US 2004O161524A1 (19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2004/0161524A1 Sakai et al. (43) Pub. Date: Aug. 19, 2004

(54) PROCESS FOR PRODUCING A PLANT (52) U.S. Cl...... 426/655 EXTRACT CONTAINING PLANT POWDER (76) Inventors: Yasushi Sakai, Tsukuba-shi (JP); (57) ABSTRACT Yoshiharu Yokoo, Sagamihara-shi (JP) The present invention relates to a method for producing a Correspondence Address: liquid plant extract containing plant powder, which com FITZPATRICK CELLAHARPER & SCINTO prises concentrating a liquid extract containing an active 30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA ingredient in the presence of the plant powder, the liquid NEW YORK, NY 10112 (US) extract being obtained from a plant containing the active ingredient; a proceSS for producing a plant extract containing (21) Appl. No.: 10/481,519 plant powder, which is characterized by comprises concen trating and drying a liquid extract containing an active (22) PCT Filed: Jun. 21, 2002 ingredient in the presence of the plant powder, the liquid extract being obtained from a plant containing the active (86) PCT No.: PCT/JP02/06226 ingredient; a liquid plant extract or plant extract containing (30) Foreign Application Priority Data plant powder which comprises a liquid extract or plant extract containing the active ingredient obtained from a Jun. 21, 2001 (JP)...... 2001-18848O plant containing the active ingredient and comprises plant powder, and in which the content of the active ingredient in Publication Classification the liquid extract or plant extract is higher than that in the plant; and a food and drink or feed to which the liquid plant (51) Int. Cl." ...... A23L 1/28 extract or plant extract containing plant powder is added. US 2004/O161524 A1 Aug. 19, 2004

PROCESS FOR PRODUCING A PLANT EXTRACT containing the active ingredient, a liquid extract or plant CONTAINING PLANT POWDER extract containing the active ingredient, and a food and drink or feed comprising the liquid extract or plant extract. TECHNICAL FIELD 0011. The invention of the present application relates to 0001. The present invention relates to a method for the following items (1) to (38). extracting and condensing an active ingredient from a plant containing the active ingredient, a liquid extract or plant 0012 (1) A process for producing a liquid plant extract extract containing the active ingredient, and a food and drink containing plant powder, which comprises: concentrating a or feed which comprises the liquid extract or plant extract. liquid extract containing an active ingredient in the presence of the plant powder, the extract being obtained from the BACKGROUND ART plant containing the active ingredient. 0002 Extraction of a plant containing an active ingredi 0013 (2) A process for producing a liquid plant extract ent, for example, Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium, which can be containing plant powder, which comprises a step of prepar prepared by collecting and fermenting the leaves and ing a liquid extract containing an active ingredient from a branches of Hydrangea macrophylla SERINGE var. Thun plant containing the active ingredient, and a Step of concen bergii Makino followed by drying, with various solvents trating the liquid extract in the presence of plant powder. Such as a mixture of a fat-Soluble organic Solvent and water affords a liquid extract containing an active ingredient Such 0014 (3) A process for producing a plant extract con as phyllodulcin. The concentrated liquid extract, however, taining plant powder, which comprises concentrating and yields highly viscoustaffy-like precipitate. drying a liquid extract containing an active ingredient in the presence of plant powder and Said liquid extract being 0003. The taffy-like precipitate tends to stick to the obtained from the plant containing the active ingredient. bottom of a vessel or block a pipeline, and it is difficult to transfer to another vessel. 0015 (4) A process for producing a plant extract con taining plant powder, which comprises a Step of preparing a 0004. On the other hand, the liquid extract containing an liquid extract containing an active ingredient from a plant active ingredient obtained by extraction with a Solvent Such containing the active ingredient, a step of concentrating the as ethanol, when dried by direct drying with a spray-drier or liquid extract in the presence of plant powder to give a liquid with drum drier through no procedure for concentration, plant extract containing the plant powder, and a Step of affords a very low recovery because the content of the solid drying the liquid plant extract containing the plant powder. component in the liquid extract is low. In addition, this operation is not a practical way because it requires Special 0016 (5) A process as described in any of the items (1) equipment Such as explosion protector. to (4), wherein the liquid extract containing an active ingredient is prepared by extracting the plant containing the 0005 Therefore, it is difficult to produce powder highly active ingredient with aqueous ethanol and removing the containing an active ingredient on an industrial Scale using resultant plant residue. a spray-drier or freeze drier. 0017 (6) A process as described in any of the items (1) 0006. On the other hand, the taffy-like precipitate is not to (5), wherein the plant powder is present in an amount of Suitable for use in foods and drinkS or feeds or as raw 19 to 1/19 parts by dry weight based on 1 part of the liquid material thereof because the directly dried precipitate is very extract containing the active ingredient by dry weight. hard. 0007. The extract of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium with 0018 (7) A process as described in any of the items (1) Supercritical carbon dioxide or liquidized carbon dioxide is to (6), wherein the plant containing an active ingredient is a rich in phyllodulcin as an ethanol-Soluble Sweetening com plant belonging to the genus Hydrangea. ponent, which is however not easy to handle because it is in 0019 (8) A process as described in any of the items (1) a form of paste (Japanese Published Unexamined Patent to (6), wherein the plant containing an active ingredient is Application No.262772/89). Hydrangea macrophylla SERINGE var. Thunbergii Makino. 0008 AS plant powder, Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium pow 0020 (9) A process as described in any of the items (1) der is exemplified, but the content of phyllodulcin in the to (8), wherein the active ingredient is an ethanol-soluble powder is as low as 1 to 2% by weight because it is prepared OC. by pulverizing Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium as Such. Though the commercially available powder of Hydrangeae Dulcis 0021 (10) A process as described in any of the items (1) Folium extract for use in foods and drinkS is prepared by to (8), wherein the active ingredient is phyllodulcin. extraction of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium with a water 0022 (11) A process as described in any of the items (1) soluble solvent, the content of phyllodulcin is as low as 2% to (10), wherein the plant powder is in the form of particles by weight or leSS. of 0.1 um to 1 mm in average particle Size in dry State. 0009 Thus, it is not possible to increase the content of an active ingredient in the plant powder by merely pulverizing 0023 (12) A process as described in any of the items (1) to (11), wherein the plant powder is a plant belonging to the the plant. genus Hydrangea. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 0024 (13) A process as described in any of the items (1) 0010. An object of the present invention is to provide a to (11), wherein the plant powder is Hydrangeae Dulcis proceSS for extracting an active ingredient from a plant Folium powder, green tea powder or turmeric powder. US 2004/O161524 A1 Aug. 19, 2004

0025 (14) A process as described in any of the items (1) powder in an amount of 19 to 1/19 parts by dry weight based to (13), wherein the concentration is conducted by heating on 1 part of the extract containing the active ingredient by under reduced pressure. dry weight. 0026 (15) A process as described in any of the items (3) 0040 (29) A plant extract containing plant powder as to (14), wherein the method of drying is freeze-drying or described in any of the items (26) to (28), wherein the plant heating under reduced pressure. containing an active ingredient is a plant belonging to the 0027 (16) A liquid plant extract containing plant powder genus Hydrangea. which comprises a liquid extract containing an active ingre 0041 (30) A plant extract containing plant powder as dient obtained from a plant containing the active ingredient described in any of the items (26) to (28), wherein the plant and comprises a plant powder, wherein the content of the containing an active ingredient is Hydrangea macrophylla active ingredient in the liquid extract is higher than that in SERINGE var. Thunbergii Makino. the plant. 0042 (31) A plant extract containing plant powder as 0028 (17) A liquid plant extract containing plant powder described in any of the items (26) to (30), wherein the active as described in the item (16), wherein the liquid extract ingredient is an ethanol-Soluble one. containing the active ingredient is prepared by extraction 0043 (32) A plant extract containing plant powder as with aqueous ethanol. described in any of the items (26) to (30), wherein the active 0029 (18) A liquid plant extract containing plant powder ingredient is phyllodulcin. as described in the item (16) or (17), which comprises the 0044 (33) A plant extract containing plant powder as plant powder in an amount of 19 to 1/19 parts by dry weight described in any of the items (26) to (31), wherein the plant based on 1 part of the liquid extract containing the active powder is in the form of particles of 0.1 um to 1 mm in ingredient by dry weight. average particle size in dry State. 0030 (19) A liquid plant extract containing plant powder as described in any of the items (16) to (18), wherein the 0045 (34) A plant extract containing plant powder as plant containing an active ingredient is a plant belonging to described in any of the items (26) to (33), wherein the plant the genus Hydrangea. powder is that of a plant belonging to the genus Hydrangea. 0031 (20) A liquid plant extract containing plant powder 0046 (35) A plant extract containing plant powder as as described in any of the items (16) to (18), wherein the described in any of the items (26) to (33), wherein the plant plant containing an active ingredient is Hydrangea macro powder is Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium powder, green tea phylla SERINGE var. Thunbergii Makino. powder or turmeric powder. 0032 (21) A liquid plant extract containing plant powder 0047 (36) A plant extract containing plant powder as as described in any of the items (16) to (20), wherein the described in any of the items (26) to (35), which is in the active ingredient is an ethanol-Soluble one. form of powder. 0048 (37) A food and drink or feed comprising as an 0033 (22) A liquid plant extract containing plant powder additive a liquid plant extract containing the plant powder as as described in any of the items (16) to (20), wherein the active ingredient is phyllodulcin. described in any of the items (16) to (25). 