Abstract: The present invention provides a composition that can effectively improve peripheral blood flow to thereby ameliorate cold sensation, numbness, pains and other skin symptoms, as well as frostbites, chilblains and chaps and other skin disorders associated with disturbed peripheral blood flow. This composition has no side effects. Specifically, the peripheral blood flow-improving composition contains, as an active ingredient, a extract of a plant of the genus Lepidium of the family Cruciferae. More specifically, the composition contains as an active ingredient a extract of maca plant (Lepidium meyenii Walp). Food and beverage products, perfumes and cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products containing the peripheral blood flow-improving composition are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition that can effectively improve peripheral blood flow to thereby ameliorate cold sensation, numbness, pains and other skin symptoms, as well as frostbites, chilblains and chaps and other skin disorders associated with disturbed peripheral blood flow. This composition has no side effects. Specifically, the peripheral blood flow-improving composition contains, as an active ingredient, a extract of a plant of the genus Lepidium of the family Cruciferae. More specifically, the composition contains as an active ingredient a extract of maca plant (Lepidium meyenii Walp). Food and beverage products, perfumes and cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products containing the peripheral blood flow-improving composition are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oral skin moisturizer that is readily available to those who are suffering from dry skin, has no side effects, and when orally ingested, enhances the moisture-retaining ability of the skin. The invention also provides food products or the like that contain the oral skin moisturizer. Specifically, the oral skin moisturizer contains, as an active ingredient, a extract of a plant of the genus Lepidium of the family Cruciferae. More specifically, the oral skin moisturizer contains as an active ingredient a extract of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp). Food products, liquors, functional food products, and pharmaceutical products containing the oral skin moisturizer are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-stress agent which can effectively prevent or alleviate various symptoms caused by stress and which is safe and easily taken or ingested. The anti-stress agent comprises an aroma component of coffee or teas as an active ingredient.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing beer having a reduced content of purine compounds by using wort having a reduced content of purine nucleosides as a result of decomposing purine nucleosides into purine bases by using nucleoside phosphorylase or nucleosidase, or decomposing purine nucleosides into purine bases during fermentation and having the purine bases metabolized by yeast.

Abstract: Described are a lipoprotein (a) lowering agent and a cholesterol lowering agent each comprising as an effective ingredient a proanthocyanidin contained in a grape extract or the like; and medicaments comprising the lowering agents, respectively.