Abstract: Novel glycosides, especially steroidal glycosides, and a novel method of their production, are provided. For the novel method of producing novel glycosides, hydroxysteryl compounds are glycosylated with tri-O-acyl glucal using molecular iodine as a reaction catalyst. In this method an alcohol or phenol, especially a hydroxy-steroid such as a water-insoluble cholesterol, is glycosylated, such that the glycosylation is performed in a single step. The resulting steryl pyranoside is by oxidation converted to the corresponding 7-ketosteryl di-O-acyl-pyranoside. The latter pyranoside is selectively reduced to provide the corresponding 7-.beta.-hydroxysteryl 2,3-dideoxy-.alpha.-D-erythro-hex-2-enopyranoside. The steroidal glycosides obtained in this way possess valuable pharmacological properties. In particular, the glycosides in vivo exhibit a selective cell-destructive activity on malignant cells which activity is substantially free of side effects on normal cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing asialo G.sub.M1 characterized in that neuraminidase isozyme L is allowed to act on gangliosides to produce asialo G.sub.M1.

Abstract: A method for preparing de-N-acylated forms of an N-acyl sugar-containing glycosphingolipid and lyso forms of glycosphingolipid comprising hydrolyzing the glycosphingolipids under mild alkaline conditions such that the N-acyl group of the sugar moiety is preferentially hydrolyzed. Substantially pure gangliosides containing de-N-acetyl-sialic acid isolated from natural sources. A culture medium for stimulating growth of human and animal cells comprising: essential nutrients for cell growth, and a cell growth stimulatory amount of one or more gangliosides containing de-N-acetyl-sialic acid. A method for stimulating growth of human and animal cells cultured in vitro with a cell growth stimulatory amount of one or more gangliosides containing de-N-acetyl-sialic acid.

Abstract: 14.beta.-hydroxy-3.beta.-(.alpha.-L-rhamnopyranosyl) and-tridigitoxide-oxy-20-nitro-21-nor-5.beta.,14.beta.-pregnanes exhibit unexpectedly high cardiac potency with tolerance to high dosage levels.

Abstract: The novel compounds of formulas I and II ##STR1## have an antibiotic activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides 1) a polysaccharide composition and a polysaccharide both having a heparinoid activity, obtained from green algae belonging to Codiaceae of Codiales, 2) a processes for producing said polysaccharide composition and said polysaccharide, as well as 3) an anticoagulant containing, as an active ingredient, said polysaccharide composition or polysaccharide both having a heparinoid activity.

Abstract: N-acyl-N,N'-di-lysogangliosides, N'-acyl-N,N'-di-lysogangliosides and N,N'-diacyl-N,N'-di-lysogangliosides, in which the acyl groups are derived from an organic acid of the aliphatic, aromatic, araliphatic, alicyclic or heterocyclic series and in which at least one of the two acyl groups is not aliphatic, and their preparation are disclosed. Also disclosed is the preparation of the esters, inner esters, amides and hydroxy peracylates of these compounds and salts thereof. These compounds are useful in the treatment of pathologies of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Abstract: Salts of glycosaminoglycans (heparin, its fractions or fragments which are supersulfated, dermatan sulfate, heparan sulfate, and modified heparins) with bases of formula (I), ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4 represent H, alkyl, or cycloalkyl; R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 represent H, or alkyl; R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 represent H or alkyl; n and m are integers from 1-4 and X is --O--CO--O--, which salts have the pharmacological properties of the glycosaminoglycans themselves, and are orally and rectally administrable.

Abstract: Partial esters of alginic acid and salts thereof possess important bioplastic and pharmaceutical qualities and are useful in various fields including medical, surgical, cosmetics and foods.

Abstract: A non-anticoagulant (NAC) form of heparin which shows antiproliferative activity with respect to smooth muscle cells is useful in the prevention of restenosis and other conditions benefited by antiproliferative activity with respect to smooth muscle cells. This NAC form of heparin is prepared by deacetylating and then oxidizing heparin/heparan sulfate substantially to completion with periodate followed by reduction of the resulting aldehyde groups under conditions which prevent depolymerization of the heparin.

Abstract: This invention relates to elsamicin A derivatives wherein the 2"-amino group is selectively modified by acylation or alkylation, a process for producing said elsamicin A derivatives, an antitumor composition containing the same as the active ingredient, and a method for therapy using said compositions.