0034 (23) A liquid plant extract containing plant powder 0049 (38) A food and drink or feed comprising as an as described in any of the items (16) to (22), wherein the additive a plant extract containing the plant powder as plant powder is in the form of particles of 0.1 um to 1 mm described in any of the items (26) to (36). in average particle size in dry State. 0050 Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention 0035 (24) A liquid plant extract containing plant powder 0051 AS the plant containing an active ingredient, any as described in any of the items (16) to (23), wherein the plant may be used as far as it contains the active ingredient, plant powder is a plant belonging to the genus Hydrangea. for example, wild plant, cultivated plant, or plant obtained 0036 (25) A liquid plant extract containing plant powder by tissue culture. as described in any of the items (16) to (23), wherein the 0052 The term “plant” includes leaves, flowers, plant powder is Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium powder, green branches, Stems, fruits, roots, Seeds, cultured cells or organs, tea powder or turmeric powder. or callus, which are used as Such or after being treated 0037 (26) A plant extract containing plant powder which physically, chemically or biologically. comprises an extract containing an active ingredient 0053. The physical or chemical treatment includes drying obtained from a plant containing the active ingredient and Such as Sun-drying, air-drying, freeze-drying, disruption, comprises a plant powder, wherein the content of the active and extraction. The physically or chemically treated matters ingredient in the extract is higher than that in the plant. include dried matters, freeze-dried matters, disrupted mat 0038 (27) A plant extract containing plant powder as ters and extracted matters. described in the item (26), wherein the extract containing an 0054 The biological treatment includes fermentation and active ingredient is prepared by extraction with aqueous the biologically treated matters include fermented products. ethanol. 0055. The term “plant containing an active ingredient” 0039 (28) A plant extract containing plant powder as includes those as described in Notification No.243 issued by described in the item (26) or (27), which comprises the plant Director General of Pharmaceutical Bureau, the Ministry of US 2004/O161524 A1 Aug. 19, 2004

Health, Labor and Welfare, "On Revision of the Criterion for rii, karukehha, Tamarindus inidica, goat's rue, TrichoSan the Scope of Pharmaceuticals”, Attachment 3, “List of thes kirilowii var. japonica, Coriolus versicolor, Prunus Component Essence (Raw Materials) Recognized as Foods armeniaca var. ansu, Sugar cane, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, as far as their indication as pharmaceuticals is not advo kanbui, Camptotheca acuminata, rubus, Platycodon gran cated”; those as described in Notification No.243 issued by diflorum, Hovenia dulcis, Helianthus tuberosus, Chrysan Director General of Pharmaceutical Bureau, the Ministry of themum morifolium, Cichorium intybus, Auricularia Health, Labor and Welfare, "On Revision of the Criterion for auricula, Citrus junos, Aloe arborescens, Ludwigia Octov the Scope of Pharmaceuticals”, Attachment 2, “List of alvis var. Sessiliflora, Satureja hortensis, Dictyophora indu Component Essence (Raw Materials) Used Exclusively as Siata, Chenopodium quinoa, blessed thistle, Anoectochilus Pharmaceuticals; and those belonging to the genus Hydran formosanus, Rumex nepalensis, Gymnema SylveStre, Mani gea, among which a plant of Hydrangea is preferably used. hot esculenta, Uncaria tomentOSa, kyuusetSucha, gyuu 0056. The plants described in Notification No.243 issued hakutou, Allium victorialis var. platyphyllum, rose bay, by Director General of Pharmaceutical Bureau, the Ministry Tamarix chinensis, Calluna vulgaris, Ajuga decumbens, of Health, Labor and Welfare, "On Revision of the Criterion kirinSoul, Fortunella japonica var. margarita, LOnicera for the Scope of Pharmaceuticals”, Attachment 3, “List of japonica, Hypericum patulum, Hemerocallis fulva var. Component Essence (Raw Materials) Recognized as Foods kwanSO, Desmodium Styriacifolium, kinsenren, Leucaena as far as their indication as pharmaceuticals is not advo leucocephala, Piper betle, Agrimonia pilosa, Osmanthus cated” include Chondrus crispus, Euphrasia Oficinalis, fragranS var. aurantiacus, Tropaeolum majus, guako, com phoenix tree, Sisal hemp, goose foot, AStilbe thunbergii, mon guava, guaiacum, absinthium, Lycium Chinense, Trifolium pratense, akatetsu, Ulmus fulva, common pyre Chaenomeles japonica, Corydalis bungeana, Pueraria thrum, Mallotus japonicus, Salidago virga-aurea var. asi lobata, Cinnamomum camphora, Sasa veitchii, Verbena atica, Akebia quinata, Cannabis Satiya, Pharbitis nil, Allium Oficinalis, Berchemia racemosa, cat whiskers, Cuminum SchoenopraSum var. foliosum, Phragmites communis, cyminum, kurachai, cranberry, Greenland isotSutsuji, Aspe Hydrangea macrophylla, Angelica keiskei, Phaselus angu rula Odorata, grapefruit, clove tree, black mustard, black laris, Thuiopsis dollabrata, Malpighia glabra, akkeshisou, walnut, Ribes nigrum, kuromai, Pongamia pinnata, Chlo burnet-Saxifrage, afanizomeZon, avocadao, flax, Hydrangea rella vulgalis, Morus bombycis, Veronica undulata, Millettia macrophylla Subsp. Serrata var. thunbergii, GynOStemma reticulata, keikotusou, cinnamon bark, kale, poppy, Epiphyl pentaphyllum, Tulipa edulis, Zanthoxylum americanum, lum Oxpetalum, laurel, kelp, ken, Combretum grandiflorum, American ginseng, Apios americana, aragao, Acacia Sene gentian, brown rice germ, sekiren, Engelhardtia chrysolepis, gal, arame, Chenopodium ambrosioides, marsh mallow, Elsholtzia ciliata, Pinguicula ramOSa, red algae, Nuphar alfalfa, aloe, angelica, kidney Vetch, Prunus japonica, japonicum, coffee, cola, Acan-thopanax SeSSiliflorus, Vac Polygonatum Odoratumvar. pluriflorum, Plumbago zeylani cinium vitis-idaea, Euphrasis insignis Subsp. iinumai, pep cum, Polygonum cuspidatum, Taxus cuspidate, fig tree, per, kojin, coriander, BidenS pilosa, Lysimachia japonica, Abutilon a vicennae, Ginkgo biloba, carob, Evodia danielli, Elfvingia applanata, burdock, Sesame, Pyhillanthus urinaria, Draba memorosa, Veronica didyma var. lilacina, Nepeta wheat, Ficus elastica, rice Starch, koribi, Averrhoa caram cataria, Salanum nigrum, Oryza Sativa, Thymus quingue bola, fenugreek, Laminaria japonica, comfrey, Hippophae coStatus, Tinospora crispa, Urtica thunbergiana, Clematis rhamnoides, GleditShia japonica, bupleurum root, chinensis, Conandron ramondioides, Ixeris Stolonifera, asiasarum root, CremaStra appendiculata, Sakyou, Primula Rhodiola rosea, DolichoS lablab, Cissus Sicyoides, Indian Sieboldi, Punica granatum, Sago palm, SassafraS albidum, amacha, Indian karatachi, Piper longum, Indian yakouboku, Sugar beet, Saffron, Saponaria Oficinalis, Salacia, Salacia inpethiginosa, inperatoria, fennel, Withania SOmnifera, Scr Oblonga, Smilax china, Actinidia arguta, Salvia, Sankakutou, pus fluviatilis var. yagara, Acanthopanax Sieboldianus, Smilax Rhizome, Crataegus cuneata, pansy, gardenia fruit, tumeric, Lindera umbellate, tree marrow, Opuntia ficuS Panax pseudo-ginSeng, cornus fruit, Zanthoxylum fruit, indica, Licuala grandis, Aralia Cordata, Stauntonia hexa ROSa hiritula var. hiritula, Zizyphispinosi Semen, kaempferia, phylla, Ranunculus japonicus, Japanese apricot, Chimaphila CaSSia nomama, dioScorea rhizome, Butyrospermum parkii, japonica, Lindera Strychnifolia, Quercus Salicina, Prunus Lentinula edodes, Quisqualis indica, Sikeliyotei, Law SOnia grayana, Echinacea angustifolia, Artemisia drucunculus, inermis, Eleusine coracana, jiin, perilla, Betula pendula, Acanthopanax SenticOSus, eZochichikogusa, Fragaria veSca, Pterocarpus Santalinus, Violaceae, Tilia japonica, Elymus Cytisus Scoprius, Flammulina velutipes, CaSSia Obtusifolia, repens, Kochia Scoparia var. littorea, Pandanus veitchii, enshishou, Sophora japonica, Avena Sativa, Embelia ribes, Capsicum fruiteScens, Shaupedekouro, Shaenshi, Stellaria ISOdon japonicus, AStragalus membranaceus, Scutellaria alsine var. undulata, peony root, Adenophora tripylla var. baicalensis, oushuuhannoki, Polygonatum Sibiricum, Phel japonica, jasmine, jatoba, jabyakushi, Piper retrofractum, lodendron amurense, DioSCOrea bulbifera forma Spontanea, houttuyia herb, jurubeba, Trachycarpus fortunei, ginger, Coptis japonica, Ficus pumila, Plantago asiatica, Oohang cardamon, Isatis tinctoria, Rheum rhabarbarum, pruinosa, ousou, OohireaZami, Hordeum vulgare, Senecio integrifolius Betula platyphylla Sukatchev var. japonica, Bletilla Striata, var. Spathuatus, Salsola komarovi, Panax ginseng, Hyperi Rosa roxburgii var. plena, Tremella fuciformis, Myrica cer cum erectum, Otomeazea, Lamium album var. barbatum, ifera, Lycopodium clavatum, Shintokukusunoki, Sweet gorgon plant, operukurinatarupetamu, Olea europeaea, Sar orange, Zuikaku, Sorrel, Skullcap, horsetail, Ribes Sinanense, gassum pallidum, Sea onion, Allium bakeri, Pueraria Miri Stevia, Pinus Strobus, Spirulina, Spearmint, Pfafia glom fica, Diospyros kaki, Juglans regia var. Orientis, black erata, dividivi, Violet, Surimuamaransu, Zurukamara, Cyclo currant, Zedoary, kashutou, kathaba, Valeriana fauriei, carya paliurus, Seitakakanabikisou, beleric myrobalan, Cit Typha latifolia, kabanoanatake, kahun, pumpkin, Typha lati rus tangerina, Rubia tinctorum, Urtica dioica, Melilotus folia, German chamomile, Myrciaria dubia, Cyperus Oficinalis, St. John's wort, Rubus idaeus, Agrimonia eupa microiria, Vicia Satira, oat fiber, guarana, kariusuforeSuko toria, Primula Obconica, Crataegus Oxyacantha, Tilia US 2004/O161524 A1 Aug. 19, 2004

xeuropium, white willow, prune, Taraxacum Oficinale, horse tagO lanceolata, heruniariasou, Aegle marmelos, hyacinth chestnut, Fraxinus excelsior, meadow Sweet, elder, chaste bean, rue, Lippia citridora, ImpatienS balsamina, hawk berry, juniper, yarrow, peppermint, Ilex aguifolium, Vaccu weed, Choenomeles Speciosa, dandelion, PSOralea nium myrtillus, mushroom, Prunus avium, barberry, Sekik corylifolia, Tilia migueliana, peony, hop, jojoba, bold, oujyu, Acorus gramineus, Vallisneria natans, Alnus boroho, white sage, Cirsium Sieboldii, marsh, Grifora fron japonica, Sambucus Sieboldiana, Setsurenka, common mal dosa, maiten, maka, Clerodendron cyrtophyllum, Zizania low, Thymus Serpyllum, celery, cnidium rhizome, DioScorea latifolia, machiko, pine, Tricholoma matsutake, Ilex Para nipponica, Andrographis paniculata, Sensou, SensOutou, guaynensis, Sweet marorum, milk thistle, Mentha rotundi Melia azedarach var. Subtripinnata, Senna leaf, Curculigo folia, mulberry, mandarin, purple loosestrife, Polygonum aviculare, Acacia baileyana, Lotus corniculatus var. japoni Orchioides, Senecio Scandens, Thuja Orientalis, buckwheat, cus, mint, muirapuama, Sapindus mukuroSSi, Ophelia Chinese anise, rhubarb, daikettou, Geum japonicum, Pseu pseudo-Chinensis, pennyroyal, Acer nikoense, Phellinus lin doSteiiar mheterophylia, Soybean, jujube, taiwansuku, Tra teus, Ocimum basilicum, evening primrose, lemon balm, chelospermum jasminoides, Bidens tripartita, Blumea bal melon, Actinidia polygama, Pseudocydonia Sinensis, moss Samifera, Eclipta proStrate, Bombay black wood, bamboo, hokushi, peach, Terminalia catappa, Cirsium dipsacolepis, hollyhock, thyme, Citrus tachibana, Brazilian cherry, Tar Jews mallow, yacon, Indian mulberry, Hydrangea