Abstract: In one aspect of the invention there is described a method of detecting the presence of toxins, which may traverse bacterial membranes in some manner, in environmental samples using an indicator bacteria such as E. coli K-12 and a fluorescent signal. The method includes:(a) obtaining a positive control signal by placing an indicator bacteria strain such as E. coli K-12 and a bactericidal peptide such as a cecropin in a suitable buffer containing a fluorescent marker for bacterial DNA such as SYTOX;(b) obtaining a negative control signal by placing only the indicator bacteria strain in the buffer containing the fluorescent marker for bacterial DNA;(c) obtaining a test signal by combining an environmental test sample with the indicator bacteria strain and the fluorescent marker for bacterial DNA in the buffer; and(d) comparing the signal generated by the test sample to that obtained for the negative control.

Abstract: A method has been disclosed for treating type 1 or 2 herpes simplex virus comprising the successive steps of:(1) topically applying to the virus-affected areas of a person suffering from said virus, a topically effective amount of an anthaquinone, containing extract having an antiviral effect of type 1 or type 2 herpes simplex virus, and(2) repeating said topical application as required until the desired antiviral effect is observed.