Ficus extracts having angiogenesis inhibiting activity and methods of isolating and using the same

Abstract

The present invention is directed to methods for extracting and isolating extracts having angiogenesis inhibiting activity from a latex-containing portion of a Ficus variant, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical compositions comprising the extracts, methods of administering the extracts to treat angiogenesis-dependent diseases and to reduce or inhibit neovessel growth in a subject in need thereof and the use of the extracts in the manufacture of a composition for reducing or inhibiting neovessel growth.

1 . A method for inhibiting growth of at least one tumor in a mammal in need thereof, said method comprising providing to said mammal a  Ficus  extract, wherein said  Ficus  extract is prepared by a process comprising:
 a) mixing a latex-containing portion of a  Ficus  variant with a polar solvent to provide a liquid extract;   b) washing the liquid extract with an organic solvent to provide an aqueous extract; and   c) fractionating the aqueous extract to provide a  Ficus  extract having angiogenesis inhibiting activity.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one tumor is selected from the group consisting of sarcoma, carcinoid tumor, and neuroendocrine tumor. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said providing is via systemic, intravenous, oral, local, intravenous, parenteral, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous administration to said mammal. 
     
     
         4 . A method for treating an ocular angiogenic disease in a mammal in need thereof, said method comprising providing to said mammal a  Ficus  extract, wherein said  Ficus  extract is prepared by a process comprising:
 a) mixing a latex-containing portion of a  Ficus  variant with a polar solvent to provide a liquid extract;   b) washing the liquid extract with an organic solvent to provide an aqueous extract; and   c) fractionating the aqueous extract to provide a  Ficus  extract having angiogenesis inhibiting activity.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said ocular angiogenic disease is selected from the group consisting of macular degeneration, choroidal neovascularization, and corneal neovascularization. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said providing is via systemic, intraocular, or topical administration to said mammal. 
     
     
         7 . A method for treating obesity in a mammal in need thereof, said method comprising providing to said mammal a  Ficus  extract, wherein said  Ficus  extract is prepared by a process comprising:
 a) mixing a latex-containing portion of a  Ficus  variant with a polar solvent to provide a liquid extract;   b) washing the liquid extract with an organic solvent to provide an aqueous extract; and   c) fractionating the aqueous extract to provide a  Ficus  extract having angiogenesis inhibiting activity.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said providing is via systemic, intravenous, oral, local, intravenous, parenteral, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous administration to said mammal.