Patent Description:
Therapeutic compositions comprising herbal extracts of the plant species Sambucus nigra, Echinacea purpurea, and Centella asiatica have been described in <CIT>, in <CIT> and in <CIT>.

An aspect of embodiments of the invention relates to providing novel therapeutic compositions comprising herbal extracts of the plant species Sambucus nigra, Echinacea purpurea, and Centella asiatica as specified in claim <NUM>. The compositions exhibit increased therapeutic activity for treatment of various inflammatory diseases, in particular, inflammatory diseases of mucosa or skin relative to previously identified compositions. In addition, the compositions exhibit increased solubility relative to previously identified compositions.

An embodiment of the invention provides a composition comprising extracts of the plant species Sambucus nigra, Echinacea purpurea, and Centella asiatica, as specified in claim <NUM>.

The invention provides methods for preparing an aqueous therapeutic composition comprising extracts of the aforementioned plant species, using at least two extractions.

An embodiment of the invention provides methods for treating diseases, conditions or trauma as specified in claim <NUM>, which may be ameliorated by tissue repair, comprising administering compositions comprising extracts of the plant species.

In the discussion unless otherwise stated, adjectives such as "substantially" and "about" modifying a condition or relationship characteristic of a feature or features of an embodiment of the invention, are understood to mean that the condition or characteristic is defined to within tolerances that are acceptable for operation of the embodiment for an application for which it is intended. Unless otherwise indicated, the word "or" in the specification and claims is considered to be the inclusive "or" rather than the exclusive or, and indicates at least one of, or any combination of items it conjoins.

In the following detailed description, new methods of manufacture of compositions comprising herbal extracts will be described. In addition, chemical and biological characterization showing enhanced qualities of new herbal compositions are described. An animal model showing increased anti-inflammatory effect of compositions according to embodiments of the invention are described. A clinical trial showing effect of compositions according to embodiments of the invention in treatment of humans is described. Methods of treatment using the new herbal compositions are provided.

<FIG> shows a flow-diagram depicting synthetic scheme <NUM> for synthesizing various compositions comprising extracts from the plant species Sambucus nigra, Echinacea purpurea, and Centella asiatica. Synthetic scheme <NUM> comprises blocks <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> comprising mixing Sambucus nigra, Echinacea purpurea and Centella asiatica respectively with a hydroalcoholic solution (a solution comprising water and an alcohol). Blocks <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> comprise removing insoluble plant matter and solvent to form dried extracts of Sambucus nigra, Echinacea purpurea and Centella asiatica respectively. Block <NUM> comprises combining dried herbal extracts of block <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>.

The hydroalcoholic solution of block <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> comprises <NUM>% ethanol. In an embodiment, the ratio of solvent to plant in block <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> is between about <NUM> to about <NUM> parts by weight of solvent to one part by weight of plant material. In an embodiment, the ratio of solvent to plant in block <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> is between about <NUM>:<NUM> by weight. In an embodiment, the hydroalcoholic solution is mixed for about <NUM> hours. In an embodiment, the extraction process is multi-stage. In an embodiment, the hydroalcoholic solution is mixed at a temperature of about <NUM>-<NUM> degrees C (Celsius. ) In an embodiment, an excipient is added to the hydroalcoholic solution before removal of solvent and plant matter. In an embodiment, the excipient is a carrier, for example, maltodextrin. In an embodiment the excipient is colloidal anhydrous silica. In an embodiment, the ratio of herbal extract to excipient is about <NUM>:<NUM>.

In an embodiment of the invention, solvent is removed in block <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> by spray drying.

Herbal extracts of Sambucus nigra: Echinacea purpurea: Centella asiatica are combined in a weight ratio of <NUM>: <NUM>: <NUM> respectively.

Synthetic scheme <NUM> further comprises block <NUM>, comprising combining water with the combined herbal extract of block <NUM>. In an embodiment, water is combined in a ratio of <NUM> to <NUM> liters (L) of water for every kilogram (kg) of herbal extract. In an embodiment, water is combined in a ratio of <NUM> of water for every kg of herbal extract. In an embodiment, the water and herbal extract mixture is mixed for about <NUM> to about <NUM> hours. In an embodiment the water and herbal extract mixture are mixed for about12 hours.

