Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of novel polyphenol fractions of Camellia sinensis (tea), the use thereof and formulations containing them. The invention relates specifically to the preparation of extracts deprived of caffeine but containing the polyphenols deriving from epigallocatechin in a natural ratio. The use of these novel extracts, alone or in combination with other active principles, is of interest to the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industry, especially to treat cytotoxic and oxidative conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of novel polyphenol fractions of Camellia sinensis (tea), the use thereof and formulations containing them. The invention relates specifically to the preparation of extracts deprived of caffeine but containing the polyphenols deriving from epigallocatechin in a natural ratio. The use of these novel extracts, alone or in combination with other active principles, is of interest to the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industry, especially to treat cytotoxic and oxidative conditions.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a purified extract from Ginkgo biloba leaves by solvent extraction with selected solvents. In the process, a crude or partially purified extract is subjected to solvent extraction with a solvent comprising toluene and n-butanol. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising dimeric flavones and/or polyphenols are also described.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a purified extract from Ginkgo biloba leaves by solvent extraction with selected solvents. In the process, a crude or partially purified extract is subjected to solvent extraction with a solvent comprising toluene and n-butanol. Pharmaceutical. compositions comprising dimeric flavones and/or polyphenols are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel extracts of Piliostigma thonningii Schum. having antiviral action, the process for the preparation thereof, the therapeutical use thereof and formulations containing said extracts. These novel extracts are used in the treatment of pathologies of viral origin, such as herpetic, influenza and broncho-pulmonary diseases and they also proved to be active on HIV virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel alkaloids from Mappia foetida, foetidine 1 and 2, having anticancer and antiviral properties. These alkaloids, soluble in water, are present in all the parts of the plant, and are the precursors of camptothecin and of 9-methoxy-camptothecin, which are alkaloids known to have pharmacodynamic properties but also to be insoluble in water. The particular water solubility of the novel compounds make them particularly suitable for the treatment of the patients by the parenteral route, avoiding the use of toxic excipients or of unsuitable chemical derivatizations.

Abstract: An extract enriched in procyanidol oligomers almost free from monomers is obtained by subjecting a crude vegetable extract, for instance from Vitis vinifera, to ultrafiltration on membranes of cut-off from 3,000 to 600, or to a selective extraction with ethers, or esters or mixtures of ethyl acetate and aromatic hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Complexes between natural or synthetic phospholipids and bilobalide, a sesquiterpene extracted from the leaves of Gingko biloba, are disclosed, as well as the preparation thereof and their therapeutic application as antiinflammatory agents and as agents for the treatment of disorders associated with inflammatory or traumatic neuritic processes. These new compounds, which exhibit a different bioavailability compared with free bilobalide, are suitable for incorporation into pharmaceutical formulations for systemic and topical administration: the latter route has been found to be particularly useful for the treatment of common peripheral disorders associated with inflammatory or neurodystrophic alterations.

Abstract: Processes for the preparation of esters of N.sub.1 -methyl-10.alpha.-methoxylumilysergol are described, in which lysergol esters are subjected to N-methylation and subsequently to photochemical reaction with methanol/H.sub.2 SO.sub.4. The esters of N.sub.1 -methyl-10-methoxylumilysergol obtained in this way can then be saponified or converted directly into other esters.

Abstract: A method of preparing lysergol derivatives, particularly 10.alpha.-methoxy lumilysergol, 1-methyl-10.alpha.-methoxy-lumilysergol and C8 esters of 1-methyl-10.alpha.-methoxy-lumilysergol, is provided characterized in that lysergol esters are subjected to photo-chemical reaction in methanol/sulphuric acid to form esters of 10.alpha.-methoxy lumilysergol. The esters can be subsequently hydrolyzed to obtain 10.alpha.-methoxy-lumilysergol, or can be transesterified with salts of other acids and/or N-methylated.

Abstract: The pharmacological activity of epicatechin and of certain novel esters and ketals of catechin and of epicatechin is described. The use of said compounds in order to ellicit a choleretic, hypocholesterolimic, hypolipaemic or hepatoprotective effect is described along with pharmaceutical compositions for use in these treatments.

Abstract: Pharmaceutically active compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4, which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom or a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic or aromatic mono- or poly-carboxylic acid acyl radical and R.sub.5 represents a glycosyl group, are provided together with processes for their production and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. These compounds possess valuable cicatrizing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Abstract: Pharmaceutically active compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein --OR.sub.1, --OR.sub.2, --OR.sub.3 and --OR.sub.4, which may be the same or different, each represents a free or esterified hydroxyl group and --COOR.sub.5 represents a free or esterified carboxyl group, are provided together with processes for their production and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. Compounds of formula II and III possess valuable cicatrizing and anti-inflammatory properties.