Abstract: The present invention provides an improved synthesis of a class of steroid saponins. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method of selectively discriminating between the C2 and C3 hydroxyl groups of a mono-glycosylated steroid saponin—a key step in the preparation of this class of compounds. Additionally, the present invention provides a range of steroid saponin derivatives, and methods of making them.

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 ailments. They are also useful for enhancing replicative capacity of cells in culture, as in ex vivo cell therapy and proliferation of stem cells.

Abstract: Provided are several types of ginsenoside polymorphic substances and a method for preparing same. In particular, new crystal form A, crystal form B, crystal form C, crystal form E, crystal form F, crystal form I, crystal form K, crystal form L, crystal form M, crystal form N, and crystal form O are involved.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a novel vascular leakage inhibitor. The novel vascular leakage inhibitor of the present invention inhibits the apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells, inhibits the formation of actin stress fibers induced by VEGF, and enhances the cortical actin ring structure, thereby inhibiting vascular leakage. Accordingly, the vascular leakage inhibitor of the present invention can prevent or treat various diseases caused by vascular leakage. Since the vascular leakage inhibitor of the present invention is synthesized from commercially available or easily synthesizable pregnenolones, it has remarkably superior feasibility of commercial synthesis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for selective synthesis of 1,2-cis-?-linked glycosides which does not require the use of the specialized protecting group patterns normally employed to control diastereoselectivity. Thioglycoside acceptors can be used, permitting iterative oligosaccharide synthesis. The approach eliminates the need for lengthy syntheses of monosaccharides possessing highly specialized and unconventional protecting group patterns.

Abstract: The flavonoid luteolin reduces amyloid-? peptide (A?) generation. Luteolin is also a selective GSK-3 inhibitor that 1) decreases amyloidogenic ?-secretase APP processing, and 2) promotes presenilin 1 (PS1) carboxyl-terminal fragment (CTF) phosphorylation. GSK-3? activity is essential for both PS1 CTF phosphorylation states and PS1-APP interaction. These findings were validated in vivo, using a Tg2576 Alzheimer's Disease model system. Luteolin treatment decreased soluble A? levels, reduced GSK-3 activity, and disrupted PS1-APP association. In addition, Tg2576 mice treated with diosmin, a glycoside of a flavone structurally and functionally similar to luteolin (diosmetin), displayed significantly reduced A? pathology as well.

Abstract: Provided is the novel sweetener and sweetness enhancer iso-mogroside V, compositions comprising the sweetener/sweetness enhancer for use in consumables (food products and products place in the oral cavity including mouth wash and other dental hygiene products), and sweetened or sweetness enhanced food products comprising the novel sweetener/sweetness enhancer.

Abstract: Provided are a number of compounds structurally related to OSW-1, a natural compound that binds OSBPs. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the OSW-1 analogs, as well as methods for use of these OSW-1 analogs, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, enantiomers, or stereoisomers thereof in the treatment of atherosclerosis. Alzheimer's disease, and cancer, including p21-deficient cancer. Conjugates of OSW-1 analogs with monoclonal antibodies, including monoclonal antibodies targeted to cancer cells, are also provided. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the conjugates, as well as methods for use of these conjugates, in the treatment of cancer, including p21-deficient cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides glycoside compounds, methods of preparing such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and a method for the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases using the same.

Abstract: Smilaxchinoside F compound and its separation method are disclosed. The compound has the structure as following. The use of Smilaxchinoside F in the manufacture of a medicine for treating abnormal angiogenesis and its relating diseases is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides therapeutically active compounds and compositions as NMDA and MC receptor antagonists, which are useful in treating central nervous system disorders by over-activation of NMDA and/or MC receptors. In one aspect, the present invention provides methods of enhancing brain's cognitive function and reducing neuronal cell death in mammals and humans.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds of formula I, II, III, or IV: wherein R1 to R11, X, and Y have any of the values defined in the specification. The compounds inhibit Na, K-ATPase ?4 and are useful as contraceptive agents.

Abstract: Bringing membrane proteins into aqueous solution generally requires the use of detergents or other amphiphilic agents. The invention provides a new class of amphiphiles, each of which includes a multi-fused ring system as a lipophilic group. These new amphiphiles confer enhanced stability to a range of membrane proteins in solution relative to conventional detergents, leading to improved structural and functional stability of membrane proteins, including integral membrane proteins. Accordingly, the invention provides new amphiphiles for biochemical manipulations and characterization of membrane proteins. These amphiphiles display favorable behavior with membrane proteins and can be used to aid the solubilization, isolation, purification, stabilization, crystallization, and/or structural determination of membrane proteins.

