WO2022046975A1

WO2022046975A1 - Compositions comprising neutral and acidic polysaccharides of aloe vera and their uses

Info

Publication number: WO2022046975A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/047672
Authority: WO
Inventors: Isabel Andrea Garcia Tornadu; Troy SMILLIE; Kan He; Joosang Park
Original assignee: Herbalife International Of America, Inc.
Priority date: 2020-08-28
Filing date: 2021-08-26
Publication date: 2022-03-03

Abstract

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for improving the health of a mammal using polysaccharides from Aloe vera. Some aspects relate to methods of improving digestive health in a mammal. Other aspects relate to methods for treating metabolic syndrome in a mammal. Also disclosed herein are methods of separating polysaccharides from Aloe vera. These aloe polysaccharides may be further separated into neutral and acidic polysaccharides. The neutral and acidic polysaccharides may be recombined to form polysaccharides that differ in conformation and size from their unmixed counterparts.

Description

COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING NEUTRAL AND ACIDIC POLYSACCHARIDES OF ALOE VERA AND THEIR USES BACKGROUND Field of the Disclosure [0001] The genus Aloe (Liliaceae) is a shrubby tropical/subtropical plant which has succulent and elongate leaves. Of the more than 360 Aloe species known, Aloe barbadensis Miller (Aloe vera Linne) is the most widely used, both commercially and for its therapeutic properties. Aloe vera plants contain two major juice materials: 1) a yellow exudate containing a high concentration of anthraquinone compounds; and 2) a clear mucilaginous gel. [0002] Aloe vera has been used as a traditional remedy in various preparations that have been administered orally and topically, among other administrative routes. These preparations have been used in many ways, such as to heal wounds, support digestive health, and for cosmetic purposes. However, little is known about Aloe vera’s bioactivity and mechanism of action. This disclosure is the part of research effort to systematically evaluate Aloe vera’s composition, bioactivity and correlations between its structure and functionality. [0003] Polysaccharides are among the components of Aloe vera. Researchers have conducted experiments to assess the impact of these polysaccharides on human health. The present disclosure discusses methods for further separating and characterizing the different polysaccharides of Aloe vera. SUMMARY [0004] Some embodiments relate herein to a polysaccharide composition. In some embodiments, the polysaccharide composition comprises one or more Aloe vera polysaccharide and one or more excipients. In some embodiments, the Aloe vera polysaccharide further comprises an acidity modifier. In some embodiments, the acidity modifier is citric acid, citric acid salt, malic acid, malic acid salt, acetic acid, acetic acid salt, lactic acid, lactic acid salt, tartaric acid, tartaric acid salt, formic acid and salt, propionic acid and salt, butyric acid and salt, valeric acid and salt, phosphoric acid and salt. In some embodiments the Aloe vera polysaccharide comprises a preservative or a flavorant. In some embodiments, the preservative is one or more of sorbic acid, sorbic acid salt, benzoic acid, benzoic acid salt, lactic acid, lactic acid salt, citric acid, citric acid salt, malic acid, malic acid salt, acetic acid, acetic acid salt, tartaric acid, tartaric acid salt, rosemary extract, lovage extract, chitosan, sage essential oil, thymol oil nisin, e-polylysine, grape seed extract, goji berry extract or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the flavorant is one or more of sugar, honey, fructose, dextrose, maltodextrin, gums, natural or artificial flavors, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the excipient is cellulose powder, modified starch, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, sodium croscarmellose, calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, or silicon dioxide. [0005] Some embodiments described herein relate to a method of improving digestive health in a mammal. In some embodiments, the method comprises administering a composition comprising one or more Aloe vera polysaccharide; and one or more excipients. In some embodiments, the improving digestive health is selected from a group consisting of a microbiome, intestinal integrity, lipid metabolism, or inflammation. In some embodiments, the improving digestive health is gastric wound healing. In some embodiments, the improving digestive health improves a mammal’s metabolite profile, microflora, or short- chained fatty acid production. [0006] Some embodiments described herein relate to a method of treating metabolic syndrome in a mammal. In some embodiments, the method comprises administering one or more Aloe vera polysaccharide and one or more excipients. In some embodiments, the treating metabolic syndrome in a mammal improves a mammal’s high cholesterol, high triglycerides, high lipids, glucose imbalance, and inflammation. In some embodiments, the treating metabolic syndrome in a mammal improves glucose transportation, alpha glucosidase, lipase inhibition, bile salt binding, and cytokine response. [0007] Some embodiments described herein relate to a method for separating polysaccharides from Aloe vera. In some embodiments, the method comprises dissolving aloe juice powder in water to form a first solution, adding alcohol to reach a concentration of about 60% to about 90% alcohol, collecting solid compounds by filtration, dissolving the solid compounds in water to form a second solution, passing the second solution over a filter to remove some of the solute, loading the remaining solute compounds onto a column containing a stationary phase, and eluting the remaining solute compounds with a first, second, third, and fourth eluent. In some embodiments, the alcohol is selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, n-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, butanol, or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the alcohol is ethanol. In some embodiments, the second solution is passed over a filter with a 3,500 Da cut-off membrane. [0008] Some embodiments described herein relate to a polysaccharide fraction prepared by a process. In some embodiments, the process comprises the steps of dissolving aloe juice powder in water to form a first solution, adding alcohol to reach a concentration of about 60% to about 90% alcohol, collecting solid compounds by filtration, dissolving the solid compounds in water to form a second solution, passing the second solution over a filter to remove some of the solute, and passing the remaining solute compounds over a column containing a stationary phase, wherein the polysaccharide fraction elutes from the column in an eluent. In some embodiments, the average molecular weight is between about 300 kDa and 1000 kDa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] Features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that these drawings depict only certain embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and, therefore, are not to be considered limiting of its scope; the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings. A system or method according to one or more of the described embodiments can have several aspects, no single one of which necessarily is solely responsible for the desirable attributes of the system or method. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled “Detailed Description of Certain Inventive Embodiments” one will understand how illustrated features serve to explain certain principles of the present disclosure. [0010] FIG. 1 is a bar graph illustrating polysaccharide enrichment based on new process according to an embodiment that increases polysaccharide molecular weight. [0011] FIG.2 is a line graph illustrating polysaccharide enrichment based on new process according to an embodiment that increases polysaccharide molecular weight. [0012] FIG.3 is a line graph illustrating polysaccharide enrichment based on new process according to an embodiment that increases polysaccharide molecular weight. [0013] FIG. 4 is a bar graph illustrating polysaccharide enrichment based on new process according to an embodiment that increases polysaccharide molecular weight. [0014] FIG. 5 is a bar graph illustrating Aloe vera processing improvement data based on new process according to an embodiment that increases polysaccharide source concentration. [0015] FIG. 6 is a bar graph illustrating Aloe vera processing improvement data based on new process according to an embodiment that increases polysaccharide source concentration. [0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a method of processing of Aloe vera concentrate (whole leaf). [0017] FIG. 8 illustrates a method of processing of Aloe vera concentrate (whole leaf). [0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a method of processing of Aloe vera concentrate (whole leaf). [0019] FIG. 10 is a bar graph illustrating the effects of extracts (2 mg/mL) and oristat (3.5 x 10^-2 mg/mL) on lipase activity. *statistically different than the lipase incubated in the absence of extract or orlistat, p < 0.05, ANOVA, Dunnett. [0020] FIG. 11 illustrates dose-response of selected extracts on lipase activity. *statistically different than the lipase incubated in the absence of extract, p < 0.05, ANOVA, Dunnett. [0021] FIG. 12 illustrates the effects of extracts (2 mg/mL) and acarbose (0.22 mg/mL) on alpha-glucosidase activity. *statistically different than the alpha-glucosidase incubated in the absence of extract or acarbose, p < 0.05, ANOVA, Dunnett. [0022] FIG. 13 illustrates cell proliferation levels after 24 h stimulation. Absorbances were determined after 50 and 120 minutes of MTS reagent. [0023] FIG. 14A-B are bar graphs illustrating cell proliferation after 24 h stimulation with the corresponding extract. A: Repeated measures ANOVA: p < 0.02, *=different from Ctrol-, p<0.03. B Repeated measures ANOVA: p<0.02, *=different from Ctrol-, p < 0.04 or less. [0024] FIG. 15 is a bar graph illustrating cell proliferation after 24 h stimulation with the corresponding extract. Repeated measures ANOVA: p < 0.002, *=different from Ctrol-, p < 0.02 or less. [0025] FIG. 16 is a bar graph illustrating the effects of herbal extract on H2O2- induced apoptosis in AGS cells. [0026] FIGS. 17A-D are bar graphs illustrating the effects of herbal extract on H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in AGS cells. Individual extracts were analyzed separately. A: Extract 1: Repeated measures ANOVA: p<0.0004, *= different from Ctrol+, p<0.002 or less, a: different from Ctrol-, p<0.04 or less. B: Extract 9: Repeated measures ANOVA: p<0.0003, *: different from Ctrol+, p<0.02; a: different from Ctrol-, p<0.03 or less. C: Extract 11: Repeated measures ANOVA: p<0.0001, *=different from Ctrol+, p<0.05, a: different from Ctrol-, p<0.02 or less. D: Extract 14: Repeated measures ANOVA: p<0.0001, *=different from Ctrol+, p<0.02 or less, a: different from Ctrol-, p<0.0005. [0027] FIGS. 18A-F are bar graphs illustrating the percent open wound after 3- hour treatment with regards to initial wounding.A: Extract 1:Repeated measures ANOVA p<0.01, *=different from negative control p<0.02 or less.B: Extract 3: Repeated measures ANOVA p<0.01, *=different from negative control p<0.02 or less.C: Extract 7: Repeated measures ANOVA p<0.005, *=different from negative control p<0.01 or less.D: Extract 9: Repeated measures ANOVA p<0.02, *=different from negative control p<0.03 or less.E: Extract 11: Repeated measures ANOVA p<0.0002. *=different from negative control p<0.0004 or less; a: different from positive control p<0.04.F: Extract 14: Repeated measures ANOVA p<0.003. *=different from negative control p<0.008 or less. [0028] FIG. 19 is a bar graph illustrating cell proliferation levels after 24 h stimulation. Absorbances were determined after 90 and 180 minutes of MTS reagent. [0029] FIG. 20A-C are bar graphs illustrating cell proliferation after 24 h stimulation with the corresponding extract. Repeated measures ANOVA: p<0.05. *=different from Ctrol-, p<0.05, **=different from Ctrol- p<0.005. [0030] FIG. 21 is a bar graph illustrating the effects of herbal extract on H2O2- induced apoptosis. [0031] FIG. 22A-F are bar graphs illustrating the effects of herbal extract on H2O2-induced apoptosis. Individual extracts were analyzed separately. Repeated measures ANOVA: p<0.05. a= different from Ctrol- p<0.0005. *=different from Ctrol+ p<0.05, **=different from Ctrol+ p<0.005. [0032] FIG. 23A-F are bar graphs illustrating the percent open wound after 6- hour treatment with regards to initial wounding. Repeated measures ANOVA p<0.05. *=different from negative control p<0.05, **= different from negative control p<0.0005, a=different from positive control p<0.05 or less. [0033] FIG. 24 is a bar graph illustrating the effects of herbal extracts on HUVEC, cell proliferation. Top: after 72 h (3 days) incubation. Bottom: after 120 h (5 days) incubation. C-: negative control; C+: positive control. [0034] FIG. 25 is a bar graph illustrating Fraction 1 induced proliferation in HUVEC cells. Repeated measures ANOVA: p<0.05, *: different from C, 1 and 10 μg/ml (p<0.05). [0035] FIG. 26 are bar graphs illustrating percent of open wound after 6h incubation with regard to the initial wound area for Fractions 1, 3, 7, 11, and 14. ANOVA for repeated measures, p<0.05 or less. *= different from the corresponding C-, p<0.05 or less; a = different form FBS, p<0.05; #= different from the corresponding C-, 1 μg/ml, p<0.05 or less. [0036] FIG. 27 are bar graphs illustrating percent of open wound after 9h incubation with regard to the initial wound area for Fractions 1, 3, 7, 11, and 14. ANOVA for repeated measures, p<0.05 or less. *= different from the corresponding C-, p<0.05 or less; a = different form FBS, p<0.05; #= different from the corresponding C- and 1 μg/ml, p<0.05 or less. [0037] FIG. 28 is a table illustrating a list of compounds tested in the i-screen, including details on the type of compounds, subgroupings and concentrations tested. [0038] FIG. 29 are tables illustrating a set-up of the i-screen experiment. 3 test plates were used to screen 72 compounds. Controls were included on each plate in the bottom row. [0039] FIG.30 is a table that illustrates a SCFA and BCFA production in i-screen samples. Green indicates an increased fatty acid production in the microbiota exposed to compounds compared to the control samples (microbiota only), shading indicates a decreased production (significance level: p=0.05 for lighter color; p=0.005 for darker color). White cells indicate no significant difference in SCFA production. [0040] FIG. 31 illustrates an MDS plot showing the relative position of the product groups (clouds of dots) in a 2D space. Control = microbiota only. Positive control = inulin. [0041] FIG. 32 illustrates an MDS plot showing the correlation between the groups of samples and the different fatty acids, represented by vectors fitted on the ordination plot. The vectors point in the direction of the samples that most correlate with the variables, in this case the SCFAs. Vector lengths are not indicative of absolute concentrations of SCFA in the samples, rather they indicate the strength of the correlations between the variables and the samples. Control = microbiota only. Positive control = inulin. [0042] FIG. 33 illustrates an MDS plot showing an overview of all the samples and their correlation with relevant bacterial genera, represented by vectors fitted on the ordination plot. The vectors point in the direction of the samples that most correlate with the variables, in this case the bacterial groups. Vector lengths do not refer to abundances of the bacteria in the samples, rather they indicate the strength of the correlations between the different variables and the samples. Control = microbiota only. Positive control = inulin. [0043] FIG. 34 illustrates a heatmap showing the correlation of all samples with some bacterial genera of interest. The fold changes were estimated using statistical models, and they provide an indication of the positive (blue) or negative (red) association of the genera with the different samples. Both the x and y axes (test compounds and bacterial genera) are ordered according to similarities with their neighbors (hence the clustering by color). [0044] FIG. 35 (FIGS. 35A, 35B together) illustrates a heatmap showing the relative median concentration for SCFA and BCFA in the product groups, in the untreated control and in the inulin sample. The color scale (top right corner) indicates concentrations relative to the minimum and maximum values measure across all samples. The untreated control can be used as a reference to determine increase (lighter color) or decrease (darker color) in SCFA and BCFA levels in the samples. [0045] FIG. 36 illustrates concentration response curves for the tea samples. The figures show how acetate and n-butyrate levels increase with increasing concentrations of test compounds, whereas the levels of i-butyrate, propionate and i-valerate decrease. [0046] FIG. 37 illustrates a plot showing the alcohol enriched products (upper left) clustering separately from the other Aloe vera polysaccharides. The remaining samples cluster in two separate groups, one of which (lower part of the plot, including samples ref211-1, ref211-2, ref21103, ref394-5, ref397-7, ref397-8, and ref349-9) resembles more the inulin samples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE EMBODIMENTS [0047] It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein. [0048] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. All patents, applications, published applications and other publications referenced herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties unless stated otherwise. For purposes of the present disclosure, the following terms are defined below. [0049] By “about” is meant a quantity, level, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length that varies by as much as 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1% to a reference quantity, level, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length. When a value is preceded by the term about, the component is not intended to be limited strictly to that value, but it is intended to include amounts that vary from the value. [0050] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The use of “or” or “and” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. Furthermore, use of the term “including” as well as other forms, such as “include”, “includes,” and “included,” is not limiting. