Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods for suppressing appetite. The compositions of the invention are composed of a dietary fiber and a combination of selected herbal extracts, at least one of which is capable of inhibiting gastric emptying and one which increases metabolic rate.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods for suppressing appetite. The compositions of the invention are composed of a dietary fiber and a combination of selected herbal extracts, at least one of which is capable of inhibiting gastric emptying and one which increases metabolic rate.

Abstract: A process for producing polysaccharide consisting of a partially acetylated variable block copolymer of D-mannuronic and L-guluronic acid residues comprises growing a biologically pure culture of a Pseudomonas mendocina microorganism selected from the group consisting of NCIB 11687, 11688, and 11689 in an aqueous nutrient medium by submerged aerobic fermentation of an assimilable carbon source and recovering the polysaccharide. Biologically pure cultures of the organisms are another feature of the invention.

Abstract: A process for the production of polysaccharide consisting of a partially acetylated variable block copolymer of D-mannuronic and L-guluronic acid residues, comprises cultivating in a nutrient medium therefor a strain of Pseudomonas, which is non-pathogenic to humans, and which has been obtained by treating a non-mucoid species of Pseudomonas, which is non-pathogenic to humans, with a .beta.-lactam or aminoglycoside antibiotic whereby a mucoid strain tolerant to said antibiotic was selected, and isolating from the medium the polysaccharide produced.

Abstract: The solution viscosity of a polysaccharide, microbial alginate, produced by culturing strains of Azotobacter vinelandii, is controlled by addition of a protease to the culture broth. The protease can be added during the culture, to obtain a polysaccharide of increased viscosity. Alternatively or additionally protease can also be added after culture but before the polysaccharide is isolated from the broth, for example, to prevent reduction of viscosity during storage. Neutral and alkaline proteases having activity at around pH 7 are particularly suitable.

Abstract: Polysaccharide is produced in good yields with good control by continuous culture of a polysaccharide-producing strain of Azotobacter vinelandii under carbon-limited conditions, preferably with restricted oxygen uptake, with the advantage that the effluents produced are non-polluting having a low biological oxygen demand (B.O.D.).