A consumable is provided. The consumable includes (a) at least one sweetener, and (b) a sweetness modifier comprising an extract or fraction from Gnaphalium affine or at least one flavonoid compound. The at least one sweetener is present is a sweetening amount.

A method for activating metabolism for muscle cells involves administering an energy-metabolic activating agent to a human patient, the energy-metabolic activing agent as follows:

(1) a sugar transporter (GLUT4) gene-expression promoting agent, including at least one active substance selected from the following: 5-hydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyflavone; techtochrysin; 3,7,4-trimethylkaempferol; retusine; pentamethyiquercetin; trimethylapigenin; tetramethylkaempferol; and 5, 7-dimethoxyflavone,
(2) a sugar transporter (GLUT4) gene-expression promoting agent, including at least one active substance selected from either techtochrysin or 5,7-dimethoxyflavone, and
(3) a sugar transporter (GLUT4) gene-expression promoting agent within the muscle cells that includes any one of the chemical compounds shown in the following chemical formula 1. (Of such formula 1, R1 and R2, respectively, mean an alkyl group with hydrogen or with 13-carbon.)

##STR00001##

A method for activating metabolism for muscle cells involves administering an energy-metabolic activating agent to a human patient, the energy-metabolic activing agent as follows:

(1) a sugar transporter (GLUT4) gene-expression promoting agent, including at least one active substance selected from the following: 5-hydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyflavone; techtochrysin; 3,7,4-trimethylkaempferol; retusine; pentamethyiquercetin; trimethylapigenin; tetramethylkaempferol; and 5, 7-dimethoxyflavone,
(2) a sugar transporter (GLUT4) gene-expression promoting agent, including at least one active substance selected from either techtochrysin or 5,7-dimethoxyflavone, and
(3) a sugar transporter (GLUT4) gene-expression promoting agent within the muscle cells that includes any one of the chemical compounds shown in the following chemical formula 1. (Of such formula 1, R1 and R2, respectively, mean an alkyl group with hydrogen or with 13-carbon.)

##STR00001##

The invention provides compositions comprising a source of protein and a urolithin. The invention also provides uses and methods associated with, or making use of the compositions, such as a medicament, dietary supplement, functional food or medical food and in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of a muscle-related pathological condition. The invention also provides kits comprising urolithin and protein.

The invention provides compositions comprising a source of protein and a urolithin. The invention also provides uses and methods associated with, or making use of the compositions, such as a medicament, dietary supplement, functional food or medical food and in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of a muscle-related pathological condition. The invention also provides kits comprising urolithin and protein.

Various embodiments of the invention relate to compositions comprising vitamins, minerals and trace elements, antioxidants, amino acids, probiotics, and other components and methods for using such compositions to treat or prevent diseases associated with oxidative stress, including cardiovascular disease.

Various embodiments of the invention relate to compositions comprising vitamins, minerals and trace elements, antioxidants, amino acids, probiotics, and other components and methods for using such compositions to treat or prevent diseases associated with oxidative stress, including cardiovascular disease.

A nutritional supplement for increasing cognitive functioning. The supplement includes a flavonoid such as luteolin and a labdane diterpene such as forskolin. The supplement can also include one or any combination of L-phenylalanine, L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, and vitamin B6. Artichoke extract can be used as a source of luteolin. Methods of using the nutritional supplements to increase cognitive functioning are also included.

A nutritional supplement for increasing cognitive functioning. The supplement includes a flavonoid such as luteolin and a labdane diterpene such as forskolin. The supplement can also include one or any combination of L-phenylalanine, L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, and vitamin B6. Artichoke extract can be used as a source of luteolin. Methods of using the nutritional supplements to increase cognitive functioning are also included.

The present invention relates to a browning-inhibiting composition containing a compound represented by the following formula (1):

##STR00001##

wherein R.sup.21, R.sup.22, R.sup.23, R.sup.24, R.sup.26 and R.sup.27 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent, and at least one of R.sup.21 or R.sup.23 is a hydrogen atom; when R.sup.23 represents a hydrogen atom, at least one of R.sup.22 or R.sup.24 represents a substituent; R.sup.25 represents a hydrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a substituent; R.sup.22 and R.sup.23, or R.sup.23 and R.sup.24 may be bonded together to form a ring with an oxygen atom and a carbon atom to which these Rs are bonded; R.sup.25 and R.sup.26, or R.sup.26 and R.sup.27 may be bonded together to form a ring structure with carbon atoms to which these Rs are bonded; X represents an oxygen atom or CH.sub.2; and a dashed line may represent a double bond.