Chardonnay grape seed extract
A novel grape seed extract is enriched in procyanidins, has total polyphenols of less than 70%, and has a low degree of polymerization (dp). Other fractions of the extract have minimal polyphenols, fiber, and protein, but contain more than 90% sugars. In some specific examples, the individual extracts are obtained by sequential ultrafiltration of a water extract of the grape seeds. A first ultrafiltration provides a first permeate (Fraction A) enriched in sugars which is useful as a flavorant, and a first retentate. The first retentate is reconstituted and subjected to a second ultrafiltration at a higher molecular weight cutoff to produce a second permeate (Fraction B) that is enriched in low molecular weight polyphenols, and a second retentate (Fraction C) that is enriched in seed fiber. The Fractions are individually suitable for different nutraceutical products, or can be combined with each other in any combination and/or with other nutraceutical agents to enhance vascular and cognitive health.
1. A composition comprising an effective amount of a water extract of Chardonnay grape seed and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the extract consists essentially of Fraction B or C which comprise by percentage dry weight:
Fraction B:
38-50% Polyphenols,
9-12% Fiber,
1-2% Protein,
<1% Lipids,
25-30% Sugars; and
Fraction C:
45-55% Polyphenols,
26-30% Fiber,
2-3% Proteins,
<1% Lipids,
<1% Sugars;
wherein the extract is obtained by the steps of:
(a) mixing washed grape seeds with heated water at a temperature below 100° C.
2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the water extract consists essentially of Fraction C, and wherein the flavanols in Fraction C have a mean degree of polymerization of 5-6.
3. The composition of claim 2 , wherein the water extract consists essentially of Fraction B wherein the flavanols in Fraction B have a mean degree of polymerization of less than 3 and are more than 50% monomers.
4. The composition of claim 1 , having less than 50% polyphenols.
5. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the water extract has undergone sequential ultrafiltrations.
6. The composition of claim 5 , wherein the water extract contains flavanols having a mean degree of polymerization (mdp) of less than 3.
7. The composition of claim 6 , wherein the composition has an mdp of less than 2.5.
8. A tablet composition comprising the composition of claim 1 , and further comprising a nutrient.
9. The corn position of claim 1 , wherein the water extract consists essentially of Fraction B, and wherein Fraction B is further obtained by the step of concentrating and drying the second permeate.
10. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the water extract consists essentially of Fraction C, and wherein Fraction C is further obtained by the step of concentrating and drying the second retentate.
11. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the water extract is the second permeate, wherein less than 10% of the polyphenols in the water extract contain more than 10 monomeric units, and the second permeate has a mdp of less than 2.5.
12. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the water extract is the second retentate and the polyphenols in the second retentate have a mdp of greater than 5.
13. The composition of claim 1 , wherein said composition is formulated as a dietary supplement or food product.
14. The composition of claim 13 , wherein the water extract consists essentially of Fraction B, and wherein the composition further comprises guarana extract, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate, blueberry powder/extract and green coffee bean extract.
15. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the water extract consists of Fraction B.
16. A pharmaceutical tablet formulation comprising an effective amount of a water extract of Chardonnay grape seed and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the extract consists essentially of Fraction B or C which comprise by percentage dry weight:
Fraction B:
38-50% Polyphenols,
9-12% Fiber,
1-2% Protein,
<1% Lipids,
25-30% Sugars; and
Fraction C:
45-55% Polyphenols,
26-30% Fiber,
2-3% Proteins,
<1% Lipids,
<1% Sugars.
17. The tablet formulation of claim 16 , comprising Fraction B.
18. The tablet formulation of claim 16 , comprising Fraction C.