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. [0051] Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the upper and lower limit, and each intervening value between the upper and lower limit of the range is encompassed within the embodiments. Aloe Product [0052] Some embodiments described herein relate to an Aloe vera based product. In some embodiments, the Aloe vera based product may include decolorized Aloe vera, Aloe vera juice concentrate, polysaccharide-enriched fractions of decolorized Aloe vera and of Aloe vera juice concentrate, Aloe vera inner leaf, and one or more excipients. Some embodiments described herein relate to a polysaccharide composition. In some embodiments, the polysaccharide composition comprises one or more Aloe vera polysaccharide and one or more excipients. [0053] Polysaccharides are polymers composed of monosaccharide units bound together by glycosidic linkages. These macromolecules can take on various shapes in solution, including random coils, ribbon-like, brush-like, and sheet-like. While many polysaccharides are uncharged, they may contain functionality rendering them acidic, such as: carboxyl groups, phosphate groups, and sulfuric ester groups. Through chemical manipulation, neutral and acidic polysaccharides may be separated and characterized. [0054] Polysaccharides are a component of Aloe vera, a plant with demonstrated beneficial effects on human health. The structure of the individual polysaccharides may play a role in their effect on human health. By applying separation and characterization techniques to the polysaccharides of Aloe vera, its beneficial effects may be better understood. [0055] In some embodiments, the Aloe vera based product may be liquid juice, juice concentrate, or dry juice concentrate. In some embodiments, the Aloe vera based product may be concentrated polysaccharide-enriched fractions. The Aloe vera juice may be polysaccharide-enriched fractions 2X concentrate. The polysaccharide-enriched fraction may be about 5X, 10X, 15X, 20X, 25X, 30X, 35X, 40X, 45X, 50X, 55X, 60X, 65X, 70X, 75X, 80X, 85X, 90X, 95X, 100X, 5X, 10X, 15X, 20X, 25X, 30X, 35X, 40X, 45X, 50X, 55X, 60X, 65X, 70X, 75X, 80X, 85X, 90X, 95X, 100X, 105X, 110X, 115X, 120X, 125X, 130X, 135X, 140X, 145X, 150X, 155X, 160X, 165X, 170X, 175X, 180X, 185X, 190X, 195X, 200X concentrate or ranges including and/or spanning the aforementioned values. [0056] The Aloe vera based product may also include an acidity modifier. The acidity modifier may be citric acid, citric acid salt, malic acid, malic acid salt, acetic acid, acetic acid salt, lactic acid, lactic acid salt, tartaric acid, or tartaric acid salt, formic acid and formic acid salt, propionic acid and propionic acid salt, butyric acid and butyric acid salt, valeric acid and valeric acid salt, phosphoric acid and phosphoric acid salt. In one embodiment, the acidity modifier may have a concentration of 0.1 to10%. In some embodiments, the acidity modifier may have a concentration of 0.2 to5%. In another embodiment an acidity modifier may have a concentration of exactly or about 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0%, 2.1%, 2.2%, 2.3%, 2.4%, 2.5%, 2.6%, 2.7%, 2.8%, 2.9%, 3.0%, 3.1%, 3.2%, 3.3%, 3.4%, 3.5%, 3.6%, 3.7%, 3.8%, 3.9%, 4.0%, 4.1%, 4.2%, 4.3%, 4.4%, 4.5%, 4.6%, 4.7%, 4.8%, 4.9%, 5.0%, 5.1%, 5.2%, 5.3%, 5.4%, 5.5%, 5.6%, 5.7%, 5.8%, 5.9%, 6.0%, 6.1%, 6.2%, 6.3%, 6.4%, 6.5%, 6.6%, 6.7%, 6.8%, 6.9%, 7.0%, 7.1%, 7.2%, 7.3%, 7.4%, 7.5%, 7.6%, 7.7%, 7.8%, 7.9%, 8.0%, 8.1%, 8.2%, 8.3%, 8.4%, 8.5%, 8.6%, 8.7%, 8.8%, 8.9%, 9.0%, 9.1%, 9.2%, 9.3%, 9.4%, 9.5%, 9.6%, 9.7%, 9.8%, 9.9%, 10.0% or ranges including and/or spanning the aforementioned values. In some embodiments, the acidity modifier may be citric acid, sodium citrate, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the acidity modifier may be malic acid, sodium malate, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the acidity modifier may be acetic acid, sodium acetate, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the acidity modifier may be tartaric acid, sodium tartrate, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the acidity modifier may be formic acid, sodium formate, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the acidity modifier may be propionic acid, sodium proponate, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the acidity modifier may be butyric acid, sodium butyrate, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the acidity modifier may be valeric acid, valeric acid sodium salt, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the acidity modifier may be phosphoric acid, sodium phosphate, or a combination thereof. [0057] In some embodiments, the Aloe vera based product may comprise an excipient. In some embodiments, the excipient is cellulose powder, modified starch, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, sodium croscarmellose, calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, or silicon dioxide. In some embodiments, the concentration of the excipient is 0.01 to 2%. In some embodiments, the concentration of the excipient is 0.01 to 0.5%. In another embodiment an acidity modifier may have a concentration of exactly or about 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0% or ranges including and/or spanning the aforementioned values. [0058] In some embodiments, the Aloe vera based product may comprise a preservative. The preservative may be sorbic acid, sorbic acid salt, benzoic acid, benzoic acid salt, lactic acid, lactic acid salt, citric acid, citric acid salt, malic acid, malic acid salt, acetic acid, acetic acid salt, tartaric acid, tartaric acid salt, rosemary extract, lovage extract, chitosan, sage essential oil, thymol oil, nisin, e-polylysine, grape seed extract, goji berry extract or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the preservative may be sorbic acid, sodium sorbate, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the preservative may be benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the preservative may be lactic acid, sodium lactate, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the preservative may be sorbic acid, sodium sorbate, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the preservative may be citric acid, sodium citrate, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the preservative may be malic acid, sodium malate, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the preservative may be acetic acid, sodium acetate, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the preservative may be tartaric acid, sodium tartrate, or a combination thereof. [0059] In some embodiments, the Aloe vera based product includes a flavorant. In some embodiments, the flavorant is one or more sugar, honey, fructose, dextrose, maltodextrin, or gums, natural and/or artificial flavors defined in 21 CFR 101.22(a)(3) and (EC) No 1334/2008. In some embodiments, the flavorant may be one or more flavor modifying compound including but are not limited to natural or synthetic carbohydrates or carbohydrate analogues. In some embodiments, the flavorant may be includes, but is not limited to, agave inulin, agave nectar, agave syrup, amazake, brazzein, brown rice syrup, coconut crystals, coconut sugars, coconut syrup, date sugar, fructans (also referred to as inulin fiber, fructo-oligosaccharides, or oligo-fructose), green stevia powder, stevia rebaudiana, rebaudioside A, rebaudioside B, rebaudioside C, rebaudioside D, rebaudioside E, rebaudioside F, rebaudioside I, rebaudioside H, rebaudioside L, rebaudioside K, rebaudioside J, rebaudioside N, rebaudioside O, rebaudioside M and other sweet stevia-based glycosides, stevioside, stevioside extracts, honey, Jerusalem artichoke syrup, licorice root, luo han guo (fruit, powder, or extracts), lucuma (fruit, powder, or extracts), maple sap (including, for example, sap extracted from Acer saccharum, Acer nigrum, Acer rubrum, Acer saccharinum, Acer platanoides, Acer negundo, Acer macrophyllum, Acer grandidentatum, Acer glabrum, Acer mono), maple syrup, maple sugar, walnut sap (including, for example, sap extracted from Juglans cinerea, Juglans nigra, Juglans ailatifolia, Juglans regia), birch sap (including, for example, sap extracted from Betula papyrifera, Betula alleghaniensis, Betula lenta, Betula nigra, Betula populifolia, Betula pendula), sycamore sap (such as, for example, sap extracted from Platanus occidentalis), ironwood sap (such as, for example, sap extracted from Ostrya virginiana), mascobado, molasses (such as, for example, blackstrap molasses), molasses sugar, monatin, monellin, cane sugar (also referred to as natural sugar, unrefined cane sugar, or sucrose), palm sugar, panocha, piloncillo, rapadura, raw sugar, rice syrup, sorghum, sorghum syrup, cassava syrup (also referred to as tapioca syrup), thaumatin, yacon root, malt syrup, barley malt syrup, barley malt powder, beet sugar, cane sugar, crystalline juice crystals, caramel, carbitol, carob syrup, castor sugar, hydrogenated starch hydrolates, hydrolyzed can juice, hydrolyzed starch, invert sugar, anethole, arabinogalactan, arrope, syrup, P-4000, acesulfame potassium (also referred to as acesulfame K or ace-K), alitame (also referred to as aclame), advantame, aspartame, baiyunoside, neotame, benzamide derivatives, bernadame, canderel, carrelame and other guanidine-based sweeteners, vegetable fiber, corn sugar, coupling sugars, curculin, cyclamates, cyclocarioside I, demerara, dextran, dextrin, diastatic malt, dulcin, sucrol, valzin, dulcoside A, dulcoside B, emulin, enoxolone, maltodextrin, saccharin, estragole, ethyl maltol, glucin, gluconic acid, glucono-lactone, glucosamine, glucoronic acid, glycerol, glycine, glycyphillin, glycyrrhizin, golden sugar, yellow sugar, golden syrup, granulated sugar, gynostemma, hernandulcin, isomerized liquid sugars, jallab, chicory root dietary fiber, kynurenine derivatives (including Nƍ-formyl-kynurenine, Nƍ-acetyl-kynurenine, 6-chloro- kynurenine), galactitol, litesse, ligicane, lycasin, lugduname, guanidine, falernum, mabinlin I, mabinlin II, maltol, maltisorb, maltodextrin, maltotriol, mannosamine, miraculin, mizuame, mogrosides (including, for example, mogroside I (including mogrosides IA and IE), mogroside II (including mogrosides IIA, IIA1, IIA2, IIB, and IIE), mogroside III (including mogroside IIIA2, IIIE), mogroside IV (including mogrosides IVA and IVE), mogroside V, and mogroside VI), 7-oxomogrosides (including, for example, 7-oxomogroside II_E and 7- oxomogroside V), 11-deoxymogrosides (including, for example, 11-deoxymogrosides III and V), 11-oxomogrosides (including, for example, 11-oxomogrosides IA, IIIE, IV, IVA, IVE, V, and VI), siamenoside, siamenoside I, isomogroside, isomogroside V, mogrol, 11-oxomogrol, neomogroside, mukurozioside, nano sugar, naringin dihydrochalcone, neohesperidine dihydrochalcone, nib sugar, nigero-oligosaccharide, norbu, orgeat syrup, osladin, pekmez, pentadin, periandrin I, perillaldehyde, perillartine, petphyllum, phenylalanine, phlomisoside I, phlorodizin, phyllodulcin, polyglycitol syrups, polypodoside A, pterocaryoside A, pterocaryoside B, rebiana, refiners syrup, rub syrup, rubusoside, selligueain A, shugr, siamenoside I, siraitia grosvenorii, soybean oligosaccharide, Splenda, SRI oxime V, steviol glycoside, steviolbioside, stevioside, strogins 1, 2, and 4, sucronic acid, sucrononate, sugar, suosan, phloridzin, superaspartame, tetrasaccharide, threitol, treacle, trilobtain, tryptophan and derivatives (6-trifluoromethyl-tryptophan, 6-chloro-D-tryptophan), vanilla sugar, volemitol, birch syrup, aspartame-acesulfame, assugrin, and combinations or blends of any two or more thereof. [0060] In some embodiments, the composition described herein may contain aroma agents or flavoring agents including natural and synthetic flavorings e.g. in the form of natural vegetable components, essential oils, essences, extracts, powders, including acids and other substances capable of affecting the taste profile. Examples of liquid and powdered flavorings include coconut, coffee, chocolate, vanilla, grape, grapefruit, orange, lime, menthol, liquorice, caramel aroma, honey aroma, peanut, walnut, cashew, hazelnut, almonds, pineapple, strawberry, raspberry, tropical fruits, cherries, cinnamon, peppermint, wintergreen, spearmint, eucalyptus, and mint, fruit essence such as from apple, pear, peach, strawberry, apricot, raspberry, cherry, pineapple, and plum essence. The essential oils include peppermint, spearmint, menthol, eucalyptus, clove oil, bay oil, anise, thyme, cedar leaf oil, nutmeg, and oils of the fruits mentioned above. [0061] In some embodiments, the concentration of the flavorant is 0.1 to 50%. In another embodiment a flavorant may have a concentration of exactly or about 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0%, 2.1%, 2.2%, 2.3%, 2.4%, 2.5%, 2.6%, 2.7%, 2.8%, 2.9%, 3.0%, 3.1%, 3.2%, 3.3%, 3.4%, 3.5%, 3.6%, 3.7%, 3.8%, 3.9%, 4.0%, 4.1%, 4.2%, 4.3%, 4.4%, 4.5%, 4.6%, 4.7%, 4.8%, 4.9%, 5.0%, 5.1%, 5.2%, 5.3%, 5.4%, 5.5%, 5.6%, 5.7%, 5.8%, 5.9%, 6.0%, 6.1%, 6.2%, 6.3%, 6.4%, 6.5%, 6.6%, 6.7%, 6.8%, 6.9%, 7.0%, 7.1%, 7.2%, 7.3%, 7.4%, 7.5%, 7.6%, 7.7%, 7.8%, 7.9%, 8.0%, 8.1%, 8.2%, 8.3%, 8.4%, 8.5%, 8.6%, 8.7%, 8.8%, 8.9%, 9.0%, 9.1%, 9.2%, 9.3%, 9.4%, 9.5%, 9.6%, 9.7%, 9.8%, 9.9%, 10.0%, 10.1%, 10.2%, 10.3%, 10.4%, 10.5%, 10.6%, 10.7%, 10.8%, 10.9%,11.0%, 11.1%, 11.2%, 11.3%, 11.4%, 11.5%, 11.6%, 11.7%, 11.8%, 11.9%,12.0%, 12.1%, 12.2%, 12.3%, 12.4%, 12.5%, 12.6%, 12.7%, 12.8%, 12.9%,13.0%, 13.1%, 13.2%, 13.3%, 13.4%, 13.5%, 13.6%, 13.7%, 13.8%, 13.9%, 14.0%, 14.1%, 14.2%, 14.3%, 14.4%, 14.5%, 14.6%, 14.7%, 14.8%, 14.9%, 15.0%, 15.1%, 15.2%, 15.3%, 15.4%, 15.5%, 15.6%, 15.7%, 15.8%, 15.9%, 16.0%, 16.1%, 16.2%, 16.3%, 16.4%, 16.5%, 16.6%, 16.7%, 16.8%, 16.9%, 17.0%, 17.1%, 17.2%, 17.3%, 17.4%, 17.5%, 17.6%, 17.7%, 17.8%, 17.9%, 18.0%, 18.1%, 18.2%, 18.3%, 18.4%, 18.5%, 18.6%, 18.7%, 18.8%, 18.9%, 19.0%, 19.1%, 19.2%, 19.3%, 19.4%, 19.5%, 19.6%, 19.7%, 19.8%, 19.9%, 20.0%, 20.1%, 20.2%, 20.3%, 20.4%, 20.5%, 20.6%, 20.7%, 20.8%, 20.9%, 21.0%, 21.1%, 21.2%, 21.3%, 21.4%, 21.5%, 21.6%, 21.7%, 21.8%, 21.9%, 22.0%, 22.1%, 22.2%, 22.3%, 22.4%, 22.5%, 22.6%, 22.7%, 22.8%, 22.9%, 23.0%, 23.1%, 23.2%, 23.3%, 23.4%, 23.5%, 23.6%, 23.7%, 23.8%, 23.9%, 24.0%, 24.1%, 24.2%, 24.3%, 24.4%, 24.5%, 24.6%, 24.7%, 24.8%, 24.9%, 25.0%, 25.1%, 25.2%, 25.3%, 25.4%, 25.5%, 25.6%, 25.7%, 25.8%, 25.9%, 26.0%, 26.1%, 26.2%, 26.3%, 26.4%, 26.5%, 26.6%, 26.7%, 26.8%, 26.9%, 27.0%, 27.1%, 27.2%, 27.3%, 27.4%, 27.5%, 27.6%, 27.7%, 27.8%, 27.9% ,28.0%, 28.1%, 28.2%, 28.3%, 28.4%, 28.5%, 28.6%, 28.7%, 28.8%, 28.9%, 29.0%, 29.1%, 29.2%, 29.3%, 29.4%, 29.5%, 29.6%, 29.7%, 29.8%, 29.9%, 30.0%, 30.1%, 30.2%, 30.3%, 30.4%, 30.5%, 30.6%, 30.7%, 30.8%, 30.9%, 31.0%, 31.1%, 31.2%, 31.3%, 31.4%, 31.5%, 31.6%, 31.7%, 31.8%, 31.9%, 32.0%, 32.1%, 32.2%, 32.3%, 32.4%, 32.5%, 32.6%, 32.7%, 32.8%, 32.9%, 33.0%, 33.1%, 33.2%, 33.3%, 33.4%, 33.5%, 33.6%, 33.7%, 33.8%, 33.9%, 34.0%, 34.1%, 34.2%, 34.3%, 34.4%, 34.5%, 34.6%, 34.7%, 34.8%, 34.9%, 35.0%, 35.1%, 35.2%, 35.3%, 35.4%, 35.5%, 35.6%, 35.7%, 35.8%, 35.9%, 36.0%, 36.1%, 36.2%, 36.3%, 36.4%, 36.5%, 36.6%, 36.7%, 36.8%, 36.9%, 37.0%, 37.1%, 37.2%, 37.3%, 37.4%, 37.5%, 37.6%, 37.7%, 37.8%, 37.9%, 38.0%, 38.1%, 38.2%, 38.3%, 38.4%, 38.5%, 38.6%, 38.7%, 38.8%, 38.9%, 39.0%, 39.1%, 39.2%, 39.3%, 39.4%, 39.5%, 39.6%, 39.7%, 39.8%, 39.9%, 40.0%, 40.1%, 40.2%, 40.3%, 40.4%, 40.5%, 40.6%, 40.7%, 40.8%, 40.9%, 41.0%, 41.1%, 41.2%, 41.3%, 41.4%, 41.5%, 41.6%, 41.7%, 41.8%, 41.9%, 42.0%, 42.1%, 42.2%, 42.3%, 42.4%, 42.5%, 42.6%, 42.7%, 42.8%, 42.9%, 43.0%, 43.1%, 43.2%, 43.3%, 43.4%, 43.5%, 43.6%, 43.7%, 43.8%, 43.9%, 44.0%, 44.1%, 44.2%, 44.3%, 44.4%, 44.5%, 44.6%, 44.7%, 44.8%, 44.9%, 45.0%, 45.1%, 45.2%, 45.3%, 45.4%, 45.5%, 45.6%, 45.7%, 45.8%, 45.9%, 46.0%, 46.1%, 46.2%, 46.3%, 46.4%, 46.5%, 46.6%, 46.7%, 46.8%, 46.9%, 47.0%, 47.1%, 47.2%, 47.3%, 47.4%, 47.5%, 47.6%, 47.7%, 47.8%, 47.9%, 48.0%, 48.1%, 48.2%, 48.3%, 48.4%, 48.5%, 48.6%, 48.7%, 48.8%, 48.9%, 49.0%, 49.1%, 49.2%, 49.3%, 49.4%, 49.5%, 49.6%, 49.7%, 49.8%, 49.9%, 50.0% or ranges including and/or spanning the aforementioned values. [0062] In some embodiments, the Aloe vera polysaccharide composition may be used as part of a nutritional supplement. The nutritional supplement may be a tablet, a capsule, a softgel, a gummy, an oral dissolved tablet, a lozenge, a powder, or a liquid. [0063] In some embodiments, the amount of Aloe vera polysaccharide in the nutritional supplement is 0.1 to 500g. In some embodiments, the amount of Aloe vera polysaccharide in the nutritional supplement is 5 to 300g. In some embodiments, the amount of decolorized Aloe vera juice in the nutritional supplement is exactly or about 1g, 5g, 10g, 15g, 20g, 25g, 30g, 35g, 40g, 45g, 50g, 55g, 60g, 65g, 70g, 75g, 80g, 85g, 90g, 95g, 100g, 105g, 110g, 115g, 120g, 125g, 130g, 135g, 140g, 145g, 150g, 155g, 160g, 165g, 170g, 175g, 180g, 185g, 190g, 195g, 200g, 205g, 210g, 215g, 220g, 225g, 230g, 235g, 240g, 245g, 250g, 255g, 260g, 265g, 270g, 275g, 280g, 285g, 290g, 295g, 300g, 305g, 310g, 315g, 320g, 325g, 330g, 335g, 340g, 345g, 350g, 355g, 360g, 365g, 370g, 375g, 380g, 385g, 390g, 395g, 400g, 405g, 410g, 415g, 420g, 425g, 430g, 435g, 440g, 445g, 450g, 455g, 460g, 465g, 470g, 475g, 480g, 485g, 490g, 495g, 500g or ranges including and/or spanning the aforementioned values. [0064] In some embodiments, the amount of Aloe vera polysaccharide in the nutritional supplement is 1 to 5 mg. In some embodiments, the amount of Aloe vera polysaccharide in the nutritional supplement is 50 – 300mg. Methods of Separation [0065] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a method for separating polysaccharides from aloe. This embodiment begins with step in which aloe juice powder is dissolved in water. The method continues with a step in which alcohol is added to reach a concentration of about 60% to about 90% alcohol. The solid compounds that result are collected by filtration. Next, the solid compounds are dissolved in water. This is followed by passing the resulting solution over a filter. The solute that is not removed by the filter is then loaded onto a column. Eluent is added to the column, different compounds elute, depending on the identity of the eluent. When the