Abstract: The invention provides compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein each of R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3, which can be the same or different, is hydrogen, chloro, bromo, fluoro, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, amino, hydroxy or nitro; R.sub.4 is hydrogen or alkyl of 1 to 7 carbon atoms; and n is 0-3; and their non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts. These compounds exhibit valuable pharmacological activity and are useful in the treatment of mammals, e.g. as anti-hypertensive, .beta.-blocking and anti-thrombotic agents. Furthermore the compounds have remarkable antimicrobial activity. The compounds may be made by a variety of methods and may be incorporated in pharmaceutical compositions also comprising a compatible pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A process for the isolation and recovery of .beta.-sitosterol substantially free of .alpha.-sitosterol from the unsaponifiables obtained from crude soap skimmings or from a crude sterol mixture containing .beta.-sitosterol, .alpha.-sitosterol and campesterol. The starting material is treated with an inorganic or organic acid in an organic solvent, whereby .alpha.-sitosterol reacts with the acid giving rearrangement products. The solution is cooled and filtered or the solvent is distilled off, whereafter the obtained crude .beta.-sitosterol is recrystallized from an organic solvent, to yield the pure material.

Abstract: A comminuted or particulated growth substrate is produced by extracting peat blocks from bog and drying these blocks to a moisture content of 10 to 30%. The blocks are thereafter compressed into a volume of 1/3 to 1/10 of their initial size and the particulated growth substrate is prepared from the compressed block by cutting or fraising.

Abstract: A fodder additive is provided for increasing the blood sugar of ruminants and their milk level. The fodder additive comprises as active agents at least one sugar alcohol having five or six hydroxyl groups, especially xylitol, arabitol and dulcitol. A preferred additive contains, based upon dry weight: 5-25% xylitol; 20-35% arabitol; 10-25% mannitol; 5-15% sorbitol; 5-10% dulcitol; 5-10% rhamnitol.