Two new diterpenoids, sarcophytins B and C, from the Indian Ocean soft coral Sarcophyton species

Two new diterpenoids, sarcophytins B and C (1, 2), and the previously known sarcophytin (4) have been isolated from the Indian Ocean soft coral Sarcophyton sp. Structures of 1 and 2 were established by spectral data and supported by X-ray analysis of 1.     

Efficacy of nimodipine in the prophylaxis of migraine

The efficacy of nimodipine in the prophylaxis of migraine was assessed in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study carried out on 33 patients, 20 of whom suffered from classic and 13 from common migraine. Four patients dropped out, but not as a result of the side effects of the drug. The duration of drug treatment was 8 weeks. The dosage used was 30 mg four times daily. Nimodipine proved to be better than placebo, the number of migraine attacks and severity of headache showing a significant reduction. The drug was well tolerated and no marked side effects were noted. The results suggest that nimodipine is a useful new prophylactic drug for migraine, but further studies are needed before its final value can be evaluated.