WO2005049086A1

WO2005049086A1 - Yeast compositions and their uses as dietary supplement or medicine

Info

Publication number: WO2005049086A1
Application number: PCT/GB2004/004881
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ling Yuk Cheung
Original assignee: Ultra Biotech Limited
Priority date: 2003-11-18
Filing date: 2004-11-18
Publication date: 2005-06-02

Abstract

A composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells, which have been cultured in the presence of an alternating electronic field having a specific frequency and a specific field strength. The composition is useful for improving general health in human subjects, particular those suffering various pathological conditions, including, for example, lupus erythematosus (LE), epilepsy, gastritis, gastroparesis, renal failure, vascular dementia, sexual disorders, hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis, hyperlipemia, nephrotic syndrome, etc.

Description

YEAST COMPOSITIONS AND THEIR USES AS DIETARY SUPPLEMENT OR MEDICINE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to yeast compositions obtained by growing yeasts in electromagnetic fields with specific frequencies and field strengths. The yeast compositions so obtained are useful as dietary supplement or medicine for treating or improving a number of pathological conditions in mammalian subjects including, for example, Lupus erythematosus (LE), epilepsy, gastritis, gastroparesis, renal failure, vascular dementia, sexual disorders, hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis, hyperlipemia, nephrotic syndrome, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lupus erythematosus Lupus erythematosus (LE) is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to various body tissues and parts, including joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, blood vessels, and skin. The most common symptoms of LE include achy or swollen joints (arthritis), fever, prolonged or extreme fatigue, skin rashes and kidney problems. There are several forms of LE: discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), drug-induced lupus and neonatal lupus. DLE refers to a skin disorder in which a red, raised rash appears on the face, neck or scalp. DLE accounts for approximately 10% of all LE cases. SLE is more severe than DLE and can affect many parts of the body. About 70% of LE cases are SLE. Drug-induced lupus occurs with certain medications. The symptoms of drug-induced lupus, including arthritis, rash, fever and chest pain, usually fade when the medications are discontinued. Neonatal lupus is a rare form of lupus affecting newborn babies of women with SLE or certain other immune system disorders. At birth, these babies have skin rashes, liver abnormalities or low blood counts. These symptoms go away entirely over several months. However, some babies may have serious heart defects as a result of neonatal lupus. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, approximately 1.4 million Americans have LE. Although LE can affect both males and females at all ages, LE occurs 10 to 15 times more frequently among adult women than adult men. Also, LE is two to three times more common among African Americans, Hispanics, Asians and Native Americans. Although less frequent, LE can be hereditary. Even though the cause of LE is still unknown, LE is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental and possibly hormonal factors. LE can be characterized by periods of illness or flares, and periods of wellness or remission. Accordingly, the goals of effective treatment of LE are to prevent flares, minimize organ damage and complications, and maintain normal bodily functions. Commonly prescribed medications for LE include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, corticosteroids, antimalarials and immunomodulating drugs. Because of the limited success of currently available medications and their potentially serious side effects, it is important to provide an alternative effective treatment for LE.

Epilepsy Epilepsy is a chronic illness caused by abnormality in the central nervous system. An epileptic seizure is a brief, excessive surge of electrical activity in the brain that causes a change in consciousness, sensation and behavior. During an epileptic seizure, the regulatory systems that maintain the normal balance between excitation and inhibition of the brain's electrical activity break down. There may be a loss of inhibitory nerve cells or an overproduction of an excitatory neurotransmitter. Groups of abnormal cells are activated synchronously, creating a storm of electrical activity. Patients taking anticonvulsant drugs display a broad spectrum of side effects. The widely used drug carbamazepine, shows side effects such as dizziness, ataxia, drowsiness and reduction of alertness. See, A. Delcker et al., Eur. Neuropsychopharmacol., 7, pp. 213-8 (1997). Valproic acid may precipitate metabolic disorders, liver disease, gastrointestinal symptomatology, excessive bodyweight gain and alopecia. See, S. J. Wallace, Drug Saf, 15, pp. 378-93 (1996). Barbiturates precipitates metabolic bone disease and rash. See, S. J. Wallace, Drug Saf, 15, pp. 378-93 (1996). Therefore, there is a need on the market for anticonvulsant medication with fewer side effects.

Gastritis Gastritis is a common ailment. In a healthy human stomach and duodenum, there is a balance between the potential for gastric acid and pepsin to damage the gastric mucosal membrane and the ability of this membrane to protect itself from injury. Disruption of this balance has been attributed to several factors, including environmental and emotional stress, age, diet, genetics and individual behavior. This disruption leads to inflammatory lesions of the gastric mucosa, resulting in gastritis — either acute or chronic gastritis — the symptoms of which include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and discomfort after eating. Acute gastritis is often caused by ingestion of an irritating substance (e.g., aspirin and excess alcohol) or by bacterial or viral infection. Chronic gastritis is often correlated with gastric ulcer, stomach cancer, pernicious anemia, or other disorders. Acute gastritis can turn into chronic gastritis over time. Several mechanisms are believed to be important in protecting gastric and duodenal mucosa from damage by gastric acid, pepsin, bile pancreatic enzymes, bacterial and/or viral infection, and alcohol, as well as external stress factors. These defense mechanisms include mucus, mucosal blood flow, and cell renewal. These factors, acting in balance, help maintain mucosal integrity. Current treatments for gastritis usually provide temporary relief of the disease symptoms and are not effective in preventing gastritis over the long term. There remains a need for an effective method to treat or prevent gastritis.

Gastroparesis Gastroparesis is a common condition. The upper portion of a human stomach generates electrical waves that sweep across the antrum, causing the stomach to contract, to grind food and to empty food into the intestines. Gastroparesis occurs when the rate of the electrical waves slow and the stomach muscles contract less frequently. Common symptoms of gastroparesis include nausea, vomiting, a feeling of fullness after only a few bites of food, bloating, and excessive belching. Gastroparesis is caused by either diseases of the stomach muscles or the nerves that control these muscles. It is commonly associated with diabetes mellitus, which damages the nerves controlling the stomach muscle. Other causes include nervous reflexes, imbalance of potassium, calcium or magnesium, certain medications and certain diseases. Scars and fibrous tissue from ulcers and tumors that block the outlet of the stomach can mimic gastroparesis.