Abstract: This invention describes a process for producing a fraction enriched with jujubogenin and psudojujubogenin lycosides from Bacopa species, wherein the total Bacopa saponin concentration is up to 100% when estimated by HPLC method of analysis. The present invention also describes the processes for the enrichment of new compositions and individual saponin compounds from Bacopa monnieri to more than 95% purity. It further describes an analytical HPLC method for the estimation of total Bacopa saponin fraction and its use in therapeutic applications. This invention also includes two Bacopa saponin 3-O-[?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?3)-?-D-glucopyranosyl] jujubogenin and 3-O-[?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?3)-?-D-glucopyranosyl] pseudojujubogenin herein referred to as bacopaside N1 of general formula (1) and bacopaside N2 of general formula (2) respectively.

Abstract: CAY-1 is a fungicidal saponin from the cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens) fruit. The saponins 1081 and 919, closely elute with, and are close structural relatives of, CAY-1. Saponin 1081 is poorly antifungal while 919 has no antifungal properties. Nongerminated and germinating conidia of Aspergilus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, and F. verticilioides were tested against pure CAY-1 and CAY-1:1081:919 at ratios of 8:1:1, 6:2:2 and 4:3:3 and efficacy was determined after various incubation times. Pure CAY-1 and all saponin mixtures were significantly (p<0.001) lethal to the germinating conidia of A. flavus, A. niger, and F. solani. All saponin mixtures were equal or superior to pure CAY-1 in antifungal properties. Mixtures of the naturally occurring inactive or poorly fungicidal saponins with reduced levels of CAY-1 display superior fungicidal properties when compared to pure CAY-1 at the same dose levels.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each of the variables listed above are as defined and described herein, compositions thereof, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: As described herein, the present invention provides methods for preparing compounds useful for treating or lessening the severity of a neurodegenerative disorder. The present invention also provides methods of treating or lessening the severity of such disorders wherein said method comprises administering to a patient a compound of the present invention, or composition thereof. Said method is useful for treating or lessening the severity of, for example, Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: In one aspect, the instant invention provides novel compounds and pharmaceutical compositions useful for treating proliferative diseases such as cancer. In another aspect, the invention provides methods of using certain compounds in the treatment of proliferative diseases such as cancer. In particular, the instant invention provides methods of treating ocular cancer (e.g., retinoblastoma) using intraarterial infusion to administer inventive compounds locally to the eye of a subject with an ocular cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an AMPK activating material used for improving and treating metabolic syndrome, in which AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) is a main enzyme for regulating an energy sensor and lipid/glucose metabolism in the body. The activation of AMPK inhibits the synthesis of fat and cholesterol, and accelerates the reduction of body fat and blood glucose, thereby improving obesity, diabetes, and hyperlipidaemia. The disclosed AMPK activating material contains, as active ingredients having an improving and treating effect on metabolic syndrome, including obesity, diabetes, and hyperlipidaemia, a novel compound 2?,3?,12?-trihydroxydammar-20(22)-E,24-diene-3-O-[?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?)-?-D-glucopyranoside], named Damulin A, and a novel compound 2?,3?,12?-trihydroxydammara-20,24-diene-3-O-[?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?)-?-D-glucopyranoside], named Damulin B.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for continuous separation and purification of ginsenosides, whereby supercritical fluid technology is used to feed Ginseng extract liquor and supercritical solvent continuously into a separation tank at 20-30 Mpa and 40-60° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel antiviral product, its use in the treatment of hepatitis C, and its process of manufacture. More particularly it relates to a characterised product exhibiting antiviral activity against Hepatitis C virus (HCV). In one embodiment there is provided a single herb Astragalus extract, or an active fraction thereof, for use as an antiviral in the treatment of hepatitis C.

Abstract: The present invention features novel withanolides, as well as analogs and salts thereof, for use in the treatment of proliferative disease, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease and inflammatory disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuous preparation method of ginseng ginsenosides and polysaccharides, whereby the ginseng extract liquor and supercritical solvent are poured continuously into a separation tank at 10-30 MPa and 40-60° C. as well as a preset flow rate; so the ginseng extract liquor can be separated in the separation tank to obtain ginsenosides and polysaccharides at different positions of the separation tank.

