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Two novel pregnane glycosides, denicunine (1) and heminine (4), have been isolated from the dried stem of Hemidesmus indicus R.Br. (family: Asclepiadaceae). Chemical transformations and spectroscopic evidence viz: 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and FABMS are consistent with the structures calogenin 3-O-3-O-methyl-beta-D-fucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-O-beta-D-oleandropyranosi de and calogenin 3-O-beta-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1-->4)-O-beta-D-digitoxopyranoside+ ++, respectively.

It has been suggested that salivary characteristics are important in the progression of erosion. The aim of this investigation was to measure salivary parameters in 22 patients with erosion, 10 with normal (non-pathological) levels of reflux (Group I) and 12 with previously diagnosed pathological levels of gastro-oesophageal reflux (Group II). A further 10 subjects without evidence of erosion and no history of reflux disease acted as controls (Group III). No statistically significant differences in salivary flow rate, buffering power or the concentrations of calcium, phosphorus and fluoride were detected. The results suggest that variation in the characteristics of unstimulated and stimulated saliva collected during waking hours do not have a major role in erosion.

A processed oligosaccharide mixture of buffalo milk induced significant stimulation of antibody, delayed-type hypersensitivity response to sheep red blood cells in BALB/c mice. This also stimulated non-specific immune response of the animals measured in terms of macrophage migration index. A novel pentasaccharide has been isolated from the oligosaccharide containing fraction having immunostimulant activity of buffalo milk. This compound was isolated by a combination of gel filtration chromatography, silica gel column chromatography of derivatised oligosaccharides while the homogeneity was confirmed by high performance liquid chromatography. The results of structural analyses, i.e. proton nuclear magnetic resonance, fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry, chemical transformations and degradations are consistent with the following structure: GlcNAcbeta(1-->3)Galbeta(1-->4)GlcNAcbeta(1-->3)Gal beta(1-->4)Glc

With a view to assess the efficacy of intrathecal pentazocine for post-operative pain relief, 60 patients randomly divided into 6 equal groups were administered graded doses (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mg respectively) of pentazocine lactate, intrathecally along with 1 per cent bupivacaine. The duration of analgesia was found to be dose related till 3 mg. Higher doses did not increase the duration of analgesia nor were any untoward effects observed. It is concluded that intrathecal pentazocine is safe and effective for post-operative pain relief and 3 mg is the minimum effective dose without side effect.