Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing an extract comprising a mixture of madecassoside, terminoloside and optionally asiaticoside, an extract of Centella asiatica comprising more than 75 wt % of a mixture of madecassoside, terminoloside and asiaticoside, relative to the extract total weight, an extract of Centella asiatica comprising more than 95 wt. % of a mixture of madecassoside and terminoloside relative to the extract total weight and their use for regulating inflammatory mechanisms.

Abstract: A compound of formula (1): wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of H, ?-L-Rhamnopyranose, ?-D-Mannopyranose, ?-D-Xylopyranose, ?-D-Glucopyranose, and ?-D-Arabinopyranose; R2 is selected from CH3, COOH, CH2OH, COOCH3 and CH2O-?-D-Arabinopyranose; with the proviso that the compound of formula (I) is not a compound of formula (I) wherein R1 is ?-D-Glucopyranose and R2 is COOH; wherein R1 is ?-L-Rhamnopyranose and R2 is CH3; wherein R1 is ?-D-Glucopyranose and R2 is CH2OH; wherein R1 is ?-D-Xylopyranose and R2 is CH2OH; wherein R1 is ?-L-Rhamnopyranose and R2 is COOCH3, wherein R1 is H and R2 is CH3; wherein R1 is H and R2 is CH2OH; wherein R1 is H and R2 is COOH; or wherein R1 is H and R2 is COOCH3, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: Process for harvesting plants from the Apocynaceae family comprising the steps of: (a) removing the plants from the soil, (b) leaving the intact plants to cure for a period of at least 1 day, (c) cutting up the cured plants, (d) further drying the cut plants, to obtain dried plant material comprising the steroidal glycoside having the formula (2):

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for reducing L-pipecolic acid concentrations and/or effects in animals. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of reducing plasma concentrations of L-pipecolic acid in animals including administering an effective amount of a composition including saponins. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of reducing anorectic effects of L-pipecolic acid in animals including administering an effective amount of a composition including saponins. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: A flavonoid solubilization agent capable of highly solubilizing flavonoids such as isoflavone, baicalin, rutin and naringin whose solubility is generally low; and a method of effecting the above solubilization. Flavonoids can be solubilized by causing a flavonoid and soybean saponin and/or malonyl isoflavone glycoside to be co-present in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: 3-O-?-D-Glucopyranosyl-4-methyl-ergost-7-en-3-ol or a composition containing 0.001 to 10% by dry mass of the aforementioned compound, which is an extract of a plant of the family Liliaceae or a fraction thereof containing the compound, is used as an active ingredient of a drug for improving pancreatic functions.

Abstract: Steroid compounds having increased resistance against metabolism and increased water solubility are disclosed, together with methods for their production. These substances are suitable for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of steroid related or steroid induced CNS disorders and for use in methods of prevention, alleviation or treatment of such disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for increasing telomerase activity in cells. Such compositions include pharmaceutical, including topical, and nutraceutical formulations. The methods and compositions are useful for treating diseases subject to treatment by an increase in telomerase activity in cells or tissue of a patient, such as, for example, HIV infection, various degenerative diseases, and acute or chronic skin aliments. They are also useful for enhancing replicative capacity of cells in culture, as in ex vivo cell therapy and proliferation of stem cells.

Abstract: The invention discloses the use of a smilagenin in the treatment of cognitive dysfunction and similar conditions. Methods of treatment, and pharmaceutical compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention concerns novel methods of enhancing the solubility of a compound. Compositions prepared using such methods are also disclosed. Compositions prepared using the methods have various advantages over conventionally known compositions.

Abstract: Orlistat is an oral lipase inhibitor that blocks the absorption of ingested fats from the small intestines, to enable proven weight loss. Fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies can be a consequence of orlistat use, especially if used for a long time without medical supervision. The present invention comprises a fat-soluble-only vitamin complex, specifically for use with orlistat, which vitamin complex contains a significantly increased amount of vitamin D, to prevent osteoporosis and to reduce fracture risk.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for skin care comprising administering an the water insoluble fraction of Astragalus membranaceus, or astragaloside compounds to a subject in need thereof at an effective amount for improving skin texture, reducing wrinkles, UV protection, and anti-aging effect.

