Abstract: Maltoligosaccharide derivatives represented by the general formula: wherein n is an integer of 0 to 3 and X is a hydrogen atom or a hydrophobic group) or their hydrates or physiologically acceptable salts, and an &agr;-amylase inhibitor and a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for hyperglycemia such as diabetes containing them as an active ingredient.

Abstract: An isoflavone aglycone-containing composition having genistein as a main aglycone is produced by a process comprising allowing a protease and &bgr;-glucosidase to act on a soy protein raw material, an extract of a soy protein raw material or a by-product of a soy protein raw material to water-solubilize the protein of soybean origin and to convert isoflavone glycosides to the corresponding aglycones, separating water-soluble components from the enzymatic reaction mixture, and recovering water-insoluble matter.

Abstract: An isoflavone aglycone-containing composition having genistein as a main aglycone is produced by a process comprising allowing a protease and &bgr;-glucosidase to act on a soy protein raw material, an extract of a soy protein raw material or a by-product of a soy protein raw material to water-solubilize the protein of soybean origin and to convert isoflavone glycosides to the corresponding aglycones, separating water-soluble components from the enzymatic reaction mixture, and recovering water-insoluble matter.

Abstract: A proanthocyanidin and an isoflavone are incorporated into a food. Compounding of grape seed extract as a proanthocyanidin and soy sauce cake extract as an isoflavone gives an anti-arteriosclerotic composition that is effective at a small intake.

Abstract: A cyclic oligosaccharide or salts thereof comprising glucoses bound cyclically via .alpha.-1,6-linkages and having at least one S-oxo acid group bound, and ana gent for preventing or treating retroviral diseases which comprises said cyclic oligosaccharide or salts thereof as an active ingredient. The novel sulfated cyclic isomaltoligosaccharide inhibits infection of host cells with various retroviruses such as AIDS virus etc. so effectively that it has a significant preventive and therapeutic effect on diseases caused by retroviruses. Accordingly, said oligosaccharide can be utilized as an agent for preventing or treating retroviral diseases in pharmaceutical industry.

Abstract: A health diet for preventing life-habit diseases (adult diseases) is provided.The health diet is prepared by directly encapsulating or tableting an organic solvent extract of soy sauce cakes or an aqueous alkali extract of a soy sauce oil, or blending the extracts with a diet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel cycloisomaltooligosaccharide selected from the group consisting of novel cycloisomaltoheptaose having a cyclic structure composed of 7 glucose residues in .alpha.-1,6 linkage, novel cycloisomaltooctaose having a cyclic structure composed of 8 glucose residues in .alpha.-1,6 linkage and novel cycloisomaltononaose having a cyclic structure composed of 9 glucose residues in .alpha.-1,6 linkage, novel cycloisomaltooligosaccharide synthase forming said oligosaccharides from dextran, and a process for producing said oligosaccharides by use of said enzyme or a microorganism capable of producing said enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel cycloisomaltooligosaccharide selected from the group consisting of novel cycloisomaltoheptaose having a cyclic structure composed of 7 glucose residues in .alpha.-1,6 linkage, novel cycloisomaltooctaose having a cyclic structure composed of 8 glucose residues in .alpha.-1,6 linkage and novel cycloisomaltononaose having a cyclic structure composed of 9 glucose residues in .alpha.-1,6 linkage, novel cycloisomaltooligosaccharide synthase forming said oligosaccharides from dextran, and a process for producing said oligosaccharides by use of said enzyme or a microorganism capable of producing said enzyme.