Therapeutic value of Ginkgo biloba in reducing symptoms of decline in mental function.

The Chinese tree Ginkgo biloba or "maiden hair tree" is extensively cultivated for the exploitation of the medicinal properties of its leaves. From these, a well-defined extract designated "EGb 761" has been developed, which was commercialized initially as Tanakan, Tebonin and Rokin; a similar product, Kaveri (LI 3170), also exists. The major therapeutic applications for these products are "cerebral insufficiency", other cerebral disorders, neurosensory problems and peripheral circulatory disturbances.

Computerized methods of neuropsychological assessment.

There is an increasing trend towards computerization in medicine, including cognition. Nine systems of assessment are reviewed in this article. A number of initiatives involving these systems are in their infancy, and the development of computerized testing is having an influence on their definition.

Polyphloretin phosphate (PPP) antagonists of prostaglandin action also inhibit prostaglandin biosynthesis in-vitro.

Several polyphloretin phosphate (PPP) fractions (low mol. wt LC1259; high mol. wt LC1261; crude mixture, LC101) were confirmed in their established property as antagonists of the pharmacological actions of prostaglandins in a preparation of guinea-pig isolated ileum stimulated by prostaglandin (PG)E2.

Comparative effects of (+)-propranolol and nonoxynol-9 on human sperm motility in-vitro.

Using the modified transmembrane migration method to measure sperm motility, it was shown that the surfactant nonoxynol-9 alone, was twice as potent as (+)-propranolol alone as a spermicidal agent. Addition of (+)-propranolol to nonoxynol-9 shifted the dose-response curve to the left of the curves for either component alone, and a surprising synergistic action was evident. These observations may form the basis for the development of a new advantageous topical contraceptive combination product.

Beta-adrenoceptor antagonists and human sperm motility.

Several beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents have been evaluated for spermicidal activity using a transmembrane migration method. The rank order of potency of the active compounds was: penbutolol greater than (+)-propranolol greater than bufuralol greater than (-)-alprenolol greater than oxprenolol greater than metoprolol. Atenolol, pindolol, practolol, tolamolol were without activity.