Technology Description:  ARS scientists in Maryland have discovered another use forcaffedymine and its derivatives. Caffedymine and its derivatives are found in numerous plants including wolfberry, bell pepper and cacao.  This technology could prove valuable in treating and preventing heart disease—the leading cause of death in the United States according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  ARS researchers tested these compounds in vitro and in vivo, which showed that caffedymine and its derivatives can inhibit COX enzymes as well as induce cAMP production—shown in medical studies to have an effect on cardiovascular functions.  These compounds can potentially be used in dietary supplements or other pharmaceutical products to suppress inflammation and platelet activation, which are major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, angina, acute myocardial infarction and ischemic cerebral stroke.  ARS is seeking a cooperative research partner to perform clinical studies, and ultimately manufacture a commercial product.   These natural compounds could be used as therapeutic agents for preventing and/or treating inflammation-associated cardiovascular diseases in humans.  Pharmaceutical, biotechnology and biomedical companies could develop this technology further for commercial use.   Reference:  Please refer to S.N. 11/358,604 (Docket # 0011.05), which was filed on March 14, 2006. Foreign rights are available.   Inventors:   Jae B. Park   Diet, Genomics and Immunology Lab   Beltsville, MD 20705   Phone: (301) 504-8365 ext. 240      Fax: (301) 504-9456   Jae.Park@ars.usda.gov