Abstract: Sugar-processing enzymes are used in a method of stimulating the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines by mammalian peripheral blood cells and are incorporated into nutritional supplements. The preferred sugar-processing enzymes are cellulases and glucolytic enzymes.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition containing a dihydrotestosterone blocker of a 5&agr;-reductase active site binding peptide, Serenoa repens, or mixtures thereof, encapsulated within liposomes, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is described. The composition is preferably orally administered in amounts effective to block production of excessive amounts of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in prostatic tissue. By doing so, the composition is able to prevent and treat disorders of the prostate, including benign prostate hyperplasia.

Abstract: A stabilized superoxide dismutase (SOD) peptide is described in which SOD is protected against premature proteolytic degradation by fragments of casein. The stabilized SOD is achieved by mixing the fragments of casein with SOD. The stabilized SOD is incorporated into a composition for oral ingestion by a mammalian patient, whereby the SOD enters the circulatory system and scavenges free radicals present in the body of the patient.

Abstract: A composition for immunostimulation contains an effective amount of an Echinacea extract, Bromelain and Lysozyme. In particular, a treatment for excessive bacterial growth in the oral cavity includes administration of such a composition.

Abstract: A composition for promoting the release and elevation of growth hormone levels includes (1) an oligopeptide of the formula A1-D2methylTrp-Ala-Trp-DPhe-Lys wherein A1 is glutamine (Gln) or glutamic acid (Glu), or (2) the oligopeptide in combination with free amino acids, particularly glutamine, glutamic acid, or a combination thereof, and organic or inorganic pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The release and elevation of growth hormone levels may be promoted by administration of specified growth hormone releasing compounds.

Abstract: A method of controlling weight in mammals by orally administering to the mammal an amount of a pharmaceutical composition containing Hypericum perforatum or active components thereof effective to control the weight of the mammal is described. The pharmaceutical composition also preferably further contains at least one thermogenic agent and at least one agent inhibiting lipogenesis. The at least one thermogenic agent includes one or more of N-acetyl-L-carnitine, cayenne extract, inositol hexanicotinate, niacin or salicin. The at least one agent inhibiting lipogenesis may be hydroxy citric acid. When the pharmaceutical composition includes Hypericum perforatum, at least one thermogenic agent and at least one agent inhibiting lipogenesis, the composition acts to control the weight of the mammal by simultaneously suppressing appetite, inducing thermogenesis and inhibiting lipogenesis.

Abstract: A collagen mimetic peptide having the nine amino acid sequence glycine-proline-hydroxyproline-glycine -proline-glutamine-glycine-methionine-glycine, and analogs thereof is described. The collagen mimetic peptide may be included within a pharmaceutical composition also containing a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or animal tissue. The collagen mimetic peptide is used in a treatment of rheumatoid arthritis by orally administering the collagen mimetic in an amount effective to reduce or alleviate one or more symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.