Abstract: Compounds having a zinc-binding moiety, such as, for example, a hydroxamic acid group, can inhibit histone deacetylase. Histone deacetylase inhibition can repress gene expression, including expression of genes related to tumor suppression. Inhibition of histone deacetylase can lead to the histone deacetylase-mediated transcriptional repression of tumor suppressor genes. For example, inhibition of histone deacetylase can provide an alternate route for treating cancer, hematological disorders, such as hematopoiesis, and genetic related metabolic disorders, such as, cystic fibrosis and adrenoleukodystrophy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a collagen accumulation inhibitor, a collagen accumulation-inhibiting method, a method for searching for a substance which regulates the type-I collagen gene transcription regulating ability and the like, said matters being useful in a medical field for a prophylaxis or the treatment of a disease caused by an excessive accumulation for a collagen (for example fibrosis).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing an alkylated salicylamide from a protected and activated salicylamide (hereinafter referred to as a “protected/activated salicylamide”). The method comprises the steps of (a) alkylating the protected/activated salicylamide with an alkylating agent to form a protected/activated alkylated salicylamide, and (b) deprotecting and deactivating the protected/activated alkylated salicylamide, simultaneously or in any order, to form the alkylated salicylamide. The alkylated salicylamides prepared by this method are suitable for use in compositions for delivering active agents via oral or other routes of administration to animals.

Abstract: Aspirin triggered lipid mediators (ATLMs) are disclosed which are useful for the treatment of prevention of inflammation associated with various diseases, including ischemia.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions that can be isolated from Lepidium plant material and to methods for their isolation. The compositions are useful for treating and preventing cancer and sexual dysfunction.

Abstract: Compounds having formula (I) in which n is 1, 2 or 3 and R1 to R6 represent, independently, branched or unbranched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-, alkenyl-, alkinyl-, cycloalkyl-, cycloalkenyl- or aromatic-radicals or hydrogen wherein these radicals may in addition contain one or more —O— and/or (a)—groups, whereby one or two rings can be built by the combination of the respective R1 to R6 and this/these ring(s) can be further substituted by an alkyl-group, in which X is either O and R7 represents a radical of an alcohol or phenol R7OH, or X is N and R7 represents the radical of an amine R7′R7″NH, whereby R7′ and R7″ represent independently, branched or unbranched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl-, alkenyl-, alkinyl-, cycloalkyl-, cycloalkenyl- or aromatic radicals or either R7′R7″ may be hydrogen, whereby the amine is a fragrant amine or the amine has more than 9 C atoms, whereby R7 of the alcohol or phenol and R7′ and/or R7″ of the a

Abstract: Omega chain modified 15-HETE derivatives and methods of their use for treating dry eye are disclosed.

Abstract: 15-HETE derivatives with enhanced metabolic stability and methods of their use for treating dry eye are disclosed.

Abstract: Fatty acid derivatives based on epoxidized unsaturated fatty acid esters or triglycerides and reacted with amines such as hydroxy- and/or amino-substituted hydrophilic amines or amino acids and/or with alkanols or with water on the epoxy group and/or the carboxylic ester groups are described. These fatty amides are suitable as surfactants in detergents and cleaners.

Abstract: A process for preparing fatty acid N-alkylpolyhydroxyamides of the formula

Abstract: Fatty acid derivatives based on epoxidized unsaturated fatty acid esters or triglycerides and reacted with amines such as hydroxy- and/or amino-substituted hydrophilic amines or amino acids and/or with alkanols or with water on the epoxy group and/or the carboxylic ester groups are described. These fatty amides are suitable as surfactants in detergents and cleaners.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a ceramide-like compound having properties of the natural ceramides, and a method for producing the same, and a cosmetic composition containing the same as a active ingredient.

