Abstract: A composition having a normalizing action for infradian rhythm and/or a synchronization promoting action for circadian rhythm (biological clock) containing arachidonic acid and/or an arachidonic acid-containing compound.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a safe composition for treating a disease or condition relating to autonomic nervous activity which has an autonomic nervous control effect; in particular, an effect of enhancing parasympathetic nervous activity. Thus, a medicinal composition, a food or a drink containing L-phenyl lactic acid and/or D-phenyl lactic acid and having an autonomic nervous control effect is provided.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a moisturizer having excellent moisturizing effects, and a blood circulation enhancer having blood circulation-promoting effects. A plant belonging to the genus Litsea of the family Lauraceae having excellent moisturizing effects, particularly a processed product of Litsea polyantha, is used as an active ingredient of the moisturizer. A plant belonging to the genus Litsea of the family Lauraceae having excellent blood circulation-promoting effects, particularly a processed product of Litsea polyantha, is used as an active ingredient of the blood circulation enhancer.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a safe composition for treating a disease or condition relating to autonomic nervous activity which has an autonomic nervous control effect; in particular, an effect of enhancing parasympathetic nervous activity. Thus, a medicinal composition, a food or a drink containing L-phenyl lactic acid and/or D-phenyl lactic acid and having an autonomic nervous control effect is provided.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a safe composition for preventing or treating obesity or related complications which has an autonomic nervous control effect, in particular, an effect of enhancing sympathetic nervous activity and an effect of promoting energy metabolism. Thus, a medicinal composition, a food or a drink containing 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one and having an autonomic nervous control effect and an effect of promoting energy metabolism is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tumor marker and a method capable of identifying the morbidity of colon cancer. A tumor marker including a protein identified from a colon cancer tissue. A method for identify the morbidity of colon cancer using the tumor marker. The method includes: measuring the level of the protein in a sample derived from a person of interest who should be examined to identify the morbidity of colon cancer; and comparing the measured level to the normal level of the protein, wherein a higher or lower measured level than the normal level is used as one indicator indicating that there is a high possibility that the person of interest has colon cancer.

Abstract: A composition having a normalizing action for infradian rhythm and/or a synchronization promoting action for circadian rhythm (biological clock) containing arachidonic acid and/or an arachidonic acid-containing compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circadian rhythm normalizing composition containing astaxanthin and/or its ester as an active ingredient, and a composition having the action of enhancing the circadian rhythm normalizing action of melatonin by protecting melatonin. The composition can be in the form of a drug, a functional food, a food or a beverage. This composition has a circadian rhythm normalizing action, and has the action of preventing or alleviating sleep disorder and various diseases due to disturbance of the circadian rhythm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circadian rhythm normalizing composition containing astaxanthin and/or its ester as an active ingredient, and a composition having the action of enhancing the circadian rhythm normalizing action of melatonin by protecting melatonin. The composition can be in the form of a drug, a functional food, a food or a beverage.

Abstract: There is provided a composition comprising carnosine, in which said composition comprises carnosine so that the amount of carnosine per ingestion is 0.7 &mgr;g/kg to 0.09 mg/kg, and which may take the form of a tablet, a capsule, powders, granules, a drink, bread, biscuit, cake and the like. The composition preferably has an effect of controlling the autonomic nervous system, and more specifically it has an effect of preventing, improving or alleviating disturbances in the autonomic nervous system and disease conditions resulting therefrom.