Abstract: A supercritical fluid (SCF) extract of a cardiac glycoside-containing plant mass is provided. The extract can be included in a pharmaceutical composition containing an extract-solubilizing amount of solubilizer. Oleandrin is included within the extract when a cardiac glycoside-containing plant, such as Nerium oleander, is extracted by SCF extraction. The extract can also contain one or more other SCF extractable pharmacologically active agents. The composition can be used to treat a wide range of disorders that are therapeutically responsive to a cardiac glycoside.

Abstract: A prognostic assay and kit and method of use thereof are provided. The kit and assay are used to determine the likelihood of a diseased cell or tissue having a therapeutic response to treatment with a cardiac glycoside in a disease having an etiology associated with excessive cell proliferation. The kit and assay are used to determine the ratio of isoforms of the ? subunit of Na, K-ATPase obtained from the diseased cell or tissue. The kit can be used to predict the therapeutic responsiveness of cancer or tumor in a subject to treatment with a cardiac glycoside. The kit and assay can be incorporated in a method of treating a disease or disorder having an etiology associated with excessive cell proliferation with a composition comprising a cardiac glycoside.

Abstract: A supercritical fluid (SCF) extract of a cardiac glycoside-containing plant mass is provided. The extract can be included in a pharmaceutical composition containing an extract-solubilizing amount of solubilizer. Oleandrin is included within the extract when a cardiac glycoside-containing plant, such as Nerium oleander, is extracted by SCF extraction. The extract can also contain one or more other SCF extractable pharmacologically active agents. The composition can be used to treat a wide range of disorders that are therapeutically responsive to a cardiac glycoside.

Abstract: A prognostic assay and kit and method of use thereof are provided. The kit and assay are used to determine the likelihood of a diseased cell or tissue having a therapeutic response to treatment with a cardiac glycoside in a disease having an etiology associated with excessive cell proliferation. The kit and assay are used to determine the ratio of isoforms of the ? subunit of Na, K-ATPase obtained from the diseased cell or tissue. The kit can be used to predict the therapeutic responsiveness of cancer or tumor in a subject to treatment with a cardiac glycoside. The kit and assay can be incorporated in a method of treating a disease or disorder having an etiology associated with excessive cell proliferation with a composition comprising a cardiac glycoside.

Abstract: A supercritical fluid (SCF) extract of a cardiac glycoside-containing plant mass is provided. The extract can be included in a pharmaceutical composition containing an extract-solubilizing amount of solubilizer. Oleandrin is included within the extract when a cardiac glycoside-containing plant, such as Nerium oleander, is extracted by SCF extraction. The extract can also contain one or more other SCF extractable pharmacologically active agents. The composition can be used to treat a wide range of disorders that are therapeutically responsive to a cardiac glycoside.

Abstract: A method for the extraction of pharmacologically active components from the oleander plant using supercritical carbon dioxide and combining the extraction with other isolation methods. The extraction is carried out using carbon dioxide at supercritical conditions, with or without the addition of a modifier. The isolated product is recovered in higher yield than with traditional hot water extraction.

Abstract: A method for the extraction of pharmacologically active components from the oleander plant using supercritical carbon dioxide and combining the extraction with other isolation methods. The extraction is carried out using carbon dioxide at supercritical conditions, with or without the addition of a modifier. The isolated product is recovered in higher yield than with traditional hot water extraction.

Abstract: A method for processing oleander leaves which produces finely processed oleander particles that will yield high levels of oleandrin when subjected to extraction techniques. The method utilizes washing, drying, and passing the oleander leaves through a comminuting and dehydrating apparatus that separates the particles according to size.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the radiosensitivity of cells through the administration of an exogenous cardiac glycoside, such as oleandrin. The magnitude of radiosensitization depends on the duration of exposure of the cells to oleandrin prior to irradiation. Treatment of cells with oleandrin increases the sensitivity of the cells to radiation-induced apoptosis. Thus, treatment with oleandrin and radiotherapy effectively lessens the proliferation of tumor cell populations.