Patent ID: 7470441

Claim:
A method of preparing an extract or extract fraction of Mucuna pruriens seeds comprising: extracting a seed of Mucuna pruriens with n-hexane to provide a first extract solution; filtering the first extract solution to provide a first filter retentate; extracting the first filter retentate with acetone to provide a second extract solution; filtering the second extract solution to provide a second filter retentate; extracting the second filter retentate with an approximately 1:1 mixture of water and ethanol containing approximately 0.5% ascorbic acid to provide third extract solution; filtering the third extract solution to provide a third filter retentate; repeating the extraction with an approximately 1:1 mixture of water and ethanol containing approximately 0.5% ascorbic acid at least four times using the third through a sixth filter retentate to provide a fourth through seventh extract solutions; pooling at least two of the extract solutions to provide a pooled extract solution; and concentrating the pooled extract solution to form an extract or extract fraction containing at least one pharmaceutically active component, substance, fraction, or mixture thereof.