Abstract: It is the object of the present invention to provide an industrially useful process for the manufacture of polyguluronic acids having degrees of polymerization less than 20 and substantially free of mannuronic acid contamination. Alginate salts of organic bases are quite soluble in aqueous solution, and remain soluble in aqueous solution throughout a hydrolysis reaction in the range of pH values at which the acidic hydrolysis is effected at a reasonably fast rate. Based on this finding, a solution containing 5 wt. % or more of alginic acid prepared by dissolving alginic acid in water by neutralization with an organic base is provided and then hydrolyzed under acidic conditions, followed by selective precipitation of polyguluronic acids under acidic conditions.

Abstract: A process for producing microcrystalline cellulose comprised of the steps of contacting a paper grade pulp with an alkali hydrolysis agent, washing the hydrolyzed pulp and contacting the hydrolyzed pulp with an acid hydrolysis agent and washing the acid hydrolyzed product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a production method of &agr;-amylase resistant polysaccharides with high RS content, comprising the following steps: a) producing a paste of water-insoluble poly-(1,4-&agr;-D-glucan) and water; b) heating the paste; c) cooling off and retrogradation of the past at a temperature that is lower than the temperature of the heated paste and d) optionally drying the resulting product.

Abstract: A purified form of a gel-forming component of psyllium seed husks is disclosed, along with a process for obtaining the gel-forming fraction from psyllium seed husks. Methods of using this gel-forming fraction as a laxative and hypocholesterolemic agent are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is described for treating hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis or for reducing total cholesterol while raising high-density lipoportoein cholesterol. It involves administering to a patient a substantially pure complex derived from flaxseed and containing secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), cinnamic acid glucosides and hydroxymethyl glutaric acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the isolation of a novel oligospirostanoside structurally constructed as 3-0-[&agr;-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-&agr;-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-0-&bgr;-D-glucopyranosyl]-25(S)-5&bgr; spirostan-3&bgr;-ol isolated from Asparagus racemosus and biologically evaluated as a potent immunomodulatory agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of simultaneous purification and separation of pectin and pectic sugars/oligomers from sugar beet pulp using a multi-step process in an aqueous solution. The method comprises hydrolysis of the sugar beet pulp, solids separation from the sugar beet pulp hydrolysate as well as fractionation and desalting of the aqueous solution of the sugar beet pulp hydrolysate thus obtained into a desalted solution enriched in pectin and a desalted solution enriched in pectic sugars/oligomers. The process may also comprise optional further steps, such as clarification, adsorption, concentration and further chromatographic treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to chromatographic fractionation of pectin-containing vegetable material, such as sugar beet pulp. In the method of the invention, a pectin-containing hydrolysate is chromatographically separated into a pectin fraction, a salt fraction and a sugar fraction. The method is carried out by using a cation exchange resin, which is preferably in the form of a multivalent metal.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel clarified hydrocolloids which substantially retain the physical properties of unclarified hydrocolloids. The invention also pertains to a novel process for making the clarified hydrocolloids. A process of producing a hydrocolloid which, when hydrated, forms a clear sol comprising: (a) soaking a hydrocolloid containing material dispersed in water until the hydrocolloid is hydrated; (b) stirring the hydrated hydrocolloid until a homogenous particulate containing sol is obtained; (c) removing insoluble particulates to produce a clarified sol; (d) removing remaining particulates in the clarified sol by filtration; and (e) recovering the clarified hydrocolloid from the filtrate.

Abstract: A starch obtained from a plant modified by manipulating the activity of a combination of plant enzymes having starch synthase activity, in particular starch synthase II (SSII) and starch synthase III (SSIII). Modified plants, their use as food products and starch, in particular obtained from a modified potato plant, having unexpected properties and uses thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: A single rapid procedure for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of flavonoid glycosides and steroidal glycosides, in natural products, has been developed. The material is extracted with aqueous solutions of polar organic solvents in an ultrasonic bath. Interfering compounds are removed by pre-purification procedures prior to instrumental analysis by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography with Negative Ion Electrospray Mass Spectrometric Detection and on-line Diode Array Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy. The analysis of flavonoid and steroidal glycosidic compounds in HOSTA leaves served as a model system.

