Mars, Incorporated

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies

John F Hammerstone

Harold H Schmitz

Catherine L Kwik-Uribe

Fred Harrison Gage

Rodney M Snyder

Mary E Myers

Eric J Whitacre

Mark Allen Kelm

Mark J Chimel

J Christopher Johnson

Henriette Van Praag

A cocoa extract which is rich in procyanidin monomer and oligomers is made by extracting de-fatted, unroasted, unfermented cocoa beans with organic solvents. The yield of procyanidins in an extract varies with the type of solvent used, reaction temperature, reaction pH and whether or not the solvent is an aqueous solution. Extraction parameters can be optimized to increase procyanidin yield, and different conditions results in the preferential extraction of the higher or lower oligomers. A preferred extraction method is counter-current extraction method.

Method for extracting cocoa procyanidins

The invention provides a method for improving cognitive performance in a physically active subject. The invention further provides a method of enhancing neurogenesis in a physically active subject. In one embodiment, the method encompasses administering to the subject an effective amount of one or more flavonoids. In a further embodiment, the method encompasses administering to the subject an effective amount of one or more antioxidants.

Method for increasing cognitive function and neurogenesis

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Rockville, MD, United States of America

John F Hammerstone