Abstract: The invention relates to fatty acids conjugated to amino acids and their derivatives that elicit the production and/or release of plant volatiles compounds which attract and/or retain beneficial insects and deter herbivorous insect feeding. These conjugates also induce plants to increase production of pharmacologically important compounds such as taxol, increase fragrance of flowers, and increase production of plant essential oil. The invention also relates to methods for isolating the compounds from herbivorous insect oral secretions and to chemically synthesizing the compounds and their active derivatives.

Abstract: Water or lipid soluble, pharmacologically active, antioxidant, anti-phospholipase compounds that are chemically defined. The compounds protect mammalian cells by inhibiting PLA.sub.2 and preventing oxidation. In particular, each compound has at least two fatty moieties and no active hydroxy group. The compound may also have at least one ionizable group, which may be a carboxyl group, and each of the fatty moieties has from sixteen to twenty carbon atoms and at least one cis-unsaturated double bond.

Abstract: The invention concerns amphiphilic compounds of general formula (I) ##STR1## with at least two hydrophilic and at least two hydrophobic groups based on diacarboxylic acid diamides. The amphiphilic compounds according to the invention are mostly surface-active and are suitable for use as emulsifiers, demulsifiers, detergents, dispergents and hydrotropic agents in industry and households, for example, in the treatment of metals, ore processing, surface finishing, washing, cleaning, cosmetics, medicine and food processing and preparation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns new lipid derivatives of phosphonocarboxylic acids of the general formula I, ##STR1## in which the meaning of the symbols is elucidated in the description, tautomers thereof and their physiologically tolerated salts of inorganic and organic bases as well as processes for the production thereof and pharmaceutical agents containing these compounds.

Abstract: A process for producing an omega-functionalized aliphatic carboxylic acid starting from cyclohexanone and omega-functionalized .alpha.-olefins or acrylic esters. The process comprises an addition step, an oxidation step, an isomerization step, and one or more hydrogenation steps. The process allows to use raw materials that are available at low cost and to achieve high selectivity and high yield with industrially simple steps. The process includes the production of new intermediate products, including 2-oxepanone-7-substituted products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound which is a glycolipid analog having a novel structure represented by the formula (1): ##STR1## wherein Z represents an imino group, an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom; m is an integer of from 3 to 12; and n is an integer of from 4 to 22; and shows a potent activity of inhibiting glycosidase and has potential physiological activities, for example, antiviral activity. The invention also provides a glycosidase inhibitor which comprises said glycolipid analog as an active ingredient.

Abstract: Multiple amide polyether alcohol compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbyl of 2 to 100 carbon atoms and substituted hydrocarbyl of 2 to 100 carbon atoms; R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbyl of 1 to 100 carbon atoms, substituted hydrocarbyl of 1 to 100 carbon atoms and polyoxyalkylene alcohol of 2 to 200 carbon atoms; R.sub.5 is selected from the group consisting of alkylene of 2 to 20 carbon atoms and alkylene of 2 to 20 carbon atoms having at least one methylene group replaced by at least one oxygen atom or at least one acylated nitrogen atom; x and y are each from 1 to 50 and the weight average molecular weight of the additive compound is greater than about 600 when used as gasoline additives are found to decrease intake valve deposits.

Abstract: Inhibitors of oleamide hydrolase, responsible for the hydrolysis of an endogenous sleep-inducing lipid (1, cis-9-octadecenamide) were designed and synthesized. The most potent inhibitors possess an electrophilic carbonyl group capable of reversibly forming a (thio) hemiacetal or (thio) hemiketal to mimic the transition state of a serine or cysteine protease catalyzed reaction. In particular, the tight binding .alpha.-keto ethyl ester 8 (1.4 nM) and the trifluoromethyl ketone inhibitor 12 (1.2 nM) were found to have exceptional inhibitory activity. In addition to the inhibitory activity, some of the inhibitors displayed agonist activity which resulted in the induction of sleep in laboratory animals.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel ceramide 3 derivative which is N-linoleoylphytosphingosine (Ceramide IIIA). In addition, a method for preparing this compound is described. The solubility of this diunsaturated ceramide IIIA is much higher than the solubility of ceramide 1 and a saturated ceramide 3 compound. Compositions containing ceramide IIIA are described which are suitable for topical use. Furthermore, a method is given for maintaining the water permeability characteristics of the skin using compositions comprising ceramide IIIA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to active derivatives of sphingoid bases. Specifically, the invention relates to retinoylamide based derivatives of sphingoid bases. The present invention describes a method for obtaining these compounds. The invention also relates to the use of these compounds in cosmetic compositions.