Abstract: An aqueous two-phase system for extracting glycosides from a herb includes the extractive solution, about 5 wt %-30 wt % of salt, about 5 wt %-30 wt % of polyol and selectively about 0 wt %-30 wt % of alcohols. The salt can be dihydrogen phosphate, hydrogen phosphate and phosphate or a mixture thereof, and it also can be sulfates, chlorides, oxalates, or acetates. In addition, a process for extracting glycosides using an aqueous two-phase system is disclosed. The procedures includes preparation of extractive solution, concentration, phase separation, drying, washing with solvent, cooling, filtration and drying of the final products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a water soluble inclusion complex of neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) containing azadirachtin-A in cyclodextrin and its use in an insecticidal formulation. The process of the present invention comprises the following steps adding neem seed kernel extract containing azadirachtin-A to cyclodextrin, the molar ratio of azadirachtin-A to the cyclodextrin ranging from 1:0.5 to 1:20, stirring the above mixture, filtering the above mixture to obtain a water soluble inclusion complex of neem seed kernel extract, if desired, freeze/spray drying the said water soluble complex of neem seed kernel extract to get a free flowing pale cream powder.

Abstract: An entirely aqueous method for concentrating beta-glucan from a beta-glucan source, such as milled cereal bran, grain or distiller's dried grain. The method comprises providing an alkaline aqueous extract of a beta-glucan source; acidifying or neutralizing the extract and heating the extract to between about 60° C. and 100° C.; cooling the extract, whereby a flocculate is formed; acidifying the cooled extract if the extract was neutralized; and removing the flocculate from the aqueous solution to form an intermediate solution. The intermediate solution may be subjected to ultrafiltration for further purification of beta-glucan, or may be evaporated, resulting in formation of a solid film enriched in beta-glucan. Beta-glucan has cholesterol-lowering properties and is a topical immunostimulant.

Abstract: A novel glucopyranoside, 2,6-dihydroxy-2-(P-hydroxybenzyl)-3(2H) benzofuran-7-C-&bgr;-D-glucopyranoside of the formula 1 isolated from Pterocarpus marsupium and to a process for the isolation thereof is disclosed. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing 2,6-dihydroxy-2-(P-hydroxybenzyl)-3(2H)benzofuran-7-C-&bgr;-D-glucopyranoside and to method for the treatment of diabetes using said compound.

Abstract: A method for extracting proteins from the intercellular space of plants is provided. The method is applicable to the large scale isolation of many active proteins of interest synthesized by plant cells. The method may be used commercially to recover recombinantly produced proteins from plant hosts thereby making the large scale use of plants as sources for recombinant protein production feasible.

Abstract: In a process for preparing a polysaccharide-based extract, raw material of ganoderma genus is subjected to an alcohol treatment to obtain a polysaccharide-rich product from which a supernatant solution is subsequently obtained with the use of water of an elevated temperature as an extracting agent. Thereafter, alcohol is added to the supernatant solution to precipitate the polysaccharide-based extract. The polysaccharide-based extract can be used in an orally active medicinal product which has immunopotentiating and antitumoral effects.

Abstract: The present invention describes transgenic plant cells and plants which due to a reduced activity of a disproportionating enzyme (D enzyme) synthesize a modified starch. Furthermore, the starch synthesized in these plant cells and plants is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adhesive composition comprising a derivative of a starch, which comprises at least 95 wt. % of amylopectin, based on dry substance of the starch, wherein the derivative is obtainable by cross-linking, etherification, esterification or a combination thereof, of the starch. The invention further relates to a process for preparing the adhesive composition and to the use thereof for adhering wallpaper or billposter to a substrate.

Abstract: A method for producing, from an oats flour fraction, a water soluble &bgr;-glucan composition having a high &bgr;-glucan/glucose weight ratio, preferably a ratio of 15:1 or more, involves the use of &bgr;-amylase in an amount sufficient to transform more than 50% by weight, preferably more than 65% by weight, of the starch contained in the oats flour fraction to maltose. The enzymes pullulanase and/or protease may be used in combination with &bgr;-amylase. Also disclosed are corresponding compositions which may be further processed, as well as food products provided with them.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel clarified hydrocolloids which substantially retain the physical properties of unclarified hydrocolloids. The invention also pertains to a novel process for making the clarified hydrocolloids. A process of producing a hydrocolloid which, when hydrated, forms a clear sol comprising: (a) soaking a hydrocolloid containing material dispersed in water until the hydrocolloid is hydrated; (b) stirring the hydrated hydrocolloid until a homogenous particulate containing sol is obtained; (c) removing insoluble particulates to produce a clarified sol; (d) removing remaining particulates in the clarified sol by filtration; and (e) recovering the clarified hydrocolloid from the filtrate.