eluent is water, neutral polysaccharides elute from the column. When the eluent is 0.1 M NaCl, 0.5 M NaCl, or 0.5 M NaOH, acidic polysaccharides elute from the column. [0066] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a method for separating polysaccharides from aloe. In this embodiment, whole leaf Aloe Vera is harvested, washed and sanitized. The whole leaf Aloe Vera is chopped and placed in a grinding machine. The whole leaf Aloe Vera product is next pasteurized at 185 °F. After the whole leaf Aloe Vera product is pasteurized, the product is placed into a finisher filter where the fiber and skin (rind) is removed. The whole leaf Aloe Vera product is placed into a storage tank until further processing. Next, the whole leaf Aloe Vera product is placed in a decolorized tank with activated carbon. The whole leaf Aloe Vera product is then passed through a press filter and then placed into a storage tank. The whole leaf Aloe Vera product may pass through through a recirculation tank. The whole leaf Aloe Vera product next passes through a polishing filter at 3 μm and then stored in a tank until further processing. Next, the whole leaf Aloe Vera product is concentrated, alcohol is added, and evaporated. Next, the whole leaf Aloe Vera product polysaccharides are eluted from the product. [0067] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a method for separating polysaccharides from aloe. In this embodiment, whole leaf Aloe Vera is harvested, washed and sanitized. The whole leaf Aloe Vera is chopped and placed in a grinding machine. The whole leaf Aloe Vera product is next pasteurized at 185 °F. After the whole leaf Aloe Vera product is pasteurized, the product is placed into a finisher filter where the fiber and skin (rind) is removed. The whole leaf Aloe Vera product is placed into a storage tank until further processing. Next, the whole leaf Aloe Vera product is placed in a decolorized tank with activated carbon. The whole leaf Aloe Vera product is then passed through a press filter and then placed into a storage tank. The whole leaf Aloe Vera product may pass through through a recirculation tank. The whole leaf Aloe Vera product next passes through a polishing filter at 3 μm and then stored in a tank until further processing. Next, the whole leaf Aloe Vera product is concentrated, alcohol is added, and evaporated. Next, the whole leaf Aloe Vera product polysaccharides are eluted from the product. [0068] In some embodiments, the aloe starting material is whole leaf Aloe vera extract, inner leaf Aloe vera extract, concentrated whole leaf Aloe vera extract, concentrated inner leaf Aloe vera extract, aloe juice powder, or a combination thereof. [0069] In some embodiments, Aloe vera dry leaf juice may be manufactured from mature Aloe vera leaves. The mature Aloe vera leaves may be harvested and transported to a processing plant within exactly or about 24 hours of harvest. The leaves may be washed and sanitized with chlorinated water. The tip and butt of the leaves may be mechanically removed. The remaining part of the leaf may then go through a grinder and then into a processing tank. At exactly or about 50-60 °C, a suitable amount of an enzyme may be added into the tank. The temperature may be raised to exactly or about 85 °C after exactly or about 30 minutes. The raw juice may then be run through a finisher to remove cellular fiber. The juice may then be passed through activated charcoal to remove aloin to no more than exactly or about 0.1 ppm. The juice may then be used as-is. The juice may be further processed to aloe juice powder by spray-drying. [0070] In some embodiments, the aloe starting material is subsequently dissolved in water. In some embodiments, the water is deionized. In some embodiments, alcohol is added to the aqueous aloe solution. In some embodiments, the alcohol is: methanol, ethanol, n-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, 1-butanol, isobutyl alcohol, tert-butyl alcohol, 1- pentanol, 2-pentanol, 3-pentanol, or a combination thereof. [0071] In some embodiments, the resulting alcohol concentration is one of the following: 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, or 90%. In some embodiments, one or more of components of the water and alcohol solution precipitate out as insoluble. In some embodiments, the insoluble components are separated from the solution. In some embodiments, this separation is accomplished by filtration. In some embodiments, gravity filtration is used. In some embodiments, vacuum filtration is used. [0072] In some embodiments, the insoluble components are dissolved in water. In some embodiments, the water is deionized. In some embodiments, the solution is dialyzed against water. In some embodiments, the dialysis membrane has a molecular weight cut-off within one of the following ranges: 1-2 kDa, 2-3 kDa, 3-4 kDa, 4-5 kDa, 5-6 kDa, 6-7 kDa, 7-8 kDa, 8-9 kDa, and 9-10 kDa. [0073] In some embodiments, the mixture of solute components of the non- dialysate are separated. In some embodiments, this separation is achieved with one or more of the following techniques: ion exchange chromatography, column chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, aqueous normal phase chromatography, size exclusion chromatography, micellar liquid chromatography, and preparatory thin layer chromatography. In some embodiments, the stationary phase of the column is one or more of the following: silica gel, alumina, cellulose powder, cationic exchange resin and anionic exchange resin. In some embodiments, fractions are collected with deionized water as the eluent. In some embodiments, fractions are collected with 0.1 M or 0.5 M sodium chloride as the eluent. In some embodiments, fractions are collected with 0.5 M sodium hydroxide as the eluent. In some embodiments, the resulting fractions contain neutral polysaccharides, acidic polysaccharides, or a combination thereof. Methods of Treatment [0074] In some embodiments, the polysaccharides described herein may be administered to a mammal to improve the health and quantity of the microbiome. In some embodiments, the mammal is a human. Such beneficial effects on the human microbiome include, but are not limited to: an increased production of short chain fatty acids, an increased total microbial population in the colon, an increased production of acetate in the proximal colon, an increased production of propionate in the proximal colon, an increased population of the total bacteria in the proximal colon, an increased population of the transient concentration of bifidobacteria in the proximal colon, a strong anti-inflammatory response in the intestine, a decreased gut-barrier permeability, or a gut soothing effect. Gut permeability may be measured by any suitable method known by a skilled artisan. [0075] In some embodiments, the polysaccharides described herein may be administered to a mammal to induce a beneficial effect on a mammal. The beneficial effect may be an antioxidant benefit. Such antioxidant beneficial effects include but are not limited to: biologically meaningful antioxidant protection under conditions of oxidative stress, activating and inhibiting signals to immune cells, induction of a bi-phasic response to immune cells, and a strong anti-inflammatory response in the intestine. [0076] In some embodiments, the polysaccharides disclosed herein may be used to treat leaky gut or other related indications. In some embodiments, the polysaccharides disclosed herein may be used to treat chronic inflammation, immune deficiency, immune disorders, or other related indications. [0077] In some embodiments, the polysaccharides may be used as part of a nutritional supplement. The nutritional supplement may be a tablet, a capsule, a softgel, a gummy, an oral dissolved tablet, a lozenge, a powder, or a liquid. [0078] In some embodiments, a flavorant may be added to the nutritional supplement. In some embodiments, the flavorant is one or more of sugar, honey, fructose, dextrose, maltodextrin, gums, or natural and/or artificial flavors defined in 21 CFR 101.22(a)(3) and (EC) No 1334/2008. In some embodiments, the flavorant has a concentration of 0.1 – 50%. In some embodiments, the flavorant has a concentration of 0.1 – 20%. EXAMPLES Example 1 [0079] Precipitation of saccharides from Aloe juice was achieved through the addition of ethanol to the juice. Juice was supplied at four different concentrations (5x, 10x, 15x, and 20x) from two different sources (inner leaf and whole leaf), for a total of eight distinct product streams. In addition, two lots of each product stream were supplied for a total of 16 lots. The difference between whole leaf and inner leaf juice is identified by the first three digits in the Pharmachem lot number. Whole leaf juice has the 650 designation while the inner leaf juice has the 447 designation. [0080] Preliminary work on whole leaf juice at 5x and 20x concentrations showed precipitate solids yield of juice solids at 56% and 71% respectively. This information was used to size laboratory batches that would produce approximately 20g of dried precipitate. During the production of laboratory batches however, it was found that the inner leaf juices contained roughly half the amount of juice solids as whole leaf juices. Therefore, the only exception to the 20g dried precipitate target were the two lots of inner leaf juice at the 5x concentration because it would have necessitated an equipment scale-up to greater than 8 liters. The target for those two batches was to produce greater that 10g dried precipitate, which was achievable at less than 8 liter capacity. [0081] Ethanol Calculation. The prescribed ethanol content on a volume basis for final precipitation solution is 80%. The ethanol used for this project is food grade SDA 35A 190^, which contains 4% ethyl acetate as a denaturant. The ethyl acetate is included with the ethanol as the non-aqueous portion of the solvent composition so it is understood that the solvent is 95% "ethanol" and 5% water by volume. [0082] For the sake of simplification, the volume of juice solids displacing water in the juice is not taken into consideration in ethanol percentage calculations. Therefore, ethanol content in the final precipitation solution will vary slightly depending on which level (5x, 10x, 15x, and 20x) of juice concentrate is used. The volume of juice is treated synonymously with the volume of water contributed by the juice, independent of solids content. [0083] The following calculation is used to determine the amount of SDA 35A 190^ ethanol needed to adjust any volume of juice to a final ethanol concentration of 80% by volume in the precipitation solution: [0084] (SDA35A volume * 95% EtOH) / (SDA35A volume + Juice volume) = 80% EtOH [0085] (X * 0.95) / (X + Juice volume) = 0.8 [0086] For example, Avoca ID JRJ-12-14-1, 775ml Juice: [0087] (X * 0.95) / (X + 775) = 0.8, solve for X, X = 4,133 ml SDA 35A [0088] Procedure. Aloe juices stored in one gallon containers were retrieved from refrigeration and shaken into a homogenous suspension. A surplus of the batch-dependent prescribed amount was transferred to a glass beaker containing a stir magnet and heated on a thermostat controlled magnetic stir plate to 22^C. The solids content of the room temperature juice was measured in duplicate on a CEM microwave moisture analyzer. [0089] The prescribed volume of juice was then transferred to a graduated cylinder and the mass was recorded. The juice was then transferred to the batch vessel. Depending on the total volume of the batch, precipitations were executed in either a 1L glass Erlenmeyer flask, 2L glass Erlenmeyer flask, 4 L stainless steel beaker, or 8L stainless steel beaker. The mechanism of agitation was magnetic stir bars for the glass vessels and overhead mechanical stir shaft for stainless steel vessels. [0090] Next, stirring was applied to the juice and the prescribed volume of ethanol (SDA 35A 190^) at room temperature was added over the period of one hour, metered through a 2L glass separatory funnel positioned above the vessel. Upon completion of ethanol addition, the batch was allowed to stir for one additional hour prior to filtration. [0091] Separation of the precipitate from the mother liquor was achieved via vacuum filtration through a Buchner funnel and into a glass Erlenmeyer filtration flask. The filter media was a 125mm Whatman #3 filter paper. Preliminary work showed that, to ensure proper drying, a 100ml rinse using virgin SDA 35A ethanol was necessary to displace residual water. The rinse was applied just when the last of the mother liquor had drained below the surface of the filter cake in the funnel. [0092] The mass of the filtrate was recorded. A sample of the filtrate was retained and stored at refrigeration temperature in 250ml Nalgene bottles. The solids content of the filtrates were very low, such that direct measurement on the CEM would have been inaccurate. Therefore, a quantitative portion of filtrate was concentrated on a rotary evaporator and the solids content of the resulting concentrate was measured in duplicate on the CEM. Original solids content of the filtrate was acquired by calculation. The only exception was the whole leaf 20x juice lots where the solids content of the filtrates were high enough to be measured directly. [0093] The filter cake was transferred to tared glass weighing dishes and dried overnight in a vacuum oven. Drying temperature was 45^C. Maximum vacuum at 28"Hg was applied and a vent was introduced such that the measured vacuum inside the oven equilibrated at 14"Hg. This sweep ensured that ethanol/water would not deadlock inside the oven and instead be removed from the chamber. After approximately 18 hours in the vacuum oven, the dried precipitate was removed and the mass was recorded. The dried product was then transferred to 4 oz plastic containers and stored at room temperature. [0094] Some precipitation and sedimentation seems to have occurred in the juices concentrated beyond 5x prior to any ethanol addition due to either concentration itself or winterization during storage. All sedimentation, except in lots 650AQ050318(15X) and 650AQ050318(20X), are easily re-suspended and homogenized through shaking prior to dispensing. For the two lots mentioned, in order to achieve acceptable homogeneity, the whole gallon was shaken, dispensed, heated to RT, and stirred mechanically in an effort to break up and disperse the sedimentation chunks. Dispersion was mostly achieved but some particles remained and the juice used for the ethanol precipitation batches was dispensed with a best effort to maintain homogeneity. It was peculiar that the whole leaf juice concentrates at 15X and 20X behaved in this manner for those particular production lots and not in the duplicate lots for the same type of material. [0095] It should be noted that the whole leaf juice solids concentrations fell in line with the concentration factor designations (i.e.: 5X is about 5% solids). However, the inner leaf juice solids concentrations are about half the concentration factor designations (i.e.: 5X is about 2.5% solids). [0096] During ethanol addition, most, if not all, of the precipitation occurred well before the entire amount of prescribed ethanol had been added at every juice concentration. Perhaps the amount of ethanol needed for complete precipitation could be greatly reduced in an effort to increase throughput and decrease solvent usage. The negative side to using less ethanol would be the high water content in the solvent retained by the filter cake. As mentioned before, it was found that even 20% water in the solvent retained by the filter cake is too much for effective drying and a rinse step using 95% ethanol had to be employed. More work is suggested to see if the ethanol concentration could be reduced while achieving similar yields, and employing a solvent rinse of the filter cake to displace residual water that would hinder the drying operation. The rinse could go beyond 95% ethanol using either, or a combination of, SDA 35A 200^ and/or another approved more volatile solvent, such as acetone. The rinse stream could be captured separate from the bulk filtrate if it is undesired to have a non-ethanol solvent in the mother liquor product side stream. [0097] A few observations were made related to the precipitation slurries upon completion of agitation and during filtration. It was observed that the precipitates at all juice concentrations were more dense than the mother liquor and thus settled quickly prior to filtration. This proved beneficial because the clarified upper layer of mother liquor could be decanted through the filter paper and greatly decrease total filtration time. The precipitate particle size seemed much smaller when formed from the most dilute juices. Particle size increased as the juice concentration level increased. Filtration was slower for the batches that had smaller particle sizes and faster for the batches with larger particle sizes. For the batches with the smallest particle size, filtration would have been very slow had the slurry been introduced to the filtration media in suspension rather than allowing it to settle and filtering the clarified mother liquor first. It is understood that, in a commercial production scenario, the precipitation slurry would need to be introduced to the filtration centrifuge in suspension, and a decant method would be unrealistic. Perhaps the difference in filtration media (paper vs centrifuge liner) and difference in force applied (vacuum vs centrifugal) would allow for suitable filtration regardless of the nature of the precipitate [0098] While transferring the dried precipitate from the weighing dish to the storage/shipping containers, a few observations were made. The dried precipitate was more colorless from the lower concentration factor juices and became more beige as the juice concentration increased. With respect to texture, the precipitates from lower concentration factor juices were formed into harder chunks that seemed difficult to crush whereas the chunks of precipitates from higher concentration juices seemed more brittle and easier to crush into a powder. If colorlessness and ability to form a powder is desired, a stroke of balance was observed when precipitates were produced from juices having a solids content of around 10% (so 10X concentration factor for whole leaf juice and 20X concentration factor for inner leaf juice). Tables 1A and 1B illustrates data from Example 1. Table 1A

