Abstract: The present invention provides methods of detecting specific lysis of a cell by a lytic agent. The methods generally involve contacting a labeled target cell with a lytic agent; and detecting fluorescence in the target cell. The target cells are labeled with two fluorescent labels: a first fluorescent label that labels the plasma membrane; and a second fluorescent label that labels the cytosol. Release of the cytosolic label from the target cell indicates that the target cell has been lysed. The invention further provides methods of detecting the presence in a sample of a cell that specifically lyses a target cell. The invention further provides methods of detecting the presence in a sample of an antibody that specifically lyses a target cell. The methods are useful in a variety of applications.

Abstract: The invention discloses an injection made from Chinese herb Ixeris Sonchifolia Hance for treatment of cardio-cerebral vascular diseases and fundus diseases and method of producing thereof. The injection is in a form of lyophilized powder in which the rate of flavone to adenosine is 5 mg:15 ?g or 5 mg:30 ?g. The flavone and adenosine from Ixeris Sonchifolia Hance is more stable in the lyophilized powder form than in liquid form for injection so that it is easy to control the quality of the product so as to make the medicament safe and effective. It has benefit in store.

Abstract: Provided is an antibacterial agent exhibiting an excellent antibacterial activity effect and exerting a mild influence on the environment and humans. The antibacterial agent of the present invention comprises, as an effective component, a mixture of coumarin analogues extracted from a citrus fruit pericarp, particularly a mixture of coumarin analogues obtained from citrus cold press oil.

Abstract: A herbal therapeutic composition is provided which enhances respiration comprising coloidal silver, osha root and fresh lobelia herb. Other herbal substituents which further enhance this novel composition are disclosed including licorice root, fresh yerba santa leaf, eyebright, cats claw, rosemary, fresh ginger, and grape seed.

Abstract: The increased level of glucose in blood is the result of the destruction of ? cells of the Islets of Langerhans by autoimmune process in insulin-dependent form of diabetes or a relative lack of insulin in insulin-dependent form of diabetes. Constantly present hyperglycemia in diabetes and a relative lack of insulin aid the development of the neuropathy as a late complication of diabetes. For that purpose, a technical problem was set before the inventor with the request of the reduction of glucose in blood, and stopping of the process of the development of the neuropathy as the consequence of the “long” duration of diabetes. Such a mineral-protein preparation was prepared by which glycemia was successfully regulated, but the process was also stopped by depositing of Ca+ in nerve cells. Those early changes caused by diabetes were successfully stopped, so that the appearance of the neuropathy, as a late complication in diabetes, was postponed.

Abstract: Provided is an antibacterial agent exhibiting an excellent antibacterial activity effect and exerting a mild influence on the environment and humans. The antibacterial agent of the present invention comprises, as an effective component, a mixture of coumarin analogues extracted from a citrus fruit pericarp, particularly a mixture of coumarin analogues obtained from citrus cold press oil.

Abstract: A Caralluma extract and a method of making thereof which can be standardized and reproducible, and which prevents the glycosides from decomposition, which can reduce the undesirable non-glycoside components. In the first Caralluma extract, the resinous material does not exceed 0.5% by weight, and, in the second Caralluma extract, the resinous material does not exceed 1.0% by weight. The first extract is produced by optionally pretreatment of plant materials, optional crushing and/or grinding, extraction, and concentration. The filtration step and the resin removal step may be performed optionally. The second extract is produced by contacting the first Caralluma extract with excipients, drying, powdering, sifting and blending. The Caralluma extracts of the present invention can be used for medical purposes and as food additives.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the treatment, control or prophylaxis of a viral infection in a mammal, the method including administering to the mammal an effective amount of galactofucan sulfate from Undaria.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for stimulating the immune system. Such methods include administering an extract, purified peptide-linked glucan or active component thereof from Coriolus versicolor. The methods are particularly useful for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of secondary immunodeficiency, wherein the immunodeficiency is the result of an infection, a malignant neoplastic disease, an autoimmune disease, a protein losing state, an immunosuppressive treatment, surgery or anesthesia.

Abstract: Kidney disease is diagnosed by measuring urinary catalytic iron in humans. Progressive kidney disease is treated by administering an iron chelator to humans. In particular, the progression of kidney disease essentially can be halted and the severity of kidney disease can be reduced by the administration of iron chelators to humans afflicted with a progressive kidney disease. The methods include measuring catalytic iron content in urine in a human afflicted with a progressive kidney disease and administering an iron chelator to the human. The method can include measuring total urinary protein content, blood urea nitrogen or creatinine in a blood sample before, during or after the administration of an iron chelator.

