Abstract: Described is a laxative on the basis of a pulverized composition, which contains in addition to plantago seed (Plantaginis ovatae semen) and/or plantago seed husks at least an anthranoid compound having a purgative effect, at least a sennoside, preferably in the form of anthranoid or sennoside-containing plants (or constituent parts thereof), in addition to at least one polygalactomannan-based polysaccharide or a derivative thereof. The polygalactomannan-based polysaccharide or a derivative thereof acts on the one hand as a (co)stabilizer in an aqueous suspension of the pulverized composition, and on the other hand also has, in particular due to its swelling capability, a synergistic effect together with the other components of the composition, wherein it supports the purgative action and facilitates at the same time the workability of the composition according to the invention, which is processed into a fine powder that can be easily dispersed in water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for obtaining diacetylrhein, wherein diacetylrhein containing aloe-emodin components is subjected to a liquid—liquid partitioning between a polar organic solvent which is only partly miscible with water and an aqueous phase of pH 6.5 to 7.5 and the diacetylrhein is recovered and optionally recrystallized. The present invention is also concerned with diacetylrhein obtainable by this process and with pharmaceutical compositions containing it.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the production of a flavanolignan preparation with an improved liberation in comparison with one of the pure flavanolignans, characterised in that a) an aqueous-alcoholic solution of pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier materials and wetting agents is prepared, a flavanolignan is suspended in this solution and the mixture obtained is heated to the boiling temperature in order to form a clear solution or b) a flavanolignan and a wetting agent is suspended in alcohol, the suspension obtained is heated with stirring up to the formation of a clear solution, this is mixed with an aqueous solution of pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier materials and the mixture obtained is heated with stirring until a clear solution is present and that subsequently the clear solution obtained according to a) or b) is concentrated for the formation of a co-precipitate, filtered and the resulting co-precipitate dried in a vacuum.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with the use of flavolignans as adjuvants in the case of chemotherapeutic tumour treatment and for the protection of cells in the urogenital region.

Abstract: Sennosides A, B and Al of the formula: ##STR1## which are substantially free from sennosides C, D and Dl, and from aloe-emodin derivatives, are prepared by a process whereina) a sennoside mixture is reduced to rhein-9-anthrone-8-glucoside and aloe-emodin-9-anthrone-8-glucoside,b) a liquid-liquid partitioning of the compounds obtained is carried out between a polar organic solvent which is only partly miscible with water and an aqueous phase andc) the rhein-9-anthrone-8-glycosides contained after the partitioning in the aqueous phase is again oxidized to the corresponding sennosides and these are recovered.

Abstract: Diacetylrhein which is substantially free of aloe-emodin components, is prepared by a process whereina) rhein-9-anthrone-8-glusoside containing aloe-emodin components is subjected to a liquid-liquid partitioning of the compounds obtained is carried out between a polar organic solvent which is only partly miscible with water and an aqueous phase,b) the rhein-9-anthrone-8-glucoside contained after the partitioning in the aqueous phase is oxidized to rhein-8-glucoside,c) the glucose residue in the 8-position of the rhein-8-glucoside is split off in an acidic medium and,d) the rhein obtained is acetylated and the diacetylrhein recovered.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for obtaining diacetylrhein, wherein diacetylrhein containing aloe-emodin components is subjected to a liquid-liquid partitioning between a polar organic solvent which is only partly miscible with water and an aqueous phase of pH 6.5. to 7.5 and the diacetylrhein is recovered and optionally recrystallised.The present invention is also concerned with diacetylrhein obtainable by this process and with pharmaceutical compositions containing it.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 to R.sub.8, which may be identical to or different from each other, have diverse meanings, and the dotted line between the carbon atoms in the 4- and 4a- position or the 4a- and 5-position or the 42- and 12a position may be a single or double bond, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, as well as a process for the preparation of these compounds, and pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds. The compounds and their salts are useful for the treatment of heart-circulation disorders.

Abstract: The device includes a base plate with a recessed seating for the shoulder of a tube with a threaded neck and a compressing mechanism engaging the open end of the tube body, the compressing mechanism being mounted axially with respect to the tube. The compressing mechanism is a reciprocable rod (20) which, on the end thereof facing the base plate (26), has a clamping head (30) for clamping the open end of the tube body. In a conical recess in the base plate (26), there is provided an internally threaded bore for screwing in the threaded neck of the tube (1).