Abstract: A compound represented by the formula (I) is disclosed. The compound of the formula (I) is useful as a fine particle drug carrier. When used as the fine particle drug carrier, the compound efficiently avoids a reticuloendothelial system and has a long circulation time in blood.

Abstract: An amide derivative represented by the following formula (1): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a C.sub.1-40 hydrocarbon; R.sup.2 represents a C.sub.1-6 alkylene; R.sup.3 represents H, OH or alkoxyl; R.sup.4 represents a C.sub.1-39 hydrocarbon; R.sup.5 represents ##STR2## with the proviso that when R.sup.5 represents ##STR3## R.sup.3 does not represent OH; and a composition of the amide derivative for topical application to human skin. The composition improves the barrier function of the stratum corneum, providing improvement and prevention of dermatitis, skin roughness, or similar disorders.

Abstract: The present invention deals with the certain novel alkanolamides which are prepared by the reaction of an alkanolamie and meadowfoam fatty, methyl ester or triglyceride. These materials are useful as cosmetic ingredients as additives to shampoo systems where outstanding liquidity, resistance to oxidation, and minimal odor variation are required.

Abstract: A method for producing a monoalkanol amide comprising the steps of (a) treating an entire amount of fatty acid with a monoalkanol amine in an amount of 0.7 to 0.95 times by mole of the amount of the fatty acid and more than 70% and not more than 90% by weight of the entire amount of the monoalkanol amine to yield a mixture mainly containing a monoalkanol amide and an amido monoester; and (b) treating the mixture obtained in step (a) with the remaining portion of the monoalkanol amine, wherein the molar ratio of the entire amount of the monoalkanol amine to that of the fatty acid is 1.0 to 1.3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of hydroxycarboxylic acid amides of the general formula (1): ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are identical or different and are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, a linear or branched alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl or alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an aralkyl group having 7 to 12 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms or an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, R.sup.3 is hydrogen or a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R.sup.4 is hydrogen or a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or R.sup.3 and R.sup.4, together with the carbon atom to which they are attached, form a five- or six-membered cycloalkane ring, and n is an integer from 1 to 12, wherein an aniline of the general formula (2) ##STR2## in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.

Abstract: The use of polyol derivatives with at least two alcoholic hydroxy groups and at least one fatty acid residue per molecule obtainable by reacting a starting polyol with a fatty acid or a fatty acid derivative, which can be obtained by using as a starting polyol diethanolamine, triethanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, dibutanolamine, and reaction products of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide with ethanolamine, isopropanolamine, butanolamine, or primary or secondary, aliphatic or aromatic amines, as internal lubricants and/or polyol with internal lubricant properties in the production of molded polyurethane parts is described. In this manner a much more uniform distribution of the internal mold lubricant and thus an increase in the ductility of the reaction mixture can be achieved, and even crosslinked polyurethane profiles can be produced by extrusion.

Abstract: Aromatic acid-derived lipophilic polyhalogenated compounds are provided for use as contrast agents in diagnostic imaging or as therapeutic agents. These compounds are particularly useful when incorporated into an oil-in-water emulsion for tissue-specific delivery to the liver. For hepatocyte-selective delivery, the emulsion is chylomicron remnant-like by being in a size range of 50 to 200 nm and having a composition simulating naturally-occuring chylomicron remnants.

