Abstract: Purified cytotoxic proteins for use within therapeutic compositions are disclosed. The proteins inhibit protein synthesis in vitro, exhibit abortifacient activity in mice, and contain proline residues with equivalent positions at residue 43 and residue 46 in ricin A-chain. A method for preparing such a cytotoxic protein from the tissue of Trichosanthes kirilowii is also disclosed. The proteins may also be used within a method for inhibiting protein synthesis in selected cells.

Abstract: A novel hyposensitization agent was prepared by covalently attaching a saccharide to a cedar pollen allergen having a partial amino acid sequence of Ala-Ile-Asn-Ile-Phe-Asn- beginning at its N-terminal. The hyposensitization agent, when compared with an intact cedar pollen allergen, extremely accelerates the production of immunoglobulin G and M antibodies which are specific to intact cedar pollen allergen, but extremely reduces the production of immunoglobulin E antibody which is specific to the allergen. Thus, the hyposensitization agent is administrable to cedar pollinosis patients with no anaphylaxis and allergy, and cuts hyposensitization period to about 1/3 to 1/200.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel glycoprotein, extracted from the seeds of Trichosanthes kirilowii, called: trichokirin, as well as to its modified derivatives containing a free or blocked SH group.It relates to a process for its preparation, to its use and to pharmaceutical compositions in which it is present.

Abstract: A class of proteins associated with self-incompatibility alleles of plants, preferably of gametophytic self-incompatibility type, are provided. These proteins inhibit pollen tube growth in a plant style having the associated self-incompatibility allele, and have defined amino acid homologies and cross-reactivities.

Abstract: Purified cytotoxic proteins for use within therapeutic compositions are disclosed. The proteins inhibit protein synthesis in vitro, exhibit abortifacient activity in mice, and contain proline residues with equivalent positions at residue 43 and residue 46 in ricin A-chain. A method for preparing such a cytotoxic protein from the tissue of Trichosanthes kirilowii is also disclosed. The proteins may also be used within a method for inhibiting protein synthesis in selected cells.

Abstract: A novel hyposensitization agent was prepared by covalently attaching a saccharide, e.g. homo- and heteroglycans, for example, starch, amylose, dextran, polysucrose, pullulan, elsinan, curdlan, gum arabic, gum tragacanth, guar gum, xanthan gum carrageenan, pectin, cellulose, glucomannan, chitosan, and lipopolysaccharide, and their derivatives and partial hydrolysates to, a cedar pollen allergen. The hyposensitization agent can be administered to a cedar pollinosis patient without fear of eliciting anaphylaxis and allergy within a shortened hyposensitization period because the hyposensitization agent much more enhances the production of immunoglobulin G and M antibodies which are specific to intact cedar pollen allergen, but extremely reduces the production of immunoglobulin E antibody which is specific to the allergen and responsible for anaphylaxis and allergy.

Abstract: The invention includes substantially pure cultures of ATCC 53522 and mutants thereof effective in protecting plants from damping off the root rot as determinable by a defined plant protection assay. The invention further includes a protecting toxin produced by the bacteria just referred to. A seed inoculum includes an effective quantity of the bacteria or the toxin in a carrier. A method for protecting plants from damping off and root rot includes placing an effective quantity of the bacteria or toxin in the immediate vicinity of a plant to be protected.

Abstract: New calcium and magnesium complexes of phytohemagglutinin-polyheteroglycans are distinguished inter alia by cytoprotective, antiinflammatory and immunostimulating properties. They have characteristic molecular weights and distribution thereof, infrared spectra and compositions in respect of calcium and/or magnesium, phosphorus, glycans and amino acids. The preparation is carried out by extraction of the phytohemagglutinin-polyglycans with water of weakly alkaline pH from plants, in particular of the families Compositae, Malvaceae, Cucurbitaceae and Gramineae, and precipitation with an alcohol which is miscible with water. The complexes can be used for the treatment of ulcers, inflammations or viral infections, or as immunostimulant.

Abstract: An improved method for the purification of ribulose, 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBisCO) comprises comminuting and homogenizing a plant material, such as leaves, in an aqueous solution. After fractionation to release the RuBisCO, sufficient polyethylene glycol (PEG) is added to cause crystallization of the RuBisCO. It has been found that treatment of the resulting PEG supernatant first by acidification to remove other proteins, and then by addition of a strong base to remove phosphorylated sugars, allows the recycling of the PEG in the process. Moreover, it is found that the phosphorylated sugars are a valuable by-product, suitable for example as a carbon source for the culture of microorganisms.