Abstract: A method of treating alginic acid to produce polyguluronic acids.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ophthalmic compositions containing a gelling amount of a combination of galactomannan polysaccharides and borates. The compositions gel or partially gel upon administration to the eye. The present invention also discloses methods of topical ophthalmic administration of the compositions to the eye.

Abstract: Food or beverage where fucoidan which is derived from a fucoidan-containing substance is contained therein, added thereto and/or diluted therein. Food or beverage where fucoidan which is derived from a fucoidan-containing substance and where algins are reduced or eliminated, is contained therein. Apoptosis-inducing food or beverage where an effective amount of fucoidan having an apoptosis-inducing ability is contained therein.

Abstract: A novel glucopyranoside, 6-hydroxy-2-p-hydroxybenzylbenzofuran-7-C-&bgr;-D-glucopyranoside of the formula 1 isolated from Pterocarpus marsupium and to a process for the isolation thereof is disclosed. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing 6-hydroxy-2-p-hydroxybenzylbenzofuran-7-C-&bgr;-D-glucopyranoside and to method for the treatment of diabetes using said compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polysaccharide composition having the hematopoietic, myeloprotecting, antitumor immune cell generating, and radiosensitizing activities extracted from the roots of Panax ginseng prepared by the steps of: i) obtaining the residue by extracting 1 wt part of ginseng roots with 2˜4 wt part of methanol; ii) extracting and obtaining the water soluble fraction from the residue in step i) using 3˜5 wt part of distilled water; iii) freeze-drying the obtained water soluble fraction in step ii); iv) obtaining the inner fraction using the dialysis membrane after obtaining the insoluble fraction to the 40% of ethanol from freeze-dried fraction in step iii); v) obtaining the 6 fractions by sephacryl S-500 gel chromatography; and vi) purifying the polysaccharide by DEAE-sephadex A-50 chromatography.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for the purification of a saccharide, characterized in that, water and a feedstock solution containing at least L-arabinose and oligosaccharide where L-arabinose and/or xylose are/is the constituting component(s) obtained by hydrolysis of plant tissues are supplied to a chromatographic apparatus of a simulated moving-bed system where a solution can be circulated in one direction in an apparatus equipped with a packed bed in which an adsorbent is filled and the solution in the packed bed is moved in one direction whereupon at least L-arabinose and oligosaccharide are separated each other and concentration distribution of each of them is formed in the packed bed, then at least a concentrated L-arabinose solution and a concentrated oligosaccharide solution are extracted from the packed bed and, in addition, an inlet for the feedstock solution, an inlet for water, an outlet for the concentrated L-arabinose solution and an outlet for the concentrated oligosaccharide solution are succes

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a compound having general formula (I) as described hereunder wherein R═H (FPA compound) or R═CH3 (FPB compound) for the preparation of compositions with an antioxidant activity for administering to human beings for therapeutic or nutritional purposes. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of a compound having general formula (I) as defined above characterized in that a cellular culture is obtained from an Ajuga reptans plant, said culture being subsequently subjected to cultivation under aerobic conditions, in a liquid medium containing assimilable carbon and nitrogen sources, and mineral salts.

Abstract: The isolation and purification of lipopolysaccharides from several related strains of eukaryotic algae is disclosed. These lipopolysaccharides have been shown to be structurally and functionally similar to the lipopolysaccharides of gram negative bacteria, or endotoxins, which have been shown to be a cause of sepsis or septic shock. The present invention also relates to the use of these algal lipopolysaccharides to inhibit the release of TNF-a from macrophages, which has been associated with the initiation and escalation of sepsis as a result of bacterial endotoxins.

Abstract: A process for recovering isoflavone values from a biomass in which the isoflavone values are extracted from the biomass with a selective solvent for the isoflavone values, solid isoflavone values and the selective solvent are contacted with a nonsolvent or antisolvent for the isoflavone value which is miscible with the selective solvent. Optionally the nonsolvent or antisolvent is admixed with water during the contact with the solid isoflavone values to improve the purity and recovery of the solid isoflavone values.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new, particularly economical process for producing particulate water-soluble cellulose derivatives. The process involves forming a feed composition of swollen and/or dissolved cellulose derivative, and water. The feed composition is contacted with a carrier and heat exchange gas, in a sieve-free high rotational speed gas jet impact mill, and the cellulose derivative of the feed composition is converted into a solid state form of finely particulate particles. The particulate cellulose derivative is then separated from the heat exchange gas and carrier gas, and optionally dried. The mill drying and the particulate cellulose derivative product are influenced by establishing a specific water content in the swollen and/or dissolved cellulose derivative.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing crystalline L-arabinose by extraction of sugar beet pulp, from which sugar has been extracted, in a strong alkaline solution, by hydrolysis of the obtained crude araban with a strong acid at an elevated temperature, by neutralization and filtration of the obtained solution, by chromatographic separation of the L-arabinose fraction, by purification of the obtained L-arabinose solution by means of cation and anion exchangers and adsorbent resins, and by recovering the pure L-arabinose as a crystalline product.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing aloin which consists in extracting from a substance containing aloe, in particular the yellow sap of aloe or a derived product, in the presence of an aliphatic diol or triol with low molecular weight, for instance glycerol or a glycol, followed by a purification by crystallization in an alcohol. The invention is useful for industrial preparation of aloin.

