Abstract: The peat-derived bioactive product contains not more than 70%, preferably not more than 60% by weight of inorganic salts, especially of sodium chloride, based on dry solids. It is obtainable by a process wherein a highly concentrated aqueous solution of inorganic salts, especially of sodium chloride containing peat-derived bioactive ingredients is diluted with demineralized water and subjected to reverse osmosis in order to desalinate the solution, inorganic salts being removed, and wherein the resulting solution is concentrated and clarified, and, optionally, in at least one further step, sterilized and/or spray-dried.

Abstract: Novel Amadori reaction compounds have the formula R.sub.1 --NH--R.sub.2, wherein R.sub.1 comprises the D-form of a 1-amino-1-deoxy-2-ketose radical derived from a sugar radical selected from the group of glucose, xylose, galactose, rhamnose, fructose, mannose, 6-deoxyglucose, glucosamine and galactosamine, and R.sub.2 comprises the L-form of an aminoacid or peptide radical selected from the group of serine, glycine, proline, histidine, arginine, alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, phenylalanine, treonine, cysteine, cystine, glutamine, asparagine, methionine, tyrosine, hydroxyproline, tryptophane, valine isoleucine, lysine and leucine. Compounds and combinations of compounds having the general formula R.sub.1 '--NH--R.sub.2 ', wherein R.sub.1 ' comprises a 1-amino-1-deoxy-2-ketose radical derived from the group of simple sugars, oligo- and polysaccharides, and R.sub.

Abstract: An apparatus for the extraction of peat comprising an outer tank (1) and an inner tank compartment (3) having perforated walls (4,23) and being the actual container for peat to be extracted. Feeding pipes (13) for the supply of extracting medium extend into the inner tank compartment (3) while at least one outflow opening (7-11) is connected to the outer tank (1). Between the inner tank compartment (3) and the outer tank (1), there is a free space (38) filled with extracting medium. Preferably, the medium is supplied to a plurality of orifices within the inner tank compartment (3), and particularly to at least two different levels.

Abstract: The immunological activity of certain bioactive substances is determined by treating a human peripheral blood leukocyte (PBL) culture or a suspension of BALB/c mice resident peritoneal cells (RPC), with a solution of the substance to be tested in order to induce production of cytokines which then are determined according to standard identification methods; amplification of the results may be achieved by admixing, to the solution to be tested, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, preferably indomethacin. The method is also useful for determining the immunological response of a human individual to a therapy using a cytokine inducing substance.

Abstract: An extracting agent, preferably sodium hydroxide solution containing 0.2 to 0.7% of NaOH, is allowed to flow from bottom to top through a bed of the comminuted peat and is removed above the bed, at a rate such that the flow remains laminar and the extract obtained remains essentially free of entrained particles of the peat to be extracted. If appropriate, fresh extracting agent is added and the extracting agent is allowed to flow once more through the bed, preferably is recirculated several times. An apparatus for carrying out the process has at least one storage tank for the extracting agent (NaOH), at least one extraction tank (E) and at least one circulation tank (Z) for the extracting agent enriched with extract, feed pipes in which pumps (P) are arranged leading both from the storage tank and from the circulation tank (Z) into the lower pipe from each extraction tank (E), while the discharge pipe from each extraction tank (E) leads from its upper part and enters the associated circulation tank (Z).

Abstract: An extracting agent, preferably sodium hydroxide solution containing 0.2 to 0.7% of NaOH, is allowed to flow from bottom to top through a bed of the comminuted peat and is removed above the bed, at a rate such that the flow remains laminar and the extract obtained remains essentially free of entrained particles of the peat to be extracted. If appropriate, fresh extracting agent is added and the extracting agent is allowed to flow once more through the bed, preferably is recirculated several times. An apparatus for carrying out the process has at least one storage tank for the extracting agent (NaOH), at least one extraction tank (E) and at least one circulation tank (Z) for the extracting agent enriched with extract, feed pipes in which pumps (P) are arranged leading both from the storage tank and from the circulation tank (Z) into the lower pipe from each extraction tank (E), while the discharge pipe from each extraction tank (E) leads from its upper part and enters the associated circulation tank (Z).