Abstract: A triglyceride oil containing a membrane lipid in a concentration effective for crystallization modification the membrane lipid having a formula:C.sub.13 H.sub.27 --CH.dbd.CH--CH(OH)--CH(NHCOA.sub.2)--CH2--OA.sub.4,wherein C.sub.13 H.sub.27 -- is an unbranched alkyl chain, A.sub.2 is an unbranched C.sub.23 H.sub.47 -- hydrocarbon chain, and A.sub.4 is a sugar moiety selected from the group consisting o a monosaccharide residue, a disaccharide residue or an oligosaccharide residue, including glucose, fructose, galactose, saccharose, lactose and maltose. Said membrane is utilized to separate solid fatty materials from triglyceride oils by heating the oil in an inert solvent until a substantial amount of the solid material is no longer present, adding the membrane lipid as the crystallization modifying substance, cooling the oil to crystallize a solid stearin phase in combination with a liquid olein phase, and recovering the stearin phase by separating it from the olein phase.

Abstract: N-ethyl alkanohydroxamic acids, where said alkyl group is a straight chain alkyl group of 8 to 10 carbon atoms, or a branched alkyl group of 8 to 25 carbon atoms, provided said alkyl group is not cyclic, useful as metal chelants for use in organic solvent extractant solutions such as kerosene to extract metals from aqueous solutions by forming complexes of the extracted metal with the N-ethyl hydroxamic acid. Metals can be stripped from complexes of N-ethyl hydroxamic acids at higher concentrations into lower strength acid stripping agents. The N-ethyl hydroxamic acid-containing organic solvent extraction solutions exhibit rapid phase separation from aqueous solutions, good hydrolytic stability and resistance to forming emulsions.

Abstract: Therapeutic compounds have the formula:(X)j-(non-cyclic core moiety),j being an integer from one to three, the core moiety is non-cyclic and X is a racemic mixture, R or S enantiomer, solvate, hydrate, or salt of: ##STR1## *C is a chiral carbon atom, n is an integer from one to four (preferably from one to three), one or more carbon atoms of (CH.sub.2).sub.n may be substituted by a keto or hydroxy group, and m is an integer from one to fourteen. Independently, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 may be a hydrogen, a straight or branched chain alkane or alkene of up to twelve carbon atoms in length, or --(CH.sub.2).sub.w R.sub.5, w being an integer from two to fourteen and R.sub.5 being a mono-, di- or tri-substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, substituents on R.sub.5 being hydroxy, chloro, fluoro, bromo, or C.sub.1-6 alkoxy. Or jointly, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 form a substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic group having from four to eight carbon atoms, N being a hetero atom. R.sub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new lupane dervivatives of the general formula: ##STR1## to their salts, to their preparation and to the pharmaceutical compositions which contain them.

Abstract: N-acylated derivatives of amino acid mixtures from cereal protein hydrolysates as well as their salts are useful in cosmetic and detergent compositions.

Abstract: A method of synthesis of .omega.-hydroxy fatty acid containing ceramides having the general structure (1). ##STR1## where A represents CH.sub.2 or --CH.dbd.CH--Y represents a residue of a C.sub.14 to C.sub.22 fatty acid having the structure (2) ##STR2## where Z is --OH or an epoxy oxygenx is an integer of from 12 to 20y is an integer of from 20 to 40z is 0 or an integer of from 1 to 4a is an integer of from 8 to 50b is an integer of from 10 to 100and n is an integer of from 7 to 27.

Abstract: A compound of the formula:R--NHCOOCH(CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 CHOHCH.sub.2 OH).sub.2 (I)wherein R is a C.sub.10 -C.sub.20 alkyl, optionally unsaturated, is employed in the preparation of wax microdispersions useful particularly in cosmetic composition for the hair.

Abstract: This invention relates to compounds of structural formula (I) isolated from an aerobic fermentation of Trichoderma viride MF5628, ATCC 74084: ##STR1## which are squalene synthase inhibitors and thus useful as cholesterol lowering agents. These compounds are also potent antifungal agents. Additionally, they inhibit farnesyl protein transferase and farnesylation of the oncogene protein Ras and are thus useful in treating cancer. This invention also relates to a process for obtaining compounds of structural formula (I).

