Abstract: A method to synthesize benzyl group protected alpha-pentagalloylglucose (?-PGG) and related compounds. The method comprises the steps of: suspending a highly reactive acylation agent and an acylating catalyst in a donor solvent; adding ?-D-glucose or an analogue thereof to the mixture; reacting the mixture at room temperature for a time sufficient for reaction to occur; evaporating the solvent; taking up the residue in an appropriate solvent; filtering the residue and solvent mixture; and evaporating off the solvent.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive, and efficient method for,separation and purification of the ?- and ?-FORMS OF penta-O-galloyl-D-glucose (PGG) without the need for HPLC. The methods provided herein are useful for separating ?-PGG or ?-PGG from a mixture that contains ?-PGG and ?-PGG and other chemicals. The method for separation of ?-PGG from a mixture of ?-PGG and ?-PGG comprises the steps of adding water to a sample containing 50% or morec ?-PGG and 50% or less ?-PGG; mixing the PGG and watcr to dissolve thc, PGG; filtering out any undissolvcd particles; and allowing the filtercd solution to stand undisturbcd until crystals form.

Abstract: Methods for modulating diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, gestational diabetes and glucose resistance in a mammal, particularly a human. In one embodiment the method comprises administering a gallotannin composition to a mammal in need of the same. The gallotannin composition comprises one or more select hydrolysable gallotannins. In another embodiment the method comprises administering a gallotannin variant composition comprising one ore more select gallotannin variant compounds to the subject. Methods of preventing or treating weight gain in a subject. The method comprises administering the gallotannin composition of the present invention, the gallotannin variant composition of the present invention, or a combination of the gallotannin composition of the present invention and the gallotannin variant composition of the present invention to the subject.

Abstract: A partially purified plant extract for treating subjects who are hyperglycemic is provided. The partially-purified plant extract comprises a plurality of water soluble compounds having a molecular weight greater than 800 and less than 1500 grams/mole. One of the compounds in the partially-purified plant extract is the hydrolysable gallotannin known as penta-O-galloyl-D-glucose. The partially-purified plant extract is substantially free of triterpenoids, including corosolic acid and high molecular weight ellagitannins, i.e., ellagitannins having a molecular weight of greater than 1500 grams/mole. In a highly preferred embodiment, the partially purified plant extract is derived from the tropical plant Lagerstroemia Speciosa. L, which is also known as banaba. The present invention also relates to a method of using the present partially-purified extract to treat subjects who are hyperglycemic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gene expression system in eukaryotic cells. In particular, it relates to a self-initiating and self-sustaining gene expression system utilizing an RNA polymerase prebound to a DNA construct before the introduction of the complex into cells. This system is capable of functioning in the cell cytoplasm without integration into the genome of host cells, and does not require host cell factors for initiation and maintenance of gene expression. Therefore, the invention has a wide range of applications in in vitro and in vivo gene expression, including gene therapy in resting cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gene expression system in eukaryotic cells. In particular, it relates to a self-initiating and self-sustaining gene expression system utilizing an RNA polymerase prebound to a DNA construct before the introduction of the complex into cells. This system is capable of functioning in the cell cytoplasm without integration into the genome of host cells, and does not require host cell factors for initiation and maintenance of gene expression. Therefore, the invention has a wide range of applications in in vitro and in vivo gene expression, including gene therapy in resting cells.