Provided is a composition for oral administration, the composition including: a dispersion medium including: an aqueous solution; and a dispersed phase including: a population of particles, each particle including: a core including: a first active ingredient; and an aqueous solution; a shell, substantially surrounding the core, the shell including: a lipophilic carrier; and a plurality of emulsifying agents; wherein the particle retards the release of the first active ingredient after consumption.

Provided are methods of reducing pain or itch, the method comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective dose of a composition comprising a non-polar extract of Iceland moss.

Provided are methods of reducing pain or itch, the method comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective dose of a composition comprising a non-polar extract of Iceland moss.

Provided is a composition for oral administration, the composition including: a dispersion medium including: an aqueous solution; and a dispersed phase including: a population of particles, each particle including: a core including: a first active ingredient; and an aqueous solution; a shell, substantially surrounding the core, the shell including: a lipophilic carrier; and a plurality of emulsifying agents; wherein the particle retards the release of the first active ingredient after consumption.

A method of using dibenzo-alpha-pyrones (DBPs) is provided wherein a subject is administered one or more of the aforementioned resulting in decreased body weight gain. In an embodiment, a 3-OH-DBP, 3,8-(OH).sub.2-DBP, or a combination thereof is administered to an individual to control body weight gain.

A method of using dibenzo-alpha-pyrones (DBPs) is provided wherein a subject is administered one or more of the aforementioned resulting in decreased body weight gain. In an embodiment, a 3-OH-DBP, 3,8-(OH).sub.2-DBP, or a combination thereof is administered to an individual to control body weight gain.

An inhibitor of endothelin action or a skin-whitening agent, comprising a compound represented by Formula (1) or a salt thereof as an active ingredient: ##STR00001## wherein in Formula (1), R.sub.1 represents a formyl group or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atom(s), and R.sub.2 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atom(s).

An inhibitor of endothelin action or a skin-whitening agent, comprising a compound represented by Formula (1) or a salt thereof as an active ingredient: ##STR00001## wherein in Formula (1), R.sub.1 represents a formyl group or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atom(s), and R.sub.2 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atom(s).

The invention discloses a method of processing Antrodia cinnamomea for producing a processed sample of Antrodia cinnamomea, which easily releases antcin K in a following extraction process. The method includes the steps of: soaking a raw sample of Antrodia cinnamomea with a processing reagent comprising 25-83.3 wt % of rice vinegar and 16.7-75 wt % of yellow wine at 22-28 C. for 22-26 hours; and steaming the soaked product at 1-3 kg/cm.sup.2, 110-150 C. for 10-50 minutes.

Provided is a multilayer particle, the particle including: a core including: a first active ingredient; and a first polymer; a first shell, substantially surrounding the core, the first shell including: a second polymer; a second shell, substantially surrounding the first shell, the second shell including: a third polymer; and a plurality of emulsifying agents.