Abstract: A novel compound, a novel ?1 adrenergic receptor antagonistic agent, and a novel composition are provided which are capable of exerting a therapeutic effect on treatment of hypertension as well as treatment of prostatic hypertrophy and the like.

Abstract: A novel compound, a novel ?1 adrenergic receptor antagonistic agent, and a novel composition are provided which are capable of exerting a therapeutic effect on treatment of hypertension as well as treatment of prostatic hypertrophy and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient extraction method of Maca extract having safe anti-allergic effects enabling long-term intake, and a food and beverage product, a perfumery and a cosmetic as well as a pharmaceutical preparation comprising thus obtained Maca extract showing anti-allergic effect. In the provided extraction method of Maca extract, the temperature of extracting solution is from 20° C. to 75° C. when Maca extract is extracted by adding aqueous solution containing ethanol being ethanol concentration of from 20 to 100 by volume %.

Abstract: A substance capable of stimulating the movement of digestive tract, comprising a compound of the formula: (I) (active substance ? and active substance ? being stereoisomers), which substance is derived from natural products and hence cause no side effects, is highly safe even when continuously used for a prolonged period of time and can be widely employed as additives to refreshments, etc.; and a refreshment containing an additive comprising the stimulating substance. In particular, a digestive tract movement stimulating substance capable of acting on muscarine M3 receptor, obtained from beer through isolation and purification, which substance is one having drinkability stimulating effect; and a composition from natural products or natural processed products, comprising the above substance. The thus provided substance or composition is used as an additive to refreshment, thereby providing a refreshment capable of stimulating the movement of digestive tract.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for preparing SDG (secoisolariciresinol diglycoside) known to be a precursor of compounds having female hormone-like activities such as enterolactone and enterodiol as well as foods and drinks that can be prepared by incorporating SDG and that are effective for various symptoms caused by imbalanced female hormones such as menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, obesity, depression and hot flashes.

Abstract: The antiallergic agent, antiinflammatory agent, anti-atopic dermatitis agent or antipsoriatic agent of the present invention is efficacious in preventing, reducing or relieving symptoms due to inflammation or allergic reactions, and in particular, it is useful in preventing, reducing or relieving the symptoms of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Abstract: The antiallergic agent, antiinflammatory agent, anti-atopic dermatitis agent or antipsoriatic agent of the present invention is efficacious in preventing, reducing or relieving symptoms due to inflammation or allergic reactions, and in particular, it is useful in preventing, reducing or relieving the symptoms of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Abstract: The antiallergic agent, antiinflammatory agent, anti-atopic dermatitis agent or antipsoriatic agent of the present invention is efficacious in preventing, reducing or relieving symptoms due to inflammation or allergic reactions, and in particular, it is useful in preventing, reducing or relieving the symptoms of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing beer having a reduced content of purine compounds by using wort having a reduced content of purine nucleosides as a result of decomposing purine nucleosides into purine bases by using nucleoside phosphorylase or nucleosidase, or decomposing purine nucleosides into purine bases during fermentation and having the purine bases metabolized by yeast.

Abstract: A Bifidobacterium bifidum proliferation promoting composition comprising a xylooligosaccharide which contains xylobiose as its principal component is disclosed. The xylooligosaccharide is obtained by enzymatically or physicochemically treating either xylan or hemicellulose derived from a natural source. Bifidobacterium bifidum which is useful for man is encouraged to proliferate in the intestines by the xylooligosaccharide which is not readily assimilated by Escherichia coli but is readily utilized by Bifidobacterium bifidum. The xylooligosaccharide is advantageously stable when exposed to acids or heat.

Abstract: A liver function improver, food, or drink comprising, as an effective ingredient, a dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane derivative, such as sesamin, sesaminol espisesamin, episesaminol, sesamolin, 2-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-6-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,7-dioxabicycl o[3.3.0]octane, 2,6-bis-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,7-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane or 2-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-6-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenoxy)-3,7-dioxabicyc lo[3.3.0]octane.

Abstract: A liver function improver, food, or drink comprising, as an effective ingredient, a dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane derivative, such as sesamin, sesaminol episesamin, episesaminol, sesamolin, 2-(3,4-methylene dioxyphenyl)-6-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,7-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane, 2,6-bis-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,7-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane or 2- (3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-6-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenoxy)-3,7-dioxabicyclo [3.3.0]octane.

Abstract: The pressent invention provides a composition comprising adriamycin or daunomycin in mixture with one or more compounds selected from sulfite, acid sulfite, pyrosulfite, diothionite and sulfurous anhydride in order to reduce the toxicities of adriamycin or daunomycin and to increase the potency thereof and a method comprising administering said compounds in mixture with adriamycin or daunomycin.By the composition and method of the present invention the safe and effective treatment of various tumors with adriamycin and daunomycin, which have remarkably high potency, but also have serious side effects, will be provided.

Abstract: Foods or beverages in which lactate monooxygenase is incorporated so as to prevent oxygen-caused deterioration of their quality by allowing oxygen to be eliminated from said foods or beverages rapidly and in a safe way.