Docket Number: 12604
Serial Number: 11289240

Technology Description:    ARS researchers in California have developed a method for manufacturing pure limonoid compounds from citrus juice production byproducts.  Limonoid compounds are pytochemicals currently believed to have therapeutic benefits.  ARS research studies have shown that these compounds possess potential health benefits, including cancer prevention and cholesterol reduction. Although other methods exist for extracting limonoids from citrus byproducts, ARS’s technology has an advantage over existing methods in that it allows for extracting more pure compounds needed for producing nutraceutical and functional foods.  Another benefit of ARS’s technology is that it uses “food-grade” solvents, reducing the risks associated with toxic solvents.   ARS researchers are currently seeking a cooperative research partner for commercial scale-up of this technology to ultimately produce consumer products made with these compounds.  ARS-directed human studies are underway to establish the cholesterol lowering properties of various citrus limonoid species.    Companies that manufacture nutraceuticals, phytochemicals or health directed functional foods would be able to use this technology for producing commercial products.  No Food Drug Administration approval would be required for food applications targeting cholesterol reduction.  Published data reports limonoids' chemopreventative potential relative to nutraceutical/phytochemical products.   Reference:   Please refer to S.N.11/289,240 (Docket #0126.04), “Manufacture of Limonoid Compounds,” which was filed on November 29, 2005.  Foreign rights are available.   Inventors:   Andrew P. Breksa, III Processed Food Research Unit Albany, CA  94710, Phone: (510) 559-5813     Fax: (510) 559-5849 apb3@pw.usda.gov Gary D. Manners (Retired) Processed Food Research Unit Albany, CA  94710,