Gastroparesis is diagnosed based on symptoms and physical examination. A gastric emptying study is the most common method to measure the emptying of food from the stomach. An Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy test is another common examination to exclude the possibility of an obstruction as the cause of the patient's symptoms. An antro-duodenal motility study measures the pressure that is generated by the contractions of the stomach and intestinal muscles. Another test is an electrogastrogram (EGG), which records the electrical signals that travel through the stomach muscles and control the muscles' contractions. The electrical signals normally precede each contraction. In most patients, the rhythm of the electrical signals is either irregular or there is no post-meal increase in electrical power. Although an EGG does not measure gastric emptying directly, it is an attractive test for suspected gastroparesis. Currently available medications treat gastroparesis by stimulating the stomach to contract more normally. Metoclopramide is an effective medication that has side effects such as restlessness, fatigue, agitation and depression. Another drug is domperidone, which has not been approved in the United States. The third drug is erythromycin, which stimulates short bursts of strong contractions that are more like the contractions that sweep undigested food into the colon than regular digestive contractions. Like erythromycin, octreotide, a hormone-like drug, can be injected underneath the skin to stimulate short bursts of strong contraction. The last resort is surgery, which is occasionally used to create a larger opening between the stomach and the small intestine in order to facilitate the process of emptying the stomach. Gastroparesis may become worse with time. Motility disorders of the muscles of the small intestine and colon make gastroparesis difficult to treat. There remains a need for an effective treatment for gastroparesis.

Renal Failure Renal failure is a disease state in which renal functions are damaged severely such that internal environment of the living body can no longer be maintained in normal conditions. In particular, acute renal failure involves a sudden loss of the kidneys' ability to excrete wastes, concentrate urine, and conserve electrolytes. Causes of acute renal failure include acute tubular necrosis (ATN), myoglobinuria (myoglo in in the urine), infections such as acute pyelonephritis or septicemia, urinary tract obstruction such as a narrowing of the urinary tract (stricture), tumor, kidney stones, nephrocalcinosis, enlarged prostate with subsequent acute bilateral obstructive uropath, severe acute nephritic syndrome, disorders of the blood, malignant hypertension, and autoimmune disorders such as scleroderma. Other causes such as poisons and trauma, for example a direct and forceful blow to the kidneys, can also lead to renal failure. Chronic renal failure is a gradual loss of kidney functions and usually occurs over a number of years as the internal structures of the kidney are slowly destroyed. Causative diseases include glomerulonephritis of any type, polycystic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, Alport syndrome, reflux nephropathy, obstructive uropathy, kidney stones and infection, and analgesic nephropathy. Chronic renal failure results in the accumulation of fluid and waste products in the body, causing azotemia and uremia. Therapeutic agents for acute renal failure include loop diuretics and osmotic diuretics, which are used in expectation of recovery of renal functions by increasing the flow in kidney tubules so as to wash away casts formed in the tubules and thereby prevent obstruction of the tubules. Agents for chronic renal failure include imidazole angiotensin-ll (All) receptor antagonists and anipamil. However, depending on the manner of use, these agents present the risk of inviting hearing disorders and the even more severe adverse side effects of heart failure and pulmonary edema. Vascular Dementia Vascular Dementia (VaD) is defined as the loss of cognitive function resulting from ischemic, ischemic-hypoxic, or hemorrhagic brain lesions as a result of cardiovascular diseases and cardiovascular pathologic changes. See, e.g., G. C. Roman, Med. Clin. North. Am.. 86, pp. 477-99 (2002). VaD is a chronic disorder and the symptoms of VaD include cognitive loss, headaches, insomnia and memory loss. VaD may be caused by multiple strokes (MID or poststroke dementia) but also by single strategic strokes, multiple lacunes, and hypoperfusive lesions such as border zone infarcts and ischemic periventricular leukoencephalopathy (Binswanger's disease). See, G. C. Roman, supra. In Asian countries such as China, Japan and Korea, VaD is observed in over 60% of patients with dementia. Primary and secondary prevention of stroke and cardiovascular disease decreases the burden of VaD. Treatment of VaD involves control of risk factors (i.e., hypertension, diabetes, smoking, hyperfibrinogenemia, hyperhomocystinemia, orthostatic hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias). See, G. C. Roman, supra. Researchers have also investigated whether hormone replacement therapy and estrogen replacement therapy could delay the onset of dementia in women. See, E. Hogervorst et al., Cochrane Database Syst. Rev. , 3, CD003799 (2002). Although there has been evidence that aspirin is widely prescribed for VaD, there is very limited evidence that aspirin is effective in treating patients with VaD. See, P.S. Williams et al., Cochrane Database Svst. Rev., 2, CD001296 (2000). Nimodipine has been implicated as a drug demonstrating short-term benefits in VaD patients, but has not been justified as a long-term anti-dementia drug. See, J. . Lopez-Arrieta and J. Birks, Cochrane Database Svst. Rev.. 3, CD0O0147 (2002). Further, clinical efficacy data of piracetam does not support the use of this drug in the treatment of dementia or cognitive impairment. L. Flicker and G. Grimley Evans, Cochrane Database Svst. Rev., 2, CD001011 (2001). Thus, an agent that is effective in treating VaD is highly desired in the market.

Impotence

Impotence is one of the most common forms of male sexual dysfunction. It may be caused by diseases (e.g., diabetes) or certain medications. A variety of Western medicines and Chinese herbal medicines have been used to restore erectile function. However, these medicines are all less than satisfactory. There remains a need for an effective method for treating impotence.

Hepatitis Hepatitis is caused by viruses, bacteria, substance abuse, certain medicines, or serious structural damages to the liver. Most commonly, hepatitis is caused by one of three viruses: hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, or hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis B, also called "serum hepatitis," is caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV spreads through infected body fluids. Most hepatitis B patients recover from their illness completely within six months. However, some patients go on to develop chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. These patients become lifelong carriers of HBV and can spread the virus to other people. Hepatitis is a serious public health problem. It is estimated that there are over 350 million hepatitis B carriers worldwide, representing 5% of the world population. It is also estimated that 10 to 30 million people become infected with the virus every year. At present, the drug commonly used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B is interferon. This treatment, however, does not work for everyone with chronic hepatitis B, and can cause strong side effects, such as flu-like symptoms, rashes, and depression. There remains a need for an effective method to treat hepatitis B. Liver Cirrhosis: Liver cirrhosis, or cirrhosis, is a chronic liver disease in which fibrous tissue and nodules replace normal tissue, interfering with blood flow and normal functions of the organ. Cirrhosis can be caused by, e.g., chronic alcoholism, chronic viral hepatitis (types B, C, and D), cystic fibrosis, severe reactions to prescribed drugs, prolonged exposure to environmental toxins, etc. Cirrhosis causes irreversible liver damage. If untreated, liver and kidney failure and gastrointestinal hemorrhage can occur, sometimes leading to death. In the United States, cirrhosis results in about 25,000 deaths annually. Apart from a vegetable protein-rich diet, abstinence from alcohol and rest, common medication includes vitamin B, vitamin E, vitamin C, etc. But these treatments are less than satisfactory. There remains a need for an effective method for treating liver cirrhosis.

