Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising compounds that induce weight and fat loss and compounds that mask the bitter and harsh taste of the composition. The invention further relates to a food, beverage, dietary supplement, medical food, or pet food comprising compounds that induce weight loss and compounds that mask the bitter and harsh taste of the product. The invention is further related to methods of reducing or controlling weight by administering such compositions. Further provided are cosmetic sheets for topical administration of compositions for inducing weight and fat loss.

Abstract: A fragrance composition having high fragrance properties such as fragrance diffusivity and long-lasting property obtained without changing the fragrance note of the fragrance composition which is useful in various fragrance providing products such as cosmetics, toiletry products, bath compositions and pharmaceuticals having satisfactory fragrance properties such as fragrance diffusivity and long-lasting property. The fragrance composition contains 0.1 to 90% by weight of a glyceryl ether derivative represented by the following general formula (I), such as 2-ethylhexyloxypropanediol as a fixative or fragrance note-improving agent. The fragrance providing product contains 0.01 to 50% by weight of the fragrance composition in the final product composition.

Abstract: An inclusion compound, which comprises a cyclodextrin or a branched cyclodextrin and a vanillyl alcohol derivative represented by the following formula (I) having been included therein: wherein, R represents a C1-6 alkyl group; and a composition containing the same. The inclusion compound exhibits remarkably reduce impure taste of VE and heightens its water solubility and stability. The inclusion compound considerably enhances and prolongs the pungent taste and warm-feeling imparting effect of VE per se and further increase and prolong the cool or refresh-feeling heightening effect of VE per se when used in combination with a refrigerant.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel lipid composition for use in cosmetics capable of increasing moisture-keeping ability or barrier function of the stratum corneum, protecting the skin and improving dry or rough skin, and to products which use the same, such as cosmetics and medicaments. Particularly, it relates to a lipid composition which comprises at least one component (A) selected from the group consisting of a 2-acylaminoalkane-1,3-diol and optically active compounds thereof, at least one component (B) selected from the group consisting of a 2-acylaminoalkane-1,3-diol in which at least one of the &agr;-position and &bgr;-position of the acyl group is substituted with hydroxyl group and optically active compounds thereof and at least one component (C) selected from sterols, wherein the components (A), (B) and (C) are mixed at a ratio that constructs a liquid crystal structure, and to products which contain the lipid composition, such as cosmetics and medicaments.

Abstract: The present invention is a trimethylcyclohexane derivative represented by Formula (1): wherein A represents C═O or CH—OH, n represents 2, R1 represents hydrogen or a methyl group, R2 represents a straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, and a dotted line represents a saturated or unsaturated carbon-carbon bond, a melanin production inhibitor and a fragrance fixative comprising one or more of the trimethylcyclohexane derivatives, and a dermal formulation comprising one or more of the melanin production inhibitors and/or fragrance fixatives.

Abstract: A fragrance composition having an excellent diffusivity and long-lasting property of fragrance and a cosmetic, toiletry, bath composition, food and drink and pharmaceutical having an excellent diffusivity and long-lasting property of fragrance by using a novel fixative. A compound represented by the following general formula (1) is incorporated in a fragrance composition or the foregoing products. The amount of the compound of the general formula (1) to be incorporated in the fragrance composition is preferably from 0.01 to 90% by weight. The amount of the compound of the general formula (1) to be incorporated directly in the foregoing products is preferably from 0.0001 to 2.0 times (by weight) the weight of the aroma composition and/or composition to be incorporated therein. In this arrangement, a fragrance composition or products having an enhanced diffusivity and long-lasting property of fragrance can be obtained without causing any safety problem on human being.

Abstract: A keratin fiber strengthening agent comprising 0.001 to 20% by weight of at least one (2S,3R)-2-acylaminoalkane-1,3-diol represented by formula (I): wherein R1 represents a straight-chain alkyl group having 9 to 17 carbon atoms; and R2 represents an acyl group having 2 to 24 carbon atoms which may contain at least one hydroxy group or unsaturated bond is disclosed. A method for improving physical properties, such as breaking strength, of keratin fiber such as hair comprising applying the keratin fiber strengthening agent to keratin fiber by adhesion, coating or impregnation is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention has an object of providing a hinokitiol which is not damaged in the antibacterial activity and improved in the water solubility, heat stability (anti-sublimation characteristics) and corrosion to metals and also providing a composition comprising a hinokitiol. The invention resides in a clathrate compound comprising clathration of hinokitiols by using a branched cyclodextrin such as a branched &bgr;-cyclodextrin. The clathrate compound can be used in various applications requiring an antibacterial activity, such as hair cosmetics, bath agents, skin cosmetics and oral compositions.

Abstract: An inclusion compound, which comprises a cyclodextrin or a branched cyclodextrin and a vanillyl alcohol derivative represented by the following formula (I) having been included therein: 1

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel lipid composition for use in cosmetics capable of increasing moisture-keeping ability or barrier function of the stratum corneum, protecting the skin and improving dry or rough skin, and to products which use the same, such as cosmetics and medicaments. Particularly, it relates to a lipid composition which comprises at least one component (A) selected from the group consisting of a 2-acylaminoalkane-1,3-diol and optically active compounds thereof, at least one component (B) selected from the group consisting of a 2-acylaminoalkane-1,3-diol in which at least one of the &agr;-position and &bgr;-position of the acyl group is substituted with hydroxyl group and optically active compounds thereof and at least one component (C) selected from sterols, wherein the components (A), (B) and (C) are mixed at a ratio that constructs a liquid crystal structure, and to products which contain the lipid composition, such as cosmetics and medicaments.