grOSS tary buckwheat, Polygonum tinctorium, taheebo, eSerrata, cornflower, palm, Ribes ambiguum, Fraxinus tamogidake, Aralia elata, Ilex latifolia, Salvia multiorhiza, mandshurica, willow, Epilobium angustifolium, Irish moss, Lophatherum gracile, tanteihihou, chia, Sasa kurilensis, Carpesium abrotanoides, Rhus trichocarpa, yam, Anaphalis chishimarurisou, tea, chervil, cha de bugre, Passiflora incar margaritacea, Rosa davurica, Kerria japonica, Hericium nata, Uncaria rynchophylla, clove, globe artichoke, citrus erinaceus, Vitis coignetiae, Lagenaria leucantha var. unshiu peel, Galeola Septentronalis, Evernia pruna Stri, clavata, eucalyptus, Thamnolia vermicularis, citron, Daph camelia, Centella asiatica, Commelina communis var. Com niphyllum macropodum, yucca, lily, Plantago major, Vibur munis, tSuriganedake, Pleuropterus mutiflorus, Tetragonia num prunifolium, Rumex japonicus, European SokuZu, indi tetragonoides, Codonopsis lanceolata, Basella rubra, angooseberry, mugwort, Chrysanthemum vulgare, tilleul, devil's claw, dunaliella, Gellidium amansii, Rubus Omphalia lapidescens, Rophanus Sativus, rye, lo han kuo, Suauissmus, AsparaguS COchinchinensis var. COchinchinen raSugurabura, raspberry, peanut, jute, ravensara, lavender, Sis, BenincaSae Semen, Capsicum annuum, Abutili Semen, rambutan, Dimocarpus longan, Artchnisia anomala, Strobi marigold, CordycipS Sinensis, corn, Chelidonium majus var. lanthes cusia, Campsis grandiflora, green gram, rooibos, asiaticum, Centipeda minima, Passiflora caerulea, Junipe borage, Anagallis arvensis, larkspur, Ganoderma lucidum, rus rigida, AeSculus turbinate, Eucommia ulmoides, dog reonurususou, lemongrass, lemon thyme, astragal, DeSmo rose, tomato, tongkat ali, Ruscus aculeatus, CapSella bursa dium Styracifolium, Lathyrus quinguenervius, rosehip, rose pastoris, Chrysanthemum parthenium, natto, Phoenix dac mary, roman chamomile, lovage, wild cherry, wild lettuce, ty lifera, Sorbus commixta var. commixta, gerangal, Choero SpOndiaS axillaris var. japonica, nanshouyamaimo, Jatropha horseradish. curcas, Sweet violet, Momordica charantia, nutmeg, Euony 0057 The plants described in Notification No.243 issued muS alatus var. alatus, Tithonia diversifolia, LiguStrum by Director General of Pharmaceutical Bureau, the Ministry japonicum, Scallion, Ulmus americana, ginseng, Vitex can of Health, Labor and Welfare, "On Revision of the Criterion nabifolia, garlic, Cuphea carthagenensis, Albizzia julibris for the Scope of Pharmaceuticals”, Attachment 2, “List of Sin, CelloSia argentea, Sonchus Oleraceus, Saw palmetto, Component Essence (Raw Materials) Used Exclusively as Ampelopsis glandulosa var. heterophylla, wild betal, pine Pharmaceuticals include Fraxinus lanuginosa, Arabian apple, hibiscus, paud arco, malt, hakucha, hakutousugi, chanoki, Arabian motsuyaku, arnica, Taxus cuspidate, hakuhishou, Stitchwort, Achillea Sibirica, Portulacea Olera Colchicum autumnale, irisu, Clematis Chinensis, Artemisia cea, Musa basjoo, Nelumbo nucifera, parsley, butternut, pata capillaries, Indian gerbera, Snake wood, Ficus religiosa, de Vaca, Mentha arvensis, hakkakureishi, huckleberry, Epimedium grandiflorum var. thunbergianum, Aristolochia Mucuna puriens var. utilis, Coix lacrymo-jobi, LagerStripO debilis, Lindera Strychnifolia, bearberry, Rosa multiflora, mia Speciosa, Californian poppy, Sparassis crispa, CaSSia Cytisus Scoprius, Corydalis turtschaninovii, Sophora alata, papaya, Gnaphalium afine, Cassia Occidentalis, japonica, Oukashi, Plantago asiatica, AStragalus mem Cnidium japonicum, ROSa rugOSa, glehnia root, rose, jack branaceus, Scutellaria baicalensis, Phelo-dendron amu fruit, Aspidistra elation, Curcuma aromatica, potato, palo rense, Prunus jamasakura, Coptis japonica, Dryopteris aZul, Scutellaria barbata, handaikai, Oregon grape, English crasSirhizoma, oninosu, Rohdea japonica, Polygala tenui holly, Parietaria micrantha, Torreya nucifera, hishinomi, folia, Squill, Erythrina variegata var. Orientalis, Ampelopsis Verbena xhybrida, hyssop, daisy, Papaver rhoeas, Chamae japonica, Prunella vulgaris var. lilacina, Terminalia che cyparis Obtusa, Fucus evaneScens, Himalayan ginseng, Sun bula, Polygonum multiflorum, Rhamnus purshiana, kakkou, flower, caraway, Erigeron annuus, Vinca minor, Amomum Pueraria lobata, kabane, karabarumame, TrichOSanthes kir kravanh, Lagenaria leucantha var. gourda, Solanum lyra ilowii var. japonica, Carolina jasmine, COriolus versicolor, tum, Calystegia japonica, Bilberry, Verbascum thapsus, NardoStachys chinensis, coltsfoot, kanboui, kanran, Catalpa Japanese loquiat, areca, Piper kadzura, pueraria mirifica, Ovata, Citrus leiocarpa, Cinchona Succirubra, Notoptery bukatou, TuSSilago farfara, Lagenaria leucantha var. gium incisum, Prunus armeniaca var. ansu, StrophantuS depressa, Wistaria brachybotrys, Citrus medica, hutabam dichotomus, Sophora flavescens, Mallotus philippinensis, ukusa, Beta vulgaris var. vulgaris, buchu, bush tea, Hibiscus gurifonia Sinpurisiforia, Schizonepeta tenuifolia, Papaver rOSa-Sinensis, grape, black cumin, black cohosh, blackberry, Somniferum, Pharbitis nil, Scrophularia buergeriana, yel black root, Pinus cembroides, Plantago ovata, bryonia, low gentian, Geranium thunbergii, Cyperus rotundus, blueberry, Citrus hyStrix, Citrus maxima, dish wash gourd, Gelsemium elegans, Magnolia Oficinalis, LiguSticum Sin monascus, Safflower, CraSSOcephalum crepidioides, Plan ense, Picrorhiza kurrooa, goldenseal, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, US 2004/O161524 A1 Aug. 19, 2004

Achyranthes japonica, Evodia rutaecarpa, Polygonum cus Makino, Hydrangea macrophylla Seringe Subsp. Serrata pidatum, Rhus java, great burdock, Schisandra Chinensis, Makino var. acuminata Makino, Hydrangea Scandens Citrullus colocynthis, columba, konzurango, Bupleurum Seringe, Hydrangea hirata Sieb. et Zucc, Hydrangea involu chinense, Asarum Sieboldii, Sabina, Cynomorium SOngari crata Sieb., Hydrangea Sikokiana Maxim., Hydrangea pan cum, Toddalia asiatica, gerbera, Lobelia Sessilifolia, Smilax iculata Sieb., Hydrangea petiolaris Sieb. et Zucc., Hydran grabra, Physalis alkekengi var. francheti, Euchresta gea macrophylla Seringe Subsp. Serrata Makino Var, amoena japonica, Rehmannia glutinosa, Aster tataricus, digitalis, Makino, Hydrangea macrophylla Seringe Subsp. Serrata Illicium religiosum, Lycium chinense, Arnebia euchroma, Makino var. angustata Makino, and Hydrangea macrophylla Tribulus terrestris, Diospyros kaki, Paeonia lactiflora, Seringe var. Thunbergii Makino. Among them, Hydrangea Cnidium monnieri, Amomum xanthioides, Acorus Calamus macrophylla Seringe var. Thunbergii Makino is preferably var. asiaticus, Quescus acutissima, Cimicifuga foetida, employed. Indian poke, Magnolia kobus, Aquilaria agallocha, Men yanthes trifoliate, skullcap, Convallaria majalis var. keiskei, 0059) As the plant containing an active ingredient, those Artemisia apiacea, English hawthorn, Aesculus turbinate, as described, for example, in Pharmacopoeia Japan can be Viscum album var. coloratum, Pyrrosia lingua, Lycoris employed. radiata, Acorus gramineus, Rhododendron degronianun, 0060) Examples of the plant as described in Pharmaco Dendrobium moniliforme, Snake root, Cnidium officinale, poeia Japan are gambir, powdered gambir, opium, powdered Angelica decursiva, Nuphar japonicum, Rubia argyi, com opium, Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium, powdered Hydrangeae mon centaury, Melia azedarach, Alexandria Senna, Inula Dulcis Folium, aloe, powdered aloe, fennel, bearberry leaf, japonica, Swertia japonica, Amomum tSao-ko, jequirity, powdered rose fruit, corydalis tuber, astragalus root, Scutel Xanthium strumarium, Atractylodes lancea, Orobanche laria root, powdered scutellaria root, phellodendron bark, coerulescens, white mulberry, Aralia alata, Dipsacus asper, powdered phellodendron bark, coptis rhizome, powdered Cycas revoluta, Sappan wood, Rhamnus japonica var. coptis rhizome, polygala root, powdered polygala root, decipiens, Rheum officinale, Cirsium japonicum, betel, kaolin, prunella spike, Zedoary, pueraria root, Japanese Alisma plantago-aquatica var. Orientale, Turnera diffusa, valerian, powdered Japanese Valerian, trichosanthes root, tayuya, Aralia elata, Salvia militiorrhiza, PhylloStachys glycyrrhiza, powdered glycyrrhiza, platycodon root, pow nigravar. henonis, Panax japonicus, Anemarrhena aspho dered platycodon root, catalpa fruit, immature orange, apri deloides, Sanguisorba oficinalis, Datura metel, Uncaria cot kernel, Sophora root, powdered Sophora root, hirsuta, Polyporus umbellatus, Arisaema consanguineum, schizonepeta spike, cinnamonbark, powdered cinnamon Gastrodia elata, Asparagus cochinchinensis, wax gourd, bark, cassia seed, pharbitis seed, gentian, powdered gentian, Angelica Sinensis, Codonopsis piloSula, Juncus effuses var. geranium herb, powdered geranium herb, redginseng, cype decipiens, toutsurukinbai, Prunus persica var. davidiana, rus rhizome, powdered cyperus rhizome, magnolia bark, touryousou, Aralia cordata, ipecac root, CuScuta australis, powdered magnolia bark, oriental beZoar, achyranthes root, gutta-perca tree, elecamane, AcOnitum japonicum, nandia, evodia fruit, condurango, calumba, powdered calumba, corn, Picrasma quassioides, Cistanche Salsa, Madagascar bupleurum root, asiasarum root, Smilax rhizome, powdered periwinkle, Boswellia carterii, LiguStrum lucidum, Ver Smilax rhizome, gardenia fruit, powdered gardenia fruit, atrum grandiflorum, Patrinia scabiosaefolia, Fritillaria ver cornus fruit, Zanthoxylum fruit, powdered Zanthoxylum ticillata var. thunbergii, hakushijin, Dictamnus daSycarpus, fruit, dioScorea rhizome, rehmannia root, digitalis, pow Pulsatilla cernua, hakutousugi, Ophiopogon japonicus, dered digitalis, lithospermum root, peony root, powdered Morinda oficinalis, Scopolia japonica, croton oil plant, peony root, plantago seed, plantago herb, houttuynia herb, Virginian witch hazel, bariera, harumara, Pinellia ternata, ammomum seed, powdered ammomum Seed, powdered castor bean, Angelica anomala, Atractylodes Chinensis, San ginger, cardamon, cimicifuga rhizome, Senega, powdered talum album, Stemona japonica, Hyoscyamus niger, Adonis Senega, cnidium rhizome, powdered cnidium rhizome, amurensis, bukushinboku, Rubus chingii, Poria COCOS, nuphar Zhizome, toad venom, Senna leaf, powdered Senna hujikobu, hutabaaoi, Rhamnus frangula, belladonna, leaf, Swertia herb, powdered Sertia herb, atractylodes lancea Sinomenium acutum, Imperata cylindrica var. koenigii, rhizome, powdered atractylodes lancea rhizome, mulberry Impatiens balsamina, Pteris multifida, Saposhnikovia bark, perilla herb, powdered rhubarb, jujube, alisma rhi divaricata, Typha anguStata, Paeonia Suffruticosa, pod zome, powdered alisma rhizome, panax rhizome, powdered ofirumu, Ephedra Sinica, Digenea Simplex, Cannabis Sativa, panax rhizome, anemarrhena rhizome, clove, powdered Strychine, aztec tobacco, Vitex rotundifolia, mandrake, clove, chuling, citrus unshiu peel, capsicum, powdered Lobelia chinensis, Buddleja Oficinalis, mimisenna, muira capsicum, Japanese angelica root, powdered Japanese puama, Siegesbeckia pubescens, mouooren, Equisetum hye angelica root, peach kernel, bitter orange peel, ipecac, male, Akebia quinata, Momordica Cochinchinensis, Saus powdered ipecac, tragacanth, powder tragacanth, picrasma Surea lappa, Commiphora abyssinica, Amomum villosum, wood, powdered picrasma wood, ginseng, ophiopogon Leonurus Sibiricus, Carpesium abrotanoides, Jaborandi tuber, mentha herb, glehnia root, angelica dahurica root, Folium, yarappa, yukinohana, yu-kiwarisou, Myrica rubra, atractylodes rhizome, powdered atractylodes rhizome, yohinbe, rhatania, Eupatorium fortunei, Gentiana Scabra sinomenium stem, imperata rhizome, Saposhnikovia root, var. buegeri, ryuunou, Prunus mandshurica, Forsythia Sus moutan bark, powdered moutan bark, mux vomica, ephedra pense, rouhakuka, Pyrola rotundifolia Subsp. Chinensis, herb, akebia stem, Saussurea root, bitter cardamon, coix Phragmites communis, Indian tobacco. seed, powdered coix seed, Japanese gentian, powdered Japa 0.058 Examples of the plants belonging to the genus nese gentian, forsythia fruit, and rosin. Hydrangea are Hydrangea macrophylla Seringe, Hydrangea 0061 There is no particular limitation as to the active mavrophylla Seringe var. Otaksa Makino, Hydrangea mac ingredients as far as they are contained in the above rophylla Seringe subsp. serrata Makino var. japonica mentioned plant and can be extracted therefrom by an US 2004/O161524 A1 Aug. 19, 2004

