WO2012162471A2

WO2012162471A2 - Pachycereus plant extract and methods of use thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2012162471A2
Application number: PCT/US2012/039292
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jose L. JORDAN-HERNANDEZ
Original assignee: Biortec, Llc
Priority date: 2011-05-26
Filing date: 2012-05-24
Publication date: 2012-11-29
Also published as: WO2012162471A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multifunctional plant extract for the protection and treatment of microbial infection in plants, animals, and humans, and methods of making and using the extract. The invention further encompasses a plant extract that also functions in wound healing, as well as a plant growth promoter and fertilizer.

Description

PACHYCEREUS PLANT EXTRACT AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Application Serial Number 61/490,254, filed on May 26, 2011 which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[002] The present invention provides an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant, methods of protecting against and/or treating microbial or parasitic infections or infestations in plants, animals, or humans using an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant, and related kits. Also provided are methods of wound healing using an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant, methods of treating various dermatological conditions and reducing inflammation in humans, as well as methods of increasing the growth of plants or weight of animals. Finally, the process and system for preparing the antimicrobial plant extract are provided. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[003] Microbial pathogens are responsible not only for disease and death in humans, but for large losses of yield and quality of agricultural crops (e.g., corn, wheat, barely, etc.) as well as disease and death in livestock. Antimicrobials have been developed for use in human and veterinary medicine as well as in plants to prevent plant infestations. [004] Use, misuse and over-use of antibiotics in human medicine, veterinary medicine, and animal and plant agriculture can increase the levels of resistance in the bacterial population, and lead to large numbers of infected livestock and plant infestations that are difficult to control, and lead to human infections. Since the 1950s, antibiotics have been added to livestock feed to counteract the effects of crowded living conditions, poor hygiene, and to enhance the body weight of the animals. This causes the development of antibiotic resistance among food-borne pathogens that may infect people who consume tainted meat or touch infected animals. Diseases of livestock and plants lead to shortages in food supply, as well as increased production costs and diminished profitability. Therefore, alternative antimicrobials are needed in the art for humans as well as for plants and livestock. [005] Similarly, due to the environmental destruction caused by the use of pesticides, there is a constant incentive to develop better and environmentally safe products to rid plants and livestock from diseases, products that have fewer toxic side-effects and reduced environmental damage compared to currently used pesticides.

[006] There is constant commercial demand for botanical alternatives to antibiotics and synthetic chemical disinfectants for the control of disease associated with water, surface, and food borne pathogens. The explosive rise in antibiotic resistant diseases has been associated with the overuse of antibiotics in both humans and livestock. Many regional governments and international health organizations have called for the phasing out of unnecessary antibiotic use, especially in livestock feeds where they are used sub-therapeutically to enhance growth. To date, it is widely recognized that there are few cost effective and environmentally sound alternatives for the safe control of pathogens. Decades of research on plants as sources of new antimicrobials has primarily focused on mechanical or solvent extraction of specific plant compounds and has not been successful in generating compositions with potency, safety, user preference and environmental profile necessary to match the performance of current antibiotics and germicides. [007] Although there are approaches available to protect agriculture, horticulture, forestry and agronomy from microbial infections and infestations, a better and more environmentally friendly method than any available is needed. The environmental impact due to toxic byproducts of man-made synthetic antimicrobials is significant, while the need for better and cheaper ways to produce foods in order to provide for the increasing world population is steadily rising. While growing genetically modified foods reduces pesticide spraying and greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, the future environmental impact of genetically modified technology on soil and plant communities is not yet understood. Overall, there is an increasing need for a less costly, more efficient, faster and environmentally safe product that can protect humans, animals, and plants alike. The present invention addresses this and other needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[008] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of expediting the healing of a wound, treating a burn wound, or reducing inflammation in a subject comprising the step of contacting said subject with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant.

[009] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating, inhibiting, or suppressing a viral infection, dermatological damage, acne, in a subject comprising the step of contacting said subject with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant.

[0010] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a kit for expediting the healing of a wound, treating a burn wound, or reducing inflammation in a subject, said kit comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant.

[0011] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating, inhibiting, or suppressing a pathogenic infestation or the spread of a pathogenic disease or infection on a farm, comprising the step of contacting said crop with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. [0012] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of enhancing the growth or extending the shelf life of an agricultural product comprising the step of contacting said crop with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant.

[0013] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of increasing the weight of an animal, comprising the step of contacting said animal with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant.

[0014] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a kit for treating, inhibiting, or suppressing an infestation or the spread of a pathogenic disease or infection on a farm, said kit comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. [0015] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a kit for enhancing the growth or extending the shelf life of an agricultural product, said kit comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant.

[0016] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing an antimicrobial plant extract, comprising the steps of: (a) harvesting plant material from a Pachycereus plant to obtain plant skins; (b) soaking said plant skins in water; and (c) pulverizing said plant skins to obtain an extract.

[0017] In another embodiment, the present invention provides an antimicrobial plant extract prepared using the process for preparing an antimicrobial plant extract, comprising the steps of: (a) harvesting plant material from a Pachycereus plant to obtain plant skins; (b) soaking said plant skins in water; and (c) pulverizing said plant skins to obtain an extract. [0018] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a system for producing an antimicrobial plant extract, comprising harvested plant skin from a Pachycereus plant and a device for pulverizing or grinding said plant skin.

[0019] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising an extract of harvested plant skin from a Pachycereus plant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The present invention is best understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which serve to illustrate the preferred embodiments. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the Figures.

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates the extraction procedure for a process for preparing the plant extract.

[0022] Figure 2 depicts two photographs that illustrate the growth rate of corn when treated with the plant extract (D Plant or BT-18) for 105 days in comparison to untreated corn. As shown, the treated corn exhibits increased height and a healthier appearance overall.

[0023] Figure 3 depicts two photographs that illustrate the growth rate of alfalfa when treated with the plant extract (D Plant or BT-18) for 30 days in comparison to untreated alfalfa. As depicted, the treated alfalfa exhibits increased height and a thicker foliage.

[0024] Figure 4 depicts two photographs that illustrate the growth rate of pepper when treated with the plant extract (D Plant or BT-18) for 85 days in comparison to untreated pepper. As depicted, the treated pepper exhibits increased height and enhanced foliage.

[0025] Figure 5 depicts two photographs of two different table grape varieties (i.e., FLAME SEEDLESS grapes in the top picture and SUGRAONE grapes in the bottom picture). Both varieties of table grapes were treated with the plant extract (D Plant or BT-18) at a dosage of 10 liters of D Plant in 1000 liters of water per hectare with 3 applications. As shown, the fruit is clean and free of fungi and stress.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The present invention provides a system for producing a multifunctional, antimicrobial plant extract for the protection and treatment of plants, animals, and humans against microbial infection, infestation and disease. In one embodiment, the plant extract also functions as a plant growth promoter. In one embodiment, the antimicrobial plant extract is biodegradable. Another advantage of the invention is the low cost of producing the antimicrobial plant extract and the ease by which this system can be implemented and/or integrated into any existing infrastructure. The system is useful for large- and small-scale entities alike, including family-owned and corporation-driven livestock farms and aquaculture farms; and agricultural developments from small organic farms to large crop fields. Another advantage of the invention is the versatility of the antimicrobial plant extract which is applicable to animals such as livestock (cattle, cows, sheep, chickens, turkeys, lambs, etc.); aquatic life (fish, shrimp, lobster, abalone, oysters, etc.); plant crops (wheat, corn, barley, rice, etc.); horticulture (ornamentals, small trees, etc.); forestry (woods, tree farms, etc.), agronomy in general (i.e., field-crop production and soil management), and to the treatment of various human diseases and conditions. Another advantage of the antimicrobial plant extract is its ability to promote plant growth without any artificial means. Plants that are treated with the antimicrobial plant extract are not only protected from microbial infection but also exhibit healthier morphology and a faster growth rate.

[0027] General Overview

[0028] The present invention relates to a system that provides a multifunctional, antimicrobial plant extract that demonstrates a broad spectrum of antimicrobial defense against many different types of bacteria and fungi. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a mixture of plant based material with astringent and/or germicidal properties. In one embodiment, the plant extract is effective against E. coli infection. In another embodiment, the plant extract is effective against Phymatothrichum omnivorum infection, which in one embodiment, is Texan rot. In another embodiment, the plant extract is effective against Uncinula necator fungus. [0029] The extract is effective against various forms of pathogenic microbial infections in plants, animals, and humans, and its use extends to agriculture, animal husbandry and aquaculture. The extract also possesses significant plant growth enhancement capabilities and it leads to reduced damage in plants (i.e., it significantly reduces the stresses and pests that commonly afflict plants) including commercial crops, vegetables, fruits, flowers, trees, and the like.

[0030] Plants possess special non- structural molecules and primary and secondary metabolites besides their structural and cellular components and stored nutrients. Some of these non-structural molecules can still function as structural components via polymerization. Unlike animals, plants are immobile and do not possess an immune system. Rather, plants rely on specific non- structural molecules as a form of defense. The molecules that build the defense system are organized into ten different groups based on their chemical structures, including phenols, polyphenols, glycosides, terpenes, triterpenoids, fatty acids and resins, oils and alkamides, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and peptide based defensins. These molecules can be either hydrophilic or hydrophobic, i.e., even within the same category. Thus, the characterization of a plant extract cannot be solely based on the extracting solvent but must take into account the multiplicity of the various different components in plants.

[0031] Without being limited by theory, in one embodiment, an extract of the present invention upregulates one or more plant defense molecules, which in one embodiment, is a phytoalexin. In one embodiment, a phytoalexin is an antimicrobial substance synthesized de novo by a plant. In another embodiment, phytoalexins protect plants by using aromas that deter pests and insects from approaching the plant. In one embodiment, phytoalexins are not perceptible to humans. In another embodiment, a phytoalexin is a broad spectrum inhibitor. In another embodiment, a phytoalexin is a terpenoid, glycosteroid, alkaloid, or combination thereof. In one embodiment, a phytoalexin may puncture the cell membrane, delay maturation, disrupt metabolism or prevent reproduction of a pathogen.

[0032] The plant from which the plant extract is derived is, in one embodiment, Pachycereus schottii or Lophocereus schottii, which in one embodiment, is referred to as Senita cactus, Whisker cactus, totem pole cactus, cardona, muze, sina, old man cactus, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the plant extract is derived from a plant that is closely related to Lophocereus schottii, as is recognized by a skilled artisan. In one embodiment, the plant extract is derived from one of the species described in Arias & Terrazas "Seed morphology and variation in the genus Pachycereus (Cactaceae)" J Plant Res. 2004 Aug;117(4):277-89. Epub 2004 Jun 5, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0033] In one embodiment, "closely related" refers to having one or more similar morphological or genetic characteristics, which in one embodiment, is a similarity in seed morphology, plant structure, flower characteristics, spine characteristics, trunk structure, branch structure or number, chromosome number, genetic makeup, or a combination thereof. [0034] In another embodiment, the plant extract is derived from Pachycereus pecten- aboriginum, which in one embodiment, is referred to as Pecten tehuantepecanus, cardon, cardo, etcho, e'cho, Hairbrush cactus, Aborigine's Comb, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the plant extract is derived or extracted or taken from a plant that is closely related to Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, as is recognized by a skilled artisan. In one embodiment, the plant extract is derived from a cactus closely related to Pachycereus pecten- aboriginum, which are described, in one embodiment, in Arias & Terrazas. 2009. "Taxonomic revision of Pachycereus (Cactaceae)." Systematic Botany 34(l):68-83, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In one embodiment, a plant closely related to Pachycereus pecten- aboriginum has one or more of the following characteristics: columnar, candelabra-like form, branches differentiated in relation to areole and spines features, vegetative regions of the branches show areoles with strong and thick spines, arranged in radial and central series, the spines in the flowering region are thinner and flexible and tend to lose the radial and central arrangement, or a combination thereof.

[0035] In another embodiment, the plant extract is derived from Pachycereus pringlei which in one embodiment, is referred to as cardon, Cereus calvus, Cereus titan, or Pachycereus pringlei forma gibbosus. In one embodiment, the plant extract is derived or extracted or taken from a plant that is closely related to Pachycereus pringlei, as is recognized by a skilled artisan. In one embodiment, the plant extract is derived from one of a cactus closely related to Pachycereus pringlei, which are described, in one embodiment, in Arias & Terrazas. 2009. "Taxonomic revision of Pachycereus (Cactaceae)." Systematic Botany 34(l):68-83, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In one embodiment, a plant closely related to Pachycereus pringlei has one or more of the following characteristics: columnar, candelabra- like form, branches differentiated in relation to areole and spines features, vegetative regions of the branches show areoles with strong and thick spines, arranged in radial and central series, the spines in the flowering region are thinner and flexible and tend to lose the radial and central arrangement, or a combination thereof.

[0036] In another embodiment, the plant extract is derived from Pecten weberi which in one embodiment, is referred to as Pachycereus weberi, Cereus candelabrum, or Pachycereus grandis Rose var. gigas. In one embodiment, the plant extract is derived or extracted or taken from a plant that is closely related to Pachycereus weberi, as is recognized by a skilled artisan. In one embodiment, the plant extract is derived from one of a cactus closely related to Pachycereus weberi, which are described, in one embodiment, in Arias & Terrazas. 2009. "Taxonomic revision of Pachycereus (Cactaceae)." Systematic Botany 34(l):68-83, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In one embodiment, a plant closely related to Pachycereus weberi has one or more of the following characteristics: columnar, candelabra- like form, branches differentiated in relation to areole and spines features, vegetative regions of the branches show areoles with strong and thick spines, arranged in radial and central series, the spines in the flowering region are thinner and flexible and tend to lose the radial and central arrangement, or a combination thereof.

[0037] In another embodiment, the plant extract is derived from Cephalocereus senilis, which in one embodiment, is referred to as old man cactus. In one embodiment, the plant extract is derived or extracted or taken from a plant that is closely related to Cephalocereus senilis, as is recognized by a skilled artisan.

[0038] In another embodiment, the plant extract is derived from Pachycereus grandis, which in one embodiment, is referred to as Cereus bergerianus. In one embodiment, the plant extract is derived or extracted or taken from a plant that is closely related to Pachycereus grandis, as is recognized by a skilled artisan. In one embodiment, the plant extract is derived from one of a cactus closely related to Pachycereus grandis, which are described, in one embodiment, in Arias & Terrazas. 2009. "Taxonomic revision of Pachycereus (Cactaceae)." Systematic Botany 34(l):68-83, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In one embodiment, a plant closely related to Pachycereus grandis has one or more of the following characteristics: columnar, candelabra- like form, branches differentiated in relation to areole and spines features, vegetative regions of the branches show areoles with strong and thick spines, arranged in radial and central series, the spines in the flowering region are thinner and flexible and tend to lose the radial and central arrangement, or a combination thereof.

[0039] In another embodiment, the plant extract is derived from Pachycereus tepamo. In one embodiment, the plant extract is derived or extracted or taken from a plant that is closely related to Pachycereus tepamo, as is recognized by a skilled artisan. In one embodiment, the plant extract is derived from one of a cactus closely related to Pachycereus tepamo, which are described, in one embodiment, in Arias & Terrazas. 2009. "Taxonomic revision of Pachycereus (Cactaceae)." Systematic Botany 34(l):68-83, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In one embodiment, a plant closely related to Pachycereus tepamo has one or more of the following characteristics: columnar, candelabra- like form, branches differentiated in relation to areole and spines features, vegetative regions of the branches show areoles with strong and thick spines, arranged in radial and central series, the spines in the flowering region are thinner and flexible and tend to lose the radial and central arrangement, or a combination thereof.

[0040] In another embodiment, the plant extract is derived from a species of Pachycereus plant. In one embodiment, a species of Pachycereus plant comprises Pachycereus fulviceps; Pachycereus gatesii; Pachycereus gaumeri; Pachycereus grandis; Pachycereus hollianus; Pachycereus lepidanthus; Pachycereus marginatus; Pachycereus militaris; Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum; Pachycereus pringlei; Pachycereus pringlei fa. calvus; Pachycereus weberi; Pachycereus aragonii synonym of Stenocereus aragonii; Pachycereus calvus synonym of Pachycereus pringlei fa. calvus; Pachycereus chrysomallus synonym of Pachycereus militaris; Pachycereus columna-trajani synonym of Cephalocereus columna- trajani; Pachycereus foetidus synonym of Pachycereus gaumeri; Pachycereus gigas synonym of Pachycereus weberi; Pachycereus grandis var. gigas synonym of Pachycereus weberi; Pachycereus marginatus var. gemmatus synonym of Pachycereus marginatus; Pachycereus orcuttii synonym of Pacherocactus orcuttii; Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum ssp. tehuantepecanus synonym of Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum; Pachycereus tehuantepecanus synonym of Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum; Pachycereus tetetzo synonym of Neobuxbaumia tetetzo; Pachycereus queretaroensis synonym of Stenocereus queretaroensis; Pachycereus ruficeps synonym of Neobuxbaumia macrocephala; Pachycereus schottii; Pachycereus schottii var. tenuis synonym of Pachycereus schottii; Pachycereus tehuantepecanus synonym of Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum; and Pachycereus tetetzo synonym of Neobuxbaumia tetetzo.

[0041] In one embodiment, Pachycereus gaumeri is known as Kanzacam cactus. In one embodiment, Pachycereus hollianus is known as Baboso and/or Acompes cactus. In one embodiment, Pachycereus marginatus is known as Central Mexico Organ Pipe, Organo, and/or Jarritos cactus. In one embodiment, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum is known as Cardon Hecho and/or Cardon Barbon. In one embodiment, Pachycereus pringlei is known as Cardon, Elephant Cactus, and/or Mexican Giant Cactus. In one embodiment, Pachycereus weberi is known as Cardon Espinoso, and/or Candelabra cactus. In one embodiment, Pachycereus columna-trajani is known as Organo cactus. In one embodiment, Pachycereus foetidus is known as Kanzacam cactus. In one embodiment, Pachycereus gigas is known as Cardon Espinoso, Candelabra cactus. In one embodiment, Pachycereus grandis var. gigas is known as Cardon Espinoso, Candelabra cactus. In one embodiment, Pachycereus marginatus var. gemmatus is known as Central Mexico Organ Pipe, Organo, Jarritos cactus. In one embodiment, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum ssp. tehuantepecanus is known as Cardon Hecho, Cardon Barbon cactus. In one embodiment, Pachycereus queretaroensis is known as Pitahaya de Queretaro cactus. In one embodiment, Pachycereus tetetzo is known as Tetetzo, Cardon cactus.

