The present invention is directed towards compositions and methods for reducing or controlling inflammation and for treating inflammatory disease processes and other pathological conditions. The present invention relates to mixtures comprising at least one oligosaccharide of chitosan or a component thereof as novel pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements or cosmetic compositions containing such mixtures, and to the use of such mixtures for preparing a medicament or a dietary supplement for the suppression of hypersensitivity reaction and/or inflammation in human and animals.