Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating beta-amyloid protein-involved ocular disease including age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, pharmaceutical compositions and compounds useful for the same, and the use of these compounds for the manufacture of a medicament for treating the same. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of natural product compounds isolated from Curcuma sp., Zingiber sp., Ginkgo biloba, Salvia sp., and Rosmarinus sp. and synthetic chemical analogues thereof, for the treatment of a beta-amyloid protein-involved ocular disease.

Abstract: This invention describes a preparation of at least 99% by weight pure curcumin from less pure grades of curcumin utilizing phenol protecting groups to favor a selective recrystallization of curcumin in the presence of demethoxycurcumin and bis-demethoxycurcumin and other curcuminoids of minor composition.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously cleaning hands and feet comprises a first housing and a second housing connected by a pole. An ultraviolet light source and a light reflector is disposed within each of the first and second housings. The ultraviolet light sources and light reflectors are adapted to direct ultraviolet light waves onto the hands and feet of an individual user of the device. The light waves kill or deactivate harmful germs or transmissible diseases disposed on the hands and/or carried by the feet or the socks of the individual, thereby preventing the harmful germs or transmissible diseases from spreading and causing harm to other individuals or animals.

Abstract: Nutritional supplement compositions comprising selected herbs and/or herbal constituents thereof that provide synergistic anti-inflammatory effects are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating beta-Amyloid protein-induced disease, pharmaceutical compositions and compounds useful for the same, and the use of these compounds for the manufacture of a medicament for treating the same. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of natural product compounds isolated from turmeric, gingko biloba, and ginger, and synthetic chemical analogues thereof, for the treatment of a beta-Amyloid protein-induced disease.

Abstract: A device for cleaning feet, socks, or shoes comprises a housing, a target surface, and at least one ultraviolet light source. The target surface is supported by the housing and is adapted to be walked upon by an individual. The at least one ultraviolet light source is supported by the housing and adapted to direct ultraviolet light waves onto the target surface such that the ultraviolet light waves interact with the feet of the individual walking upon the target surface. The light waves kill or deactivate harmful germs or transmissible diseases disposed on the target surface, or carried by the feet or the socks of the individual, thereby preventing the harmful germs from spreading and causing harm to other individuals or animals.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for treating melanoma wherein a betulinic acid derivative is the active compound in the composition to be administered. The compositions are optionally applied topically is inserted therefor.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating beta-Amyloid protein-induced disease, pharmaceutical compositions and compounds useful for the same, and the use of these compounds for the manufacture of a medicament for treating the same. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of natural product compounds isolated from turmeric, gingko biloba, and ginger, and synthetic chemical analogues thereof, for the treatment of a beta-Amyloid protein-induced disease.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating beta-Amyloid protein-induced disease, pharmaceutical compositions and compounds useful for the same, and the use of these compounds for the manufacture of a medicament for treating the same. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of natural product compounds isolated from turmeric, gingko biloba, and ginger, and synthetic chemical analogues thereof, for the treatment of a beta-Amyloid protein-induced disease.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating beta-Amyloid protein-induced disease, pharmaceutical compositions and compounds useful for the same, and the use of these compounds for the manufacture of a medicament for treating the same. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of natural product compounds isolated from turmeric, gingko biloba, and ginger, and synthetic chemical analogues thereof, for the treatment of a beta-Amyloid protein-induced disease.

Abstract: A composition and method of preventing or inhibiting tumor growth, and of treating malignant melanoma, without toxic side effects are disclosed. Betulinic acid or a betulinic acid derivative is the active compound of the composition, which is topically applied to the situs of tumor.

Abstract: A composition and method of preventing or inhibiting tumor growth, and of treating malignant melanoma, without toxic side effects are disclosed. Betulinic acid or a betulinic acid derivative is the active compound of the composition, which is topically applied to the situs of tumor.

Abstract: A composition and method of preventing or inhibiting tumor growth, and of treating malignant melanoma, without toxic side effects are disclosed. Betulinic acid or a betulinic acid derivative is the active compound of the composition, which is topically applied to the situs of tumor.

Abstract: A composition and method of preventing or inhibiting tumor growth, and of treating malignant cancers without toxic side effects are disclosed. Betulinic acid or a betulinic acid derivative is the active compound of the composition.

Abstract: A method for the reduction in the risk of transmitting a sexually transmitted disease--especially HIV and/or HSV--during sexual activity is provided. This method generally comprises the application of an effective amount of an inhibitory agent, preferably as a topical formulation, to the area or areas of sexual contact prior to engaging in sexual activity. Inhibitory agents which are useful in the present invention include, for example, phosphorylated hesperidins, sulfonated hesperidins, polystyrene sulfonates, substituted benzenesulfonic acid formaldehyde co-polymers, H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 -modified mandelic acids, and the like. This method can be used by heterosexuals, homosexuals, and/or bisexuals engaged in a wide variety of sexual activities. In addition to anti-STD activity, these agents may also act as vaginal contraceptives; moreover, they generally have fewer side effects than conventional vaginal contraceptives (e.g., nonoxynol-9).

Abstract: A composition and method of preventing or inhibiting tumor growth, and of treating malignant melanoma, without toxic side effects are disclosed. Betulinic acid or a betulinic acid derivative is the active compound of the composition, which is topically applied to the situs of tumor.

Abstract: Improved methods of manufacturing betulinic acid from betulin are disclosed. The methods provide the .beta.-isomer of betulinic acid in high purity and high yield.