Abstract: The present invention provides soft capsules comprising a capsule shell having a water activity lower than that of a capsule filling; and a production process of the soft capsules. The present invention makes it possible to prepare soft capsules without lowering the water activity of an active ingredient of a medicament or the like, which activity varies widely, depending on the active ingredient employed, leading to the provision of the soft capsules having original unimpaired properties or stability, and moreover, palatability and texture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a film composition containing caramel (Caramel I, II, III or IV) as a brown colorant, particularly a film composition containing a water-soluble cellulose derivative as a base component and suitably used for a capsule base, the film composition ensuring high degree of transparency because of the suppression of caramel aggregation. The present invention also provides a method for preparing the brown film composition. The present invention is enforced by adjusting pH of an aqueous solution in forming a film composition, which is obtained by solidification of an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble cellulose derivative and caramel, to a predetermined range using a pH adjuster.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-transparent film composition that has light-shielding properties and can thereby maintain the stability and quality of products, such as formulations, for a long period of time; and formulations using this film composition, and particularly filled capsules. The non-transparent film composition contains a water-soluble metal compound containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, strontium, and barium; and a water-soluble cellulose derivative. The non-transparent film composition is preferably prepared by: spreading an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble cellulose derivative and a water-soluble metal compound containing a monovalent, divalent or trivalent metal into a film- or sheet-like form; and heating the solution at a temperature of 60° C. or higher to obtain the film composition by drying and solidification.

Abstract: The present invention provides a film or a sheet-like moisture indicator that allows one to visually recognize moisture by changing from a non-transparent color such as white to transparent when it is moistened. The present invention also provides a film or a sheet-like time indicator that allows one to visually recognize the passage of a predetermined length of time by becoming transparent when it is moistened. The indicator of the invention has a water-soluble, non-transparent layer formed of a non-transparent, dry film composition, which comprises a water-soluble cellulose derivative, as well as a water-soluble compound containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of monovalent, divalent, and trivalent metals. The indicator may further comprise, on the water-soluble, non-transparent layer, a water-soluble transparent layer, a water-insoluble support layer, and/or an attachment layer (an adhesive layer and a release paper therefor) for attaching the indicator to a test target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for gelatin coating and a gelatin coating characterized by containing a gelatin (A) and an inositol phosphate (B) represented by a general formula: C6H12-n.(H2PO4)n (in the formula, n represents an integer from 1 to 6), and a preparation using the same.

Abstract: A light-shielding agent and a film-forming composition containing it, which prevent separation of formulation surfaces or powder floating phenomenon, which are caused by irradiation by light or ultraviolet light, improve luster of formulation surfaces, maintain external appearance of formulations, and do not impair stability or quality of pharmaceutical preparations, or the like, are provided. The light-shielding agent includes a calcium-containing compound, and the film-forming composition includes the light-shielding agent including the calcium-containing compound and a film-forming base agent. The present invention also provides a formulation and a capsule, which are coated with both or either of the above-mentioned light-shielding agent and/or the above-mentioned film-forming composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides soft capsules comprising a capsule shell having a water activity lower than that of a capsule filling; and a production process of the soft capsules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition prepared by fermenting enzymatically-deactivated garlic with Aspergillus and/or Monascus, to a process for preparing the same, and also to foods and drugs containing the same. The composition is free from any unpleasant odor and is useful as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for diabetes, hepatic diseases, cancer, immunopathy, hyperlipemia, and the like.

Abstract: A bowel lavage composition which comprises one or more of a water-soluble polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, dextran, dextrin, hydroxyethylated starch, polydextrose, arabic gum, pullulan and pectin; a sodium salt of an organic; a potassium salt of an organic acid; sodium chloride; potassium chloride and sodium sulfate, having the following formulation:______________________________________ Water-soluble polymer 10-150 g Sodium salt of an organic acid 5-60 mmol Potassium salt of an organic acid 0-12 mmol Sodium chloride 7-60 mmol Potassium chloride 0-12 mmol Sodium sulfate 0-20 mmol ______________________________________wherein total potassium ion content in said composition ranges from 2 to 12 mEq.