Abstract: The invention relates to the use of peptides individually or in combination, for treating and/or preventing angiogenesis. It also relates to the use of peptide analogs or a combination of peptides referred to as MuJ-7 as anticancer drugs in restricting the tumor growth and spread by inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. MuJ-7, in addition inhibits metastasis through its antiangiogenic activity in all cancers. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing either individual peptides or in combination, and methods of treatment of human beings and animals for curing and/or preventing angiogenesis.

Abstract: A method for blocking the attachment of leukocytes to endothelial cells/lining of the blood vessels using a plant derived protoberberine alkaloid, berberine or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts. This prevents tissue damage to the surrounding tissue. The method also can be used to prevent and/or treat clinical manifestations that involve endothelial cell-leukocyte attachment, for example septic shock, arthritis, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, allergic asthma, metastatic melanoma and graft rejection.

Abstract: Berberine or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof either alone or in combination with cyclosporin can be used to treat or prevent graft vs. host disease. Berberine or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof can also be used to treat or prevent septic shock syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicistronic DNA construct comprising X-myc transgene. In particular, the present invention relates to a bicistronic X15-myc transgene capable of expressing truncated X protein and a full-length murine c-myc protein. More particularly, the present invention relates to a bicistronic DNA construct being an X15-myc transgene for use in the production of transgenic animal model systems for human hepatocellular carcinoma and transgenic animal model systems so produced. The invention is based partially on the discovery that in susceptible transgenic mice that carry a bicistronic X-myc transgene there is an accelerated formation of liver tumors involving all lobes.

Abstract: A method for ex vivo expansion of the number of hematopoietic cells using a culture medium comprising an extract prepared from a plant of the Tinospora species and a method of ex vivo expansion of the number of hematopoietic cells by inducing IL-6 production by using a culture medium comprising an extract from a plant of the Tinospora species are described.

Abstract: Berberine or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof either alone or in combination with cyclosporin can be used to treat or prevent graft vs. host disease. Berberine or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof can also be used to treat or prevent septic shock syndrome.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition useful for killing or inhibiting multiplication of cancer cells. It is expected that the pharmaceutical composition will be useful in preventing, inhibiting, or modulating the hypersecretion of VIP, somatostatin, bombesin, Substance P, or a combination of VIP, somatostatin, bombesin, or Substance P. The composition may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of a therapeutically effective combination of peptide analogs of somatostatin, VIP, bombesin, and Substance P. Also provided is a method of treatment for humans or other animals suffering from cancer, the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective dose of the pharmaceutical composition so as to kill or inhibit the multiplication of cancer cells. The method of treatment may be particularly useful in the treatment of cancers of the colon and rectum.

Abstract: The baculovirus homologous region (hr1) sequence has been disclosed as a transcriptional enhancer of foreign gene expression. An additional copy of the hr1 element contained within a recombinant baculovirus has been demonstrated to be capable of further enhancing expression of foreign genes placed under the transcriptional control of a promoter such as the baculovirus polyhedrin and/or Drosophila hsp70 promoter. The recombinant baculovirus is stable for up to 30 passages. This invention can be employed to generate recombinant expression vector plasmids and recombinant baculoviruses that can be used to produce increased levels of recombinant protein products of therapeutic, biomedical or basic science research interest.

Abstract: Process for isolation of 1-(3,4-methylenedioxy-phenyl)-1E-tetradecene from Piper longum. Processes for synthesis of 1-(3,4-methylenedioxy-phenyl)-1E-tetradecene; its stereoisomers and analogues are disclosed. The compounds isolated and synthesized according to this invention have immunomodulatory properties and can be used to treat tumors and infections.

Abstract: A process for isolating berberine from plants is described. An oral formulation of berberine is described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of combatting cancer which cancer releases chorionic gonadotropin or a subunit thereof present in a mammal which method comprises administering to said animal an anti-cancer effective amount of a birth-control vaccine or an antibody to said chorionic gonadotropin or subunit thereof. Birth-control vaccines which are polyvalent vaccines and birth-control vaccines which employ recombinant organisms incorporating sequences coding for reproductive hormones are of particular interest as well as polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to the chorionic gonadotropin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for the establishment of tumorigenic cell lines from biopsies of human or animal tumors. The method includes preparing a single-cell suspension of a tumor cells by injecting cell culture medium into an isolated tumor or a portion thereof to flush out the tumor cells. The tumor or portion thereof may be in a cell culture maintenance medium. The step of injecting cell culture medium into the isolated tumor or portion thereof involves piercing the tumor or portion thereof with a needle to inject the cell culture medium and flush out the tumor cells. The steps of piercing the tumor or portion thereof with a needle and injecting the cell culture medium to flush out the tumor cells preferably are repeated until the single-cell suspension has a particular cell density. The method also includes establishing a primary tumor cell culture by growing the cells from the single-cell suspension in a cell culture medium.

Abstract: There is provided a means for reversible fertility control for prevention of pregnancy in female mammals for several months through the use of neem oil or its components, applied locally to the uterus. There is also provided a spermicidal composition containing neem oil or its components in combination with reetha extract as a vaginal cream.

Abstract: A polyvalent vaccine for control of fertility is disclosed, the vaccine having a multiplicity of determinant antigens in the reproductive system of mammals, the antigens being linked to at least one carrier. The precise manner of linkage can differ, and preferably more than one carrier is present thereby increasing antibody response particularly in those subjects who are poor responders when a single carrier only is used. The new vaccine thus has a multi-valent capability against the reproductive system and also preferably the capability of producing immunoprophylactic benefit against more than one health hazard.