Abstract: The present invention relates to an adiponectin production enhancer comprising sericin as an active ingredient, and to a pharmaceutical composition and food and drink comprising sericin. These are effective in the prevention and/or amelioration of various diseases caused by reduction of blood adiponectin level such as arteriosclerosis, fatty liver and diabetes associated with obesity. The enhancer, the pharmaceutical composition and the food and drink according to the invention have excellent adiponectin production enhancing effects as well as high safety and are expected to be broadly applied to a variety of pharmaceutical preparations and food and drink.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adiponectin production enhancer comprising sericin as an active ingredient, and to a pharmaceutical composition and food and drink comprising sericin. These are effective in the prevention and/or amelioration of various diseases caused by reduction of blood adiponectin level such as arteriosclerosis, fatty liver and diabetes associated with obesity. The enhancer, the pharmaceutical composition and the food and drink according to the invention have excellent adiponectin production enhancing effects as well as high safety and are expected to be broadly applied to a variety of pharmaceutical preparations and food and drink.

Abstract: Disclosed is a creamy or milky skin cosmetic composition consisting of an oil-in-water emulsion in which an oily substance is dispersed in water with the aid of an emulsifying agent composed of at least glycyrrhizic compound selected from glycyrrhizic acid and salts thereof and at least one water-soluble polysaccharide selected from pectin, karaya gum, locust bean gum and xanthan gum. This skin cosmetic composition causes no irritation to the skin and hence has great safety for the skin, as contrasted with skin cosmetic compositions containing synthetic emulsifiers. In addition, it exhibits very excellent emulsion stability and storage stability and presents a very attractive appearance (fine texture and good gloss) owing to the synergistic effect of the aforesaid glycyrrhizic compound and water-soluble polysaccharide.