Patent ID: 6291241
Filing Date: 2001-09-18
Classification: A61K,C07C,Y02P

Abstract:
A method of making fractions of Hypericum, which fractions comprise hyperforin, comprising the steps of:a.) contacting a Hypericum biomass with a first solvent comprising a critical, supercritical or near-critical fluid, to allow hyperforin to dissolve into the solvent;b.) separating said first solvent from said Hypericum biomass to form a first fraction;c.) contacting said Hypericum biomass with at least one subsequent solvent comprising a critical, supercritical or near-critical fluid, to allow hyperforin to dissolve into said at least one subsequent solvent;d.) separating said subsequent solvent from said Hypericum biomass to form at least one subsequent fraction, wherein said first solvent and said at least one subsequent solvent have different solvation properties, wherein said solvation properties are different due to at least one difference in one of the parameters of material of the first and subsequent critical, supercritical or near-critical fluids, temperature, pressure, or concentration of entrainers and modifiers; and,e.) removing said critical, supercritical and near critical fluid from at least one of said first or subsequent fractions to form at least one concentrated fraction extract containing hyperforin.