Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of compounds and preparations from African nutmeg seeds

Pycnanthus angolensis P. Kombokombo kombo kombo The present invention provides methods for reducing the production of nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase protein and mRNA, and cyclooxygenase-2 protein and mRNA in cells both in vivo and in vitro via the administration of extracts and compounds derived from the seeds of Warb., commonly known as African nutmeg. These extracts and compounds, namely, butter, butter acid extract, sargaquinoic acid, sargachromenol, and sargahydroquinoic acid, are also useful in the treatment and prevention of a battery of adverse health conditions in human, animal, and avian subjects that are advanced by the production of nitric oxide or its metabolites and/or by the activity of cyclooxygenase-2. Methods for the isolation of butter acid extracts are also provided.