Abstract: Surface active anion-cation complexes are synthesized where an organic or organosilicon compound with at least one epoxide group is reacted with a quaternary ammonium hydrogen sulfite of the general formulaHN.sup.+ (R.sup.1).sub.3 SO.sub.3 H.sup.- IwhereinR.sup.1 within the molecule is the same or different and can be(1) an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group with 1 to 18 carbon atoms,(2) a phenyl group, or(3) a group of the formula C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 CONH--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --, in which n can be a number from 7 to 17 and m is 2 or 3,in the presence of a polar solvent in such amounts so that the molar ratio of the epoxide group to HN.sup.+ (R.sup.1).sub.3 SO.sub.3 H.sup.- is 2:1.

Abstract: N-ethyl alkanohydroxamic acids, where said alkyl group is a straight chain alkyl group of 8 to 10 carbon atoms, or a branched alkyl group of 8 to 18 carbon atoms, provided said alkyl group is not cyclic, useful as metal chelants for use in organic solvent extractant solutions such as kerosene to extract metals from aqueous solutions by forming complexes of the extracted metal with the N-ethyl hydroxamic acid. Metals can be stripped from complexes of N-ethyl hydroxamic acids at higher concentrations into lower strength acid stripping agents. The N-ethyl hydroxamic acid-containing organic solvent extraction solutions exhibit rapid phase separation from aqueous solutions, good hydrolytic stability and resistance to forming emulsions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of producing symmetrically structured difatty acid diamines by reacting mixtures of fatty acids or their esters with diamines, isolating the symmetrical difatty acid diamides from the reaction mixture by making use of their different solubilities and concentrating them by recrystallisation if necessary. The invention also provides for a process of isolating a fatty acid from a mixture of fatty acids wherein the difatty acid diamides produced in the process of the invention are saponified to yield the corresponding free fatty acid.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## R is hydrogen or --CH.sub.2 COOH; m is 0-2,x is 1-2, with the provision that when x is 2, m is always 0;R.sub.1 is CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.n O--, CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.n CONH--, CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.n NHCONH--, CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.n NHCOO--, HOOC(CH.sub.2).sub.p O-- or R.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.q O--;R.sub.2 is hydrogen, carboxy, hydroxy, nitro, amino, CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.n O--, CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.n CONH--, CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.n NHCONH--, CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.n NHCOO--, HOOC(CH.sub.2).sub.p O--, R.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.q O-- or R.sub.4 [O(CH.sub.2).sub.2 ].sub.r O--,wherein n is 0-17, p is 1-10, q is 1-12, r is 1-6,R.sub.3 is 1- or 2- naphthyloxy, 2,3- or 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl, phenyl, phenoxy or substituted phenyl or phenoxy, wherein the substituent is selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, hydroxy, nitro, amino, halo, carboxy or phenyl, andR.sub.4 is lower alkyl;and pharmaceutically acceptable salts with bases,are described.

Abstract: Tertiary amides useful as low-foam wetting agents in the textile industry have the formula I ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is straight-chain or branched C.sub.5 -C.sub.17 -alkyl or -alkenyl,R.sup.2 is straight-chain or branched C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 -alkyl,R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are each independently of the others hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, andn is from 3 to 15.

Abstract: The major component of the carbonate fraction of free acids extractable from alfalfa has shown excellent control of symptoms in patients with sickle cell disease. Its structure has been established by proton NMR spectrometry as being 16-hydroxy-9Z,12Z,14E-octadecatrienoic acid and closely related compounds, such as simple esters, amides, triglycerides, or other derivatives of the carboxylic acid function, and a method for its synthesis from linseed oil or methyl linolenate has been developed. The product from linseed oil, both in the form of the initially formed triglyceride and in the form of its free acid obtained by saponification, is useful for the treatment of sickle cell disease.

