Patent ID: 7514104
Filing Date: 2009-04-07
Classification: A23L,A61K,A61P

Abstract:
1. A method for protecting brain cells from excitotoxicity and for improving memory, wherein the method comprises administering to a mammal in need thereof a composition comprising an extract of pericarpium zanthoxyli contained in a designated fraction obtained by the process of: a) extracting pericarpium zanthoxyli in an organic solvent chosen from i) a low alcohol having 1-4 carbon atoms; ii) acetone; iii) chloroform; iv) methylene chloride; v) ether; vi) ethyl acetate; vii) mixtures of (i)-(vi); or viii) a mixed solvent of a low alcohol having 1-4 carbon atoms and water, thereby obtaining a first fraction (fraction b) combining the first fraction of step (a) with a mixed solvent of a low alcohol having 1-4 carbon atoms and water to obtain a mixture; c) adjusting the pH of the mixture of step (b) to 2 to 4; and d) further extracting the mixture of step (c) with an equal volume of chloroform, thereby obtaining a chloroform soluble fraction (fraction