Abstract: Sesquiterpenes obtainable from the fungal strain Acremonium strictum XO6/15/458, and phannaceutically and veterinarily acceptable salts thereof, are inhibitors of the binding of benzodiazepine to the GABA-benzodiazepine-Cl ionophore receptor complex. These compounds are prepared by (i) fermenting, in a source of carbon, nitrogen and inorganic salts, fungal strain XO6/15/458 (IMI 354451) or a mutant thereof which produces the sesquiterpenes, (ii) isolating the sesquiterpenes from the fermentation medium; and (iii) if desired, converting the sesquiterpene into a pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable salt.

Abstract: Described are novel reversible photochromic benzopyran compounds, examples of which are compounds substituted at the 2-position of the pyran ring with a dibenzo-fused 5 member heterocyclic compound; other enumerated substituents at the other 2-position of the pyran ring; and a substituted or unsubstituted benzo, benzothieno or benzofurano group fused to the benzo portion of the benzopyran. Also described are organic host materials that contain or that are coated with such compounds. Articles such as ophthalmic lenses or other plastic transparencies that incorporate the novel benzopyran compounds or combinations thereof with complementary photochromic compounds, e.g., spiro(indoline) type compounds, are also described.

Abstract: Described are novel reversible photochromic diaryl-3H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyran compounds having a substituted or unsubstituted, five or six member heterocyclic ring fused to the g, i, or l side of the naphthopyran. The heterocyclic ring contains an oxygen or nitrogen atom and is attached to the number 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 carbon atom of the naphtho portion of the naphthopyran. Also described are organic host materials containing such compounds. Articles such as ophthalmic lenses or other plastic transparencies that incorporate the novel naphthopyran compounds or combinations thereof with complementary photochromic compounds, e.g., spiro(indoline)oxazine-type compounds, are also described.

Abstract: A process for the production of ambergris-type labdane spiroketals of general formulae I and II ##STR1## where R represents oxygen or sulphur, useful in the perfumery industry, the said process being characterized by the intramolecular cyclisation of the epoxyketone or its thio analog of general formula III ##STR2## where R.sub.1 represents COCH.sub.3 and R.sub.2 oxygen or sulphur.

Abstract: Described are novel reversible photochromic benzopyran compounds, examples of which are compounds having the 2,3 position of a benzofurano or benzothieno group fused to the f, g, or h side of the benzopyran, or a benzo group fused to the f side of the benzopyran, and (i) a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl and (ii) a substituted or unsubstituted benzothienyl or benzofuranyl group attached (via the 2 or 3 position of the group) at the 2 position of the pyran ring. Also described are organic host materials that contain or that are coated with such compounds. Articles such as ophthalmic lenses or other plastic transparencies that incorporate the novel benzopyran compounds or combinations thereof with complementary photochromic compounds, e.g., spiro (indoline) type compounds, are also described.

Abstract: Described are novel reversible photochromic benzopyran compounds, examples of which are compounds substituted at the 2 position of the pyran ring and have fused at the benzo portion of the benzopyran a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic ring such as a benzothieno or benzofurano group. Also described are organic host materials that contain or that are coated with such compounds. Articles such as ophthalmic lenses or other plastic transparencies that incorporate the novel benzopyran compounds or combinations thereof with complementary photochromic compounds, e.g., spiro(indoline) type compounds, are also described.

Abstract: Methods, compounds and compositions are provided for inhibiting the growth of mycobacteria and gram-positive organisms in vitro and of treatment of mycobacterial and gram-positive infections in vivo using compounds of the formula (I) or (II): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen, halogen, amino or loweralkyl; and R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of --CONR.sub.4 R.sub.5, --(CH.sub.2).sub.n- NR.sub.4 R.sub.5, --NHCO--NR.sub.4 R.sub.5 and --NHCO.sub.2 R.sub.4, wherein R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are selected from hydrogen, loweralkyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkylaryl, arylaryl, aryoxy, aryloxyaryl, aryloxyarylalkyl, arylalkoxy, arylalkoxyaryl, arylalkoxyarylalkyl, arylalkoxyaryl, alkenyl, alkynyl and heterocycle, or R.sub.4 and R.sub.