Synthetic scheme <NUM> further comprises block <NUM>, comprising combining alcohol with the mixture formed in block <NUM>. In an embodiment of the invention the alcohol comprises ethanol. In an embodiment, <NUM>% or <NUM>% ethanol is used to form an alcoholic mixture having a concentration of <NUM>% ethanol.

In an embodiment of the invention, the alcoholic mixture of block <NUM> is stirred for about <NUM> to about <NUM> hours, preferably for about <NUM> hours.

Synthetic scheme <NUM> further comprises block <NUM>, comprising removing insoluble materials from the alcoholic mixture formed in block <NUM>. In an embodiment of the invention, the insoluble materials are removed from the alcoholic mixture using centrifugation, filtration, settling or a combination of any of these methods.

Synthetic scheme <NUM> further comprises block <NUM>, comprising removal of alcohol to form an aqueous herbal solution. In an embodiment of the invention, alcohol can be removed by distillation or by evaporation using a rotary evaporator. In an embodiment of the invention, the alcohol is ethanol and is removed using a rotary evaporator at a temperature of less than <NUM> degrees C.

Synthetic scheme <NUM> further comprises block <NUM>, comprising removal of water from the aqueous solution of block <NUM> to form a dry herbal powder. Removal of water may be accomplished, according to embodiments of the invention, using lyophilization (freeze drying) or spray drying.

<FIG> shows a flow-diagram depicting synthetic scheme <NUM> for synthesizing various compositions comprising extracts from the plant species Sambucus nigra, Echinacea purpurea, and Centella asiatica. Synthetic scheme <NUM> comprises block <NUM>, comprising combining dried herbal extracts of block <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> in synthetic scheme <NUM> as described.

In block <NUM>, herbal extracts of Sambucus nigra: Echinacea purpurea: Centella asiatica are combined in a weight ratio of <NUM>: <NUM>: <NUM> respectively.

Synthetic scheme <NUM> further comprises block <NUM>, comprising combining alcohol with the combined herbal extract of block <NUM>. In an embodiment, alcohol is used in a ratio of about <NUM> to about <NUM> alcohol, preferably about <NUM> of alcohol for every kg of herbal extract. In an embodiment, the alcohol and herbal extract mixture is mixed for about <NUM> hours. The ethanol is <NUM>%-<NUM>% ethanol.

Synthetic scheme <NUM> further comprises block <NUM>, comprising combining water with the mixture formed in block <NUM>. The water is used to reach a concentration of <NUM>% ethanol.

In an embodiment of the invention, the alcoholic mixture of block <NUM> is stirred. In an embodiment, the mixture is stirred for about <NUM> hours to about <NUM> hours, preferably for about <NUM> hours.

Synthetic scheme <NUM> further comprises block <NUM>, comprising removing insoluble materials from the alcoholic mixture formed in block <NUM>. In an embodiment of the invention, the insoluble materials are removed from the alcoholic mixture using centrifugation, filtration, settling, or any combination of these methods.

Synthetic scheme <NUM> further comprises block <NUM>, comprising removal of alcohol to form an aqueous herbal solution. In an embodiment of the invention, alcohol can be removed using distillation or evaporation, for example, using a rotary evaporator. In an embodiment of the invention, the alcohol is ethanol and is removed using a rotary evaporator at a temperature of less than <NUM> degrees C.

Synthetic scheme <NUM> described in example 1a was followed with the following details, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Sambucus nigra (flowering tops) was mixed with <NUM>% ethanol (<NUM>:<NUM> solvent to plant ratio) according to block <NUM>. Upon removing insoluble plant matter and drying solvent according to block <NUM>, <NUM> of dried Sambucus nigra extract were formed.

Echinacea purpurea (rhizome and roots) was mixed with <NUM>% ethanol (<NUM>:<NUM> solvent to plant ratio) according to block <NUM>. Upon removing insoluble plant matter and drying solvent according to block <NUM>, <NUM> (grams) of dried Echinacea purpurea extract were formed.

