PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for producing an extract of Ipomoea batatas sp. containing a glycolipid from the Ipomoea batatas sp., or a sphingoglycolipid in order to obtain a daily ingestible brain ganglioside substitute of livestock safe for human bodies without a risk such as BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy), to provide a neurocyte activator containing the glycolipid or sphingoglycolipid derived from the Ipomoea batatas sp. and to provide a healthy food using the same.SOLUTION: The extract of the Ipomoea batatas sp. is obtained as follows. The Ipomoea batatas sp. is dipped in a polar solvent to thereby extract the glycolipid or sphingoglycolipid into a polar solvent. The resultant dipping liquid is then concentrated to afford the extract of the Ipomoea batatas sp. Effects of activating actions on the neurocytes are confirmed by using an established neuroblast.COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT【課題】BSE等の危険性が無く、人体に安全で日々の摂取が可能な家畜の脳ガングリオシド代替を得るために、シモン芋より糖脂質を含有するシモン芋エキス、又はスフィンゴ糖脂質を製造する方法を提供する。またシモン芋由来の糖脂質、又はスフィンゴ糖脂質を含む神経細胞活性化剤、及びそれらを用いた健康食品を提供する。【解決手段】シモン芋を極性溶媒に浸たすことで糖脂質、若しくはスフィンゴ糖脂質を極性溶媒中に抽出し、得られる浸漬液を濃縮することによってシモン芋エキスを得る。また神経細胞の活性化作用は株化された神経芽細胞を用いてその効果を確認する。【選択図】図12