Table 1B

Example 2 [0099] FIGs. 1-3 illustrate polysaccharide enrichment based on new process according to an embodiment that increases polysaccharide molecular weight. Table 2 illustrates data from the new process. Table 2

Example 3 [0100] FIGs. 4-6 illustrate polysaccharide enrichment based on new process according to an embodiment that increases polysaccharide molecular weight. Table 3 illustrates data from the new process. Table 3

Example 4 [0101] As mentioned previously, FIG. 9 illustrates a production sample preparation for purifying Aloe vera concentrate (whole leaf). Small production sample preparation for analysis from Pharmachem Mexico (Red). [0102] Sample 1. Filter the guacamole to obtain 200 gm of liquid filtrate (for Sample 1). Add 800g of SDA to make about 80% SDA solution. Place the 80%SDA solutions into a refrigerator overnight. Take the SDA solutions out of refrigerator and allow to reach to room temperature. Filter the SDA solution through a filter paper and collect the precipitate. Dry the precipitate under vacuum at a low temperature, such as 40-50°C. [0103] Samples 2-5. Take 200g of liquid samples from each steps (for Samples 2-4 and 5 A-D) and add 800g of SDA to make about 80% SDA solution. Place the 80% SDA solutions into a refrigerator overnight. Take the SDA solutions out of refrigerator and allow to reach to room temperature. Filter the SDA solution through a filter paper and collect the precipitate. Dry the precipitate under vacuum at a low temperature, such as 40- 50°C. [0104] Sample 5E is to be the finished product (100X and 200X from the two batches being run). Large lab scale sample preparation for analysis from Avoca North Carolina (Blue). Add the amount of alcohol according to the above table to obtain the final alcohol concentration 80% (v/v) at room temperature. Centrifuge to separate the precipitate from alcohol solution. Vacuum dry the precipitate around 40-50°C. Repeat the same procedure for 5x, 10x, 15x, and 20x, inner and whole leaf concentrates (Samples 7 A-D). [0105] As an initial experiment, 10-20g of precipitate samples are sufficient for analysis. Retain 200 g of alcohol soluble solution to be were sent for further analysis for analysis (Samples 6 A-D). Example 5 [0106] Each sample was tested at one concentration in the presence of Bile salts (BS) at physiological concentration, thus maintaining constant the BS/PS ratio. The binding capacity of PS was evaluated by determining the difference between the amount of total BS and unbound (free) BS in supernatants after precipitation of the complex PS-BS by ultracentrifugation. If the PS is able to bind BS, the remaining BS in supernatants should decrease. Total and unbound BS were determined by means of a Colorimetric Total Bile Acids Assay Kit (Diazyme DZ092A-K). Cholestyramine and Soy Protein Isolate were used as references of BS sequestrants. [0107] Colorimetric Assay Principle. In the presence of NAD, the enzyme 3-Į- hydroxysteroiddehydrogenase(3-ĮHSD) oxidizes BS to 3-keto steroids and NADH. The NADH formed reacts with nitrotetrazolium blue (NBT) to form a formazan dye in the presence of diaphorase enzyme. The dye formation is monitored by measuring absorbance at 540 nm during the reaction (ǻAbs) that is proportional to BS concentration. [0108] Procedure. The PS samples were gently dissolved (in triplicate) in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) and were kept overnight at 4ºC to assure the complete hydration. The PS solutions were mixed with a BS solution (dissolved in SIF) in order to reach a BS/PS ratio 1/100 wt/wt. In order to allow their interaction the mixtures were maintained at 4ºC for 1 h under gentle agitation. As source of BS a porcine bile extract (Sigma-Aldrich B3883) was used. After ultracentrifugation (centrifuge model 5810 R from Eppendorf) the supernatants of two of the three replicates were diluted in SIF and the amount of unbound BS was determined using the corresponding BS assay kit (spectrophotometer PG Instruments Ltd T70 UV/VIS). In this way, the binding capacity of the water insoluble PS fractions could be estimated. The supernatant of the third replicate was diluted in ethanol to further precipitate water soluble PS fractions. After a second ultracentrifugation the amount of unbound BS was determined in ethanol supernatants using the corresponding BS assay kit. In this way the binding capacity of the water soluble PS fractions was estimated. The same procedure (1-3) was applied for the positive controls (Cholestyramine and Soy Protein Isolate) used as a reference of BS sequestrants. To evaluate the total BS concentration (control BS) the porcine bile extract was dissolved in SIF, ultracentrifuged in the same concentration as used in (2) and determined using the corresponding BS assay kit. [0109] Results. Binding capacity of the water insoluble PS fractions. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the significant differences between the absorbance ǻAbs corresponding to total BS (6) and unbound BS in the aqueous supernatants of mixtures. Table 4

[0110] In addition to the positive controls (Cholestyramine and Soy protein isolate), the PS samples that presented significant differences with total BS (no PS present) were 10A 14I and 8A 4I. [0111] The binding capacity (BC) of PS was calculated in three different ways: 1. bound BS %: 100 – (ratio between the ǻAbs of aqueous supernatants of mixtures and the ǻAbs of total BS) 2. ^mol of BS bound by 1g of sample: ǻAbs of the internal standard (0.083 ± 0.005) that corresponded to 35 ^M of BS allowed the conversion of absorbance to concentration. 3. relative binding %: The ratio between the binding capacity (1 or 2) of samples and the binding capacity of cholestyramine. Table 5

[0112] B) Binding capacity of water soluble PS fraction. ǻAbs (EtOH) should decrease in comparison to ǻAbs of supernatants obtained after precipitation of the water insoluble fraction ǻAbs (SIF) if BS is bound to the water soluble fraction. In the following table all replicated measurements on supernatants obtained after precipitation of the water insoluble fraction ǻAbs (SIF) are shown as well as the single measurement made on ethanolic supernatants ǻAbs (EtOH). Table 6

[0113] No decrease in ǻAbs in ethanol was observed. For some samples a slight unexpected increase of ǻAbs was observed, probably due to a small decrease of final volume after precipitation of water soluble PS. Example 6 [0114] It is well recognized that unbalanced diets, especially those with high amounts of fat and/or carbohydrates, are strongly associated with overweight/obese development. Based on the difficulties to maintain dietician recommendations, alternative strategies, e.g. the consumption of food supplements that reduce fat incorporation in the body, could benefit people at risk of obesity. [0115] Pancreatic lipase (PL) and alpha-glucosidase (AG) are responsible of relevant proportions of dietary fat and carbohydrates metabolism, respectively. Then, reducing their activities would be mechanisms to decrease the metabolism and consequent absorption of fats and carbohydrates at the intestinal level, reducing fatty acids and glycerol or glucose bioavailability, with the additional benefit of decreasing the negative effects of excessive calorie intake. [0116] The aim of this study was to analyze the in vitro inhibitory activity of different extracts on PL and AG. [0117] Chemicals and reagents. Pancreatic lipase (PL) (porcine, Type II, 100– 400 units/mg protein), alpha-glucosidase (AG) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, p- nitrophenyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside, acarbose, Trizma® base were purchased from Sigma- Aldrich (St. Louis, MO, USA). Orlistat was purchased from Laboratorios Casasco (Buenos Aires, Argentina). Commercial Liquid Lipase AA kit contained 1,2- dilauril-rac-glycero-3- glutaric-(6’-methylresorufin)-ester as enzyme substrate was from Wiener Lab (Rosario, Argentina). MilliQ water was obtained from BarnsteadTM E-pureTM ultrapure water purification system (Thermo Fisher Scientific). The extracts (numbered 1-20) tested as potential inhibitors were provided (Buenos Aires, Argentina). Extract samples, orlistat, acarbose, lipase and alpha-glucosidase and stock solutions were freshly prepared before experiments. Extract solutions were prepared in distilled water (20 mg/mL), with gentle agitation and resting at 4°C overnight, previous to their use. [0118] Lipase and alpha-glucosidase inhibition colorimetric assay. PL activity assay were carried out using 1,2- dilauril-rac-glycero-3-glutaric-(6’-methylresorufin)- ester as substrate, at 37ºC in a 96-wells microplate, with a preincubation of 15 min in the presence of the extracts. Orlistat was used as positive control. AG activity was carried out using p- nitrophenyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside as substrate, at 37ºC in a 96-wells microplate. Acarbose was used as positive control. Results were expressed as means ± SEM from 3-4 independent experiments performed in triplicate. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett multiple comparison test was used to examine differences between group means, using GraphPad Prism 6.01 for Windows (GraphPad Software, La Jolla California USA). A value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. [0119] Effects of extracts on lipase activity. The 20 extracts were tested at a fixed concentration (2 mg/mL) and results are shown in FIG.10 (Effects of extracts (2 mg/mL) and orlistat (3.5x10^-2 mg/mL) on lipase activity). After the intermediate report, 6 extracts (-1, 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9) were selected to complete dose-response curves (FIG. 11)(Dose-response of selected extracts on lipase activity). [0120] Based on the data showed in FIG.11, the IC50 of extracts were calculated plotting the concentration (mg/mL) vs. log of the activity (%) (Table 7). Table 7