Abstract: This invention discloses compositions of chloroquine-coupled active agents, including methods for their preparation. The prior art has shown that chloroquines given as free drug in high enough concentration, enhances the release of various agents from cellular endosomes into the cytoplasm. The purpose of these compositions is to provide a controlled amount of chloroquine at the same site where the active agent is delivered, thereby reducing the overall dosage needed. The compositions comprise a chloroquine substance coupled to an active agent directly or through a variety of pharmaceutical carrier substances. The carrier substances include polysaccharides, synthetic polymers, proteins, micelles and other substances for carrying and releasing the chloroquine compositions in the body for therapeutic effect. The compositions can also include a biocleavable linkage for carrying and releasing active agents for therapeutic or other medical uses.

Abstract: Process for preparing a composition comprising one or more steroidal glycosides, comprising the steps of: (a) harvesting Hoodia plants, (b) cutting up the harvested plants, (c) drying the cut plants, whereby exposure to UV light during the drying step is avoided, such that the total UV dose is less than about 0.5 kJ/m2 to obtain dried plant material.

Abstract: 3-O-?-D-Glucopyranosyl-4-methylergost-7-en-3-ol or a composition containing 0.001% by mass or more of the aforementioned compound, which is an extract of a plant of the family Liliaceae containing the compound or a fraction thereof, is used as an active ingredient of a hyperglycemia improving agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhibitor for the biosynthesis of gelatinase comprising ginsenoside F1 (20-O-?-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxatriol) or compound K (20-0-?-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol), which is a chief metabolite of ginseng saponin, as an active ingredient; and a cosmetic/medical composition for the prevention of skin-aging comprising the same which is superior in inhibiting the decomposition of epidermal-dermal junction and also in accelerating the generation thereof.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of chemical restructuring of pharmaceutical agents known to cause tissue toxicity as a side effect, by producing their orotate derivatives. More particularly, it concerns orotate derivatives of the anthracyclines, doxorubicin and daunorubicin, that are found to reduce levels of the pharmaceutical agent in noncancerous tissues. There orotate derivatives are equally efficacious in inhibiting the SCCAKI-1 kidney tumor in animals and the reduction in the heart tissue of doxorubicin compared with doxorubicin HCl suggests a reduction in toxicity induced by free radical generation by the anthrracyclines.

Abstract: A method for accelerating the process of removing ethanol from the blood through the use of certain additives that accelerate the metabolic oxidation of ethanol, and others which in addition act as catalysts or “pseudo” enzymes for the oxidation. These additives include multivalent transition metal ions, as well as complexes thereof, and NAD+ which enhance the oxidation reaction. The method described can act as a sobriety inducer and/or as an effective palliative for the unpleasant effects of overuse of ethanol.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel method for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (Type I, Impaired Glucose Tolerance [“IGT”] and Type II) by administering a therapeutically effective amount of one or both ?-glucosidase inhibitor namely paniculoside IV and ent-16, 17-dihydroxy-(?)-kauran-19-oic acid to humans and animals.

Abstract: A phyto-pharmacological substance, namely a saponin, precursor or derivative, with emulsifying/detergent/surfactant/fat dissolving properties administered into the systemic circulation of a subject via a variety of routes of administration including the topical-dermatological such as a skin patch, the oral-digestive in association with solubility or permeability or stability enhancers, alone or in synergitic combination, the topical-mucous membrane administration such as the sublingual route, the intravenous, subcutaneous, rectal, intramuscular, intradermal, inhalatory in form of inhaled microcrystals, the intrarterial, the saponin substance reaching and dissolving with its emulsifying properties the cholesterol aggregates and in general the lipidic core within the atherosclerotic plaque.

Abstract: An inherently nourishing edible appetite suppressant product comprising a steroidal glycoside, preferably obtainable from plants of the Asclepiadaceae family, the product being in the unit serving, having a weight of from 20 to 600 grams, and having the energy density of from 1.6 to 23 kilojoules per gram of product. A dietary regimen is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating patients suffering from renal failure and concomitant cardiovascular disease with a low dose of the cardiac glycoside known as digoxin, and novel dosage forms to accomplish the method and to perform other uses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bait matrix which includes a gelling agent and a pesticide. The bait matrix is useful for controlling pests by attracting and poisoning them. The gel matrix is substantially weatherproof and hence can be used when exposed to the weather.

