Abstract: An assay for the qualitative and quantitative determination of a bioactive polysaccharide, such as acemannan, in a product, such as an aloe vera-containing product. The method uses a complexing agent to react with the bioactive polysaccharide present, if any, in the product to give a color change. The detected color change is compared with standard color changes generated by reacting the complexing agent with different known amounts of the bioactive polysaccharide, wherein differences between the color changes compared are dependent upon the presence or amount of the bioactive polysaccharide in the product. The assay can be confirmed by detecting a second color change of a different aliquot of the product with a different complexing agent.

Abstract: A method for promoting wound healing involving initiating and accelerating wound repair and tissue regeneration in an animal by systemic administration of a bioactive polysaccharide derived from aloe vera plant.

Abstract: A drink and a concentrate containing alcohol-precipitated mucilaginous polysaccharides from aloe vera leaves and its preparation is disclosed. Aloe vera mucilaginous polysaccharides, including acemannan, are precipitated from aloe vera juice and are mixed with a preservative, an antioxidant, a sweetener, and a flavorant to produce a palatable aloe vera beverage, carbonated or noncarbonated.

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: A therapeutic medical device is described that is comprised of a dried hydrogel of a hydrophilic-hygroscopic polymer, such as an unmodified or modified polymeric carbohydrate, in the form of a solid foam. The dried hydrogel is prepared by preferably freeze-drying a hydrogel of this polymer in a liquid medium, such as water. The dried hydrogel can be sterilized by radiation or other means so that the sterilized product has a relatively indefinite shelf-life without refrigeration. The resultant dried hydrogel can be transformed into a hydrogel upon absorption of addition liquid medium. The described therapeutic device can serve as a dressing for a wound or lesion, drug delivery system, a hemostatic agent and a biologic response modifier. The described therapeutic device enhances the wound healing rate.

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: Rationally designed wound cleanser that is physiologically compatible. The wound cleanser comprises a surfactant, an osmotic adjuster, a buffering agent, and water. The composition may also contain a preservative, a sudsing agent, a skin protectant, a pH adjuster, and a stabilizer.

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: Acemannan has now been discovered to be a potent inducer of Interleukin 1 (Il-1) and prostaglandin E.sub.2 (PGE.sub.2) production by human peripheral blood adherent cells in culture. Il-1 has been shown to be an important macrophage product and is associated with influencing the activity and production of T lymphocytes, fibroblasts, B lymphocytes and endothelial cells. Acemannan has no demonstrated toxicity, and acts as an adjuvant and immunoenhancer. Administration of an amount of acemannan sufficient to stimulate monocytes and macrophages not only produces Il-1 and PGE.sub.2 but also stimulates phagocytosis, increases antibody production, enhances antiviral activity in the serum and, in those patients with AIDS/ARC, produces defective HIV virus.Acemannan has been shown to affect the rate of virus production in viral vaccine master seed cultures by accelerating the rate of viral replication. In addition, acemannan is a potent adjuvant to viral vaccines in chickens.

Abstract: Processes for producing aloe extracts including the separation of the leaves of the aloe plant into distinct portions. In particular, a first process is described for producing an aloe extract which is substantially free of anthraquinone-rich yellow sap and a second process is described for extracting the active chemical substance in the aloe plant.The active chemical substance in the aloe plant is extracted from aloe leaves and its characteristic properties are described.

Abstract: Processes for producing aloe extracts including the separation of the leaves of the aloe plant into distinct portions. In particular, a first process is described for producing an aloe extract which is substantially free of anthraquinone-rich yellow sap and a second process is described for extracting the active chemical substance in the aloe plant.The active chemical substance in the aloe plant is extracted from aloe leaves and its characteristic properties are described.

Abstract: A process is described for extracting a pharmaceutically active polysaccharidic substance from the aloe plant.The pharmaceutically active polysaccharidic substance and its characteristic properties are described.

Abstract: Processes for producing aloe extracts including the separation of the leaves of the aloe plant into distinct portions. In particular, a first process is described for producing an aloe extract which is substantially free of anthraquinone-rich yellow sap and a second process is described for extracting the active chemical substance in the aloe plant.The active chemical substance in the aloe plant is extracted from aloe leaves and its characteristic properties are described.

Abstract: A process is described for extracting a pharmaceutically active polysaccharidic substance from the aloe plant.The pharmaceutically active polysaccharidic substance and its characteristic properties are described.

Abstract: Process for producing aloe extracts including the separation of the leaves of the aloe plant into distinct portions. In particular, a first process is described for producing an aloe extract which is substantially free of anthraquinone-rich yellow sap and a second process is described for extracting the active chemical substance in the aloe plant.The active chemical substance in the aloe plant is extracted from aloe leaves and its characteristic properties are described.