[0042] In another embodiment, the plant extract is derived from one or more of the following species of Pachycereus plant: Lophocereus schottii synonym of Pachycereus schottii; Lophocereus australis synonym of Pachycereus schottii; Lophocereus bahiensis synonym of Leocereus bahiensis; Lophocereus gatesii synonym of Pachycereus gatesii; Lophocereus glaziovii synonym of Arthrocereus glasiovii; Lophocereus melanurus synonym of Arthrocereus melanurus ssp. melanurus; Lophocereus sargentianus synonym of Pachycereus schottii; Lophocereus schottii var. australis synonym of Pachycerus schottii; Lophocereus schottii var. gatesii synonym of Pachycereus gatesii; Lophocereus schottii var. sargentianus synonym of Pachycereus schottii; Lophocereus schottii var. tenuis synonym of Pachycereus schottii; Lophocereus australis; Lophocereus sargentianus; Lophocereus schottii var. australis and Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum. [0043] In one embodiment, the plant extract is derived or extracted or taken from a plant that is closely related to one or more of the cactus mentioned hereinabove, as is recognized by a skilled artisan.

[0044] In one embodiment, the extracts for the compositions and uses of the present invention are extracts of a Pachycereus species. In one embodiment, the extracts for the compositions and uses of the present invention do not include extracts from Stenocereus species, including, inter alia, Stenocereus thurberi, which in one embodiment, is the scientific name for the cactus commonly known as organ pipe cactus. In one embodiment, the extracts for the compositions and uses of the present invention do not include extracts from organ pipe cactus.

[0045] In another embodiment, the plant extract is derived from one or more of the following species of Pachycereus plant: Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum; Lophocereus schottii; Pachycereus pringlei; Pecten weberi; and Cephalocereus senilis. In another embodiment, the Pachycereus species excludes Pachycereus marginatus, Pachycereus marginatus, Pachycereus columna-trajani, or a combination thereof.

[0046] In another embodiment, the plant extract is derived from cacti with features similar to Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum. In one embodiment, the features of Pachycereus pecten- aboriginum include, in one embodiment: Treelike cactus, up to 25 feet tall (7.5 m), stems up to 5 inches in diameter (12.5 cm); 10-12 acute ribs; areoles 0.4 inch in diameter (1 cm); 1 or 2 central spines, 8-12 radials, from Northwestern Mexico (from Sonora and Baja California, down to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The flowers are white, with purplish outer petals, 2 to 3.6 inches long (5-9 cm), with a floral tube covered with brown wool. The flowers open during the day. The fruit is 2.4 to 3 inches in diameter (6-7.5 cm). It contains shiny seeds, 4 mm long. [0047] In another embodiment, the plant extract is derived from cacti with features similar to Lophocereus schottii. In one embodiment, the features of Lophocereus schottii include: The Senita, one of the columnar cacti, has many stems up to eight inches wide and 15 feet high, branching up from the base. Each stem has five to 10 ribs. The upper sections of adult stems produce spine clusters (areolas), each with 15 to 20 bristle-like gray spines one to four inches long. Its flowers, pale pink, are produced mostly from the upper stems. The flowers open after dark and close around dawn. They are pollinated by a small moth specialized to live its life on this cactus. The Senita fruits are spineless, red and fleshy when mature. In another embodiment, the plant extract is derived from cacti with features similar to Lophocereus schottii as described in Arias and Terrazas, J Plant Res. 2004 Aug;117(4):277-89, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0048] The plant extract is, in one embodiment, a water based mixture of plant materials that originate from two different families of cacti, i.e., Pachycereus schottii (sometimes referred to as Senita cactus or Whisker cactus) and Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum (sometimes referred to as Hairbrush cactus or Aborigine's Comb). The plant extract is used in agriculture, animal husbandry, aquaculture, and to treat human diseases and conditions. The major benefits of the plant extract are that the extract is an excellent bactericide, fungicide, and vermicide for the protection and treatment of plants and animals; it invigorates the immune system in animals; it activates a plant's natural ability to repel pests including insects, diseases and fungi; it reduces stress effects in plants and works as a stress depressant in animals; it invigorates plant development; it works as a soil, root and/or plant aseptic; it cuts costs for disease and pest control; it lengthens fruit post harvest life; it shortens harvest time; it improves production in agriculture and livestock; it is 100% natural and environmentally sound; it replaces beneficial soil microbian fauna; it prevents and controls fungi infection, pests and nutrient deficiency; it is effective as a systemic treatment as well as a booster on contact; and it is believed to be safe for humans and the environment.

[0049] ii.) Definitions

[0050] The following definitions are set forth to illustrate and define the meaning and scope of the various terms used to describe the present invention. [0051] In one embodiment, the present invention describes compositions comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In one embodiment, the extract is an antimicrobial extract. In one embodiment, the term "antimicrobial extract" refers to a substance that reduces or inhibits the growth of pathogenic microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, protozoa and/or viruses. The antimicrobial extract has the capability to help plants and animals to resist, inhibit, or destroy pathogenic microbes, including bacteria, fungi, or viruses at the onset of infection or during infection. The antimicrobial extract possesses the ability to kill bacteria and/or suppress their multiplication or growth. The antimicrobial extract also has the ability to protect plants and animals from contracting infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, protozoa and/or viruses. In addition, the antimicrobial extract also has the ability to enhance plant growth.

[0052] In one embodiment, protozoa include organisms classified in Amoebozoa, Excavata, and Chromalveolata. In one embodiment, examples of protozoa include Entamoeba histolytica, Plasmodium (some of which cause malaria), Giardia lamblia, and Trypanosoma brucei (transmitted by the tsetse fly and the cause of African sleeping sickness).

[0053] In one embodiment, the term "solution" refers to water or optionally water with common additives. In one embodiment, a solution may be used to dissolve a plant powder to produce a plant extract. [0054] In one embodiment, the term "magnetized water" refers to water with magnetic properties or water that is magnetically charged. Magnetism increases the speed of sedimentation of suspended particles in water (and other liquids) and enhances conductivity as well as the process of ionization or dissociation of atoms and molecules into electrically charged particles (see New Scientist, June 1992). Magnets also affect the bonding angle between the hydrogen and the oxygen atom in the water molecule. Magnetized water causes the hydrogen-oxygen bond angle within the water molecule to be reduced from 104 to 103 degrees. This in turn causes the water molecule to cluster together in groups of 6-7 rather than 10-12. The smaller cluster leads to better absorption of water across cell walls. In addition and in one embodiment, subjecting water to magnetism can help to make the water cleaner. [0055] In one embodiment, the term "ozonized water" refers to water enriched with dissolved ozone that increases oxygen local tension. The water can be processed in any ozonification apparatus or manually as known in the art to obtain ozonized water with 3 oxygen molecules (rather than one oxygen molecule in normal water), i.e., H2O₃. Ozonized water is pure, and is generally free of microbes and/or pathogens. In one embodiment, ozonized water has antibacterial properties.

[0056] In one embodiment, the term "adult animal" refers to an animal that has reached maturity or an animal that is fully grown. In one embodiment, the term "immature animal" refers to an animal that is not fully grown or developed. The specific age in which an animal reaches adulthood varies by species and is well known to a skilled artisan.

[0057] In one embodiment, the compositions of and for use in the present invention may optionally comprise at least one flavonoid, which, in one embodiment, is a natural compound from a class of water-soluble plant pigments. In one embodiment, flavonoids are known to have antioxidant, anti-microbial, and/or anti-cancer activity. In one embodiment, flavonoids are used in the present invention as a preservative. In another embodiment, flavonoids are added to prevent the extract from being degraded by ultraviolet (UV) rays. In one embodiment, it is especially important to add flavonoids to an extract for use in agricultural applications, because the extract is exposed to the sun between applications. Flavonoids may be found in plants, vegetables, fruits, flowers or any other known natural source by a skilled artisan. Flavonoids may be derived from these sources by conventional means known in the art. Derivation is not limited to a single source of flavonoids, but may also include mixture of sources, such as extraction from a single vegetable or mixture of vegetables. In addition, flavonoids may be produced synthetically or by another appropriate chemical means and incorporated into the composition. In one embodiment, flavonoids comprise quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, isohammetin, catechin, and derivatives or mixtures thereof.

[0058] iii.) The Plant Extract and Its Production

[0059] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing an antimicrobial plant extract, comprising the steps of: (a) harvesting plant material from a Pachycereus plant to obtain plant skins; (b) drying said plant skins; and (c) pulverizing said plant skins to obtain a powdered extract. In one embodiment, said plant skins are soaked in water prior to step (b). In one embodiment, said water comprises hydrogen peroxide, which in one embodiment is 1-6% hydrogen peroxide, in another embodiment, 3% hydrogen peroxide. [0060] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing an antimicrobial plant extract, comprising the steps of: (a) harvesting plant material from a Pachycereus plant to obtain plant skins and (b) soaking said plant skins in water; (c) thereby obtaining a liquid extract.

[0061] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing an antimicrobial plant extract, comprising the steps of: (a) harvesting plant material from Pachycereus schottii and Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum to obtain plant samples and (b) obtaining a powdered extract. In one embodiment, the process further comprises drying the plant samples before step (b). In one embodiment, the process further comprises soaking the plant samples in water after step (a). In one embodiment, said step of obtaining a powdered extract comprises pulverizing plant samples.

[0062] Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing an anti -bacterial composition comprising the steps of: harvesting plant material from Pachycereus schottii and Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum to obtain plant samples; soaking the plant samples in water; drying the plant samples to obtain dried plant samples; and pulverizing the dried plant samples to obtain a powdered extract.

[0063] In one embodiment, plant material comprises the skin of said plant. In one embodiment, plant material consists essentially of the skin of said plant wherein the skin is, in one embodiment, greater than 80% or in another embodiment, greater than 90% of the plant material, wherein in one embodiment, the remaining plant material is residual to the skinning process and is not critical to the effects of the extract as described herein. In one embodiment, the skin of the plant is the most potent portion of the plant for use in the methods of the present invention. In another embodiment, the skin of the plant is as potent as the core of the plant for use in the methods of the present invention.

[0064] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing an antimicrobial plant extract, comprising the steps of: (a) harvesting plant material from Pachycereus schottii and Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum to obtain plant samples; (b) soaking the plant samples in water; and (c) pulverizing the plant samples to obtain an extract.

[0065] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing an antimicrobial plant extract, comprising the steps of: (a) harvesting plant material from Pachycereus schottii and Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum to obtain plant samples; (b) soaking the plant samples in water; (c) drying the plant samples to obtain dried plant samples; and (d) pulverizing the dried plant samples to obtain an extract.

[0066] In one embodiment, the plant material is harvested from a single branch of said plant. In one embodiment, the process further comprises filtering said powdered extract. In one embodiment, the filtering comprising filtering through a cotton cloth filter. In one embodiment, the soaking occurs for about 15 to about 20 minutes. In one embodiment, the temperature of the water is from 70°C to 80°C. In one embodiment, the plant sample is dried in the sun. In one embodiment, the process further comprises dissolving said powdered extract in water. In one embodiment, the water comprising said powdered extract is ozonized and magnetized. In one embodiment, the process further comprises adding flavonoids to said water comprising said powdered extract. In one embodiment, the powdered extract from Pachycereus schottii samples and the powdered extract from Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum samples are maintained separately. In one embodiment, the powdered extract from Pachycereus schottii samples and the powdered extract from Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum samples are mixed together.

[0067] The invention further contemplates a process for preparing an antimicrobial plant extract, comprising the steps of harvesting a sample of plant material of Pachycereus schottii and/or a sample of plant material from Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum to obtain plant samples, soaking the plant samples in water, drying the plant samples to obtain dried plant samples, and pulverizing the dried plant samples to obtain powders. In one embodiment, the method further includes filtering the powders to remove impurities. In another embodiment, the method further includes dissolving the powders in water and filtering the resulting solution through, for example, a cotton cloth filter. Particularly, in this method, the plant samples are preferably soaked in water at about 15 to about 20 minutes. The temperature of the water is preferably from 70°C to 80°C. However, water at room temperature can also be used. In one embodiment, the plant samples are then dried in sun light. In one embodiment, the powders obtained by this method are maintained or stored separately. In another embodiment, the powders obtained by this method are combined and then maintained or stored together.

[0068] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing an antimicrobial plant extract, comprising the steps of: (a) harvesting plant material from a Pachycereus plant to obtain plant skins; (b) drying said plant skins; (c) pulverizing said plant skins to obtain an extract. In another embodiment, the Pachycereus plant is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, Pachycereus pringlei, Pecten weberi, Cephalocereus senilis, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the Pachycereus plant is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, or a combination thereof. The process of claim 105, wherein the extract from Pachycereus schottii samples and the extract from Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum samples are maintained separately. The process of claim 105, wherein the extract from Pachycereus schottii samples and the extract from Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum samples are mixed together. In another embodiment, the process further comprises the step of soaking said plant skins in water prior to step (b). In another embodiment, the plant material is harvested from a single branch of said plant. In another embodiment, the process further comprises filtering said powdered extract. In another embodiment, the filtering comprising filtering through a cotton cloth filter. In another embodiment, the soaking occurs for about 15 to about 20 minutes. In another embodiment, the temperature of the water used in said process is from 70°C to 80°C. In another embodiment, the plant sample is dried in the sun. In another embodiment, the process further comprises dissolving said powdered extract in water. In another embodiment, the water comprising said powdered extract is ozonized and magnetized. In another embodiment, the process further comprises adding flavonoids to said water comprising said powdered extract.

[0069] In another embodiment, the present invention provides an antimicrobial plant extract prepared using the process for preparing an antimicrobial plant extract, comprising the steps of: (a) harvesting plant material from a Pachycereus plant to obtain plant skins; (b) drying said plant skins; (c) pulverizing said plant skins to obtain an extract.

[0070] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a system for producing an antimicrobial plant extract, comprising harvested plant material from a species of Pachycereus plant and a device for pulverizing or grinding said plant material. [0071] In one aspect, the invention provides a system for producing a plant extract, comprising harvested plant material from one or more species of the plant genus Pachycereus. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a system for producing an antimicrobial plant extract, comprising harvested plant skin from a Pachycereus plant and a device for pulverizing or grinding said plant skin. [0072] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a system for producing an antimicrobial plant extract, comprising harvested plant skin from a Pachycereus plant and a device for pulverizing or grinding said plant skin. In another embodiment, the Pachycereus plant is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, Pachycereus pringlei, Pecten weberi, Cephalocereus senilis, or a combination thereof . In another embodiment, the Pachycereus plant is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the system further comprises an apparatus for ozonizing water. In another embodiment, the system further comprises an apparatus for magnetizing water. In another embodiment, the system further comprises ozonized and magnetized water. In another embodiment, the system further comprises flavonoids. In another embodiment, the system further comprises filtering components. In another embodiment, the system further comprises an apparatus for drying said plant skin. [0073] In one aspect, the invention provides a system for producing an antimicrobial plant extract, comprising harvested plant material from Lophocereus schottii synonym of Pachycereus schottii, and/or harvested plant material from Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum. In one embodiment, the system further includes water. In one embodiment, the system further includes flavonoids. In one embodiment, the system includes filtering components. In another embodiment, the system includes a device for pulverizing or grinding the plant material. In another embodiment, the plant material harvested from Pachycereus schottii and the plant material harvested from Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum can be combined prior to use. Alternatively, the harvested plant materials can be maintained separately. Thus, the harvested plant materials can be maintained or stored separately or in combined form. Herein, the plant materials can be maintained in dry or wet form for any period of time. In one embodiment, for a week, in another embodiment, for a month, in another embodiment, for 6 months, in another embodiment for one year. Advantageously, the harvested plant materials can be combined with water when needed. [0074] In one embodiment, the system further comprises an apparatus for ozonizing water. In one embodiment, the system further comprises an apparatus for magnetizing water. In one embodiment, the system further comprises ozonized and magnetized water. In one embodiment, the water further comprises flavonoids. In one embodiment, the system further comprises filtering components. In one embodiment, the system further comprises an apparatus for drying said plant skin. In one embodiment, the species is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, or a combination thereof.

[0075] The invention provides a system for producing an antimicrobial plant extract, comprising harvested plant material from Cactaceae such as harvested plant material from plant genus Pachycereus. In one embodiment, the harvested plant material is derived from Pachycereus schottii and/or Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum.

[0076] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising an extract of harvested plant material from Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten- aboriginum, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the extract of Pachycereus schottii and the extract of Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum are maintained separately. In one embodiment, the powdered extract of Pachycereus schottii and Pachycereus pecten- aboriginum plant material are dissolved in solution to produce a liquid antimicrobial plant extract. In one embodiment, the the liquid antimicrobial plant extract is stored at room temperature. [0077] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising an extract of harvested plant skin from a Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the Pachycereus plant is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, Pachycereus pringlei, Pecten weberi, Cephalocereus senilis, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the Pachycereus plant is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the extract of Pachycereus schottii and the extract of Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum are maintained separately. In another embodiment, the powdered extract of Pachycereus schottii and Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum plant skin are dissolved in solution to produce a liquid antimicrobial plant extract. In another embodiment, the liquid antimicrobial plant extract is stored at room temperature.

[0078] Another aspect of the invention provides a composition comprising a powdered plant extract of Lophocereus schottii synonym of Pachycereus schottii plant material and/or a powdered plant extract of Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum plant material. Lophocereus schottii synonym of Pachycereus schottii is a plant of the Cactaceae family, the genus is Lophocereus.

[0079] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising an extract of harvested plant skin from a Pachycereus plant.

[0080] Another aspect of the invention provides a composition comprising a Pachycereus extract produced by the process described herein. In one embodiment, such a composition is characteristically different from compositions produced using chemical extraction processes in that chemical extraction extracts specific compounds from said Pachycereus species, depending on the chemical process, while mechanical extraction such as described herein retains many more Pachycereus therapeutic compounds.

[0081] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a system, composition, or method comprising Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum. The extract of Pachycereus schottii plant material and the extract of Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum plant material can be maintained or stored separately or combined. Preferably, the powdered extracts are combined together in solution. In one embodiment, the powdered extracts of Pachycereus schottii and Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum can be dissolved in water and maintained or stored as a composition in solution. Alternatively, the powdered extracts of Pachycereus schottii and Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum can be maintained or stored as powders. In one embodiment, the powdered extracts of Pachycereus schottii and Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum can be maintained or stored separately or combined in the form of a dry composition for an unspecified period of time and combined with water when needed.

[0082] Pachycereus includes a group of large columnar species of cacti from the southwestern USA and Northern Mexico. These cacti are single stemmed or form clusters. Their maximum height is between about 12 and 40 feet (4 to 12 m), depending on the species. The natural habitat of these plants is the sandy soil of the desert (the Sonoran desert) where temperatures can surpass 45°C. These plants require only very small amounts of water, i.e., annual rain, for example, of less than 5 inches per year. When the arms of the cactus are cut to harvest the plant material, the cut arms grow back. Thus, the plant is not adversely affected by harvesting parts of its plant material.

[0083] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising an extract of harvested plant material from one or more species of plant genus Pachycereus. In one embodiment, the one or more species is Pachycereus schottii. In another embodiment, the one or more species is Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum. In another embodiment, the extract of Pachycereus schottii and Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum is combined together. In another embodiment, the extract is combined together in solution. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising an extract of harvested plant material from one or more species of plant genus Pachycereus, wherein said said one or more species is not Pachycereus weberi. [0084] The invention further contemplates a process for preparing an antimicrobial plant extract, comprising the steps of harvesting a sample of plant material of Pachycereus schottii and/or a sample of plant material from Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum to obtain plant samples, soaking the plant samples in water (e.g., hot water or water at room temperature), drying the plant samples to obtain dried plant samples, and pulverizing the dried plant samples to obtain powders. In one embodiment, the process for the extraction procedure is depicted in Figure 1. A healthy section of a plant is harvested and all damaged portions are removed from the plant, including any contaminated areas, thorns, dirt, etc. The method includes soaking the plant samples in water which occurs for about 15 to about 20 minutes. However, soaking the plant samples for shorter and longer periods is also possible and is to be considered a part of the invention. The temperature of the water is preferably from about 70°C to about 80°C but water at room temperature works as well. After the soaking, the plant samples are optionally sliced into smaller pieces or chips.

