Technology background
The red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is an important legume, having as its main characteristic the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen in the soil, which improves the quality of pastures, also presenting good quality and production of dry matter.
The legume in question contains the isoflavones daidzein, genistein, formononetin and biochanin A, the last two being found in higher concentrations in the plant. It is believed that these isoflavones may play an anti-inflammatory role, as previously demonstrated by some studies..
Technology description
The present invention describes the preparation of dry extract of red clover rich in isoflavones and its complexation with cyclodextrins., as well as its use as an anti-inflammatory.
Problem Fixed
Currently, Most studies on isoflavones are focused on soybeans, which contain only genistein and daidzein in appreciable quantities, and have 2-10 times lower total isoflavone content than red clover.
The importance of developing the present invention further increases the fact that all red clover extracts sold in Brazil are imported from other countries..
Applications
The extract described in the present invention has fractions rich in isoflavones and can be efficiently used as a base for pharmaceutical formulations and also with anti-inflammatory effects..
Advantages
Studies show that isoflavones can reduce cholesterol levels and are also useful in the prevention and treatment of cancer, bone loss, as an anti-inflammatory and in symptoms associated with menopause. Red clover contains isoflavones that may be able to demonstrate many of these activities.
The invention also proposes an improvement in the solubility of the extract for oral use in vivo. – encapsulation with dextrins – which makes it possible to use lower doses for use as an anti-inflammatory.
Technology Readiness Level (TRL – Technology Readiness Level)
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Status and opportunity
Patent granted by INPI under application number BR 10 2013 026652-3.
The patent can be found in full at Lume by link.
Inventors
Priscila Schmidt Lora
Cláudia Borges de Morais
Eduarda Correa Freitas
Graziele Pereira Ramos Pedrazza
José Angelo Silveira Zuanazzi
Miguel Dall’Agnol
Patricia Gnieslaw de Oliveira
Ricardo Machado Xavier
Valquiria Linck Bassani
Vivian de Oliveira Nunes Teixeira
