Disclosed is a composition containing a licorice extract comprising glycyrrhizin and liquiritin at a content ratio of 1.5 to 1.8:1, obtained by performing extraction on licorice, adding an excipient and performing spray drying. The composition containing the licorice extract can be efficiently used as a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of liver disease or a food composition for the improvement of liver function in the pharmaceutical and food industry fields.

A botanical extract that exhibits antioxidant activity, wherein the botanical extract is at least an extract from the genus Anacardium.

A botanical extract that exhibits antioxidant activity, wherein the botanical extract is at least an extract from the genus Anacardium.

The present disclosure provides a neuron activator that activates neurons. The neuron activator includes at least one selected from the group consisting of a dopamine production promotor that promotes dopamine production of the neurons, a neuron extension promotor that promotes extension of the neurons, and an amyloid β resistance enhancer that enhances resistance of the neurons against amyloid β. The neuron activator includes 6-methylsulfinylhexyl isothiocyanates or glycosides thereof, and at least one selected from the group consisting of unsaturated fatty acid and polyphenol.

The present disclosure provides a neuron activator that activates neurons. The neuron activator includes at least one selected from the group consisting of a dopamine production promotor that promotes dopamine production of the neurons, a neuron extension promotor that promotes extension of the neurons, and an amyloid β resistance enhancer that enhances resistance of the neurons against amyloid β. The neuron activator includes 6-methylsulfinylhexyl isothiocyanates or glycosides thereof, and at least one selected from the group consisting of unsaturated fatty acid and polyphenol.

Provided is an oral composition, including the following components (A), (B), and (C): (A) non-polymer catechins; (B) rutin; and (C) astragalin, wherein a content of the component (A) in solids is from 2 mass % to 50 mass %, wherein a mass ratio between the component (A) and the component (B), [(B)/(A)], is from 0.05×10.sup.−2 to 50×10.sup.−2, and wherein a mass ratio between the component (A) and the component (C), [(C)/(A)], is from 1.0×10.sup.−3 to 50×10.sup.−3.

Provided is an oral composition, including the following components (A), (B), and (C): (A) non-polymer catechins; (B) rutin; and (C) astragalin, wherein a content of the component (A) in solids is from 2 mass % to 50 mass %, wherein a mass ratio between the component (A) and the component (B), [(B)/(A)], is from 0.05×10.sup.−2 to 50×10.sup.−2, and wherein a mass ratio between the component (A) and the component (C), [(C)/(A)], is from 1.0×10.sup.−3 to 50×10.sup.−3.

Compositions can comprise the catechin metabolite 3′-O-methyl-4′-O-sulfate epicatechin. In some embodiments, the composition can be used in a method for blood vessel dilation and/or increased delivery of blood flow to tissues in the body, for example by administering the composition to an individual having or at risk of high blood pressure or a cardiovascular disease. In some embodiments, the compositions are used for weight maintenance or weight loss. In further embodiments the compositions are used for treating or preventing gestational diabetes mellitus. The compositions may be administered orally as a food product in which the 3′-O-methyl-4′-O-sulfate epicatechinis present in a concentration of at least 0.01 mg/g of the food product.

Compositions can comprise the catechin metabolite 3′-O-methyl-4′-O-sulfate epicatechin. In some embodiments, the composition can be used in a method for blood vessel dilation and/or increased delivery of blood flow to tissues in the body, for example by administering the composition to an individual having or at risk of high blood pressure or a cardiovascular disease. In some embodiments, the compositions are used for weight maintenance or weight loss. In further embodiments the compositions are used for treating or preventing gestational diabetes mellitus. The compositions may be administered orally as a food product in which the 3′-O-methyl-4′-O-sulfate epicatechinis present in a concentration of at least 0.01 mg/g of the food product.

The present invention relates to a composition for improving skin whitening or thermal aging comprising 8-methoxybutin or an acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient. The composition has no cytotoxicity, increases the expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70)—to prevent thermal aging, and inhibits the melanogenesis by decreasing level of tyrosinase gene expression involved in skin pigmentation. Therefore, the composition including 8-methoxybutin or an acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient can be effectively used as a cosmetic composition, dermatologic agent, health functional food, and the like for improving skin whitening or thermal aging.