[0085] In one embodiment, the plant is cut into slices, soaked in water overnight, thereby transferring a portion of the active ingredient into the soaking water, which may then be diluted and used in the methods of the present invention.

[0086] In one embodiment, plant extract of the present invention extracted from the skin of a Pachycereus species is superior to plant extract extracted from the core, which has a bitter taste, an undesirable effect on blood pressure, or a combination thereof.

[0087] In one embodiment, the plant samples are then sun-dried, which in one embodiment, involves laying plant samples out in the sun to dry. In one embodiment, plant samples are dried on a reflective surface, which is, in one embodiment, aluminum foil or a similar material. In one embodiment, placing the plants into direct sun light is convenient and less costly than other heating sources and can be carried out directly in the desert, the native habitat of the cacti. In another embodiment, other sources of UV or heat may be used to dry the plant samples. In one embodiment, other sources of UV include an ultraviolet fluorescent lamp, an ultraviolet LED, ultraviolet laser, "black light" or gas-discharge lamp. In one embodiment, the plant is dried without pressing it or exerting pressure on it. [0088] In one embodiment, another source of heat is an oven, which in one embodiment, is a convection oven. In one embodiment, lower temperatures may be used in a convection oven than in a standard oven. In one embodiment, the plant is dried using high air flow convection at a temperature no higher than 50°C. In one embodiment, the plant may be dried using another apparatus emitting hot air. In another embodiment, the plant may be dried using a microwave oven, which in one embodiment, is dried at a maximum temperature of about 65 °C. In one embodiment, an infrared radiator, such as a lamp, is used to dry the plant. In one embodiment, a conventional drying apparatus that simultaneously removes moisture and fragments the organic plant matter, such as a cyclonic dryer, is used to dry the plant.

[0089] In one embodiment, the temperature for drying is from about 40°C to about 50°C. [0090] The chips or plant samples are then pulverized to a very fine powder. In one embodiment, the method further includes filtering the powders via a fine mesh or thin collator to remove course particles and impurities. In one embodiment, the powder is ground a second or third time to obtain fine powder. In one embodiment, the method also includes dissolving the powders in water. [0091] In one embodiment, the water is a combination of ozonized water and magnetized water, wherein the ozonized water and the magnetized water are separately prepared and then combined, and optionally further purified. In one embodiment, the plant extracts are dissolved in this mixture of ozonized and magnetized water and allowed to settle for about two hours. In another embodiment, the water is first magnetized and then ozonized, in one embodiment, 90 minutes after magnetization. In another embodiment, the extract is dissolved in purified water and then ozonized and magnetized. In one embodiment, the water is optionally further purified. In one embodiment, the plant extracts are dissolved in the magnetized and ozonized water and allowed to settle for about two hours.

[0092] The antimicrobial plant extract obtained by either of these methods can then be filtered through, for example, a cotton cloth filter in order to remove any residual insoluble materials and impurities. In one embodiment, the powders obtained by this method are maintained or stored separately. In another embodiment, the powders obtained by this method are combined and then maintained or stored together.

[0093] In one embodiment, methods of pulverizing plants are known in the art and include, inter alia, a home or industrial blender, Mortar and Pestle, Dolly or Hand Crusher, Jaw Crusher, Gyratory Crusher, Cone Crusher, Hammer Mill, Vertical Shaft Impactor, Stamp Mill, Ball Mill, or a combination thereof.

[0094] In one embodiment, about 15 grams of powder is extracted from the skin obtained from each plant. In one embodiment, two plants are used to provide approximately 30 grams of powdered extract to make a concentrated solution as described herein.

[0095] In one embodiment, an extraction of the present invention is a mechanical extraction. In one embodiment, an extraction of the present invention is not a chemical extraction. iv.) Methods of Using the Plant Extract

[0096] In one embodiment, the present invention provides methods of protecting against and/or treating microbial or parasitic infections or infestations in plants, animals, or humans using an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. Methods of increasing the growth of plants or weight of animals using an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant are also provided, as are methods of treating various dermatological conditions and reducing inflammation in humans.

[0097] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of protecting against microbial or parasitic infestation, and a method of treating microbial or parasitic infection, and/or disease and/or symptoms of these same infections. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of preventing transmission of microbial or parasitic organisms from one member of a species to another member of the species, or from one species to another species, or from one area of a plant or animal to another area of the same plant or animal.

[0098] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating, inhibiting, or suppressing a pathogenic infection or infestation in a crop, comprising the step of contacting said crop with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In one embodiment, the pathogen is a microbe. In one embodiment a pathogen is a biological agent such as a virus, bacteria, prion, or fungus that causes disease to its host.

[0099] In another embodiment, the species is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten- aboriginum, Pachycereus pringlei, Pecten weberi, Cephalocereus senilis, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the species is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten- aboriginum, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the pathogenic infection or infestation is a fungal or bacterial infection or infestation. In another embodiment, the fungal infection is from a Phymatothrichum onmivorum, Uncinula necator, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the crop is cucumber, coriander, watermelon, chard, onion, Panther Hand, Zinia-Dalia, grapes, alfafa, pepper, or corn. In another embodiment, the extract is from the skin of said Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the extract is powdered. In another embodiment, the extract is in a solution. In another embodiment, the solution comprises approximately 30 grams of plant extract per 200 L of water. In another embodiment, the contacting comprises irrigating said crop with water comprising said solution. In another embodiment, the water comprises 20 L of a 1 :200 dilution of said solution per hectare of ground for irrigation. In another embodiment, the inhibiting a pathogenic infestation comprises inhibiting the spread of pathogenic infection.

[00100] In one embodiment, an "infestation" is a condition in which a subject or a group of subjects is inhabited or overrun by parasites or other organisms in numbers or quantities large enough to be harmful, threatening, or obnoxious. In one embodiment, the subject is a human. In another embodiment, the subject is an animal. In another embodiment, the group of subjects is livestock or a herd. In another embodiment, the subject is a plant. In another embodiment, the group of subjects is a crop. [00101] In one embodiment, plant pathogens and plant pests include microbes such as fungi, viruses, bacteria, and nematodes. In one embodiment, compositions and methods for controlling pathogenic agents are provided. In one embodiment, the compositions and methods are also useful in protecting plants against fungal pathogens, viruses, nematodes, insects and the like.

[00102] In one embodiment, "plant pathogen" or "plant pest" is intended to mean any microorganism that can cause harm to a plant, such as by inhibiting or slowing the growth of a plant, by damaging the tissues of a plant, by weakening the immune system of a plant or the resistance of a plant to abiotic stresses, and/or by causing the premature death of the plant, etc. Plant pathogens and plant pests include microbes such as fungi, viruses, bacteria, insects, and nematodes. In one embodiment, the extracts and methods of the present invention work by increasing the production or function of antimicrobial substances produced by the plant receiving the extract, such as, in one embodiment, phytoalexins. In one embodiment, the extract of the present invention increases a plant's ability to kill pathogens. In another embodiment, the extract of the present invention increases a plant's ability to repel pathogens using, in one embodiment, air-borne compounds. In one embodiment, air-borne compounds induced by the extract of the present invention help to keep away insects and pests. [00103] In one embodiment, the present invention provides plants or animals, including humans, with disease resistance or pathogen resistance. In one embodiment, "disease resistance" or "pathogen resistance" is intended to mean that the organisms avoid the disease symptoms which are the outcome of organism-pathogen interactions. That is, pathogens are prevented from causing diseases and the associated disease symptoms, or alternatively, the disease symptoms caused by the pathogen is minimized or lessened. The methods of the invention can be utilized to protect plants from disease, particularly those diseases that are caused by plant pathogens.

[00104] In one embodiment, the present invention provides anti-pathogenic compositions. In one embodiment, "anti-pathogenic compositions" means that the compositions of the invention are capable of suppressing, controlling, and/or killing the invading pathogenic organism. An antipathogenic composition of the invention will reduce the disease symptoms resulting from pathogen challenge by at least about 5% to about 50%, at least about 10% to about 60%, at least about 30% to about 70%, at least about 40% to about 80%, or at least about 50% to about 90% or greater. Hence, the methods of the invention can be utilized to protect plants from disease, particularly those diseases that are caused by plant pathogens.

[00105] In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention increase plant growth by at least 10%. In one embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention increase plant growth by at least 20%. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention increase plant growth by at least 50%. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention increase plant growth by at least 75%. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention increase plant growth by at least 100%. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention increase plant growth by at least 200%. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention increase plant growth by at least 50%-100%. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention increase plant growth by at least 25%-75%.

[00106] In one embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention increase plant yield by at least 10%. In one embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention increase plant yield by at least 20%. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention increase plant yield by at least 50%. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention increase plant yield by at least 75%. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention increase plant yield by at least 100%. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention increase plant yield by at least 200%. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention increase plant yield by at least 50%- 100%. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention increase plant yield by at least 25%-75%. [00107] In one embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention reduce stress to plants. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention reduce stress to plants from pests. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention strengthen plants. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention strengthen production, secretion, or a combination thereof, of phytoalexins. In one embodiment, reduced plant stress as a result of treatment with the extract described herein leads to greater plant yield.

[00108] In one embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention increase average animal weight by at least 10%. In one embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention increase average animal weight by at least 20%. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention increase average animal weight by at least 50%. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention increase average animal weight by at least 75%. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention increase average animal weight by at least 100%. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention increase average animal weight by at least 200%. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention increase average animal weight by at least 50%-100%. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention increase average animal weight by at least 25%-75%.

[00109] In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention decrease microbe titer by at least 10%. In one embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention decrease microbe titer by at least 20%. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention decrease microbe titer by at least 50%. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention decrease microbe titer by at least 75%. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention decrease microbe titer by 100%. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention decrease microbe titer by 50%- 100%. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention decrease microbe titer by at least 25%-75%.

[00110] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating, inhibiting, or suppressing a microbial infection or infestation in a crop, comprising the step of contacting said crop with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. [00111] In one embodiment, the species is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten- aboriginum, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the microbial infection or infestation is a fungal or bacterial infection or infestation. In one embodiment, the fungal infection is from a Phymatothrichum onmivorum, Uncinula necator, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the crop is inter alia, cucumber, coriander, watermelon, chard, onion, Panther Hand, Zinia-Dalia, grapes, alfafa, pepper, or corn. In one embodiment, the extract is powdered. In one embodiment, the extract is in a solution. In one embodiment, the solution comprises extract from a single branch of said plant per 20 L of water. In one embodiment, the contacting comprises irrigating said crop with water comprising said solution. In one embodiment, the water comprises 20 L of said solution per hectare of ground for irrigation. In one embodiment, the inhibiting a microbial infestation comprises inhibiting the spread of microbial infection.

[00112] Another aspect of the invention provides a method of treating plants to prevent or inhibit microbial infection or infestation, comprising applying a composition to the plants. The composition includes a powdered extract of Pachycereus schottii plant material and/or a powdered extract of Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum plant material. In one embodiment, the microbial infection or infestation is a fungal or bacterial infection or infestation.

[00113] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of enhancing crop growth comprising the step of contacting said crop with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the species is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, Pachycereus pringlei, Pecten weberi, Cephalocereus senilis, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the species is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the crop is inter alia cucumber, coriander, watermelon, chard, onion, Panther Hand, Zinia-Dalia, grapes, alfafa, pepper, or corn. In another embodiment, the extract is from the skin of said Pachycereus plant. In one embodiment, the extract is powdered. In one embodiment, the extract is in a solution. In one embodiment, the solution comprises extract from a single branch of said plant per 200 L of water. In another embodiment, the solution comprises approximately 30 grams of plant extract per 200 L of water. In one embodiment, the contacting comprises irrigating said crop with water comprising said solution. In one embodiment, the water comprises 20 L of a 1 :200 dilution of said solution per hectare of ground for irrigation.

[00114] Another aspect of the invention provides a method of fertilizing a plant, comprising applying a composition to the plant. In one embodiment, the composition includes a powdered extract of Pachycereus schottii plant material and/or a powdered extract of Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum plant material. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of enhancing crop growth, comprising the step of contacting said crop with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In one embodiment, enhancing crop growth comprises increasing the produce produced by said crop. In another embodiment, enhancing crop growth comprises increasing the height, stem thickness, plant weight, leaf density, etc. of said crop, as is known in the art. In another embodiment, enhancing crop growth comprises increasing the survival rate of plant members of said crop. [00115] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a kit for treating, inhibiting, or suppressing a pathogenic infection or infestation in a crop. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a kit for enhancing crop growth. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a kit for plant growth enhancement, said kit comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the species is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, Pachycereus pringlei, Pecten weberi, Cephalocereus senilis, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the species is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the kit further comprises instructions for use of the kit. In another embodiment, the extract is from the skin of said Pachycereus plant. In one embodiment, the extract is dissolved in water. In one embodiment, the kit further comprises flavonoids.

[00116] Another aspect of this invention provides a kit for plant growth enhancement. The kit includes a powdered extract of Pachycereus schottii plant material and/or a powdered extract of Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum plant material. The kit can further include instructions for use of the kit. In one embodiment, the kit includes water. In one embodiment, the kit further includes tools or instruments for reconstituting, measuring, mixing, or applying the plant extract, and will vary in accordance with the intended use of the extract, as described herein.

[00117] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of extending the shelf life of produce comprising the step of contacting said produce with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a kit for extending the shelf life of produce, said kit comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant.

[00118] In another embodiment, the species is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten- aboriginum, Pachycereus pringlei, Pecten weberi, Cephalocereus senilis, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the species is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten- aboriginum, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the produce is a vegetable. In another embodiment, the produce is a fruit. In another embodiment, the extract is from the skin of said Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the extract is powdered. In another embodiment, the extract is in a solution. In another embodiment, the solution comprises approximately 30 grams of plant extract per 200 L of water. In another embodiment, the contacting comprises washing said produce with water comprising said solution.

[00119] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating, inhibiting, or suppressing a pathogenic infection or infestation in livestock comprising the step of contacting said livestock with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. [00120] In another embodiment, the species is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten- aboriginum, Pachycereus pringlei, Pecten weberi, Cephalocereus senilis, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the species is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten- aboriginum, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the pathogenic infection or infestation is a fungal or bacterial infection or infestation. In another embodiment, the bacterial infection is an E. coli infection. In another embodiment, the bacterial infection is Pseudomonas sp., Staphylococus aureus, Streptococus sp., Salmonella sp., or Aspergillus sp. infection. In another embodiment, the livestock comprises cows, pigs, sheep, or goats. In another embodiment, the contacting comprises orally administering said composition to said livestock. In another embodiment, the extract is from the skin of said Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the extract is powdered. In another embodiment, the extract is in a solution. In another embodiment, the solution comprises approximately 30 grams of plant extract per 200 L of water. In another embodiment, the livestock comprises adult animals and said solution is administered at a dose of 100 ml of a 1 : 1000 dilution of said solution per animal. In another embodiment, the livestock comprises immature animals and said solution is administered at a dose of 5 ml of a 1 : 1000 dilution of said solution per animal. In another embodiment, the inhibiting a pathogenic infestation comprises inhibiting the spread of pathogenic infection.

[00121] Another aspect of the invention provides a method of treating livestock to prevent or inhibit microbial infection or infestation comprising treating the livestock with a composition, wherein the composition includes a powdered extract of Pachycereus schottii plant material and/or a powdered extract of Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum plant material. In one embodiment, the microbial infection or infestation is a fungal or bacterial infection or infestation. [00122] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of increasing the weight of an animal, comprising the step of contacting said animal with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of increasing the size of an animal, comprising the step of contacting said animal with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant.

[00123] In one embodiment, the species is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten- aboriginum, Pachycereus pringlei, Pecten weberi, Cephalocereus senilis, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the species is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten- aboriginum, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the animal is a cow, pig, sheep, or goat. In another embodiment, the contacting comprises orally administering said composition to said animal. In another embodiment, the extract is from the skin of said Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the extract is powdered. In another embodiment, the extract is in a solution. In another embodiment, the solution comprises approximately 30 grams of plant extract per 200 L of water. In another embodiment, the animal is an adult animal and said solution is administered at a dose of 100 ml of a 1 : 1000 dilution of said solution per animal. In another embodiment, the animal is an immature animal and said solution is administered at a dose of 5 ml of a 1 : 1000 dilution of said solution per animal. [00124] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a kit for maintaining healthy livestock, said kit comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the species is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, Pachycereus pringlei, Pecten weberi, Cephalocereus senilis, or a combination thereof In another embodiment, the species is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the kit further comprises instructions for use of the kit. In another embodiment, the extract is from the skin of said Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the extract is powdered. In another embodiment, the extract is dissolved in water. In another embodiment, the kit further comprises flavonoids. In one embodiment, maintaining healthy livestock comprises keeping livestock free of pathogenic and/or infectious diseases. In another embodiment, maintaining healthy livestock comprises lowering the rate of infection of livestock with pathogens. In another embodiment, maintaining healthy livestock comprises increasing the survival of livestock offspring.

[00125] Another aspect of this invention provides a kit for maintaining healthy livestock. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a kit for treating, inhibiting, or suppressing a pathogenic infection or infestation in livestock. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a kit for increasing the weight of livestock. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a kit for increasing the weight of an animal. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a kit for decreasing the spread of infection in livestock. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a kit for treating the outbreak of infection in livestock. The kit includes a powdered extract of Pachycereus schottii plant material and/or a powdered extract of Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum plant material. The kit can further include instructions for use of the kit. In one embodiment, the kit includes water. [00126] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating, inhibiting, or suppressing the spread of a microbial disease or infection on a farm, comprising the step of contacting said farm with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In one embodiment, the species is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the microbial disease or infection is a fungal or bacterial disease or infection.

[00127] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating, inhibiting, or suppressing a pathogenic disease, infection, or infestation on a farm, comprising the step of contacting said farm with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating, inhibiting, or suppressing the spread of a pathogenic disease, infection, or infestation on a farm, comprising the step of contacting individual members of said farm with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant.

[00128] In another embodiment, the species is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten- aboriginum, Pachycereus pringlei, Pecten weberi, Cephalocereus senilis, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the species is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten- aboriginum, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the pathogenic disease or infection is a fungal or bacterial disease or infection. In another embodiment, the farm is an aquaculture farm. In another embodiment, the contacting comprises applying said composition to the water of said aquaculture farm. In another embodiment, the extract is from the skin of said Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the extract is powdered. In another embodiment, the extract is in a solution. In another embodiment, the solution comprises approximately 30 grams of plant extract per 200 L of water. In another embodiment, 5 liters of a 1 :200 dilution of said solution is administered per hectare of aquaculture farm.

