Abstract: A procedure for oxidizing organic compounds having allylic hydrogen atom(s) involving the steps of reactively contacting the organic compound with a combination of a periodic acid or metal periodate and an alkyl hydroperoxide under conditions of normal as well as elevated pressure of a suitable gas like air. The reaction can conveniently be conducted at temperatures between about 0-65° C. in a cosolvent system of water and organic solvent(s).

Abstract: Lupus erythematosus can be treated by administering therapeutic amounts of &Dgr;5-androstene-3&bgr;-ol-7,17-dione and metabolizable precursors thereof, such as &Dgr;5-androstene-3&bgr;-acetoxy-7,17-dione, which are readily metabolized in vivo to &Dgr;5-androstene-3&bgr;-ol-7,17-dione but are not appreciably metabolizable in vivo to androgens, estrogens or dehydroepiandrosterone. Such treatment can be prophylactic, ameliorative or curative in nature.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of flavin compounds such as cirsiliol, 3′,4′-diacetoxy-5,6,7-trimethoxyflavone or naringin in the treatment of infections, particularly for viral (e.g., HCV, HIV, a picornavirus genus virus or a respiratory virus) or parasite (e.g., toxoplasmosis) infections. Also provided are compositions for use in the methods.