Abstract: A Maillard reaction product-decomposing agent as well as a beverage composition, a food composition, a functional food, a cosmetic, a supplement, a quasi drug, or a pharmaceutical product that contains the agent as an active ingredient. A Maillard reaction product-decomposing agent containing an extract of fennel as an active ingredient. A beverage composition, a food composition, a functional food, a cosmetic, a supplement, a quasi drug, or a pharmaceutical product that contains, as an active ingredient, a Maillard reaction product-decomposing agent containing an extract of fennel as an active ingredient.

Abstract: A provided a new substance that can enhance oxidized protein hydrolase activity or a substance that can inhibit glycation stress. An oxidized protein hydrolase activity enhancing agent containing an extract of fenugreek as an active ingredient. A glycation stress inhibitor containing extracts of fenugreek and fennel as active ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel oxidized protein hydrolase activity enhancing agent. The oxidized protein hydrolase activity enhancing agent of the present invention contains at least one kind of plant extract obtained from a plant selected from the group consisting of water chestnut, stevia, rosemary, thyme, chrysanthemum, savory, mugwort, chestnut, spearmint, marjoram, peppermint, lemon balm, allspice, perilla, basil, and caraway.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of use of AGEs-degrading agents. The methods include anti-aging methods and methods of treating or reducing likelihood of diseases, aging of tissues, and hypofunction of tissues caused by AGEs. The AGEs-degrading agents contain at least one kind of plant extract obtained from peanut, rosemary, knotweed, leaf lettuce, sweet basil, thyme, spearmint, lemon balm, perilla, or rhubarb.

Abstract: A new orally administerable DHEA production promoter is provided. A composition containing an extract of at least one selected from the group consisting of plants of Rosaceae Crataegus, Saururaceae Houttuynia, Vitaceae Vitis, and Compositae Anthemis is provided as a DHEA production promoter. The extract may be of one of the plants or extracts of two or more of them may be used in combination. A specific example is preferably a mixture of extracts of all four of the aforementioned plants. This DHEA production promoter also can be used as, for example, an anti-aging agent such as a skin improver as well as a pharmaceutical agent such as an immunostimulator, an antidiabetic agent, an anti-osteoporosis agent, an antiarteriosclerotic agent, an anti-obesity agent, a sleep-promoting agent, and a central nervous system depressant.