Abstract: A method and composition for treating multidrug resistance in a mammal, in which the composition includes NDGA or an analog of NDGA in accordance with the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently H, lower alkyl or lower acyl;R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, and R.sub.6 are independently H or lower alkyl;R.sub.7, R.sub.8 and R.sub.9 are independently H, hydroxy, lower alkoxy or lower acyloxy; andR.sub.10, R.sub.11, R.sub.12 and R.sub.13 are independently H or lower alkyl, in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.The method is particularly suitable for administering an antineoplastic agent, and the composition includes the combination of NDGA, or an analog with such an antineoplastic agent.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a method for reversing multidrug resistance in a mammal; and a composition to reverse multidrug resistance comprising: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently H, lower alkyl or lower acyl;R.sub.3, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are independently H or lower alkyl;R.sub.7, R.sub.8 and R.sub.9 are independently H, hydroxy, lower alkoxy or lower acyloxy; andR.sub.10, R.sub.11, R.sub.12 and R.sub.13 are independently H or lower alkyl, in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.

Abstract: A method of treating aphthous ulcers and other mucocutaneous disorders is disclosed. The method comprises contacting the mucocutaneous disorder with a composition in the form of a paste, solution, gel, quick-disintegrating tablet, mouthwash, ointment, cream, powder, adhesive patch, aerosolized spray, lozenge, troche, dentifrice, or dental floss that contains an effective amount of an active compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen, alkyl, phenyl, carboxyl, hydroxyl, alkoxy, carboxyalkyl (i.e. esters), cyano, acylamino, or amino group which may be unsubstituted or substituted by up to two alkyl groups; m is 0, 1 or 2 and R.sub.2 is alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, halgoen, nitro, hydroxy, carboxyl, butadienylene (--CH.dbd.CH--CH.dbd.CH--) which forms a benzene ring with any adjacent carbon atoms, cyano, carboxyalkyl, trifluoromethyl, or amino group which may be unsubstituted or substituted by at least one alkyl; and R.sub.

Abstract: Compositions containing metal salts of methotrexate and methotrexate derivatives or analogs are disclosed. Such compositions comprise a metal salt, preferably a zinc salt, of methotrexate or a methotrexate derivative or analog and a carrier suitable for delivering the metal salt in the desired pharmacological form. Methods of treatment are also disclosed in which such compositions are topically applied or orally or parenterally administered to a patient. The metal salt is present in the treating composition in an amount sufficient to produce the desired therapeutic effect upon application or administration.

Abstract: Compositions containing metal salts of methotrexate and methotrexate derivatives or analogs are disclosed. Such compositions comprise a metal salt, preferably a zinc salt, of methotrexate or a methotrexate derivative or analog and a carrier suitable for delivering the metal salt in the desired pharmacological form. Methods of treatment are also disclosed in which such compositions are topically applied or orally or parenterally administered to a patient. The metal salt is present in the treating composition in an amount sufficient to produce the desired therapeutic effect upon application or administration.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods useful in the treatment of benign, premalignant and malignant solid tumors, especially those of the skin comprising methods for the administration of pharmacologically active compositions containing catecholic butanes. The invention also relates to methods of preventing the occurence of tumors, and the use of catecholic butanes as a sunscreening agent. The preferred catecholic butane is nordihydroguaiaretic acid. The preferred methods of application of the compositions containing catecholic butanes are by topical application and intratumor injection.

Abstract: A grignard synthesis of pharmacologically active 1,4-bis(dihydroxyphenyl)butane and analogs, as well as novel intermediates, is provided, comprising preparing a grignard reagent preferably, a 3,4-dialkoxyphenyl propyl magnesium bromide, which may be reacted with carbonyl compounds to form intermediates of desired end products, said carbonyl compounds preferably being 3,4-dialkoxybenzaldehydes. The resulting alcohol is converted to a corresponding ether or siloxy compound, at the carbonyl site. The oxy-substituent is cleaved off; and the benzene ring or rings dealkylated to leave hydroxy substituents on the rings.

Abstract: This invention is a method of inducing a reservoir effect in skin and mucous membranes so as to enhance penetration and retention and reduce transdermal flux of topically applied therapeutic and cosmetic pharmacologically active agents. The invention also relates to topical treatment methods involving such reservior effect enhancers, and to pharmaceutical compositions containing them.

Abstract: The present invention provides new compositions comprising catecholic butanes and ionic zinc. The invention also relates to pharmacologically active compositions comprising said new compositions, which are useful in the treatment of benign, premalignant and malignant solid tumors, especially those of the skin. The ionic zinc may be in the form of a zinc salt, and the preferred catecholic butane is nordihydroguaiaretic acid.

Abstract: A mixture of an extract from a plant belonging to the Zygophyllaceae family containing phenolic compositions and a nonalkali metal salt is useful as a pharmaceutical agent, for example, in the treatment of cancer, nonmalignant tumors, osteomyelitis, psoriasis and warts.

Abstract: A process for producing novel compositions including optically active molecules of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (d,1-2,3-dimethyl,1,4-bis(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)butane) and intermediates, starting with 1,4-bis(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)butanone, or other structurally similar composition having oxy substituents at the 3,4-phenyl positions, comprising (1) forming the corresponding butanol; (20) forming the corresponding 1,4-butane ether or siloxy composition; (3) cleaving the oxy substituent from the butane chain at the 1 and 4 positions; (4) dealkylating the phenols at the 3,4 positions to leave hydroxy substituents with hydrobromic acid reflux for 8 to 10 hours. Optical orientation is preserved throughout.