The invention is concerned with novel ingestible cross-linked homopolymers having functional groups consisting of linear or branched amines, of the formula: ##STR1## and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the formulae: ##STR2## wherein P represents a hydrophilic, cross-linked and non-digestible homopolymer backbone; R is a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl radical; X.sup.- is a pharmaceutically acceptable anion; m is an integer varying from 1 to 10 inclusive; and n, o and p are, independently, integers varying from 2 to 12 inclusive. The amine functionalized and cross-linked homopolymers of the invention are highly efficient adsorbents for bile acids and salts and can thus be used for reducing hypercholesterolemia in affected humans.