Centella asiatica (aerial parts) was contacted with <NUM>% ethanol (<NUM>:<NUM> solvent to plant ratio) according to block <NUM>. Upon removing insoluble plant matter and drying solvent according to block <NUM>, <NUM> of dried Centella asiatica extract were formed.

The three dried extracts from the three herbs (ratio of <NUM>: <NUM>: <NUM> by weight) were combined in accordance with block <NUM>. In accordance with block <NUM>, <NUM> of water were added and the mixture was stirred for <NUM> hours. <NUM> of <NUM>% ethanol was added to the mixture to form <NUM> of a <NUM>% ethanol alcoholic mixture according to block <NUM>. The mixture was filtered in accordance with block <NUM> and the insoluble material was removed. Ethanol was evaporated in accordance with block <NUM> and the solution was spray-dried according to block <NUM> to form <NUM> of a dry herbal powder, designated as Extract N. The yield of this process (percentage by weight relative to dried extracts added according to block <NUM>) was <NUM>%.

The three dried extracts from the three herbs (ratio of <NUM>: <NUM>: <NUM> by weight) were combined in accordance with block <NUM> in scheme <NUM>. Scheme <NUM> was then followed for production of Extract P. In accordance with block <NUM>, ethanol (<NUM>%) was added at a ratio of <NUM> of ethanol for every <NUM> of dried extract. The mixture was stirred for <NUM> hours. Water was then slowly added until a final concentration of <NUM>% ethanol was achieved, in accordance with block <NUM>. The mixture was centrifuged in accordance with block <NUM> and the insoluble material was removed. Ethanol was evaporated using a rotary evaporator under vacuum in accordance with block <NUM> and the solution was lyophilized according to block <NUM> to form a dry herbal powder, designated as Extract P. The yield of Extract P (percentage by weight relative to dried extracts added according to block <NUM>) was <NUM>%.

The three dried extracts from the three herbs (ratio of <NUM>: <NUM>: <NUM> by weight) were combined in accordance with block <NUM> in scheme <NUM>. An aqueous mixture was formed according to block <NUM> as described in example 1b and the mixture was mixed for about <NUM>-<NUM> hours. Insoluble materials were removed from the solution by centrifuging the aqueous solution and filtration with a <NUM> micron filter. Water was removed from the filtrate by lyophilization overnight. The dried herbal mixture was designated Extract D.

An herbal extract was prepared according to example 1a until block <NUM>. The combined herbal extract was designated Extract B.

An herbal extract was prepared according to example 1a (until block <NUM>). <NUM>% ethanol was added to the combined herbal extract and was stirred for <NUM> hours. Water was added to the ethanolic mixture until the concentration of ethanol was <NUM>%. The ethanol was then removed using a rotary evaporator and then the water was removed by lyopilization. The resulting extract was designated as Extract M.

Extracts according to embodiments of the invention comprises multiple biologically active, including anti-inflammatory, compounds. An HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) quantitative analysis was performed to identify chemical differences between Extract D and Extract N.

The HPLC analysis was peformed using a Phenomenex Synergi <NUM> micrometer Hydro-RP 80A column using <NUM> molar phosphoric acid in water and acetonitrile as mobile phase solvents. Detection was performed using a diode array detector.

One of the anti-inflammatory compounds identified in extracts according to embodiments of the invention, which originates from the herb Sambucus nigra, is naringenin. A marker was prepared using naringenin (obtained from Sigma) to quantify the amount of naringenin in samples of herbal extracts.

HPLC analysis was performed on Extracts D and N from various batches. Before performing the analysis, Extracts D and N were diluted to <NUM>% solutions in a <NUM>% acetonitrile/ <NUM>% water solvent. The results are summarized in Table <NUM> below, with naringenin content expressed in terms of percentage of extract.

Extract P was analyzed and was found to have naringenin content similar to that of Extract N.

As is evident from table <NUM>, naringenin concentration was consistently higher in Extract N than in Extract D, indicating that Extract N has improved anti-inflammatory properties relative to Extract D.

Biological qualities of Extract D and Extract N were compared in a variety of in vitro models.