Abstract: A method is provided for effecting smoke detoxification in a human by using a composition that is made of effective amounts of supercritical extract and hydroalcoholic extract of turmeric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ?-amylase activity inhibitor, and to food and beverages comprising the ?-amylase activity inhibitor. The ?-amylase activity inhibitor of the present invention exhibits remarkably excellent ?-amylase inhibitory activity as compared with guava extract. Accordingly, food and beverages containing the ?-amylase activity inhibitor are diet food and beverages suitable for people of high blood-sugar level or hyderlipidemia.

Abstract: Kidney disease is diagnosed by measuring urinary catalytic iron in humans. Progressive kidney disease is treated by administering an iron chelator to humans. In particular, the progression of kidney disease essentially can be halted and the severity of kidney disease can be reduced by the administration of iron chelators to humans afflicted with a progressive kidney disease. The methods include measuring catalytic iron content in urine in a human afflicted with a progressive kidney disease and administering an iron chelator to the human. The method can include measuring total urinary protein content, blood urea nitrogen or creatinine in a blood sample before, during or after the administration of an iron chelator.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and methods for making herbal extracts. The apparatus employs a percolation vessel having a filter and discharge valve. A heater is provided to heat the contents of the vessel to up to about 60° C. during the cold percolation process. A control is provided to monitor the contents of the vessel and regulate the heater output to obtain and maintain the proper temperature. A pump draws the output of the vessel and recirculates it to the vessel top so that the vessel effluent passes through the vessel charge. The method entails continuously percolating a solvent through a bed of herbaceous material in the vessel at a temperature between room temperature and about 60° C. to produce an extract comprising active principles contained in the herbaceous material. The thus produced extract is highly concentrated and contains a large proportion of the active principles in the raw material.

Abstract: A means and method for treating inflammation and pain in animals is described. The compounds include phycocyanin in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Phycocyanin has been found to be a COX-2 selective agent, and therefore alleviates pain and inflammation without the side effects that occur with NSAIDs that are not COX-2 selective.

Abstract: A method of suppressing or curbing appetite and treating or preventing obesity comprising administering to a human or other mammal in need of such treatment an effective amount of plant material derived or derivable from plants of the genera Stapelia and Orbea.

Abstract: The present invention describes a composition for preventing pruritis or inflammation that includes field pussy-toes plant extract, and methods of using and manufacturing the same. The compositions of this invention have been found to be especially useful in preventing and treating lesions from poison ivy, chicken pox, and cold sores.

Abstract: Kidney disease is diagnosed by measuring urinary catalytic iron in humans. Progressive kidney disease is treated by administering an iron chelator to humans. In particular, the progression of kidney disease essentially can be halted and the severity of kidney disease can be reduced by the administration of iron chelators to humans afflicted with a progressive kidney disease. The methods include measuring catalytic iron content in urine in a human afflicted with a progressive kidney disease and administering an iron chelator to the human. The method can include measuring total urinary protein content, blood urea nitrogen or creatinine in a blood sample before, during or after the administration of an iron chelator.

Abstract: Method for administering streptolysin O to treat various connective tissue disorders in humans and animals such as Dupuytren's contracture, scleroderma, Peyronie's disease, mastistis in animals, and claudication due to peripheral arterial disease.

Abstract: This invention discloses a medication combination, consisting of Baizhu, Danggui, Hanxincao, Huotanmucao, Ainaxiang, Shuodiao, Malan, Ludou, Canger, Daqinggen, Banbianlian, Xingren, Nuzhenzi, Qianhu, Jiatonghao, Yinchenhao, Yujin, Zhishi, Banxia, and Fuling for treating hepatoma and pancreatic cancer, modifies the conventional extraction procedure and is characterized by the inclusion of Poria, which possesses an anti-tumor ability, as the excipient. This medication combination is based on a novel and continuous theory for cancer therapy and traditional Chinese medicine theories. It has made use of nature and characteristics of those abovementioned medications to lead and change the environments for cancer growth inside the patients' bodies, and then to result in the discomfort and revulsion of cancer cells in such environments.