Lipid Metabolism Composition Using Monascus Ferment and Omega-3

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for lipid metabolism disorders, such as cardiovascular diseases, often require strict dietary changes or pharmacological interventions like statins, which may have side effects and are not universally effective, especially in reducing cholesterol and triglycerides.

Innovation Solution

A synergistic composition combining extract of rice fermented with Monascus purpureus, omega-3 fatty acids, L-carnitine, policosanol, resveratrol, Coenzyme Q10, and vitamins, administered in a coordinated manner to enhance anticholesterolaemic and antitriglyceridaemic effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If statins are used to reduce cholesterol levels, then cholesterol synthesis is inhibited, but gastrointestinal disorders, skin rashes, and headache occur as side effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecholesterol levelsVSAvoidside effects
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple natural compounds (monacolin K from red yeast rice, omega-3 fatty acids, policosanols, resveratrol, L-carnitine, Coenzyme Q10, and vitamins) into a single composition that works synergistically to lower cholesterol and triglycerides while avoiding the harmful side effects associated with synthetic statins. This merging of multiple beneficial agents creates a more complete and safer therapeutic effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive synthetic pharmaceuticals (statins) with naturally-derived compounds that can be obtained from food sources and supplements. These natural compounds provide the necessary therapeutic effect without the harmful side effects, effectively substituting artificial substances with natural alternatives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Quantity of substance

If strict dietary discipline is adopted to treat hyperlipidaemia, then cholesterol and triglyceride levels may be reduced, but patient compliance becomes difficult due to intolerance and severity of the condition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelipid levelsVSAvoiddietary compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the approach from behavioral modification (strict diet) to biochemical intervention through supplementation. By introducing specific compounds that directly affect lipid metabolism, the treatment achieves therapeutic results without requiring patients to adhere to difficult dietary restrictions, thus changing the parameter of treatment modality from behavioral to biochemical.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If pharmacological treatment with statins is given to reduce cholesterol levels, then coronary heart disease deaths are reduced, but deaths from other events such as tumours or trauma increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoronary heart disease preventionVSAvoidother cause mortality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful side effects associated with statin therapy into beneficial outcomes by using natural compounds that provide the same cardiovascular protection without the adverse effects. The multi-component composition addresses lipid metabolism comprehensively while avoiding the harmful byproducts of synthetic drug metabolism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The combination achieves enhanced lipid-lowering effects compared to separate or minimal combinations of the active ingredients, increasing HDL cholesterol and reducing cholesterol and triglycerides without the side effects associated with traditional antilipemic drugs.

Implementation Method 1

Red yeast rice is the product of yeast (Monascus purpureus) grown on rice, and is served as a dietary staple in some Asian countries. It contains several compounds collectively known as monacolins, substances known to inhibit cholesterol synthesis.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFermentation: Fermentation

Implementation Method 2

The statins (lovastatin, simvastatin, provastatin, fluvastatin, and the like) are inhibitors of hydroxy-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. By inhibiting this enzyme, they reduce the hepatic synthesis of cholesterol

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzyme inhibition: Enzyme

Implementation Method 3

The omega-3 fatty acids are known for their triglyceride-lowering effects and for their effects in raising the levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMetabolic regulation:

Implementation Method 4

L-carnitine is a quaternary ammonium compound biosynthesized from the amino acids lysine and methionine. In living cells, it is required for the transport of fatty acids from the cytosol into the mitochondria during the breakdown of lipids (fats) for the generation of metabolic energy.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTransport:

Implementation Method 5

The policosanols are long-chain aliphatic alcohols. Examples of policosanols are triacontanol, hexacosanol, hexacontanol, ecocontanol, tetracosanol, dotriacontanol, and tetracontanol. The policosonol can be present as such or in the form of extract from natural products that contain it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCholesterol metabolism modulation:

Implementation Method 6

Resveratrol (trans-3,4′,5-trihydroxystilbene) is a polyphenol molecule found in many plant species including grapes and others.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntioxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 7

Coenzyme Q10 is now so well known in its human use that it requires no particular explanation and the substance is available on the market.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy metabolism:

Data Source

PatentUS9125903B2Composition useful for the treatment of lipid metabolism disorders
Publication Date: 2015.09.08 ALFASIGMA SPA

AI summary

The present invention relates to a composition useful for the treatment of lipid metabolism disorders, comprising one or more of the following active ingredients: (a) extract of rice fermented with Monascus purpureus, (b) at least one omega-3 fatty acid, (c) L-carnitine or a salt thereof; and one or more of the following active ingredients: (d) at least one policosanol or a natural extract containing policosanols; (e) resveratrol or a natural extract containing resveratrol; (f) Coenzyme Q10; and (g) at least one vitamin.