Abstract: According to the present invention, the biological or pharmacological activity of a test material like a plant or herbal material, an extract of a plant or herbal material, a natural or synthetic compound or some combination thereof, can be quantified by observing the pattern of structural changes induced in a eukaryotic cell's proteins. These structural changes may be evidenced by protein phosphorylation, by protein-protein interactions and the like. The amount and nature of protein phosphorylation is qualitatively and quantitatively related to the in vitro concentration of biologically/pharmacologically active components to which the mammalian cells are exposed. Additionally, formation or loss of protein-protein complexes may be determined in whole cell homogenates through the use of non-denaturing electrophoresis and staining for proteins or protein phosphorylation.

Abstract: A novel formulation is provided that serves to specifically inhibit the COX-2 mediated inflammatory response in animals. The formulation comprises comprising an effective amount of component I selected from the group consisting of alpha acids and beta acids and an effective amount of at least one component II selected from the group consisting of alpha acids, beta acids, essential oils, fats and waxes, with the proviso that component I and II are not the same compound. The composition provides specific inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 with little or no effect on cyclooxygenase-1.

Abstract: A novel formulation is provided that serves to synergistically inhibit the generation of free radicals and oxidative stress in warm blooded animals. The formulation comprises an effective amount of a first component of a tryptamine species or derivatives thereof, and, as a second component, at least one member selected from the group consisting of a carotenoid species, a tocotrienol species and derivatives thereof, and provides for synergistic anti-oxidant activity.

Abstract: A novel formulation is provided that serves to synergistically inhibit the generation of free radicals and oxidative stress in animals. The formulation comprises as a first component a carotenoid species, and, as a second component, at least one member selected from the group consisting of lipoic acid, dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), a stilbene species, ergothioneine, a flavone species, a triterpene species, ascorbic acid and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A novel formulation is provided that serves to inhibit the inflammatory response in animals. The formulation comprises, as a first component, a diterpene triepoxide lactone species or a sesquiterpene lactone species and, as a second component, at least one member selected from the group consisting of a diterpene triepoxide lactone species, a sesquiterpene lactone species, a diterpene lactone species, and a triterpene species or derivatives thereof with the proviso that the same first component cannot also serve as the second component., and provides synergistic anti-inflammatory effects in response to physical or chemical injury or abnormal immune stimulation due to a biological agent or unknown etiology.

Abstract: A novel formulation is provided that serves to inhibit the inflammatory response in animals. The formulation comprises, as a first component an effective amount of a sesquiterpene lactone species and an effective amount of a second component selected from the group consisting of a diterpene lactone species and a triterpene species or derivatives thereof, and provides synergistic anti-inflammatory effects in response to physical or chemical injury or abnormal immune stimulation due to a biological agent or unknown etiology.

Abstract: A novel formulation is provided that serves to inhibit the inflammatory response in animals. The formulation comprises, as a first component an effective amount of a diterpene triepoxide lactone species and an effective amount of a second component selected from the group consisting of a diterpene lactone species and a triterpene species or derivatives thereof, and provides synergistic anti-inflammatory effects in response to physical or chemical injury or abnormal immune stimulation due to a biological agent or unknown etiology.