Abstract: The invention discloses novel triterpene derivatives of azadirachtin of the formulae 2 to 11 of the drawings and a process for isolating new triterpene derivatives of azadirachtin from the various parts of the neem plant(Azadirachta indica A-Juss), which process comprises grinding the parts of the neem plant to get a powder, extracting the powder with a binary immiscible solvent consisting of one polar and another non-polar solvent in a ratio of 1:2 to obtain an extract, filtering the extract to get a filtrate having two layers, one layer containing lipids and the other layer containing the new triterpene derivatives of azadirachtin and water soluble constituents including sugars, separating the layers by known methods, concentrating the layer containing the new triterpenes of the formulae 2-11 including derivatives of azadirachtin and water soluble salts, treating the resultant concentrate with a polar solvent and if necessary, warm the concentrate having the solvent, and filtering/decanting the resultant so

Abstract: Polycyclic compounds (I) can be prepared in accordance with the following reaction formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 -R.sub.8 each represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted benzyloxy group or neighboring two groups of R.sub.1 -R.sub.

Abstract: Novel oxolabdanes, intermediates and processes for the preparation thereof, and methods for reducing intraocular pressure utilizing compounds or compositions thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel 3-substituted-2-oxindole derivatives which are inhibitors of prostaglandin H.sub.2 synthase, 5-lipoxygenase and interleukin-1 biosynthesis. The compounds of the invention are useful as inhibitors of prostaglandin H.sub.2 synthase and interleukin-1 biosynthesis, per se, and as analgesic, antiinflammatory and antiarthritic agents in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said 3-substituted-2-oxindole derivatives; to methods of inhibiting prostaglandin H.sub.2 synthase and biosynthesis of interleukin-1; and to treating chronic inflammatory diseases in a mammal with said compounds. Further, this invention relates to certain novel carboxylic acids useful as intermediates in the preparation of the 3-substituted-2-oxindole derivatives of this invention and to a process for the preparation of the 3-substituted-2-oxindole derivatives.

Abstract: Novel polycyclic pyranyl compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and their use as anti-viral agents are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of regioselectively and stereoselectively synthesizing forskolin (8,13-epoxy-1.alpha.,6.beta.,7.beta.,9.alpha.-tetrahydroxylabd-14-en-11-on e) from 9-deoxyforskolin (8,13-epoxy-1.alpha.,6.beta.,7.beta.-trihydroxylabd-14-en-11-one) with a good yield is described. In a preferred embodiment, it comprises an enol ether formation from 8,13-epoxy-1.alpha.,6.beta.,7.beta.-trihydroxylabd-14-en-11-one-6,7-carbon ate, oxidation of the enol ether with a suitable peroxy acid to obtain 11,12-dehydro-8,13-epoxy-11-methoxy-1.alpha.,6.beta.,7.beta.,9.alpha.-tetr ahydrolabd-14-ene-6,7-carbonate and hydrolysis of the latter under an acidic condition to obtain 8,13-epoxy-1.alpha.,6.beta.,7.beta.,9.alpha.-tetrahydroxylabd-14-en-11-one -6,7-carbonate. As an alternative way of protecting the two hydroxy groups at carbon-6 and carbon-7, they may also be converted to dimethyl acetal during the synthetic sequence. Four compounds produced in the synthetic scheme as intermediates, namely, 9,11-dehydro-8,13-epoxy-11-methoxy-1.

