Abstract: In-situ gelation of a pectic substance. Composition, method of preparation, and method of use of a pectin in-situ gelling formulation for the delivery and sustained release of a physiologically active agent to the body of an animal. The pectin can be isolated from Aloe vera.

Abstract: A composition combining an extracellular matrix-degrading protease and a growth factor related to epithelial cell functions together without inactivation or degradation of the growth factor by the protease. Preferably, the protease is plasmin/plasminogen or a related one, and the growth factor is KGF or a related one. The combination associates two independent, but synergistic functions essential to the re-epithelialization process or healing process, i.e, stimulating epithelial cell proliferation/differentiation and facilitating its migration by clearing the extracellular matrix components. The combination may be constructed in various ways and can be used to treat wounds or any other disease conditions involving cells of epithelial origin or any other cell types that the growth factor may affect.

Abstract: A composition combining an extracellular matrix-degrading protease and a growth factor related to epithelial cell functions together without inactivation or degradation of the growth factor by the protease. Preferably, the protease is plasmin/plasminogen or a related one, and the growth factor is KGF or a related one. The combination associates two independent, but synergistic functions essential to the re-epithelialization process or healing process, i.e, stimulating epithelial cell proliferation/differentiation and facilitating its migration by clearing the extracellular matrix components. The combination may be constructed in various ways and can be used to treat wounds or any other disease conditions involving cells of epithelial origin or any other cell types that the growth factor may affect.

Abstract: The inventions disclosed herein relate to compositions for the sustained release of pharmacological agents comprising pectins having a combination of both a high molecular weight and a low degree of methoxylation.

Abstract: Substantially dry mixture having solid-containing complex carbohydrate and a water-soluble pharmaceutical auxiliary is dispersible in water. The dry mixture can also contain simple sugar and starch. A dispersible, or soluble, mixture having solid-containing complex carbohydrate, originated or derived from a processed plant, and processes of preparation of the mixture. The processed plant can be Aloe vera.

Abstract: In-situ gelation of a pectic substance. Composition, method of preparation, and method of use of a pectin in-situ gelling formulation for the delivery and sustained release of a physiologically active agent to the body of an animal. The pectin can be isolated from Aloe vera.

Abstract: Pectins having a combination of unexpectedly high molecular weights and low degrees of methylation have been isolated. These high molecular weight, low degree of methylation pectins form gels at unexpectedly low concentrations. Such pectins can be obtained by extracting homogenized Aloe Vera plants or portions thereof. These pectins can be used to prepare pharmaceutical compositions comprising pharmacological agents encapsulated in a pectin gel, for application to animals and humans so as to provide controlled release of the pharmacological agent.

Abstract: Substantially dry mixture having solid-containing complex carbohydrate and a water-soluble pharmaceutical auxiliary is dispersible in water. The dry mixture can also contain simple sugar and starch. A dispersible, or soluble, mixture having solid-containing complex carbohydrate, originated or derived from a processed plant, and processes of preparation of the mixture. The processed plant can be Aloe vera.

Abstract: A composition combining an extracellular matrix-degrading protease and a growth factor related to epithelial cell functions together without inactivation or degradation of the growth factor by the protease. Preferably, the protease is plasmin/plasminogen or a related one, and the growth factor is KGF or a related one. The combination associates two independent, but synergistic functions essential to the re-epithelialization process or healing process, i.e, stimulating epithelial cell proliferation/differentiation and facilitating its migration by clearing the extracellular matrix components. The combination may be constructed in various ways and can be used to treat wounds or any other disease conditions involving cells of epithelial origin or any other cell types that the growth factor may affect.

Abstract: Pectic substance from Aloe Vera and other sources is used as a stabilizer and a delivery vehicle for pectin/heparin-binding proteins, such as pectin/heparin binding growth factors. Aloe pectin, a naturally occurring LM (low methoxyl) pectin, binds to pectin/heparin-binding growth factors, i.e., bFGF, aFGF, and KGF of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family and TGF-&bgr;1 of transforming growth factor-&bgr; (TGF-&bgr;) family. Commercial LM or HM (high methoxyl) citrus pectins tested did not exhibit any binding activity with bFGF. A weak binding to bFGF was observed with a de-esterified pectin (polygalacturonic acid) prepared from citrus. The binding protected the growth factor from protease digestion. The calcium gel beads prepared with Aloe pectin also bound to these pectin/heparin-binding growth factors. The growth factor could also be encapsulated in the pectin calcium gel and Aloe pectin sodium gel. Pectin/heparin-binding growth factor stabilized by pectin is used for wound healing.

