Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) is distributed in Southeast Asia and its fruits, seeds and leafs are commonly eaten in Indonesia. It was found that melinjo seed extract contains some resveratrol dimers (gnetin C, gnemonoside A and gnemonoside D). Melinjo seed extract and gnetin C have been reported to show beneficial effects on several diseases, such as hyperuricemia, atherosclerosis, fatty liver, diabetes, dementia, cancer, skin aging and periodontitis etc．Melinjo seed extract is one of the desired functional food materials in Japan.

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The excessive consumption test for the safety of black sesame extract (BSE） was conducted. Eleven healthy adults (male 6,female 5) were orally administered 5 tablets/day of BSE for 4 weeks. There were no abnormal changes in blood and urinary analysis. In addition, no serious adverse effects were observed. These results indicate that the excessive dose of BSE is safe for healthy adults.

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To clarify the functions of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD), we analyzed 13 kinds of phenolic compounds and coixol(an alkaloid) in CRD powder by using Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry(LC-MS).The following are the results: p -Coumaric acid 275.0 (μg/g), p -Hydroxybenzaldehyde 50.2 (μg/g), Caffeic acid 36.9 (μg/g), Protocatechuic acid 31.9 (μg/g), Ferulic acid 27.1 (μg/g), Quercetin 16.2 (μg/g), Syringaldehyde 12.1 (μg/g), Chlorogenic acid 11.3 (μg/g), Naringenin 11.1 (μg/g), Vanillin 9.2 (μg/g), trans -Coniferylaldehyde 9.1 (μg/g), Tricin 0.7 (μg/g), Luteolin 0.5 (μg/g) and Coixol(6-Methoxy-2-benzoxazolinone) 5.5 (μg/g). CRD is composed of many substances other than these phenoic compounds. Therefore, further studies are needed to understand the various clinical features associated with CRD intake.

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Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill.) is an evergreen tree found worldwide. The aqueous ethanolic extract of the leaves (eucalyptus leaf extract; ELE) is used as a functional food, and its active constituents are generally polyphenols. Toxicity and mutagenicity of ELE have been previously assessed using rodents, and no adverse effects were observed. Although clinical trials of low-dose ELE ingestion have been conducted on humans, safety evaluation of high-dose ELE has not yet been conducted. We conducted an open-label clinical trial as a pilot study to assess the safety of excessive oral intake of ELE in Japanese adult men. A powdery preparation of ELE, commercially sold as Eucagrandin®, was prepared using spray drying method and contained approximately 80% ELE. Test capsules were packed with the powdery ELE. Six male subjects (aged 47.3 ± 12.4 years, mean ± SD) orally consumed 2,592 mg of ELE per day for 4 consecutive weeks. The subjects were examined at the start of the intervention, 4 weeks after the start, and 2 weeks after the last intake of test capsules. During the study period, 2 adverse events were reported. However, the causal relationship with the consumption of ELE was denied in both events because one event was attributed to a bruise and the other, which was elevated CPK levels, was due to excessive exercise. No unusual changes related to ELE consumption were observed in physical examination and during medical interviews. Further, blood and urine tests were normal during the trial period. These results demonstrated that oral consumption of ELE at the indicated dose is safe for humans.

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We evaluated the effect of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives (CRD) on cold sensitivity of female hands and feet. Ninety females were assigned randomly to 3 groups and CRD(2g/day, 4g/day or placebo) was administrated for 8weeks. Significant improvement of cold sensitivity was observed in both the 2g/day and 4g/day groups. It was speculated that a naringenin and a quercetin as active ingredients of adlay hull may play a critical role in ameliorating effect on blood flow.

