Abstract: This invention concerns systems for the release of active principles which are capable of releasing active principle(s) into an aqueous medium at a controlled rate.More precisely, the invention concerns a monolithic system for the controlled release of active principles, consisting of:a) at least one swelling layer containing one or more active principles, in a matrix of swellable, hydrophilic polymers;b) at least one erodible and/or soluble layer comprising excipients and/or water soluble polymers, possibly containing one or more active principles, either the same or different from those present in the layer a), the said erodible and/or soluble layer being in contact with the swelling layer(s) a).

Abstract: A process for the preparation of extracts with high content in anthocyanosides consists in treating plants, parts of plants or crude extracts with bisulfite ions to give anthocyanoside-bisulfite adducts. Said adducts are then eluted on non ionogenic resins at pH 5-6 and the obtained solution is extracted with polar organic solvents immiscible in water. The obtained extracts have a constant and standardized composition in anthocyanosides.

Abstract: Novel water-soluble derivatives of silybin of enhanced activity are provided as well as methods of preparing the derivatives and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The novel derivatives according to the invention have the following general formula (I); ##STR1## where: R=H or PO(OH).sub.2 and R'=PO(OH).sub.2 The compounds of the invention are useful inter alia in therapy of liver disorders and other applications where an anti-radical effect is required. They have the advantages of high hydrophilicity and are soluble at approximately pH 4, compared to prior art compounds which are water-soluble only at higher pH and enhanced stability.

Abstract: Benzoyoxyacetic acid derivatives of formula (I) ##STR1## wherein M denotes hydrogen or one equivalent of a pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic cation are useful as analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents. A novel process for their preparation is also disclosed along with novel intermediates.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel compounds comprising lipophilic complexes of silybin, silidianin, and silicristin with phospholipids, and the preparation of these complexes by non-conventional methods. Absorption of the novel compounds in the gastrointestinal tract is appreciably greater, resulting in higher plasma levels than for the individual flavanolignans. The resulting improvement in the pharmacokinetic and pharmacological parameters is such that the substances can advantageously be used in the treatment of acute and chronic liver disease of toxic, metabolic or infective origin or of degenerative nature.

Abstract: Compounds with a flavanone skeleton having the formula I ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, which may be the same or different, represent hydrogen, hydroxyl, methoxyl, thiomethyl, amino or substituted amino, are endowed with expectorant, mucolytic, mucopoietic, choleretic and hypolipaemia-producing activity.

Abstract: Valuable pharmaceutical properties of flavylium salts are described, including anti-inflammatory, vaso-protective, hypolipaemic, hypocholesterolaemic and hypoglycaemic activity. The use of flavylium salts as drugs and the production of pharmaceutical compositions containing them is particularly referred to.

Abstract: Valuable pharmaceutical properties of flavylium salts are described, including anti-inflammatory, vaso-protective, hypolipaemic, hypocholesterolaemic and hypoglycaemic activity. The use of flavylium salts as drugs and the production of pharmaceutical compositions containing them is particularly referred to.

Abstract: Valuable pharmaceutical properties of flavylium salts are described, including anti-inflammatory, vaso-protective, hypolipaemic, hypocholesterolaemic and hypoglycaemic activity. The use of flavylium salts as drugs and the production of pharmaceutical compositions containing them is particularly referred to.

Abstract: The pharmacological activity of epicatechin and of certain novel esters and ketals of catechin and of epicatechin is described. The use of said compounds in order to ellicit a choleretic, hypocholesterolimic, hypolipaemic or hepatoprotective effect is described along with pharmaceutical compositions for use in these treatments.

Abstract: A method for producing a purified extract of ginseng root which comprises contacting an aqueous extract of ginseng root with a solid absorption resin so as to absorb active saponins contained in the extract on the resin and eluting active saponins from the resin.Also a method of analyzing a ginseng extract which comprises subjecting the extract to silylation to convert saponins contained in the extract to trimethylsilyl ethers, separating the ethers by gas-liquid chromatography and detecting the separated ethers.

Abstract: Pharmaceutically active compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4, which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom or a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic or aromatic mono- or poly-carboxylic acid acyl radical and R.sub.5 represents a glycosyl group, are provided together with processes for their production and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. These compounds possess valuable cicatrizing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Abstract: Derivatives of the alkaloid cuanzine are described which have valuable pharmacological properties in the cardiovascular field. Also described are processes for producing the derivatives and pharmaceutical compositions containing them.

Abstract: Pharmaceutically active compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein --OR.sub.1, --OR.sub.2, --OR.sub.3 and --OR.sub.4, which may be the same or different, each represents a free or esterified hydroxyl group and --COOR.sub.5 represents a free or esterified carboxyl group, are provided together with processes for their production and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. Compounds of formula II and III possess valuable cicatrizing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Abstract: Complexes of saponins with sterols are disclosed which possess the pharmaceutical activity of the free saponins, but which have reduced side-effects. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing the complexes.

Abstract: A process is described for producing a pharmaceutical product comprising a polyhydroxyphenyl chromanone obtainable from seeds of Silybum marianum which comprises forming a solution comprising said polyhydroxyphenyl chromanone and polyvinylpyrrolidone of molecular weight in the range from 3,000 to 40,000 in a solvent comprising water and a water-soluble organic solvent, the weight ratio of polyvinylpyrrolidone to polyhydroxyphenyl chromanone being from 0.5:1 to 4:1, and lyophilising said solution. Products may be so produced possessing excellent stability and which may be readily solubilised in aqueous media.