ICE (Interleukin-1β-converting enzyme or ICE-caspase-<NUM>) is part of a family of cysteine aspartic acid-specific proteases that plays a key role in inflammation. The inhibition of ICE by Extracts D and N was determined for extract concentrations of <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>/ml (milligrams per milliliter) using the following method.

A peptide substrate with the structure Ac-YVAD-AMC is a fluorogenic substrate for ICE, which contains the fluorochrome <NUM>-amino-<NUM>-methyl coumarin (AMC). AMC is released from this substrate upon cleavage by ICE. The intensity of the fluorescence signal produced upon cleavage is proportional to the ICE activity present in the sample. A known selective inhibitor of ICE, Ac-YVAD-CHO, was used as a reference for potential inhibition. A black <NUM>-well plate was used with a fluorescence plate reader to detect fluorescence of samples.

Results of the ICE assay are shown in <FIG>. At all concentrations tested, ICE inhibition using Extract N was superior to Extract D. The results suggest that Extract N has an increased anti-inflammatory activity relative to Extract D.

Collagens are proteins that are abundant in connective tissue and have an important role in wound healing. Agents that cause collagen release in dermal fibroblasts (cells which assist in manufacture of connective tissue) may be useful as wound-healing agents. Effects of Extracts D and N on release of collagen in dermal fibroblasts were tested using the following procedure.

Human foreskin fibroblasts were used in a sandwich ELISA (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) based on a pair of antibodies which recognize human type <NUM> collagen. The antibodies used were Goat anti type <NUM> Collagen: capture antibody - unlabeled (purchased from Southern Biotech, USA, Cat. #<NUM>-<NUM>) and detection antibody-biotin conjugate (purchased from Southern Biotech, USA, Cat. #<NUM>-<NUM>.

Effects of Extracts D and N on collagen release were tested using concentrations of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>/ml. Results of the collagen release assay are shown in <FIG>. In all concentrations tested, Extract N was more effective in inducing collagen production than Extract D, indicating that Extract N has greater wound healing abilities than Extract D.

The NFκB protein plays a key role in inflammation, immune response, cell proliferation and protection against apoptosis.

The murine macrophage cell line RAW264. <NUM> (obtained from the American Type Culture Collection) was transduced with an NF-κB luciferase reporter construct and used in the assay to determine inhibitory effects of Extracts D and N on induction of NF-κB protein in cells containing the NF-κB luciferase reporter gene construct. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce NF-κB luciferase reporter and the extracts were tested for inhibitory activity. Calcein AM (acetomethoxy derivate of calcein) was used as a fluorescent dye to determine RAW264. <NUM> cell number for normalization. As luminescence in the model is correlated to expression of NF-κB protein, inhibition of expression can be determined by correlation with inhibition of luminescence.

Compositions with high percentage of inhibition in the model indicate their potential use to reduce inflammation by inhibition of NF-κB protein in mammals. The effects of Extracts D and N on NF-κB luciferase reporter at concentrations of <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>/ml were tested and are shown in <FIG>. At the two lower concentrations, Extract N was more effective in inhibition NF-κB luciferase reporter induction than Extract D, indicating that Extract N has enhanced anti-inflammatory properties relative to Extract D and is effective at lower doses.

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important physiological messenger and effector molecule that is involved in inflammation. Inhibition of NO production in cells may be indicative of anti-inflammatory qualities of compositions. Extracts D and N were tested for NO inhibitory qualities according to the following assay.

<NUM> cells were used for the assay. Presence of NO was measured using the Griess reagent system which measures nitrite, one of two primary stable and nonvolatile breakdown products of NO. Nitrite reacts with sulfanilamide and N-<NUM>-naphthylethylenediamine dihydrochloride (NED) under acidic (phosphoric acid) conditions to produce a fluorescent azo compound which is detected by a plate reader. LPS was used to induce inflammation in RAW264. <NUM> cells, and inhibition of inflammation was tested using <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>/ml of Extracts D and N.

Compositions with high percentage of inhibition in the model indicate potential use of compositions to reduce inflammation by inhibition of NO production in mammals. The effects of Extracts D and N on NO production are shown in <FIG>. At all concentrations, Extract N was more effective in inhibition of NO production than Extract D, indicating that Extract N has enhanced anti-inflammatory properties relative to Extract D.

