Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a Mallotus philippinensis extract containing readily water soluble rottlerin. A further object of the present invention is to improve convenience at production steps in a method for producing such an extract, by avoiding the staining of filters and/or pipes during extraction and filtration to reduce washing costs, or by facilitating the introduction of freeze drying and so on. When a dye extract is extracted with water and alcohol from a Mallotus philippinensis plant body, the addition of a base component drastically improves the water solubility of the Mallotus philippinensis extract. This improves extraction rates of rottlerin, facilitates washing in the production and the pulverization of the extract, and also improves the water solubility of the obtained extract.

Abstract: The present invention provides substances having sufficiently antibacterial activity against heat-resistant spore-forming bacteria that they can be used to improve the shelf life of beverages and processed foods, as well as to control the growth of microorganisms in cosmetics. The present invention provides a catechin ester in which at least one of the hydroxyl groups of a catechin is esterified with a medium-chain fatty acid. This medium-chain fatty acid ester of a catechin, which may be used either alone or as a composition, shows a strong growth suppressing effect on heat-resistant spore-forming bacteria and, if added to foods or beverages, can prevent them from rotting or deterioration and, if added to cosmetics, can prevent their rotting or deterioration.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a Mallotus philippinensis extract containing readily water soluble rottlerin. A further object of the present invention is to improve convenience at production steps in a method for producing such an extract, by avoiding the staining of filters and/or pipes during extraction and filtration to reduce washing costs, or by facilitating the introduction of freeze drying and so on. When a dye extract is extracted with water and alcohol from a Mallotus philippinensis plant body, the addition of a base component drastically improves the water solubility of the Mallotus philippinensis extract. This improves extraction rates of rottlerin, facilitates washing in the production and the pulverization of the extract, and also improves the water solubility of the obtained extract.

Abstract: The present invention provides an astaxanthin medium-chain fatty acid ester, which is expected to be applied in the fields of food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, and has higher digestibility and tissue penetration than long chain fatty acid ester form astaxanthins. When the synthesis of an astaxanthin medium-chain fatty acid ester is attempted using the catalytic action of lipase by conventional methods, ester cannot be formed. However, according to the present invention, a composition comprising an astaxanthin medium-chain fatty acid monoester and/or diester is produced by adding a certain amount of water into a reaction system and reacting an astaxanthin or a long chain fatty acid ester thereof with a medium-chain fatty acid, a triglyceride thereof or a suitable ester. Moreover, these monoesters and/or diesters are isolated, as necessary. The present invention further provides food or cosmetics comprising the composition of the present invention.

Abstract: A penem derivative represented by the following formula (I): wherein R1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkylthio group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkenylthio group, a substituted or unsubstituted aralkylthio group, a substituted or unsubstituted arylthio group, a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group, a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic thio group, a substituted or unsubstituted acylthio group, a mercapto group or a hydrogen atom, and R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a carboxyl-protecting group; or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof. The compound (I) exhibits strong antibacterial activities, and especially, shows strong activities against MRSA.