[00129] In one embodiment, all members of said farm are contacted with said composition. In another embodiment, most members of said farm are contacted with said composition. In another embodiment, 50% of said members are contacted. In another embodiment, 60% of said members are contacted. In another embodiment, 70% of said members are contacted. In another embodiment, 75% of said members are contacted. In another embodiment, 80% of said members are contacted. In another embodiment, 90% of said members are contacted. In another embodiment, 95% of said members are contacted. In another embodiment, 99% of said members are contacted with said composition. [00130] In one embodiment, a "farm" is an area of land and its buildings used for growing crops, rearing animals, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, a farm is an agricultural farm, which in one embodiment includes farming both animals (animal husbandry) and plants (agronomy, horticulture and forestry in part). In one embodiment, a farm is a crop farm. In one embodiment, the crop is a plant crop. In another embodiment, the farm is an agricultural farm, which in one embodiment is an agronomic farm, which in one embodiment, is a farm in which the science of soil management and crop production are studied and applied. In one embodiment, "crops" are cultivated plants or agricultural produce, such as grain, vegetables, or fruit, considered as a group. In another embodiment, a farm is a livestock farm, which in one embodiment, is a farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock, which in one embodiment, is cattle. In another embodiment a cattle farm is a ranch. In one embodiment, a farm grows an agricultural product, which in one embodiment, is food, fiber, fuel, or a raw material.

[00131] In another embodiment, the farm is an aquaculture farm. In one embodiment, an aquaculture farm is a property engaged in hydroponics, which in one embodiment is the science, art, and/or business of cultivating marine or freshwater food fish or shellfish, such as oysters, clams, salmon, and trout, under controlled conditions. In one embodiment, plants are grown hydroponically in aquaculture farms. In one embodiment, the contacting comprises applying said composition to the water of said aquaculture farm. In one embodiment, the extract is powdered. In one embodiment, the extract is in a solution. In one embodiment, the solution comprises extract from a single branch of said plant per 200 L of water. In one embodiment, 5 liters of said solution is administered per hectare of aquaculture farm.

[00132] Another aspect of the invention provides a method of inhibiting the spread of microbial disease or infection in animal farms, comprising applying a composition to the animal farms, wherein the composition includes a powdered extract of Pachycereus schottii plant material and/or a powdered extract of Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum plant material. In one embodiment, the animal farm is an aquaculture farm. In another embodiment, the microbial disease or infection is a fungal or bacterial disease or infection.

[00133] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a kit for maintaining a healthy aquaculture farm, said kit comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the species is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, Pachycereus pringlei, Pecten weberi, Cephalocereus senilis, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the species is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the kit further comprises instructions for use of the kit. In another embodiment, the extract is from the skin of said Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the extract is powdered. In another embodiment, the extract is dissolved in water. In another embodiment, the kit further comprises flavonoids. [00134] Another aspect of this invention provides a kit for maintaining a healthy aquaculture farm. The kit includes a powdered extract of Pachycereus schottii plant material and/or a powdered extract of Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum plant material. The kit can further include instructions for use of the kit. In one embodiment, the kit includes water.

[00135] In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating plants to prevent or inhibit microbial infection or infestation, comprising applying a plant extract or composition thereof to the plants. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating plants already having microbial infection or infestation, comprising applying a plant extract or composition thereof to the plants. This includes preventing or treating a fungal or bacterial infection or infestation. [00136] In one embodiment, the invention is applicable to many forms of plant agriculture including commercial crop (corn, wheat, rice, beans, barely, etc.) horticulture (flowers, fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants) and tree farms. For example, any crop plant (monocot or dicot) will benefit from the treatment with the plant extract, including Asteraceae (lettuce, mums, sunflower); Brassicaceae (Arabidopsis, broccoli, cabbage); Chenopodiaceae (beet, quinoa, spinach); Cucurbitaceae (cucumber, squash, watermelon); Fabaceae (alfalfa, beans, peas, soybean); Malvaceae (cotton, hibiscus, okra); Rosaceae (apple, rose, strawberry); Solanaceae (chile, potatoes, tomato); Amaryllidaceae (garlic, onions); Poaceae (barley, maize, rice, sorghum); and the like.

[00137] In one embodiment, the present invention may be used in methods of treating, inhibiting or suppressing infestations and/or methods of enhancing plant growth for a wide variety of plants. Plants include, but are not limited to, citrus plants such as orange, grapefruit, lemon and lime; pome fruits such as apple, pear and kiwi; stone fruits such as avocado, peach, cherry, fig, olive and mango; vine fruits such as grape, strawberry and raspberry; nut crops such as almond, pecan, walnut, pistachio, cashew, filbert, chestnut, macadamia and Brazil nut; field crops such as cotton, corn, soybean, wheat, squash and watermelon; ornamental plants such as flowering plants and shrubs; coffee; and tea. [00138] In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating plants against disease or for increased rate of growth or production amount, by applying a plant extract or composition thereof of the present invention. In one embodiment, the plant is a flower, which in one embodiment, is a Panther Hand, and, in another embodiment, a Zinia-Dalia. In another embodiment, the flower is a rose, daffodil, tulip, lavender, sunflower, or lily.

[00139] In one embodiment, the plant extract is a 100% natural product that balances and develops physiological growth in plants. It can be applied to plants via irrigation and/or foliar sprays. The benefits of the plant extract are numerous, including being an excellent fungicide and vermicide. Furthermore, the plant extract activates natural plant defenses against pests and diseases and fungi; it reduces stress effects; it invigorates plant development; it works as a soil, root and/or plant aseptic; it cuts costs for disease and pest control; it lengthens fruit post- harvest life; it shortens time to harvest; and it improves production. All plants are susceptible to and undergo stress by the constant and multiple changes in the environment, including, light, wind, humidity, temperature, soil types, fertility, irrigation and water quality. Although plants have a natural self defense system by producing substances that control fungi, pests and environmental stresses, these substances are often less or not at all effective because the plants are compromised by either natural stress conditions (light, wind, humidity, temperature, etc.) or unnatural stress conditions (e.g., excessive use of chemicals, acid rain, air pollution, greenhouse effect, etc.). The plant extract of the invention can be applied to plants to strengthen their immune system by invigorating their natural defense system and thus, making them more resistant to the environmental stresses. Further, plants are selective in picking out the nutrients from the soil that are required for their optimal growth. However, when the nutrients are not available, the plants suffer from malnutrition and their development is stunted and/or delayed. Nutrients are generally taken up as ions in plants via a complex process. The plant extract eases this selective nutrient uptake and results in a balanced diet for the plant. Thus, the plant extract is useful in preventing nutrient deficiency in plants. In addition, the plant extract helps to replace the beneficial microbian fauna in the soil; it prevents and controls fungi infection and pests; it is effective as a systemic treatment as well as a booster on contact; and it is believed to be safe for the plants, humans and the environment. [00140] Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of activating or strengthening immunity in a plant, reducing stress effects in a plant, lengthening post-harvest life of produce, improving production of produce, in one embodiment, fruit, vegetables, or flowers, improving soil quality, preventing nutrient deficiency in a plant comprising the step of contacting said plant or soil with a Pachycereus extract of the present invention. [00141] In vegetables and row crops, the plant extract can be applied at the following stages including, growth and development stages, between flowering and fruit formation, and in emergency stages. In fruit plants and trees, the plant extract can be applied at the following stages including, when pruned or when the first buds appear, during growth development and full budding, and between flowering and fruit ripeness. In forage crops like alfalfa, the plant extract can be applied as one application per two cuttings and after each direct pasture. In forage crops like wheat, the plant extract can be applied at planting time in irrigation, in water at the first auxiliary irrigation, and in water on second auxiliary irrigation. In forage crops like garbanzos or chick peas, the plant extract can be applied in water in the first auxiliary irrigation. In forage crops like beans, the plant extract can be applied at planting time in irrigation, in water on first auxiliary irrigation, and in water on second auxiliary irrigation. All other plants and crops can be treated similarly in order to improve their productive performance noticeably.

[00142] The invention further contemplates a method of fertilizing plants, comprising applying a plant extract or composition thereof to the plants. A natural fertilizer like the plant extract will increase soil life, improve structure, and provide nutrients. The minerals and nutrients in a living soil are quickly broken down and made available to be taken in by the roots. In fact, a healthy soil can manufacture certain nutrients from the atmosphere as well as from soil matter. The plant extract of the invention supports this process. In comparison, synthetic fertilizers release their nutrients too quickly, creating excessive top growth before the roots can catch up. This process in turn weakens the plants, trees and grasses. Much of a quickly released fertilizer tends to get leached away, especially on sandy soils. In addition, most chemical fertilizers have a high salt concentration that sucks moisture from the plants. Chemical fertilizes also kill off many of the soil microbes that are responsible for decomposition, soil formation, nutrient production, and protection from fungus and other microbial diseases. Stronger chemicals ruin soil structure by dissolving the bonding materials (formed by microbes) that hold soil particles together, and can turn topsoil into a cement-like crust. Many chemical fertilizers contain acids which in turn make the soil acidic. The over- chemicalized plants get no nutrition from the soil and slowly decline in development. Eventually, these plants lose their natural ability to defend themselves against pests, which further weakens their structure. This process leads to further decline. The antimicrobial plant extract of the present invention prevents this type of decline, because it is a completely natural product that works with the natural environment and not against it. The plant extract is bio- degradable and it not only protects plants from infection, but it also strengthens the plants' immune systems and thereby their natural ability to survive and sustain themselves.

[00143] The invention further encompasses a method of treating livestock to prevent or inhibit microbial infection or infestation comprising treating the livestock with a plant extract or composition thereof. This includes a fungal or bacterial infection or infestation. Farms and institutions that are home to livestock (cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, horses, poultry, etc.) commonly encounter bacterial and viral infections that negatively affect food production and animal and human safety. For example, postpartum uterine infections reduce reproductive efficiency and have significant animal welfare and economic consequences in livestock. Arcanobacterium pyogenes and Escherichia coh are usually associated with uterine infections in cattle and sheep.

[00144] Cattle, for example, constitute one of the major livestock species and are an important economic sector in the U.S. Cattle are heavily exposed to numerous internal and external parasites, which drastically affect their well being as well as their productivity. Infectious diseases play an important economical role in cattle. The major cattle ectoparasites are ticks and biting flies. Their bites cause irritations, preventing the cattle from grazing, and can also lead to secondary infections and infestations. Among the endoparasites, the gastrointestinal worms and the liver flukes provide a problem. They have a detrimental impact on productivity, even in relatively light infections in healthy looking cattle. Heavier infections may cause illness and cattle may suffer especially from liver damage, blood and/or digestive disorders. Several classes of anthelmintics (or antihelminthics), like benzimidazoles, macrolides, salicylanilides and tetrahydropyrimidines are available, however, due to emerging resistance problems, it is becoming increasingly difficult to use these substances to provide effective control. [00145] The major bacterial pathogens for respiratory diseases in cattle are Pasteurella and Mycoplasma, Pneumonic pasteurellosis, commonly associated with infection by Pasteurella multocida or haemolytica, is a common disease worldwide in cattle. The disease is also called "shipping fever". Treatment of bacterial respiratory infections is based on application of specific antibiotics. However, due to increasing antibiotic resistance, antibiotic treatment in livestock often only provide temporary relief and introduces potentially serious bacterial infections that can spread to humans (e.g., infections caused by Escherichia coli).

[00146] Enteric disease is generally a major cause of economic loss in cattle herds and may assume even greater importance in the future as livestock production becomes more intensified. Enteric diseases in cattle occur in newborn calves as well as in adults. Escherichia coli is considered the most common pathogen in the neonate. It is responsible for neonatal diarrhea primarily in calves 2-10 days of age. Clostridium perfringens types A, B and C cause diarrhea and enteritis in calves. [00147] Salmonellosis in cattle is a serious and continuing problem based on the tendency of the salmonella species to persist in cattle and to create a significant reservoir of carrier animals.

[00148] Some viruses can also be an important primary cause of diarrhea in cattle. For example, rotavirus is an agent commonly involved in outbreaks of neonatal enteritis in calves. Bovine Virus Diarrhea (BVD, Mucosal disease) is an infectious disease of cattle marked by acute erosive stomatitis, gastroenteritis and diarrhea. Commercial vaccines against the bovine virus diarrhea and rotavirus are available but they are again costly to the farm and are not always available when needed. Bacterial infections of the gastro-intestinal tract are treated with antimicrobial agents, however, these agents are often costly, harder to obtain and do not protect cattle against future outbreaks. Also, as described hereinabove, bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics.

[00149] Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating, inhibiting, or suppressing infection with a common livestock pathogen, as described herein or as known in the art. In one embodiment, the pathogen is salmonellosis, escherichia coli serotype 0157:H7 (E. coli), Listeria monocytogenes (Lm), Campylobacter jejuni, Clostridium perfringens, staphlococcus aureus, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) also commonly known as mad cow disease, or various fungi such as aspergillus.

[00150] Pathogens of the invention include, but are not limited to, viruses or viroids, bacteria, insects, nematodes, fungi, and the like. Viruses include any plant virus, for example, tobacco or cucumber mosaic virus, ringspot virus, necrosis virus, maize dwarf mosaic virus, etc. Specific fungal and viral pathogens for the major crops include, but are not limited to: Soybeans: Phytophthora megasperma fsp. glycinea, Macrophomina phaseolina, Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Fusarium oxysporum, Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae (Phomopsis sojae), Diaporthe phaseolorum var. caulivora, Sclerotium rolfsii, Cercospora kikuchii, Cercospora sojina, Peronospora manshurica, Colletotrichum dematium (Colletotichum truncatum), Corynespora cassiicola, Septoria glycines, Phyllosticta sojicola, Alternaria alternata, Pseudomonas syringae p.v. glycinea, Xanthomonas campestris p.v. phaseoli, Microsphaera diffusa, Fusarium semitectum, Phialophora gregata, Soybean mosaic virus, Glomerella glycines, Tobacco Ring spot virus, Tobacco Streak virus, Phakopsora pachyrhizi, Pythium aphanidermatum, Pythium ultimum, Pythium debaryanum, Tomato spotted wilt virus, Heterodera glycines, Fusarium solani; Canola: Albugo Candida, Alternaria brassicae, Leptosphaeria maculans, Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Mycosphaerella brassiccola, Pythium ultimum, Peronospora parasitica, Fusarium roseum, Alternaria alternata; Alfalfae: Clavibater michiganese subsp. insidiosum, Pythium ultimum, Pythium irregulare, Pythium splendens, Pythium debaryanum, Pythium aphanidermatum, Phytophthora megasperma, Peronospora trifoliorum, Phoma medicaginis var. medicaginis, Cercospora medicaginis, Pseudopeziza medicaginis, Leptotrochila medicaginis, Fusarium, Xanthomonas campestris p. v. alfalfae, Aphanomyces euteiches, Stemphylium herbarum, Stemphylium alfalfae; Wheat: Pseudomonas syringae p. v. atrofaciens, Urocystis agropyri, Xanthomonas campestris p. v. translucens, Pseudomonas syringae p. v. syringae, Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium herbarum, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium avenaceum, Fusarium culmorum, Ustilago tritici, Ascochyta tritici, Cephalosporium gramineum, CoUotetrichum graminicola, Erysiphe graminis f.sp. tritici, Puccinia graminis f.sp. tritici, Puccinia recondita f.sp. tritici, Puccinia striiformis, Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, Septoria nodorum, Septoria tritici, Septoria avenae, Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides, Rhizoctonia solani, Rhizoctonia cerealis, Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici, Pythium aphanidermatum, Pythium arrhenomanes, Pythium ultimum, Bipolaris sorokiniana, Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus, Brome Mosaic Virus, Soil Borne Wheat Mosaic Virus, Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus, Wheat Spindle Streak Virus, American Wheat Striate Virus, Claviceps purpurea, Tilletia tritici, Tilletia laevis, Tilletia indica, Pythium gramicola, High Plains Virus, European wheat striate virus; Sunflower: Broomrape, Plasmophora halstedii, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Aster Yellows, Septoria helianthi, Phomopsis helianthi, Alternaria helianthi, Alternaria zinniae, Botrytis cinerea, Phoma macdonaldii, Macrophomina phaseolina, Erysiphe cichoracearum, Rhizopus oryzae, Rhizopus arrhizus, Rhizopus stolonifer, Puccinia helianthi, Verticillium dahliae, Erwinia carotovorum pv. carotovora, Cephalosporium acremonium, Phytophthora cryptogea, Albugo tragopogonis; Corn: Fusarium moniliforme var. subglutinans, Erwinia stewartii, Fusarium moniliforme, Gibberella zeae (Fusarium graminearum), Stenocarpella maydi (Diplodia maydis), Pythium irregulare, Pythium debaryanum, Pythium graminicola, Pythium splendens, Pythium ultimum, Pythium aphanidermatum, Aspergillus flavus, Bipolaris maydis O, T (Cochliobolus heterostrophus), Helminthosporium carbonum I, II & III (Cochliobolus carbonum), Exserohilum turcicum I, II & III, Helminthosporium pedicellatum, Physoderma maydis, Phyllosticta maydis, Kabatiella-maydis, Cercospora sorghi, Ustilago maydis, Puccinia sorghi, Puccinia polysora, Macrophomina phaseolina, Penicillium oxalicum, Nigrospora oryzae, Cladosporium herbarum, Curvularia lunata, Curvularia inaequalis, Curvularia pallescens, Clavibacter michiganense subsp. nebraskense, Trichoderma viride, Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus A & B, Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus, Maize Chlorotic Dwarf Virus, Claviceps sorghi, Pseudonomas avenae, Erwinia chrysanthemi pv. zea, Erwinia carotovora, Corn stunt spiroplasma, Diplodia macrospora, Sclerophthora macrospora, Peronosclerospora sorghi, Peronosclerospora philippinensis, Peronosclerospora maydis, Peronosclerospora saccharin, Sphacelotheca reiliana, Physopella zeae, Cephalosporium maydis, Cephalosporium acremonium, Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus, High Plains Virus, Maize Mosaic Virus, Maize Rayado Fino Virus, Maize Streak Virus, Maize Stripe Virus, Maize Rough Dwarf Virus; Sorghum: Exserohilum turcicum, Colletotrichum graminicola (Glomerella graminicola), Cercospora sorghi, Gloeocercospora sorghi, Ascochyta sorghina, Pseudomonas syringae p.v. syringae, Xanthomonas campestris p.v. holcicola, Pseudomonas andropogonis, Puccinia purpurea, Macrophomina phaseolina, Perconia circinata, Fusarium moniliforme, Alternaria alternata, Bipolaris sorghicola, Helminthosponum sorghicola, Curvularia lunata, Phoma insidiosa, Pseudomonas avenae (Pseudomonas alboprecipitans), Ramulispora sorghi, Ramulispora sorghicola, Phyllachara sacchari, Sporisorium reilianum (Sphacelotheca reiliana), Sphacelotheca cruenta, Sporisorium sorghi, Sugarcane mosaic H, Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus A & B, Claviceps sorghi, Rhizoctonia solani, Acremonium strictum, Sclerophthona macrospora, Peronosclerospora sorghi, Peronosclerospora philippinensis, Sclerospora graminicola, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium oxysporum, Pythium arrhenomanes, Pythium graminicola; Rice: rice brownspot fungus (Cochliobolus miyabeanus), rice blast fungus— Magnaporthe grisea (Pyricularia grisea), Magnaporthe salvinii (Sclerotium oryzae), Xanthomomas oryzae pv. oryzae, Xanthomomas oryzae pv. oryzicola, Rhizoctonia spp. (including but not limited to Rhizoctonia solani, Rhizoctonia oryzae and Rhizoctonia oryzae-sativae), Pseudomonas spp. (including but not limited to Pseudomonas plantarii, Pseudomonas avenae, Pseudomonas glumae, Pseudomonas fuscovaginae, Pseudomonas alboprecipitans, Pseudomonas syringae pv. panici, Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, Pseudomonas syringae pv. oryzae and Pseudomonas syringae pv. aptata), Erwinia spp. (including but not limited to Erwinia herbicola, Erwinia amylovaora, Erwinia chrysanthemi and Erwinia carotovora), Achyla spp. (including but not limited to Achyla conspicua and Achyla klebsiana), Pythium spp. (including but not limited to Pythium dissotocum, Pythium irregulare, Pythium arrhenomanes, Pythium myriotylum, Pythium catenulatum, Pythium graminicola and Pythium spinosum), Saprolegnia spp., Dictyuchus spp., Pythiogeton spp., Phytophthora spp., Alternaria padwickii, Cochliobolus miyabeanus, Curvularia spp. (including but not limited to Curvularia lunata, Curvularia affinis, Curvularia clavata, Curvularia eragrostidis, Curvularia fallax, Curvularia geniculata, Curvularia inaequalis, Curvularia intermedia, Curvularia oryzae, Curvularia oryzae-sativae, Curvularia pallescens, Curvularia senegalensis, Curvularia tuberculata, Curvularia uncinata and Curvularia verruculosa), Sarocladium oryzae, Gerlachia oryzae, Fusarium spp. (including but not limited Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium nivale and to different pathovars of Fusarium monoliforme, including pvs. fujikuroi and zeae), Sclerotium rolfsii, Phoma exigua, Mucor fragilis, Trichoderma viride, Rhizopus spp., Cercospora oryzae, Entyloma oryzae, Dreschlera gigantean, Sclerophthora macrospora, Mycovellosiella oryzae, Phomopsis oryzae-sativae, Puccinia graminis, Uromyces coronatus, Cylindrocladium scoparium, Gaeumannomyces graminis pv. graminis, Myrothecium verrucaria, Pyrenochaeta oryzae, Ceratobasidium oryzae-sativae, Microdochium oryzae (Rhynchosporium oryzae), Cercospora janseana, Thanatephorus cucumeris, Ustilaginoidea virens, Neovossia spp. (including but not limited to Neovossia horrida), Tilletia spp., Balansia oryzae-sativae, Phoma spp. (including but not limited to Phoma sorghina, Phoma insidiosa, Phoma glumarum, Phoma glumicola and Phoma oryzina), Nigrospora spp. (including but not limited to Nigrospora oryzae, Nigrospora sphaerica, Nigrospora panici and Nigrospora padwickii), Epiococcum nigrum, Phyllostica spp., Wolkia decolorans, Monascus purpureus, Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Absidia spp., Mucor spp., Chaetomium spp., Dematium spp., Monilia spp., Streptomyces spp., Syncephalastrum spp., Verticillium spp., Nematospora coryli, Nakataea sigmoidea, Cladosporium spp., Bipolaris spp., Coniothyrium spp., Diplodia oryzae, Exserophilum rostratum, Helococera oryzae, Melanomma glumarum, Metashaeria spp., Mycosphaerella spp., Oidium spp., Pestalotia spp., Phaeoseptoria spp., Sphaeropsis spp., Trematosphaerella spp., rice black-streaked dwarf virus, rice dwarf virus, rice gall dwarf virus, barley yellow dwarf virus, rice grassy stunt virus, rice hoja blanca virus, rice necrosis mosaic virus, rice ragged stunt virus, rice stripe virus, rice stripe necrosis virus, rice transitory yellowing virus, rice tungro bacilliform virus, rice tungro spherical virus, rice yellow mottle virus, rice tarsonemid mite virus, Echinochloa hoja blanca virus, Echinochloa ragged stunt virus, rice bunchy stunt virus, rice giallume virus, orange leaf mycoplasma-like organism, yellow dwarf mycoplasma-like organism, Aphelenchoides besseyi, Ditylenchus angustus, Hirschmanniella spp., Criconemella spp., Meloidogyne spp., Heterodera spp., Pratylenchus spp., Hoplolaimus indicus.