An assay was performed to test the effect of herbal extracts on cytokine induced release of IL-<NUM> in fibroblasts, indicative of a mucosal protective effect. The assay was performed on human gingival fibroblasts.

Gingival fibroblast cell lines were seeded in 150µl (microliter) of growth medium in <NUM>-well tissue culture plates, with an initial seeding density of <NUM><NUM> cells/well, and cultured for <NUM> hours. Growth medium was removed and gingival fibroblast cells were then activated with a final concentration of <NUM>. 0ng/ml (nanogram per milliliter) TGF-β (transforming growth factor beta) added in 150µl of BSA-medium (bovine serum albumin). Herbal extracts at concentrations of <NUM>/ml were also added, and the cultures were incubated for an additional <NUM> hours. TGF-β alone was also tested in order to determine the degree of synergy between the herbal extract and the growth factor.

A sample of conditioned medium (100µl) was withdrawn for the determination of IL-<NUM> concentration and the gingival fibroblast cells, together with the remaining 50µl, were tested in a luminescent cell viability assay in order to normalize results. A negative control, without the addition of cytokine, was included. The effect of sample materials on the production of IL-<NUM> was measured by the ELISA assay according to manufacturer's instructions, employing a commercially available kit (R&D Systems, Cat. # DY <NUM>, MN, USA).

The results of IL-<NUM> production in terms of pg/ml (picogram/milliliter) for each extract, both in the presence and absence of TGF-β, were determined. These results were then calculated to determine synergy units, which represent (IL-<NUM> concentration in presence of TGF-β and extract) / (IL-<NUM> concentration in presence of TGF-β alone) + (IL-<NUM> concentration in presence of extract alone. ) A value of <NUM> in the above formula indicates that the value obtained for the TGF-β + the extract, added to the cells together, is the same as the sum of the values obtained for each of these added to the gingival fibroblast cells separately. This is an additive effect. Values of greater than <NUM> indicate synergistic effect of herbal extract.

As can be seen in table <NUM>, Extracts N and P showed synergistic activity, but Extract M did not show synergistic activity.

Male Syrian Golden Hamsters ("hamsters") weighing approximately <NUM> were randomly assigned to two vehicle control groups of eight hamsters each and four test article groups of six hamsters each. On study day <NUM>, each hamster was given an acute radiation dose of <NUM> Gy (gray) directed to the left buccal cheek pouch. Test articles were administered topically three times daily on days -<NUM> (the day before radiation dose) to <NUM>. Hamster condition was assessed daily and body weights were measured once daily from day -<NUM> to day <NUM>. Mucositis was evaluated on days <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. The duration and severity of mucositis were compared between treatment groups and the untreated control group to determine the impact of the test article on the course of mucositis.

Mucositis in hamsters was scored according to table <NUM>:.

Two vehicle control groups were given either saline solution or propylene glycol (PG). The four treatment groups were administered treatments as follows:.

<NUM> of the tested compositions were administered three times daily to each hamster. The total number of days in which a hamster exhibited an elevated score above three was summed for each group and expressed as a percentage of the total number of days scored for each group. The results are shown in <FIG>.

Extract N in saline had a significant (p=<NUM>) effect on reducing mucositis score relative to the saline control group. Similarly, Extract N in PG had a significant (p=<NUM>) effect on reducing mucositis score relative to the PG control group. Extracts B and M did not show reduction in hamster scores below <NUM> relative to the PG control group.

The results of this trial indicate that Extract N may be effective in treatment of OM in humans. This effect was evident in formulations of Extract N based on either water (saline solution) or PG.

Solubility testing was performed to differentiate between Extract B and Extract N.

Extract solutions were prepared using Extract B and N at concentrations of <NUM>% (grams per liter) in water. During stirring, both solutions were cloudy. Extract B had particles that could be discerned by eye which floated around during stirring in a fairly clear solution. Extract N had non-discernable particles although the solution was cloudy, giving a more homogeneous dispersion. Turbidity was measured using a Micro <NUM> Turbidimeter manufactured by HF Scientific and was expressed in terms of Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). As can be seen in the table below, there was a significant difference in the turbidity of the two formulations, with the larger particles in B settling out much more quickly than those in N.