[0121] Data are means ± SEM of 3 independent experiments performed in triplicate [0122] Effect of extracts on AG activity. The 20 extracts were tested at a fixed concentration (2 mg/mL). FIG 12 showed the results, indicating that none of the samples produced a statistically significant inhibition in AG activity under the experimental conditions used. [0123] The 20 extracts were tested at a fixed concentration as lipase inhibitors. Statistically significant inhibition was observed for extracts 1, 3, 6, 7, and 8. Samples 2, 4, 5, 9, and 10 showed a tendency (no statistically significant) to inhibit lipase, under the experimental conditions. Dose-response assays led to IC50 showing that extract 3 was the most effective as a lipase inhibitor. The 20 extracts were tested at a fixed concentration as alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. None of the samples showed inhibitor effects under the experimental conditions used. Table 8. Effects of extracts on PL activity at a fixed concentration (2 mg/mL)

Table 9. Effects on PL activity: Dose-response of selected samples

Table 10. Effects on AG activity at a fixed concentration (2 mg/mL)

Example 7 [0124] This experiment evaluated the effects of six herbal extracts on proliferation, apoptosis and would healing in Homo sapiens stomach gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (AGS). The AGS cell line (ATCC) was derived from fragments of a biopsy specimen of an untreated human adenocarcinoma of the stomach and established as cell line by S.C. Barranco in 1983. [0125] Cells. The AGScells were cultured in T75 flasks in F-12K Complete Medium (ATCC-formulated F-12K Medium, Catalog No. 30-2004, supplemented with fetal bovine serum to a final concentration of 10%)and maintained at 37°C in a fully humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air, per supplier’s recommendations. The culture medium was changed every 72 h, and AGS confluent cultures were washed twice with HEPES Buffered Saline Solution, released with 0.25% trypsin-EDTA (1X) (GIBCO cat#: 25200-072), and subcultured. Studies were carried out using cells at passages two to five. For all experiments the number of independent cultures was n=6. [0126] Proliferation studies. Proliferation of AGScells was measured with the Cell Proliferation Kit I (MTS, cat. Number: 11465007001-Roche-SIGMA-ALDRICH). AGScells were harvested with trypsin/EDTA and suspended in F-12K complete medium and then seeded into a 96-well plate (100 μl per well: 1500 cells/well) and incubated overnight for attachment. For proliferation studies media were changed (100 μl /well) to F-12K with 2%FBS and incubated overnight. Thereafter stimuli were added in 10 μl volume. Positive controls were added (100 μlcompleteF-12K). The six extracts were added in three concentrations: 10, 50 or 100 μg/ml final concentration in the well. Controls wells were added culture medium (negative controls). All stimuli were evaluated in triplicate. Cultures were incubated for 24 h. After the selected time period MTS reagent was added following the manufacturer’s instructions. The development of color was measured in a spectrophotometer after 60 and 120 min. [0127] Scratch studies. For wound healing analysis(2), AGS cells were detached by trypsinization, resuspended incomplete F-12Kmedium and plated at 40.000 cells per well in 500 μl on a 24-well plate and grown to 80% confluence. Then culture medium was changed to F-12K with 2% FBS. The cell monolayers were wounded by a 200 μl micropipette yellow tip in one direction. After the injury, the cell culture was washed with medium to remove cellular debris. The wounded dishes were incubated with the herbal extracts at concentrations of 10, 50 and 100 μg/ml. As positive control, F-12K complete medium was used. As negative controlF-12K with 2% FBS was used. Cell migration was monitored at initial wounding (t 0 h) and at 3 and 6hsthereafter (t=3hs, t=6hs) under a phase- contrast microscope. Pictures were acquired at the same magnification and location at the bottom of the dish. The result was calculated as percentage of open area after the incubation time relative to the initial open area (cell free area at t x h/ cell free area at t 0 h * 100). Quantification was carried out using ImageJsoftware (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD). [0128] Apoptosis. Effects of herbal extracts on H2O2-induced apoptosis (3)were analyzed using cell death detection ELISA plus (Sigma Cat. No 11774425001). AGScells were harvested with trypsin/EDTA and suspended in F-12K complete medium and then seeded into a 96-well plate (100 μl medium per well: 5000 cells/well) and incubated overnight for attachment. The following day, media were renewed, H₂O₂ (0.75 uM) and herbal extracts (10, 50 and 100 μg/ml) were added. Positive control of apoptosis was complete media with H2O2 (0.75uM).Negative control was complete media without further stimulation. After 24-hour incubation, apoptosis levels were evaluated using the cell death detection ELISA plus. Briefly, cells were lysed with the Lysis Buffer provided in the kit and 20 μl of the supernatant were added to the ELISA plate. The ELISA test was performed according to manufacturer´s instructions. Development of color was measured in a spectrophotometer at 405 and 492 nm. Results were expressed as Arbitrary Units (A.U.: Absorbance 405-Absorbance 492). [0129] Statistical analysis. Results are expressed as means ± SEM. Differences between means were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA, followed by Newman- Keulsposthoc test (Statistica release 7). Data were transformed when test for homogeneity of variances or normality of the data set so required.Differences in percentages were arcsine transformed and analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA. In all cases p<0.05 was considered significant. [0130] Results. Effect of herbal extracts on cell proliferation AGS cells. The effect of the six herbal extracts was evaluated on AGS cell proliferation after 24 in culture with the stated stimuli (FIG.13) (Cell proliferation levels after 24 h stimulation. Absorbances were determined after 60 (top of FIG. 13) and 120 (bottom of FIG. 13) minutes of MTS reagent). Tables 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D illustrate the data from FIG.13. Table 11A

Table 11B

Table 11C

Table 11D

[0131] After 24 h stimulation incubation with the extracts and 60 minutes MTS, Extract 1 significantly reduced cell proliferation with regards to the negative control at 10 μg/ml (FIG. 14A). On the other hand, Extract 3 reduced cell proliferation at 10 and 100 μg/ml (FIG.14B) (Cell proliferation after 24 h stimulation with the corresponding extract. A: Repeated measures ANOVA: p<0.02, *=different from Ctrol-, p<0.03. B: Repeated measures ANOVA: p<0.02, *= different from Ctrol-, p<0.04 or less.) None of the other extracts significantly altered cell proliferation at any of the concentrations tested. After 24 h stimulation incubation with the extracts and 120 minutes MTS, only Extract 1 significantly reduced cell proliferation with regards to the negative control at the three doses tested (FIG. 15 at 10, 50, 100 μg/ml). Tables 12A and 12B illustrate the data from FIG. 14. Tables 13A and 13B illustrate the data from FIG.15. Table 12A

Table 12B

Table 13A

Table 13B

[0132] Effects of herbal extracts on hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis in AGS cells. Effects of the six herbal extracts on H2O2-induced apoptosis in AGS cells were evaluated using an ELISA kit. Results for all six extract can be observed in FIG.16 (Effects of herbal extract on H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in AGS cells). Tables 14A and 14B illustrate the data from FIG.16. [0133] Table 14A

Table 14B

[0134] Hydrogen peroxide (0.75 uM) induced apoptosis in AGS cells. Four out of the six extracts (Extracts 1, 9, 11 and 14, FIG. 17A-D) had protective effects on H2O2- induced apoptosis, especially at low extract concentrations. (FIG 17: Effects of herbal extract on H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in AGS cells. Individual extracts were analyzed separately. A: Extract 1: Repeated measures ANOVA: p<0.0004, *= different from Ctrol+, p<0.002 or less, a: different from Ctrol-, p<0.04 or less. B: Extract 9: Repeated measures ANOVA: p<0.0003, *: different from Ctrol+, p<0.02; a: different from Ctrol-, p<0.03 or less. C: Extract 11: Repeated measures ANOVA: p<0.0001, *=different from Ctrol+, p<0.05, a: different from Ctrol-, p<0.02 or less. D: Extract 14: Repeated measures ANOVA: p<0.0001, *=different from Ctrol+, p<0.02 or less, a: different from Ctrol-, p<0.0005.) Only Extract 3 and 7 had no effect on H₂O₂-induced apoptosis. In the case of Extract 11, there was a tendency for protective effects at the doses of 10 (p=0.08) and 100 ug/ml (p=0.06). In the case of Extract 1 (10 and 50 ug/ml), Extract 9 (10 ug/ml), Extract 14 (all doses) apoptosis was reversed to negative control levels. Tables 15A and 15B illustrate the data from FIG.17A-D. Table 15A

Table 15B ^^{^ ^}

[0135] Effect of herbal extracts on wound healing in AGS cells evaluated by the Scratch assay. The effect of the herbal extracts on wound healing with the Scratch assay was evaluated. The migration of cells into the wound was evaluated after 3 and 6 h of producing the wound and incubating with the extracts. [0136] The positive control containing FBS induced 7% healing with regard to the negative control after 3h incubation. At this time point all extracts (10, 50, 100 μg/ml) induced significant improvement in wound healing with regard to the negative control (FIG.18A-F) (FIG. 18: Percent open wound after 3-hour treatment with regards to initial wounding. A: Extract 1:Repeated measures ANOVA p<0.01, *=different from negative control p<0.02 or less. B: Extract 3: Repeated measures ANOVA p<0.01, *=different from negative control p<0.02 or less. C: Extract 7: Repeated measures ANOVA p<0.005, *=different from negative control p<0.01 or less. D: Extract 9: Repeated measures ANOVA p<0.02, *=different from negative control p<0.03 or less. E: Extract 11: Repeated measures ANOVA p<0.0002. *=different from negative control p<0.0004 or less; a: different from positive control p<0.04.F: Extract 14: Repeated measures ANOVA p<0.003. *=different from negative control p<0.008 or less) and their effects were similar to the positive control. Extracts11 at the lowest dose was the most effective at this time point, as it induced even better healing than the positive control containing FBS. Among the other extracts the different doses induced similar degrees of healing. [0137] After 6h, the positive control induced 20 % healing with regard to the negative control. Again, all extracts induced significant wound healing with regard to the negative control, but were, in general, less effective than the positive control. The only extracts that were as effective as the positive control were Extract 11 at all doses and Extract 3 at 100ug/ml. [0138] FIG.19 illustrates percent open wound after 6-hour treatment with regards to initial wounding. A: Extract 1: Repeated measures ANOVA p<0.0001, *=different from negative control p<0.01 or less; b: different from the positive control: 0.01 or less. B: Extract 3: Repeated measures ANOVA p<0.0001, *=different from negative control p<0.01 or less; b: different from the positive control: 0.04 or less. C: Extract 7: Repeated measures ANOVA p<0.0001, *=different from negative control p<0.01 or less; b: different from the positive control: 0.01 or less. D: Extract 9: Repeated measures ANOVA p<0.001, *=different from negative control p<0.01 or less; b: different from the positive control: 0.02 or less. E: Extract 11: Repeated measures ANOVA p<0.0001, *=different from negative control p<0.001 or less. F: Extract 14: Repeated measures ANOVA p<0.0001. *=different from negative control p<0.001 or less; b: different from the positive control: 0.01 or less. [0139] Conclusions. The effect of six herbal extracts on several parameters in a cell line derived from a human stomach adenocarcinoma, AGS were analyzed. For this analysis cell proliferation was analyzed by MTS colorimetric reaction, apoptosis using a commercial kit that detects nucleosomes and wound healing was evaluated by the Scratch assay. [0140] With regard to proliferation, this parameter was evaluated after 24 h incubation in the presence of the different extracts in three concentrations each, and using complete medium (with growth factors) as positive control. None of the extracts induced cell proliferation; in fact, extracts 1 and 3 inhibited cell proliferation with regards to the negative control. [0141] When apoptosis was analyzed, four out of the six extracts protected cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis, being Extracts 1 and 14 the most effective. [0142] The effect of herbal extracts on wound healing by the scratch assay were analyzed. This assay evaluated cell migration into the wound until the wound is closed/healed. As these cells proliferated a lot short time periods after the wound was performed were necessary to evaluate cell migration. After 3 h incubation a significant improvement of wound healing was induced by all fractions tested, generally achieving the same degree of healing as the positive control. Extracts 11 was the most effective as it healed even more than the positive control. After 6 h incubation, all extracts continued to induce wound healing with regard to the negative control, but in general the effect was less that with the positive control. Again only Extract 11 still showed the same effect as the positive control. [0143] The analysis of the effect of these herbal extracts on several aspects of cell function evaluated in AGS cells shows that most extracts tested have effects on this human stomach cell line. The positive effects observed are on wound healing and protection from H2O2-induced apoptosis. None of the extracts induced proliferation, on the contrary, the extracts that exerted any effect, reduced this parameter. [0144] Extracts 9, 11 and 14 in gastric cells did not produce a reduction in cell proliferation but had beneficial effects by inhibiting cell apoptosis and inducing wound healing. Example 6 [0145] The aim of this example was to evaluate the effects of six herbal extracts on proliferation, apoptosis and wound healing in human Intestinal Myofibroblast cells (InMyoFib). The subepithelial intestinal myofibroblast is an important cell orchestrating many diverse functions in the intestine and is involved in growth and repair, tumorigenesis, inflammation, and fibrosis. [0146] Cells. The InMyoFib Cells were cultured in T75 flasks in SmBM-2 Complet (Lonza Catalog No CC-3181, supplemented with SmGM SingleQuots Kit - Lonza Catalog No CC 4149, containing: Insulin recombinant human, Fetal Bovine Serum 5% (FBS), human recombinant Epidermal Growth Factor (rhEGF), recombinant human Fibroblast Growth Factor-Beta (rhFGF-B), and Gentamicin/Amphotericin-B (GA) and maintained at 37°C in a fully humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air, per supplier’s recommendations. The culture medium was changed every 72 h, and InMyoFib confluent cultures were washed twice with HEPES Buffered Saline Solution, released with 0.25% trypsin-EDTA and Trypsin Neutralizing Solution (Lonza Catalog No CC-5034), and subcultured. Studies were carried out using Intestinal cells at passages four to seven. For all experiments the number of independent cultures was n=6. [0147] Proliferation studies. Proliferation of InMyoFib was measured with the Cell Proliferation Kit I (MTS, cat. Number: 11465007001-Roche-SIGMA-ALDRICH). InMyoFib were harvested with trypsin/EDTA and suspended in SmGM-2 complete medium and then seeded into a 96-well plate (100 μl per well: 1500 cells/well) and incubated overnight for attachment. For proliferation studies media were changed (100 μl /well) to SmGM-2 without FBS and growth factors and incubated overnight. Thereafter stimuli were added in 10 μl volume. Positive controls were added (100 μl complete SmGM-2). The six extracts were added in three concentrations: 10, 50 or 100 μg/ml final concentration in the well. Controls wells were added culture medium. All stimuli were evaluated in triplicate. Cultures were incubated for 24 h. After the selected time periods MTS reagent was added following the manufacturer’s instructions. The development of color was measured in a spectrophotometer after 90 and 180 min. [0148] Scratch studies. For wound healing analysis (2), InMyoFib cells were detached by trypsinization, resuspended in complete SmGM-2 medium and plated at 40.000 cells per well in 500 μl on a 24-well plate and grown to 80% confluence. Then culture medium was changed to SmGM-2 without growth factors. The cell monolayers were wounded by a 200 μl micropipette yellow tip in one direction. After the injury, the cell culture was washed with medium to remove cellular debris. The wounded dishes were incubated with the herbal extracts at concentrations of 10, 50 and 100 μg/ml. As positive control, SmGM-2 complete was used. As negative control EBM-2 SmGM-2 without growth factors was used. Cell migration was monitored at initial wounding (t 0 h) and at 6 and 9 hs thereafter (t=6 hs, t=9 hs) under a phase-contrast microscope. Pictures were acquired at the same magnification and location at the bottom of the dish. The result was calculated as percentage of open area after the incubation time relative to the initial open area (cell free area at t x h/ cell free area at t 0 h * 100). Quantification was carried out using ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD). [0149] Apoptosis. Effects of herbal extracts on H2O2-induced apoptosis (3) was analyzed using cell death detection ELISA plus (Sigma Cat. No 11774425001). InMyoFib were harvested with trypsin/EDTA and suspended in SmGM-2 complete medium and then seeded into a 96-well plate (100 μl medium per well: 5000 cells/well) and incubated overnight for attachment. The following day, media were renewed, H₂O₂ (0.05 μM) and herbal extracts (10, 50 and 100 μg/ml) were added. Positive control of apoptosis was complete media with H₂O₂ (0.05 μM). Negative control was complete media without further stimulation. After 18-hour incubation, apoptosis levels were evaluated using the cell death detection ELISA plus. Briefly, cells were lysed with the Lysis Buffer provided in the kit and 20 μl of the supernatant were added to the ELISA plate. The ELISA test was performed according to manufacturer´s instructions. Development of color was measured in a spectrophotometer at 405 and 492 nm. Results were expressed as Arbitrary Units (A.U.: Absorbance 405-Absorbance 492). [0150] Statistical analysis. Results are expressed as means ± SEM. Differences between means were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA, followed by Fisher posthoc test (Statistica release 7). Data were transformed when ANOVA Differences in percentages were arcsine transformed and analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA. In all cases p<0.05 was considered significant. [0151] Effect of herbal extracts on cell proliferation in Inmyofib cells. The effect of the six herbal extracts was evaluated on Inmyofib cell proliferation after 24 in culture with the stated stimuli (FIG. 19) (Cell proliferation levels after 24 h stimulation. Absorbances were determined after 90 and 180 minutes of MTS reagent). Differences between positive and negative controls (Ctrol-, Ctrol+) were more evident after 90-minute incubation with the MTS reagent, so this was the time-point chosen for statistical analysis. [0152] After 24 h stimulation, extract 1 significantly reduced cell proliferation with regards to the negative control at all concentrations tested (FIG. 20A). On the other hand, extract 3 reduced cell proliferation at 10 and 50 μg/ml (FIG. 20B), whereas only 10 μg/ml extract 7 significantly reduced cell proliferation (FIG.20C) (Cell proliferation after 24 h stimulation with the corresponding extract. Repeated measures ANOVA: p<0.05. *=different from Ctrol-, p<0.05, **=different from Ctrol- p<0.005.). None of the other extracts significantly altered cell proliferation at any of the concentrations tested. [0153] Effects of herbal extracts on hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis in Inmyofib cells. Effects of the six herbal extracts on H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in Inmyofib cells was evaluated using an ELISA kit. Results for all six extract can be observed in FIG.21 (Effects of herbal extract on H₂O₂-induced apoptosis.). Tables 16A and 16B illustrate the data from FIG.21. Table 16A

