The Biomedical Group of Takara Shuzo Co., Ltd. will make a sale of "Green Blessings" as tablets formulated for a nutritional supplement made of the dried whole Ashitaba plant. Sales of "Green Blessings" will commence on August 2, 2001. Retail price will be 5800 yen for a box containing 360 tablets.

Ashitaba, Angelica Keiskei Koidzumi, is a unique celery-like vegetable of Angelica family, indigenous to the Island of Hachijo in Japan. The plant is locally referred to as the "longevity herb" and its diverse biological activities for healthy lives have been scientifically reported. Leaves, stems and roots of Ashitaba contain a large amount of yellow substances, polyphenol.

The Biomedical Group has performed researches on biological activities of Ashitaba, and found that the plant could stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in vivo. Thus, scientists of the Group have added a novel insight to physiological activities of the "longevity herb" which was previously reported to show activities such as an immune system stimulation, healthy function of stomach and intestines, and anti-viral and anti-bacterial actions.

The new product, "Green Blessings", is originally formulated upon results of the Group's researches. It contains the whole Ashitaba plant. This is quite different from conventional Ashitaba products which contain only leaves.

Any inquiries relating to "Green Blessings" may be directed to the Biomedical Group at its phone number 077-543-7208 and 03-3271-9891. Purchase of the product can be made by contacting TAKARA BIOHEALTHCARE Co., Ltd. at its toll-free number 0120-810-771.

Outline of Product
Name of product: Green Blessings
Type of product: Food containing Ashitaba plant
Product packaging: 90 g (360 tablets)
Suggested retail price: 5800 yen per box
Distribution areas: To be sold nationwide
Date of release: Sales to commence on August 2, 2001

This article is translated from the press release in Japanese for your convenience.