Abstract: A liquid xylitol composition that is non-crystallizing at low temperatures comprising, at between about 65 and about 90 weight percent dry solids, xylitol, in an amount between about 65 and about 90 weight percent of the dry solids, and sorbitol, in an amount between about 10 and about 35 weight percent of the dry solids. This liquid xylitol composition is preferably non-crystallizing at between about 0° C. and about 10° C. A process for producing liquid xylitol compositions, comprising co-hydrogenating a sugar syrup mixture comprising a sugar syrup having a dextrose equivalence (DE) of between about 20 DE and about 99 DE, in an amount between about 5 and about 35 weight percent of the mixture, and xylose, in an amount between about 65 and about 95 weight percent of the mixture. This process may be used to produce liquid xylitol compositions that are non-crystallizing at low temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to viscoelastic systems comprising a combination of a galactomannan polysaccharide containing composition and borate containing composition. The two compositions gel or partially gel upon combination. The present invention also discloses methods of using the systems during surgery and, in particular, eye surgery.

Abstract: Isoflavone compositions derived from soy molasses are provided. In a first embodiment, an isoflavone material derived from soy molasses containing at least two isoflavones is provided, where at least one of the isoflavones is genistein. In a second embodiment, an isoflavone material derived from soy molasses containing at least two isoflavones is provided, where at least one of the isoflavones is daidzein.

Abstract: The present invention describes isolated Fagopyritol A1, isolated Fagopyritol A3, and isolated Fagopyritol B3. Compositions which include two or more of Fagopyritol A1, Fagopyritol A2, Fagopyritol A3, Fagopyritol B1, Fagopyritol B2, Fagopyritol B3, and D-chiro-inositol, at least one of which is an isolated Fagopyritol A1, isolated Fagopyritol A3, or isolated Fagopyritol B3, are also disclosed. Methods for preparing substantially pure Fagopyritol A1, Fagopyritol A3, Fagopyritol B3, or mixtures thereof from buckwheat are also described. The fagopyritols can be used to prepare pharmaceutical compositions, the administration of which can be used to treat diabetes.

Abstract: Contact lens care compositions for the treatment of hard contact lenses are disclosed. The compositions are useful for rinsing, cleaning, disinfecting and storing of hard contact lenses. The compositions contain an unique gelling system involving galactomannan polysaccharides and borates to allow for the conditioning of the lens when it is reinserted in the eye of the user. Methods of using these compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: An entirely aqueous method for concentrating water soluble polysaccharides having molecular weights of at least about 50 kDa. The method comprises evaporating a water soluble polysaccharide-containing solution until surface film formation occurs, and harvesting the resulting film which is enriched in the polysaccharide. The polysaccharide may be of plant or animal origin, and includes polysaccharides such as guar gum, xanthan gum and pectin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of isolating mucilaginous polysaccharides from plants, cereals, cell cultures, or fungi such as mushrooms known to have mucilaginous or protein-bound polysaccharides with desirable biological properties. The mucilaginous polysaccharides present in aqueous solution or tissue extracts are treated with tannins to form a complex which is then separated from the solution. The complex is then treated one or more times with either solvents or other substances in solution to remove the bounded tannins from the complex thereby and releasing the isolated polysaccharide. The polysaccharides prepared according to the present method retain properties that are substantially similar to those of the native polysaccharide as it is found in the respective plant or cell. The polysaccharides thus prepared are used in a variety of products. This process is particularly suitable for isolating acetylated mannose polymers from aloe plants and beta glucans.

Abstract: A process for simply and efficiently obtaining an isoflavone composition having a high ratio of genistin, which useful as a food material and the like, wherein in the process for obtaining genistin from a isoflavone inclusion, genistin is selectively precipitated by applying pH adjustment to isoflavone containing liquid.