Abstract: Provided is a clear aqueous ceramide composition comprising 1.0 to 5.

Abstract: An optically active (2S,3R)-2-(3'-hydroxyacyl)aminoalkane-1,3-diol and a process for producing the same are disclosed. The compound is represented by the following general formula (1): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a linear or branched, saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 9 to 19 carbon atoms; R.sup.2 represents a linear or branched, saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms; and symbol * means that the carbon atom is an asymmetric carbon atom of the S or R configuration. The optically active compound is a ceramide in which the fatty acid moiety has an optically active hydroxyl group in the 3-position.

Abstract: A process for preparing an optically active dihydrosphingosine derivative is disclosed, comprising reducing a (2R,3R)-2-amino-3-hydroxyalkanoic acid derivative represented by formula (III): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.3 represents a straight-chain alkyl group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms; and R.sup.4 represents an amino group protecting group, (e.g., (2R,3R)-2-benzylamino-3-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid) with sodium tetrahydroborate in the presence of an acid. The process makes it feasible to produce an optically active dihydrosphingosine at high optical purity and through a simple process that is safe and easy to industrialize.

Abstract: A method of selective N-acylation of an aminodiol having a primary alcoholic hydroxyl group and a secondary alcoholic hydroxyl group, in which the objective product can be prepared in high yield and without troublesome extraction and purification operations. More particularly, a method of making a primary amide derivative represented by the following general formula (3) is disclosed: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a linear saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 11 to 19 carbon atoms, R.sup.2 represents a linear saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 9 to 19 carbon atoms which may have a hydroxyl group at the 1-position, which includes the steps of reacting an aminodiol represented by the following general formula (1): ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1 is the same as R.sup.1 in general formula (3) with a fatty acid alkyl ester represented by the following general formula (2):R.sup.2 --COO--R.sup.3 (2)wherein R.sup.2 is the same as R.sup.2 in general formula (3) and R.sup.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antibacterial and fungicidal agent containing an amino compound of formula (1) or a salt thereof. The invention also provides a method for imparting antibacterial and fungicidal properties to a variety of objects using the compound. ##STR1## wherein .phi. represents a phenyl group, a substituted phenyl group (wherein the substituents are 1-5 members arbitrarily selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, halogen atoms, lower alkoxyl groups, trifluoromethyl group, an amino group, and a methylenedioxy group), or an imidazolyl group; R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group; and R.sup.2 represents a C6-C12 alkyl group. The amino compound of formula (1) or a salt thereof exhibits excellent antibacterial effects and fungicidal effects, and when it is applied to a variety of articles used in industry, commodities, etc., enhanced antibacterial effects and fungicidal effects are obtained.

Abstract: Described is a fragrancing composition having fragrancing components that are not activated until, e.g., application to the skin of a human. The composition is alkaline or (if anhydrous) capable of producing an alkaline pH when in contact with water, prior to application, and includes (1) a vehicle such that when the composition is in contact with water, prior to application, the composition is at an alkaline pH; and (2) at least one potential fragrance that is at least one compound having little or no odor in the alkaline composition but which, e.g., is hydrolyzed in a lower pH environment to produce compounds having a relatively strong aroma. Upon application of the alkaline composition to the skin surface, the strong buffering capacity of the skin (the surface of which has a normal pH of 5.5-7.0) neutralizes alkalinity of the composition (lowers pH) so as to restore normal skin surface pH; the potential fragrance is then hydrolyzed at the lower pH to release the compound having relatively strong aroma.

Abstract: A topical composition for treating acne vulgaris comprising 1-pentadecanol as an active ingredient and a carrier or diluent acceptable for topical composition is disclosed. The composition is highly effective on Propionibacterium acnes and of high safety.

Abstract: Described is a fragrancing composition having fragrancing components that are not activated until, e.g., application to the skin of a human. The composition is alkaline or (if anhydrous) capable of producing an alkaline pH when in contact with water, prior to application, and includes (1) a vehicle for application of the composition, and (2) at least one potential fragrance that is at least one compound having little or no odor in the alkaline composition but which, e.g., is hydrolyzed in a lower pH environment to produce compounds having a relatively strong aroma. Upon application of the alkaline composition to the skin surface, the strong buffering capacity of the skin (the surface of which has a normal pH of 5.5-7.0) neutralizes alkalinity of the composition (lowers pH) so as to restore normal skin surface pH; the potential fragrance is then hydrolyzed at the lower pH to release the compound having relatively strong aroma.

Abstract: A topical composition for treating or preventing acne vulgaris which comprises at least one saturated or unsaturated chain alcohol having 18 carbon atoms represented by formula (1): ##STR1## wherein a dotted line represents either the presence or the absence of a double bond as an active ingredient, makes it possible to inhibit proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes, which causes acne vulgaris, or kill the bacterium to effectively treat or prevent acne vulgaris. The compound represented by formula (1) can be easily synthesized and has an extremely low toxicity. Furthermore, it exerts an excellent antibacterial effect on Propionibacterium acnes even when used at a relatively low concentration. Thus it can be used only in a small amount , which ensures a high safety.

Abstract: An acne vulgaris treating and preventing topica, which comprises, as an active ingredient, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of caryophyllene, cedrene, longifolene and thujopsene. The topica exhibits sufficient inhibitory activity on proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes, a pathogenic bacterium causing acne vulgaris, at a small therapeutic dose without causing skin irritation.