[00151] Nematodes include plant-parasitic nematodes such as root-knot, cyst, and lesion nematodes, including Heterodera and Globodera spp. such as Globodera rostochiensis and Globodera pallida (potato cyst nematodes); Heterodera glycines (soybean cyst nematode); Heterodera schachtii (beet cyst nematode); and Heterodera avenae (cereal cyst nematode).

[00152] Insect pests include insects selected from the orders Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Mallophaga, Homoptera, Hemiptera, Orthoptera, Thysanoptera, Dermaptera, Isoptera, Anoplura, Siphonaptera, Trichoptera, etc., particularly Coleoptera and Lepidoptera. Insect pests of the invention for the major crops include, but are not limited to:Maize: Ostrinia nubilalis, European corn borer; Agrotis ipsilon, black cutworm; Helicoverpa zea, corn earworm; Spodoptera frugiperda, fall armyworm; Diatraea grandiosella, southwestern corn borer; Elasmopalpus lignosellus, lesser cornstalk borer; Diatraea saccharalis, surgarcane borer; Diabrotica virgifera, western corn rootworm; Diabrotica longicomis barberi, northern corn rootworm; Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, southern corn rootworm; Melanotus spp., wireworms; Cyclocephala borealis, northern masked chafer (white grub); Cyclocephala immaculata, southern masked chafer (white grub); Popillia japonica, Japanese beetle; Chaetocnema pulicaria, corn flea beetle; Sphenophorus maidis, maize billbug; Rhopalosiphum maidis, corn leaf aphid; Anuraphis maidiradicis, corn root aphid; Blissus leucopterus leucopterus, chinch bug; Melanoplus femurrubrum, redlegged grasshopper; Melanoplus sanguinipes, migratory grasshopper; Hylemya platura, seedcorn maggot; Agromyza parvicornis, corn blot leafminer; Anaphothrips obscrurus, grass thrips; Solenopsis milesta, thief ant; Tetranychus urticae, two-spotted spider mite; Sorghum: Chilo partellus, sorghum borer; Spodoptera frugiperda, fall armyworm; Helicoverpa zea, corn earworm; Elasmopalpus lignosellus, lesser cornstalk borer; Feltia subterranea, granulate cutworm; Phyllophaga crinita, white grub; Eleodes, Conoderus, and Aeolus spp., wireworms; Oulema melanopus, cereal leaf beetle; Chaetocnema pulicaria, corn flea beetle; Sphenophorus maidis, maize billbug; Rhopalosiphum maidis; corn leaf aphid; Sipha flava, yellow sugarcane aphid; Blissus leucopterus leucopterus, chinch bug; Contarinia sorghicola, sorghum midge; Tetranychus cinnabarinus, carmine spider mite; Tetranychus urticae, twospotted spider mite; Wheat: Pseudaletia unipunctata, army worm; Spodoptera frugiperda, fall armyworm; Elasmopalpus lignosellus, lesser cornstalk borer; Agrotis orthogonia, western cutworm; Elasmopalpus lignosellus, lesser cornstalk borer; Oulema melanopus, cereal leaf beetle; Hypera punctata, clover leaf weevil; Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, southern corn rootworm; Russian wheat aphid; Schizaphis graminum, greenbug; Macrosiphum avenae, English grain aphid; Melanoplus femurrubrum, redlegged grasshopper; Melanoplus differentialis, differential grasshopper; Melanoplus sanguinipes, migratory grasshopper; Mayetiola destructor, Hessian fly; Sitodiplosis mosellana, wheat midge; Meromyza americana, wheat stem maggot; Hylemya coarctata, wheat bulb fly; Frankliniella fusca, tobacco thrips; Cephus cinctus, wheat stem sawfly; Aceria tulipae, wheat curl mite; Sunflower: Suleima helianthana, sunflower bud moth; Homoeosoma electellum, sunflower moth; zygogramma exclamationis, sunflower beetle; Bothyrus gibbosus, carrot beetle; Neolasioptera murtfeldtiana, sunflower seed midge; Cotton: Heliothis virescens, cotton budworm; Helicoverpa zea, cotton boll worm; Spodoptera exigua, beet army worm; Pectinophora gossypiella, pink bollworm; Anthonomus grandis grandis, boll weevil; Aphis gossypii, cotton aphid; Pseudatomoscelis seriatus, cotton fleahopper; Trialeurodes abutilonea, banded-winged whitefly; Lygus lineolaris, tarnished plant bug; Melanoplus femurrubrum, redlegged grasshopper; Melanoplus differentialis, differential grasshopper; Thrips tabaci, onion thrips; Franklinkiella fusca, tobacco thrips; Tetranychus cinnabarinus, carmine spider mite; Tetranychus urticae, two-spotted spider mite; Rice: Diatraea saccharalis, sugarcane borer; Spodoptera frugiperda, fall armyworm; Helicoverpa zea, corn earworm; Colaspis brunnea, grape colaspis; Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus, rice water weevil; Sitophilus oryzae, rice weevil; Nephotettix nigropictus, rice leafhopper; Blissus leucopterus leucopterus, chinch bug; Acrostemum hilare, green stink bug; Soybean: Pseudoplusia includens, soybean looper; Anticarsia gemmatalis, velvetbean caterpillar; Plathypena scabra, green cloverworm; Ostrinia nubilalis, European corn borer; Agrotis ipsilon, black cutworm; Spodoptera exigua, beet armyworm; Heliothis virescens, cotton budworm; Helicoverpa zea, cotton bollworm; Epilachna varivestis, Mexican bean beetle; Myzus persicae, green peach aphid; Empoasca fabae, potato leafhopper; Acrostemum hilare, green stink bug; Melanoplus femurrubrum, redlegged grasshopper; Melanoplus differentialis, differential grasshopper; Hylemya platura, seedcorn maggot; Sericothrips variabilis, soybean thrips; Thrips tabaci, onion thrips; Tetranychus turkestani, strawberry spider mite; Tetranychus urticae, two-spotted spider mite; Barley: Ostrinia nubilalis, European corn borer; Agrotis ipsilon, black cutworm; Schizaphis graminum, greenbug; Blissus leucopterus leucopterus, chinch bug; Acrostemum hilare, green stink bug; Euschistus servus, brown stink bug; Delia platura, seedcom maggot; Mayetiola destructor, Hessian fly; Petrobia latens, brown wheat mite; Oil Seed Rape: Brevicoryne brassicae, cabbage aphid; Phyllotreta cruciferae, Flea beetle; Mamestra configurata, Bertha armyworm; Plutella xylostella, Diamond-back moth; Delia ssp., Root maggots.

[00153] The antimicrobial plant extract provides an alternative method of treating bacterial infections and diarrhea in livestock including cattle. The plant extract is easy to obtain since the active ingredients are abundantly available (cacti grow in the desert). The extract is inexpensive, making it the ideal solution for large livestock (commercial farms with big herds). In addition, the extract is a natural product and is believed to be entirely safe to animals and humans. The bacterial plant extract functions not only as a treatment but also as a preventative measure and does not introduce any type of resistance. Thus, livestock can be maintained in healthy conditions by boosting the animals' immune systems such that the likelihood of disease spreading through the farm is negligible. In one embodiment, the plant extract can be applied externally (spraying all equipment, buildings, maternity units, holding pens, trailers, slaughterhouses, etc.) while in another embodiment, the plant extract can be applied internally (feeding orally to livestock) in order to prevent infection and infestation. In one embodiment, the extract works on all forms of parasites, including lice, mites, ticks, ringworm and bacterial and viral pathogens.

[00154] The invention also provides a method of inhibiting the spread of microbial disease or infection in animal farms, comprising applying the plant extract or composition thereof to the animal farms. This includes aquaculture farms (shrimp, fish, abalone, lobster, etc.) and bee farms. Especially aquaculture farms are commonly subject to bacteria, fungal and/or viral infections. The plant extract can be applied directly to fish tanks (see Examples, supra) to treat or prevent spread of pathogens that lead to infections. In one embodiment, the extract provides an ideal treatment against parasitic invasion of aquaculture farms.

[00155] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for maintaining a healthy aquaculture farm comprising the step of contacting said farm with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for maintaining a healthy aquafarm comprising the step of contacting said aquafarm with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In one embodiment, an aquaculture farm is a farm in which fish are cultivated. In one embodiment, said aquaculture farm cultivates freshwater fish. In another embodiment, said aquaculture farm cultivates saltwater fish. In one embodiment, said aquaculture farm cultivates shellfish, such as mussels, oysters, winkles, scallops, or clams. In another embodiment, said aquaculture farm cultivates lobster, prawn, crayfish, squid, crabs or shrimp. In one embodiment, said aquaculture farm cultivates salmon or trout. In one embodiment, said aquaculture farm cultivates bass, carp, crawfish, or tilapia. In one embodiment, said aquaculture farm cultivates hydroponically grown plants.

[00156] In one embodiment, the plant extract(s) described herein are effective as an antibacterial (in one embodiment, a bactericide). In one embodiment, the plant extract(s) described herein are effective against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebisella pneumonia, Salmonella typhi, Enterococcus faecalis, multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), or a combination thereof. In another emebodiment, the plant extract(s) described herein are effective against other bacterial pathogens known to affect plants, animals, and/or humans. [00157] In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods of treating, inhibiting, or suppressing an infection comprising the step of contacting a subject suffering from said infection with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In one embodiment, the subject is a human. In another embodiment, the subject is an animal. In another embodiment, the subject is a plant. In one embodiment, the infection is a bacterial infection. In one embodiment, the bacterial infection is an Escherichia coli infection. In another embodiment, the bacterial infection is a Staphylococcus aureus infection. In another embodiment, the bacterial infection is a Streptococcus agalactiae infection. In another embodiment, the bacterial infection is a Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. In another embodiment, the bacterial infection is a Klebisella pneumonia infection. In another embodiment, the bacterial infection is a Salmonella typhi infection. In another embodiment, the bacterial infection is a Enterococcus faecalis infection. In another embodiment, the bacterial infection is a multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection.

[00158] In another embodiment, MRSA may also be called Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ORSA). In one embodiment, MRSA is any strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that has developed resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics which include the penicillins (methicillin, dicloxacillin, nafcillin, oxacillin, etc.) and the cephalosporins.

[00159] In another embodiment, the plant extract(s) described herein are effective as an anti- fungal (in one embodiment, a fungicide). In another embodiment, the plant extract(s) described herein are effective as an anti-inflammatory composition. In another embodiment, the plant extract(s) described herein are effective as a disinfectant, which in one embodiment, may be used in a cleaning solution. Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a cleaning solution comprising a cactus extract as desribed herein. [00160] Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing an anti-fungal composition comprising the steps of: harvesting plant material from Pachycereus schottii and Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum to obtain plant samples; soaking the plant samples in water; drying the plant samples to obtain dried plant samples; and pulverizing the dried plant samples to obtain a powdered extract. Similarly, it is to be understood that the present invention provides uses for said anti-fungal compositions in methods of treating, suppressing, or inhibiting a fungal infection in a subject, comprising the step of contacting a subject suffering from said fungal infection with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant.

[00161] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing an anti-inflammatory composition comprising the steps of: harvesting plant material from Pachycereus schottii and Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum to obtain plant samples; soaking the plant samples in water; drying the plant samples to obtain dried plant samples; and pulverizing the dried plant samples to obtain a powdered extract. Similarly, it is to be understood that the present invention provides uses for said anti- inflammatory compositions in methods of treating, suppressing, or inhibiting inflammation in a subject, comprising the step of contacting a subject suffering from inflammation with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. [00162] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing a disinfectant composition comprising the steps of: harvesting plant material from Pachycereus schottii and Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum to obtain plant samples; soaking the plant samples in water; drying the plant samples to obtain dried plant samples; and pulverizing the dried plant samples to obtain a powdered extract. Similarly, it is to be understood that the present invention provides uses for disinfectant compositions in methods of disinfecting surfaces or body parts, comprising the step of contacting said surface or body part with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant.

[00163] In another embodiment, the plant extract(s) described herein are used in methods of treating human subjects or in another embodiment, are used for medical applications. In another embodiment, the plant extract(s) described herein are used in the preparation of a composition for treating human subjects, as described herein. In another embodiment, the plant extract(s) described herein are for use in treating human subjects, as described herein. Thus, in one embodiment, the plant extract(s) are used in a composition for and methods of healing wounds and sores, which in one embodiment, are diabetic foot wounds, stomatitis ulcers, cuts, bruises, or a combination thereof. Therefore, in one embodiment, the present invention also provides a method of healing acute or chronic wounds or sores in a subject comprising the step of contacting said subject with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating wounds or sores in a subject comprising the step of contacting said subject with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant.

[00164] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of expediting the healing of a wound in a subject comprising the step of contacting said subject with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the species is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, Pachycereus pringlei, Pecten weberi, Cephalocereus senilis, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the species is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the extract is from the skin of said Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the extract is powdered. In another embodiment, the extract is in a solution. In another embodiment, the subject is human. In another embodiment, the subject is a non-human animal. In another embodiment, the wound is an ulcer. In another embodiment, the wound is a burn. [00165] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating a burn wound in a subject comprising the step of contacting said subject with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the subject is human. In another embodiment, the subject is a non-human animal.

[00166] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of reducing inflammation in a subject comprising the step of contacting said subject with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the subject is human. In another embodiment, the subject is a non-human animal. In another embodiment, the inflammation is skin inflammation.

[00167] In one embodiment, the subject is human. In another embodiment, the subject is a domesticated animal. In another embodiment, the subject is a mammal. In another embodiment, the subject is a farm animal. In another embodiment, the subject is a monkey. In another embodiment, the subject is a horse. In another embodiment, the subject is a cow. In another embodiment, the subject is a mouse. In another embodiment, the subject is a rat. In another embodiment, the subject is canine. In another embodiment, the subject is feline. In another embodiment, the subject is bovine, ovine, porcine, equine, murine, or cervine.

[00168] In one embodiment, the subject is male. In another embodiment, the subject is female. [00169] In one embodiment, the subject is a child, in another embodiment, an adolescent, in another embodiment, an adult or, in another embodiment, an elderly subject. In another embodiment, the subject is a pediatric subject, in another embodiment, a geriatric subject.