Abstract: The Methods of the present invention prepare carrageenan products from processed seaweed material using shear stress treatment are disclosed. The carrageenan products comprise at least about 65% by weight of carrageenan and at least about 2% by weight of acid insoluble material. The carrageenan products of the present invention preferably have an onset of hydration below about 40° C. and a color of greater than about 74 *L units. The carrageenan products of the present invention are useful as components in food products, such as, dairy products, meats, and dessert gels as well as non-food products, such as, toothpaste formulations, cosmetics, and paints.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making paper, utilizing glucans, produced by the glucosyltransferase B, C or D enzyme of the species Streptococcus mutans, instead of modified starches. The present glucans are functionally similar to currently utilized modified starches and are particularly useful in the coating step of paper manufacture. The present glucans also exhibit thermoplastic properties and impart gloss to the paper during the coating step.

Abstract: The isolation and purification of lipopolysaccharides from several related strains of eukaryotic algae is disclosed. These lipopolysaccharides have been shown to be structurally and functionally similar to the lipopolysaccharides of gram negative bacteria, or endotoxins, which have been shown to be a cause of sepsis or septic shock. The present invention also relates to the use of these algal lipopolysaccharides to inhibit the release of TNF-a from macrophages, which has been associated with the initiation and escalation of sepsis as a result of bacterial endotoxins. The present invention further relates to the use of these algal lipopolysaccharides to inhibit the innate immune system of insects and mammals.

Abstract: A method for extracting proteins from the intercellular space of plants is provided. The method is applicable to the large scale isolation of many active proteins of interest synthesized by plant cells. The method may be used commercially to recover recombinantly produced proteins from plant hosts thereby making the large scale use of plants as sources for recombinant protein production feasible.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rapid and efficient method for the preparation and isolation of biologically active polysaccharides from Aloe. The present invention includes the activated mixture of polysaccharides (referred to herein as “Immuno-10”), produced by the methods of the invention. The invention also includes the use of the polysaccharides as immunostimulating, immunomodulating and wound healing agents. The resulting imrnunomodulatory complex has a higher activity and is more stable than bulk carbohydrates isolated using prior art alcohol precipitation schemes.

Abstract: A process for obtaining &bgr;-glucan from cereal by extracting with water and without deactivation of enzymes associated with the cereal. A process for controlling the average molecular weight of &bgr;-glucan extracted from cereal by controlling the extraction time. A process for recovering &bgr;-glucan from an aqueous solution of &bgr;-glucan comprising freezing the solution, allowing the solution to thaw and separating solids from the resultant suspension. A &bgr;-glucan produced by any of these processes. A &bgr;-glucan which forms a gel when a heated solution of the &bgr;-glucan cools. The use of &bgr;-glucan in treating various health disorders, as an additive in cosmetics and foods, and as a film forming agent. A cereal from which &bgr;-glucan has been extracted for use as animal feed or in brewing processes.

Abstract: A water-soluble extract of asiaticoside and madecassoside from Centella asiatica and an isolating method thereof. In the isolating method an aqueous alcohol containing Centella asiatica is subjected to cold-precipitation to obtain an extract. The extract in the aqueous alcohol is treated with a halogenide solvent for layer separation, and then the aqueous layer is extracted with a higher alcohol. The extract in the alcohol layer is washed first with sodium hydroxide and then with water. After being concentrated, the extract is crystallized with ethyl acetate to obtain crystals and the crystals are washed. A method for treating liver cells in a mammal includes administering to a mammal an effective amount of the extract from Centella asiatica containing asiaticoside and madecassoside.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ophthalmic compositions containing a gelling amount of a combination of galactomannan polysaccharides and borates. The compositions gel or partially gel upon administration to the eye. The present invention also discloses methods of topical ophthalmic administration of the compositions of the eye.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for purifying the cinnamoyl-C-glycoside, 8-C-&bgr;-D-[2-O-(E)-cinnamoyl]glycopyranosyl-2- [(R)-2-hydroxy]propyl-7-methoxy-5-methyl-chromone. 8-C-&bgr;-D-[2′-O- (E)-cinnamoyl]glycopyranosyl-2-[(S) -2-hydroxy]propyl-7-methoxy-5-methylchromone, referred to herein as the “540 compound.” In one embodiment of the present invention the 540 compound is purified by extraction from a decolorizing agent with an organic solvent. The extracted product can be purified by high pressure liquid chromatography. In a second embodiment crude 540 compound, which has not been treated with a decolorizing agent, is purified by passage over neutral alumina or sephadex.