Abstract: A process for the preparation of ceramide by using erythrocytes as a starting material is disclosed herein. For the purpose of obtaining ceramide at a low cost and in a large amount, ceramide is prepared by means of hydrolysis or enzymolysis of sphingolipid existing in sphingomyelin. According to the preparation process of the present invention, ceramide useful as a moisturizer for human skin can be obtained at a low cost and in a large amount by relying upon erythrocytes as a starting material.

Abstract: A composition having lipase inhibiting activity is prepared by extracting defatted rice germ with water at room temperature. That composition, which is useful in preventing or treating obesity, can be incorporated into food products.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel process for the production of pyrocomenic acid [3-hydroxy-4(1H)-pyran-4-one and rubiginol [3,5-dihydroxy-4(1H)-pyran-4-one, which are starting materials for synthesis of maltols useful as food spices as well as additives for cosmetics.The chemical reactions possibly taking place in the fermentation and the heating post-treatment thereof in the present invention are shown as follows: ##STR1## The microorganisms usable in the above oxidation fermentation include Gluconobacter rubiginosus IFO 3244, Gluconobacter suboxydans IFO 3254, Gluconobacter melanogenus IFO 3293, Pseudomonas fluorescens IFO 3081, Erwinia carotovara IFO 3380 etc.

Abstract: Disclosed is use of a synthetic aluminum silicate as antacid and anti-ulcer preparation, anti-obesity preparation and acne curing preparation. This aluminum silicate is obtained by reacting an aluminum compound and silicic acid or water glass at a weight ratio Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 : SiO.sub.2 of 4.5:1.0-6.0:1.0 in a strongly acidic aqueous solution having an initial pH of 1.0-3.0, then adding thereto a basic substance to reach excess in alkali and then neutralizing the reaction mixture to pH 5.0-7.0 with an acid.

Abstract: An absorbent prepared by supporting an organic or inorganic reductive substance on hydrated aluminum silicate is useful as a pharmaceutical or as an absorbent for precious metal complexes such as gold complex, silver complex and the like.

Abstract: Novel acyl compounds 3-acyloxy-4(H)-pyran-4-ones were obtained by reacting 3-hydroxy-4(H)-pyran-4-one with acyl halides. The acyl compounds and their starting compound exhibit a skin-lightening effect on the skin and are preferably used as an active constituent in skin-lightening cosmetic preparations or local demelanizing agents.

Abstract: 4-Isopropyltropolone having the formula: ##STR1## and/or the fatty acid esters thereof having the formula: ##STR2## (wherein R is a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms) have the excellent skin-beautifying and anti-suntan effects and are usable as active ingredients for the skin-beautifying cosmetics. The fatty acid esters of 4-isopropyltropolone are novel substances.