Abstract: This present invention discloses use of a chloroform/solvent mixture extraction at different solvent-to-feed ratios, followed by evaporation and extraction with ethyl acetate/water; followed by chromatography of the water phase in Teflon or other non-polar resin and Silica gel column chromatography for recovering of individual triterpene glycosides (saponins) of high purity from the freeze dried or spray dried cooking water or dried powderized tissues of the industrial processed sea cucumber Cucumaria frondosa. A resulting glycoside Frondoside A stimulates lysosomal activity of peritoneal macrophages, phagocytosis and oxidative burst in the macrophages at concentrations significantly less than for acute toxicity, hemolysis and sea urchin embryo toxicity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel saponin tigogenin penta glycoside isolated from the aerial parts of Chlorophytum nimonii and a process for the isolation thereof as well as its use in anti-hyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activities.

Abstract: A method for preventing and or reducing the symptoms of insulin resistance and a related syndrome in persons comprises identifying persons having or at risk for having such symptoms, and administering to them an effective amount of a composition comprising niacin-bound chromium that prevents or reduces the symptoms. Compositions incorporating niacin-bound chromium and additional compounds also are disclosed that are particularly effective in synergistically preventing or reducing these symptoms.

Abstract: A method for preventing and or reducing the symptoms of insulin resistance and a related syndrome in persons comprises identifying persons having or at risk for having such symptoms, and administering to them an effective amount of a composition comprising niacin-bound chromium that prevents or reduces the symptoms. Compositions incorporating niacin-bound chromium and additional compounds also are disclosed that are particularly effective in synergistically preventing or reducing these symptoms.

Abstract: The invention provides a number of methods for enhancing the aqueous solubility of an active ingredient which is insoluble or sparingly soluble in water. In one preferred embodiment, solubilization of the active ingredient is enhanced by combining it with ?-cyclodextrin in an aqueous complexation medium comprising ?-cyclodextrin and a negatively- or positively-charged compound which forms an inclusion or non-inclusion complex with ?-cyclodextrin and its inclusion complexes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Ca2+ channel blockers and more particularly to the R-type Ca2+ channel blockers. More specifically, the invention relates to Ca2+ channel blockers activity of Mandevilla velutina and Mandevilla illustris. The present invention further concerns saponin-like compounds isolated from Mandevilla species. The present invention also relates to the treatment of several pathologies that involve the nifedipine-insensitive but isradipine sensitive steady-state R-type Ca2+ channel and the use of steady-state R-type Ca2+ channel blockers in the treatment of these pathologies.

Abstract: A method for promoting angiogenesis in a patient comprising providing crosslinkable biological solution to the target tissue, wherein the crosslinkable biological solution is loaded with at least one angiogenic agent. In one embodiment, the at least one angiogenic agent is a non-protein factor selected from a group consisting of ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Re, combination thereof and the like. In another embodiment, the crosslinkable biological solution of the present invention is broadly defined in a form or phase of solution, paste, gel, suspension, colloid or plasma that may be solidifiable thereafter.

Abstract: This invention pertains to therapeutic antibacterial/antifungal-wound healing compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of antibacterial agents and/or antifungal agents and/or wound healing composition alone. In one embodiment, the wound healing composition comprises (a) zinc oxide; (b) calcium channel blocker, and (c) fat-soluble vitamins admixed with antibacterial and antifungal agents. The therapeutic antibacterial/antifungal-wound healing compositions may be utilized in a wide variety of pharmaceutical products and administered orally or topically.

Abstract: The present invention relates (a) to new compounds represented by Formula I: wherein M represents a macrolide subunit (macrolide moiety) derived from macrolide possessing the property of accumulation in inflammatory cells, S represents a steroid subunit (steroid moiety) derived from steroid drug with anti-inflammatory activity and L represents a linker molecule linking M and S, (b) to their pharmacologically acceptable salts, prodrugs and solvates, (c) to processes and intermediates for their preparation, and (d) to their use in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and conditions in humans and animals. Such compounds inhibit many cytokines and immune mediators involved in immune responses which cause inflammation, allergy, or alloimmunity, including without limitation IL-1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, GMCSF, ICAM, and TNF-?. Importantly, anti-inflammatory steroids exert a direct anti-inflammatory effect through binding to the glucocorticosteroid receptor.

