compositions for treating viral and bacterial diseases are described . the compositions contain a synthetic soil phenolic polymeric material which contains sulfur , boron , alkaline earth , or transition metals but does not contain nitrogen . the synthetic materials may be synthetic humic acids or fulvic acids . the polymeric materials in the compositions are prepared by oxidizing one or more organic phenols in the presence of inorganic salts . polymeric materials prepared from organic phenols having at least one carboxylic acid group are especially effective . the compositions can be injected , applied topically , ingested , inhaled , or applied as a suppository .