Abstract: Phosphorylated glucomannan polysaccharide compositions are shown to effectively enhance healthy immune function. Dosage forms including pills, sprays, functional foods and cosmetics may achieve this benefit while being essentially free of storage protein from nongerminated seeds of Ricinus communis.

Abstract: A process for obtaining polymers with antiviral activity is disclosed. Molecules carrying carbonyl groups and hydroxyl groups in the .alpha. position relative to the carbonyl, and molecules carrying amino and sulfonated groups, react in water or in mixtures of water with water-miscible solvents. The reaction takes place under specific conditions of temperature, time and pH. The first reacting molecule may be a monosaccharide whereas the second reacting molecule may comprise aliphatic aminosulfates. Upon completion of the reaction the polymeric material is purified by conventional processes such that the polymeric material has a molecular weight between 1,500 and 100,000. The polymeric material has antiviral activity, either lacks or has very low toxicity and anticoagulant activity, and is thus suitable for pharmaceutical preparations for use in topical or systemic antiviral therapy in humans or animals.