Abstract: Disclosed is a functional food composition, which is effective in relieving alcohol-induced hangover symptoms and improving liver function. The composition includes 6-18% by dry weight of Polygonati Rhizoma, 10-40% by dry weight of Astragalus membranaceus Bge., 5-15% by dry weight of Artemisiae Scopariae Herba, 10-30% by dry weight of White Hoelen, 5-25% by dry weight of Atractylodes rhizome white, 4-12% by dry weight of Rehmanniae Radix, 2-10% by dry weight of Mentha arvensis, 2-10% by dry weight of Curcuma longa, and 2-10% by dry weight of Puerariae Radix, based on the total dry weight of the composition. The composition, including herbal components known to have no side effects, is effective in relieving hangover symptoms and improving liver function by removing or neutralizing factors responsible for hangover symptoms, such as alcohol absorbed in the body or acetaldehyde, the oxidation product of alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a promoter directing high levels of expression of a gene in plant storage roots, derived from the sweet potato MADS-box gene, a vector directing high levels of expression of a gene in plant storage roots comprising the same and a transient assay method expressing a foreign gene transiently in plant storage roots using the same vector. The promoter according to the present invention can induce high levels of expression particularly in plant storage roots. Therefore the present invention is very useful for the development of transgenic plants to produce valuable materials in large quantities in plant storage roots.

Abstract: Compositions for the prevention and treatment of obesity, cardiovascular and coronary artery diseases are provided. The present invention provides compositions comprising at least one dibenzo-p-dioxine derivatives having inhibition ability against diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT), and also provides the use of the compositions as a component of drugs or dietary supplements intended for the prevention and treatment of obesity, cardiovascular and coronary artery diseases. Since the compositions of the invention are nontoxic, allowing their chronic ingestion, easier and natural control of obesity and related diseases frequently found in obese people can be realized.