Abstract: There are provided a novel microorganism Enterobacter sp. B20 strain which produces (E)-4-(2-isocyanovinyl)phenyl ?-rhamnopyranoside having a favorable effect of inhibiting melanogenesis and ?-L-rhamnopyranoside produced thereby. This novel microorganism is a gram-negative bacillus isolated from soil and shows motility owing to polar flagellum. The ?-L-rhamnopyranoside, which is produced by culturing the microorganism under aerobic conditions at a culture temperature of 10 to 37° C. and at a medium pH of about 5 to 9 usually for about 1 to 7 days, is useful as a highly safe and stable whitening agent.

Abstract: There are provided a novel microorganism Enterobacter sp. B20 strain which produces (E)-4-(2-isocyanovinyl)phenyl ?-rhamnopyranoside having a favorable effect of inhibiting melanogenesis and ?-L-rhamnopyranoside produced thereby. This novel microorganism is a gram-negative bacillus isolated from soil and shows motility owing to polar flagellum. The ?-L-rhamnopyranoside, which is produced by culturing the microorganism under aerobic conditions at a culture temperature of 10 to 37° C. and at a medium pH of about 5 to 9 usually for about 1 to 7 days, is useful as a highly safe and stable whitening agent.

Abstract: A method of treating ulcers comprising administering an effective amount of carnosic acid and/or carnosol or a plant extract containing carnosic acid and/or carnosol as an effective ingredient to a subject having such ulcers.

Abstract: A novel carnosic acid derivative for promoting the synthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF), a composition comprising the carnosic acid derivative as an effective ingredient, as well as, a method of promoting the synthesis of NGF comprising administering an effective amount of the carnosic acid derivative as an effective ingredient to a subject requiring such promotion. The carnosic acid derivative, composition and method according to the present invention can safely and efficiently promote the production of NGF in the living body, without being accompanied by a side effect such as a loss of a quantitative balance of hormones in the living body.

Abstract: A method of promoting the synthesis of nerve growth factor comprising administering an effective amount of rosemary and/or sage extracts or carnosic acid and/or carnosol as an effective ingredient to a subject requiring such promotion. The present method can safely and efficiently promote the production of NGF in the living body, without being accompanied by a side effect such as a loss of a quantitative balance of hormones in the living body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for extending neurites, using a composition containing a polyalkoxyflavonoid having a specific structure, especially nobiletin or tangeretin. It is found that also a composition containing an extract from a plant belonging to the citrus family has an activity to extend neurites. These compositions are useful to prevent and/or improve or treat neurodegeneration diseases such as Alzheimer's dementia and encephalic ischemia by accelerating extension of neurites.

Abstract: A method of promoting the synthesis of nerve growth factor comprising administering an effective amount of rosemary and/or sage extracts or carnosic acid and/or carnosol as an effective ingredient to a subject requiring such promotion. The present method can safely and efficiently promote the production of NGF in the living body, without being accompanied by a side effect such as a loss of a quantitative balance of hormones in the living body.

Abstract: A novel carnosic acid derivative for promoting the synthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF), a composition comprising the carnosic acid derivative as an effective ingredient, as well as, a method of promoting the synthesis of NGF comprising administering an effective amount of the carnosic acid derivative as an effective ingredient to a subject requiring such promotion. The carnosic acid derivative, composition and method according to the present invention can safely and efficiently promote the production of NGF in the living body, without being accompanied by a side effect such as a loss of a quantitative balance of hormones in the living body.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for inhibiting hyperlipemia which is responsible for various diseases such as arteriosclerosis, which comprise administering to a subject emmeisou or an emmeisou extract.