Abstract: A method of extracting benzo-c-phenanthridine alkaloids from plants of the families Papaveraceae, Fumariaceae, and Berberidaceae, comprising grinding the plant, extracting the ground plant with acidulated methanol or acidulated ethanol, precipitating the extract with an acid salt soluble in the solvent used, redissolving the precipitated salt in water, adding sufficient acid to form a precipitate, and collecting the precipitate so formed.

Abstract: A method for extracting benzo-c-phenanthridine alkaloids from plants of the families Papaveracease Fumariaciae, and Berberidacae, comprising extracting ground plant material with acidulated methanol precipitating the extract with an acid salt which is soluble in methanol, redissolving the precipitated salt in water, adding sufficient acid to form a precipitate, and collecting the precipitate so formed. The benzo-c-phenanthridine alkaloids have valuable properties as antimicrobials as well as in treating mouth odors, gingivitis, and periodontitis.

Abstract: The present invention deals with the inhibition of histamine release from mammalian mast cells by contacting such cells with sanguinarine, a benzophenanthridine alkaloid.

Abstract: Method of inhibiting bone resorption and collagenase release in mammalian periodontal subjects using a benzo-c-phenanthridine alkaloid compound.

Abstract: Dentifrices containing sanguinarine of superior stability and increased uptake into dental plaque are attained by the inclusion of hydrated silica as an abrasive.

Abstract: A self-administerable method of treating periodontal disease by providing a dilute aqueous solution of a non-toxic benzo-c-phenanthridine salt, pumping the solution through an orifice to provide a pulsating jet stream that is capable of penetrating directly into the periodontal pockets associated with periodontal disease, and applying the jet stream to diseased gingival tissue and into the periodontal pockets.

Abstract: An antimicrobial agent comprising a mineral acid salt of a benzophenanthridine alkaloid in a mixture with a metal salt of an acid.

Abstract: Benzo-c-phenanthridine salts, either pure salts or salts precipitated form extracts of plants selected form the group consisting of Sanguinaria canadensis, Macleaya cordata, Corydalis sevctvozii, C. ledebouni, Chelidonium majus, and mixtures thereof, are effective agents for disclosing plaque in the oral cavity under long wavelength ultraviolet light.

Abstract: Salts of sanguinarine, either pure salts or a mixture of said salts precipitated from extracts of plants selected from the group consisting of Sanguinaria canadensis, Macleya cordata, Corydalis sevctvozii, C. ledebouni, Chelidonium majus, and mixtures thereon, are effective agents for disclosing plaque in the oral cavity under long wavelength ultraviolet light.

Abstract: An antimicrobial agent comprising a mineral acid salt of a benzophenanthridine alkaloid in a mixture with zinc chloride.