Provided are processes for the preparation of compositions enriched in
phenolic compounds from a crude plant extract. One process includes a
novel column purification step using a polymer resin that releasably
adsorbs the phenolic compounds but does not retain polar non-phenolic
compounds, wherein the resin comprises aromatic rings substituted with
one or more electron-withdrawing groups. This invention also includes
compositions enriched in phenolic compounds. This invention encompasses
methods of using the phenolic-enriched compositions for treating
warm-blooded animals, including humans, infected with paramyxovaridae
such as respiratory syncytial virus, orthomyoxovaridae such as influenza
A, B, and C, parainfluenza, Herpes viruses such as HSV-1 and HSV-2, and
Flaviviruses such as West Nile Virus, and for treating inflammation such
as caused by arthritis, stress and digestive disease. The compositions
are also useful as meat additives to inhibit food-borne pathogens.