Solutions in <NUM>% PG were prepared at a concentration of <NUM>% (grams per liter). Extract N appeared to dissolve completely but Extract B was cloudy. Turbidity was measured after stirring and was determined to be <NUM> NTU for Extract B and <NUM> NTU for Extract N. After sitting overnight, large quantities of sediment settled out of the suspension of Extract B, and no sediment was visible in the clear Extract N mixture.

These tests indicate that Extract N has higher solubility and forms more stable suspensions than Extract B in water. In addition, PG solutions can be formulated with extract N at <NUM>-<NUM>% concentration (by weight) whereas extract B does not provide stable solutions at these concentrations. Extract N can be viably formulated in PG without the need for additional solubilizing agents.

<NUM> of Extract N was stirred for <NUM> hours with <NUM> of PG and <NUM> sucralose to form a concentrate solution. <NUM> of concentrate solution was mixed with <NUM> of saline solution to prepare a mouth rinse.

In additional embodiments of the invention, the composition of the present invention further comprises an extract of the plant species Hypericum perforatum and Commiphora molmol, Uncaria tomentosa, Thymus vulgaris, Matricaria recutita, Salix alba, Calendula officinalis, Usnea barbata, Ligusticum porterii-osha, Gaultheria procumbens, Camellia sinensis, Vaccinium myrtilltus, Melissa officinalis, Allium sativum, Camellia sinensis, Hamamelis virginiana or Krameria triandra.

In additional embodiments of the invention, pharmaceutical compositions may be prepared in the form of patches, ointments, pastes, lotions, creams, lozenges, candies, chewing gums, solutions, gels, foams and sprays. Pharmaceutical compositions may be prepared, according to embodiments of the invention, in the form of immediate release or delayed release compositions.

OM is among the most frequently reported and potentially most debilitating condition associated with cancer chemotherapy and radiation treatment, ranging in incidence from <NUM>%-<NUM>% in patients receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy, <NUM>-<NUM>% in bone marrow transplant recipients and ><NUM>% of patients receiving combination radiation and chemotherapy for head and neck cancers (HNC). OM has been associated with increased analgesic and antibiotic use, febrile days, need for gastric tube or parenteral nutrition, length of hospital stay, unplanned and emergency room visits and total medical expenses, all of which have a negative impact on health and economic outcomes. Approximately <NUM>,<NUM> patients develop OM in the United States annually, and it is considered largely unpreventable.

A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled, fixed-dose, comparative study testing effects of mouth rinse according to example 6a in OM is performed in patients undergoing CRT (chemo-radio therapy) for HNC. Patients are randomized to receive either active mouth rinse or a placebo according to a <NUM>:<NUM> randomization schedule. Rinse dose is <NUM> of <NUM>% oral rinse, as described in example <NUM>, at a frequency of three times daily. The placebo is prepared using PG, sucralose and food coloring, diluted in saline.

About <NUM> subjects receive treatment for approximately <NUM>-<NUM> weeks, concurrently with CRT and extended until resolution of severe mucositis. Subjects are scheduled to receive a continuous course of external beam irradiation delivered either through intensity modulated radiotherapy or 3D planning. The cumulative prescription dose is between <NUM>-<NUM> Gy. A minimum of <NUM>% of the oral cavity receives a dose of <NUM> Gy or more. Radiotherapy is delivered concurrently with cisplatin chemotherapy in a dose of either <NUM>-<NUM>/m2 (milligrams per square meter), administered once every <NUM> days, or <NUM>-<NUM>/m2, administered once a week.

Safety is evaluated by general toxicity based on vital signs and physical examinations. Efficacy is evaluated by proportion of patients in active treatment group versus placebo group scoring a <NUM>-<NUM> according to WHO (World Health Organization) oral toxicity scale for OM at a cumulative radiation dosage of <NUM> Gy.