[00170] In another embodiment, the subject has diabetes. In another embodiment, the subject is immuno-compromised. In another embodiment, the subject has an immunodeficiency. In another embodiment, the subject has a weakened immune system. In another embodiment, the subject is healthy. In another embodiment, the subject has a chronic illness or condition. In another embodiment, the subject has human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In another embodiment, the subject is taking immunosuppresing drugs. In another embodiment, the subject is a transplant patient. In another embodiment, the subject has undergone chemotherapy. In another embodiment, the subject has cancer.

[00171] In another embodiment, the plant extract(s) described herein are used in methods of disinfection, such as, for example in antibacterial cleaners. In another embodiment, the plant extract(s) described herein are used in methods of eliminating lice, eliminating nail fungus, eliminating yeast infection or vaginitis, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the plant extract(s) described herein are used for treating, inhibiting, or decreasing the susceptibility to any one or more of the following disorders or conditions: acne, postoperative eye inflammation, gout, scarring, wrinkles, hemorroids, MRSA skin infection, rosacea, psoriasis, Athlete's foot, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating, inhibiting or suppressing the negative effects of chemotherapy, which in one embodiment, is nausea, in another embodiment, hair loss.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating, inhibiting or suppressing acne in a subject comprising the step of contacting said subject with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating, inhibiting or suppressing post-operative eye inflammation in a subject comprising the step of contacting said subject with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating, inhibiting or suppressing gout in a subject comprising the step of contacting said subject with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating, inhibiting or suppressing scarring in a subject comprising the step of contacting said subject with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating, inhibiting or suppressing wrinkles in a subject comprising the step of contacting said subject with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating, inhibiting or suppressing hemorroids in a subject comprising the step of contacting said subject with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating, inhibiting or suppressing skin infection in a subject comprising the step of contacting said subject with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In one embodiment, said skin infection is an MRSA skin infection. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating, inhibiting or suppressing rosacea in a subject comprising the step of contacting said subject with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating, inhibiting or suppressing psoriasis in a subject comprising the step of contacting said subject with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the subject is human.

[00172] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating, inhibiting, or suppressing a viral infection in a subject comprising the step of contacting said subject with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the subject is human. In another embodiment, the subject is a non-human animal. In another embodiment, the viral infection is viral stomatitis. In another embodiment, the composition is administered via oral washes.

[00173] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating, inhibiting, or suppressing dermatological damage in a subject comprising the step of contacting said subject with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In one embodiment, dermatological damage is wrinkles. In another embodiment, dematological damage is skin discoloration. In another embodiment, dematological damage is scarring. In another embodiment, dematological damage is coarse, dry skin. In another embodiment, dematological damage is freckling. In another embodiment, dematological damage is leathery skin. In another embodiment, dematological damage is deep wrinkles. In one embodiment, dermatological damage is caused by exposure, in some embodiments, excessive exposure, to ultraviolet (UV) light. [00174] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating, inhibiting, or suppressing a dermatological sign of aging in a subject comprising the step of contacting said subject with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the subject is human. In another embodiment, the dermatological sign of aging is wrinkles. In another embodiment, the dermatological sign of aging is skin discoloration.

[00175] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of disinfecting a subject comprising the step of contacting said subject with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. [00176] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of eliminating lice from the hair and/or scalp of a subject comprising the step of contacting said subject with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant.

[00177] Without being limited to theory and in one embodiment, the extract of the compositions and methods of the present invention may be effective in eliminating organisms that depend on symbiotic bacteria to survive such as, for example, lice, which depend on Candidatus Riesia pediculicola to produce Vitamin B5 (panthothenate), in which lice (Pediculus humanus humanus) are deficient.

[00178] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of eliminating nail fungus from the nail of a subject comprising the step of contacting said subject with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant.

[00179] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating, inhibiting, or suppressing a yeast infection in a subject comprising the step of contacting said subject with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. [00180] In one embodiment, contacting said subject with an extract refers to administering the extract to the subject. In one embodiment, the pathogen, insect, pest, etc is directly contacted with the extract.

[00181] In some embodiments, the applications of the present invention include antimicrobials anthelmintics, anti-laxatives/anti-diarrheas, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, cosmetic ingredients, keratolytics, oxidizers for industrial processes, metal chelating agents, and organic adhesives. In alternative embodiments, the physiologic uses include antiseptics, disinfectants, virucides, fungicides, astringents, tissue adhesives, wound protectants, biofilm preventions, anti-inflammatories, analgesics, haemostasis, product preservatives, coagulants, flocculants, oral rinses, irrigants, debriding agents, gastric tonics, anti-diarrheal, ulcer treatments, sclerotizing agents, water sanitizers, water preservatives, oxidizing cleaners, and deodorizers. In alternative embodiments, the applications include having the humans or animals ingest the compositions to treat or prevent pathogens or pathogenic molecules from infecting, damaging, or being absorbed by the tissues of their digestive systems. In other embodiments, the applications include the prevention or treatment of animal diarrhea through the reduction of fluid secretions through astringent, anti-inflammatory, or anti-microbial action. In some embodiments, the applications include the treatments of gastric reflux erosions, peptic ulcers, or other lesions of digestive system. In alternative embodiments, the applications include the treatments of nasal or aural cavity irritations or infections. In other embodiments, the applications include antimicrobial sprays to the respiratory tract to reduce the pathogens and also to protect the respiratory tract lining from invasion by the pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In some embodiments, the applications include respiratory tract sprays and sinus rinses to flush the contact allergens. In alternative embodiments, the applications include urinary tract rinses for anti-infective or antiinflammatory treatments or routine antiseptic rinses for urinary tract implant and kidney dialysis patients. In other embodiments, the applications include antiseptic organ preservation for organ transplantation.

[00182] In some embodiments, the applications include an antimicrobial wash for bacteria, viruses, and yeast infections on normal or damaged skin, surface wounds, or in any mucosal cavity. In alternative embodiments, the applications include tissue adhesives for accelerated healing, closure, or haemostasis of surgical incisions or injuries. In other embodiments, the applications include treatments of surgical incisions or topical wounds for scar reduction. In some embodiments, the applications include first aid treatment for topical cuts, burns, or abrasions.

[00183] According to this aspect and in one embodiment, an antimicrobial solution comprising the plant extract of the present invention is used as part of a covering to a wound, which in one embodiment, is an occlusive covering to the wound. In one embodiment, the antimicrobial solution is combined with the coating in advance, while in another embodiment, the antimicrobial solution is combined at the point of use. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a disposable or non-disposable cloth soaked in said antimicrobial solution, which in one embodiment, is used as a disinfectant or protectant from microbes. In another embodiment, the present invention provides an antimicrobial spray for treating a wound in a human or animal.

[00184] In alternative embodiments, the applications include antiseptic salves, ointment rinses, or irrigants for oral mucosal ulcer treatment, and dental procedures. In other embodiments, the applications include periodontitis treatments and sensitive-tooth treatments, such as tooth micro-crack sealing. In some embodiments, the applications include oral rinses for halitosis. In alternative embodiments, the applications include soaks for dermatitis, jock itch, vaginal infections, and athlete's foot. In other embodiments, the applications include burn, chronic wound, and ulcer antimicrobial and healing treatments. In some embodiments, the applications include the prevention or reduction of biofilm formation on tissues or surfaces.

[00185] In another embodiment, the plant extract(s) described herein are used in veterinary medicine applications. In one embodiment, the plant extract(s) described herein are used to treat, suppress, or inhibit Bovine Mastitis (clinical and sub-clinical), wounds and sores, cuts, bruises, lice/fleas, feet fungus, or diarrhea (tested in pigs and chicken). In another embodiment, the plant extract(s) described herein are used as antibacterial, disinfectant, or antimicrobial cleaning solutions, or as feed additives, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the plant extract(s) described herein help control respiratory and digestive abnormalities caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi, eliminates the need for antibiotics, or a combination thereof.

[00186] In other embodiments, the applications include aerosol or liquid sprays of the composition as a bio-security sanitizer for animal farm facilities. In some embodiments, the applications include animal feed sterilization. In alternative embodiments, the applications include food or water additives for preservation and prevention of disease transmission. In other embodiments, the applications include plant, fresh fruit, and vegetable washes. The spraying of or rinsing with a solution containing the composition disclosed herein can kill or suppress surface bacteria, extend shelf life, protect the surface from or deter pest-invasion in live crops or agricultural produce, or a combination thereof.

[00187] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a fogger for applying the composition comprising the plant extract of the present invention. In one embodiment, a fogger or similar method of application may be used in agriculture or animal husbandry, which in one embodiment, includes raising chickens. According to this aspect and in one embodiment, a composition comprising the plant extract of the present invention may be used in a poultry farm to treat or prevent infestation or infection with Newcastle Disease Virus, Colibacillosis, Avian Pox, Mycoplasmosis, or a combination thereof,

[00188] In another embodiment, the composition comprising the plant extract of the present invention may be spread on the bedding of animals, which in one embodiment, is used in a method of preventing reinfection with communicable diseases, which in one embodiment, is bovine mastitis.

[00189] In some embodiments, the applications include plant seed disinfection for storage and sanitation before germination. In alternative embodiments, the applications include preservation spray or water treatment for freshly cut flowers. In other embodiments, the applications include tissue adhesive for plant grafting and groundwater remediation.

[00190] In one embodiment, contacting a plant or a crop of plants with a composition of the present invention comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant comprises irrigating with water containing said extract, spraying a concentrated or diluted solution of said extract, contacting soil in which said plant(s) grow with said extract, or another method known in the art.

[00191] In one embodiment, contacting an animal or a group of animals with a composition of the present invention comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant comprises administering said extract. In one embodiment, the administration is oral. In another embodiment, the administration is by needle. In another embodiment, the administration is by placing said extract in the food of said animal(s). In another embodiment, said contacting is via external washing or spraying with a solution comprising said extract. In another embodiment, said contacting is via another method known in the art.

[00192] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating, inhibiting, or suppressing a microbial infection or infestation in an animal comprising the step of contacting said animal with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In one embodiment, said animal is a member of a group of domesticated animals, referred to as livestock. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of inhibiting the spread of microbial disease or infection in livestock comprising the step of contacting said livestock with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for maintaining healthy livestock comprising the step of contacting said livestock with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. [00193] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of increasing the average weight of livestock, comprising the step of contacting said livestock with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant.

[00194] In another embodiment, the plant extract(s) described herein are used in agricultural applications. In one embodiment, the plant extract(s) described herein enhance the immune system, increase production of phytoalexins, promote growth, balance and develop physiological growth, reduce stress, invigorate plant development, functions as a soil, root and plant antiseptic, eliminates the need for agrochemicals in most cases (pesticides, insecticides, fungicides), can be formulated as a fertilizer, keeps white fly and Bagrada pests away from crops, shortens time to harvest cycle, lengthens post harvest life of crops, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, a surface pathogen can be reduced and micro- wounds can be sealed by spraying or soaking a plant with the composition of the present invention. Further, the general health of plants can be improved by strengthening the surface structure or stimulating enhanced growth or development with the composition of the present invention.

[00195] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating, inhibiting, or suppressing a microbial infection or infestation in a plant, comprising the step of contacting said plant with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of inhibiting the spread of microbial disease or infection in agricultural crops comprising the step of contacting said crop with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant.

[00196] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of fertilizing a plant, comprising the step of contacting said plant with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of fertilizing a crop, comprising the step of contacting said crop with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant.

[00197] In another embodiment, the plant extract(s) described herein are used in aquaculture applications. In one embodiment, the plant extract(s) acts as a growth promoter, balances and develops physiological growth, reduces stress, eliminates the need for chemicals and antibiotics, acts as an antibacterial, antifungal solution when added to water tanks in shrimp and fish farms, controls White spot syndrome plague, reduces amount of ammonia in fish tanks, or a combination thereof. [00198] In some embodiments, the applications include meat and sea food preservation spray to reduce bacteria and to faun thin anti-digestive layers to prevent a microbial invasion. The alternative embodiments include meat processing sanitizers for prevention of microbial contamination. In alternative embodiments, the applications include pond water sanitation for fisheries, such as fish, shrimp, oyster, abalone, and mussels. In other embodiments, the applications include disease treatment for aquatic plants and animals. In some embodiments, the applications include aquarium sanitizers, preservative additives for liquid-containing products, disinfectant ingredients for surface cleaners, quinone REDOX cycling coatings for medical devices, clothing and food preparation equipment, hospital environment and instrument sanitization, antimicrobial hydrating solutions for hydrophilic coated medical devices, and organic anti-corrosive treatments for metals.

[00199] In alternative embodiments, the applications include industrial water shock, preservatives, or antifoulants. In other embodiments, the applications include hot tub and swimming pool water sanitation. In some embodiments, the applications include carriers for small molecule therapeutic compounds. In alternative embodiments, the applications include stabilizers for oxidizers, modification of food flavors, and injection into tumors and cysts.

[00200] In one embodiment, the present invention provides methods of treating a plant, vegetation, animal, cattle, mammal, human, or a combination thereof comprising the step of contacting said plant, vegetation, animal, cattle, mammal, or human with a Pachycereus plant extract. In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods of preventing a disease, disorder or condition in a plant, vegetation, animal, cattle, mammal, human, or a combination thereof comprising the step of contacting said plant, vegetation, animal, cattle, mammal, or human with a Pachycereus plant extract. In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods of inhibiting a disease, disorder or condition in a plant, vegetation, animal, cattle, mammal, human, or a combination thereof comprising the step of contacting said plant, vegetation, animal, cattle, mammal, or human with a Pachycereus plant extract. In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods of suppressing a disease, disorder or condition in a plant, vegetation, animal, cattle, mammal, human, or a combination thereof comprising the step of contacting said plant, vegetation, animal, cattle, mammal, or human with a Pachycereus plant extract. In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods of lowering susceptibility to a disease, disorder or condition in a plant, vegetation, animal, cattle, mammal, human, or a combination thereof comprising the step of contacting said plant, vegetation, animal, cattle, mammal, or human with a Pachycereus plant extract. In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods of decreasing the likelihood of contracting a disease, disorder or condition in a plant, vegetation, animal, cattle, mammal, human, or a combination thereof comprising the step of contacting said plant, vegetation, animal, cattle, mammal, or human with a Pachycereus plant extract. In one embodiment, said Pachycereus plant extract is from Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, or a combination thereof.

[00201] In one embodiment, the Pachycereus plant extract of the present invention may be used for either therapeutic treatment or prophylactic or preventative measures, wherein the object is to prevent or lessen the targeted pathologic condition or disorder as described hereinabove. Thus, in one embodiment, treating may include directly affecting or curing the disease, disorder or condition, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the Pachycereus plant extract of the present invention may have effects including suppressing, inhibiting, preventing, reducing the severity of, delaying the onset of, reducing symptoms associated with the disease, disorder or condition, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, "treating" refers inter alia to delaying progression, expediting remission, inducing remission, augmenting remission, speeding recovery, increasing efficacy of or decreasing resistance to alternative therapeutics, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, "preventing" refers, inter alia, to delaying the onset of symptoms, preventing relapse to a disease, decreasing the number or frequency of relapse episodes, increasing latency between symptomatic episodes, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, "suppressing" or "inhibiting", refers inter alia to reducing the severity of symptoms, reducing the severity of an acute episode, reducing the number of symptoms, reducing the incidence of disease-related symptoms, reducing the latency of symptoms, ameliorating symptoms, reducing secondary symptoms, reducing secondary infections, prolonging survival, or a combination thereof. [00202] In one embodiment, inhibiting comprises inhibiting the spread of microbial disease, infection, or infestation.

[00203] In one embodiment, extract from 40 grams of Pachycereus schottii or Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum is dissolved in a total of 20,000 L of water before being used to treat animals, plants, or humans. In another embodiment, Pachycereus schottii or Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum is dissolved in 200 liters of water to produce active ingredient. In one embodiment, Pachycereus schottii or Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum superconcentrate is diluted 1 :20 to produce BT-18 (or D Plant) superconcentrate. In one embodiment, BT-18 superconcentrate is diluted 1 : 10 to produce BT-18 (or D Plant) concentrate. In one embodiment, BT-18 concentrate is diluted 1 :5 to produce BT-18 (or D Plant) product.

[00204] In one embodiment, 20 L of Pachycereus schottii or Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum extract concentate per hectare is used per treatment for field crops. In another embodiment, 10 L of Pachycereus schottii or Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum extract concentate per hectare is used per treatment. In another embodiment, 30 L of Pachycereus schottii or Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum extract concentate per hectare is used per treatment. In another embodiment, 40 L of Pachycereus schottii or Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum extract concentate per hectare is used per treatment. In another embodiment, 10-30 L of Pachycereus schottii or Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum extract concentate per hectare is used per treatment. In another embodiment, 15-25 L of Pachycereus schottii or Pachycereus pecten- aboriginum extract concentate per hectare is used per treatment. In one embodiment, as described herein, said extract is dissolved in 1,000 liters of water. In one embodiment, said extract is administered with irrigation water, in one minute, via a dripping system. In another embodiment, said extract is administered by pressurized irrigation. In another embodiment, said extract is administered by land sprinklers.

[00205] In one embodiment, several treatments are given to the plants during a single growing season. In one embodiment, one treatment is given to the plants, animals or humans. In another embodiment, two treatments are given to the plants, animals or humans. In another embodiment, three treatments are given to the plants, animals or humans. In another embodiment, four treatments are given to the plants, animals or humans. In another embodiment, for plants, the number of treatments is determined by a skilled artisan based on the soil and water conditions, the level and types of plant diseases, and other factors known to a skilled artisan. [00206] In one embodiment, treatments are separated by 1 week. In another embodiment, treatments are administered every two weeks. In another embodiment, treatments are separated by 1 month. In another embodiment, treatments are separated by 2 months. In another embodiment, treatments are separated by 6 weeks. In another embodiment, treatments are separated by 3 months. In another embodiment, treatments are administered every second day. In another embodiment, treatments are separated by 4 months. In another embodiment, the time period between multiple treatments is determined by a skilled artisan based on the soil and water conditions, the level and types of plant diseases, and other factors known to a skilled artisan. [00207] In one embodiment, Pachycereus schottii or Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum extract is administered to animals at a dose of 100 ml of concentrated product per day to adult livestock, such as pigs, and 5 ml of active product per day to young livestock. The dosages may be adjusted by a skilled artisan for maximum safety and effectiveness, as is known in the art. In one embodiment, the extract is administered orally and in another embodiment, mixed with food, which is then eaten by a subject. In another embodiment, the extract is administered via local or topical application. In one embodiment, several treatments are given to the animals during a single outbreak of an infection or disease. In another embodiment, the number and frequency of treatments is determined by a skilled artisan based on the condition of the animals and their housing, the level and types of diseases, and other factors known to a skilled artisan.