Abstract: An amide derivative represented by the following general formula (II): ##STR1## (wherein R.sup.3 represents a straight-chain or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group carrying 10 to 40 carbon atoms; R.sup.4 represents a straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon group carrying 3 to 39 carbon atoms; and R.sup.5 represents a hydrogen atom, a straight-chain or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group carrying 10 to 40 carbon atoms or an acyl group); and a dermatologic preparation containing the same.

Abstract: Novel amide derivatives have the following structure (1): ##STR1## where Y is hydrogen or an unsaturated fatty acid residue,A is an hydroxyalkyl group,B is a sugar or phosphate residue, and(C.sub.a H.sub.b) is a hydrocarbon residue with from 7 to 49 carbon atoms.The amide derivative can be employed in compositions, together with a suitable carrier, for topical application, particularly to improve damaged human skin or hair.

Abstract: Lipophilic amphoteric surface active compositions exhibiting remarkable W/O emulsifying property and good stabililty against oxidation, comprising betaines having the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 --CO is an acyl radical of estolides, R.sub.2 is an alkylene group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms and n is an integer from 1 to 3.

Abstract: A composition suitable for topical application to human skin comprises, in addition to a suitable vehicle an active ingredient which can control skin barrier functions. The active ingredient is (a) a long chain .omega.-hydroxy fatty acid or a carboxy-substituted derivative, (b) an hydroxy- or epoxy-derivative of an essential fatty acid or an ester formed between (a) and (b). Certain novel compounds of structures (a), (b) and (a)(b) esters are also claimed.

Abstract: The synthesis of polyhydroxy fatty acid amide surfactants exemplified by the compound C.sub.11 H.sub.23 C(O)N(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2 [CHOH].sub.4 CH.sub.2 OH by reacting a fatty acid ester with an N-alkyl sugar amine can result in contamination of the product surfactant by residual sources of fatty acids. These residual fatty acids may be unacceptable in high sudsing detergent compositions, such as dishwashing liquids, especially with Ca or Mg cations. The process of this invention reacts such contaminants with alkyl amines or, especially, ethanolamine, to convert them into fatty alkyl- or alkanolamides, which are quite acceptable in fully-formulated detergent compositions for home or industrial use.

Abstract: Insecticidal and acaricidal compounds of FormulaAR(CH.sub.2).sub.x O(CH.sub.2).sub.m A(CH.sub.2).sub.n (CE.sup.1 =CE.sup.2).sub.a (CE.sup.3 =CE.sup.4)CONR.sup.1 R.sup.2 (I)whereinAr is phenyl or naphthyl, in either case optionally substituted by one or more of optionally substituted C.sub.1-6 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.1-6 -alkylthio or C.sub.1-6 alkylthiooxy, halogen or optionally substituted C.sub.1-6 alkoxy,x=0 or 1m=1 to 7n=1 to 7A=CH.sub.2 or oxygena=0 or 1R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently selected from hydrogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyl and C.sub.3-6 cycloalkyl (either of which may be substituted by one or more of halo, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.2-6 alkenyl, CF.sub.2-6 alkoxy, C.sub.2-6 alkynyl, dioxalanyl and C.sub.3-6 cycloalkyl)E.sup.1, E.sup.2, E.sup.3 and E.sup.4 are independently selected from hydrogen, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, optionally substituted by halo, and nitrile, provided that at least one of E.sup.1, E.sup.2, E.sup.3 and E.sup.

Abstract: The invention relates to mixtures of amidated fatty acids or derivatives thereof of the general formula ##STR1## wherein R' is absent or an alkyl group with 2-4 C-atoms, the average value of n is 0,5 to 3 and R represents a fatty acid radical with 14-24 C-atoms obtained from oils produced from the plant species `Brassica` with an eruca acid content lower than 5%.These products are good thickeners for surfactants and/or detergents. No nitrose compounds of (di)alkanolamines, which could present a health hazard, are formed in the thickeners according to the invention.