Abstract: Pectic substance from Aloe Vera and other sources is used as a stabilizer and a delivery vehicle for pectin/heparin-binding proteins, such as pectin/heparin binding growth factors. Aloe pectin, a naturally occurring LM (low methoxyl) pectin, binds to pectin/heparin-binding growth factors, i.e., bFGF, aFGF, and KGF of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family and TGF-&bgr;1 of transforming growth factor-&bgr; (TGF-&bgr;) family. Commercial LM or HM (high methoxyl) citrus pectins tested did not exhibit any binding activity with bFGF. A weak binding to bFGF was observed with a de-esterified pectin (polygalacturonic acid) prepared from citrus. The binding protected the growth factor from protease digestion. The calcium gel beads prepared with Aloe pectin also bound to these pectin/heparin-binding growth factors. The growth factor could also be encapsulated in the pectin calcium gel and Aloe pectin sodium gel. Pectin/heparin-binding growth factor stabilized by pectin is used for wound healing.

Abstract: Pectins from gel and rind cell wall fibers of Aloe vera are extracted, isolated and identified. Two classes of Aloe pectin are obtained: the high-molecular-weight (HMW) pectin and the low-molecular-weight (LMW) pectin. Aloe pectins have a low methoxyl (LM) content. Aloe pectins form gel in the presence of calcium, and they, especially, the HMW pectin, form monovalent cation-based gels at low temperature, which revert back to solution when brought to room temperature. The HMW Aloe pectin-calcium gel is used for controlled release. The monovalent cation-based gel is used as a matrix for storing pharmacological substances and also for antigen and antibody precipitation reaction.

Abstract: A bifurcated method to process an aloe whole leaf by processing the aloe fillet and the aloe rind separately and subsequently combine the products from these separate processes, and the use of the final combined product.

Abstract: A bioactive Factor produced, separated and isolated from either an aloe vera leaf or a product derived and processed from an aloe leaf, such as raw aloe vera gel, freeze-dried aloe vera gel extract, bulk acetylated mannan and bulk pharmaceutical mannan, utilizing different sizing processes, their processes or preparations, and their uses. The process of sizing can be accomplished by centrifugation, filtration, ultrafiltration, chromatography, dialysis, selective precipitation, pH adjustment, irradiation, homogenizing, or a combination of such processes. Compounding or mixing two or more different bioactive Factors from aloe at various concentration ratios, each Factor with its own specific bioactivity or bioactivities, to obtain a new bioactive Factor having desired optimal additive or synergistic effects.

Abstract: Acemannan has been shown to be effective in treating a number of conditions where the principal mechanism of resolution or cure requires intervention by the patient's immune system. Acemannan has direct stimulatory effects on the immune system. Methods for treating cancer, viral diseases, respiratory and immune regulatory diseases, inflammations, infections and infestations by administering an acetylated mannan derivative, such as acemannan derived from aloe, are described. The method finds use in tissue cultures, animals and plants.

Abstract: Method for reducing symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis in an animal by administering to the animal an effective amount of an acetylated polymeric mannan derivative.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of sarcoma, carcinoma and lymphoma in an animal by administering to the animal an effective amount of a polymeric acetylated mannan derivative.

Abstract: A method of adhering a denture, having a biocontact surface, to a gum or a roof of a mouth, containing the steps of: (1) Treating the biocontact surface of the denture with a denture adhesive composition containing a chemical substance derived from an aloe leaf to obtain a treated denture; and (2) placing the treated denture in close proximity to a gum or the roof of the mouth thereby engaging the treated denture with the gum or the roof of the mouth. A method of preparing a denture adhesive composition containing a chemical substance derived from an aloe leaf.

Abstract: Methods of prevention and treatment of infections and infestations in an animal by administering to the animal an effective amount of an acetylated mannan derivative.

Abstract: Methods of treating inflammatory diseases in an animal by administering to the animal an effective amount of a polymeric acetylated mannan derivative of aloe origin.