Abstract: A process for the production of stable azadirachtin solutions comprising extracting ground neem seeds with a solvent having azadirachtin solubility to produce an aqueous-containing azadirachtin extract solution and then adding an effective amount of 3-4 Angstrom molecular sieves to selectively remove water from the extract to yield a storage-stable azadirachtin solution having less than 5% water by volume.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a hydroxyl group or an acyl radical of a straight-chained or branched, saturated or, when R.sub.2 is an acyl radical other than an acetyl radical and/or R.sub.4 is a hydrogen atom and/or R.sub.5 is a hydrogen atom or an alkoxy radical, unsaturated monocarboxylic acid containing up to 10 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 is a hydroxyl group or an acyl radical of a straight-chained or branched, saturated or, when R.sub.1 is an acyl radical and/or R.sub.4 is a hydroxyl group and/or R.sub.5 is a hydrogen atom or an alkoxy radical, unsaturated monocarboxylic acid containing up to 10 carbon atoms, R.sub.3 is an acetyl or methyl radical, R.sub.4 is a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group or an acetyl radical and R.sub.5 is a hydrogen atom, an alkoxy radical containing up to 6 carbon atoms (not only in the .alpha.- but also in the .beta.-position) or an additional bond to C22.

Abstract: A method of regioselectively and stereoselectively synthesizing forskolin (8,13-epoxy-1.alpha.,6.beta.,7.beta.,9.alpha.-tetrahydroxylabd-14-en-11-on e) from 9-deoxyforskolin (8,13-epoxy-1.alpha.,6.beta.,7.beta.-trihydroxylabd-14-en-11-one) with a good yield is described. In a preferred embodiment, it comprises an enol ether formation from 8,13-epoxy-1.alpha.,6.beta.,7.beta.-trihydroxylabd-14-en-11-one-6,7-carbon ate, oxidation of the enol ether with a suitable peroxy acid to obtain 11,12-dehydro-8,13-epoxy-11-methoxy-1.alpha.,6.beta.,7.beta.,9.alpha.-tetr ahydrolabd-14-ene-6,7-carbonate and hydrolysis of the latter under an acidic condition to obtain 8,13-epoxy-1.alpha.,6.beta.,7.beta.,9.alpha.-tetrahydroxylabd-11-one-6,7-c arbonate. As an alternative way of protecting the two hydroxy groups at carbon-6 and carbon-7, they may also be converted to dimethyl acetal during the synthetic sequence. Four compounds produced in the synthetic scheme as intermediates, namely, 9,11-dehydro-8,13-epoxy-11-methoxy-1.alpha.

Abstract: A method of regioselectively and stereoselectively synthesizing forskolin (8,13-epoxy-1.alpha.,6.beta.,7.beta.,9.alpha.-tetrahydroxylabd-14-en-11-on e) from 9-deoxyforskolin (8,13-epoxy-1.alpha.,6.beta.,7.beta.-trihydroxylabd-14-en-11-one) with a good yield is described. In a preferred embodiment, it comprises an enol ether formation from 8,13-epoxy-1.alpha.,6.beta.,7.beta.-trihydroxylabd-14-en-11-one-6,7-carbon ate, oxidation of the enol ether with a suitable peroxy acid to obtain 11,12-dehydro-8,13-epoxy-11-methoxy-1.alpha.,6.beta.,7.beta.,9.alpha.-tetr ahydrolabd-14-ene-6,7-carbonate and hydrolysis of the latter under an acidic condition to obtain 8,13-epoxy-1.alpha.,6.beta.,7.beta.,9.alpha.-tetrahydroxylabd-14-en-11-one -6,7-carbonate. As an alternative way of protecting the two hydroxy groups at carbon-6 and carbon-7, they may also be converted to dimethyl acetal during the synthetic sequence. Four compounds produced in the synthetic scheme as intermediates, namely, 9,11-dehydro-8,13-epoxy-11-methoxy-1.

Abstract: Racemic and chiral (2R,4R)-4-c-hydroxy-2-4-(substituted)chroman(and thiochroman)-4-acetic acids and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, their use in the treatment of diabetic complications and intermediates therefor.

