Abstract: A method of making kenaf pulp of the present invention is formed of a first process of cutting at least one of core, rind, root and stalk of kenaf into chips with a predetermined length; a second process of crushing the chips of kenaf by mixing the chips with water in a crushing device; and a third process of boiling the crushed chips with water, so that fibers of kenaf are separated into make the kenaf pulp. Accordingly, the kenaf pulp can be formed without chemical processing.

Abstract: Substantially pure compositions of matter selected from the group of cephalostatin 7, cephalostatin 8, and cephalostatin 9 having anti-neoplastic activity are disclosed.

Abstract: A new cytostatic depsipeptide, designated "dolastatin 14", was isolated from the Indian Ocean shell-less mollusk Dolabella auricularia. Dolastatin 14 inhibited growth of the PS leukemia with ED.sub.50 0.0018 .mu.g/mL. Pharmaceutical preparations and therapeutic regimens utilizing Dolastatin 14, its synthetic counterpart and pharmaceutically active derivatives are disclosed.

Abstract: The Indian Ocean (South African) marine worm Cephalodiscus gilchristi (Hemichordata Phylum) has been found to contain a series of unusual disteroidal alkaloids designated the Cephalostatins which demonstrate exceptionally potent lymphocytic leukemia (murine P388) cell line inhibitory activity (to ED.sub.50 10.sup.-9 .mu.g/ml). Two new disteriodal alkaloids bearing aromatic C-rings having ED.sub.50 of 10.sup.-2 and 10.sup.-3 .mu.g/mL were isolated and assigned structures based on rigorous interpretation of two-dimensional 400 MHz.sup.1 H and .sup.13 C-nmr. These substances were denominated Cephalostatin 5 and Cephalostatin 6, respectively.

Abstract: The Indian Ocean sea hare Dolabella auricularia has been found to contain a new cell growth inhibitory and antineoplastic (P388 leukemia) cyclodepsipeptide designated dolastatin 13.sup.(1) and a companion substance dehydrodolastatin 13.sup.(2). A series of high field (400 MHz) 2D-NMR experiments including sequential analyses by HMBC and NOE techniques and tandem mass spectrometry provided structural determinations. Dolastatin 13 and dehydrodolastatin 13 represent a new class of cyclodepsipeptides. Pharmaceutical preparations and therapeutic regimens employing these new cytostatic depsipeptides are disclosed.

Abstract: A new cytostatic depsipeptide, designated "dolastatin 15", was isolated from the Indian Ocean shell-like mollusk Dolabella auricularia. Dolastatin 15 inhibited growth of the PS leukemia with ED.sub.50 0.0024 .mu.g/mL. Pharmaceutical preparations and therapeutic regimens utilizing Dolastatin 15, its synthetic counterpart and pharmaceutically active derivatives are disclosed.

Abstract: The marine worm Cephalodiscus gilchristi (Hemichordata phylum) from Southeast Africa has been found to contain powerful inhibitors of the murine P388 lymphocytic leukemia, herein denominated "cephalostatin 1, cephalostatin 2, cephalostatin 3 and cephalostatin 4". Pharmaceutical preparations containing the substances and methods of use are described.

Abstract: New and exceptionally potent antineoplastic agents denominated Bryostatin 9, Bryostatin 10, Bryostatin 11, Bryostatin 12 and Bryostatin 13 have been isolated from the marine animal Bugula neritina (Linneaeus) (Bryozoan phylum) and the structures identified. Meaningful antineoplastic activity is found for each.

Abstract: A potent cell growth inhibitory substance obtained from the Indian Ocean sea hare Dolabella, herein denominated "dolastatin 10"; and pharmaceutical preparations containing same; and methods useful for the treatment of a host afflicted with neoplastic disease therewith.

Abstract: A 6.alpha.-methylprednisolone derivative of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom or stands for the grouping ##STR2## where R.sup.3 is a straight or once-branched chain C.sub.1-4 alkyl group, a phenyl group or a lower alkoxy- or alkylthio-methyl group, and R.sup.2 is a straight or once-branched chain C.sub.1-4 alkyl group, a phenyl group or a lower alkoxy- or alkylthio-methyl group, with the proviso that when R.sup.2 is ethyl group, R.sup.1 should not be a hydrogen atom or R.sup.3 should not be ethyl group. This compound exhibits a strong local antiinflammatory effect and is, therefore, useful as a harmless external antiinflammatory drug for various dermal disorders and also as an antiallergic drug for treating asthma and the like allergic diseases.

Abstract: 17.alpha.-butyryloxy-11.beta.-hydroxy-21-propionyloxy-4-pregnen-3,20-dione, i.e., hydrocortisone 17-butyrate 21-propionate of the present invention is prepared by acylating hydrocortisone 17-butyrate with propionic acid anhydride or halide. The compound of the present invention has excellent anti-inflammatory effect, percutaneous absorption and less side effect.

Abstract: One-step method for preparing 17 .alpha.-ester-21-halo pregnanes by reacting 17 .alpha., 21-cyclic orthoesters of 17 .alpha., 21-dihydroxy pregnanes with a halo compound in the presence of an organic polar solvent, simultaneously resulting in halogenation at 21-position and esterification at 17 .alpha.-position of said 17 .alpha., 21-cyclic orthoesters, the reaction proceeding in a short period of time without, or substantially without, any unfavorable side-reactions.