Hyperlipemia Hyperlipemia is a state of higher than normal blood concentration of lipid components, such as cholesterols, neutral fats, phospholipids or free fatty acids that are in the form of water-soluble lipoproteins. Hyperlipemia is caused by abnormal lipoprotein metabolism. A prolonged hyerlipmic status has been linked to diseases of the circulatory system such as arteriosclerosis, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, cerebral infarction, apoplexy, coronary diseases, cerebrovascular disorders, high blood pressure, and obesity. Conventional therapeutic agents for the treatment of hyperlipemia include clofibrate, clinofibrate, phenofibrate, bezafibrate and the like, probucol and nicotinic acid. However, the clofibrate-type drugs are accompanied by adverse side effects such as formation of gallstone, muscular disorders, hepatic dysfunctions and gastrointestinal disorders. Moreover, these drugs must be administered in a large quantity to obtain a certain clinical effect. As a result, severe side effects are frequently observed. There remains a need for an effective agent for treating hyperlipemia.

Nephrotic Syndrome Nephrotic syndrome is a condition caused by a group of diseases that damage the kidney's filtering system, the glomeruli. The two main features of nephrotic syndrome are excess excretion of proteins in the urine (proteinuria) and lower level of protein in the blood (hypoalbuminemia). Other major symptoms include swelling (edema) and high level of cholesterol in the blood (hypercholesterolemia). Nephrotic syndrome may be caused by both kidney diseases and non-kidney diseases, such as diabetes, lupus and hypertension. Primary causes include minimal change disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, membranous glomerulonephritis, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis. Nephrotic syndrome is usually diagnosed by clinical testing and confirmed by renal biopsy. An initial urinalysis is done to measure the amount of protein in the urine by collecting urine for 24 hours. A blood test is commonly done to detect the protein, cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. It is common to have abnormal blood overclots (coagulopathies) due to the urinary loss of certain protein in patients with nephrotic syndrome. A blood test may also be used to detect serum levels of factor VIII, fibrinogen and platelets.

Treatment of nephrotic syndrome is directed at the underlying disease. Some of the diseases that cause nephrotic syndrome can be treated with medication. Some do not require treatment and will get better on their own. However, many of the underlying diseases causing nephrotic syndrome have no treatment. There remains a need for an effective treatment for nephrotic syndrome. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention is based on the discovery that certain yeast cells can be activated by electromagnetic fields having specific frequencies and field strengths to produce substances useful in treating or improving a number of pathological conditions in mammals. Compositions comprising these activated yeast cells can therefore be used as medication, or dietary supplements in the form of health drinks or dietary pills (tablets or powder). Since the activated yeast cells contained in the yeast compositions have been cultured to endure acidic conditions (pH 2.5-4.2), these cells can survive the gastric environment and pass on to the intestines. Once in the intestines, the yeast cells are ruptured by various digestive enzymes, and the anti-LE substances are released and readily absorbed. For lupus erythematosus, this invention provides a composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells that have been cultured in an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 9500-18500 MHz (e.g., 9800-10800, 12500-13500 and 17300-18300 MHz) and a field strength in the range of about 220-550 mV/cm (e.g., 250-270, 290-310, 350-380, 370-400, 380-410, 380-420, 410-450, 440-480, 460-500 and 480-520 mV/cm). The yeast cells are cultured for a period of time sufficient to be activated to produce substances useful in treating LE in a subject. In one embodiment, the frequency and/or the field strength of the alternating electric field can be altered within the aforementioned ranges during said period of time. In other words, the yeast cells are exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. An exemplary period of time is about 10-230 hours. Also included in this invention is a composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells that have been cultured under acidic conditions in an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 16000-18000 MHz (e.g., 17000-18000 MHz) and a field strength in the range of about 350-470 mV/cm (e.g., 370-400 or 410-450 mV/cm). In one embodiment, the yeast cells are exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. An exemplary period of time is about 10-90 hours.

For epilepsy, this invention provides a composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells that have been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 10200 to 13040 MHz and a field strength in the range of about 20 to 600 mV/cm. In one embodiment, the frequency is in the range of about 10200-10270, 12330-12390, or 12970-13040 MHz. In another embodiment, the field strength is in the range of about 200-500 mV/cm. The yeast cells are cultured in the alternating electric field for a period of time sufficient to increase the capability of said plurality of yeast cells to have an anti-seizure effect or treat epilepsy as compared to unactivated yeast cells. In one embodiment, the composition comprising the activated yeast cells reduces the occurrence of epileptic seizures in mammals. Preferably, the mammal is human. In one embodiment, the human has seizure activity. In one embodiment, the frequency and/or the field strength of the alternating electric field can be altered within the aforementioned ranges during said period of time. In other words, the yeast cells can be exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. An exemplary period of time is about 140-210 hours. Also included in this invention is a composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells that have been cultured under acidic conditions in an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 12970 13040 MHz and a field strength in the range of about 260 to 510 mV/cm (e.g., 260 280, 330-360, 350-380, 430-470 or 470-510 mV/cm). In one embodiment, the yeast cells are exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. An exemplary period of time is about 180-210 hours.

For gastritis, this invention provides a composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells that have been cultured in an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 7900-13000 MHz (e.g., 8000-8100 or 12200-12900 MHz), and a field strength in the range of about 200-420 mV/cm (e.g., 225-245, 240-260, 250-270, 270-290, 275-295, 290-310, 295-315, 300-320, 320-340, 340-360, 370-390 mV/cm). The yeast cells are cultured in the alternating electric field for a period of time sufficient to substantially increase the capability of said plurality of yeast cells to produce substances for treating and/or preventing gastritis. In one embodiment, the frequency and/or the field strength of the alternating electric field can be altered within the aforementioned ranges during said period of time. In other words, the yeast cells can be exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. An exemplary period of time is about 40-140 hours (e.g., 60-128 hours). Also included in this invention is a composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells that have been cultured under acidic conditions in an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 12200-12900 MHz (e.g., 12750-12900 MHz) and a field strength in the range of about 260 to 380 mV/cm (e.g., 295-315 or 320-340 mV/cm). In one embodiment, the yeast cells are exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. An exemplary period of time is about 30-100 hours (e.g., 35-62 hours).

