Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of substantially pure silibinin from the fruit of Silybum marianum, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing it for the treatment of diseases of the liver.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prepared nutrient substrate carrier for the qualitative and quantitative determination of micro-organisms, comprising an object carrier coated with at least one nutrient substrate, which object carrier is firmly attached to a lid and, during storage and during incubation, is present in a transparent vessel which can be securely closed with a lid, wherein the coated object carrier is enclosed in an envelope during storage, said envelope being adapted to be easily removed before inoculation.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel acidic alkali citrate having the formula K.sub.6 Na.sub.6 H.sub.3 (C.sub.6 0.sub.7 H.sub.5).sub.5 . 2-4 H.sub.2 O made by dissolving either(a) trisodium citrate.times.2 H.sub.2 O, tripotassium citrate.times.1 H.sub.2 O, and citric acid in a mole ratio of 2:2:1 in 3 to 5 times the quantity by weight of boiling demineralized water, based on the weight of the citric acid and maintaining the solution at a temperature not lower than 60.degree. C.; or(b) citric acid at 90.degree. C. while stirring in .01 to 1 times its weight of demineralized water and then adding sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate to give a mole ratio of 3:3:5 of sodium carbonate: potassium carbonate:citric acid,and quick drying the homogeneous solution obtained. Therapeutic agents for the treatment of urolithiasis and removal, or preventing recurrence, of urine stones comprising said acidic alkali citrate are provided.

Abstract: Laxative compositions having particularly mild and well-tolerated action, not accompanied by toxic or side-effects, based on psyllium seeds and senna fruits are prepared by mixing separately ground psyllium seeds and senna fruits in a dry state, moistening the resulting ground mixture rapidly and uniformly with water, quickly granulating the resulting mixture and drying same in a manner preventing substantial swelling of the product to a residual moisture content of no more than 3.5% and then coating the composition with a pharmacologically acceptable material.

Abstract: The disclosed invention deals with treating urolithiasis with alizarin. Magnesium oxide and phosphate salts may also be added.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel acidic alkali citrate having the formula K.sub.6 Na.sub.6 H.sub.3 (C.sub.6 O.sub.7 H.sub.5).sub.5.2-4 H.sub.2 O made by dissolving either(a) trisodium citrate.times.2 H.sub.2 O, tripotassium citrate.times.1 H.sub.2 O, and citric acid in a mole ratio of 2:2:1 in 3 to 5 times the quantity by weight of boiling dimineralized water, based on the weight of the citric acid and maintaining the solution at a temperature not lower than 60.degree. C.; or(b) citric acid at 90.degree. C. while stirring in 0.1 to 1 times its weight of demineralized water and then adding sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate to give a mole ratio of 3:3:5 of sodium carbonate:potassium carbonate:citric acid,and quick drying the homogeneous solution obtained. Therapeutic agents for the treatment of urolithiasis and removal, or preventing recurrence, of urine stones comprising said acidic alkali citrate are provided.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an improved method for the extraction of silymarin (silymarin I-IV), in which a large part of the oil is removed from the fruits of Silybum marianum by cold pressing, the compressed mass is broken up, the pressed residue in extracted with ethyl acetate and the ethyl acetate extract is evaporated and processed.

Abstract: New 1-(2',4',6'-trihydroxyphenyl)-propanedione-(1,2)-compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is ##STR2## and their acid addition salts are particularly effective in the treatment of liver diseases.

Abstract: Aristolochic acids are obtained from aristolochic plant species by alkaline extraction, comprising:(a) extracting the aristolochic plant species in slightly alkaline medium;(b) acidifying the extract;(c) dissolving the precipitate in an organic solvent immiscible with water;(d) extracting the obtained solution with aqueous alkali;(e) acidifying the extract; and(f) separating and optionally recrystallizing the precipitated product.

Abstract: A new compound, viz., aluminum polyhydroxysulfate hydrate of the formula [Al.sub.7 (OH).sub.17 (SO.sub.4).sub.2 .multidot. n H.sub.2 O] where n equals 10-15, preferably 12, has been found to have outstanding therapeutic value in the treatment of urinary stones; the invention thus provides methods of treating phosphate conditions in the urinary passage and compositions for such treatment comprising said new aluminum compound.

Abstract: .alpha.-Amino-.beta.-(N-benzylthiocarbamoylthio)propionic acid provides strong anti-bacterial and anti-mycotic action coupled with excellent stability and tolerability when administered orally in mustard oil therapy.