[Detection of allergenic substances (shrimp, crab) in processed seafood].

We have carried out a study (2009-2012) on processed seafood products in order to determine the level of contamination with shrimp and crab. In 2010-2012, after the Allergy Labeling Regulation went into effect, the detection rate of crustacean protein in processed seafood products including small fish, such as niboshi, tukudani and so on (both boiled and dried), was 63%. Detection rates for processed seafood products in which crustacean protein levels were below 1 μg/g were 36% with and 58% without advisory labels, allowing us to conclude that 60% of labels were adequate.

Changes in immune functions during a peaking period in male university soccer players.

The concept of peaking ensures that athletes have trained to attain their absolute peak performance levels prior to a competition. This study investigates the effects of peaking on the functions of neutrophils and lymphocytes in university soccer players during a five-day soccer training camp followed by two weeks of tapering. The study subjects were 22 soccer players who were members of a university soccer club.

[In vivo screening of illegal drug].

The neuro-behavioral observation scorebook that improved the previous observation methods of Irwin was followed, the test material was administered to 5 mice per each group, and the mean value of the obtained score was determined. The behavior of a normal animal was assumed to be point 0, animals showing suppressive behavior were scored in the minus region, and animals that showed excitement behavior were scored in the plus region. Each score was divided into three stages, according to the level of strength of the biological effect.

Facilitative effects of Eucommia ulmoides on fatty acid oxidation in hypertriglyceridaemic rats.

Background: Tea made from Eucommia ulmoides leaves is widely consumed as a health food, since recent studies have revealed various pharmacological effects of the tea, e.g. a hypotriglyceridaemic effect.

Ameliorative effects of mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaves on hyperlipidemia in rats fed a high-fat diet: induction of fatty acid oxidation, inhibition of lipogenesis, and suppression of oxidative stress.

To determine the effects of mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaves on hyperlipidemia, we performed gene expression profiling of the liver. Rats were fed a high-fat diet and administered mulberry leaves for 7 weeks.

[Study on processed senna found in health teas].

Sennoside A and B were detected in 21 commercial health tea products surveyed in 2000-2007, but there were 8 products in which the leaves could not be identified as senna because the leaves had become discolored. The results of assay of sennoside levels and TLC chromatograms suggested that processed senna had been used in these products. Next, with reference to tea and health tea manufacturing methods, pharmaceutical senna was roasted or wet-processed experimentally.

Effects of 2.5-hour sumo training on serum opsonic activity.

Sumo is a traditional Japanese sport, but the effect of actual daily training on neutrophil function is unknown. We evaluated the effect of sumo training on serum opsonic activity (SOA), which is one of the main neutrophil-related functions. Seventeen male university sumo wrestlers participated in the study.

[Analysis of the chemical drugs among structural isomer].

Drugs that have a pharmacological effect similar to legal drugs such as narcotics and stimulants are available in the market and widely used. 5-methoxy-N,N-di-iso-propyl-tryptamine (5MeO-DIPT) and alpha-methyl-tryptamine (AMT) were categorized as narcotics and were specified as legal drugs in April 2005, and also 2,5-dimethoxy-4-n-propylthiophenethylamine (4C-T-7) and N-methyl-alpha-ethyl-3,4-methylenedioxy-phenethylamine (MBDB) were categorized as narcotics and were specified as legal drugs in April 2006, in Japan. We are analyzing these chemical drugs by investigating the market research.

Inhibitory effects of mulberry leaf extract on postprandial hyperglycemia in normal rats.

We examined the inhibitory effects of aqueous ethanol extract from mulberry leaves (ME) on postprandial hyperglycemia in normal Wistar rats. ME dose-dependently suppressed the postprandial rise of blood glucose in rats, when ME (0.02-0.

[Ninety-day dietary toxicity study of mulberry leaf extract in rats].

Mulberry leaf extract was studied toxicologically in male and female SD rats. The extract was administered orally at concentrations of 0% (control group), 0.1%, 0.