For gastroparesis, the present invention provides a composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells that have been cultured in an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 9500 to 13500 MHz (e.g., 9500-10500, 11700-12700 and 12200-13200 MHz) and a field strength in the range of about 200-450 mV/cm (e.g., 235-255, 240-260, 250-270, 255-275, 265-285, 275-295, 280-300, 290-310, 290-320, 330-350 and 360-380 mV/cm). The yeast cells are cultured for a period of time sufficient to activate said plurality of yeast cells to produce substances useful in treating gastroparesis in a subject. In one embodiment, the frequency and/or the field strength of the alternating electric field can be altered within the aforementioned ranges during said period of time. In other words, the yeast cells are exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. An exemplary period of time is about 10-50 hours. Also included in this invention is a composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells that have been cultured under acidic conditions in an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 10010-12800 MHz (e.g., 12600-12780 MHz) and a field strength in the range of about 235 to 380 mV/cm (e.g., 280-330 mV/cm). In one embodiment, the yeast cells are exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. An exemplary period of time is about 10-100 hours.

For renal failure, This invention provides a composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells that have been cultured in an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 9500 to 13000 MHz (e.g., 9750-10500, 12000-12500 and/or 12600-12980 MHz) and a field strength in the range of about 220 to 480 mV/cm (e.g., 250-270, 260-280, 280-305, 290-310, 315-335, 325-345, 350-370, 370-390, 380-400, 380-420, and/or 430-450 mV/cm). The yeast cells are cultured for a period of time sufficient to activate said plurality of yeast cells to treat kidney diseases in a subject. In one embodiment, the frequency and/or the field strength of the alternating electric field can be altered within the aforementioned ranges during said period of time. In other words, the yeast cells are exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. An exemplary period of time is about 130-230 hours (e.g., 169-193 hours). Also included in this invention is a composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells that have been cultured under acidic conditions in an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 12000 to 13000 MHz (e.g., 12500-13000 MHz) and a field strength in the range of about 300 to 420 mV/cm (e.g., 350-370 and/or 370-390 mV/cm). In one embodiment, the yeast cells are exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. An exemplary period of time is about 50-100 hours (e.g., 57-73 hours).

For vascular dementia, this invention provides a composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells that have been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 10280 to 13000 MHz and a field strength in the range of about 200 to 500 mV/cm, as compared to yeast cells not having been so cultured. In one embodiment, the frequency of the culturing is in the range of about 10280 to 10400 MHz, 12320 to12380 MHz or 12950 to 13000 MHz. In one embodiment, the field strength is in the range of about 200 to 400 mV/cm. The yeast cells are cultured in the alternating electric field for a period of time sufficient to increase the capability of said plurality of yeast cells to improve the memory of a mammal with vascular dementia, as compared to unactivated yeast cells. Preferably, the mammal is human. In one embodiment, the vascular dementia was induced by cerebral ischemia. In another embodiment, the vascular dementia was induced by blockage of the middle cerebral artery. In one embodiment, the frequency and/or the field strength of the alternating electric field can be altered within the aforementioned ranges during said period of time. In other words, the yeast cells can be exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. An exemplary period of time is about 80-140 hours. Also included in this invention is a composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells that have been cultured under acidic conditions in an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 12950-13000 MHz and a field strength in the range of about 240 to 460 mV/cm (e.g., 240-260, 320-350, 360-390 or 420-460 mV/cm). In one embodiment, the yeast cells are exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. An exemplary period of time is about 80-190 hours. For sexual disorders such as impotence, this invention provides a composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells that have been cultured in an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 7900-13200 MHz (e.g., 7900-8000 or 12700-13200), and a field intensity in the range of about 240-500 mV/cm (e.g., 260-280, 290-320, 300-320, 310-340, 330-360, 350-380, 360-400, or 420-460 mV/cm). The yeast cells are cultured in the alternating electric field for a period of time sufficient to substantially increase the capability of said plurality of yeast cells to produce substances for treating sexual disorders (e.g., impotence). In one embodiment, the frequency and/or the field strength of the alternating electric field can be altered within the aforementioned ranges during said period of time. In other words, the yeast cells can be exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. An exemplary period of time is about 40-180 hours (e.g., 60-168 hours). Also included in this invention is a composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells that have been cultured under acidic conditions in an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 12700-13200 MHz (e.g., 13000-13200 MHz) and a field strength in the range of about 240 to 420 mV/cm (e.g., 260-280 or 360-390 mV/cm). In one embodiment, the yeast cells are exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. An exemplary period of time is about 30-100 hours (e.g., 35-60 hours).

For hepatitis B, this invention provides a composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells that have been cultured in an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 7900-12400 MHz (e.g., 7900-8100, 9850-10050, or 12200-12400 MHz), and a field intensity in the range of about 240-500 mV/cm (e.g., 260-280, 270-290, 290-320, 300-330, 310-340, 320-350, 330-360, 360-390, 400-440, or 430-470 mV/cm). The yeast cells are cultured in the alternating electric field for a period of time sufficient to substantially increase the capability of said plurality of yeast cells to produce substances beneficial for the liver (e.g., for treating hepatitis B). In one embodiment, the frequency and/or the field strength of the alternating electric field can be altered within the aforementioned ranges during said period of time. In other words, the yeast cells can be exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. An exemplary period of time is about 40-160 hours (e.g., 60-145 hours). Also included in this invention is a composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells that have been cultured under acidic conditions in an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 9850-12400 MHz (e.g., 12200-12400 MHz) and a field strength in the range of about 270 to 420 mV/cm (e.g., 300-330 or 360-390 mV/cm). In one embodiment, the yeast cells are exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. An exemplary period of time is about 40-110 hours (e.g., 58-78 hours). For liver cirrhosis, this invention provides a composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells that have been cultured in an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 7700-12800 MHz (e.g., 7800-8000 or 12150-12750 MHz), and a field intensity in the range of about 240-500 mV/cm (e.g., 260-280, 270-290, 300-330, 310-340, 320-350, 330-370, 340-370, 350-380, 400-440, or 430-470 mV/cm). The yeast cells are cultured in the alternating electric field for a period of time sufficient to substantially increase the capability of said plurality of yeast cells to produce substances beneficial for the liver (e.g., for treating cirrhosis). In one embodiment, the frequency and/or the field strength of the alternating electric field can be altered within the aforementioned ranges during said period of time. In other words, the yeast cells can be exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. An exemplary period of time is about 40-160 hours (e.g., 60-150 hours). Also included in this invention is a composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells that have been cultured under acidic conditions in an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 12150-12750 MHz (e.g., 12550-12750 MHz) and a field strength in the range of about 280 to 420 mV/cm (e.g., 320-380 mV/cm). In one embodiment, the yeast cells are exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. An exemplary period of time is about 30-100 hours (e.g., 40-74 hours).

