EXTRACTS FROM THE MARINE ALGAE UNDARIA, COMPOSITIONS THEREOFAND METHOD OF USE

摘要

A method for the treatment, control and/or prophylaxis of a viral infection in a mammal is disclosed. The method involves the administration to the mammal of an effective amount of a galactofucan sulfate from Undaria. The method particularly discloses the method of treatment, control and/or prophlyaxis o f a herpes family type virus in a human. The Applicant has shown that galactofucan sulfate extracts from Undaria are successful at treating or ameliorating symptoms associated with an active herpes family type viral infection and also at reducing reoccurrences of symptoms associated with a latent herpes family type viral infection. Also disclosed is a process for obtaining the galactofucan sulfate from Undaria. The process involves extracting plant material from Undaria in an acidic aqueous solution, at a temperature between 0-30.degree.C, neutralising the extracted solution and separating out material with a molecular weight less than 10,000 Daltons.