Abstract: The present invention is directed to an isolated and purified cyclic peptide of from 5 to about 13 residues modeled after a portion of the CS1 peptide. A peptide of this invention preferably has the amino acid residue sequence of SEQ ID NO:2-14 or 16-42. The present invention is further directed to a process of selectively inhibiting the binding of &agr;4&bgr;1 integrin to a protein such as VCAM-1, fibronectin or invasin. In accordance with that process, a cell that expresses &agr;4&bgr;1 integrin is exposed to that protein in the presence of an effective inhibiting amount of such a peptide. The present invention is still further directed to a pharmaceutical composition containing a physiologically acceptable carrier and a cyclic peptide of the invention.

Abstract: Novel herbal extracts provide potent efficacy in the treatment of acne and furuncle. The formulated extracts of Momordica charantia L. are from either the whole plant or parts of the plant. The extracts have been formulated into aqueous solution, pads, and/or lotion. These formulations have been provided to treat acne and furuncle 2 to 3 times a day. It has demonstrated the ability to manage various grades of acne, from mild, moderate to severe, which include comedos, papules, pustules and nodules. Significant improvement is visible within five days. There are no observed either long-term or short-term side reactions.

Abstract: Novel herbal extracts provide potent efficacy in the treatment of acne and furuncle. The formulated extracts of Momordica charantia L. are from either the whole plant or parts of the plant. The extracts have been formulated into aqueous solution, pads, and/or lotion. These formulations have been provided to treat acne and furuncle 2 to 3 times a day. It has demonstrated the ability to manage various grades of acne, from mild, moderate to severe, which include comedos, papules, pustules and nodules. Significant improvement is visible within five days. There are no observed either long-term or short-term side reactions.

Abstract: Novel herbal extracts provide potent efficacy in the treatment of acne and furuncle. The formulated extracts of Momordica charantia L. are from either the whole plant or parts of the plant. The extracts have been formulated into aqueous solution, pads, and/or lotion. These formulations have been provided to treat acne and furuncle 2 to 3 times a day. It has demonstrated the ability to manage various grades of acne, from mild, moderate to severe, which include comedos, papules, pustules and nodules. Significant improvement is visible within five days. There are no observed either long-term or short-term side reactions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an isolated and purified cyclic peptide of from 5 to about 13 residues modeled after a portion of the CS1 peptide. A peptide of this invention preferably has the amino acid residue sequence of SEQ ID NO:2-14 or 16-42. The present invention is further directed to a process of selectively inhibiting the binding of .alpha..sub.4 .beta..sub.1 integrin to a protein such as VCAM-1, fibronectin or invasin. In accordance with that process, a cell that expresses .alpha..sub.4 .beta..sub.1 integrin is exposed to that protein in the presence of an effective inhibiting amount of such a peptide. The present invention is still further directed to a pharmaceutical composition containing a physiologically acceptable carrier and a cyclic peptide of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an isolated and purified peptide comprising the LDV domain of the CSI peptide sequence or single amino acid substitutent analog thereof. A preferred peptide has the amino acid residue sequences shown in SEQ ID NOs:8-14, 17-23, 25, 28, and 51. The present invention is further directed to a process of inhibiting the binding of .alpha..sub.4 .beta..sub.1 integrin to a protein such as VCAM-1 or fibronectin comprising exposing a cell that expresses .alpha..sub.4 .beta..sub.1 integrin to the protein in the presence of an effective inhibiting amount of such a peptide. The present invention is still further directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a peptide of SEQ ID NO:8-102.