For hyperlipemia, this invention provides a composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells that have been cultured in an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 7000 to 13000 MHz (e.g., 7500-8000, 10000-10500, and/or 12400-12800 MHz) and a field strength in the range of about 200 to 450 mV/cm (e.g., 220-240, 270-290, 300-330, 310-340, 320-350, 340-370, 350-380, 360-390, 370-400, 390-430, and/or 420-450 mV/cm). The yeast cells are cultured for a period of time sufficient to activate said plurality of yeast cells to treat hyperlipemia in a subject. In one embodiment, the frequency and/or the field strength of the alternating electric field can be altered within the aforementioned ranges during said period of time. In other words, the yeast cells are exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. An exemplary period of time is about 80-150 hours (e.g., 100-130 hours). Also included in this invention is a composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells that have been cultured under acidic conditions in an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 12000 to 13000 MHz (e.g., 12400-12800 MHz) and a field strength in the range of about 200 to 450 mV/cm (e.g., 310-340 and/or 350-380 mV/cm). In one embodiment, the yeast cells are exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. An exemplary period of time is about 40-80 hours (e.g., 50-66 hours).

For nephrotic syndrome, this invention provides a composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells that have been cultured in an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 9500 to 13500 MHz (e.g., 9700-10700 and 11800-12800 MHz) and a field strength in the range of about 250 to 600 mV/cm (e.g., 285-305, 285-315, 320-350, 325-355, 340-370, 360-390, 400-440, 410-450, 430-470, 440-480, 460-500 and 480-520 mV/cm). The yeast cells are cultured for a period of time sufficient to activate said plurality of yeast cells to produce substances useful in treating nephrotic syndrome in a subject. In one embodiment, the frequency and/or the field strength of the alternating electric field can be altered within the aforementioned ranges during said period of time. In other words, the yeast cells are exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. An exemplary period of time is about 20-150 hours (e.g., 40-130 hours). Also included in this invention is a composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells that have been cultured under acidic conditions in an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 12000 to 13000 MHz (e.g., 12500-12700 MHz) and a field strength in the range of about 250 to 450 mV/cm (e.g., 360-390 or 285-315 mV/cm). In one embodiment, the yeast cells are exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. An exemplary period of time is about 20-80 hours (e.g., 30-70 hours).

For all the indications, included in this invention are also methods of making the above compositions.

Yeast cells that can be included in the composition can be derived from parent strains available from the China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center ("CGMCC"), China Committee for Culture Collection of Microorganisms, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian, P.O. Box 2714, Beijing, 100080, China. Useful yeast species include, but are not limited to, those commonly used in food and pharmaceutical industries, such as Saccharomyces sp., Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Saccharomyces sake, Saccharomyces uvarum, Saccharomyces rouxii, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis and Rhodotorula aurantiaca. For instance, the yeast cells can be derived from the strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen IFFI1413, Saccharomyces sp. AS2.311 , Schizosaccharomyces pombe Lindner AS2.214, Saccharomyces sake Yabe ACCC2045, Saccharomyces uvarum Beijer IFFI1207, Saccharomyces rouxii Boutroux AS2.371 , Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen Var. ellipsoideus (Hansen) Dekker AS2.611 , Saccharomyces carlsbergensis Hansen AS2.265, Rhodotorula rubar (Demme) Lodder AS2.103 or Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS2.139. Other useful yeast strains are illustrated in Table 1. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Exemplary methods and materials are described below, although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. All publications and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. Throughout this specification and claims, the word "comprise," or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. A subject includes a human and veterinary subject. Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary apparatus for activating yeast cells using electromagnetic fields. 1 : yeast culture; 2: container; 3: power supply. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary apparatus for making yeast compositions of the invention. The apparatus comprises a signal generator (such as models 83721 B and 83741 A manufactured by HP) and interconnected containers A, B and C. Figs. 3 shows representative EGGs. A represents an electrogastrogram of rabbits before feeding; B represents an electrogastrogram of rabbits in the AY group at 60 minutes after feeding; C represents an electrogastrogram of rabbits in the NY group at 60 minutes after feeding; and D represents an electrogastrogram of rabbits in the CK group at 60 minutes after feeding.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

I. Yeast Strains Useful in the Invention The types of yeasts useful in this invention include, but are not limited to, yeasts of the genera Saccharomyces, Schizosaccharomyces, and Rhodotorula. Exemplary species within the above-listed genera include, but are not limited to, those illustrated in Table 1. Yeast strains useful for this invention can be obtained from laboratory cultures, or from publically accessible culture depositories, such as CGMCC and the American Type Culture Collection, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, VA 20110-2209. Non-limiting examples of useful strains (with accession numbers of CGMCC) are Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen IFFI1413, Saccharomyces sp. AS2.311 , Schizosaccharomyces pombe Lindner AS2.214, Saccharomyces sake Yabe ACCC2045, Saccharomyces uvarum Beijer IFFI1207, Saccharomyces rouxii Boutroux AS2.371 , Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen Var. ellipsoideus (Hansen) Dekker AS2.611 , Saccharomyces carlsbergensis Hansen AS2.265, Rhodotorula rubar (Demme) Lodder AS2.103 or Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS2.139. Non-limiting examples of yeast strains that may also provide satisfactory results are illustrated in Table 1. Although it is preferred, the preparation of the yeast compositions of this invention is not limited to starting with a pure strain of yeast. A yeast composition of the invention may be produced by culturing a mixture of yeast cells of different species or strains. The ability of any activated species or strain of yeasts to treat or improve various pathological conditions can be tested by methods known in the art. Table 1 Exemplary Yeast Strains Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen

ACCC2034 ACCC2035 ACCC2036 ACCC2037 ACCC2038 ACCC2039 ACCC2040 ACCC2041 ACCC2042 AS2. 1 AS2. 4 AS2. 11 AS2. 14 AS2. 16 AS2. 56 AS2. 69 AS2. 70 AS2. 93 AS2. 98 AS2. 101 AS2. 109 AS2. 110 AS2. 112 AS2. 139 AS2. 173 AS2. 174 AS2. 182 AS2. 196 AS2. 242 AS2. 336 AS2. 346 AS2. 369 AS2. 374 AS2. 375 AS2. 379 AS2. 380 AS2. 382 AS2. 390 AS2. 393 AS2. 395 AS2. 396 AS2. 397 AS2. 398 AS2. 399 AS2. 400 AS2. 406 AS2. 408 AS2. 409 AS2. 413 AS2. 414 AS2. 415 AS2. 416 AS2. 422 AS2. 423 AS2. 430 AS2. 431 AS2. 432 AS2. 451 AS2. 452 AS2. 453 AS2. 458 AS2. 460 AS2. 463 AS2. 467 AS2. 486 AS2. 501 AS2. 502 AS2. 503 AS2. 504 AS2. 516 AS2. 535 AS2. 536 AS2. 558 AS2. 560 AS2. 561 AS2. 562 AS2. 576 AS2. 593 AS2. 594 AS2. 614 AS2. 620 AS2. 628 AS2. 631 AS2. 666 AS2. 982 AS2. 1190 AS2. 1364 AS2. 1396 IFFI1001 IFFI1002 IFFI1005 IFFI1006 IFFI1008 IFFI1009 IFFI1010

AS2.349 AS2.1158

Saccharomyces fermentati (Saito) Lodder et van Rij

AS2.286 AS2.343

Saccharomyces logos van laer et Denamur ex Jorgensen

AS2.156 AS2.327 AS2.335

Saccharomyces mellis (Fabian et Quinet) Lodder et kreger van Rij

AS2.195

Saccharomyces mellis Microellipsoides Osterwalder

AS2.699

Saccharomyces oviformis Osteralder

AS2.100

Saccharomyces rosei (Guilliermond) Lodder et Kreger van Rij

AS2.287

Saccharomyces rouxii Boutroux

AS2.178 AS2.180 AS2.370 AS2.371

Saccharomyces sake Yabe

ACCC2045

Candida arbor ea

AS2.566

Candida lambica (Lindner et Genoud) van. Uden et Buckley

AS2.1182 Candida krusei (Castellani) Berkhout

AS2.1045

Candida lipolytica (Harrison) Diddens et Lodder

AS2.1207 AS2.1216 AS2.1220 AS2.1379 AS2.1398 AS2.1399 AS2.1400

Candida parapsilosis (Ashford) Langeron et Talice Var. intermedia Van Rij et Verona

AS2.491

Candida parapsilosis (Ashford) Langeron et Talice

AS2.590

Candida pulcherrima (Lindner) Windisch

AS2.492

Candida rugousa (Anderson) Diddens et Lodder

AS2.511 AS2.1367 AS2.1369 AS2.1372 AS2.1373 AS2.1377 AS2.1378 AS2.1384

Candida tropicalis (Castellani) Berkhout

ACCC2004 ACCC2005 ACCC2006 AS2.164 AS2.402

AS2.564 AS2.565 AS2.567 AS2.568 AS2.617

AS2.637 AS2.1387 AS2.1397

Candida utilis Henneberg Lodder et Kreger Van Rij

AS2.120 AS2.281 AS2.1180

Crebrothecium ashbyii (Guillermond) Routein (Eremothecium ashbyii Guilliermond) AS2.481 AS2.482 AS2.1197

Geotrichum candidum Link

ACCC2016 AS2.361 AS2.498 AS2.616 AS2.1035

AS2.1062 AS2.1080 AS2.1132 AS2.1175 AS2.1183

Hansenula anomala (Hansen)H et P sydow

ACCC2018 AS2.294 AS2.295 AS2.296 AS2.297

AS2.298 AS2.299 AS2.300 AS2.302 AS2.338

AS2.339 AS2.340 AS2.341 AS2.470 AS2.592

AS2.641 AS2.642 AS2.782 AS2.635 AS2.794

Hansenula arabitolgens Fang

AS2.887

Hansenulajadinii (A. et R Sartory Weill et Meyer) Wickerham

ACCC2019

Hansenula saturnus (Klocker) H et P sydow

ACCC2020

Hansenula schneggii (Weber ) Dekker

AS2.304

Hansenula subpelliculosa Bedford

AS2.740 AS2.760 AS2.761 AS2.770 AS2.783 AS2.790 AS2.798 AS2.866

Kloeckera apiculata (Reess emend. Klocker) Janke

ACCC2022 ACCC2023 AS2.197 AS2.496 AS2.714 ACCC2021 AS2.711

Lipomycess starkeyi Lodder et van Rij

AS2.1390 ACCC2024

Pichia farinos a (Lindner) Hansen

ACCC2025 ACCC2026 AS2.86 AS2.87 AS2.705

AS2.803

Pichia memhranaefaciens Hansen

ACCC2027 AS2.89 AS2.661 AS2.1039

Rhodosporidium toruloides Banno

ACCC2028

Rhodotorula glutinis (Fresenius) Harrison

AS2.2029 AS2.280 ACCC2030 AS2.102 AS2.107

AS2.278 AS2.499 AS2.694 AS2.703 AS2.704

AS2.1146

Rhodotorula minuta (Saito) Harrison

AS2.277

Rhodotorula rubar (Demme) Lodder

AS2.21 AS2.22 AS2.103 AS2.105 AS2.108

AS2.140 AS2.166 AS2.167 AS2.272 AS2.279

AS2.282 ACCC2031

Rhodotorula aurantiaca (Saito) Lodder

AS2.102 AS2.107 AS2.278 AS2.499 AS2.694 AS2.703 AS2.1146

Saccharomyces carlsbergensis Hansen

AS2.113 ACCC2032 ACCC2033 AS2.312 AS2.116

AS2.118 AS2.121 AS2.132 AS2.162 AS2.189

AS2.200 AS2.216 AS2.265 AS2.377 AS2.417

AS2.420 AS2.440 AS2.441 AS2.443 AS2.444

AS2.459 AS2.595 AS2.605 AS2.638 AS2.742

AS2.745 AS2.748 AS2.1042

Saccharomyces uvarum Beijer

IFFI1023 IFFI1032 IFFI1036 IFFI1044 IFFI1072 IFFI1205 IFFI1207

Saccharomyces willianus Saccardo

AS2.5 AS2.7 AS2.119 AS2.152 AS2.293

AS2.381 AS2.392 AS2.434 AS2.614 AS2.1189

Saccharomyces sp.

