Abstract: In vitro production of clinically useful quantities of single species of mature, differentiated human blood cells is carried out by a method in which human pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells, preferably from a universal donor, are incubated in a bioreactor in a growth medium also containing specific combinations of recombinant human growth and maturation promoting polypeptide factors that expand stem cell cultures and promote the maturation and differentiation of stem cells into single species of erythroid, thrombocytic or granulocytic human blood cells, and harvesting the mature cells. The growth and maturation promoting polypeptides employed include SCGF, Interleukins 1,3,4,5,6, and 11, GM-CSF, M-CSF, G-CSF and EPO. Stem cells may be preliminarily genetically modified so as to remove histocompatibility or blood group antigens with which a recipient may be incompatible, or the stem cells may be genetically altered by transfection with appropriate DNA-containing vectors, prior to addition to the bioreactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and composition for topically administering a Smelophyllum capense extract as a cosmetic, dermatologic, or pharmaceutical composition to promote collagen synthesis. Administration of the composition results in the firming of the skin, improves healing and is suitable for treating various pathologies accompanied with a deficiency in collagen. The extract can also be added to cell culture medium used in the culture of skin cells, particularly skin fibroblasts. The composition can contain between 0.0001% and 1% by weight of the Smelophyllum capense extract, and the extract can be obtained by extraction with a polar solvent. The composition can contain other ingredients including ascorbic acid, madecassic acid, asiatic acid, madecassoside, asiaticoside, alpha-1-protease inhibitor, collagenase inhibitors, elastase inhibitors, lysine, proline, 2-oxoglutarate and ginsenoside Ro.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oil-in-water type emulsion for moisturizing the upper layers of the epidermis, comprising a lipid phase dispersed in an aqueous phase. The lipid phase is composed of apolar plant products comprising from 5 to 15% by weight of plant oils and from 6 to 15% by weight of plant waxes. The aqueous phase comprises from 0.5 to 4% by weight of plant gums and from 2 to 7% by weight of polysaccharide-rich plant extracts. The percentages are expressed relative to the total weight of the emulsion. The composition of the preferred oil-in-water emulsion consists of 1 to 3% phosphatidylcholine, 0.5 to 2% guar gum, 0.5 to 2% carob gum, 0.5 to 2% aloe vera powder, 2 to 5% yucca powder, 15 to 40% glycerol, 5 to 10% balanites oil, 5 to 10% jojoba oil, 1 to 5% carnauba wax, and the balance essentially water.

Abstract: A phytochemical composition for treating sickle cell disease is provided. The composition is a cold water extraction product of a mixture containing Piper guineenses seeds, Pterocarpus osum stem, Eugenia caryophyllum fruit, Sorghum bicolor leaves and potash.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprising a therapeutically active compound with antiseptic and osmotic characteristics for treatment or therapy for burns and open wounds experienced by animals and man and in particular to the treatment of thermal burns on humans by use of spray, mist, dropper or saturated bandage application of the solution disclosed. The compound in solution form composed of colloidal silver, helichrysum angustifolium or helichrysum italicum oil and raw honey emulsified with water soluble lecithin by agitation.

Abstract: Variously pure ribosomal fractions separated from at least one nonphotosynthetic filamentous bacterium are well suited for formulation into a variety of cosmetic/pharmaceutical compositions, for example for the immunostimulation of the immune system of the skin.

Abstract: The attachment of H. influenzae to human cells such as oropharyngeal cells, is inhibited by aqueous extracts of the plants known as Pogostemon cablin and Agastache rugosa. The composition obtained from the aqueous extraction of the plants Pogostemon cablin, Agastache rugosa or mixtures thereof is also effective in preventing or treating Otitis media and sore throat. The plant extract may be contained in a liquid enteral product such as an infant formula or may be incorporated into lozenges, candies, chewing gums and the like. The plant extract may also be administered as a throat spray or nasally using drops or a spray. A process for the production of a medicinal product is also disclosed.

Abstract: Oral pharmaceutical compositions containing petals of borage or extract of borage petals and method for the prevention and treatment of stress and circulatory heart diseases in a mammal by administration of the compositions.

Abstract: Strong 5.alpha.a-reductase inhibitors are extracted and fractionated from Thuja orientalis and other similar crude drugs or they may be purified as diterpenes in isolated form. The inhibitors are used either on their own or as active ingredients of therapeutics in the treatment of diseases caused by the overactivity of 5.alpha.a-reductase or the hypersecretion of androgens, such as male pattern baldness, androgenetic alopecia, hirsutism, acne, prostatomegaly and cancer of the prostate.

