NEW INSULIN-LIKE ACTIVE SUBSTANCE AND COMPOSITION COMPRISING THE SAME

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a composition capable of exhibiting insulin-like actions by oral administration and having effects on prophylaxis or amelioration of diabetes in the field of medicines or foods. SOLUTION: This saponin compound is specifically represented by the following formula (wherein, R<1> denotes a sugar chain; R<2> denotes a sugar or the like substituted with angeloyl group or tigloyl group; and R<3> and R<4> denote each hydrogen atom or acetyl group) and has actions with promoting effects on sugar uptake by cells similar to those of insulin. The composition comprises the compound.