The invention deals with the derivatives of benzilidine having basic formula as follows (I): ##STR1## wherein X can be cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone, or acetone, while Y and Z can be either electron withdrawing, electron donating or steric group. Y may or may not be the same with Z. Methyl, ethyl, methoxy group or halogen were prefered in the experiment. The benzilidine cyclohexanone, benzilidine cyclopentanone, and benzilidine acetone derivates were found to be novel compounds showing anti-bact...

The invention is directed to a process for the synthesis of curcumin and curcumin-related compounds by reacting the enol form of a 2,4-diketone with a monocarbocyclic aldehyde in the presence of an organic amine catalyst. The reactants are dissolved in a highly polar, aprotic organic solvent. The curcumin-related product is recovered in crystalline form by precipitation from the reaction mass and solvent recrystallization.

Benzylidene cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone and acteone derivatives and therapeutic methods of using same are disclosed. The compounds are non-toxic and exhibit potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidation activity. Also, certain compounds of the invention inhibit glutathione S-transferase ("GST"), but do not irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds of the invention and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are also disclosed.

Method and system for characterizing a vertical modified in situ oil shale retort prior to ignition of the retort. The retort is formed by mining a void at the bottom of a proposed retort in an oil shale deposit. The deposit is then sequentially blasted into the void to form a plurality of layers of rubble. A plurality of units each including a tracer gas cannister are installed at the upper level of each rubble layer prior to blasting to form the next layer. Each of the units includes a receive...

Cosmetic composition containing hydroxylated chalcone derivatives and its use for protecting the skin and the hair against luminous radiations, new hydroxylated chalcone derivatives employed and process for their preparation. The invention relates to a cosmetic composition for protecting the skin and the hair against UV rays comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable substrate, at least one derivative of 2-hydroxychalcone of formula: ##STR1## in which R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 denote, ...

A new anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic pharmaceutical composition is disclosed which contains a 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxystyrene derivative of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 stands for a group represented by COR.sup.3 [R.sup.3 denotes a group of OR.sup.4 (R.sup.4 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group with C.sub.1 .about.C.sub.4), an alkyl group with C.sub.1 .about.C.sub.3, a phenyl group, or an amino group], a nitro group, or an alkylsulfonyl group represented by SO.sub.2 R....

Compounds that inhibit 5-alpha-reductase are provided. The compounds are used to treat prostate cancer, breast cancer, obesity, skin disorders and baldness.

A method for the synthesis of the 2-propanone (I) is described starting from alkoxide (II) through the lactone (IV). ##STR1## Excellent control of the location of the substitution on the phenyl ring is achieved and the reaction proceeds in high yield.

Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating androgen related disorders. The pharmaceutical compositions may include a 5.alpha.-reductase inhibitor, such as natural and synthetic flavanoids, catechols, curcumin-related substances, quinones, catechins, particularly epigallocatechin derivatives, fatty acids, and the salts, esters, analogues, pro-drugs, isomers, racemic mixtures, or derivatives of any of the foregoing. The use of testosterone (or DHT) combinations with the aforementioned 5....

This invention relates to novel polyhydroxy curcumins of the formula (I), wherein R and R.sup.1 may be same or different and are selected from H, OH and OCH.sub.3. This invention also includes a process for synthesising the above polyhydroxy curcumins by reacting substituted aromatic alhehydes with a diketone in the presence of boron oxide, alkyl borate and a primary or secondary amine catalyst. If desired, the resulting compounds can be deprotected by known means. These compounds are used as an...