Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition is provided for use in the healing of cells containing about 0.0001 percent weight per volume (% w/v) to about 2% w/v of an alginic acid or a salt of alginic acid having a molecular weight in the range of greater than about 250,000 to about 1,000,000, provided that if the composition additionally contains an alginic acid or a salt of alginic acid having a molecular weight in the range of about 20,000 to about 250,000, it is present in an amount of less than 1% w/w. The use of the pharmaceutical composition for the healing cells in a mammal, preferably mucosal cells is also provided.

Abstract: An ingestible particulate composition comprises: a. an alginate and/or alginic acid; b. a bicarbonate and/or carbonate; c. an organic acid; and d. an agglomerant, being a compound, such as a low molecular weight polyol, which allows the particulate composition to flow yet which substantially does not release fine particulates into the air. Resulting particulate compositions have excellent flow characteristics, dust suppression, organoleptic properties and stability. They are highly suitable for administration direction into a patient's mouth, and ingested to alleviate oesophageal and gastric conditions.

Abstract: The deleterious effects of metal ions in water, for example water hardness and formation of deposits, may be combated by application of an algin, for example alginic acid or a salt of alginic acid, such as sodium alginate or potassium alginate. Such a compound may bring about water purification and/or softening and prevent formation of deposits. Furthermore, such a compound may promote the removal of existing deposits, for example scale.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions having improved bioadhesive properties are produced by combining an alginate, xanthan gum and/or a carageenan gum and a glucomannan and/or a galactomannan. The composition can provide both a protecting and a healing effect on mucosal surface.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition is provided for use in the healing of cells containing about 0.0001 percent weight per volume (% w/v) to about 2% w/v of an alginic acid or a salt of alginic acid having a molecular weight in the range of greater than about 250,000 to about 1,000,000, provided that if the composition additionally contains an alginic acid or a salt of alginic acid having a molecular weight in the range of about 20,000 to about 250,000, it is present in an amount of less than 1% w/w. The use of the pharmaceutical composition for the healing cells in a mammal, preferably mucosal cells is also provided.

Abstract: An oral unit dosage comprising a substrate defining a plurality of discrete reservoirs each containing a liquid fill for release in the mouth.

Abstract: The deleterious effects of metal ions in water, for example water hardness and formation of deposits, may be combated by application of an algin, for example alginic acid or a salt of alginic acid, such as sodium alginate or potassium alginate. Such a compound may bring about water purification and/or softening and prevent formation of deposits. Furthermore, such a compound may promote the removal of existing deposits, for example scale.

Abstract: An aqueous pourable liquid composition comprising a high concentration of sodium alginate and an alkali metal bicarbonate, wherein the sodium alginate has an average mannuronic acid residue to guluronic acid residue ratio of at least 0.6:1. In addition, an alginate or alginic acid for forming a protective coating on gastrointestinal mucosal tissue, use of and compositions including the same are provided.

Abstract: A pharmaceutically acceptable bio-adhesive coating, film or gel is formed in situ at a body surface by the reaction of (i) an anionic polymer or tripolyphosphate and (ii) a cationic polymer in the presence of water. The two components are supplied either as separate aqueous solutions or in a single non-aqueous formulation, which can be a liquid suspension tablet, capsule or powder.

Abstract: Formulations for the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux diseases include a carrier vehicle and an active gastro-protective agent. The carrier vehicle is either capable of forming a floating barrier layer on contact with gastric acid or of forming a bioadhesive film before any contact with gastric acid, so as to protect gastric mucosa from irritation by the gastric acid. A preferred active ingredient is capsaicin. The carrier vehicle preferably contains alginate or cross-linked polyacrylic acid.