Table 16B

[0154] In all cases, hydrogen peroxide induced apoptosis in Inmyofib cells. Five out of the six extracts (extracts 1, 3, 7, 9 and 14. FIGs 22A-D and 22F) had protective effects on H2O2-induced apoptosis, especially at low extract concentration, although they did not reach negative control levels. Only extract 11 had no effect on H2O2-induced apoptosis (FIG. 22E) (Effects of herbal extract on H₂O₂-induced apoptosis. Individual extracts were analyzed separately. Repeated measures ANOVA: p<0.05. a= different from Ctrol- p<0.0005. *=different from Ctrol+ p<0.05, **=different from Ctrol+ p<0.005.). Tables 17A and 17B illustrate the data from FIGs.22A-F. Table 17A

Table 17B

[0155] Effect of herbal extracts wound healing in Inmyofib cells evaluated by the Scratch assay. The effect of the herbal extracts on wound healing with the Scratch assay was evaluated. The migration of cells into the wound was evaluated after 6 and 9 h of producing the wound and incubating with the extracts. [0156] After 6h incubation all extracts induced significant improvement in wound healing with regard to the negative control (FIG. 23A-F)(FIG. 23: Percent open wound after 9-hour treatment with regards to initial wounding. Repeated measures ANOVA p<0.05. *=different from negative control p<0.05, **= different from negative control p<0.001, a= different from positive control p<0.05or less). Extracts 3 and 14 were the most effective at this time point, although they only reached the positive control (5% FBS) healing levels at their highest concentration. Furthermore, extract 3 and 14 showed a dose-dependent pattern, whereas extract 9 showed an inverted U–shaped curve and did not achieve positive control levels at any concentration. On the other hand, extract 1 exerted the same level of wound healing as the positive control at all concentrations at this time point, while extract 7 reached positive control levels at 50 and 100 μg/ml. In the case of Extract 11, no concentration reached positive control levels. Tables 18A and 18B illustrate the data from FIGs.23A-F. Table 18A

