Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions (e.g., eyedrop or spongarion composition), and uses for alleviating and preventing age-associated vitreous degeneration in a mammal, comprising administrating to the mammal in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of L-ergothioneine, an analog or derivative thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, acid, ester, polymer, analog or derivative thereof, as an active ingredient. In particular, L-ergothioneine is capable of scavenging chronic reactive oxygen species directly and radically to mitigate and prevent HA depolymerization and HA decreasing-viscosity in the mammal's vitreous body; and/or improving vitreous liquefaction in the mammal.

Abstract: Among others, the present invention provides methods for ameliorating and preventing age-associated muscle degeneration in a mammal, comprising administrating to the mammal in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of L-Ergothioneine, an analog or derivative thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, acid, ester, analog or derivative thereof, as an active ingredient. In particular, the administration of L-Ergothioneine is capable of attenuating the loss of muscle mass and/or strength in the mammal, and is capable of improving adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, improving the P/O ratio (ATP produced per O2 consumed), and/or scavenging and blocking chronic reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the mammal.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for enhancing muscle function in a mammal, the method includes administration to the mammal of a composition comprising therapeutically effective amount of dihydroberberine (DHB) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, acid, ester, analog or derivative thereof. The present invention also provides a composition including therapeutically effective amount of dihydroberberine (DHB) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, acid, ester, analog or derivative thereof, for enhancing muscle function. In addition, the present invention provides methods for preparing any compositions disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for promoting glycogen synthase activity and augmenting glycogen storage capability in muscle tissue and/or liver tissue in a mammal, relating to administration to the mammal of an effective amount of p-a minoisobutyric acid (BAIBA), an analog or derivative thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, acid, polymer, analog or derivative thereof.

Abstract: Among others, the present invention provides a liposome comprising an active ingredient and one membrane or one inner membrane and one outer membrane. Each membrane comprises a plurality of lipid molecules, and the active ingredient is entrapped inside the interior space defined by the membrane or the inner membrane, or embodied in the membrane or membranes and form a part of the membrane(s).

Abstract: Provided are methods for improving exercise performance and endurance of a mammal, comprising administering to the mammal in need thereof a composition comprising dihydroberberine (DHB), or an analog or derivative thereof, and a physiologically acceptable carrier. DHB in the composition can serve as an antioxidant to defend red blood cells against oxidative stress damage, by scavenging reactive oxygen species generated during to increase the deformability and the survival of red blood cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for enhancing muscle function in a mammal, the method includes administration to the mammal of a composition comprising therapeutically effective amount of dihydroberberine (DHB) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, acid, ester, analog or derivative thereof. The present invention also provides a composition including therapeutically effective amount of dihydroberberine (DHB) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, acid, ester, analog or derivative thereof, for enhancing muscle function. In addition, the present invention provides methods for preparing any compositions disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for anti-glycation, especially mitigating or preventing skin aging in a mammal, the method includes administration to the mammal of a composition including an effective amount of dihydroberberine (DHB) or its analog or its derivatives. The present invention also provides a composition including an effective amount of dihydroberberine (DHB) or its analog or its derivatives, for mitigating or preventing “Maillard reaction” in a mammal by controlling blood glucose, scavenging chronic ROS, reducing a level of MDA and expression of MMP-1. In addition, the present invention provides method for preparing any compositions disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for anti-aging, especially ameliorating or preventing skin aging, cellular senescence, or photoaging through inhibiting progerin in a mammal. The method includes administration to the mammal a composition including an effective amount of dihydroberberine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, acid, ester, analog or derivative thereof. The present invention also provides a composition including an effective amount of dihydroberberine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, acid, ester, analog or derivative thereof, for anti-aging, especially ameliorating or preventing skin aging, cellular senescence, or photoaging through inhibiting progerin in a mammal.

Abstract: Among others, the present invention provides methods and compositions for mimicking one or more biological benefits of caloric restriction in a mammal, including administrating to the mammal an effective amount of ?-aminoisobutyric acid, an analog, metabolite or derivative thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, polymer, acid thereof.

Abstract: Among others, the present invention provides methods and compositions for controlling blood glucose or weight, including a combination of (i) a therapeutically effective amount of berberine (BBR), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, acid, ester, analog or derivative thereof, including dihydroberberine (DHB); and (ii) vitamin B12. The combination effectively ameliorates BBR or DHB side effects, including VB12 reduction, gastrointestinal discomfort, and slowed bowel movements, by promoting transcobalamin II receptors synthesis, decreasing homocysteine levels and maintaining intestinal balance, including short chain fatty acids content, gut microbiota diversity and richness.