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Background: Adlay (Coix lacryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) has been used both in traditional Chinese medicine and as a nourishing food based on its unique biological effects and highly nutritional values. In the present study, we investigated the anti-tumor effect of a hot-water adlay extract in sarcoma mice model.
Materials and Methods: The hot water extract of whole adlay was orally administered to mice for one week, after which Sarcoma-180 cells (1×10⁶) were subcutaneously implanted into the abdomen. Thereafter, the tumor growth was monitored and mouse survival was examined.
Results: Tumor weights measured at 18 days were significantly lower in mice treated with extract (100 and 300 mg/kg/day) than those in control group (p<0.01). Moreover, mice treated with extract (100 mg/kg/day) showed apparently longer survival than control group evaluated until 32 days (p<0.05).
Conclusion: These findings indicate that hot water adlay extract appears to have some anti-tumor effects in vivo in sarcoma cells.

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Objectives: We studied the effects of fish oil and sake lees combined with a high fat diet in rats, and assessed serum lipids concentrations and anxiety behavior.
Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 5 weeks were fed a diet containing the Soybean oil (Control), Soybean oil + Sake lees (S), Fish oil (FO) or FO + Sake lees (FO+S) for 18days. The control diet contained a soybean oil component. It was measured the concentrations of serum lipids and anxiety behavior.
Results: The concentration of serum cholesterol were significantly lower in the FO+S group than in the Control group. The concentration of serum triglyceride and free fatty acids were significantly lower in the FO group and the FO+S group than in the Control group. In anxiety behavior, the stay time in the zone of open arm were significantly higher in the S group than in the Control group.
Conclusion: These results suggested that the combination of fish oil and sake lees in the diet improved the concentration of total cholesterol in the serum, which should assist in the prevention and improvement of dyslipidemia. In addition, intake of sake lees is expected to be effective in suppressing anxiety behavior.

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To clarify the functions of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD), we observed 2 cases of plantar keratosis (case 1. 34 years of age, female/ case 2. 29 years of age, female) successfully cured by intake of CRD for several months. Although CRD intake seemed to be effective in these cases, further studies are needed to define the optimal dose and duration.

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To clarify the functions of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD), we observed 3 cases of refractory atopic dermatitis(case 1. 25 years of age, male/ case 2. 40 years of age, female/ case 3. 5 years of age, male) successfully cured by intake of CRD. Although CRD intake seemed to be effective in all cases, further studies are needed to define the optimal dose and duration.

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To clarify the functions of Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD), we observed 2 cases of plantar wart (case 1. 8 years of age, female/ case 2. 26 years of age, female) successfully cured by intake of CRD for several months. Although CRD intake seemed to be effective in these cases, further studies are needed to define the optimal dose and duration.

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In this report, we presented the case of a 45-year-old man who developed intractable eczema on the thumb-index interdigital fold for over 3 years. Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD) was administrated at a dose of 2.2g/day per day. The lesion cured markedly within 7 months. Although CRD intake seemed to be effective in this case, further studies are needed to define the optimal dose of this food.

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In this report, we presented the case of a 33-year-old woman who developed excoriation of cuticle on both fingers for over several years. Coix-seed Reactive Derivatives(CRD) was administrated at a dose of 4.0g/day per day. The lesion cured markedly within 8 weeks. Although CRD intake seemed to be effective in this case, further studies are needed to confirmation the efficacy of this food.

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The rapid spread of COVID-19, which was first reported in Wuhan, China, gave unprecedented impacts to the people around the globe. Since no current established treatments nor medications are available, medical professionals are longing for the effective tools to fight against COVID-19. The true value of Chinese herbal medicine can be seen under such tough circumstances. The effects of Sanyao Sanfang, containing various naturally occurring phytochemicals were reported from the epicenter of COVID-19 in China. The distinctive feature of the Sanyao Sanfang is its ability to strengthen vitality of the body and improved resistance against invasive attacks by viruses and microbes. It also promotes activation of the immune system and its recovery to healthy status. It is obvious that the comprehensive effects of the Sanyao Sanfang do not stem from a single substance. Further studies are warranted for clarification of the mechanism and the role of other raw materials, as well as for the improvement of its formulation, efficacy and safety.

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