Table 18B

[0157] Analysis. The effect of six herbal extracts on several parameters in Intestinal Myofibroblasts, Inmyofib cells were evaluated. For this analysis cell proliferation was analyzed by MTS colorimetric reaction, apoptosis using a commercial kit that detects nucleosomes and wound healing was evaluated by the Scratch assay. [0158] With regard to proliferation, this parameter was evaluated after 24 h incubation in the presence of the different extracts in three concentrations each, and using complete medium (with growth factors) as positive control. None of the extracts induced cell proliferation; in fact, extracts 1, 3 and 7 inhibited cell proliferation with regards to the negative control. [0159] When apoptosis was analyzed, five out of the six extracts protected cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis, at the lower concentration. Apoptosis at the higher extract concentration was comparable to the positive control (H2O2-treated cells). [0160] The effect of herbal extracts on wound healing by the scratch assay wsa evaluated. This assay evaluates cell migration into the wound until the wound is closed/healed. After 6 h incubation a significant improvement of wound healing was induced by all fractions tested, being extracts 3 and 14 the most effective. These findings are lost after 9 h incubation, possibly due to the fact that the negative control increased wound closure. [0161] In conclusion, the analysis of the effect of these herbal extracts on several aspects of endothelial function evaluated in Inmyofib cells shows that most extracts tested have effects on intestinal myofibroblasts. The positive effects observed are on wound healing and protection from H2O2-induced apoptosis. None of the extracts induced proliferation, on the contrary, the extracts that exerted any effect, reduced this parameter. [0162] On this behalf, extracts 9 and 14 in intestinal myofibroblasts were the ones that did not produce a significant reduction in cell proliferation, but had beneficial effects on apoptosis and wound healing. Example 7 [0163] The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of five herbal extracts on proliferation and wound healing in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) are cells derived from the endothelium of veins from the umbilical cord. They are used as a laboratory model system for the study of the function and pathology of endothelial cells (e.g., angiogenesis). [0164] Cells. The HUVEC Cells were cultured in T75 flasks in EBM-2 Complete (Lonza Cat# CC-3156/00190860, supplemented with EGM-2 SingleQuots Kit –Lonza Cat# CC-4176, containing: human epidermal Growth Factor (hEGF), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), R3-Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (R3-IGF-1), Ascorbic Acid, Hydrocortisone, human fibroblast Growth Factor-Beta (hFGF-b), Heparine, Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) and Gentamicin/Amphotericin-B (GA) and maintained at 37°C in humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air. The culture medium was changed every 48-72 h, and HUVEC confluent cultures were washed twice with PBS, released with 0.25% trypsin-EDTA (1X) (GIBCO cat#: 25200-072), and subcultured. Studies were carried out using endothelial cells at passages two to seven. For all experiments the number of independent cultures was n=5. [0165] Proliferation studies. The proliferation of HUVECs was measured with the Cell Proliferation Kit I (MTS, Cat#: 11465007001-Roche-SIGMA-ALDRICH). [0166] HUVECs were harvested with trypsin/EDTA, suspended in EGM-2 complete medium, seeded into a 96-well plate (100 μl per well: 2500 cells/well) and incubated overnight for attachment. For proliferation studies media were changed to EGM-2 without growth factors (Basal Medium) and incubated overnight. Thereafter stimuli were added in 10 μl volume. The five extracts, were added in four final concentrations: 1, 10, 50 or 100 μg/ml. Control wells were cultured in Basal Medium while positive controls were cultured in 100 μl EGM-2 complete medium. All stimuli were evaluated in quadruplicates. Cultures were incubated for 72 or 120 h. For 120 h cultures stimuli were renewed after 72 h. After the selected time periods MTS reagent was added following the manufacturer’s instructions. The development of color was measured in a spectrophotometer after 90 min. [0167] Scratch studies. For wound healing analysis, HUVEC cells were detached by trypsinization, resuspended in complete medium EBM-2 and plated at 40.000 cells per well in 500 μl on a 24-well plate and grown to 80% confluence for approximately 3-4 days (complete medium changed at 2 days). On the assay day, the cell monolayers were wounded by a 200 μl micropipette yellow tip in one direction. After the injury, the cell culture was washed with medium to remove cellular debris and culture medium was changed to EGM-2 basal medium. The wounded dishes were incubated with the herbal extracts at concentrations of 1, 10, 50 and 100 μg/ml. As negative control EBM-2 basal medium was used, while EBM- 2 complete medium was used as positive control. [0168] Cell migration was monitored at initial wounding (t=0 h) and at 6 and 9 h thereafter (t=6 h, t=9 h) under a phase-contrast microscope. Pictures were acquired at the same magnification and location at the bottom of the dish. The result was calculated as percentage of open area after the incubation time relative to the initial open area [(cell free area at t x h/ cell free area at t 0 h) * 100]. Quantification was carried out using ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD). [0169] Statistical analysis. Results are expressed as means ± SEM. Differences between means were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA, followed by Duncan posthoc test (Statistica release 7). Differences in percentages were arcsine transformed and analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA. In all cases p<0.05 was considered significant. [0170] Effect of herbal extracts on HUVEC cell proliferation (MTS). The effect of the five herbal extracts was evaluated on HUVEC cell proliferation after 72 h and 120 h in culture with the stated stimuli, as described by Wang et al. [0171] After 120 h culture, absorbances were lower than those at 72 h culture (with exception of positive control that was higher). These results as caused by cell death by the poor nurturing conditions of the culture medium were of interest (Basal Medium, without growth factors). In contrast, cells cultured with complete medium showed increased ^{proliferation (280% and 360%) at both time points (FIG. 24) (Effects of herbal extracts on} _{HUVEC cell proliferation. Left: after 72 h incubation. Right: after 120 h incubation. C-:} negative control; C+: positive control). [0172] To evaluate the effect of each compound, the statistical analysis was performed individually for each one of them compared to control. Fractions 3, 7, 11 and 14 did not modify cell proliferation at any time evaluated (Repeated measures ANOVA: NS, data not shown). Fraction 1 significantly induced cell proliferation at 100 ug/ml and 72 h of incubation, while no differences were observed after 120 h (FIG. 25) (Fraction 1 induced proliferation in HUVEC cells. Repeated measures ANOVA: p<0.05, *: different from C, 1 and 10 μg/ml (p<0.05). [0173] Effect of herbal extracts on wound healing in HUVEC cells (Scratch assay). The effect of the herbal extracts on wound healing with the Scratch assay was analyzed. The migration of cells into the wound was evaluated after 6 and 9 h of producing the wound and incubating with the extracts. [0174] After 6h incubation all fractions induces significant improvement in wound healing with regard to the negative control (without FBS). Fractions 1 and 3 were the most effective at this time point. Furthermore, Fraction 1 showed a dose-dependent pattern. In addition the degree of wound healing attained with these fractions was similar to the one observed with the positive control (with FBS). (FIG. 26: Percent of open wound after 6h incubation with regard to the initial wound area. ANOVA for repeated measures, p<0.05 or less. *= different from the corresponding C-, p<0.05 or less; a = different form FBS, p<0.05; #= different from the corresponding C-, 1 ug/ml, p<0.05 or less.) [0175] After 9 h incubation with the herbal extracts the improvement in wound healing was even greater in most fractions. Fraction 1 and 7 were the most effective after 9 h of incubation and both showed a dose-dependent pattern. The effect of Fraction 14 was markedly improved compared with 6 h. All concentrations tested of fractions 1, 7 and 14 induced a significant reduction of the open wound area with regard to the negative control. Fraction 11 was the least effective of all. (FIG. 27) (Percent of open wound after 9h incubation with regard to the initial wound area. ANOVA for repeated measures, p<0.05 or less. *= different from the corresponding C-, p<0.05 or less; a = different form FBS, p<0.05; # different from the corresponding C- and 1 ug/ml, p<0.05 or less.). In all fractions were an effect was observed, it was similar to the one attained by the positive control (with FBS). [0176] Conclusions. In this example the effect of five herbal extracts on several aspects of endothelial function in HUVEC cells was evaluated. For this analysis cell proliferation was analyzed by MTS colorimetric reaction and wound healing was evaluated by the Scratch assay. [0177] With regard to proliferation, this parameter was evaluated after 72 h incubation and 120 h in the presence of the different extracts in four concentrations each, and using complete medium (with growth factors) as positive control. Most consistent results were obtained after 72 h culture. As expected, the presence of growth factors in medium induced strong proliferation of 280% and 360% over control levels at 72 and 120 h respectively, in agreement with published data. [0178] Only Fraction 1 at the highest concentration tested induced significant increase in cell proliferation compared to control, inducing 154% increased proliferation compared to control. At 120 h this effect was lost, mostly, because cells began to die due to the lack of growth factors (to note: at 120 h only cells cultivated with complete medium were more proliferative than at 72 h because of the presence of growth factors. All the others showed equal or diminished absorbances than those at 72 h). [0179] The effect of herbal extracts on wound healing by the scratch assay was also evaluated. This assay evaluates cell migration into the wound until the wound is closed/healed. After 6 h incubation a significant improvement of wound healing was induced by all fractions tested, being Fraction 1 the most effective, reaching 48% of healing with the highest dose (similar to positive control, which reached 56% of healing). In all cases the degree of wound healing achieved with the extracts was similar to the one observed with the positive control. [0180] These findings are repeated after 9 h of incubation, and a clear dose- dependent pattern was also evident with Fraction 1, reaching 70% of healing with the highest dose (greater than positive control, which reaches 48% of healing, although not reaching statistical significance). Fraction 7 was also very effective on wound healing at this time point (74% of healing with highest dose). Again, in all cases the degree of wound healing achieved with the extracts was similar to the one observed with the positive control [0181] These results correlate with those observed in cell proliferation as it was also the Fraction 1 that induced proliferation while the others had no effect. [0182] In sum, the analysis of the effect of these herbal extracts on several aspects of endothelial function evaluated in HUVEC cells shows that all fractions tested have positive effects on endothelial cells, all of them induce migration and some fractions also proliferation, being Fraction 1 the most promising one. [0183] On this behalf, Fraction 1, as well as others, by other approaches in order to elucidate the impact and mechanism of action of Aloe vera herbal extracts on endothelium restoration after injury. Example 8 [0184] This study evaluated the effects of a number of products on the intestinal microbiota composition and activity. To this aim, an in vitro microbiota study was performed using the i-screen, a platform for the anaerobic incubation of intestinal microorganisms (Ladirat et al., 2013). The effect of the compounds was assessed by 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) analysis. This report contains details on the methods and the results of the study. [0185] I-screen incubations. FIG. 28 (list of compounds tested in the i-screen) contains the list of compounds provided that were tested in the i-screen. In total, 72 compounds were studied, including 42 Aloe vera polysaccharide fractions, 3 other polysaccharides, 17 proprietary prebiotic blends consisting of combinations in different ratios of inulin, arabinoxylan and Aloe vera, 7 proprietary tea samples and 3 flakes samples. [0186] The standard adult human gut microbiota pool (2017 pool) was used for the incubation. This pool was established via fecal donations from 6 healthy adult volunteers (Caucasian individuals, age 25-60 years, no antibiotic use in the 3 months preceding the donation, self-assessment of health status). Before starting the i-screen incubations with the test compounds, the standardized fecal adult pool was incubated in SIEM medium under anaerobic conditions overnight (37°C; 300 rpm) in order to activate the bacteria. [0187] The compounds were tested at a single dose (4 mg/ml), except for 6 of the tea samples which were tested at 3 concentrations (2, 4 and 8 mg/ml) (details on the concentrations tested are provided in Table 1). All compounds were tested in triplicates. The i-screen experiment included negative controls (microbiota only controls), positive controls (inulin), blank controls (SIEM only, to control for contamination of the medium), and internal technical controls. After 24 hours of incubation in SIEM medium at 37°C, samples were collected for DNA isolation and for SCFA analysis, and the remaining material was stored at í20°C. [0188] DNA isolation. Following incubation, samples were collected and DNA was isolated as described by Ladirat et al. (2013) with some minor adjustments: the samples were initially mixed with 300 μl lysis buffer (Agowa, Berlin, Germany), 500 ^l zirconium beads (0.1 mm), and 500 μl phenol, before being introduced to a Bead Beater (BioSpec Products, Bartlesville, OK, USA) for 3 min. [0189] Effects on microbiota composition. Changes in the microbiota composition were analyzed by using 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing. The V4 hypervariable region was targeted.100 pg of DNA was amplified as described by Kozich et al. (2013) with the exception that 30 cycles were used instead of 35, applying F515/R806 primers (Caporaso et al., 2011). Primers included Illumina adapters and a unique 8-nt sample index sequence key (Kozich et al., 2013). The amplicon libraries were pooled in equimolar amounts and purified using the QIAquick Gel Extraction Kit (QIAGEN). Amplicon quality and size were analyzed on a Fragment Analyzer (Advanced Analytical Technologies, Inc.). Paired-end sequencing of amplicons (approximately 400 base pairs) was conducted on the Illumina MiSeq platform (Illumina, Eindhoven, The Netherlands). [0190] SCFA analysis. SCFA covering acetate, propionate, and n-butyrate and branched chain fatty acids (BCFA) covering iso-butyrate and iso-valerate were analyzed as described by Jouany (1982) and modified slightly as described by Van Nuenen (2003). In brief, exposed material from the i-screen samples was centrifuged (~12.000 g, 5 min). Clear supernatant was filter sterilized (0.45 ^m). A mixture of formic acid (20%), methanol and 2- ethyl butyric acid (internal standard, 2 mg/ml in methanol) was added. A 3 ^l sample with a split ratio of 75.0 was injected on a GC-column (ZB-5HT inferno, ID 0.52 mm, film thickness 0.10 ^m; Zebron; Phenomenex, USA) in a Shimadzu GC-2014 gas chromatograph. [0191] Data analysis. Sequence pre-processing, analysis and classification was performed using modules implemented in the Mothur software platform (Schloss et al., 2009). Chimeric sequences were identified and removed using the chimera.uchime command. 16S rDNA unique sequences were aligned using the ‘align.seqs’ command and the Mothur-compatible Bacterial SILVA SEED database (Release 119). Taxonomic classification was performed using the RDP-II Naïve Bayesian Classifier using a 60% confidence threshold against the RDP Database (Release 11.1) for 16S rRNA. Composition plots were used to provide an overview of the taxonomic results. Multidimensional scaling plots and heatmaps were used to visualize similarities and distances between samples and groups of samples, as well as their correlation with the measured variables (SCFA or bacterial genera). [0192] I-screen experiment. The effect of 72 compounds on the intestinal microbiota of healthy adults was assessed using the i-screen model. Each compound was tested in triplicate at a concentration of 4 mg/ml. Six products (tea samples) were tested at three concentrations: 2, 4 and 8 mg/ml. The experiment included negative and positive controls, as well as blank exposures and internal technical controls. The setup of the i-screen experiment is shown in FIG.29. [0193] Microbiota composition at the genus level. DNA isolated from the i- screen samples was used for 16S amplicon sequencing. The sequencing results, including the positive (inulin) and negative (microbiota only) controls, are shown in stacked bar graphs in Appendix A. A bar graph is provided for each type of compound tested, and for the groups within the Aloe vera polysaccharide fractions. Incubation with the compounds resulted in a number of changes in microbiota composition. When looking at the bar graphs, a number of observations can be made for each of the product groups: [0194] Aloe vera polysaccharides. A few samples showed an increase in Bifidobacterium compared to the control: purified polysaccharides ref211-N-14, ref211-N- 15, ref367-N-16 showed a stronger increase, and ref394-5 and the inner and whole leaf controls ref-532-AS-41 and ref-532-AS-42 showed a somewhat smaller increase. This was accompanied by an increase in Collinsella compared to the control. The purified polysaccharides (with different molecular weights and from current products or raw Aloe leaves) were characterized by an increase in Bacteroides, whereas the alcohol-enriched products had a proportion of Bacteroides similar to the negative control (microbiota only samples). A few polysaccharide samples (for example ref211-1, ref394-5 and ref214-PS-19) had an increase in Roseburia compared to both the negative and to the inulin control. Samples in the “alcohol enriched products and finished products” group were characterized by an increase in Clostridium XIVb, Escherichia/Shigella and Sutterella compared to the control. Escherichia/Shigella was especially enriched in the leaf controls, whereas the increase in Sutterella was stronger in the whole leaf fraction subgroup. [0195] Other polysaccharides. Ginseng PS-AIRs had a slight bifidogenic effect. The chitosan samples had a very distinct profile, and were associated with a decrease in Clostridium XIVa, Clostridium XVIb, Lachnospiraceae, Dorea and Coprococcus, and the mushroom chitosan sample had an important increase in Clostridium XI, which corresponds to the family Peptostreptococcaceae. Allisonella and Escherichia/Shigella were slightly increased in the chitosan samples, and Bacteroides was increased in the mushroom chitosan and in the ginseng samples. [0196] Prebiotic blends. All prebiotic blends, except for the one containing 100% Aloe, had a strong bifidogenic effect. Furthermore, they were characterized by an increase in Blautia, Collinsella, and Anaerostipes. In the samples without Aloe, the increase in Collinsella was more pronounced with a higher proportion of inulin in the sample. Paraprevotella, Roseburia and Faecalibacterium were also slightly increased in the prebiotic blends compared to the controls. The increase in Roseburia was slightly more pronounced in samples with a higher arabinoxylan proportion. Clostridium XIVb was reduced in all samples compared to the controls, except in the one containing 100% Aloe. The 100% Aloe sample was also characterized by an increase in Sutterella. When looking at samples with different inulin:arabinoxylan ratios, the bifidogenic appears to be stronger when the ratio is 1:1 and slightly stronger when the ratio is 1:3 compared to 3:1 (i.e. proportionally more arabinoxylan). Blautia seems to follow a similar trend, whereas Anaerostipes had a higher increase with a higher proportion of inulin in the samples. Escherichia/Shigella was decreased in the blends with 1:3 and 1:1 ratio inulin:arabinoxylan but not in the blends with 3:1 ratio, compared to the control. [0197] Tea samples. A clear bifidogenic effect in the tea samples was not observed. Still, Bifidobacterium was slightly increased in a number of samples, and this increase was more pronounced in samples R10196-1-46 and R10196-1-48 (with a dose dependent effect) and KH-01-18-13-GT. The other samples were characterized by an increase in Anaerostipes, especially sample R-10196-3-48, with a clear concentration effect. There was also a slight increase in Blautia, which also displayed a concentration-related effect. A slight increase in Faecalibacterium was also observed by the higher concentrations tested. Finally, the R10196 samples showed a dose-dependent decrease in Bacteroides. [0198] Flake samples. The flakes were characterized by a slight decrease in Sutterella and in Clostridium XIVa compared to the negative control. Clostridium XIVb was decreased in the purple muscadine and in the pecan flakes, but not in the white muscadine samples. Furthermore, all samples were characterized by a slight increase in Roseburia and Faecalibacterium. The muscadine samples showed an increase in Collinsella compared to the control. Finally all samples had a slight bifidogenic effect, which was stronger for the pecan flake samples. [0199] SCFA composition in the i-screen samples. Short chain fatty acids (SCFA: acetate, propionate and n-butyrate) and branched chain fatty acids (BCFA: iso- butyrate and iso-valerate) were measured after incubation in the i-screen. The results are presented in the bar graphs in FIG. 30, highlighting some trends. The highest increase in n- butyrate compared to the untreated control is observed in the prebiotic blend samples with the highest proportion of inulin, i-valerate and i-butyrate are reduced in the prebiotic blends compared to the untreated control (except for the 100% Aloe sample). Propionate, i-valerate and i-butyrate are increased in the alcohol enriched products, but not in the leaf filtrates, compared to the untreated control, propionate, i-valerate and i-butyrate are reduced in the tea samples acetate is strongly increased in the Ginseng PS-AIRs sample, and in the prebiotic blends with high ratios of arabinoxylan (See FIG.35A-B). [0200] Pairwise comparison were performed using a linear model to identify significant differences in the SCFA and BCFA levels between each sample and the untreated control. Within the ‘alcohol enriched products’ group, the inner leaf fractions and the whole leaf fractions at the different enrichment levels were compared to the respective parent samples, to evaluate the effect of enrichment on SCFA and BCFA production. [0201] For the inner leaf samples, acetate was found to be significantly increased in the 20X enriched and propionate was significantly increased in the 10X, 15X and 20X enriched fractions compared to the parent samples. Instead n-butyrate was significantly decreased in the 5X and 10X fractions. For the whole leaf samples, acetate and propionate were significantly increased in the 10X enriched fraction compared to the whole leaf parent samples. [0202] Also within ‘alcohol enriched products’ group, comparisons were made between inner leaf and whole leaf samples, for each enrichment level and for the parent samples, to evaluate differences between the two types of samples. Significant differences were found in n-butyrate levels between the 5X enriched samples, in acetate and propionate levels between the 10X enriched samples, and in propionate levels between the 15X and 20X enriched samples. For the tea samples, a dose response relationship was present between incubation with the samples and production of SCFA and BCFA were tested. [0203] The results of the statistical analysis confirm the presence of a dose response (FIG. 36) incubation with low concentration (2 mg/ml) of tea samples only has a significant effect on i-valerate (decreased compared to the untreated control); the other concentrations tested significantly affect all SCFA and BCFA. Specifically, acetate and n- butyrate are increased, while propionate and i-butyrate are decreased compared to the untreated control. [0204] For the rest of the samples (Aloe vera polysaccharide fractions, other polysaccharides, flakes, and prebiotic blends) several significant differences were found in SCFA and BCFA production in comparison with the untreated control. For most of the samples, significant differences are observed in SCFA and BCFA levels compared to the untreated control, while for the prebiotic blends an interaction between inulin:arabinoxylan ratio and the presence of Aloe is visible. For example, with 5.2% and 10% Aloe in the sample, acetate is increased more strongly with higher proportions of arabinoxylan. [0205] Aloe vera polysaccharides. The “purified polysaccharide from current products or raw Aloe leaves” samples were characterized by an increased production of acetate and propionate and a decreased production of iso-valerate and iso-butyrate compared to the controls. The “alcohol enriched products and finished products” did not show an increase in acetate (except for ref476-W-32), instead propionate, n-butyrate, i-butyrate and ivalerate were significantly increased compared to the control. I-butyrate and ivalerate were significantly decreased in the inner leaf- and whole leaf-control samples. N-butyrate was significantly increased in almost all samples, with the exception of some purified polysaccharides and some of the inner leaf fractions. [0206] Other polysaccharides. A significant increase in the production of acetate, propionate and n-butyrate, and a decrease in i-butyrate and i-valerate, were observed for sample Ginseng PS-AIRs. Instead, the production of fatty acids was significantly decreased after incubation with the other two samples in the category “other polysaccharides”, except for ibutyrate and i-valerate which didn’t show a significant increase or decrease in the mushroom chitosan sample compared to the control. [0207] Prebiotic blends. Prebiotic blends with lower proportions of inulin were associated with a significantly higher production of propionate compared to the controls, while samples with higher inulin proportions had decreased propionate production. This trend is also visible when comparing samples with different proportions of Aloe. The 100% Aloe sample had increased production of all SCFA. [0208] Tea samples. The effect on the production of SCFA following incubation with the tea samples was generally weaker at the lowest concentration tested (2 mg/ml). However, for many samples, a significant increase in the production of acetate and n-butyrate and a decrease in i-valerate compared to the control was already observed at the low concentration. Propionate was significantly decreased in the tea samples, with the strongest effect seen for samples R-10196-1-46, 2-47 and 3-48. [0209] Flake samples. The white muscadine grape pomace flakes had an increased production of all SCFA and BCFA. Instead, i-valerate was significantly reduced in the purple muscadine grape pomace flakes and in the pecan flakes compared to the control, and i-butyrate was reduced in the pecan flake sample. [0210] Analysis of the differences between groups in taxonomic composition and SCFA production. Sequencing provides a wealth of information on the composition of a microbial community, including rare groups. However, bar plots are limited in their capacity to highlight general trends such as community-wide similarities and differences in composition between sets of samples. In Multi-Dimensional Scaling (MDS) plots, similarities and differences between (groups of) samples are visualized as distances in a 2D space. MDS plots can therefore provide an idea of how similar different groups of samples are to each other and in relation to control samples. MDS plots can also be used to visualize correlations with specific variables, such as the abundance of relevant bacterial genera and an increase or decrease in SCFA production. These correlation are visualized by vectors oriented in the direction of maximum correlation. [0211] In FIG. 31, the 5 product groups (Aloe vera polysaccharides, other polysaccharides, prebiotic blends, tea samples and flakes) are represented, along with the positive (inulin) and negative (microbiota only) controls. Each group is represented by a cloud of dots in a 2-dimensional space. The smaller dots represent the samples (1 dot = 1 replicate) and the larger dots represent weighted averages of the samples. These averages are computed based on microbial composition: therefore the distances between dots in the 2- dimensional space of the MDS plots provide an indication of how similar different groups are with regard to their taxonomic profile. The relative position of the clouds of dots in the space in FIG. 31 are indicative of similarities and differences in microbiota composition between different product groups. Aside from an overlap with samples from the Aloe vera polysaccharide group, the yellow dots representing the control samples (microbiota only) are separated from the dots representing the test samples: this separation between treated and untreated samples indicates that the products have a clear effect on gut microbiota. Some products (some prebiotic blends, tea samples, 1 flake sample and 1 polysaccharide sample) overlap with the positive control (blue circle), indicating that incubation with these compounds results in changes in the microbiota composition that are comparable to those induced by inulin. While there is a large overlap between the prebiotic blends, the tea samples and the flakes, the separation between these samples and the Aloe vera polysaccharide ones suggests that the effect of these two sets of products on the microbiota is distinct. The spread in the Aloe vera polysaccharide group reflects the diversity in microbiota composition between the samples, probably as a result of heterogeneity within this group of products due to differences in their formulations. [0212] FIG. 32 shows again the MDS plot with the distances between the 5 product groups and 2 control groups. Additionally, this figure contains vectors representing the SCFAs and BCFAs and visualizing the correlation between them and the different products: every vector representing a fatty acid is oriented in the direction of the samples that are most correlated with that fatty acid. Note that, as in the previous figure, the position of the samples in the space is determined by their microbiota composition: therefore the vectors are indicative of correlations between fatty acids and specific microbial profiles. [0213] MDS plots like the one in FIG.32 can provide further insight in the nature of the differences between groups of samples. In this case, for example, it emerges that the separation between the Aloe vera polysaccharide samples on one side and the prebiotic blends, the tea samples, and the flakes on the other, can be partly explained by their fatty acid profile; specifically, propionate is more strongly associated with the Aloe vera polysaccharide samples, while the n-butyrate is correlated more to the other groups of samples. The plot also indicates that ivalerate and i-butyrate are strongly correlated with a subset of Aloe vera polysaccharide samples (alcohol enriched products, see FIG.37). FIG.37 contains an additional MDS plot with fitted vectors that show, for each product group, the correlation between samples and SCFAs. [0214] FIG. 33 shows the same MDS plots representing the 5 groups of samples, the positive (inulin) and negative (microbiota only) controls, only this time the vectors fitted on the plot represent bacterial groups. Therefore, the plot illustrates which bacteria most correlate with specific samples. A subgroup of Aloe vera polysaccharide samples (alcohol enriched products, see FIG.37) is strongly correlated with Clostridium XIVb. These samples also show some correlation with Ruminococcus. Coprococcus and Lachnospira are correlated with the flake samples, and with some prebiotic blends and tea samples; Faecalibacterium, Eubacterium and Anaerostipes also correlate with the prebiotic blends and with some tea samples. Coprococcus, Lachnospira, Faecalibacterium, Eubacterium and Anaerostipes (members of the Clostridia group) are commensal bacteria in the human gut and have been associated with beneficial health effects, mainly through the fermentation of dietary fiber and the subsequent production of SCFAs. Ruminococcus is a major gut symbiont, and together with Akkermansia an important mucin-degrader. Because of its proximity to the intestinal epithelium, Ruminococcus is thought to have an important role in the health of the host through the modulation of immune and inflammatory responses. [0215] FIG. 33 also shows a correlation of Collinsella and Blautia with the tea samples. Finally, a correlation was observed between Salmonella and the Aloe vera polysaccharide group. The sequencing data indicates that Salmonella was detected in the microbiota incubated with sample ref397-8. [0216] The heatmap in FIG. 34 constitutes a different way to visualize the correlation between the samples and some relevant bacterial groups. Instead of using vectors, a heatmaps uses colored cells to show the correlation between two sets of variables. In this case, blue indicates a positive correlation, and therefore that the bacterial genera are enriched in the corresponding samples; red indicates a negative correlation, and that the bacteria indicated are decreased in the samples. [0217] Consistently with the sequencing results and with the content of the MDS plots, the heatmap highlights an increase of Clostridium XIVb in a number of Aloe vera polysaccharide samples, the alcohol enriched products. Clostridium XIVb is also correlated with the prebiotic blend with 100% Aloe, while it is strongly reduced in the mushroom chitosan sample. There is a strong negative correlation between some purified polysaccharides (especially samples ref459-13, ref211-N-14, ref211-N-15, ref211-4, and ref367-PS-18) and Anaerostipes. This genus is also negatively correlated with the alcohol enriched products, especially the inner leaf fractions. A similar trend was observed for Coprococcus. Sequencing data confirms an important decrease of these bacteria in these samples, compared to the microbiota control. [0218] Lachnospira is strongly correlated with some purified polysaccharides (especially samples ref211-2, ref211-3, ref396-6, ref397-7, ref397-8, and ref349-9) with three tea samples (R11551-1-49, R11551-2-50, and R11511-3-51) and with the mushroom chitosan sample. Ruminococcus and Faecalibacterium show a positive correlation with the chitosan and the mushroom chitosan samples and with the flakes samples. Ruminococcus was also positively correlated with some alcohol enriched products and with tea sample R10196-1-46. [0219] Overall, the heatmap confirms the observations resulting from the analysis of the sequencing data and the correlations illustrated in the MDS plots. Furthermore, similarities between samples are also visible in the heatmap, as suggested by the color clustering: samples that are similar to each other, with regard to their positive and negative correlations with specific bacteria, are also close to each other on the y axes: The R10196 tea samples cluster together with the prebiotic blends with a high proportion of arabinoxylan and with the sample Ginseng PS-AIRs; the prebiotic blends with a higher proportion of inulin cluster separately from those with a higher proportion of arabinoxylan, or with a similar ratio of the two ingredients; the R11551 tea samples form a cluster with some purified polysaccharides; and some purified polysaccharides form a distinct cluster. [0220] Conclusions. The effect on the gut microbiota of heterogeneous groups of products by 16S amplicon sequencing, short chain fatty acid analysis and subsequent statistical analyses were analyzed. The results of our work show that the products have clear effects on the microbiota, by inducing specific changes in the relative abundances of bacteria and on the levels of products of bacterial fermentation. These effects are different across the product groups. With regard to the production of SCFAs and BCFAs, the levels of propionate were increased in the Aloe vera polysaccharide group, differently than in the other groups: for example, the tea samples, especially the R10196 ones, have a decrease in propionate. Conversely, the i-butyrate and i-valerate, that were increased in a subgroup of the Aloe vera polysaccharides, were decreased in the prebiotic blends, and in the tea samples with the higher concentrations tested. [0221] The product groups also differ with regard to their bacterial composition: Clostridia species such as Eubacterium, Anaerostipes, Coprococcus and Lachnospira, generally considered beneficial for gut health, were increased in a number of prebiotic blend samples, tea samples and flakes. Instead, Clostridium XIVb was strongly associated with some Aloe vera polysaccharide samples (the alcohol-enriched products). In the polysaccharide group, the chitosan samples had a very distinct microbial profile. An increase in Bifidobacterium was also observed in some samples: this bifidogenic effect was stronger in the prebiotic blend group, but also observed in some tea samples and in the flake samples. [0222] Furthermore, within each product group a number of different effects were observed. In the Aloe vera polysaccharide group, a clear separation between the alcohol enriched products and the purified polysaccharides was observe. The alcohol-enriched products are characterized by an increase in i-butyrate and i-valerate, and by an increase in Clostridium XIVb. In the prebiotic blend group, the specific ratio inulin:arabinoxylan shows associations with certain SCFA profiles: samples containing higher proportions of inulin are more strongly correlated to n-butyrate, whereas arabinoxylan-rich samples show significantly higher production of acetate and propionate. Furthermore, higher levels of inulin are associated with higher relative abundance of Collinsella and Anaerostipes, while Roseburia is associated with higher levels of arabinoxylan. Within the tea samples, the higher concentrations tested have a stronger effect on the production of SCFAs. The R10196 samples also show a dose-dependent bifidogenic effect. [0223] Based on their effect on the production of SCFAs and on their effect on the gut microbiota composition, a number of products emerges as potentially good candidates for further investigation. The prebiotic blends are interesting for their strong bifidogenic effect, but many other samples from the other groups had an effect on bacteria with known health-related effects. For some tea samples, higher concentrations could be tested, and for the prebiotic blends, the results contained in this report may guide the formulation of future products.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A polysaccharide composition, comprising: one or more Aloe vera polysaccharides; and one or more excipients.