WHO oral toxicity scale for OM is as follows: Grade <NUM>: No mucositis or mucosal lesions. Grade <NUM>: erythema, mucosal sensitivity and pain. Grade <NUM>: Ulceration, ability to eat solid foods. Grade <NUM>: Ulceration, oral intake limited to fluids. Grade <NUM>: Ulceration, oral feeding is impossible.

In an open-labeled section of the trial, seven patients were treated with the pharmaceutical composition described in Example 6a. A graph showing OM score relative to cumulative radiation dose is shown in <FIG>. Patients <NUM> and <NUM> had overlapping scores during the course of treatment and are represented by one line.

In the patient population tested, approximately <NUM>% of patients who receive equivalent cumulative doses of radiation to the oral cavity are expected, based on historical data, to develop grade <NUM>-<NUM> OM. One of the patients dropped out of the trial after a very short duration of treatment due to an apparent allergic reaction to one of the components in the composition. Out of the remaining <NUM> patients, <NUM> were considered to have responded favorably to treatment, as the scoring in these patients did not exceed <NUM> throughout the treatment. One additional patient was considered a partial responder as the patient's development of OM was delayed until after the patient received a cumulative dose of ><NUM> Gy of radiation.

The results of the open-label section of the trial show that compositions prepared according to embodiments of the invention are effective in treating patients at risk of developing OM, including patients who have received radiation to the oral cavity. Similar results are expected from the complete trial.

A patient aged about <NUM> years old suffering from pancreatic cancer was treated intermittently with chemotherapy and radiation for a period of <NUM> years. The patient was diagnosed as suffering from OM and was treated with composition Q (preparation described below) for a period of about <NUM>-<NUM> weeks. No significant improvement of OM was recognized.

Composition Q was prepared using the following method. Ethanolic extractions of herbs Sambucus nigra, Echinacea purpurea and Centella asiatica were prepared and then combined in a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM>: <NUM>. The blend was then extracted with water in a ratio of <NUM> of water to every <NUM> of combined herbal extract. The insoluble material was removed and the soluble phase was filtered. The soluble phase was then formulated into a composition Q by combining with water, disodium EDTA, sodium benzoate, cetyl pyridinium chloride monohydrate, PEG-<NUM> Hydrogenated Castor Oil <NUM>%, S-Lactic Acid, sorbitol, PG, flavoring and erioglaucine. The concentration of solid content in the soluble phase in the composition Q was <NUM>%.

After <NUM>-<NUM> week period, administration of composition Q was stopped, patient was then administered a composition according to example <NUM>. The patient experienced a measurable decrease of pain and reduction of size of ulcerated areas within a <NUM> hour period.

In addition to treating OM, other diseases related to inflammation of the mucosa may be treated using extracts according to embodiments of the invention. The mucosa treated using extracts according to embodiments of the invention may include buccal, esophageal, gastric, intestinal, nasal, olfactory, oral, bronchial, uterine, endometrial, vaginal or penile mucosa. Inflammatory diseases according to embodiment of the invention include inflammatory bowel disease, radiation induced proctitis and atrophic vaginits.

Compositions comprising extracts according to embodiments of the invention may be used for treatment or prevention of a variety of diseases and indications. In an embodiment of the invention, the composition is intended for use in the treatment of diseases of the oral mucosa. In an embodiment of the invention, the therapeutic composition is intended for use in the treatment of an oral mucosal disease selected from the group consisting of periodontal disease, gingivitis, aphthous ulceration, mechanical trauma, thermal trauma, lichen planus, bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, dermatitis herpetiformis, angular chelitis and recurrent herpes.

In an embodiment of the invention, the therapeutic composition is intended for use in the treatment of skin lesions. In an embodiment of the invention, the therapeutic composition is intended for use in the treatment of dermal trauma. In another preferred embodiment, the therapeutic composition is intended for use in the treatment of insect bites and other local, superficial irritations.

In an embodiment of the invention, the therapeutic composition is intended for use in the treatment of anal lesions. In an embodiment of the invention, the therapeutic composition is intended for use in the treatment of an anal lesion associated with a condition selected from the group consisting of anal fissures, hemorrhoids and non-specific irritation.