[00208] In one embodiment, Pachycereus schottii and/or Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum extract is administered to an aquaculture farm at a dose of 5 liters of concentrated product in 200 liters of water per hectare. In another embodiment, Pachycereus schottii and/or Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum extract is administered to an aquaculture farm at a dose of 10 liters of concentrated product in 200 liters of water per hectare. In another embodiment, Pachycereus schottii and/or Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum extract is administered to an aquaculture farm at a dose of 2.5 liters of concentrated product in 200 liters of water per hectare. In another embodiment, Pachycereus schottii and/or Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum extract is administered to an aquaculture farm at a dose of 7 liters of concentrated product in 200 liters of water per hectare. In another embodiment, Pachycereus schottii and/or Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum extract is administered to an aquaculture farm at a dose of 4- 6 liters of concentrated product in 200 liters of water per hectare. In another embodiment, Pachycereus schottii and/or Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum extract is administered to an aquaculture farm at a dose of 5-7 liters of concentrated product in 200 liters of water per hectare. In another embodiment, Pachycereus schottii and/or Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum extract is administered to an aquaculture farm at a dose of 2.5-7 liters of concentrated product in 200 liters of water per hectare. In another embodiment, Pachycereus schottii and/or Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum extract is administered to an aquaculture farm at a dose of 5 - 10 liters of concentrated product in 200 liters of water per hectare.

[00209] In one embodiment, several treatments are given to the aquatic life during a single growing season or a single outbreak of an infection or disease. In another embodiment, the number and frequency of treatments is determined by a skilled artisan based on the condition of the animals and their living conditions, the level and types of diseases, and other factors known to a skilled artisan.

[00210] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method comprising the step of contacting a plant or animal with an extract of harvested plant material from a species of Pachycereus plant. In one embodiment, said contacting comprises irrigating a plant with water comprising said extract. In another embodiment, said contacting comprises administering said extract to a subject.

[00211] In one embodiment, the extract is administered to a subject by any route of administration known to a person skilled in the art, such as orally, parenterally, transmucosally, transdermally, intramuscularly, intravenously, intra-dermally, subcutaneously, intra-peritonealy, intra-ventricularly, intra-cranially, intra-vaginally or intra- tumorally. In some embodiments, the compositions are able to be in a dry powder form. The composition is able to be fed to an animal in a dry powder form or in a combination with at least one fluid. [00212] In another embodiment, the route of administration may be enteral. In another embodiment, the route may be intra-arterial, topical, transdermal, intradermal, rectal, intraocular, conjunctival, intra-nasal, sublingual, oral, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the dosage regimen will be determined by skilled clinicians, based on factors such as exact nature of the condition being treated, the severity of the condition, the age and general physical condition of the subject, etc.

[00213] For parenteral application, particularly suitable are injectable, sterile solutions, preferably oily or aqueous solutions, as well as suspensions, emulsions, or implants, including suppositories and enemas. Ampoules are convenient unit dosages. Such a suppository may comprise the extract described herein. [00214] For application by inhalation, particularly for treatment of airway obstruction or congestion, solutions or suspensions of the compounds mixed and aerosolized or nebulized in the presence of the appropriate carrier suitable. Such an aerosol may comprise the extract described herein and, in one embodiment, may be used to treat diseases or conditions caused by airborne pathogens, which may be in one embodiment, influenza or tuberculosis. [00215] For topical application, particularly for the treatment of skin diseases such as contact dermatitis or psoriasis, admixture of the compounds with conventional creams, lotions, or delayed release patches is acceptable. Such a cream or lotion may comprise the extract described herein.

[00216] For enteral application, particularly suitable are tablets, dragees, liquids, drops, or capsules. A syrup, elixir, or the like can be used when a sweetened vehicle is employed. [00217] Sustained or directed release compositions can be formulated, e.g., liposomes or those wherein the active compound is protected with differentially degradable coatings, e.g., by microencapsulation, multiple coatings, etc. It is also possible to freeze-dry the extract and use the lyophilisates obtained, for example, for the preparation of products for injection.

[00218] Thus, in one embodiment, the route of administration may be directed to an organ or system that is affected by the pathogenic infection. For example, compounds may be administered in aerosol form to treat infections by airborne pathogens. In another embodiment, the route of administration may be directed to a different organ or system than the one that is affected by the pathogenic infection. For example, compounds may be administered parenterally to treat infections by airborne pathogens. [00219] Thus, the present invention provides for the use of the plant extract as described herein in various dosage forms suitable for administration using any of the routes listed hereinabove.

[00220] In general, the doses utilized for the above described purposes will vary, but will be in a pharmaceutically effective amount to exert the desired anti-disease effect. As used herein, the term "pharmaceutically effective amount" refers to an amount of the plant extract as described herein, which will produce the desired alleviation in symptoms or signs of disease in a subject. The doses utilized for any of the above-described purposes will generally be from 1 to about 1000 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg), administered one to four times per day, or by continuous IV infusion. When the compositions are dosed topically, they will generally be in a concentration range of from 0.1 to about 10% w/v, administered 1-4 times per day.

[00221] In one embodiment of the invention, the concentrations of the compounds will depend on various factors, including the nature of the condition to be treated, the condition of the patient, the route of administration and the individual tolerability of the compositions. [00222] It will be appreciated that the actual preferred amounts of active compound in a specific case will vary according to the specific compound being utilized, the particular compositions formulated, the mode of application, and the particular conditions and organism being treated. Dosages for a given host can be determined using conventional considerations, e.g., by customary comparison of the differential activities of the subject compounds and of a known agent, e.g., by means of an appropriate, conventional pharmacological protocol. [00223] In one embodiment, the compounds of the invention may be administered acutely for acute treatment of temporary conditions, or may be administered chronically, especially in the case of progressive, recurrent, or degenerative disease. In one embodiment, extracts derived from one or more plants as described herein may be administered simultaneously, or in another embodiment, they may administered in a staggered fashion. In one embodiment, the staggered fashion may be dictated by the stage or phase of the disease, condition or infection.

[00224] In one embodiment, said subject is human. In another embodiment, the subject is mammalian. In another embodiment, the subject is canine, feline, bovine, ovine, equine, murine, lapine or porcine. In another embodiment, the subject is primate, in one embodiment, a non-human primate. [00225] In one embodiment, a kit or system of the present invention comprises an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant, which is in one embodiment, Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, methods of the present invention utilize the extract. In one embodiment, the extract is obtained from harvested plant material from a species of Pachycereus plant using the methods described herein or, alternatively, other methods known in the art.

[00226] In one embodiment, an extract of the present invention is a powdered extract. In one embodiment, an extract of the present invention is a liquid extract. In one embodiment, an extract of the present invention is a powdered extract suspended in solution.

[00227] It is to be understood that a composition (such as a kit or system) of the present invention may comprise an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant, which is in one embodiment, Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, a composition of the present invention may consist essentially of an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant, which is in one embodiment, Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, a composition of the present invention may consist of an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant, which is in one embodiment, Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, or a combination thereof. [00228] In some embodiments, the term "comprise" refers to the inclusion of the indicated active agent, such as an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant as well as inclusion of other active agents, and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients, emollients, stabilizers, etc., as are known in the industry. In some embodiments, the term "consisting essentially of refers to a composition, whose only active ingredient is an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant, however, other compounds may be included which are for stabilizing, preserving, etc. the formulation, but are not involved directly in the therapeutic effect of the indicated active ingredient. In some embodiments, the term "consisting essentially of allows for the inclusion of components which facilitate the release of the active ingredient. In some embodiments, the term "consisting" refers to a composition, which contains the active ingredient (an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.

[00229] Similarly, methods and processes of the present invention may comprise the described steps, in one embodiment, while, in another embodiment, the methods and processes may consist essentially of the described steps, or, alternatively, may consist of the described steps.

Examples

[00230] The following specific examples are intended to illustrate the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. [00231] Purpose:

[00232] The purpose of the experiments was to demonstrate the effectiveness of the plant extract as an antimicrobial agent to protect and treat various animal and plant species against microbial pathogens and to establish the capability of the plant extract to enhance growth in vegetables and fruits. Example 1 : The Process of Making the Plant Extract:

[00233] An antimicrobial plant extract was prepared by the procedure described in Figure 1. A healthy section of Pachycereus schottii and Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum was first harvested by cutting one branch of about 40 cm from each plant. In one embodiment, the branch or arm rather than the trunk or main central portion of the cactus should be used. The branches were stored in plastic boxes for transportation to the process area. At the process area, the branches were cleaned and any damaged portions were removed, including any contaminated areas, thorns, dirt, etc. The rest of the procedure is carried out separately on Pachycereus schottii and Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum. After the cleaning, the branches were submerged and soaked in hot water containing hydrogen peroxide for about 15 to about 20 minutes, to further clean the plant samples. The temperature of the hot water was about 70°C to 80°C although the step can also be carried out with water at room temperature. After the soaking, the branches were cut into smaller pieces or chips of about 3 x 3 to 4 x 4 cm. The cut pieces were put into a clear container and placed into the sun for about 3 days (3 days and 3 nights) at a temperature of about 40°C to 50°C. It was not necessary to have direct sun light at all times but the months of June, July, August and September are preferred for this process because they provide an environment of optimal dehydration. Although the plants may also be dried under an artificial UV source or other form of heat, using sun light is most cost- effective. Once the pieces were completely dried, they were placed into a grinder and pulverized to a very fine powder. The powder was passed 3 times through the grinder to assure a finely ground product. The powder was then passed through a thin collator to remove any course particles and impurities. The plant extract powder was stored in a plastic bag until it was dissolved in water.

[00234] In a second procedure, branches were collected, spines were removed, skin was peeled from the branches, and the skin was soaked in a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide for several minutes to clean and kill impurities. Next, the skin was removed from the solution and dried as described above. The dried skin was then broken into smaller pieces by hand, keeping each plant separate. The dried skin chips were then ground or pulverized into a fine powder, keeping each plant separate. The powder was then weighed and added to ozonized and magnetized water. The water used was optionally negatively ionized as well.

[00235] In order to produce the water that was used to dissolve the above plant extract powder, one of the following processes was used: [00236] 1) 200 liters of water from the public water system having about 300 ppm salts, and a pH of 7.5 to 8.0 was magnetized at 11,500 Gauss by passing the water by gravity to a lower tank through either a PVC hose or a garden hose having an 11,500 gauss water conditioning magnet to the outside of the hose. After the water was magnetized, it had a neutral pH of 7.0. Subjecting the water to magnetism also cleans the water. After 90 minutes during which the water molecules stabilized, the water was processed in an ozonification apparatus to obtain ozonized water with 3 oxygen molecules (rather than one oxygen molecule in normal water), i.e., H2O₃. Ozonation prevents bacterial/biological contamination of the water. [00237] 2) 100 liters of purified water were obtained by reverse osmosis with a maximum of 10 ppm salts and a pH of about 5.0 to 5.5. The water was processed in an ozonification machine to obtain ozonized water with 3 oxygen molecules (rather than one oxygen molecule in normal water, H₂0), i.e., H2O₃. A separate 100 liters of water with no more then 300 ppm salts and a pH of 7.5 to 8.0 was magnetized at 11 ,500 Gauss by passing the water by gravity to a lower tank through either a PVC hose or a garden hose. After the water was magnetized, it had a neutral pH of 7.0. Subjecting the water to magnetism helps to clean the water. Both waters, ozonized water and magnetized water were then combined in a tank to obtain 200 liters of mixed water. Fifteen grams of powdered extract from Pachycereus schottii and 15 grams of powdered extract from Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum were added to the 200 liter water and allowed to settle for 2 hours. After about 2 hours, the solution was filtered by passing it through a cotton cloth filter to remove any final impurities. The resulting solution is called the Active Ingredient.

[00238] One liter was removed from the above 200 liters containing the solution with the dissolved plant extract (the Active Ingredient). 19 liters of magnetized and ozonized water was added to the 1 liter of dissolved plant extract (1 : 19). The resulting solution is called the Superconcentrate.

[00239] As an alternative method, flavonoids were added as a UV stabilizer and/or as a preservative. A stabilizer solution was made with one tablet of flavonoid complex (for example, Flavonoid complex, Nutritionals Nature-Science, water soluble, 60 tablets, 327 mg flavonoid complex /tablet) in 20 liters of ozonized/magnetized water. One liter of this solution was then added to the active ingredient and 18 liters of ozonized/magnetized water to obtain the superconcentrate.

[00240] Optionally, the solution may be colored with food color to distinguish it from other solutions. Food color does not adversely affect the potency of the solution containing the dissolved plant extract.

[00241] The resulting solution was stored at room temperature. The solution required no air conditioning for storage and could be stored in a warehouse for long periods of time (e.g., 12 months or longer). Alternatively, only one plant extract (either Pachycereus schottii or Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum) is dissolved in the water and used in the same manner as the combined extract described hereinabove. [00242] The resulting 20 liters of solution was entitled BT-18 (or D Plant) superconcentrate. The 20 liters BT-18 (or D Plant) superconcentrate was further diluted with 180 liters of regular water (with no more than 300 ppm salts). The resulting 200 liters were entitled BT-18 (or D Plant) concentrate. The 200 liters were further diluted on-site by the farmer in the irrigation water tank, with 800 liters of regular water to result in 1000 liter final product, entitled commercial BT-18 (or D Plant) product. The commercial BT-18 (or D Plant) product was tested on plants and animals as further described below.

Example 2: Selection of Two Cacti Species:

[00243] Pachycereus schottii includes specific varieties of cacti that are found in the Sonora desert, i.e., Lophocereus sargentianus synonym of Pachycereus scottii; Lophocereus schottii var. sargentianus synonym of Pachycereus schottii; and Lophocereus schottii var. tenuis synonym of Pachycereus schottii. The rest of the world is estimated to have about 8 additional varieties of Pachycereus schottii. However, the invention describes the first tested cacti of Pachycereus schottii, i.e., the following cacti were tested, comprising Lophocereus sargentianus synonym of Pachycereus scottii; Lophocereus schottii var. sargentianus synonym of Pachycereus schottii and Lophocereus schottii var. tenuis synonym of Pachycereus schottii, wherein one species was most suitable for this invention, i.e., Pachycereus schottii. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the plant genus Lophocereus is now considered part of the plant genus Pachycereus. Pachycereus schottii was found to be 20% more effective in the form of a powdered extract in solution when tested by irrigating plants. Plants were watered with the plant extract solution and control plants were watered with regular water. Those plants watered with the plant extract solution grew on the average 20% more in less than one month that those without the solution. [00244] Plant Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum includes about 30 varieties of cacti that are found in the desert, i.e., Pachycereusfulviceps; Pachycereus gatesii; Pachycereusgaumeri; Pachycereus grandis; Pachycereus hollianus; Pachycereus lepidanthus; Pachycereus marginatus; Pachycereus militaris; Pachycereus pringlei; Pachycereus pringlei fa. calvus; Pachycereus schottii; Pachycereus weberi; Pachycereus aragonii synonym of Stenocereus aragonii; Pachycereus calvus synonym of Pachycereus pringlei fa. calvus; Pachycereus chrysomallus synonym of Pachycereus militaris; Pachycereus columna-trajani synonym of Cephalocereus columna-trajani; Pachycereus foetidus synonym of Pachycereus gaumeri; Pachycereus gigas synonym of Pachycereus weberi; Pachycereus grandis var. gigas synonym of Pachycereus weberi; Pachycereus marginatus var.gemmatus synonym of Pachycereus marginatus; Pachycereus orcuttii synonym of Pacherocactus orcuttii; Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum ssp. tehuantepecanus synonym of Pachycereus pecten- aboriginum; Pachycereus queretaroensis synonym of Stenocereus queretaroensis; Pachycereus ruficeps synonym of Neobuxbaumia macrocephala; Pachycereus schottii; Pachycereus schottii; Pachycereus schottii var. tenuis synonym of Pachycereus schottii; Pachycereus tehuantepecanus synonym of Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum Pachycereus tetetzo synonym of Neobuxbaumia tetetzo. The invention describes the first 10 tested cacti of Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, i.e., the following cacti were tested, comprising Pachycereus grandis; Pachycereus marginatus; Pachycereus militaris; Pachycereus pringlei; Pachycereus weberi; Pachycereus chrysomallus synonym of Pachycereus militaris; Pachycereus gigas synonym of Pachycereus weberi; Pachycereus marginatus var. gemmatus synonym of Pachycereus marginatus; Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum; and Pachycereus tehuantepecanus synonym of Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, wherein one species was most suitable for this invention, i.e., Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum. The plant was found to increase growth by 50% in the form of a powdered extract in solution when tested by irrigating plants. Plants were watered with the plant extract solution and control plants were watered with regular water. Those plants watered with the plant extract solution grew on the average 50% more in less than one month.

[00245] The combination of Pachycereus schottii and Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum was tested and found to increase growth by 100% in the form of powdered extracts in solution when tested on plants. The plants irrigated with the plant extract showed a 100% increased growth rate in comparison to the control plants within one month of treatment. The water in which the plant extracts were dissolved was ozonized and magnetized as described above prior to irrigating the plants. Example 3: Suppression of Multi-Drug Resistant Strain ofE. coli:

[00246] In a Mexican pig farm, there was an E. coli outbreak which caused the death of thousands of pigs. The dead pigs were sent to a pathology laboratory to perform autopsies which showed that the dead pigs had E. coli in their liver, lungs, spleen, bile and bone marrow. The E. coli was tested with all known antibiotics generally prescribed by veterinarians as shown above in Table 1. There is strong resistance to various drugs as shown in Table 1.

Drug Name Escherichia coli

CHITOX RESISTANT

PRIMECIN NEUMO 200 RESISTANT

TIAPREM RESISTANT

LINCOSPECTIN 17 MM (++)

SULPAMETOXAZOLE TRIMETOPRIM RESISTANT

NORFLOXACIN RESISTANT

CIPROFLOXACIN RESISTANT

ENROFLOXACIN RESISTANT

DOXICYCLIN RESISTANT

CHLOXACYCLIN RESISTANT

CHOLISTINE RESISTANT

FURAZOLIDONE 24 MM (++)

KANAMYCIN RESISTANT

NEOMYCIN RESISTANT

STREPTOMYCIN RESISTANT

AMPICILLIN RESISTANT

AMOXICILLIN RESISTANT

FLORELEND 23 mm (+++)

TETRACYCLIN RESISTANT

PENICILIN/STREPOMYCIN RESISTANT LINCOBLEND RESISTANT

AMYKACIN 25 mm

[00247] The same E. coli (and additional bacteria) were then treated with the antimicrobial plant extract to test for effectiveness of the extract at various different concentrations. The results are shown below in Tables 2 and 3.

Salmonella sp. 99.97 99.998

Aspergillus sp. 99.83 99.988

[00248] As shown in Tables 2 and 3, the plant extract is 100% effective at a 1 X dilution across different bacterial species, which highlights the potency of this extract.

Example 4: Field Test with Corn:

[00249] The total test area was 10 hectares of test corn, and the total control area was 10 hectares of control corn. The test corn was exposed to plant extract while the control corn was regular corn not exposed to plant extract.

[00250] 20 liters of concentrate (i.e., referred to as D Plant in Figure 2) per hectare were added to the irrigation water (via a dripping system) prior to planting the test corn. 30 days later, another 20 liters of plant extract were added to the irrigation water. 60 days later, another 20 liters were added to the irrigation water. Finally, 90 days later, another 20 liters were added to the irrigation water. The control corn was irrigated with the same water as the test corn but without any plant extract added. The control corn was treated with plain irrigation water without any chemicals, toxics or other types of products. [00251] The test corn (i.e., the one to which plant extract was applied) resulted in a production of 25 metric tons per hectare on the average. In comparison, the control corn (i.e., the one to which no plant extract was applied) resulted in a production of 20 metric tons per hectare on the average. Thus, treatment of the water with plant extract increased the yield of the corn production. In addition, corn treated with plant extract showed a significant increase in height and foliage (see Figure 2).