AS2.311

Saccharomycodes ludwigii Hansen

ACCC2044 AS2.243 AS2.508

Saccharomycodes sinenses Yue

AS2.1395 Schizosaccharomyces octosporus Beijerinck

ACCC2046 AS2.1148

Schizosaccharomyces pombe Lindner

ACCC2047 ACCC2048 AS2.214 AS2.248 AS2.249

AS2.255 AS2.257 AS2.259 AS2.260 AS2.274 AS2.994 AS2.1043 AS2.1149 AS2.1178 IFFI1056

Sporobolomyces roseus Kluyver et van Niel

ACCC2049 ACCC2050 AS2.19 AS2.962 AS2.1036 ACCC2051 AS2.261 AS2.262

Torulopsis Candida (Saito) Lodder

AS2.270 ACCC2052

Torulopsis famta (Harrison) Lodder et van Rij

ACCC2053 AS2.685

Torulopsis globosa (Olson et Hammer) Lodder et van Rij

ACCC2054 AS2.202

Torulopsis inconspicua Lodder et Kreger van Rij

AS2.75

Trichosporon hehrendii Lodder et Kreger van Rij

ACCC2056 AS2.1193

Trichosporon capitatum Diddens et Lodder

ACCC2056 AS2.1385

Trichosporon cutaneum (de Beurm et al.) Ota

II. Application of Electromagnetic Fields An electromagnetic field useful in this invention can be generated and applied by various means well known in the art. For instance, the EMF can be generated by applying an alternating electric field or an oscillating magnetic field. Alternating electric fields can be applied to cell cultures through electrodes in direct contact with the culture medium, or through electromagnetic induction. See, e.g., Fig. 1. Relatively high electric fields in the medium can be generated using a method in which the electrodes are in contact with the medium. Care must be taken to prevent electrolysis at the electrodes from introducing undesired ions into the culture and to prevent contact resistance, bubbles, or other features of electrolysis from dropping the field level below that intended. Electrodes should be matched to their environment, for example, using Ag-AgCI electrodes in solutions rich in chloride ions, and run at as low a voltage as possible. For general review, see Goodman et al., Effects of EMF on Molecules and Cells, International Review of Cytology, A Survey of Cell Biology, Vol. 158, Academic Press, 1995. The EMFs useful in this invention can also be generated by applying an oscillating magnetic field. An oscillating magnetic field can be generated by oscillating electric currents going through Helmholtz coils. Such a magnetic field in turn induces an electric field. For lupus erythematosus, the frequencies of EMFs useful in this invention range from about 9500-18500 MHz (e.g., 9800-10800, 12500-13500 and 17300-18300 MHz). Exemplary frequencies are 10345, 10369, 13053, 17826 and 17838 MHz. The field strength of the electric field useful in this invention ranges from about 220-550 mV/cm (e.g., 250-270, 290-310, 350-380, 370-400, 380-410, 380-420, 410-450, 440-480, 460-500 and 480-520 mV/cm). Exemplary field strengths are 259, 294, 363, 364, 374, 382, 387, 396, 406, 424, 453, 472 and 507 mV/cm.

For epilepsy, the frequencies of EMFs useful in this invention range from about 10200 to 13040 (e.g., 10200 to 10270, 12330 to 12390 and 12970 to 13040 MHz). Exemplary frequencies include 10231 , 10237, 12361 , 12997 and 13008 MHz. The field strength of the electric field useful in this invention ranges from about 20 to 600 mV/cm (e.g., 240-300, 310-340, 350-380, 380-430, 430-470 and 470-510 mV/cm). Exemplary field strengths include 246, 272, 288, 322, 343, 346, 364, 393, 446 and 483 mV/cm.

For gastritis, the frequencies of EMFs useful in this invention range from about 7900 MHz to 13000 MHz (e.g., 8000-8100, 12200-12350, 12750-12900 or 12200-12900 MHz). Exemplary frequencies include 8050, 8071, 12272, 12805, and 12835 MHz. The field strength of the electric field useful in this invention ranges from about 200-420 mV/cm (e.g., 225-245, 240-260, 250-270, 270-290, 275-295, 290-310, 295-315, 300-320, 320-340, 340-360, or 370-390 mV/cm). Exemplary field strengths include 240, 255, 266, 267, 283, 288, 292, 304, 310, 312, 325, and 356, and 374 mV/cm.

For gastroparesis, the frequencies of EMFs useful in this invention range from about 9500 to 13500 MHz (e.g., 9500-10500, 11700-12700 and 12200-13200 MHz). Exemplary frequencies are 10012, 10038, 12177, 12712 and 12733 MHz. The field strength of the electric field useful in this invention rarfges from about 200-450 mV/cm (e.g., 235-255, 240-260, 250-270, 255-275, 265-285, 275-295, 280-300, 290-310, 290-320, 330-350 and 360-380 mV/cm). Exemplary field strengths are 253, 255, 260, 277, 279, 280, 290, 293, 294, 314, 343 and 364 mV/cm.

For renal failure, the frequencies of EMFs useful in this invention range from about 9500-13000 MHz (e.g., 9750-10500, 12000-12500 and/or 12600-12980 MHz). Exemplary frequencies are 10102, 10114, 12237, 12877, and 12895 MHz. The field strength of the electric field useful in this invention ranges from about 220 to 480 mV/cm (e.g., 250-270, 260-280, 280-305, 290-310, 315-335, 325-345, 350-370, 370-390, 380-400, 380-420, and/or 430-450 mV/cm). Exemplary field strengths are 250, 278, 280, 307, 321, 334, 352, 353, 372, 377, 385, 406, and 438 mV/cm.