extraction method as mentioned below, and an ethanol 0072 For example, when the plant containing an active Soluble component is preferred. ingredient is Hydrangea macrophylla Seringe var. Thun 0062) Examples of the active ingredient are hydrangenol bergii Makino, e.g., Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium, in order to extracted from a plant belonging to the genus Hydrangea, extract an ethanol-Soluble component Such as phyllodulcin, phyllodulcin extracted from Hydrangea macrophylla the plant is Subjected to extraction with an aqueous medium, SERINGE var. Thunbergii Makino, e.g., Hydrangeae Dulcis and the resulting extraction residue is further Subjected to Folium, curcumin extracted from turmeric, glabridine or extraction with water-containing ethanol or anhydrous etha glabrol eXtracted from licorice root, and apigenin extracted nol. AS the plant, dried one is preferably used. from parsley. 0073 For extraction, the solvent may be used, for example, in an amount of 0.1 to 10,000 parts by weight 0.063. There is no particular limitation as to the method preferably 1 to 100 parts by weight based on 1 part by weight for extracting an active ingredient from the plant containing of the plant. There is no particular limitation as to the the active ingredient, and for example, extraction with extraction temperature, but the extraction is preferably car various Solvents or Supercritical fluid extraction is appli ried out at 0 to 100° C., more preferably 20 to 90° C. There cable. is no particular limitation as to the time for extraction, but 0064. There is no particular limitation as to the solvents it may preferably be conducted, for example, for a period of used for extraction of the plant as far as the active ingredient 1 minute to 1 week, more preferably 30 minutes to 1 day. can be extracted therewith. Examples of the solvent includes aqueous media Such as water, inorganic Salt aqueous Solu 0074 There is no particular limitation as to the apparatus tion and buffer Solutions, and organic Solvents Such as used for extraction, and a vessel designed for efficient alcohol, hexane, toluene, petroleum ether, benzene, ethyl extraction, a Stirrer, a reflux condenser, a Soxhlet eXtractor, acetate, chloroform, dichloromethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethene, a homogenizer, a shaker, a SuperSonic generator, etc., may be di-methylsulfoxide, and acetone, among which alcohol is used. preferred. 0075. The liquid extract may be treated by means of 0065 Water may be water, distilled water, deionized various Solid-liquid Separation Such as Sedimentation, cake water, or pure water. filtration, clear filtration, centrifugal filtration, centrifugal Sedimentation, compression Separation or filter press. 0.066 Examples the buffer solution are phosphate buffer and citrate buffer. The inorganic Salt used in the aqueous 0076. The plant powder may be the same one as that used Solution of inorganic Salt includes, for example, Sodium for extraction of an active ingredient or powder of a different chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, and the like. Species of plant. For example, when the extract containing an active ingredient is of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium, the 0067 Examples of the alcohol are monohydric alcohols plant powder of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium, green tea, Such as methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol, and multi hydric alcohols Such as propylene glycol and glycerol, turmeric, and So on may be preferably used. among which a monohydric alcohol is preferred, and par 0077. Examples of the plant used for preparing the plant ticularly ethanol is preferred. powder are those as described in Notification No.243 issued by Director General of Pharmaceutical Bureau, the Ministry 0068 These solvents may be used alone or as a mixture. of Health, Labor and Welfare, "On Revision of the Criterion AS the mixed Solvent, water-containing alcohols are pre for the Scope of Pharmaceuticals”, Attachment 3, “List of ferred. Water-containing monovalent alcohols are more pre Component Essence (Raw Materials) Recognized as Foods ferred, and water-containing ethanol is particularly pre as far as their indication as pharmaceuticals is not advo ferred. cated”; those as described in Notification No.243 issued by 0069. In extracting an active ingredient from the plant Director General of Pharmaceutical Bureau, the Ministry of containing the active ingredient, it is appropriate to use a Health, Labor and Welfare, "On Revision of the Criterion for Solvent which is usable for foods and drinks or feeds, for the Scope of Pharmaceuticals”, Attachment 2, “List of example, water, water-containing ethanol, or anhydrous Component Essence (Raw Materials) Used Exclusively as ethanol. Pharmaceuticals; and those belonging to the genus Hydran 0070. As the solvent, liquidized carbon dioxide or Super gea. critical fluid carbon dioxide may also be used. 0078. The plant used for preparing the plant powder 0071. The liquid extract containing the active ingredient includes, for example, those described in Pharmacopoeia may be prepared by extraction with various Solvents or by Japan. Supercritical fluid extraction under a condition in which the 0079 For preparing the plant powder, all of the parts of active ingredient can be extracted from the plant containing plant may be used, for example, leaves, flowers, branches, the active ingredient. The obtained liquid extract may further Stems, fruits, roots, Seeds, cultured cells or organs, or callus. be Subjected to extraction with various Solvents or to Super Particularly, the parts in which the plant tissue Such as vessel critical fluid extraction under a condition that the active can be observed with a microscope, for example, leaves, ingredient can be extracted. When the active ingredient branches, StemS and roots, are preferred. These parts may be cannot be extracted or hardly extracted from the plant by used as Such or after being treated physically or chemically extraction with various Solvents or by Supercritical fluid or biologically. extraction, the resultant extraction residue may further be Subjected to extraction with various Solvents or to Super 0080 Examples of the method of physical or chemical critical fluid extraction under a condition that the active treatment are drying, freeze-drying, disruption, and extrac ingredient can be extracted. tion. The physically or chemically treated matters include US 2004/O161524 A1 Aug. 19, 2004

dried matters, freeze-dried matters, disrupted matters and heating and reduced pressure, concentration under heating extracted matters. The extracted matters include the residue and atmospheric pressure, concentration with a spray drier of the plant obtained after the extraction. or with drum drier and concentration by freeze-drying, among which concentration under heating and reduced 0081. An example of the method of the biological treat preSSure is preferred. ment is fermentation, and biologically treated matters include fermented matters. 0092 According to the present invention, even if a liquid 0082 For preparing the plant powder, the plant, prefer extract containing an active ingredient is concentrated to ably dried plant, is crushed with a compression crusher Such Such an extent that precipitate is yielded in the liquid extract as jaw crusher, gyratory crusher or cone crusher; shearing by the concentration without adding the plant powder, machine Such as cutter mill or Shredder; impact crusher Such precipitates are not yielded and a plant powder-containing as hammer crusher; roll mill Such as roll crusher, rotary mill liquid plant extract with excellent fluidity can be obtained. Such as disintegrator or cage mill; Screw mill Such as coffee 0093. The obtained plant powder-containing liquid plant mill; rolling mill Such as edge runner, hammering mill Such extract is dried, without any treatment or after being allowed as Stamp mill; roller mill Such as centrifugal roller mill, ball to Stand and removing the upper layer, to thereby obtain a bearing mill, bowl mill, Zego mill, or ong mill; high Speed plant powder-containing plant extracted. rotary mill Such as Swing hammer mill, pin mill, cage mill, turbo-type mill, or centrifugal mill, Vessel vibrating mill 0094. The method of drying includes drying under heat Such as rolling ball mill, vibrating ball mill, planetary ball ing and reduced pressure, drying under heating and atmo mill, or CF mill, jet mill Such as flow-pipe type mill, Stirring Spheric preSSure, or drying with a spray drier or with drum tank mill, annular-type mill, air Suction type mill, impact drier, or freeze-drying, among which drying under heating plate impact miller, or fluidized bed mill, crusher Such as and reduced pressure or freeze-drying is preferred. ultraSonic shredder; Stone mortar or mortar. 0095 The dry product obtained by the present invention 0.083. The product obtained by the above method may can easily be pulverized by a convenient method for pull further be processed physically or chemically to give plant Verizing a plant, for example, compression or rolling with powder. hands. 0084. The average particle size of the plant powder is 0096. In the present invention, the content (% by weight) preferably 0.1 um to 1 mm, more preferably 1 to 100 um, of the active ingredient in the dry product from the liquid and particularly 2 to 50 um in a dry State, though there is no plant extract contained in the plant powder-containing liquid particular limitation as far as they are fine particle. plant extract or that in the dry product from the plant extract 0085. The average particle size of the plant powder in a contained in the plant powder-containing plant extract may dry State can be determined, for example by a laser diffrac be at least the content (% by weight) of the active ingredient tion particle distribution analyzer. contained in the dry plant used for extraction, and preferably 0.086 Alternatively, when the plant powder is swelled 2 times or more, more preferably 5 times or more, and with a 1:1 mixture of glycerol and water, the average particle particularly 10 times or more. Size of the powder is preferably 1 um to 10 mm, more 0097. The dry products of the liquid plant extract, the preferably 10 um to 1 mm, and particularly 20 to 500 um. plant extract, and the plant used for extraction may be 0087. The average particle size of the plant powder in a prepared respectively from the liquid plant extract contained Swelling State can be determined, for example by observa in a plant powder-containing liquid plant extract, the plant tion with a microscope. extract contained in a plant powder-containing plant extract, and the plant used for extraction, by drying, for example, 0088. In the present invention, the liquid extract contain drying under heating and reduced pressure, drying under ing an active ingredient is concentrated in the presence of the heating and atmospheric pressure, freeze-drying, and the plant powder. like, up to 10% by weight or lower of moisture content. 