2. The polysaccharide composition of claim 1, further comprising an acidity modifier.

3. The polysaccharide composition of claim 2, wherein the acidity modifier is selected from the group consisting of citric acid, citric acid salt, malic acid, malic acid salt, acetic acid, acetic acid salt, lactic acid, lactic acid salt, tartaric acid, tartaric acid salt, formic acid and formic acid salt, propionic acid and propionic acid salt, butyric acid and butyric acid salt, valeric acid and valeric acid salt, phosphoric acid and phosphoric acid salt.

4. The polysaccharide composition of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a preservative or a flavorant.

5. The polysaccharide composition of claim 4, wherein the preservative is one or more of sorbic acid, sorbic acid salt, benzoic acid, benzoic acid salt, lactic acid, lactic acid salt, citric acid, citric acid salt, malic acid, malic acid salt, acetic acid, acetic acid salt, tartaric acid, tartaric acid salt, rosemary extract, lovage extract, chitosan, sage essential oil, thymol oil nisin, e-polylysine, grape seed extract, goji berry extract or a combination thereof.

6. The polysaccharide composition of claim 4 or 5, wherein the flavorant is one or more of sugar, honey, fructose, dextrose, maltodextrin, gums, natural or artificial flavors, or a combination thereof.

7. The polysaccharide composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the excipient is cellulose powder, modified starch, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, sodium croscarmellose, calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, or silicon dioxide.

8. The polysaccharide composition of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the one or more Aloe vera polysaccharide is purified polysaccharides from the inner leaf.

9. The polysaccharide composition of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the one or more Aloe vera polysaccharide is an alcohol enriched polysaccharide.

10. The polysaccharide composition of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the one or more Aloe vera polysaccharide is selected from fraction 1, fraction 3, fraction 7, fraction 14, ref459-13, ref211-N-14, ref211-N-15, ref211-4, ref367-PS-18, ref211-2, ref211-3, ref396-6, ref397-7, ref397-8, ref476-W-32 and ref349-9.

11. A method of improving digestive health in a mammal, the method comprising: administering a composition comprising one or more Aloe vera polysaccharides; and one or more excipients.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the improving digestive health is selected from a group consisting of a microbiome, intestinal integrity, lipid metabolism, or inflammation.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the improving digestive health is gastric wound healing.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the improving digestive health improves a mammal’s metabolite profile, microflora, or short-chained fatty acid production.

15. The polysaccharide composition of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the one or more Aloe vera polysaccharide is purified polysaccharides from the inner leaf.

16. The polysaccharide composition of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the one or more Aloe vera polysaccharide is an alcohol enriched polysaccharide.

17. The polysaccharide composition of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the one or more Aloe vera polysaccharide is selected from fraction 1, fraction 3, fraction 7, fraction 14, ref459-13, ref211-N-14, ref211-N-15, ref211-4, ref367-PS-18, ref211-2, ref211-3, ref396-6, ref397-7, ref397-8, ref476-W-32 and ref349-9.

18. A method of treating metabolic syndrome in a mammal, the method comprising: administering one or more Aloe vera polysaccharide; and one or more excipients.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the treating metabolic syndrome in a mammal improves a mammal’s high cholesterol, high triglycerides, high lipids, glucose imbalance, and inflammation.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the treating metabolic syndrome in a mammal improves glucose transportation, alpha glucosidase, lipase inhibition, bile salt binding, and cytokine response.

21. The polysaccharide composition of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the one or more Aloe vera polysaccharide is a purified polysaccharides from the inner leaf.

22. The polysaccharide composition of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the one or more Aloe vera polysaccharide is an alcohol enriched polysaccharide.

23. The polysaccharide composition of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the one or more Aloe vera polysaccharide is selected from fraction 1, fraction 3, fraction 7, fraction 14, ref459-13, ref211-N-14, ref211-N-15, ref211-4, ref367-PS-18, ref211-2, ref211-3, ref396-6, ref397-7, ref397-8, ref476-W-32 and ref349-9.

24. A method of treating a wound in a mammal, the method comprising: administering one or more Aloe vera polysaccharide; and one or more excipients.

25. A method for separating polysaccharides from Aloe vera, the method comprising: dissolving aloe juice powder in water to form a first solution; adding alcohol to reach a concentration of about 60% to about 90% alcohol; collecting solid compounds by filtration; dissolving the solid compounds in water to form a second solution; passing the second solution over a filter to remove some of the solute; loading the remaining solute compounds onto a column containing a stationary phase; and eluting the remaining solute compounds with a first, second, third, and fourth eluent.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the alcohol is selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, n-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, butanol, or a mixture thereof.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein the alcohol is ethanol.

28. The method of any one of Claims 25 to 27, wherein the second solution is passed over a filter with a 3,500 Da cut-off membrane.

29. A polysaccharide fraction prepared by a process comprising the steps of: dissolving aloe juice powder in water to form a first solution; adding alcohol to reach a concentration of about 60% to about 90% alcohol; collecting solid compounds by filtration; dissolving the solid compounds in water to form a second solution; passing the second solution over a filter to remove some of the solute; and passing the remaining solute compounds over a column containing a stationary phase, wherein the polysaccharide fraction elutes from the column in an eluent.

30. The polysaccharide fraction of Claim 29, wherein the average molecular weight is between about 300 kDa and 1000 kDa.