Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of colchicine 1 from colchicoside 2 which comprises enzymatic conversion of colchicoside 2 to 3-O-demethylcolchicine 3, wherein the enzyme used is a cellulase. According to another aspect of the invention, 3-O-demethylcolchicine 3 can be converted to colchicine 1 using an alkylating agent. The invention also relates to a process or enriching the colchicine 1 content of extracts from plants belonging to the Colchicaceae family containing colchicine 1, colchicoside 2 and 3-(9-demethyl colchicine 3, which comprises conversion by means of a colchicoside 2 cellulase to 3-O-demethylcolchicine 3, followed by conversion of 3-O-demethylcolchicine 3 to colchicine 1 using an alkylating agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the identification of Vaccinium myrtillus in a botanical composition and a kit specifically designed for its implementation. The method is based on the detection, using PCR amplification, of nucleic acid fragments within a genomic region of Vaccinium myrtillus.

Abstract: Extract obtainable by extraction from Phaseolus sp. with mixtures of ethanol and water, characterised by an ?-amylase inhibitor content in between 1,000 and 1,600 USP/mg (HPLC titre between 6 and 14% w/w) and a phytohaemagglutinin content in between 8,000 and 30,000 HAU/g, and a process for its preparation.

Abstract: Extract obtainable by extraction from Phaseolus sp. with mixtures of ethanol and water, characterised by an ?-amylase inhibitor content in between 1,000 and 1,600 USP/mg (HPLC titre between 6 and 14% w/w) and a phytohaemagglutinin content in between 8,000 and 30,000 HAU/g, and a process for its preparation.

Abstract: A truncated form of ?? chain (e??), the soybean 7S globulin, active in controlling the cholesterol and triglyceride homeostasis in in vitro and in vivo models, was cloned and expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris. The recombinant polypeptide spanned 142 amino acid residues from the N-terminal side and included the N-terminal extension region of the soybean alpha? subunit. The e?? polypeptide was purified by conventional biochemical techniques and its potential to modulate the activity of the LDL-receptor was evaluated in a human hepatoma cell line (Hep G2) by monitoring the uptake and degradation of labeled LDL.

Abstract: A truncated form of ?? chain (e??), the soybean 7S globulin, active in controlling the cholesterol and triglyceride homeostasis in in vitro and in vivo models, was cloned and expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris. The recombinant polypeptide spanned 142 amino acid residues from the N-terminal side and included the N-terminal extension region of the soybean alpha? subunit. The e?? polypeptide was purified by conventional biochemical techniques and its potential to modulate the activity of the LDL-receptor was evaluated in a human hepatoma cell line (Hep G2) by monitoring the uptake and degradation of labeled LDL.

Abstract: Extract obtainable by extraction from Phaseolus sp. with mixtures of ethanol and water, characterised by an ?-amylase inhibitor content in between 1,000 and 1,600 USP/mg (HPLC titre between 6 and 14% w/w) and a phytohaemagglutinin content in between 8,000 and 30,000 HAU/g, and a process for its preparation.

Abstract: Extracts obtainable by extraction from Phaseolus sp. with aqueous solutions, characterised by an ?-amylase inhibitor content with an activity equal to or greater than 1,800 USP/mg (HPLC titre equal to or greater than 15% w/w) and a phytohaemagglutinin content of between 1,500 and 6,000 HAU/g, and a process for its preparation.