0089. The plant powder may be added during the step of 0098. When Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium are used as a extraction of the active ingredient from the plant or before plant containing active ingredients, phyllodulcin, one of the the Step of concentration of the liquid extract, So long as the active ingredients, is usually contained in the amount of 1 to plant powder exists in the liquid extract during the course of 1.5% by weight in the dry product of Hydrangeae Dulcis concentration before adhesion of the precipitated extract on Folium. Therefore, the content of phyllodulcin in the dry the wall of a concentration vessel or before deposition of the product produced from the liquid extract or extract of precipitate of the extract. Preferably, the plant powder is Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium containing plant powder or the added to the liquid extract before concentration. plant extract containing plant powder of the present inven 0090. In concentrating the liquid extract containing an tion may be higher than 1 to 1.5% by weight, preferably 2% active ingredient, the amount of the plant powder to be by weight or higher, more preferably 5% by weight or added is not particularly limited, however, the amount is higher. preferably 19 to 1/19 parts by dry weight, more preferably 9 to 1/9 parts by dry weight, particularly 3 to 1/3 parts by dry 0099. The contents of the plant powder of the present invention in the liquid plant extract or plant extract contain weight for 1 part by dry weight of the active ingredient ing plant powder may be 19 to 1/19 parts by dry weight, contained in the liquid extract. more preferably 9 to 1/9 parts by dry weight, particularly 3 0.091 Methods of concentrating the liquid extract con to 1/3 parts by dry weight to 1 part by dry weight of the taining an active ingredient include concentration under active ingredient in the liquid extract or plant extract. US 2004/O161524 A1 Aug. 19, 2004

0100. The liquid plant extract or plant extract containing 0.108 Examples of the foods and drinks to which the plant powder of the present invention contains plant powder, liquid plant extract or plant extract containing plant powder in which the content of the active ingredient therein is higher of the present invention is added are juice, Soft drinks, Soup, than that in the plant containing the active ingredient, which tea, dairy products Such as lactic acid bacteria beverages, can easily be pulverized. fermented milk, ice cream, butter, cheese, yogurt, processed 0101 Although there is no limitation as to the compo milk and skim milk, meat products Such as ham, Sausage and nents of the liquid plant extractor plant extract containing hamburger, fish products, egg products Such as Dashimaki plant powder of the present invention, it is preferred that an (omelet with Stock) and Tamago-dofu (steamed beaten egg ethanol-Soluble component is contained therein, and its with Soup Stock), confectionary Such as cookies, jelly, amount is preferably 20% by weight or more, more prefer Snacks and chewing gum, bread, noodles, pickles, Smoked fish and meat, dry fish, Tsukudani (Simmered meat in Soy ably 30% by weight or more. Sauce and Sugar), and Seasonings. 0102) The content (% by weight) of the ethanol-soluble component in the liquid plant extract and plant extract 0109) The form of the foods and drinks includes, for containing plant powder of the present invention can be example, powdered foods, sheet-shaped foods, bottled foods, canned foods, retort foods, capsule foods, tablet determined according to the following method. foods, liquid foods, drinkable preparations, and the like. 0103) The liquid plant extract or plant extract containing plant powder as a sample for analysis (70 mg) is precisely 0110. The feeds to which the liquid plant extract or plant weighed in a 2 ml polypropylene tube, and 1.4 ml of extract containing plant powder of the present invention may guaranteed grade ethanol is added thereto to give a 50 mg/ml be added are exemplified by those which can be fed to Solution. When the analyte is a liquid extract, it is dried animals including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and under reduced preSSure, and the resulting Solid powder is fishes, for example, those which can be used for pets Such as used as a Sample for analysis. The tube is capped, then dog, cat or mouse, domestic animals. Such as cattle or pig, occasionally shaken at 40°C. for 1 hour to percolate, and poultry Such as chicken or turkey, or hatchery fishes Such as centrifuged at 12,000 rpm for 5 minutes to separate a Sea bream or young yellowtail. Also included are feeds Supernatant from precipitate. The Supernatant (1 ml) is comprising raw materials for feeds, for example, grains, evaporated to dryness, and the weight of the ethanol-Soluble bran, vegetable oil cakes, animal feed materials, and other component is measured. The dry weight of the Sample is feed materials and purified products. obtained by Subtracting the dry weight loss from the sample 0111 Examples of the grains are milo, wheat, barley, weight to calculate the content of the ethanol-Soluble com oats, rye, brown rice, buckwheat, foxtail millet, broomcorn ponent. The dry weight loSS may be determined as follows. millet, Japanese millet, corn and Soybean. An analytical Sample (2 to 6 g) is placed in a weighing bottle of which the weight has been determined in advance, and the 0112 Example of the bran are rice bran, defatted rice weight is precisely determined. After drying at 105 C. for bran, wheat bran, wheat middlings, wheat germ, barely bran, 6 hours, this is precisely weighed to obtain the weight loSS Screening, pellets, corn bran and corn germ. by drying. 0113 Examples of the vegetable oil cakes are soybean oil 0104. The presence of the plant powder in the plant cake, Soybean flour, linSeed oil cake, cotton Seed oil cake, extract containing plant powder of the present invention can peanut oil cake, Safflower oil cake, coconut oil cake, palm oil be confirmed by observation with a microscope equipped cake, Sesame oil cake, Sunflower oil cake, rapeseed oil cake, with an eye lens of 10 magnifications and with an object lens kapok oil cake and mustard oil cake. of 40 magnifications, for example according to the following 0114 Examples of the animal feed materials are fish meal procedure. (northern Ocean meal, imported meal, whole meal and coast 0105 To 0.1 g of the powdered analytical sample was meal), fish Soluble, meat meal, meat and bone meal, blood dropwise added a few drops of a 1:1 mixture of glycerol and powder, degenerated hair, bone meal, treated by-product for water, the mixture is stirred well with a Small glass Stick livestock, feather meal, Silk-worm pupa, Skim milk, casein without generating no foam and allowed to Stand for 10 and dry whey. minutes or longer to make the Sample Swell. A Small quantity 0115 Example of the other feed materials are stems and of the Swelled Sample is Smeared on a Slide glass with a tip leaves of the plant(e.g., alfalfa, hay cube, alfalfa leaf meal, of a glass Stick, on which is then dropped one drop of the 1:1 and powder of false acacia), processed industrial by-prod mixture of glycerol and water. The Smear is spread nearly ucts of corn (e.g., corn gluten, meal, corn gluten feed and evenly So that tissue pieces are not overlapped, and carefully corn Steep liquor), processed Starch product (e.g., starch), covered with a cover glass So that no foam is taken therein. Sugar, fermentation industrial products (e.g., yeast, beer 0106. In observation of the slide glass with a microscope, cake, malt root, alcohol cake and Soy Source cake), agricul when a parenchyma comprised of orbicular or polygonal tural by-products (e.g., processed citrus fruitcake, tofu cake, cells, upper and under epidermis, and vessels are observed, coffee cake and cocoa cake) and others (e.g. cassava, broad particularly when vessels are observed, it can be confirmed bean, guar meal, Sea weed, krill, Spirulina, chlorella and that there is contained plant powder. The vessels may have minerals). a pattern Such as annellation, Spiral, reticulate, pitted or 0116 Examples of the purified products are proteins Scalariform. (e.g., casein and albumin), amino acids, Sugars (e.g., Starch, 0107 There is no particular limitation as to foods and cellulose, Sucrose and glucose), minerals and Vitamins. drinks or feeds to which the liquid plant extract or plant 0117 The following examples and comparative examples extract containing plant powder of the present invention is will explain the present invention in more detail, but they are added. not intended to limit the Scope of the present invention. US 2004/O161524 A1 Aug. 19, 2004

EXAMPLE 1. 0.126 Additionally, as for the Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium powder, the particle size in a dry State was determined with 0118 Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium (10 g) (Shihira Shoten) a laser diffraction particle distribution analyzer (Particle Size was extracted with 200 ml of 30% ethanol ethanol of Analyzer; JEOL HELOS & LODOS), which indicated the guaranteed grade (Kishida Chemical Co., Ltd.) diluted with average particle size was 5.5 lim. pure water under occasional stirring at 40 C. for 2 hours and then filtered through a MIRACLOTH (CALBIOCHEM) EXAMPLE 2 to give 180 ml of 30% ethanol extract of Hydrangeae Dulcis 0127 Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium (10 g) (Shihira Shoten) Folium. The liquid extract (1 ml) was freeze-dried to give was extracted with 200 ml of 40% ethanol ethanol of 17.1 mg of dry product of which the moisture content was guaranteed grade (Kishida Chemical Co., Ltd.) diluted with 10% or lower and the phyllodulcin content was 0.537 pure water under occasional stirring at 40 C. for 2 hours mg/ml. and then filtered through a MIRACLOTH (CALBIOCHEM) 0119) To the liquid extract (180 ml) was added 0.4 g of to give 180 ml of 40% ethanol extract of Hydrangeae Dulcis powder of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium (Yasuma Co.), and Folium. The liquid extract (1 ml) was freeze-dried to give concentrated in a rotary evaporator under heating in vacuo 17.5 mg of dry product of which the moisture content was to give 20 ml of concentrate. This concentrate put into a 50 10% or lower and the phyllodulcin content was 0.763 ml-beaker and allowed to Stand to yield a homogeneous fluid mg/ml. Suspension at the bottom of the beaker. There was recog 0128. To the liquid extract (180 ml) was added 0.4 g of nized no generation of taffy-like precipitate. The Suspension powder of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium (Yasuma Co.), and could easily be put to a lyophilizer and freeze-dried to give concentrated in a rotary evaporator under heating in vacuo a highly disintegrable solid dry product. The obtained dry to give 30 ml of concentrate. This concentrate was put into product was pulverized by kneading with hands to give a 50 ml-beaker and allowed to Stand to yield a homogeneous powder of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium extract containing fluid suspension at the bottom of the beaker. There was Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium powder. recognized no generation of taffy-like precipitate. The Sus 0120) The obtained powder contained about 89% pension could easily be put to a lyophilizer, and freeze-dried Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium extract by weight and 3.0% to give a highly disintegrable Solid dry product. This was phyllodulcin by weight. pulverized by kneading with hands to give powder of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium extract containing Hydrangeae 0121. In this connection, the Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium Dulcis Folium powder. (Shihira Shoten) used for extraction contained 1.55% phyl lodulcin by weight, and the Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium 0129. This powder contained about 89% Hydrangeae powder (Yasuma Co.) contained 1.0% phyllodulcin by Dulcis Folium extract by weight and 4.0% phyllodulcin by weight. weight. 