Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of glycoalkaloids, such as solasonine and solamargine, in treatment of cancer such as skin cancer, and to compositions for use in such treatment. More particularly the present invention relates to providing an improved, substantially stable formulation for the glycoalkaloids which minimises or reduces degradation of these active molecules.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the control of cellular autophagy, cellular agglutination and the immobilization of motile cells. Such control is useful in, for example, the treatment of cancer, contraception, termination of pregnancy, removal of pathogenic organisms and removal of any abnormal cellular growth (malignant or otherwise); as a diagnostic and analytical tool whereby cell structure can be studied and testing could be undertaken for the presence (and subsequent analysis) of pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms; and in the manufacture of biochemicals whereby certain cells must be destroyed or otherwise contained. From surface analysis of normal and abnormal cells, specific receptors on abnormal cells which are either not present on normal cells or are only present in significantly reduced numbers can be identified. Alkaloids and other pharmaceutically acceptable compounds are preferentially recognized by the abnormal cells, and which bind thereto and subsequently destroy.

Abstract: A separating device for extracting cholesterol from plasma uses a spinner to disperse plasma into an extracting solvent in the form of fine droplets to improve separation efficiency, thereby making it suitable for delipidating blood plasma. Blood plasma is delipidated by providing the plasma to the spinner and dispersing the plasma into the extracting solvent in fine droplets. A de-emulsification step removes residual solvent from the plasma. Blood is removed from an animal and the blood plasma is delipidated. Delipidated plasma is de-emulsified and combined with the animal blood, which is then reintroduced into the animal.

Abstract: A separating device for extracting cholesterol from plasma uses a spinner to disperse plasma into an extracting solvent in the form of fine droplets to improve separation efficiency, thereby making it suitable for delipidating blood plasma. Blood plasma is delipidated by providing the plasma to the spinner and dispersing the plasma into the extracting solvent in fine droplets. A de-emulsification step removes residual solvent from the plasma. Blood is removed from an animal and the blood plasma is delipidated. Delipidated plasma is de-emulsified and combined with the animal blood, which is then reintroduced into the animal.

Abstract: A method for the removal of cholesterol, triglycerides and other lipids from animal plasma, serum or other suitable blood fractions, as a discontinuous flow system, the method comprising withdrawing blood from a subject, separating the required fraction from the blood and mixing with a solvent mixture which extracts the lipids from the fraction, after which the delipidated fraction is recombined with the blood cells and returned to the subject, wherein the solvent extraction step is carried out separately and remote from the subject. The delipidated fraction is washed with a second solvent before being recombined with the blood cells. To ensure that the delipidated fraction is free from all extraction solvent, the fraction is mixed with an absorbent specific for the solvent that is being removed. The preferred absorbent is a macroporous polymeric bead contained in the pores of a sintered glass or plastic sphere, the being capable of absorbing organic molecules from an aqueous solution.