Example 5: Field Test with Pepper:

[00252] The total test area was 3 hectares of test peppers and the total control area was 3 hectares of control peppers. The test peppers were exposed to plant extract while the control peppers were regular peppers not exposed to plant extract. [00253] The application of the plant extract was similar to the one in corn (supra), i.e., 20 liters per hectare of concentrate (i.e., referred to as D plant in Figure 4) was mixed into the irrigation water once the plants started to show in the soil. This was followed by 3 monthly applications of plant extract mixed into 20 liters of the irrigation water per application to the test peppers. The control peppers were irrigated with the same water as the test peppers but without any plant extract added. The control peppers was treated with plain irrigation water without any chemicals, toxics or other types of products. [00254] It is notable that the test farm that carried out this experiment did not follow the exact protocol. The instruction for vegetables (such as peppers) requires that every 10 days the plants be sprayed with 5 liters of plant extract mixed in 995 liters of water per hectare (in addition to irrigation). This type of plant spraying was not carried out on the test farm. Nonetheless, the pepper yield was surprisingly good. [00255] The test peppers (i.e., the one to which plant extract was applied) resulted in a production of 32 tons per hectare. In comparison, the control peppers (i.e., the one to which no plant extract was applied) resulted in a production of 26 tons per hectare. Hence, the treatment of plants using the water with plant extract increased the yield of the pepper production (see Figure 4). Example 6: Field Test with Alfalfa:

[00256] Tests were conducted on Alfalfa of the CUF 101 variety (2 year established) with pressurized irrigation (central pivot) on an area of 500,000 hectare. The plants were established on less than ideal soil (silty soil rather than sandy soil; low content of organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus; slightly alkaline pH) with rain falls of about 250 mm per year. Neither the salinity nor the water quality conditions were ideal. The refractometer method established the following base line for sap readings in leaf stalks and leaves:

[00257] Crop Low Average Good Excellent

[00258] Alfalfa 4 8 16 22

[00259] Prior to treatment with plant extract, the plants showed poor development and medium production. The reading was 4 (i.e., low quality). The untreated plants developed Texan rot caused by the Phymatothrichum onmivorum fungus.

[00260] Plants were treated with plant extract at a dosage of 20 liters per hectare in the irrigation water (three applications). The first treatment was applied after the plants were cut; the second treatment was applied 15 days after the first treatment; and the third treatment was applied 15 days after the second treatment. The plants were cut on the 27^th day of each month. [00261] After the second application of plant extract a refractometer test was applied and the reading obtained was 8 (i.e., average); after the third treatment, another refractometer test was applied and the reading obtained was 17 (i.e., good to excellent quality). The production was very good with 2000 to 3000 kg plant material per hectare. [00262] The Phymatothrichum onmivorum fungus was clearly inhibited by the plant extract treatment which allowed the alfalfa to grow and develop despite the unfavorable soil and water conditions. This was somewhat surprising since soil and water conditions are usually important for plants to develop and grow at their peak. However, the high reading obtained shows that the plants were able to grow well as a result of the treatment with plant extract (see Figure 3).

Example 7: Field Test with Table Grapes:

[00263] Tests were conducted with grapevines (established 8-10 years ago) including PERLETTE variety, FLAME SEEDLESS variety, and SUGRAONE variety (see Figure 5). The dosage of plant extract was 10 liters of plant extract in 990 liters of water per hectare with 3 applications during the season (via land sprinklers). The plant extract was applied during the months of February, March and April (it began when the shoots are 30 cm long and up to the flowering period). The purpose of the treatment with plant extract was to decrease stress in the vines, to decrease the level of damage caused by fungus, bacteria and virus, and to increase the plants' immunological system by activating natural defenses. [00264] All aspects of the grapevines were recorded including the soil, texture, water quality and climate. Samples of each grape variety were taken and used to prepare the base readings via the refractometer method. Taking readings of sap in leaf stalks and leaves determined the following base line:

[00265] Crop Low Average Good Excellent [00266] Table Grape 8 12 16 20

[00267] Before the vines were treated with plant extract, most of the readings obtained were between 9 and 10 (i.e., low to average grape quality). Plant extract was applied to the grapevines for two cycles (i.e., over 2 years). During the application periods, the plants showed zero stress; the amount of mildew caused by Uncinula necator fungus normally present on vines decreased to a negligible amount; and there were few pests such as trips and grasshoppers (there were so few that no chemical treatment was necessary). After the second application of plant extract, sap was measured in leaf stalk and leaves with a refractometer and the resultant reading was 19 (i.e., excellent quality grape). Overall, the production was good (1400 boxes PERLETTE grape per hectare; 1800 boxes FLAME SEEDLESS grape per hectare; and 2000 boxes SUGRAONE grape per hectare) and 90% of the grapes treated with plant extract were exported while 10% were sold on a domestic market. Clusters of grapes showed a uniform weight and their appearance was healthy and free of fungus or insect damage. The brix degrees (sugar) were within the market specification ranges from 15.5° to 16.5° as required for fresh grapes. The grapes were free of toxic residues as normally left behind by agrochemicals and the treatment with plant extract did not harm humans or the environment.

Example 8: Field Test on a Pig Farm:

[00268] A first trial was conducted in a commercial pig farm. Two groups of female pigs and resulting piglets were selected, one treated group (12 female pigs with piglets) and one control group (12 female pigs and piglets). [00269] The plant extract was first given orally to 12 adult female pigs once per day at a dosage of 100 ml (in the feed). The control group (12 adult female pigs) did not receive any plant extract. The trial was conducted 5 days before farrowing (i.e., when piglets are born) and 5 days after farrowing.

[00270] The new born piglets received plant extract orally at 5 ml during the first hours of their lives. This dosage was repeated on sick piglets or piglets that lagged. The treated group did not receive any antibiotics during the treatment with plant extract. The control group received antibiotics but no plant extract. The trial showed that significantly fewer piglets died when treated with the plant extract.

[00271] In a second trial, a group of newly born piglets (sucklings) was treated for diarrhea with plant extract. Prior to any treatment, the group of sucklings had diarrhea during the first few hours after they were born. The diarrhea was initially of a brownish color and had a pasty consistency; over time it changed to an emerald green color with a creamy consistency. As time went by, the sucklings experienced severe dehydration and vomiting. Within a period of 72 hours, the diarrhea of the group of sucklings had spread throughout the maternity area (about 530 female pigs with varying numbers of piglets). 100% of the suckling population exhibited diarrhea with a 50% mortality rate. [00272] The treatment consisted of first treating the sick piglets with antibiotics and combinations of antibiotics including sulpha-trimetroprim, tilosine, ampicillin, florphenicol, amoxycline, ampicillin and cholistine, chorofloaxcin, and oxytetracyclin for 15 days. No change in mortality rate was observed as a result of the antibiotic treatment. After 15 days, the treatment with antibiotics was stopped. On day 16, all animals (all sick sucklings and adult pigs) were administered 5 ml plant extract orally every 12 hours. Piglets were taken away from breast feeding by their mothers at 28 days after birth. All together, the plant extract was administered to 840 animals including all piglets.

[00273] The results showed a significant decrease in the number of sick and dead animals within a short period of beginning treatment with the plant extract. Diarrhea, vomiting, and associated clinical symptoms in piglets decreased by 96.7 % within 24 hours of beginning treatment. The mortality rate of piglets decreased from 50% to 10% within 72 hours of beginning treatment. After 72 hours of treatment, diarrhea in piglets had ceased.

[00274] In addition to the results obtained above, piglets showed a favorable weight gain in response to the treatment with plant extract. The piglets that were treated with plant extract weighed an average of 6.5 kilos. In contrast, the piglets that did not receive plant extract weighed only 5 kilos on average. Thus, the treated piglets showed a 30% weight gain in response to treatment with plant extract.

[00275] The overall results of treatment with plant extract were overwhelmingly positive and showed that the plant extract not only provided protection from bacterial infection and spread of disease throughout the pig farm but also contributed to the overall health and weight gain of the animals.

Example 9: Field Test in an Aquaculture Farm:

[00276] A number of tests were conducted in a shrimp farm which produces export quality shrimp, with sea water with 35,000 ppm of salts. The applications of the plant extract began when the larva weighed 7 to 8 grams, according to the following 3 dosages:

[00277] a) 2.5 liters in 25 liters of water mixed in 200 liters of water per hectare.

[00278] b) 5.0 liters in 25 liters of water mixed in 200 liters of water per hectare.

[00279] c) 7.0 liters in 25 liters of water mixed in 200 liters of water per hectare. [00280] Prior to the above applications of the plant extract, the water was tested for bacterial colonies. The test indicated the presence of 5000 bacterial colonies. After the application of the 3 dosages above, it became clear that the 5.0 liter dose in 25 liters of water already achieved optimal conditions for the shrimp to thrive. On the 3rd day after the water treatment with the 5.0 liter dose, the water sample indicated only 150 remaining bacterial colonies. The protection lasted at least for 6 days because another sample test on day 6 (after treatment) still indicated only 150 bacterial colonies. Since shrimp can grow optimally at this level of bacteria, the treatment was set as an application of the 5.0 liter dose at every 6 days. The best time period was determined to be from the first two weeks of May until December. The plant extract had no toxic side effects and was biodegradable and eco-friendly. It showed no negative health effects on humans or shrimp. No residues from the product were detected in the shrimp farm after several applications. In addition, no bacterial resistance was observed over time.

Example 10: Additional Field Tests

[00281] Additional field tests were conducted for various vegetables and fruits with plant extract applied twice a week in a dripping watering system at 1 liter plant extract in 14 liters of water per hectare, including cucumber (production increased by 70%; healthy, clean, tasty); coriander (production increased by 70%; healthy, clean, tasty); water melon (production increased by 50%; healthy, clean, tasty fruit; production time reduced by 20%); chard (production increased by 100%; healthy, clean, tasty); and small onions (production increased by 100%; healthy, clean, tasty).

[00282] Additional field tests were conducted for various flowers. Products were compared when obtained via the traditional route (4 irrigations) and the new route with plant extract (1 irrigation). For example, Panther Hand and Zinia-Dalia were each obtained at 4000 kilos per hectare with plant extract as compared to 2800 kilos per hectare with no plant extract.

Example 11: Vegetable wash

[00283] Plant extract was used to wash vegetables before packaging. Washing with plant extract increased the shelf life of the vegetables by 10-50%.

Example 12: Human case studies

[00284] The plant extract was used in two cases of varicose ulcers of lower extremities with chronic venous insufficiency that had no favorable response with usual routine treatments after several weeks. The plant extract was applied 3 times per day for a period of 5 to 7 minutes by topically applying the plant extract solution onto the ulcers using cotton soaked with the plant extract liquid. This resulted in healing of the ulcers after a 10 day period in both cases. Thus, it is concluded that that the plant extract acts to promote ulcer healing and inhibit bacterial growth. [00285] The plant extract was also used in one case of viral stomatitis that had progressed for 8 months and had not responded to the usual treatments. A solution of plant extract was administered to the patient via oral washes, one in the morning and one at night. The patient demonstrated full recovery after 10 days of using the solution.

[00286] Thus, in one embodiment, the plant extract has unusual and unexpected capabilities in helping subjects fight both bacterial and viral pathogens.

[00287] The plant extract was also used to successfully treat various skin conditions. The plant extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects, prevented elastorrhexis, and acted on collagen fibers to prevent signs of aging by preventing formation of wrinkles and sun-induced skin discoloration on the face, neck, and arms. It also prevented UV-induced inflammation of the epidermis which precedes skin cancer.

[00288] The plant extract is administered to children aged 13-18 for the treatment of acne, and inflammation and local infection subsides post-treatment.

[00289] The plant extract is administered directly to burn lesions or orally to patients exhibiting burn lesions and demonstrates faster healing of the burns compared to subjects receiving placebo.

[00290] The plant extract of the present invention therefore provides a surprising myriad of cosmetic, disease preventive and therapeutic applications.

Example 13: Wound Healing in Mice

[00291] Materials and Methods [00292] Adult wild-type mice (n=30), diabetic mice (NOD mice, n=30), and nude mice (n=15), between 2 and 3 months of age, are anesthetized with an intraperitoneal injection of 2.5% avertin (15 μΐ/g). The back is shaved and disinfected with 70% ethanol. A circle, 6 mm in diameter, is drawn on the skin of the mid-dorsal region, and a full-thickness wound is created by excision of the area within with curved scissors. Each group is treated topically with 5 μΐ of plant extract, vehicle, or commercially available wound healing product on a daily basis. Wounds are considered healed when the wound area is completely closed, the epithelial covering is restored, and the surface of the wound is smooth, homogeneous in color, and without residual defects.

[00293] After 30 days, mice are sacrificed by C0₂ inhalation, and wounds are histologically examined. Skin biopsies (including 1 cm of normal skin around the wound) are fixed overnight in 4% paraformaldehyde, pH 7.4, at room temperature and placed in 30% sucrose for up to 24 hr. Wounds are bisected transversally through the center, and each half is embedded in M-1 #1310 embedding matrix (Lipshaw Manufacturing) or paraffin and stored frozen at -70°C. Central ΙΟ-μιη-thick sections are cut perpendicular to the surface of the wounds mounted on glass slides and stained with hematoxylin-eosin.

[00294] The wound diameter is measured with an optical micrometer from the first intact hair follicle on each side of the wound, and the scab thickness is measured in the center of the wound. The percentage of reepithelialization is calculated from the size of the residual ulcer and the wound diameter. Collagen deposition is assessed in the dermis in the center of the wound and graded semiquantitatively as 0 (no collagen deposition), 1+ (slight deposition), 2+ (moderate deposition), and 3+ (heavy deposition). Wounds are considered healed if they were completely reepithelialized, without scabs, and the only evidence of wounding is a dermal scar.

[00295] Tissue is probed with antibodies to immunohistologic markers of wound healing, including cytokeratin (CK), laminin, collagen IV, vimentin, vinculin and fibronectin.

[00296] Results demonstrate that topical treatment with 50 μΐ of Pachycereus extract significantly shortens the time until wound healing in wild-type, diabetic, and immunodeficient mice compared to vehicle-treated mice.

[00297] Various modifications and variations of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are understood by those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the claims. All publications, patents and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method of expediting the healing of a wound, treating a burn wound, or reducing inflammation in a subject comprising the step of contacting said subject with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant.

2. A method of treating, inhibiting, or suppressing a pathogenic infestation or the spread of a pathogenic disease or infection on a farm, comprising the step of contacting said farm or members of said farm with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant.

3. A method of enhancing the growth or extending the shelf life of an agricultural product comprising the step of contacting said product with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant.

4. A method of increasing the weight of an animal, comprising the step of contacting said animal with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant.

5. A method of treating, inhibiting, or suppressing a viral infection, dermatological damage, or acne in a subject comprising the step of contacting said subject with a composition comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant.

6. The method of any one of claims 1-5, wherein said extract is from the skin of said Pachycereus plant.

7. The method of any one of claims 1-5, wherein said species is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, Pachycereus pringlei, Pecten weberi, Cephalocereus senilis, or a combination thereof

8. The method of any one of claims 1-5, wherein said extract is powdered or in a solution.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein said solution comprises approximately 30 grams of plant extract per 200 L of water.

10. The method of claim 2, wherein said farm is a crop farm.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein said crop is cucumber, coriander, watermelon, chard, onion, Panther Hand, Zinia-Dalia, grapes, alfafa, pepper, or corn.

12. The method of claim 2, wherein said pathogenic infestation, disease, or infection is a Phymatothrichum onmivorum or Uncinula necator infection, or a combination thereof.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said contacting comprises irrigating said crop with water comprising said solution, wherein said water comprises 20 L of a 1 :200 dilution of said solution per hectare of ground for irrigation.

14. The method of claim 2, wherein said farm is a livestock farm.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said pathogenic infestation, disease, or infection is an E. coli, Pseudomonas sp., Staphylococus aureus, Streptococus sp., Salmonella sp., or Aspergillus sp. infection.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein said contacting comprises orally administering said composition to said livestock.

17. The method of claim 2, wherein said farm is an aquaculture farm.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said contacting comprises applying said composition to the water of said aquaculture farm.

19. The method of any one of claims 1, 5, and 6, wherein said subject is human.

20. The method of claim 1 , wherein said wound is an ulcer or a burn.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein said inflammation is skin inflammation.

22. The method of claim 5, wherein said viral infection is viral stomatitis.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein said composition is administered via oral washes.

24. The method of claim 5, wherein said said dermatological damage is wrinkles or skin discoloration.

25. A kit for expediting the healing of a wound, treating a burn wound, or reducing inflammation in a subject, said kit comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant.

26. A kit for treating, inhibiting, or suppressing an infestation or the spread of a pathogenic disease or infection on a farm, said kit comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant.

27. A kit for enhancing the growth or extending the shelf life of an agricultural product, said kit comprising an extract of one or more species of Pachycereus plant.

28. The kit of any one of claims 25-27, wherein said species is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, Pachycereus pringlei, Pecten weberi, Cephalocereus senilis, or a combination thereof.

29. The kit of any one of claims 25-27, wherein said extract is from the skin of said Pachycereus plant.

30. The kit of any one of claims 25-27, further comprising flavonoids.

31. A process for preparing an antimicrobial plant extract, comprising the steps of: a) harvesting plant material from a Pachycereus plant to obtain plant skins; b) drying said plant skins;

c) pulverizing said plant skins to obtain an extract.

32. The process of claim 31, wherein said Pachycereus plant is Pachycereus schottii, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, Pachycereus pringlei, Pecten weberi, Cephalocereus senilis, or a combination thereof.

33. The process of claim 31, wherein extract from Pachycereus schottii samples and extract from Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum samples are maintained separately.

34. The process of claim 31, wherein extract from Pachycereus schottii samples and extract from Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum samples are mixed together.

35. The process of claim 31, further comprising the step of soaking said plant skins in water prior to step (b).

36. The process of claim 31, further comprising the step of filtering said extract.

37. The process of claim 31 , wherein said extract is powdered and wherein the process further comprises the step of dissolving said powdered extract in water.

38. The process of claim 37, wherein said water is ozonized and magnetized.

39. The process of claim 37, further comprising adding flavonoids to said water comprising said powdered extract.

40. An antimicrobial plant extract prepared using the process of claim 32.

41. A system for producing an antimicrobial plant extract, comprising harvested plant skin from a Pachycereus plant and a device for pulverizing or grinding said plant skin.

42. The system of claim 41, further comprising an apparatus for ozonizing water, an apparatus for magnetizing water, filtering components, an apparatus for drying said plant skin, or a combination thereof.

43. A composition comprising an extract of harvested plant skin from a Pachycereus plant.