In an embodiment of the invention, the therapeutic composition is intended for use in the treatment of vaginal lesions. In an embodiment of the invention, the therapeutic composition is intended for use in the treatment of a vaginal lesion associated with atrophic vaginitis.

Disclosed herein are methods for treatment comprising administering between <NUM> and <NUM> of an herbal extract per day. In embodiments of the invention, the daily dosage is <NUM>/ day. In embodiments, the daily dosage is <NUM>/day. Another embodiment is <NUM>/day.

There is further provided in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a method for preparing an aqueous therapeutic composition as specified in claim <NUM>. Optionally, the aqueous therapeutic composition is further dried to form a dried therapeutic composition. Optionally, insoluble materials are separated from the alcoholic mixture using centrifugation, filtration or settling. Optionally, alcohol is separated from the alcoholic mixture using vacuum. Optionally, the aqueuous therapeutic composition is dried by spray drying or freeze drying. Optionally, the method further comprises combining the dried therapeutic composition with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. Optionally, the excipient is selected from the group consisting of: propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, glycerin and essential oil. Hydroalcoholic herbal extracts of Sambucus nigra, Echinacea purpurea, and Centella asiatica are prepared by mixing the plant matter in a solvent comprising about <NUM>% ethanol. Optionally, the plant matter is mixed for about <NUM> hours. Optionally, the ratio of plant matter to solvent is approximately <NUM>:<NUM>. Optionally, the method further comprises removing solvent from the mixture of plant matter and solvent to form a hydroalcoholic herbal extract.

There is further provided in accordance with an embodiment of the invention an aqueous therapeutic composition comprising a herbal extract comprising hydroalcoholic herbal extracts of each of Sambucus nigra, Echinacea purpurea, and Centella asiatica, the extract comprising naringenin concentration of <NUM>%, <NUM>% or <NUM>%. Optionally, the herbal extract has solubility in a <NUM>% solution in propylene glycol. The ratio of Sambucus nigra: Echinacea purpurea: Centella asiatica is about <NUM>:<NUM>:<NUM>.

There is further disclosed a pharmaceutical composition comprising an herbal extract comprising hydroalcoholic herbal extracts of each of Sambucus nigra, Echinacea purpurea, and Centella asiatica, the extract comprising naringenin concentration of <NUM>%, <NUM>% or <NUM>%. Optionally, the pharmaceutical composition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Optionally, the carrier comprises propylene glycol. Optionally, the pharmaceutical composition according is in the form of a mouth rinse, patch, ointment, paste, lotion, cream, lozenge, candy, chewing gum, solution, gel, foam or spray.

There is further provided in accordance with an embodiment of the invention an aqueous therapeutic composition comprising a herbal extract comprising hydroalcoholic herbal extracts of each of Sambucus nigra, Echinacea purpurea, and Centella asiatica, the extract comprising naringenin concentration of <NUM>%, <NUM>% or <NUM>%for use in treatment of a disease selected from the group consisting of oral mucositis, inflammatory bowel disease, radiation induced proctitis, atrophic vaginits, periodontal disease, gingivitis, aphthous ulceration, mechanical trauma, thermal trauma, lichen planus, bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, dermatitis herpetiformis, angular chelitis and recurrent herpes. Optionally, the amount of herbal extract administered is between <NUM> and <NUM> per day.

Claim 1:
A method for preparing an aqueous therapeutic composition, said method comprising:
obtaining herbal extracts by mixing plant matter of each of Sambucus nigra, Echinacea purpurea, and Centella asiatica wherein the plant matter is
a. flowering tops of Sambucus nigra;
b. rhizome and roots of Echinacea purpurea;
c. aerial parts of Centella asiatica.
with <NUM>% ethanol in water and removing insoluble plant matter and solvent to form dried extracts, and combining the dried extracts,
at a ratio of <NUM>% Sambucus nigra extract, <NUM>% Echinacea purpurea extract and <NUM>% Centella asiatica extract;
contacting the combined herbal extracts with water,
then adding <NUM>% ethanol to form an ethanolic mixture having a concentration of <NUM>% ethanol;
separating insoluble materials and ethanol from the ethanolic mixture to produce an aqueous therapeutic composition.