0122) The Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium powder was found EXAMPLE 3 to contain 10% by weight of ethanol-soluble component 0130 Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium (10 g) (Shihira Shoten) with measurement in the following method. was extracted with 200 ml of 50% ethanol ethanol of guaranteed grade (Kishida Chemical Co., Ltd.) diluted with 0123 The sample (about 70 mg, dryweight) was pre pure water under occasional stirring at 40 C. for 2 hours cisely weighed in a 2 ml polypropylene tube, to which was and then filtered through a MIRACLOTH (CALBIOCHEM) then added about 1.4 ml of guaranteed grade ethanol to give to give 180 ml of 50% ethanol extract of Hydrangeae Dulcis a 50 mg/ml Solution. The tube was capped, then occasionally Folium. The liquid extract (1 ml) was freeze-dried to give Shaken at 40 C. for 1 hour to percolate, and centrifuged at 16.5 mg of dry product of which the moisture content was 12,000 rpm for 5 minutes to Separate a Supernatant from 10% or lower and the phyllodulcin content was 0.853 precipitate. The Supernatant (1 ml) was evaporated to dry mg/ml. neSS, and measured the weight of the ethanol-Soluble com ponent. Thus, the rate (% by weight) of the ethanol-soluble 0131) To the liquid extract (180 ml) was added 0.4 g of component to the weight of the Sample was calculated. powder of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium (Yasuma Co.), and concentrated in a rotary evaporator under heating in vacuo 0.124. In addition, the Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium powder to give 30 ml of concentrate. This concentrate was put into was confirmed to have vessels by observation with a micro a 50-ml beaker and allowed to Stand to yield a homogeneous Scope as follows. fluid suspension at the bottom of the beaker. There was 0.125 To 0.1 g of the powdered sample was dropwise recognized no generation of taffy-like precipitate. The Sus added 3 drops of a 1:1 mixture of glycerol and water, which pension could easily be put to a lyophilizer and freeze-dried was stirred well with a Small glass Stick without generating to give a highly disintegrable Solid dry product. This was foam, and allowed to Stand for 10 minutes or longer to make pulverized by kneading with hands to give powder of the Sample Swell. A Small quantity of the Swelled Sample was Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium extract containing Hydrangeae Smeared on a slide glass with a tip of a glass Stick, on which Dulcis Folium powder. was then dropped one drop of a 1:1 mixture of glycerol and 0132) This powder contained about 89% Hydrangeae water. The Smear was spread nearly evenly So that tissue Dulcis Folium extract by weight and 4.7% phyllodulcin by pieces were not overlapped and carefully covered with a weight. cover glass So that no foam was taken therein. The slide glass was observed with a microscope equipped with an eye EXAMPLE 4 lens of 10 magnifications and an object lens of 40 magni 0133 Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium (10 g) (Shihira Shoten) fications. was extracted with 200 ml of 60% ethanol ethanol of US 2004/O161524 A1 Aug. 19, 2004 guaranteed grade (Kishida Chemical Co., Ltd.) diluted with vessel of the lyophilizer and could not easily be recovered. pure water under occasional stirring at 40 C. for 2 hours The dried product could not be crushed by kneading with and then filtered through a MIRACLOTH (CALBIOCHEM) hands. to give 180 ml of 60% ethanol extract of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium. The liquid extract (1 ml) was freeze-dried to give COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 3 14.9 mg of dry product of which the moisture content was 10% or lower and the phyllodulcin content was 0.861 0138 Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium (10 g) (Shihira Shoten) mg/ml. was extracted with 200 ml of 50% ethanol ethanol of guaranteed grade (Kishida Chemical Co., Ltd.) diluted with 0134) To the liquid extract (180 ml) was added 0.4 g of pure water under occasional stirring at 40 C. for 2 hours powder of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium (Yasuma Co.), and and then filtered through a MIRACLOTH (CALBIOCHEM) concentrated in a rotary evaporator under heating in vacuo to give 180 ml of 50% ethanol extract of Hydrangeae Dulcis to give 30 ml of concentrate. This concentrate was put into Folium. The liquid extract to which was added nothing was a 50 ml-beaker and allowed to Stand to yield a homogeneous concentrated in a rotary evaporator under heating in vacuo fluid suspension at the bottom of the beaker. There was to give 30 ml of concentrate. This concentrate was put into recognized no generation of taffy-like precipitate. The SuS a 50 ml-beaker and allowed to stand for 30 minutes to yield pension could easily be put to a lyophilizer and freeze-dried a taffy-like precipitate at the bottom of the beaker. This to give a highly disintegrable Solid dry product. This was precipitate had no fluidity and homogeneity. This precipitate pulverized by kneading with hands to give powder of was stuck on the bottom of the beaker and could not be Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium extract containing Hydrangeae dispersed by Shaking. Therefore, it was not easy to put the Dulcis Folium powder. precipitate into a lyophilizer. Lyophilization of the precipi 0135) This powder contained about 89% Hydrangeae tate gave hard tarry dry product, which was Stuck inside a Dulcis Folium extract by weight and 5.2% phyllodulcin by vessel of the lyophilizer and could not easily be recovered. weight. The dried product could not be crushed by kneading with hands. COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 1. COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 4 0136. Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium (10 g) (Shihira Shoten) was extracted with 200 ml of 30% ethanol ethanol of 0139) Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium (10 g) (Shihira Shoten) guaranteed grade (Kishida Chemical Co., Ltd.) diluted with was extracted with 200 ml of 60% ethanol ethanol of pure water under occasional stirring at 40 C. for 2 hours guaranteed grade (Kishida Chemical Co., Ltd.) diluted with and then filtered through a MIRACLOTH (CALBIOCHEM) pure water under occasional stirring at 40 C. for 2 hours to give 180 ml of 30% ethanol extract of Hydrangeae Dulcis and then filtered through a MIRACLOTH (CALBIOCHEM) Folium. The liquid extract to which was added nothing was to give 180 ml of 60% ethanol extract of Hydrangeae Dulcis concentrated in a rotary evaporator under heating in vacuo Folium. The liquid extract to which was added nothing was to give 20 ml of concentrate. This concentrate was put into concentrated in a rotary evaporator under heating in vacuo a 50 ml-beaker and allowed to stand for 30 minutes to yield to give 30 ml of concentrate. This concentrate was put into a taffy-like precipitate at the bottom of the beaker. This a 50-ml beaker and allowed to stand for 30 minutes to yield precipitate had no fluidity and homogeneity. This precipitate a taffy-like precipitate at the bottom of the beaker. This was stuck on the bottom of the beaker and could not be precipitate had no fluidity and homogeneity. This precipitate dispersed by Shaking. Therefore, it was not easy to put the was stuck on the bottom of the beaker and could not be precipitate into a lyophilizer. Lyophilization of the precipi dispersed by Shaking. Therefore, it was not easy to put the tate gave hard tarry dry product, which was Stuck inside a precipitate into a lyophilizer. Lyophilization of the precipi vessel of the lyophilizer and could not easily be recovered. tate gave hard tarry dry product, which was Stuck inside a The dried product could not be crushed by kneading with vessel of the lyophilizer and could not easily be recovered. hands. The dried product could not be crushed by kneading with hands. COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 5 0137 Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium (10 g) (Shihira Shoten) 0140) Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium (10 g) (Shihira Shoten) was extracted with 200 ml of 40% ethanol ethanol of was extracted with 200 ml of 30% ethanol ethanol of guaranteed grade (Kishida Chemical Co., Ltd.) diluted with guaranteed grade (Kishida Chemical Co., Ltd.) diluted with pure water under occasional stirring at 40 C. for 2 hours pure water under occasional stirring at 40 C. for 2 hours and then filtered through a MIRACLOTH (CALBIOCHEM) and then filtered through a MIRACLOTH (CALBIOCHEM) to give 180 ml of 40% ethanol extract of Hydrangeae Dulcis to give 180 ml of 30% ethanol extract of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium. The liquid extract to which was added nothing was Folium. The liquid extract (1 ml) was freeze-dried to give concentrated in a rotary evaporator under heating in vacuo 17.1 mg of dry product of which the moisture content was to give 30 ml of concentrate. This concentrate was put into 10% or lower and the phyllodulcin content was 0.537 a 50 ml-beaker and allowed to stand for 30 minutes to yield mg/ml. a taffy-like precipitate at the bottom of the beaker. This precipitate had no fluidity and homogeneity. This precipitate 0141) To the liquid extract (180 ml) was added 0.4 g of was stuck on the bottom of the beaker and could not be powder of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium (Yasuma Co.), and dispersed by Shaking. Therefore, it was not easy to put the concentrated in a rotary evaporator under heating in vacuo precipitate into a lyophilizer. Lyophilization of the precipi to give 20 ml of concentrate. This concentrate was put into tate gave hard tarry dry product, which was Stuck inside a a 50 ml-beaker and allowed to Stand to yield a homogeneous US 2004/O161524 A1 Aug. 19, 2004

