Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for extracting the oleaginous substances from sporoderm-broken Ganoderma spores using SCF—CO2. The method contains the steps of: (1) inducing germination of Ganoderma spores by incubating the spores in a nutritional solution; (2) activating the Ganoderma spores by placing the germination-induced spores in a well ventilated culture box kept at constant temperature and humidity; (3) breaking the Ganoderma spores by a mechanical means to obtain the sporoderm-broken spores; and (4) extracting the oleaginous substances from the sporoderm-broken spores using a supercritical fluid—carbon dioxide (SCF—CO2) extraction method. The preferred supercritical conditions include 5 M to 60 M Pa of pressure; 32° C. to 85° C. of temperature; and 5 kg/h to 80 kg/h of flow capacity rate. The total extraction time in SCF—CO2 is between 0.5 hour to 6 hour.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for practical in vitro synthesis of gangliosides and other glycolipids. The synthetic methods typically involve enzymatic synthesis, or a combination of enzymatic and chemical synthesis. One or more of the enzymatic steps is preferably carried out in the presence of an organic solvent.

Abstract: Maltose products are prepared by hydrolyzing starch with an enzyme that consists essentially of a beta-amylase enzyme. The product thus prepared may be spray dried, or a high purity maltose product may be obtained therefrom via ultrafiltration. The high purity maltose product has a low content of glucose and saccharides in the DP 3-10 range.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydrothermal bacterial strain of marine origin, belonging to the genus Vibrio, and an exopolysaccharide produced by said strain. Said exopolysaccharide is useful in particular for preparing medicines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rapid and efficient method for the preparation and isolation of biologically active polysaccharides from Aloe. The present invention includes the activated mixture of polysaccharides (referred to herein as “Immuno-10”), produced by the methods of the invention. The invention also includes the use of the polysaccharides as immunostimulating, immunomodulating and wound healing agents. The resulting imrnunomodulatory complex has a higher activity and is more stable than bulk carbohydrates isolated using prior art alcohol precipitation schemes.

Abstract: Use of an extract derived from the fruits, leaves, the bark or the roots of Morinda citrifolia L. for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a mammal suffering from tinnitus. The extract may be a liquid present in the medicament in an amount such as to give a daily dosage of 0.1-2 ml, or 0.2-1 ml, e.g. 0.4-0.7 ml, per kg body weight of the patient. The extract also may be a solid present in the medicament in an amount such as to give a daily dosage of 5-200 mg, or 10-100 mg, e.g. 20-70 mg, per kg body weight of the patient. Optionally, the medicament also may comprise lycopene, vitamine C, coenzyme Q10 and an extract from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba. The medicament may be given e.g. by oral, rectal, transdermal or inhalation administration.

Abstract: A method of fracturing a subterranean formation which surrounds a well bore comprises the steps of providing a fracturing fluid, and injecting the fracturing fluid into the well bore at a pressure sufficient to form fractures in the subterranean formation which surrounds the well bore. The pressure is then released from the fracturing fluid, after which the fluid may be removed from the well and the well placed into production. The fracturing fluid comprises an aqueous liquid, a polysaccharide soluble or dispersible in the aqueous liquid in an amount sufficient to increase the viscosity of the aqueous liquid, an enzyme breaker which degrades said polysaccharide at a temperature above 180° F. Fracturing fluid compositions and enzyme breaker systems useful for carrying out the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Materials which are not themselves storage-stable at room temperature are made suitable for storage by mixing them with a carrier substance and spray drying the resulting mixture so as to form particles containing both the material and the carrier substance in which the carrier substance is in an amorphous, i.e. glassy or rubbery, state. Formation of such a composition greatly enhances stability. The material stored may be a biological material such as an enzyme, the components of a chemical reaction such as reagents for carrying out an assay, or even viable biological cells.

Abstract: A process for obtaining &bgr;-glucan from cereal by extracting with water and without deactivation of enzymes associated with the cereal. A process for controlling the average molecular weight of &bgr;-glucan extracted from cereal by controlling the extraction time. A process for recovering &bgr;-glucan from an aqueous solution of &bgr;-glucan comprising freezing the solution, allowing the solution to thaw and separating solids from the resultant suspension. A &bgr;-glucan produced by any of these processes. A &bgr;-glucan which forms a gel when a heated solution of the &bgr;-glucan cools. The use of &bgr;-glucan in treating various health disorders, as an additive in cosmetics and foods, and as a film forming agent. A cereal from which &bgr;-glucan has been extracted for use as animal feed or in brewing processes.

