USE OF PLANT SEEDS AFTER GERMINATION AS A SOURCE OF SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE AND COSMETIC, PHARMACEUTICAL OR AGRI-FOOD COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING SUCH A PLANT SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE, AND EXTRACTION PROCESS

摘要

Germinated plant seeds are disclosed as a source of superoxide dismutase (SOD). The SOD is stabilized to temperatures of at least 45 DEG C. when combined in a stabilizing composition comprising a peroxidase, a peroxidase cofactor, and a hydrophilic substance selected from sugars and polyols of less than 2,000 g/mole in molecular mass. The stabilized SOD compositions can be used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical or food compositions. Methods of treating mammals against the harmful effects of free radicals and against inflammation are also disclosed.