Abstract: The present invention provides a method for evaluating or screening a hair growth-regulating agent which utilizes a readily available animal. The present invention is directed to a method for evaluating or screening a hair growth-regulating agent which comprises subjecting hair follicles of a pig to an organ culture in the presence of a test substance, and evaluating or selecting a substance which promotes or suppresses the growth of the hair follicles.

Abstract: A method of increasing expression of the aromatase gene by treating a cell population with an effective amount of an aromatase activator containing an extract of Iris florentina, where the effective amount ranges from 0.0001 to 1% by weight based on the total weight of the aromatase activator on a dry basis.

Abstract: To provide a drug, an external use composition, and a cosmetic composition, which exhibit an NFAT signal inhibitory action, a calcineurin inhibitory action, and a hair growth-promoting effect. The NFAT signal inhibitor contains, as an active ingredient, American angelica or an extract thereof.

Abstract: To provide a drug, an external use composition, and a cosmetic composition, which exhibit an NFAT signal inhibitory action, a calcineurin inhibitory action, and a hair growth promoting effect. The NFAT signal inhibitor contains, as an active ingredient, American angelica or an extract thereof.

Abstract: To provide a drug, an external use composition, and a cosmetic composition, which exhibit an NFAT signal inhibitory action, a calcineurin inhibitory action, and a hair growth-promoting effect. The NFAT signal inhibitor contains, as an active ingredient, American angelica or an extract thereof.

Abstract: Provided are a water-soluble ginger root extract which is a water extract or a hydrous alcohol extract of a ginger root and is substantially free of gingerols; and a hair growth inhibitor and a preparation for external use each containing the extract. The water-soluble ginger root extract of the present invention causes less skin irritation because of being substantially free of gingerols, and has excellent body-hair growth inhibiting effects, so that it is useful as a hair grown inhibitor and a preparation for external use, each having a high degree of safety.

Abstract: To provide a drug, an external use composition, and a cosmetic composition, which exhibit an NFAT signal inhibitory action, a calcineurin inhibitory action, and a hair growth-promoting effect. The NFAT signal inhibitor contains, as an active ingredient, American angelica or an extract thereof.

Abstract: A method of increasing expression of the aromatase gene by treating a cell population with an effective amount of an aromatase activator containing an extract of Iris florentina, where the effective amount ranges from 0.0001 to 1% by weight based on the total weight of the aromatase activator on a dry basis.

Abstract: Drugs and cosmetics which are highly safe, and which are effective in preventing, improving, or treating various pathological conditions caused by estrogen depletion are provided. Provided are aromatase activators containing at least one member selected from plants such as Labiatae sps. including Isodon, Scutellaria (huangcen), Schizonepeta (jingjie), sage, lavender, Lamium album, and thyme, an extract thereof; yeast extract; silk protein extract; milk protein; trehalose; natto extract; royal jelly; oryza oil; hydrolyzated wheat extract; shea butter; and rice fermentation extract.

Abstract: An elastase inhibitor containing, as an active ingredient, a protein hydrolysate (with soybean protein hydrolysate and almond protein hydrolysate being excluded). Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics containing such an elastase inhibitor which exhibit an inhibitory effect against the growth of body hair, and skin aging preventing effect by restoring elasticity and tonicity of the skin and reducing wrinkles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for evaluating or screening a hair growth-regulating agent which utilizes a readily available animal. The present invention is directed to a method for evaluating or screening a hair growth-regulating agent which comprises subjecting hair follicles of a pig to an organ culture in the presence of a test substance, and evaluating or selecting a substance which promotes or suppresses the growth of the hair follicles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elastase inhibitor containing, as an active ingredient, a protein hydrolysate (with soybean protein hydrolysate and almond protein hydrolysate being excluded). According to the present invention, there can be provided pharmaceuticals and cosmetics which exhibit inhibitory effect against the growth of body hair, and skin aging preventing effect by restoring elasticity and tonicity of the skin and reducing wrinkles.

Abstract: treating method for hair growth inhibition, which comprises administering (A) the extract of a plant of the family Juniperus or a malt. In addition, the present invention relates to a dermatologic composition for external use, which comprises (B) an elastase inhibitor or neutral endopeptidase inhibitor, and the above-described component (A) and/or (C) at least one proteolytic enzyme selected from the group consisting of papain, trypsin, chymotrypsin, pepsin, bromelain, ficin and pancreatin.

Abstract: A topical skin composition containing a dipeptide compound represented by formula (1) or a salt of the dipeptide: wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkanoyl group, or —CH(R6)COOR7 (wherein R6 represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group, and R7 represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkenyl group, or an aralkyl group); R2 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group which may have a substituent; R3 represents a lower alkyl group or a phenyl group; R4 represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group, and may form a heterocyclic ring together with R5 and an adjacent nitrogen atom; R5 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, or an aralkyl group which may have a substituent, and may form the heterocyclic ring together with R4; X represents —COOR8 (wherein R8 represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkenyl group, or an aralkyl group) or —SO3H; and n is an integer of 0-4; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an aromatase activating agent containing a plant selected from among mulberry bark, ginseng, cucumber, and phellodendron bark; or chlorella; or an extract of any of these ingredients. The aromatase activating agent of the present invention is highly safe to the human body, and useful as a drug or cosmetic composition for prevention, amelioration, or treatment of various lesions caused by estrogen deficiency.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an aromatase activating agent containing a plant selected from among mulberry bark, ginseng, cucumber, and phellodendron bark; or chlorella; or an extract of any of these ingredients. The aromatase activating agent of the present invention is highly safe to the human body, and useful as a drug or cosmetic composition for prevention, amelioration, or treatment of various lesions caused by estrogen deficiency.

Abstract: Drugs and cosmetics which are highly safe, and which are effective in preventing, improving, or treating various pathological conditions caused by estrogen depletion are provided. Provided are aromatase activators containing at least one member selected from plants such as Labiatae sps. including Isodon, Scutellaria (huangcen), Schizonepeta (jingjie), sage, lavender, Lamium album, and thyme, an extract thereof; yeast extract; silk protein extract; milk protein; trehalose; natto extract; royal jelly; oryza oil; hydrolyzated wheat extract; shea butter; and rice fermentation extract.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a treating method for hair growth inhibition, which comprises administering (A) the extract of a plant of the family Juniperus or a malt. In addition, the present invention relates to a dermatologic composition for external use, which comprises (B) an elastase inhibitor or neutral endopeptidase inhibitor, and the above-described component (A) and/or (C) at least one proteolytic enzyme selected from the group consisting of papain, trypsin, chymotrypsin, pepsin, bromelain, ficin and pancreatin.

Abstract: Provided are a water-soluble ginger root extract which is a water extract or a hydrous alcohol extract of a ginger root and is substantially free of gingerols; and a hair growth inhibitor and a preparation for external use each containing the extract. The water-soluble ginger root extract of the present invention causes less skin irritation because of being substantially free of gingerols, and has excellent body-hair growth inhibiting effects, so that it is useful as a hair grown inhibitor and a preparation for external use, each having a high degree of safety.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method of inhibiting hair growth, which comprises administering an inhibitor of elastase-like enzymes or a neutral endopeptidase inhibitor, and use of an inhibitor of elastase-like enzymes or a neutral endopeptidase inhibitor for the preparation of a hair-growth inhibitor.