Abstract: A method of regioselectively and stereoselectively synthesizing forskolin (8,13-epoxy-1.alpha.,6.beta.,7.beta.,9.alpha.-tetrahydroxy-labd-14-en-11-o ne) from 9-deoxyforskolin (8,13-epoxy-1.alpha.,6.beta.,7.beta.-trihydroxylabd-14-en-11-one) with a good yield is described. In a preferred embodiment, it comprises an enol ether formation from 8,13-epoxy-1.alpha.,6.beta.,7.beta.-trihydroxylabd-14-en-11-one-6,7-carbon ate, oxidation of the enol ether with a suitable peroxy acid to obtain 11,12-dehydro-8,13-epoxy-11-methoxy-1.alpha.,6.beta.,7.beta.,9.alpha.-tetr ahydrolabd-14-ene-6,7-carbonate and hydrolysis of the latter under an acidic condition to obtain 8,13-epoxy-1.alpha.,6.beta.,7.beta.,9.alpha.-tetrahydroxylabd-14-en-11-one -6,7-carbonate. As an alternative way of protecting the two hydroxy groups at carbon-6 and carbon-7, they may also be converted to dimethyl acetal during the synthetic sequence. Four compounds produced in the synthetic scheme as intermediates, namely, 9,11-dehydro-8,13-epoxy-11-methoxy-1.

Abstract: A method of regioselectively and stereoselectively synthesizing forskolin (8,13-epoxy-1.alpha.,6.beta.,7.beta.,9.alpha.-tetrahydroxylabd-14-en-11-on e) from 9-deoxyforskolin (8,13-epoxy-1.alpha.,6.beta.,7.beta.-trihydroxylabd-14-en-11-one) with a good yield is described. In a preferred embodiment, it comprises an enol ether formation from 8,13-epoxy-1.alpha.,6.beta.,7.beta.-trihydroxylabd-14-en-11-one-6,7-carbon ate, oxidation of the enol ether with a suitable peroxy acid to obtain 11,12-dehydro-8,13-epoxy-11-methoxy-1.alpha.,6.beta.,7.beta.,9.beta.-tetra hydrolabd-14-ene-6,7-carbonate and hydrolysis of the latter under an acidic condition to obtain 8,13-epoxy-1.alpha.,6.beta.,7.beta.,9.alpha.-tetrahydroxylabd-14-en-11-one -6,7-carbonate. As an alternative way of protecting the two hydroxy groups at carbon-6 and carbon-7, they may also be converted to dimethyl acetal during the synthetic sequence. Four compounds produced in the synthetic scheme as intermediates, namely, 9,11-dehydro-8,13-epoxy-11-methoxy-1.

Abstract: Xanthone derivatives of the formula (I): ##STR1## (wherein W, X, Y and Z which may be the same or different represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a lower alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; A is hydrogen atom or together with Z forms a --CH.sub.2 -- group which binds to a phenyl carbon adjacent the phenyl carbon to which the oxygen of the group ##STR2## is attached to form a cyclic methylene chain; B is a hydroxymethyl group, a lower alkoxycarbonyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a carboxyl group, provided that W is neither a hydrogen atom nor a 7-position methyl group when X, Y and Z are each a hydrogen atom, and A is a hydrogen atom and B is a carboxyl group or a lower alkoxycarbonyl group), as well as non-toxic salts thereof when B is a carboxyl group, and a process for preparing the same are disclosed.The compounds of formula (I) in accordance with the present invention are useful as diuretics having uricosuric activity and can be used in the treatment of edema or hypertension.

Abstract: The invention relates to substituted 4-aminomethylene-chromans and chromens of Formula (I) infra, as well as methods for making of said chromans and chromens, compositions containing said chromans and chromens and methods for the use of said chromans, chromens and compositions containing said chromans and chromens. The compounds and compositions of the invention are useful for their circulation influencing activity.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing viral infections, in particular rhinovirus infections comprising the administration of an effective amount of a flavan derivative of formula (I). ##STR1## Pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, and some novel compounds are also disclosed.