Produce pure limonoid compounds.

USDA-ARS researchers have developed a technique for manufacturing pure limonoid compounds from citrus juice production byproducts. They are seeking a cooperative research partner for commercial scale-up of this technology to ultimately produce consumer products made with these compounds.

Limonoid compounds are phytochemicals 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, the new approach has an advantage over existing methods in that it allows for extracting more pure compounds needed for producing nutraceutical and functional foods. Another benefit: the technology uses food-grade solvents, reducing the risks associated with toxic solvents.

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 FDA approval would be required for food applications targeting cholesterol reduction. Published data reports limonoids' chemopreventative potential relative to nutraceutical and phytochemical products.

Past research by Texas Agricultural Experiment Station scientists has shown that limonoids targeted and stopped neuroblastoma cells in the lab. They hope to learn the reasons for the stop-action behavior and eventually try the citrus concoction in humans. It appears that limonoids may work against cancer in any of three ways: prevent it from forming, slow the growth of existing cancer, or kill cancer cells.

If you are interested in the USDA technology, refer to S.N.11/289,240 (Docket #0126.04), "Manufacture of Limonoid Compounds," which was filed on Nov. 29, 2005. Foreign rights are available.

Further information. Andrew P. Breksa III, USDA-ARS Western Regional Research Center, Processed Food Research Unit, 800 Buchanan St., Albany, CA 94710; phone: 510-559-5898; fax: 510-559-5849; email: apb3@pw.usda.gov.