Abstract: Four novel water soluble cholesterol derivative compounds are disclosed. These compounds have various applications in studies of membrane proteins, including drug screening and studies of receptor stability and folding. In one aspect the water soluble cholesterol derivatives disclosed may be used to replace cholesterol in micelle-solubilized membrane protein preparations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for use in treating or preventing neoplasia, comprising an effective actein. The present invention also provides a composition for use in treating or preventing neoplasia, comprising an effective anti-neoplastic amount of an ethyl acetate extract of black cohosh. The present invention further provides a combination of anti-neoplastic agents, comprising an effective anti-neoplastic amount of an ethyl acetate extract of black cohosh and an effective anti-neoplastic amount of at least one additional chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic agent. Methods for treating and preventing neoplasia are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing high-purity ginsenoside Rd using Lactobacillus casei, more particularly to a method for preparing high-purity ginsenoside Rd using Lactobacillus casei and an anti-wrinkle cosmetic composition comprising the high-purity ginsenoside Rd as an active ingredient. Since the method of the present invention is simple and can economically prepare high-purity ginsenoside Rd extract, it may make the best use of anti-wrinkle effect of the ginsenoside Rd. In addition, the present invention can increase stability and decrease skin irritation by preparing water-soluble molecular capsule of high-purity ginsenoside Rd, thereby having advantage of increasing applicability ginsenoside Rd radically.

Abstract: Provided are steroid analogues functionalized with polar substituents at the C3 and/or C20 positions of the steroid ring system that exhibit improved water solubility. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the steroid analogues and methods using the novel steroid analogues for the treatment and prevention of neurodegeneration in a patient following injury to the central nervous system.

Abstract: As described herein, the present invention provides compounds useful for treating or lessening the severity of a neurodegenerative disorder. The present invention also provides methods of treating or lessening the severity of such disorders wherein said method comprises administering to a patient a compound of the present invention, or composition thereof. Said method is useful for treating or lessening the severity of, for example, Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for preparing cycloastragenol monoglucoside CMG (cycloastragenol-6-O-?-D-glucoside), comprising the steps of: a. using astragaloside IV or Astragali extracts prepared by a conventional method as raw materials and adding an appropriate solvent thereinto to form a raw material solution; b. adding hydrolase and allowing for hydrolysis at a constant temperature to obtain a hydrolysate; c. separating the hydrolysate with macroporous adsorption resin; and d. obtaining the product by purification and separation. The present invention further provides cycloastragenol-6-O-?-D-glucoside prepared according to the method of this invention as well as its use in the preparation of a medicament for treating cardiovascular diseases and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same.

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 ailments. 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 provides a synthetic route from sarsasapogenin to timosaponin BII and related compounds. A diketone intermediate is provided, which can advantageously be used for in situ assembly of complex sugar moieties of the desired glycone end product. The diketone compound is then selectively reduced using a borohydride reducing agent to form the desired end product, certain of the end products and intermediates are novel compounds perse.

Abstract: A process for preparing a bioabsorbable sheet preparation holding thrombin is provided. A process for preparing a bioabsorbable sheet preparation holding thrombin which comprises immersing a bioabsorbable sheet consisting of polyglycolic acid in a thrombin solution containing thrombin as an active ingredient, glycerol as a softening agent, Tween 80 as a permeating agent, and optionally histidine and trehalose as a stabilizing agent followed by drying to hold thrombin on said bioabsorbable sheet, and a bioabsorbable sheet preparation holding thrombin prepared by said process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds, as well as to compositions, methods and kits comprising such compounds, for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, myofascial pain syndrome, Gulf War syndrome and related conditions, wherein the compound is a fatty acid oxidation inhibitor and/or a carbohydrate oxidation activator.

