Abstract: Methods of obtaining renewable sources of taxanes including taxol are provided. Compositions comprising taxanes which are useful as source materials for the further purification of taxanes are also disclosed. Specifically, a method of drying plant matter to preserve their taxane content and facilitate their extraction is disclosed. In addition, methods of extracting and purifying taxol and other taxanes from ornamental cultivars using a series of organic and aqueous solvents and normal phase chromatography columns are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is a new method for preparing compounds useful as antimalarial agents having the formula; ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen, a linear, branched or cyclo lower alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms; aminoalkyl; branched aminoalkyl; hydroxyalkyl: alkylcarboxylate or alkylbenzoate groups having 1 to 5 carbon atoms in the alkyl chains; aryl; alkoxy-substituted aryl; heteroaryl; and pyridinium groups. The method comprises treating artemisinic acid with a methylating agent followed by a stereoselective reduction of the methylated compound, subjecting the reduced compound to a Grignard addition followed by chiral photoxidation with subsequent treatment with a cyclization agent.

Abstract: This invention provides a new antimalarial compound, deoxoartemisinin, having the formula: ##STR1## Antimalarial compositions consisting essentially of the compound in admixture with a non-toxic, pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier. A method for treating malaria comprising administering a therapeutically effective concentration of the compound, preferably in admixture with a non-toxic, pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier. A method of preparing the deoxoartemisinin.

Abstract: This invention provides a new antimalarial compound, deoxoartemisinin, having the formula: ##STR1## Antimalarial compositions consisting essentially of the compound in admixture with a non-toxic, pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier. A method for treating malaria comprising administering a therapeutically effective concentration of the compound, preferably in admixture with a non-toxic, pharamceutically-acceptable carrier. A method of preparing the doxoartemisinin.