Kombo Butter Extract and Derivatives as Novel Anti-Inflammatory Agents


Invention Summary:

Rutgers scientists have developed a novel process to isolate the critical bio-active compounds of Kombo butter, which can be used to effectively treat a variety of inflammatory disorders including arthritis/joint or other inflammation (including bowels, gastrointestinal, skin, and allergic), and the presence of associated free radicals. Kombo butter (African nutmeg) has been shown to have various health benefits as a food or diet supplement, with multiple purported benefits. Our scientists have isolated the 3 key functional chemicals critical to anti-inflammatory action of Kombo butter, and further developed methods to produce and purify the key extracts and derivatives of the Kombo seed. We have further determined that these preparations and compounds are useful in reducing the production of NO, iNOS protein and mRNA, and COX-2 protein and mRNA in cells that occurs as part of the inflammatory response. The compositions can be administered topically or systemically, and may find utility in sports medicine, the treatment of inflammation and diseases that are advanced by the inflammatory response, and as a ‘natural’ anti-inflammatory additive to other formulations. 



Market Applications:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Sports medicine
  • Inflammatory arthropathies
  • Acute gout
  • Metastatic bone pain
  • Postoperative pain
  • Pyrexia
  • Renal colic headache and  migraine
  • Oral care (post-surgery and prophylactic) and veterinary uses

Advantages:

  • Inhibits NO production at the protein, mRNA and at the enzyme level
  • Expected benefits for chronic and acute symptoms and occurrences
  • Stable source of abundant raw materials available
  • Organic,‘natural’, non-animal based, good for kosher and hallal needs
  • Traditional local use as medicine with well established safety profile
  • Additional benefits as a potent antioxidant

Intellectual Property & Development Status:

Issued U.S. Patent # 7,371,413

Patent Information: