Abstract: A therapeutic agent for a cancer comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an active ingredient, wherein the therapeutic agent is used referring to an ability of acting on NK cell antigen receptor NKR-P1 of NKT cell as an index of the ability to activate the NKT cell.

Abstract: A composition and method for treatment of multiple myeloma and drug-resistant pneumonia are provided. The composition is a combination of natural products that stimulate immune system function and restore well-being in patients.

Abstract: An active compound of [(24R)-ergosta-7, 22-diene-3 &bgr;,5 &agr;,6 &bgr;-triol] is obtained from isolated active fractions in fungus Cordyceps sinensis and briefly called F8. Use of the active compound F8 is to improve the clinical symptoms of bronchial hyperresponsiveness and pulmonary injury in OA induced BNR model with enhancing Th1 cytokines suppressing Th2 and iNOS cytokines mRNA expression. This work has important pharmacological implications for the prevention and treatment of bronchial asthma in humans.

Abstract: An oral supplement composition and method of making and using it, in which a combination of fourteen different specialized mushroom species, each of which has its own unique immunomodulatory properties, demonstrate enhancement of the immune system. When taken together, the combination of mushroom species exert a potentiated, synergistic effect that enhances immune function greater than the sum of each mushroom species' immunoenhancing influence. The oral supplement can be prepared into a variety of dosage forms, such as capsules, caplets, tablets, pills, dispersions, suspensions, solution, powders, teas, or syrup concentrates, and can be packaged in bottles or other packaging for sale.

Abstract: An innovative health food for good sleepy is provided for improving the factors that interfere with sleep as much as possible and is suitable for attaining good sleep and deep sleep mainly comprising herbal medicines in combination. The health food for good sleep contains a Panax ginseng extract, a Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, a Ganoderma lucidum extract, and calcium, which are mixed together in predetermined proportions. For example, the mixture contains 0.5 to 1.0 parts by weight of the Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, 0.1 to 0.5 parts by weight of the Ganoderma lucidum extract, and 0.1 to 1.0 parts by weight of calcium with respect to 1 part by weight of the Panax ginseng extract.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a therapeutic agent or prophylactic agent that is effective for a disease requiring enhancement of nerve growth factor production for treatment or prevention, comprising as an effective ingredient an aqueous extract of mushrooms. These agents are usable in the treatment or prevention of a disease requiring enhancement of nerve growth factor production such as dementia or nerve disorder.

Abstract: EEM-S obtained by extracting with hot water or a lower alcohol at least one mushroom selected from among Lentinus edodes, Flammulina velutipes, Hypsizygus marmoreus, Pleurotus ostreatus, Pholiota nameko, Grifola fondosa, Volvariella speciosa ver. speciosa, Lyophllum decastes, blanc du pays, Tricholoma matsutake, Ganoderma lucidum and Phellinus yucatensis, treating the obtained extract by the molecular sieve method and thus eliminating low-molecular-weight and high-molecular-weight fractions: and preparations thereof. This EEM-S exerts physiological effects such as anticancer, immunopotentiating, antioxidative, hypotensive and hypoglycemic effects.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes the non-sporulating mycelial stage of insect-specific parasitic fungi. The fungus can be present on grain, attracting the pest, and also infecting it through digestion. More than one fungus can be used in combination. The matrix of fungi can be dried or freeze-dried, packaged and reactivated for use as an effective bioinsecticide.

Abstract: An inventive and proprietary food supplement formula per unit to enhance the body's natural immune function against viral and infectious diseases and cancer. The food supplement per unit in liquid or capsule gel caplets consists of: 200 to 600 mg. of Chrysin; 200 to 600 mg. of Coriolus Versicolor PSK; 50 to 150 mg. of 3,3′ Diindolylmethane DIM; 50 to 150 mg. of Resveratrol 25 %; 50 to 150 mg. Turmeric Extract 95 %; 40 to 140 mg. Green Tea Extract 95 %; 20 to 80 mg. of Quercitin Dihydrate 99 %; and 15 to 75 mg. of Phosphatidyl Choline 50 %. Advantageously, each dose unit preferably includes 25 mg to about 150 mgs. of Myricetin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the establishment of a cultivation condition that is suitable for the large-scale production of pharmacologically active filtrates from a culture of A. camphorata, in particular, by optimizing the agitation rate and/or pH value during the cultivation. The present invention also relates to a process for obtaining pharmacologically active compositions from a culture of A. camphorata through a series of fractionation. This invention is further directed to the uses of the above compositions in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immune activator composition containing either &bgr;-glucan or a component derived from a mushroom (e.g., a shiitake mushroom). The invention further provides a method of treating a subject in need thereof by administering the immune activator composition thereto. Specifically, the present invention provides a method of activating immunity or a method of regulating immunity by administering superfine particles of the immune activator composition to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drug product for the prevention, improvement in conditions relating to, and/or treatment of diabetes, comprising &bgr;(1→3) glucan derived from vegetable material and having a molecular weight of from about 5,000 to about 20,000. The drug product of the present invention can be widely employed as a diabetes drug for both IDDM and NIDDM, exhibits almost no side effects and does not have an obese effect even when orally administered, can be widely employed as a medical drug for patients in various states of morbidity, and can be employed by patients, generally healthy persons, and other animals in the form of food and drink products such as therapeutic foods and health foods. The present invention provides a method of preventing, improving conditions relating to, and/or treating diabetes comprising administering the above-specified &bgr;(1→3) glucan.

Abstract: The invention concerns the field of pharmaceutics and dietetics. More particularly, the invention concerns pharmaceutical and/or dietetic mushroom-based compositions, characterised in that they contain one or several edible mushrooms with therapeutic properties and chitosan.

Abstract: A cancer preventive agent and food are disclosed, which contain Tricholoma matsutake, in particular Tricholoma matsutake of the FERM BP-7304 strain, and any of mycelia, broths, or fruit bodies (including spores) thereof, as they are, dried products thereof, or extracts thereof (e.g., a hot water extract or an alkaline solution extract). Methods of preventing a cancer by the use of the cancer preventive agent and food are also disclosed.

Abstract: An infection preventive or therapeutic agent and food are disclosed, which contain as an active ingredient an anion exchange resin adsorption fraction of a mixture obtained by mixing a hot water extract of mycelia of basidiomycetes belonging to the genus Tricholoma, in particular the Tricholoma matsutake FERM BP-7304 strain, with an alkaline solution extract of a mycelia residue when the mycelia hot water extract is obtained. The anion exchange resin adsorption fraction has a carbohydrate content of 60% to 72% in glucose equivalent determined by a phenol-sulfuric acid method and (b) a protein content of 28% to 40% in albumin equivalent determined by a copper-Folin method. Methods of preventing or treating infection(s) with a pathogenic microorganism by the use of the preventive or therapeutic agent and food are also disclosed.

Abstract: A symbiotic fungus is artificially introduced to a plant. The symbiotic fungus is a filamentous fungus of a biologically pure culture. The filamentous fungus belongs to genus Neotyphodium and produces one chanoclavine as a final metabolic product thereof. The plant with the filamentous fungus introduced therein has resistance to pest and does not show toxicity to livestock.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for extracting lipids from microorganisms without using organic solvent as an extraction solvent. In particular, the present invention provides a method for extracting lipids from microorganisms by lysing cells and removing water soluble compound and/or materials by washing the lysed cell mixtures with aqueous washing solutions until a substantially non-emulsified lipid is obtained.

Abstract: Compositions are taught that may comprise active components of one or more types of Basidiomycotina that belong to polyporaceae Basidiomycotina and active components of the root of a plant that belongs to Araliaceae. Such compositions have shown hypoglycemic effects and anti-tumor activity. More preferably, the Basidiomycotina may be Ganoderma Lucidum and/or Coriolus versicolor and the plant that belongs to Araliaceae may be medicinal ginseng, e.g. Panax ginseng and/or Panax japonicus. Preferably, an aqueous solution of the composition has an oxidation-reduction potential of less than about 1230 mV, more preferably less than about 900 mV and most preferably less than about 330 mV. Methods for making such compositions are also taught and may include hot water extraction of the above-mentioned components. Furthermore, methods for treating patients are also taught and include administering a therapeutically effective amount of one or more of the present compositions.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for cultivation of filamentous fungi using a suspended nutritionally solid substrate, the method including the steps of: (a) preparing a medium comprising a nutritionally solid substrate; and (b) inoculating an inoculum into the medium comprising the nutritionally solid substrate in a bioreactor to carry out fermentation. The present invention combines the properties of solid-state culture and submerged culture. In addition, the present invention may employ an air-lift bioreactor with a net draft tube and the fed-batch process to elevate the yields of filamentous fungi and metabolites thereof.

Abstract: Preventive and therapeutic agents against the HIV virus and pathogenic bacteria, comprising the active ingredients obtained from hyphae of Kabanoanatake [scientific name: Fuscoia obliqua (Fr.) Aoshima].

Abstract: A solid culture of Zang Zhi (Antrodia camphorata) having triterpenoid compounds, water-soluble polysaccharides and chitin. The solid culture is prepared by a method including the steps of: incubating a stock strain of Zang Zhi in a bag for growth of mycelia, followed by an incubation in the air for fruiting the Zang Zhi body.

Abstract: A method for producing mushroom mycelia and uses of the mushroom mycelia. Mushroom mycelia can be cultured at low cost in a broth made of the water from the washing of grains. Also, mushroom mycelia rich in trace minerals can be cultured in a broth supplemented with trace minerals. Feeding of feedstuffs mixed with the mushroom mycelia culture produces duck meats with excellent taste and quality and low cholesterol content.

Abstract: An orally administered, novel dietary supplement or therapeutic composition capable of insulin-like activity in animals, preferably humans, is provided. Contained in the composition are therapeutically effective amounts of vanadyl sulfate, alpha-lipoic acid, taurine, and chromium carnitine. The composition is preferably orally administered on a daily basis for at least about 4 weeks and can be used by normal, healthy individuals as well as diabetics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of preparations for stimulating human skin cells and for protection against aging of the skin and the harmful effects of environmental toxins and UV radiation, characterized in that the preparations contain at least one substance which increases the synthesis of energy donors of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and, at the same time, lowers the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cell metabolism. The invention also relates to the use of cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical preparations containing at least one substance which increases the synthesis of energy donors of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and, at the same time, lowers the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cell metabolism for stimulating human skin cells and for protection against aging of the skin and against the harmful effects of environmental toxins and UV radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the establishment of a cultivation condition that is suitable for the large-scale production of pharmacologically active filtrates from a culture of A. camphorata, in particular, by optimizing the agitation rate and/or pH value during the cultivation. The present invention also relates to a process for obtaining pharmacologically active compositions from a culture of A. camphorata through a series of fractionation. This invention is further directed to the uses of the above compositions in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel biologically active compounds from fungi of the species Ganoderma pfeifferi DSM 13239, processes for their preparation, and their use. From the fruit body and mycelium of the species Ganoderma pfeifferi DSM 13239, extracts can be obtained which have antimicrobial activity and are suitable as preserving agents, for pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations, for controlling infections, and for use in fish breeding. Antimicrobially active substances called ganomycins having activity against multiresistant germs are isolated from the extracts. The total synthesis of the ganomycins and their derivatization enables their use an antibiotics.

Abstract: A dietary supplement for ingestion by humans is formulated to reduce blood pressure level, increase energy and promote general wellbeing. The supplement contains, in a tablet or capsule form, as active ingredients Spica Prunella flos, Chrysanthemi flos, Lonicera Japonica, Radix Notoginseng, Cleistocalyx Operculatis, Lentinus Edodes, and Sophora Japonica.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of TL-&ggr;, antibodies to TL-&ggr;, methods of screening for TL-&ggr; modulators using biologically active TL-&ggr;, and kits for screening for TL-&ggr; modulators.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coating agent being applicable even in 100% water, not sticky, which results in the coated particles and/or granules that do not stick to each other, and further having a function to control dissolution time, and a film formed from the coating agent and useful as a packaging material having an extremely low oxygen permeability coefficient even under highly humid conditions. An oxygen-barrier property enhancer such as glucose, mannose, maltose, trehalose, fructose, arabinose, nigerooligosaccharide, lactose, D-glucono-1,5-lactone, arginine hydrochloride, ferrous sulfate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, Palatinit, vitamin C, etc. is added to yeast cell wall fractions consisting of cell residue obtained by removing the internal soluble cell components of enzyme-treated yeast or acid-treated yeast cell wall fractions consisting of cell residue obtained by treating said fractions with an acidic aqueous solution. Thus, the coating agent is prepared.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods that are useful for treating colic in mammals (e.g. human infants).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diet composition comprising raw foods comprising the lyophilized powders of grains, vegetables and seaweeds; dietary fibers; and functional herbal extracts, etc. The composition according to the present invention is effective in reduction of weight and body fat and body shape management as well as abundant in nutrition ingredients. And also the composition has an excellent effect on decreasing cholesterol and neutral fat amounts in blood. Therefore, the composition according to the invention can be usefully employed as a food capable of preventing or improving obesity while assisting in ingesting nutriments, which are apt to be lacking in modern people, without omission.

Abstract: A hypocholesterolaemic agent and a process for its preparation by extraction from edible fungi, along with methods of use of the agent for preventing the synthesis of cholesterol in a person. These methods include the administration of the agent alone or in a food or beverage. The foods or beverages that contain this agent are another feature of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for fetal protection by orally administering germination activated Ganoderma lucidum spore powder (“GASP”) to pregnant mammals. GASP demonstrates prophylactic effects on fetal damage in pregnant mammals, particularly humans.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetic preparation containing an active complex comprised of plant extracts. The active complex contains at least one starting substance, which is extracted as an aqueous extract from real truffles (Tuberaceae) and which is provided in a cosmetically acceptable gel while being stabilized. A preferred active complex is one that additionally contains a champagne product. Cosmetic preparations containing this active complex lead to an improved stimulation of the immune system, an improved regenerative effect and thus to an improved balance in the ecosystem of the skin.

Abstract: The present invention is related to pharmaceutical composition comprising an extract of Lentinus lepideus prepared by inventive preparation showing immune enhancing and immune modulating activity.

Abstract: The present invention related to Parvilucifera infectans, a new parasitic organism described by Noren and Moestrup (in prep. “Parvilucifera infectans, gen. et. spec.nov. A parasitic dinoflagellate infecting thecate dinoflagellates.”) capable of infecting and killing several toxic or potentially harmful dinoflagellates, method for infecting toxin producing dinoflagellates, and method for propagating P. infectans.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for stimulating the immune system. Such methods include administering an extract, purified peptide-linked glucan or active component thereof from Coriolus versicolor. The methods are particularly useful for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of secondary immunodeficiency, wherein the immunodeficiency is the result of an infection, a malignant neoplastic disease, an autoimmune disease, a protein losing state, an immunosuppressive treatment, surgery or anesthesia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chimeric molecules containing component molecules that are linked together in a non-naturally occurring manner where the linker contains at least one enzyme cleavage site, and the enzyme cleavage site is engineered to be cleaved by an enzyme in a treated subject. The present invention also relates to compositions and kits containing the chimeric molecules, methods of making the chimeric molecules in a production host, methods of using the present chimeric molecules for diagnostic, prophylactic, therapeutic, and nutritional purposes in subjects requiring such.

Abstract: A pigmented anhydrous cosmetic composition for reducing the shiny appearance of skin and cosmetically improving the appearance of skin imperfections comprising a cosmetically effective amount of mushroom extract and a method for reducing the shiny appearance of skin and cosmetically improving the appearance of skin imperfections comprising applying to the skin an anhydrous cosmetic composition containing mushroom extract.

Abstract: A dietary supplement comprising as its active ingredients soybean, mushroom and mung bean is used in a method to in a method to ameliorate at least one effective malignancy or viral infection or to enhance immune functions. The active components of the dietary supplement include phytoestrogens, &bgr;-glucans, saponins, inositol hexaphosphate, and lectins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an active oxygen scavenging agent and a cancer chemopreventing agent both comprising a dried Grifola, a dry Grifola powder and/or a Grifola extract, and to a food or animal feed comprising the active oxygen scavenging agent or the cancer chemopreventing agent.

Abstract: A process for preparing dry extracts from a liquid extract and at least one additional substance by a spray-drying process, characterized in that said at least one additional substance is added to the spray-drying process in a dry form during the spray-drying processes.

Abstract: The objetive of the present invention was to enhance the skin whitening effects and blackening prevention effects and supply safe and stable topical agents for dermatological use. For that purpose 4-Hydroxyphenyl-&agr;-D-glucopyranoside was combined with auxiliary agents such as ascorbic acid and its derivatives, crude drugs and its extracts, hydroxycarboxylic acid and its salts, oil soluble glycyrrhiza extract, gentian extract, phenol derivatives and their salts, placenta extract, kojic acid and its derivative, glucosamine and its derivatives, azelaic acid and its derivatives, retinol and its derivatives, pyridoxin and its derivatives, tocopherol and its derivatives, chitosan and its decomposition products, caffeic acid derivatives, hydroxycinnamate and its derivatives, Umbelliferae plant extracts, mycelial cultures and their extracts, plant leaves and their extracts.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that homocitrate synthase is essential for fungal pathogenicity. Specifically, the inhibition of homocitrate synthase gene expression in fungi results in no signs of successful infection or lesions. Thus, homocitrate synthase can be used as a target for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit homocitrate synthase expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of antibiotics, preferably antifungals.

Abstract: An arteriosclerosis-preventing material, immune-activating material, vertebrate that has eaten these, and eggs of such vertebrate. Such materials are produced by inoculating koji mold on a pulse crop to effect koji preparation and adding water to a product of the koji preparation, thus hydrolyzing proteins and/or saccharides contained in the product of said koji preparation and by utilizing the activity common to lactic acid bacteria naturally contained in the starting materials and lactic acid bacteria that is added to the product of the koji preparation. An arteriosclerosis-preventing material possessing arteriosclerosis-preventing capability, an immune-activating material possessing immune-activating capability that are effective in maintaining the health of vertebrates, a vertebrate other than a human being that has been reared by adding these arteriosclerosis-preventing material and immune-activating material to feed, and the egg of such a vertebrate, are obtained.

Abstract: The composition for beverages/food of the present invention is a mixture of the AGARICUS BLAZEI MURRILL fruiting body and mycelium extract in a ratio by dry weight of 1:0.05 to 1:0.5, and chlorella growth factor. The ratio by dry weight of said mixture and chlorella growth factor is 1:0.05 to 1:1.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for promoting a recovery from stress comprising Tricholoma matsutake, a hot water extract of Tricholoma matsutake or a dried product thereof, or an alkaline solution extract of Tricholoma matsutake or a dried product thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; and a novel Tricholoma matsutake strain FERM BP-7304 are disclosed.

Abstract: A sustained release oral dosage formulation and a method of reducing odors resulting from animal waste is disclosed. The composition is comprised of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier which is preferably a cellulose-based carrier having an odor reducing amount of an active component therein. The active component is preferably Agaricus bisporus extract which is preferably uniformly dispersed in the carrier and provided in a controlled release capsule formulation which can be orally administered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and reagents useful for inhibition of apoptosis. Specifically, the invention relates to methods to identify agents that is either pro-apoptotic or anti-apoptotic, especially by affecting the signal transduction pathways of BAK protein and/or M11L protein. The invention also provides business methods, diagnostic kits for identification of pro- or anti-apoptotic agents. Another aspect of the invention provides a method to identify M11L-interacting polypeptides using mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Methods for treating skin by contacting the skin with an extract of Grifola frondosa are described, along with skin-care and hair-care compositions containing such extracts and processes for preparing such extracts.