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[AJT]

hi all,
i came across the term "derivatives therefrom" in the following claim. can someone tell me what it means...

A process for extracting lignans and/or cinnamic acid derivatives from flaxseed which comprises contacting a substantially oil-free flaxseed meal with an aliphatic alcohol solvent to extract phenolics comprising secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) and cinnamic acid derivatives into the alcohol solvent, separating residual solids from the phenolic-rich alcohol solvent, subjecting the phenolic-rich alcohol extract obtained to an aqueous base-catalyzed hydrolysis to liberate SDG and cinnamic acid derivatives therefrom in a non-complexed form.
 
regards,
AJT

[Wiscagent]

The first place to seek guidance is the specification. 

Failing clear guidance, consider what makes sense in the context of the invention.
 - For many applications, salts of an acid would be considered "derivatives" of the acid.
 - Would amides or esters of the acid be considered "derivatives"?  Perhaps, but if the function of the cinnamic acid (in the context of the specification) would be ruined, then probably not.
 - How about if the phenyl were substituted with a naphthyl group?  Probably not, but if the invention just requires an organic-soluble carboxylic acid, then it might be okay.
 - If the flavor of the cinnamic acid is critical, then the scope of "derivatives" is very narrow.

It all depends on the contex.