Abstract: The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions, particularly vaccine compositions, employing an adjuvant system comprising RC-529 (an aminoalkyl glucosaminide phosphate compound) and QS-21 (a saponin). Such compositions synergistically enhance the immune response in a mammal to a co-administered antigen. Also provided are methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various human diseases, including cancer, microbial infections and autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide the use of glycyrrhizin and its derivatives for inhibition of MCP-1 production. The present invention discloses an MCP-1 production inhibition method and pharmaceutical composition for the same comprising administration of glycyrrhizin and its derivatives in an amount effective for said inhibition to mammals in which migration of monocytes or T lymphocytes is increased, or production of IL-10 is increased, and inhibition of said increase is desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a sapogenin, chosen from diosgenin and hecogenin, and/or of a plant extract containing at least one of these sapogenins. A preferred use is the treatment of oligoseborrheic dry skin. Another preferred use is the treatment of dry scalp. Compositions containing these sapogenins are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inclusion complex of Rifampicin and cyclodextrin (CD) that can be used as an anti-tubercular drug. The present invention also relates to a process for synthesizing inclusion complexes of the anti-tubercular drug, Rifampicin, with ?-CD (?-cyclodextrin) and HP-?-CD (2-hydroxy propyl cyclodextrin) and characterization of these inclusion complexes.

Abstract: Highly safe cytokine production inhibitors, agents for protecting and promoting liver function, anti-inflammatory agents and immunosuppressants. Brazilian licorice extract and periandrins, which are constituents thereof, have excellent characteristics of showing effects of inhibiting cytokine production and protecting and promoting liver function, an anti-inflammatory effect and an immunosuppressive effect without any harmful side effects. Thus use of Brazilian licorice extract or periandrins as cytokine production inhibitors makes it possible to inhibit inflammations in various diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. These substances are also usable as agents for protecting and promoting liver function, anti-inflammatory agents and immunosuppressants. Moreover, foods, cosmetics, sweeteners and food materials containing Brazilian licorice extract exert the effects as described above.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a method for the separation of a triglycoalkaloid in which the triglycoside portion comprises ?-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1?2gal)-O-?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?3gal)-?-D-galactopyranose (or 6-deoxy-?-L-mannopyranosyl-(1?2)-O-[?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?3)]-?-D-galactopyranoside) (‘an rhamnose-glucose-galactose triglycoalkaloid’) from a triglycoalkaloid in which the triglycoside portion is ?-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1?2glu)-O-?-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1?4glu)-?-D-glucopyranose (‘a rhamnose-rhamnose-glucose triglycoalkaloid’) in a mixture containing both, the method comprising the steps of: Combining the mixture with a portion of alcoholic solvent; Causing or allowing a substantial portion of the rhamnose-rhamnose-glucose triglycoalkaloid to dissolve, thereby generating an alcoholic solution substantially of the rhamnose-rhamnose-glucose triglycoalkaloid, and a solid substantially comprising the rhamnose-glucose-galactose triglycoalkaloid; and Separating the solid substantially com

Abstract: A method for the prophylaxis or treatment of an inflammatory bowel disease is provided, comprising administering to a patient having or at risk of developing an inflammatory bowel disease a therapeutically or preventatively effective amount of one or more ribofuranose derivatives having the Formula (I): wherein R is a group selected from a carboxamide, an amidine, and pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, and the configuration at the C2 carbon of the ribofuranose moiety is D or L. The one or more ribofuranose derivatives (I) may be used in combination with further active agents such as antivirals or agents effective against inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract: Androgen glycosides provide free, circulatory androgen on oral administration as they are subject to less, first pass breakdown by the liver.

Abstract: This invention discloses a compound (I) of the following formula. This invention also includes a method for extracting the compound (I), and a pharmaceutical composition containing the compound (I). The extracting method includes the following steps: taking the corpus radicis and/or radix fibrosa of a ginseng spp. plant—ginseng or pseudo-ginseng, extracting with industrial alcohol and n-butanol to extract the total saponins, and then purifying by silicon gel column chromatography and reversed phase column chromatography to obtain the compound (I). The compound (I) and pharmaceutical composition can be used to cure acute ischemic cerebral-vascular diseases.

