Abstract: The present invention relates to a Java ginger extract which is prepared from Java ginger as a starting material and aimed at a concentrate as an objective (concentrate including solid matter) obtained from a solute. The starting material or the products on any of the steps in which the objective is manufactured from the starting material is heated or exposed to sunlight. In relation to a peak area ratio on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the peak area ratio (D/M ratio) of a phenyl butenoid dimer represented by the following formula (1) to a monomer represented by the following formula (2) is 0.6 or higher. An intake/dose of the Java ginger extract can be decreased by increasing a content of a phenyl butenoid dimer with an NGF-like action.

Abstract: Gnetum extract which can be obtained from Gnetum fruit or Gnetum seeds that provide antimicrobial action and antioxidative effect (radical scavenging action) without carrying out special operation. The relevant Gnetum extract has various physiological (pharmacological) actions and can be used as active ingredients of foods , nourishments (nutritional supplements), medicines, cosmetics, etc. In addition, Gnetum extract is obtained by immersing sliced or ground Gnetum fruit or Gnetum seeds in water or water containing organic solvent and aging.

Abstract: A Gnetum extract having antibacterial activity and antioxidant activity (radical scavenging activity), obtained from Gnetum fruit or Gnetum seed without the need to conduct any special operation. This Gnetum extract exerts various physiological (pharmacological) activities and hence can be used as an active ingredient of food, aliment (nutritional supplement), medicine, cosmetic, etc. The Gnetum extract can be obtained by immersing slices or triturates of Gnetum fruit or Gnetum seed in water or a water-containing organic solvent and performing ripening thereof.