Abstract: An herbal formulation comprises betaine HCl, plant enzymes, papain, probiotic micro flora, fruitooligosaccharides, l-glutamine, quercitin, butyric acid, borage seed, flax seed, lecithin, gamma oryzanol, bromelain, pepsin, and N-acetylglucosamine.

Abstract: A lactamase enzyme having good stability, capable of hydrolysing an enantiomer of the bicyclic lactam, 2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-3-one, to give (−) lactam and (+) amino acid, has been found in a strain of Comamonas acidivorans. The enzyme has been isolated and cloned, and its structure identified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous structure of prepared fungal cell wall components, whereby the cell wall material is derived from a fungi selected from the division Zygomycota, the fungal material in the form of a suspension is subjected to drying in such a way that the material obtains a porous structure, the structure has a liquid absorbing property which is at least 15 ml/g of 1% NaCl (aq) and it has a liquid transporting ability of water, at a density of 0.01 to 0.03 g/cm3, in a horizontal direction of at least 10 mm during the first minute of absorption and in a vertical direction of at least 5 mm during a first minute of absorption.

Abstract: A novel method for cross-linking a protein, which uses a multi-copper oxidase such as laccase, bilirubin oxidase, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to spray dried hydrophobic phytochemical (i.e., yohimbine and ibogaine) compositions, a process for making such compositions and a method of using such compositions for, e.g., the promotion of weight loss. Typically, the hydrophobic dietary compositions of the present invention exhibit enhanced absorptivity when taken orally.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of treating and preventing inflammatory disorders and related conditions using an extract of feverfew. Particularly, the invention includes a method of treating and preventing inflammatory disorders and related conditions which comprises applying a topical composition comprising an effective amount of an extract of feverfew to a patient and a method of treating and preventing inflammatory disorders and related conditions of the skin by applying a topical composition containing an effective amount of an extract of feverfew to a patient. In addition, the invention includes a method of treating and preventing inflammatory disorders and related conditions by applying a topical composition containing an effective amount of an extract of feverfew to a patient where said extract is substantially free of &agr;-unsaturated &ggr;-lactone.

Abstract: A dietary supplement for mammalian consumption, and particularly human consumption, for the purpose of stimulating the immune system, inhibiting infection and increasing tissue repair and healing. Comprising colostrum, lactoferrin, and with modified citrus pectin as an optional component, the dietary supplement is administered in ‘mucosal delivery format’: a dosage form that promotes effective absorption through the lining of the oral cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for lyophilizing eukaryotic cells and isolating intact nucleic acids from such cells, and related kits for using the same.

Abstract: A method for purifying a polysaccharide from group B &bgr;-hemolytic Streptococcus (GBS) bacteria includes contacting a bacterial fermentation stock with a hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) resin. Additional steps may include a phenol/saline extraction and an ion exchange chromatography. The method results in a product having very high purity. The product of the purification provides a composition which is highly useful in both research and therapeutic settings.

Abstract: A process for preparing polyvalent, physiologically degradable carbohydrate-containing polymers by enzymatic glycosylation reactions is described. The carbohydrate-containing polymers thus prepared may be used for preparing carbohydrate building blocks. The polyvalent carbohydrate-containing polymers of the invention cause no intolerance reactions in vivo, either in their intact form or in the form of degradation products. The carbohydrate side chain of the carbohydrate-containing polymer is assembled by enzymatic glycosylation reactions in homogeneous aqueous buffer systems directly on a biodegradable polymer. The yields of the glycosylation reaction are significantly improved over known processes, and are often quantitative. This also provides a significant increase in the loading densities. A process for preparing free oligosaccharides by means of the carbohydrate-containing polymers of the invention is also described.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising activated hemicellulose (AHCC), a method for inducing IL-12 in a living body having tumor cells by administering the composition, and a method for treating cancer by administering the composition are provided.