fluid suspension at the bottom of the beaker. There was concentrated in a rotary evaporator under heating in vacuo recognized no generation of taffy-like precipitate. After to give 30 ml of concentrate. This concentrate was put into Standing, the upper layer (10 ml) of the concentrate was a 50 ml-beaker and allowed to Stand to yield a homogeneous removed from the lower layer. The lower layer could easily fluid suspension at the bottom of the beaker. There was be put to a lyophilizer and freeze-dried to give a highly recognized no generation of taffy-like precipitate. After disintegrable solid dry product. This was pulverized by Standing, the upper layer (20 ml) of the concentrate was kneading with hands to give 0.6 g of powder of Hydrangeae removed from the lower layer. The lower layer could easily Dulcis Folium extract containing Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium be put to a lyophilizer and freeze-dried to give a highly powder. disintegrable solid dry product. This was pulverized by kneading with hands to give 0.6 g of powder of Hydrangeae 0142. This powder contained about 53% Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium extract containing Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium Dulcis Folium extract by weight and 6.0% phyllodulcin by powder. weight. AS to this powder, the content of ethanol-Soluble component was determined and the vessels were observed 0.148. This powder contained about 53% Hydrangeae according to the method as described in Example 1. The Dulcis Folium extract by weight and 8.0% phyllodulcin by content of the ethanol-soluble component was 25% by weight. AS to this powder, the content of ethanol-Soluble weight, and the vessels were observed. component was determined and the vessels were observed according to the method as described in Example 1. The EXAMPLE 6 content of the ethanol-soluble component was 34% by weight, and the vessels were observed. 0143 Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium (10 g) (Shihira Shoten) was extracted with 200 ml of 40% ethanol ethanol of EXAMPLE 8 guaranteed grade (Kishida Chemical Co., Ltd.) diluted with pure water under occasional stirring at 40 C. for 2 hours 0149) Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium (10 g) (Shihira Shoten) and then filtered through a MIRACLOTH (CALBIOCHEM) was extracted with 200 ml of 60% ethanol ethanol of to give 180 ml of 40% ethanol extract of Hydrangeae Dulcis guaranteed grade (Kishida Chemical Co., Ltd.) diluted with Folium. The liquid extract (1 ml) was freeze-dried to give pure water under occasional stirring at 40 C. for 2 hours 17.5 mg of dry product of which the phyllodulcin content and then filtered through a MIRACLOTH (CALBIOCHEM) was 0.763 mg/ml. to give 180 ml of 60% ethanol extract of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium. The liquid extract (1 ml) was freeze-dried to give 0144) To the liquid extract (180 ml) was added 0.4 g of 14.9 mg of dry product of which the phyllodulcin content powder of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium (Yasuma Co.), and was 0.861 mg/ml. concentrated in a rotary evaporator under heating in vacuo to give 30 ml of concentrate. This concentrate was put into 0150. To the liquid extract (180 ml) was added 0.4 g of a 50 ml-beaker and allowed to Stand to yield a homogeneous powder of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium (Yasuma Co.), and fluid suspension at the bottom of the beaker. There was concentrated in a rotary evaporator under heating in vacuo recognized no generation of taffy-like precipitate. After to give 30 ml of concentrate. This concentrate was put into Standing, the upper layer (20 ml) of the concentrate was a 50 ml-beaker and allowed to Stand to yield a homogeneous removed from the lower layer. The lower layer could easily fluid suspension at the bottom of the beaker. There was be put to a lyophilizer and freeze-dried to give a highly recognized no generation of taffy-like precipitate. After disintegrable solid dry product. This was pulverized by Standing, the upper layer (20 ml) of the concentrate was kneading with hands to give 0.6 g of powder of Hydrangeae removed from the lower layer. The lower layer could easily Dulcis Folium extract containing Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium be put to a lyophilizer and freeze-dried to give a highly powder. disintegrable solid dry product. This was pulverized by kneading with hands to give 0.6 g of powder of Hydrangeae 0145 This powder contained about 53% Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium extract containing Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium Dulcis Folium extract by weight and 8.0% phyllodulcin by powder. weight. AS to this powder, the content of ethanol-Soluble component was determined and the vessels were observed 0151. This powder contained about 53% Hydrangeae according to the method as described in Example 1. The Dulcis Folium extract by weight and 8.0% phyllodulcin by content of the ethanol-soluble component was 34% by weight. AS to this powder, the content of ethanol-Soluble weight, and the vessels were observed. component was determined and the vessels were observed according to the method as described in Example 1. The EXAMPLE 7 content of the ethanol-soluble component was 38% by weight, and the vessels were observed. 0146 Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium (10 g) (Shihira Shoten) was extracted with 200 ml of 50% ethanol ethanol of EXAMPLE 9 guaranteed grade (Kishida Chemical Co., Ltd.) diluted with 0152 Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium (20g) (Shihira Shoten) pure water under occasional stirring at 40 C. for 2 hours was extracted with 400 ml of water with occasional stirring and then filtered through a MIRACLOTH (CALBIOCHEM) at 40 C. for 2 hours and then filtered through a MIRA to give 180 ml of 50% ethanol extract of Hydrangeae Dulcis CLOTH (CALBIOCHEM) to give an extraction residue. Folium. The liquid extract (1 ml) was freeze-dried to give This residue was extracted with 400 ml of 60% ethanol 16.5 mg of dry product of which the phyllodulcin content ethanol of guaranteed grade (Kishida Chemical Co., Ltd.) was 0.853 mg/ml. diluted with water under occasional stirring at 40 C. for 2 0147 To the liquid extract (180 ml) was added 0.4 g of hours and then filtered through a MIRACLOTH to give an powder of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium (Yasuma Co.), and extract of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium. The liquid extract (1 US 2004/O161524 A1 Aug. 19, 2004 ml) was freeze-dried to give 4.5 mg of dry product of which Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium powder, and 60 ml of concen the phyllodulcin content was 0.66 mg/ml. The phyllodulcin trate was obtained. The obtained concentrate was put into a content in the Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium extract Solution 100 ml-beaker and allowed to stand for 30 minutes to yield was 15% as a rate of the total Solid portion. a homogeneous fluid Suspension at the bottom of the beaker. 0153. To the liquid extract (about 400 ml) was added 1.6 There was recognized no generation of taffy-like precipitate. g of powder of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium (Yasuma Co.), After standing, the upper layer (40 ml) of the concentrate and concentrated in a rotary evaporator under heating in was removed from the lower layer (20 ml). The resulting vacuo to give 60 ml of concentrate. This concentrate was put lower layer could easily be put to a lyophilizer and freeze into a 100 ml-beaker and allowed to stand for 30 minutes to dried to give a highly disintegrable Solid dry product. This yield a homogeneous fluid Suspension at the bottom of the was pulverized by rolling with hands to give 2.5g of powder beaker. There was recognized no generation of taffy-like of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium extract containing powdered precipitate. After Standing, the upper layer (40 ml) of the turmeric. concentrate was removed from the lower layer (20 ml). The 0159. This powder contained 36% Hydrangeae Dulcis resulting lower layer could easily be put to a lyophilizer and Folium by weight and 15.0% phyllodulcin by weight. As to freeze-dried to give a highly disintegrable Solid dry product. this powder, the content of ethanol-Soluble component was This was pulverized by kneading with hands to give 2.5g of determined and the vessels were observed according to the powder of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium extract containing method as described in Example 1. The content of the Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium powder. ethanol-soluble component was 53% by weight, and the 0154) This powder contained about 55% Hydrangeae vessels were observed. Dulcis Folium extract and 18.0% phyllodulcin by weight. As 0160 Additionally, as for the powdered turmeric, the to this powder, the content of ethanol-Soluble component particle size in a dry State was determined by a laser was determined and the vessels were observed according to diffraction particle distribution analyzer (Particle Size Ana the method as described in Example 1. The content of the lyzer; JEOL HELOS & LODOS), which indicated the ethanol-soluble component was 50% by weight, and the average particle size was 31.7 um. vessels were observed. COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 5 EXAMPLE 10 0.161 The same procedure as in Example 9 was repeated 0155 The same procedure as in Example 9 was repeated except for adding 1.6 g of dry yeast (DIFCO) to about 400 except for adding 1.6 g of powder of green tea (Mino ml of an extract of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium, in stead of Shirakawa Ground Tea Co.) to about 400 ml of an extract of adding 1.6 g of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium powder, and 60 Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium, in Stead of adding 1.6 g of ml of concentrate was obtained. The obtained concentrate Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium, and 60 ml of concentrate was was put into a 100-ml beaker and allowed to stand for 30 obtained. The obtained concentrate was put into a 100 minutes to yield taffy-like precipitate at the bottom of beaker ml-beaker and allowed to stand for 30 minutes to yield a but not a highly fluid homogeneous Suspension. homogeneous fluid Suspension at the bottom of the beaker. There was recognized no generation of taffy-like precipitate. COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 6 After Standing, the upper layer (40 ml) of the concentrate 0162 The same procedure as in Example 9 was repeated was removed from the lower layer (20 ml). The resulting except for adding 1.6 g of cellulose (Oriental Yeast Co.) to lower layer could easily be put to a lyophilizer and freeze about 400 ml of an extract of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium, in dried to give a highly disintegrable Solid dry product. This Stead of adding 1.6 g of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium powder, was pulverized by kneading with hands to give 2.5 g of and 60 ml of concentrate was obtained. The obtained con powder of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium extract containing centrate was put into a 100-ml beaker and allowed to stand green tea powder. for 30 minutes to yield taffy-like precipitate at the bottom of 0156 This powder contained 36% Hydrangeae Dulcis beaker but not a highly fluid homogeneous Suspension. Folium extract by weight and 15.0% phyllodulcin by weight. COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 7 AS to this powder, the content of ethanol-Soluble component was determined and the vessels were observed according to 0163 The same procedure as in Example 9 was repeated the method as described in Example 1. The content of the except for adding 1.6 g of agar (DIFCO) to about 400 ml of ethanol-soluble component was 53% by weight, and the an extract of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium, in Stead of adding vessels were observed. 