Abstract: A method of treating cancer dependent on growth factor GHRH in warm-blooded animals in need thereof with an isolated protein extended for Pilocarpus Heterophyllus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant-derived protein with anti-cancer properties which binds the human growth hormone-releasing hormone (hGHRH). Said protein, which is obtained from the Pilocarpus Heterophyllus plant, is particularly adapted for preparing a medicament that is intended for the treatment of cancers for which growth is dependant on the GHRH growth factor and, in particular, for preparing a medicament that is intended for the treatment of cancers including small cell lung cancer and breast cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a human GHRH-binding protein (human Growth Hormone-releasing hormone). Said protein, which is obtained from the Pilocarpus Heterophyllus plant, can be used to prepare medicaments intended to antagonise the effects of GHRH and to treat proliferative diseases (particularly cancer), acromegaly or diabetic nephropathies and retinopathies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant-derived protein with anti-cancer properties which binds the human growth hormone-releasing hormone (hGHRH). Said protein, which is obtained from the Pilocarpus Heterophyllus plant, is particularly adapted for preparing a medicament that is intended for the treatment of cancers for which growth is dependant on the GHRH growth factor and, in particular, for preparing a medicament that is intended for the treatment of cancers including small cell lung cancer and breast cancer.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves, comprising i. extraction of the dried fragments of Ginkgo biloba leaves in ethanol containing a maximum of 20% by weight of water; ii. concentration of the extract under reduced pressure in the presence of an aqueous solution of sodium chloride and elimination of the dark oil from the remainder of the clear solution; iii. washing of the residual aqueous solution by liquid-liquid extraction with n-hexane, n-heptane or cyclohexane, iv. liquid-liquid extraction of the aqueous phase washed with ethyl acetate; and v. washing of the ethyl acetate phase obtained in stage iv with a sodium chloride solution followed by evaporation to dryness of the washed ethyl acetate phase and use of the resulting extract to treat cerebral and peripheral vascular disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel mikanolide derivatives, their preparation method and their therapeutic uses, in particular as anti-cancer and anti-viral agents.

Abstract: The invention concerns a product comprising at least mikanolide, dihydromikanolide or an analogue thereof combined with at least another anti-cancer agent for simultaneous, separate or prolonged therapeutic use in cancer treatment. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mikanolide, dihydromikanolide or one analogue thereof is combined with enzymatic inhibitors such as G heterotrimeric protein inhibitors or alkylating agents such as cis-platinum.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel mikanolide derivatives, their preparation method and their therapeutic uses, in particular as anti-cancer and anti-viral agents. The compounds correspond to general formula (1) corresponding to general sub-formulae (I)1 and (I)2, wherein: R1 represents H, SR4 or NR4R5; R2 represents SR6 or NR6R7; R3 represents OH, O(CO)R14, OSiR15R16R17, O(CO)OR18 or O(CO)NHR18, each of the radicals R4, R6, R15, R16 and R17 representing independently (in particular) an alkyl radical, the radicals R5 and R7 representing (in particular) radicals selected independently among a hydrogen atom and an alkyl radical, and each of the radicals R14 and R18 representing independently (in particular) an alkyl or cycloalkyl radical, or one among aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl or heteroalkyl radicals optionally substituted; provided that when the compounds correspond to the general sub-formula (I)2, then R1 does not represent a hydrogen atom.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing an extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves, comprising the following successive steps: i) extracting dry fragments of Ginkgo biloba leaves in ethanol containing at least 20 wt. % of water; ii) concentrating the extract under reduced pressure in the presence of at least an aqueous sodium chloride solution and eliminating the dark oil from the rest of the clear solution; iii) washing the residual aqueous solution by liquid-liquid extraction with n-hexane n-heptane or cyclohexane; iv) liquid-liquid extraction of the washed aqueous phase with ethyl acetate; v) washing the ethyl acetate phase obtained at step iv) with a sodium chloride solution then evaporating by dry process the washed ethyl acetate phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a human GHRH-binding protein (human Growth Hormone-releasing hormone). Said protein, which is obtained from the Pilocarpus Heterophyllus plant, can be used to prepare medicaments intended to antagonise the effects of GHRH and to treat proliferative diseases (particularly cancer), acromegaly or diabetic nephropathies and retinopathies.

Abstract: A two-step process for converting ginkgolide C into ginkgolide B is disclosed. In the first step, ginkgolide C is reacted with a sulfonic anhydride to obtain a C-7 sulfonate of ginkgolide C. In the second step, the C-7 sulfonate of ginkgolide C is reacted with a borohydride, and this reaction eliminates the C-7 radical of the C-7 sulfonate of ginkgolide C, thus producing ginkgolide B.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of ginkgolide B from ginkgolide C and to ginkgolide B thus obtained, the process comprising the following succession of four steps:protecting the 10-hydroxy group of ginkgolide C by conversion to an alkyl ester, the reaction being effected in dimethylformamide at a temperature of from 15.degree. to 50.degree. C. for from 4 to 10 hours;activating the 7-hydroxy group of the resultant 10-protected ginkgolide C by conversion to a (R)thiocarbonyl ester, the activation being effected in basic conditions at a temperature of from 0.degree. to 40.degree. C. for from 1 to 24 hours;deoxygenating the 7-activated group in the resultant 10-protected 7-activated ginkgolide C by treating it with tributyltin hydride or tris-(trimethylsilyl)silane, in an aprotic solvent, in the presence of a free-radical generator, the reaction being effected at a temperature of from 70.degree. to 110.degree. C.