Abstract: Pharmaceutical preparations, Chinese herbal preparations, foods, and other compositions may contain, as an active ingredient, an ephedra extract, an ephedrine-alkaloid-free ephedra extract, or a polymercondensed tannin derived from an ephedra extract. Such compositions may be useful for preventing or treating COVID-19 infection (COVID-19). Such compositions are preferably provided in an orally ingestible form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and method for improving the quantity of tear fluid, a composition and method for treating constipation, and a composition and method for improving skin quality. By utilizing an extract of Black ginger (Kaempferia parviflora)), the quantity of tear fluid, constipation, and skin quality are improved.

Abstract: A composition and method for the prevention and/or improvement of dry eye syndrome, dryness of eye and/or stiff neck and shoulder, which contains bilberry fruit extract and is effective with less intake are provided. As one aspect of the present invention, the composition for the prevention or improvement of dry eye syndrome or dryness of eye contains a freeze-dried bilberry fruit extract. As another aspect of the present invention, the composition for the prevention or improvement of stiff neck and shoulder contains a freeze-dried bilberry fruit extract. As another aspect of the present invention, a composition for the prevention or improvement of dry eye syndrome, dryness of eye, and stiff neck and shoulder, contains a freeze-dried bilberry fruit extract. As another aspect of the present invention, a method using a bilberry fruit extract for the improvement of stiff neck and shoulder is provided.

Abstract: A method of producing an alkoxyflavone derivative involves a step of reacting hydroxyflavone derivative which is shown in the below chemical formula and dialkyl sulfate in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide and an alkali hydroxide. Further, in the chemical formula below, R11-R14, R21-R25 and R3 are independently one of hydrogen, hydroxyl group, ester group, alkoxy group, alkylenedioxy group, sulfonyl group and alkyl group, respectively. However, at least two of R21-R25 and R3 are hydroxyl groups.

Abstract: A crystalized red pigment of saw palmetto fruit obtained by extracting a saw palmetto fruit with ethanol and depositing a red pigment in the extract.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sirtuin activator with an active component composed of black ginger or a black ginger extract, which is easily obtainable, extremely safe, and eaten from old. The present invention further provides a sirtuin activator with an active component of polyalkoxyflavonoid compound represented by general formula (I) and having a sirtuin activation effect that is 10 folds that of resveratrol or higher: wherein, R1 to R7 are each independently a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, or a C1 to C6 lower alkoxy group.

Abstract: A crystalized red pigment of saw palmetto fruit obtained by extracting a saw palmetto fruit with ethanol and depositing a red pigment in the extract.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sirtuin activator with an active component composed of black ginger or a black ginger extract, which is easily obtainable, extremely safe, and eaten from old. The present invention further provides a sirtuin activator with an active component of polyalkoxyflavonoid compound represented by general formula (I) and having a sirtuin activation effect that is 10 folds that of resveratrol or higher: wherein, R1 to R7 are each independently a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, or a C1 to C6 lower alkoxy group.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a process for preparing corosolic acid comprising the steps of (1) dissolving crude extract of Japanese loquat leaves in alkali and aqueous alcohol and (2) applying the solution to a nonpolar adsorption resin to obtain corosolic acid.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved process for producing corosolic acid starts from ursolic acid, which occurs in plants in relatively large amounts, the method comprising the steps of oxidizing the hydroxyl group at 3-position and utilizing the carbonyl group at 3-position to introduce a hydroxyl group stereospecifically into the 3-oxoursolic acid at the 2?-position adjacent to the hydroxyl group at 3-position.

Abstract: The present invention provides (1) an Apocynum extract containing not less than 4% of flavonoid compounds and is free of hypericin and hyperforin, (2) an antidepressant composition (in the form of a food, dietary supplement or medicine) containing the Apocynum extract, and (3) a method for treating depression using the Apocynum extract.