High molecular weight primary aliphatic alcohols obtained from natural products and uses thereof
US6596776B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 25, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 22, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 25, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC07C33/025
- WIPO fieldOrganic fine chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention relates to a naturally obtained mixture of higher molecular weight primary aliphatic alcohols which contain 20 to 34 carbon atoms. This invention also relates to the process for obtaining the alcohol mixture by extraction and purification with organic solvents from a natural product, such as beeswax with and without saponification of the natural product. The alcohol mixture obtained from beeswax has enhanced purity and contains a mixture of alcohols having 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 30, 32 and 34 carbon atoms. The alcohol mixture is useful in pharmaceutical compositions, foodstuffs and dietary supplements and is effective for lowering cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol and increasing HDL-cholesterol levels so that it is effective in treating hypercholesterolemia. Consequently the composition may be used to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, to inhibit the atherosclerotic process (platelet hyperaggregability, ischemia and thrombosis) and also to act as an anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic agent. The composition also possesses neurotrophic properties and is useful for improving male sexual activity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.