Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel oxetane derivatives of avicin D, including compounds of the formula (I), wherein the variables are defined herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits and articles of manufacture comprising these derivative compounds. Methods and intermediates useful for making the derivatives, and methods of using the derivatives and compositions thereof, including for the treatment of cancer, are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel oxetane derivatives of avicin D, including compounds of the formula (I), wherein the variables are defined herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits and articles of manufacture comprising these derivative compounds. Methods and intermediates useful for making the derivatives, and methods of using the derivatives and compositions thereof, including for the treatment of cancer, are also provided.

Abstract: Avicins and other thioesterification agents are used to modify cysteine groups of signaling proteins in order to modify their activity. Pathologies associated with signaling proteins which are regulatable through this method are treated using these thioesterification agents. These pathologies include those involving proteins which modulate physiologic redox status of organisms including arthersclerosis, cancer, bacterial infection, inflammation, and neurological disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel cytoprotective derivatives of avicin D, including those of the formula: wherein the variables are defined herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits and articles of manufacture comprising these derivative compounds. Methods and intermediates useful for making the derivatives, and methods of using the derivatives and compositions thereof, including for the treatment of cancer, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions of avicins and avicin mixtures that enhance topical, percutaneous, transmucosal, transepithelial, transendothelial or transdermal transport of agents including diagnostic molecules, therapeutic drugs and cosmetic materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides therapeutic compositions comprising a natural triterpenoid and a proteasome inhibitor. These compositions will be particularly useful in the treatment of malignancies and inflammation. The present invention also provides methods of treating a subject having a malignancy or an inflammatory disorder comprising administering to the subject a natural triterpenoid and a proteasome inhibitor.

Abstract: Avicins and other thioesterification agents are used to modify cysteine groups of signaling proteins in order to modify their activity. Pathologies associated with signaling proteins which are regulatable through this method are treated using these thioesterification agents. These pathologies include those involving proteins which modulate physiologic redox status of organisms including arthersclerosis, cancer, bacterial infection, inflammation, and neurological disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the inhibition of inflammation by providing, to a cell, in need thereof, monoterpene compositions that inhibit NF-?B. These compositions may also contain a carrier moiety that renders the monoterpene composition membrane permeable. The carrier may include triterpenoid moieties, sugars, lipids, or even additional monoterpenoid moieties. The composition can also contain additional chemical functionalities. Methods for using these compounds to prevent and treat a wide range of inflammatory conditions, especially, premalignant inflammatory conditions are described.

Abstract: The invention provides novel compositions and methods related to stents, such as coronary stents, comprising avicins, which are triterpene saponin compositions. In particular aspects of the invention, the avicins have growth-inhibiting properties and/or anti-inflammatory properties. In specific embodiments of the invention, the stent comprising the avicin reduces at least in part restenosis, such as that associated with stent procedures.

Abstract: The invention provides novel saponin mixtures and compounds which are isolated from the species Acacia victoriae and methods for their use. These compounds may contain a triterpene moiety, such as acacic or oleanolic acid, to which oligosaccharides and monoterpenoid moieties are attached. The mixtures and compounds have properties related to the regulation of apoptosis and cytotoxicity of cells and exhibit potent anti-tumor effects against a variety of tumor cells.