Abstract: The synergistic combination of a loop diuretic and a cardiac glycoside is useful in the treatment of DNA viral infections.

Abstract: A method for prophylaxis or treatment of a mammal, particularly human, at risk for a fibrogenic disorder is disclosed. The compositions and methods of the invention are directed both to treatments for existing fibrogenic disorders and prevention thereof. Such disorders include, but are not limited to, connective tissue diseases, such as scleroderma (or systemic sclerosis), polymyositis, systemic lupus erythematosis and rheumatoid arthristis, and other fibrotic disorders, including liver cirrhosis, keloid formation, interstitial nephritis and pulmonary fibrosis. A therapeutic composition according to the invention includes, as a therapeutic agent, an inhibitor of a collagen promoter in a pharmaceutically acceptable inert carrier vehicle, preferably for local, and particularly topical, application. Exemplary inhibitors include those that interfere with heat shock protein 90 (Hsp 90) chaperone function, e.g.

Abstract: The process entails increasing the concentration of cyclodextrin to 15% (w/w) and above to form complexes through a precipitation process in order to increase the yield of complexes, increase the amount of guest complexed, and decrease the particle size of the complex.

Abstract: Sugar-modified SIN-1 compositions are provided. The compositions are useful for generating NO in response to hydrolytic activity of a glycosidase specific for the O-glycosidic bond between the sugar and SIN-1 moieties. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the sugar-modified SIN-1 compositions and methods of using the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel adjuvant compositions, which target the cellular and/or humoral arms of immunity. According to an embodiment of the invention, an oil-in-water adjuvant composition is provided that comprises: (a) water; (b) a metabolizable oil comprising at least one branched or unbranched long-chain hydrocarbon moiety; (c) a steroid; and (d) a saponin.

Abstract: Methods for effecting mammary secretion of milk from an animal, without the benefit of an immediately preceding pregnancy are provided. An exemplary embodiment the method comprises elevating an animal's estradiol and progesterone blood level sufficient to maintain a milk-secretion stimulating amount for approximately 5 to 12 consecutive days, wherein the day of the first elevation is defined to be day 0; and elevating an animal's somatotropin blood level sufficient to maintain a milk-secretion stimulating amount for at least 20 days from day 0. In any embodiment the method also optionally includes administering to the animal a milk-secretion stimulating amount of dexamethasone on approximately day 13 of the treatment. Furthermore, any embodiment the method may also optionally include adjusting the photo-period to which the animal is exposed in order to stimulate milk secretion. Any embodiment the method may also include physical stimulation of the animal's mammary gland.

Abstract: A novel mammalian dihydroouabain-like factor is disclosed which substantially fails to cross-react with mammalian ouabain-like factor (OLF) for binding to anti-OLF antibody, but cross-reacts with plant-related dihydroouabain (dho) for binding to anti-dho antibody, has maximal u.v. absorbance at 196 nm, has a non-peptidic, non-lipidic chemical structure and a fully hydrogenated lactone ring, has a concentration-dependent Na+,K+-ATPase (sodium pump) catalytic inhibitory activity which is 10-fold lower than OLF and 3-fold higher than plant-related dihydroouabain, and a high pressure liquid chromatography elution time about the same as dho. This factor is useful for therapy for congestive heart failure. An antibody and antibody fragments having affinity for mammalian Dh-OLF but not for OLF, and diagnostic and therapeutic methods comprise the antibody and means for quantifying the antibody and are useful for treating a condition caused by high level of OLF or Dh-OLF.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the chemical synthesis of solanum glycosides, in particular to the synthesis of solamargine as well as to novel &bgr;-monosaccharide Intermediate compounds.

Abstract: A composition for accelerating the disposal of ethanol from bodily fluid. Certain additives can accelerate the metabolic oxidation of ethanol, and others in addition act as catalysts or “pseudo” enzymes for the oxidation. Additives include the oxidant Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide and a variety of other additives such as transition metal ions and complexes thereof which favor the oxidation reaction. The compositions described can act as a sobriety inducer and/or as an effective palliative for the unpleasant effects of overuse of ethanol.