Abstract: A process for the preparation of diindole-alkaloids, especially new compounds corresponding to vinblastine or leurosine, in which the N-methyl group is replaced by an N--CH.sub.2 --O--R group wherein R is lower alkyl, having antitumor properties. The starting materials are subjected to oxidation by chromic acid or an alkali metal dichromate at temperatures from -90.degree. C. to -30.degree. C. and preferably below -45.degree. C. where the new compounds are to be produced, a lower alkanol being present in this case.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of diindolealkaloids, especially new compounds corresponding to vinblastine or leurosine, in which the N-methyl group is replaced by an N--CH.sub.2 --OC.sub.2 H.sub.5 group having antitumor properties. The starting compounds are subjected to oxidation by chromic acid or an alkali metal dichromate at temperatures from -90.degree. C. to -30.degree. C. but preferably below about -45.degree. C. when the new compounds are to be produced, ethanol being present in this case.

Abstract: Multiple myeloma in human patients is treated by administering N-formylleurosine or its sulfate salt.

Abstract: N-formylleurosine or a pharmaceutically effective salt is used in human therapy for treatment of lymphoma, leukemia or Hodgkins Disease.

Abstract: New leurosine derivatives of the general formula (1), ##STR1## wherein R stands for hydrogen or formyl, or pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof were prepared by oxidizing leurosine or an acid addition salt thereof, optionally formylating the thus-obtained product and then separating, and, if desired, converting any of the free bases into its acid addition salt.

Abstract: A mixture of minor diindole alkaloids from Vinca-containing vinblastine and 4-deacetoxy-vinblastine vines, are separated by subjecting the mixture to a deacetylation to correct the vinblastine to deacetyl-vinblastine prior to chromatographic separation of said mixture in a single stage.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of alkaloids of the leurosine type having the formula I ##STR1## and the acid addition salts thereof. In the formula I R is hydrogen or methyl. The compounds prepared according to the invention are known compounds showing cytostatic activity.

Abstract: Leurosine derivatives of the formula (I), ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or formyl, or pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof were prepared by oxidizing leurosine or an acid addition salt thereof, optionally formylating the thus-obtained product and then separating, and, if desired, converting any of the free bases into its acid addition salt. The new compounds of the invention possess strong cytostatic activity, and can be used in the human therapy with great advantage.

Abstract: Tumor inhibiting alkaloids are recovered from Vinca Rosea L. by a method which comprises extracting the dried leaves with a solvent selected from the group consisting of an alkanol having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a mixture of an alkanol having 1 to 5 carbon atoms and a dilute, aqueous solution, benzene and benzene homologs; subsequently purifying the alkaloid extract obtained by a phase-change method between immiscible solvents, precipitating the main amount of dimeric alkaloids in form of their sulphuric acid addition salts, isolating leurosine, vincistine, vinblastine, desacetoxy-vinblastine, N-desmethyl-vinblastine and desacetyl-vinblastine from the salt mixture obtained, and then completing the separation and isolation of the remaining alkaloids by separation and isolation by adjusting the pH-value of the mother liquor, after precipitation and removal of the salt mixture, to 5.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the separation and recovery of vinblastine and leurosine from a mixture of diindole alkaloids obtained by extraction of the plant, Vinca rosea L.

Abstract: A heart and vasotropic pharmaceutical of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or an acyl group, preferably a C.sub.1-15 alkylcarbonyl, C.sub.2-6 alkenylcarbonyl, or a phenyl- (C.sub.1-5)-alkylcarbonyl group or a benzoyl group optionally substituted with halogen, trihalomethyl, C.sub.1-4 or nitroAnd pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition and quaternary salts thereof.