Abstract: Treatments for conditions involving detrimental activity of the enzyme core 2 GlcNAc-T are provided using compounds of the formula I wherein R1 is H, —OH, C1-6 alkoxy, —NR5R6, or Sac 1; R2 is H, —OH, C1-6 alkoxy or Sac 2; R3 is H, —OH, C1-6 alkoxy or Sac 3; R4 is H, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 hydroxyalkyl or C1-6-alkoxy-C1-6-alkyl; R5 is H, C1-6 alkyl or C1-6 acyl; R6 is H, C1-6 alkyl or C1-6 acyl; Sac 1 Sac 2 and Sac 3 are independently selected saccharide moieties; and Z is a steroid moiety; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ether or ester form thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides therapeutically active compounds and compositions as NMDA and MC receptor antagonists, which are useful in preventing and treating central nervous system disorders by inhibiting over-activation of NMDA and/or MC receptors. In one aspect, the present invention provides methods of treating and/or preventing neurodegenerative diseases and neuropathological disorders, methods of providing neuroprotection under stress conditions such as a stroke, methods of enhancing the brain's cognitive functions and methods of treating depression, anxiety and cachexia induced by a chronic disease in mammals and humans.

Abstract: As described herein, the present invention provides methods for preparing compounds useful for treating or lessening the severity of a neurodegenerative disorder. The present invention also provides methods of treating or lessening the severity of such disorders wherein said method comprises administering to a patient a compound of the present invention, or composition thereof. Said method is useful for treating or lessening the severity of, for example, Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Unique compounds that can be used for inducing an immune response to Borrelia burgdorferi in a subject by administering a therapeutically effective amount of the glycolipid to the subject. Such administration is particularly useful for preventing or treating Lyme disease in a subject. The compounds(s), and therapeutically acceptable salts thereof, may be formulated into pharmaceutical or immunogenic compositions.

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 invention features compounds of formulas I or II: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof, as well methods for modulating the effects of local and systemic hypoxic events using the compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the measurement of an analyte in biological samples whereby an uncompetitive inhibitor is coupled to a ligand and utilized in a homogeneous assay. The analyte can be a drug or drug derivative, hormone, polypeptide, or oligonucleotide. The present invention also provides novel compounds, assay reagents and packaged kits useful for performing such measurements.

Abstract: A synthetic method of 20(s)-ginsenoside Rh2, that is 20(S)-protopanaxdiol-3-O-?-D-glucopyranoside, is comprised of: protecting protopanaxdiol (A1) selectively first to produce monosubstituted protopanaxdiol (A2); and Glycosidating the monosubstituted protopanaxdiol with Glucopyranosyl donor in the presence of Lewis acid catalyst; Deprotecting the product; Then separating and purifying to obtain 20(s)-ginsenoside Rh2. The method is conducted under mild condition at low cost, and affords product with high stereoselectivity, high yield and purity. Therefore, the synthetic method of the present invention is suitable for production on large scale.

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: This invention describes a process for producing a fraction enriched with jujubogenin and psudojujubogenin lycosides from Bacopa species, wherein the total Bacopa saponin concentration is up to 100% when estimated by HPLC method of analysis. The present invention also describes the processes for the enrichment of new compositions and individual saponin compounds from Bacopa munnieri to more than 95% purity. It further describes an analytical HPLC method for the estimation of total Bacopa saponin fraction and its use in therapeutic applications. This invention also includes two Bacopa saponin 3-O-[?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 3)-?-D-glucopyranosyl] jujubogenin and 3-O-[?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 3)-?-D-glucopyranosyl] pseudojujubogenin herein referred to as bacopaside N1 of general formula (1) and bacopaside N2 of general formula (2) respectively.

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

Abstract: A process for the preparation of desglucodesrhamnoruscin which comprises the enzymatic hydrolysis of Ruscus Aculeatus steroid glycosides (ruscosaponins) by means of crude hydrolases from aspergillus niger.

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 present invention relates generally to a configurable array of probes for assaying targets within a fluid. The probes are contained within optical traps which allows for alterations in the selection and re-configuration of the quantity or quality of probes in the array. Moreover, the array is dynamic in that once configured the optical traps may allow for independent repositioning of a given optical trap and contained probe.

Abstract: Methods for evolving recombinase protein homologues and RecA/VirE2 fusion proteins which complement VirE2 deficient Agrobacterium are provided. The use of recombinase protein homologues and RecA/VirE2 fusion proteins in the context of Agrobacterium mediated transformation are provided. Methods for producing transgenic organisms by homologous recombination using evolved recombinase proteins and Agrobacterium strains which express recombinase protein homologues or RecA/VirE2 fusion proteins are provided. Transgenic cells and organisms which have integrated an exogenous DNA sequence into a predetermined site in their genome are provided.