Composition comprising coumestrol or a bean extract containing coumestrol

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition which comprises as an active ingredient coumestrol or a bean extract containing coumestrol, whereby adipocyte differentiation is inhibited, the immune system of the body is improved, toxic substances are purged, and neurodegenerative disorders are prevented or improved.

1 . A method for inhibiting differentiation of adipocytes comprising administering an effective amount coumestrol or a bean extract comprising coumestrol to a subject in such need to activate mitochondria. 
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the coumestrol or bean extract comprising coumestrol prevents or improves one or more of obesity, type 2 diabetes and fatty liver. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the coumestrol or bean extract comprising coumestrol prevents or improves cardiovascular diseases induced by obesity. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the cardiovascular disease comprises one or more of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, angina, myocardial infarction and arteriosclerosis. 
     
     
         5 . A method for enhancing immunity comprising administering an effective amount of coumestrol or a bean extract comprising coumestrol to a subject in such need. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the coumestrol or bean extract comprising coumestrol activates immune cells. 
     
     
         7 . A method for detoxifying toxic substances comprising administering an effective amount of coumestrol or a bean extract comprising coumestrol to a subject in such need to detoxify toxic substances. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the coumestrol or bean extract comprising coumestrol detoxifies nicotine. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the coumestrol or bean extract comprising coumestrol prevents or improves vascular diseases caused by toxic substances. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein the vascular disease comprises one or more of blood circulation disorder, hypertension and arteriosclerosis. 
     
     
         11 . A method for preventing or improving degenerative neurological disorders comprising administering an effective amount of coumestrol or a bean extract comprising coumestrol to a subject in such need to prevent or improve degenerative neurological disorders. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the coumestrol or bean extract comprising coumestrol inhibits the action of neurotoxins. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the degenerative neurological disorder comprises one or more of dementia, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. 
     
     
         14 - 15 . (canceled)