Abstract: A novel dietary supplement composition is provided that serves as a general relaxant. The supplement comprises pharmaceutical grade Kava root extract and at least one additional relaxing herb selected from the group consisting of Passion Flower, Chamomile Flower, Hops, and Schizandra Fruit. The most preferred composition of the dietary supplement, in capsule form, comprises: (a) about 200 mg pharmaceutical grade Kava root extract; (b) about 50 mg Passion Flower; (c) about 50 mg Chamomile Flowers; (d) about 50 mg Hops; (e) about 50 mg Schizandra Fruit; (f) about 5 mg talc; and (g) about 5 mg magnesium stearate.

Abstract: The method relates to the co-culturing of two cell cultures in two cell culture chambers such that the cellular products produced by the co-cultured cells are exchanged between the two cell culture chambers. The apparatus for culturing the cells contains two cell culture chambers separated by a microfiltration membrane which is permeable to medium, gases, and cellular products, and is impermeable to cells. A culture medium supply chamber is adjacent to and separated from the first cell culture chamber by a dialysis membrane which is permeable to medium and gases. The exterior portion of the second cell culture contains a gas-exchange membrane which allows gas exchange between the apparatus and the environment. The apparatus can be in a modular form where the first and second cell culture chambers form one module which is detachable from the culture medium supply chamber which forms the second module.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel compound having the formula ##STR1## which exhibits antifungal activity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for regeneration of coniferous plants. In particular, this invention relates to an improved method for producing and developing somatic embroyos for somatic embryogenesis processes for plants of the genus Pinus and Pinus interspecies hybrids by including polyethylene glycol in the development media. This method is well suited for producing clonal planting stock useful for reforestation.

Abstract: A composition for treating impotence in human males is disclosed, which includes a mixture of lyophilized roe and a dry powdered extract from leaves of Ginkgo biloba. The lyophilized roe is obtained from a species of Sturgeon. The dry powdered extract is standardized to include flavonoid glycosides and terpenes. The mixture preferably provides lyophilized roe to lyophilized Ginkgo biloba in the ratio of approximately 12.33:1. The composition is preferably encapsulated and orally given to patients. A process for producing the composition is also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for regeneration of coniferous plants. In particular, this invention relates to an improved method for developing viable stage 3 embryos from embryogenic cultures for somatic embryogenesis processes for plants of the genus Pinus and Pinus interspecies hybrids. This method is well suited for producing clonal planting stock useful for reforestation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for regeneration of coniferous plants. In particular, this invention relates to an improved method for producing and developing somatic embryos for somatic embryogenesis processes for plants of the genus Pinus and Pinus interspecies hybrids by including polyethylene glycol in the development media. This method is well suited for producing clonal planting stock useful for reforestation.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the survival and/or proliferation of Schwann cells (especially human Schwann cells) in cell culture is disclosed which involves culturing the cells in serum free culture medium comprising gas6 and other mitogenic agents, such as heregulin and forskolin. The culturing step is generally preceded by a pre-incubation period wherein nerve tissue comprising the Schwann cells is cultured under appropriate conditions and for a period of time such that demyelination occurs. The isolated Schwann cells can be used as cellular prostheses to treat patients with nervous system injuries. The invention also provides a cell culture medium for culturing Schwann cells.

Abstract: The invention is a compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein M is a bivalent or trivalent metal ion, and X is OH or O.sup..crclbar.. The above compound of the present invention is useful for prevention or treatment of mycoplasmosis.

Abstract: A novel formulation having anti-viral and spermicidal properties has been developed. The formulation contains lipid vesicles having an outer bilayer formed of a non-ionic amphiphile, a surfactant such as having spermicidal and/or anti-viral activity, an oil and a sterol. The selection of the components making the vesicle is such that the formulation provides rapid spermicidal or anti-viral activity. The formulation and methods of the invention are particularly useful in the mucous membranes such as the vaginal tract and has been tested against viruses such as HIV and Vaccinia.

Abstract: A process and medium are disclosed for the lyophilization of cells, specifically red blood cells and platelets, and cell-like matter, which comprises the use of solution including a carbohydrate, and biocompatible polymers to permit reconstitution of transfusably useful cells which are viable by the measure of ATP and 2,3 DPG.