Beta-hydroxybutyric acid or acetoacetic acid or salts or esters therof for use in improving cerebral function

摘要

A cerebral function improving agent containing as the active ingredient a compound represented by the following formula: wherein R2 represents a hydrogen atom when R1 is a hydroxyl group; or R1 and R2 are combined together to form an oxo group; R3 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, or a monohydric, dihydric or trihydric alcohol residue, which may be an oligomer composed of 2-10 molecules when R1 represents a hydroxyl group and R2 and R3 represent hydrogen atoms. The agent supresses cerebral edema, protects cerebral function, impaired cerebral energy metabolism, and reduces the extent of cerebral infarction.