanol; and   (g) evaporation of ethanol to yield the isolated polyphenols.   
     
     
         19 . A food colourant which comprises the polyphenol containing extract of  claim 12  or  18 . 
     
     
         20 . A phenol containing extract of  claim 12 , wherein the fruit is an apple. 
     
     
         21 . A phenol containing extract of  claim 12 , wherein the fruit is a “red-cut through” apple. 
     
     
         22 . A phenol containing extract of  claim 12 , wherein the polyphenol comprises epicatechin. 
     
     
         23 . A phenol containing extract of claim wherein step (a) further comprises a washing step using a suitable solvent, such as ethanol, methanol or acetone. 
     
     
         24 . A phenol containing extract of  claim 12 , wherein step (c) comprises powdering in a conventional food processor in the presence of liquid nitrogen. 
     
     
         25 . A phenol containing extract of  claim 12 , wherein the extracting solvent in step (d) is water. 
     
     
         26 . A phenol containing extract of  claim 23 , wherein the water is deaerated water. 
     
     
         27 . A phenol containing extract of  claim 25  or  26 , wherein the water is heated to a temperature between 65° C. and 80° C. 
     
     
         28 . A phenol containing extract of  claim 25  or  26 , wherein the water is at a pressure greater than 1 bar and less than or equal to 5 bar. 
     
     
         29 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising the polyphenol containing extract of  claim 12  or  18 . 
     
     
         30 . A method for the prophylaxis or treatment of cardiovascular disease or colon cancer comprising administering to a patient a polyphenol containing extract of  claim 12  or  18 .