1.6 g of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium powder, and 60 ml of concentrate was obtained. The obtained concentrate was put O157 Additionally, as for the green tea powder, the in to a 100 ml-beaker and allowed to stand for 30 minutes particle size in a dry State was determined by a laser to yield taffy-like precipitate at the bottom of beaker but not diffraction particle distribution analyzer (Particle Size Ana a highly fluid homogeneous Suspension. lyzer; JEOL HELOS & LODOS), which indicated the average particle size was 4.4 lim. COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 8 EXAMPLE 11 0164. The same procedure as in Example 9 was repeated except for adding 1.6 g of Starch (Nippon Starch Chemical 0158. The same procedure as in Example 9 was repeated Co.) to about 400 ml of an extract of Hydrangeae Dulcis except for adding 1.6 g of powder of powdered turmeric Folium, in Stead of adding 1.6 g of Hydrangeae Dulcis (Kaneka Sun Spice Co.) to about 400 ml of an extract of Folium powder, and 60 ml of concentrate was obtained. The Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium, in Stead of adding 1.6 g of obtained concentrate was put into a 100 ml-beaker and US 2004/O161524 A1 Aug. 19, 2004 allowed to stand for 30 minutes to yield taffy-like precipitate containing the plant powder, and a Step of drying the liquid at the bottom of beaker but not a highly fluid homogeneous plant extract containing the plant powder. Suspension. Comparative Example 9 5. A process as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein 0.165. The same procedure as in Example 9 was repeated the liquid extract containing an active ingredient is prepared except for adding 1.6 g of Pinedex #1 (Matsutani Chemical by extracting the plant containing the active ingredient with Industry Co., Ltd.) to about 400 ml of an extract of aqueous ethanol and removing the resultant plant residue. Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium, in Stead of adding 1.6 g of 6. A process as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium powder, and 60 ml of concen the plant powder is present in an amount of 19 to 1/9 parts trate was obtained. The obtained concentrate was put into a by dry weight based on 1 part of the liquid extract containing 100 ml-beaker and allowed to stand for 30 minutes to yield the active ingredient by dry weight. taffy-like precipitate at the bottom of beaker but not a highly 7. A process as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, wherein fluid homogeneous Suspension. the plant containing an active ingredient is a plant belonging to the genus Hydrangea. COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 10 8. A process as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plant containing an active ingredient is Hydrangea 0166 The same procedure as in Example 9 was repeated macrophylla SERINGE var. Thunbergii Makino. excepted for adding 1.6 g of gum arabic (Kishida Chemical 9. A process as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, wherein Co., Ltd.) to about 400 ml of an extract of Hydrangeae the active ingredient is an ethanol-Soluble one. Dulcis Folium, in Stead of adding 1.6 g of Hydrangeae 10. A proceSS as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, wherein Dulcis Folium powder, and 60 ml of concentrate was the active ingredient is phyllodulcin. obtained. The obtained concentrate was put into a 100 ml-beaker and allowed to stand for 30 minutes to yield 11. A proceSS as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, wherein taffy-like precipitate at the bottom of beaker but not a highly the plant powder is in the form of particles of 0.1 um to 1 fluid homogeneous Suspension. mm in average particle size in dry State. 12. A proceSS as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11, wherein COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 11 the plant powder is a plant belonging to the genus Hydran gea. 0167 The same procedure as in Example 9 was repeated 13. A proceSS as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11, wherein excepted for adding 1.6 g of lactose (Kishida Chemical Co., the plant powder is Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium powder, Ltd.) to about 400 ml of an extract of Hydrangeae Dulcis green tea powder or turmeric powder. Folium, in Stead of adding 1.6 g of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium powder, and 60 ml of concentrate was obtained. The 14. A proceSS as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13, wherein obtained concentrate was put into a 100 ml-beaker and the concentration is conducted by heating under reduced allowed to stand for 30 minutes to yield taffy-like precipitate preSSure. at the bottom of beaker but not a highly fluid homogeneous 15. A proceSS as claimed in any of claims 3 to 14, wherein Suspension. the method of drying is freeze-drying or heating under reduced pressure. 0168) Industrial Applicability 16. A liquid plant extract containing plant powder which 0169. According to the present invention, a process for comprises a liquid extract containing an active ingredient extracting an active ingredient from a plant containing the obtained from a plant containing the active ingredient and active ingredient, a liquid extract or plant extract containing comprises a plant powder, wherein the content of the active the active ingredient, and a food and drink or feed containing ingredient in the liquid extract is higher than that in the plant. the liquid extract or plant extract, are provided. 17. A liquid plant extract containing plant powder as claimed in claim 16, wherein the liquid extract containing the active ingredient is prepared by extraction with aqueous 1. A proceSS for producing a liquid plant extract contain ethanol. ing plant powder, which comprises: concentrating a liquid 18. A liquid plant extract containing plant powder as extract containing an active ingredient in the presence of the claimed in claim 16 or 17, which comprises the plant powder plant powder, the extract being obtained from the plant in an amount of 19 to 1/9 parts by dry weight based on 1 part containing the active ingredient. of the liquid extract containing the active ingredient by dry 2. A process for producing a liquid plant extract contain weight. ing plant powder, which comprises a step of preparing a 19. A liquid plant extract containing plant powder as liquid extract containing an active ingredient from a plant claimed in any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the plant containing the active ingredient, and a step of concentrating containing an active ingredient is a plant belonging to the the liquid extract in the presence of plant powder. genus Hydrangea. 3. A process for producing a plant extract containing plant 20. A liquid plant extract containing plant powder as powder, which comprises concentrating and drying a liquid claimed in any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the plant extract containing an active ingredient in the presence of containing an active ingredient is Hydrangea macrophylla plant powder and Said liquid extract being obtained from the SERINGE var. Thunbergii Makino. plant containing the active ingredient. 21. A liquid plant extract containing plant powder as 4. A process for producing a plant extract containing plant claimed in any of claims 16 to 20, wherein the active powder, which comprises a step of preparing a liquid extract ingredient is an ethanol-Soluble one. containing an active ingredient from a plant containing the 22. A liquid plant extract containing plant powder as active ingredient, a Step of concentrating the liquid extract in claimed in any of claims 16 to 20, wherein the active the presence of plant powder to give a liquid plant extract ingredient is phyllodulcin. US 2004/O161524 A1 Aug. 19, 2004

23. A liquid plant extract containing plant powder as 31. A plant extract containing plant powder as claimed in claimed in any of claims 16 to 22, wherein the plant powder any of claims 26 to 30, wherein the active ingredient is an is in the form of particles of 0.1 um to 1 mm in average ethanol-Soluble one. particle size in dry State. 24. A liquid plant extract containing plant powder as 32. A plant extract containing plant powder as claimed in claimed in any of claims 16 to 23, wherein the plant powder any of claims 26 to 30, wherein the active ingredient is is a plant belonging to the genus Hydrangea. phyllodulcin. 25. A liquid plant extract containing plant powder as 33. A plant extract containing plant powder as claimed in claimed in any of claims 16 to 23, wherein the plant powder any of claims 26 to 31, wherein the plant powder is in the is Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium powder, green tea powder or form of particles of 0.1 um to 1 mm in average particle size turmeric powder. in dry State. 26. A plant extract containing plant powder which com prises an extract containing an active ingredient obtained 34. A plant extract containing plant powder as claimed in from a plant containing the active ingredient and comprises any of claims 26 to 33, wherein the plant powder is that of a plant powder, wherein the content of the active ingredient a plant belonging to the genus Hydrangea. in the extract is higher than that in the plant. 35. A plant extract containing plant powder as claimed in 27. A plant extract containing plant powder as claimed in any of claims 26 to 33, wherein the plant powder is claim 26, wherein the extract containing an active ingredient Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium powder, green tea powder or is prepared by extraction with aqueous ethanol. 28. A plant extract containing plant powder as claimed in turmeric powder. claim 26 or 27, which comprises the plant powder in an 36. A plant extract containing plant powder as claimed in amount of 19 to 1/9 parts by dry weight based on 1 part of any of claims 26 to 35, which is in the form of powder. the extract containing the active ingredient by dry weight. 37. A food and drink or feed comprising as an additive a 29. A plant extract containing plant powder as claimed in liquid plant extract containing the plant powder as claimed any of claims 26 to 28, wherein the plant containing an active ingredient is a plant belonging to the genus Hydran in any of claims 16 to 25. gea. 38. A food and drink or feed comprising as an additive a 30. A plant extract containing plant powder as claimed in plant extract containing the plant powder as claimed in any any of claims 26 to 28, wherein the plant containing an of claims 26 to 36. active ingredient is Hydrangea macrophylla SERINGE var. Thunbergii Makino.