Abstract: The present invention relates to a skin-protecting composition for the damaged skin, comprising glycyrrhizin, quercetin, rosmarinic acid, madecassic acid, chamazulene, bicalein and emodin. The composition of the present invention has all of excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and moisturizing effects, thereby being widely used in medicine, cosmetic material or the like for the purpose of protecting the easily infectable, damaged and dried skin.

Abstract: Sulfoquinovosylacyl propanediol compounds represented by formula (I): wherein R1 is an acyl residue of a fatty acid, Y is a number of 1, 2 or 3, and M represents a cation having a positive charge equal to Y and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are effective for treating tumors.

Abstract: A method of improving the health and production of ruminant animals, the method including the step of orally administering to the animal an effective amount of an indigestible oligosaccharide selected from the group of gluco-oligosaccharides and isomalto-oligosaccharides.

Abstract: A phase difference plate which comprises one sheet of polymer film containing a compound having a rod-shaped molecular structure and exhibiting a maximum absorption wavelength (?max) of less than 250 nm in an ultraviolet spectrum of its solution and which exhibits a retardation value as measured at a wavelength of 450 nm (Re450) of 60 to 135 nm and a retardation value as measured at a wavelength of 590 nm (Re590) of 100 to 170 nm, where the relationship: Re590?Re450?2 nm is satisfied. The phase difference plate functions as a ?/4 plate.

Abstract: The invention provides a glucitol derivative having the function of reducing a blood sugar level and having preferable properties required of medicines, such as long-lasting drug activity; and a medicinal composition for use in the prevention or treatment of diseases attributable to hyperglycemia, such as diabetes, complications of diabetes, and obesity. The derivative is a compound represented by the formula (I): wherein m is an integer selected among 1-3; R1 to R4 each independently is optionally substituted alkyl, etc.; Ar1 is optionally substituted naphthyl; and A is optionally substituted heteroaryl, a prodrug of the compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of either. Also provided are a medicine, a medicinal composition, and the like each containing the compound.

Abstract: The invention is directed to 3-?-D-ribofuranosylthiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine nucleosides and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds that have immunomodulatory activity. The invention is also directed to the therapeutic or prophylactic use of such compounds and compositions, and to methods of treating diseases and disorders described herein, by administering effective amounts of such compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and composition for treating aged or photo-damaged skin. In one embodiment, the invention includes using a composition comprising about 1% to about 2% of 1-isobutyl-1H-imidazo [4,5,-C] quinolin-4-amine in a topical preparation or cream. In further embodiments, the method includes identifying topical compositions that can diagnose or identify precancerous region of the skin, as well as methods for treating aged or photo-damaged skin by applying a Toll-like receptor activator, such as 1-isobutyl-1H-imidazo [4,5,-C] quinolin-4-amine.