Abstract: The present invention provides the use of an alginate Io inhibit pancreatic lipase. The use may be directed to the control of weight in animals including human beings. Preferably the fraction of guluronate dimers in the alginate is at least 0.5.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of an alginate Io inhibit pancreatic lipase. The use may be directed to the control of weight in animals including human beings. Preferably the fraction of guluronate dimers in the alginate is at least 0.5.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of an alginate Io inhibit pancreatic lipase. The use may be directed to the control of weight in animals including human beings. Preferably the fraction of guluronate dimers in the alginate is at least 0.5.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of an alginate Io inhibit pancreatic lipase. The use may be directed to the control of weight in animals including human beings. Preferably the fraction of guluronate dimers in the alginate is at least 0.5.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of an unbound polyphosphate to promote chronic wound healing, in which the polyphosphate has at least 3 phosphate units. Also provided are a method of treatment and a pharmaceutical composition, both based on the use of the polyphosphate.

Abstract: There is provided a silica for use to inhibit a protease. In particular there is provided a silica for treatment or prevention of a disease or condition associated with adverse protease activity or adverse proteolytic degradation within the gastrointestinal tract.

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: Ispaghula (material from the plant Plantago ovata, useful as an agent in relieving constipation, is subjected to treatment with -radiation at a dose of up to 13 kGy, and preferably in the range 5-10 kGy. As well as effecting sterilisation of the ispaghula, this dose of irradiation has been shown to offer surprising rheological advantages.

Abstract: Certain alginates exhibit a superior ability to inhibit the proteolytic activity of pepsin and/or gastric juice. In particular, alginates having a molecular weight between 40,000 and 350,000 exhibit a superior inhibition of the proteolytic activity of pepsin and gastric juice by over 50% when measured using an N-terminal assay.

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: Ispaghula (material from the plant Plantago ovata, useful as an agent in relieving constipation, is subjected to treatment with -radiation at a dose of up to 13 kGy, and preferably in the range 5-10 kGy. As well as effecting sterilisation of the ispaghula, this dose of irradiation has been shown to offer surprising rheological advantages.

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 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.

Abstract: Mucoadhesive granules comprising a) carbomer and/or a salt thereof; and b) an inert filler. The granules preferably further comprise a pharmaceutically active agent suitable for sustained release into the gastrointestinal tract or for targeted delivery to the gastrointestinal mucosa.