For vascular dementia, the frequencies of EMFs useful in this invention range from about 10280 to 13000 MHz (e.g., 10280 to 10400, 12320 to 12380 and 12950 to 13000 MHz). Exemplary frequencies include 10300, 10312, 12348, 12963 and 12987 MHz. The field strength of the electric field useful in this invention ranges from about 200 to 500 mV/cm (e.g., 240-260, 270-290 and 330-480 mV/cm). Exemplary field strengths include 256, 282, 332, 337, 343, 356, 367, 372, 382, 416, 435 and 461 mV/cm.

For treating sexual disorders such as impotence, the frequencies of EMFs useful in this invention range from about 7900 MHz to 13200 MHz (e.g., 7900-8000 or 12700-13200). Exemplary frequencies include 7963, 7975, 12744, 13092, and 13123 MHz. The field strength of the electric field useful in this invention ranges from about 240-500 mV/cm (e.g., 260-280, 290-320, 300-320, 310-340, 330-360, 350-380, 360-390, or 420-460 mV/cm). Exemplary field strengths include 266, 272, 307, 318, 322, 343, 348, 367, 375, 397, and 438 mV/cm.

For hepatitis B, the frequencies of EMFs useful in this invention range from about 7900 MHz to 12400 MHz (e.g., 7900-8100, 9850-10050, or 12200-12400 MHz). Exemplary frequencies include 7986, 8009, 9949, 12293, and 12312 MHz. The field strength of the electric field useful in this invention ranges from about 240-500 mV/cm (e.g., 260-280, 270-290, 290-320, 300-330, 310-340, 320-350, 330-360, 360-390, 400-440, or 430-470 mV/cm). Exemplary field strengths include 267, 272, 285, 298, 315, 317, 327, 337, 347, 375, 416, and 446 mV/cm.

For liver cirrhosis, the frequencies of EMFs useful in this invention range from about 7700-12800 MHz (e.g., 7800-8000 or 12150-12750 MHz). Exemplary frequencies include 7886, 7907, 12224, 12646, and 12662 MHz. The field strength of the electric field useful in this invention ranges from about 240-500 mV/cm (e.g., 260-280, 270-290, 300-330, 310-340, 320-350, 330-370, 340-370, 350-380, 400-440, or 430-470 mV/cm). Exemplary field strengths include 274, 278, 311, 324, 337, 347, 355, 364, 368, 413, and 442 mV/cm.

For hyperlipemia, the frequencies of EMFs useful in this invention range from about 7000-13000 MHz (e.g., 7500-8000, 10000-10500, and/or 12400-12800 MHz). Exemplary frequencies are 7858, 7873, 10072, 12623, and 12642 MHz. The field strength of the electric field useful in this invention ranges from about 200 to 450 mV/cm (e.g., 220-240, 270-290, 300-330, 310-340, 320-350, 340-370, 350-380, 360-390, 370-400, 390-430, and/or 420-450 mV/cm). Exemplary field strengths are 228, 276, 284, 305, 317, 320, 332, 346, 363, 374, 384, and 407 mV/cm.

For nephrotic syndrome, the frequencies of EMFs useful in this invention range from about 9500 to 13500 MHz (e.g., 9700-10700 and 11800-12800 MHz). Exemplary frequencies are 10156, 10185, 12107, 12687 and 12698 MHz. The field strength of the electric field useful in this invention ranges from about 250 to 600 mV/cm (e.g., 285-305, 285-315, 320-350, 325-355, 340-370, 360-390, 400-440, 410-450, 430-470, 440-480, 460-500 and 480-520 mV/cm). Exemplary field strengths are 296, 332, 353, 364, 373, 416, 435, 443, 456, 487 and 507 mV/cm.

When a series of EMFs are applied to a yeast culture, the yeast culture can remain in the same container while the same set of EMF generator and emitters is used to change the frequency and/or field strength. The EMFs in the series can each have a different frequency or a different field strength; or a different frequency and a different field strength. Such frequencies and field strengths are preferably within the above-described ranges. Although any practical number of EMFs can be used in a series, it may be preferred that the yeast culture be exposed to a total of, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or more EMFs in a series. In one embodiment (for lupus erythematosus), the yeast culture is exposed to a series of EMFs, wherein the frequency of the electric field is alternated in the range of 9800-10800, 12500-13500 and 17300-18300 MHz. In another embodiment (for epilepsy), the yeast culture is exposed to a series of EMFs, wherein the frequency of the electric field is alternated in the range of about 10200 to 10270, 12330 to 12390 and 12970 to 13040 MHz. In another embodiment (for gastritis), the yeast culture is exposed to a series of EMFs, wherein the frequency of the electric field is alternated in the range of about 8000-8100, 12200-12350, and 12750-12900 MHz. In another embodiment (for gastroparesis), the yeast culture is exposed to a series of EMFs, wherein the frequency of the electric field is alternated in the range of 9500-10500, 11700-12700 and 12200-13200 MHz.. In another embodiment (for renal failure), the yeast culture is exposed to a series of EMFs, wherein the frequency of the electric field is alternated in the range of about 9750-10500, 12000-12500 and 12600-12980 MHz. In another embodiment, the yeast culture is exposed to a series of EMFs, wherein the frequency of the electric field is alternated in the range of about 10280 to 10400, 12320 to 12380 and 12950 to 13000 MHz (for vascular dementia). In another embodiment (for treating impotence), the yeast culture is exposed to a series of EMFs, wherein the frequency of the electric field is alternated in the range of about 7900-8000, 12700-12800, and 13050-13200 MHz. In another embodiment (for hepatitis B), the yeast culture is exposed to a series of EMFs, wherein the frequency of the electric field is alternated in the range of about 7900-8100, 9850-10050, and 12200-12400 MHz. In another embodiment (for liver cirrhosis), the yeast culture is exposed to a series of EMFs, wherein the frequency of the electric field is alternated in the range of about 7800-8000, 12150-12300, and 12550-12800 MHz. In another embodiment (for hyperlipemia), the yeast culture is exposed to a series of EMFs, wherein the frequency of the electric field is alternated in the range of about 7500-8000, 10000-10500, and 12400-12800 MHz. In another embodiment (for nephrotic syndrome), the yeast culture is exposed to a series of EMFs, wherein the frequency of the electric field is alternated in the range of 9700-10700 and 11800-12800 MHz. Although the yeast cells can be activated after even a few hours of culturing in the presence of an EMF, for lupus erythematosus, it may be preferred that the activated yeast cells be allowed to multiply and grow in the presence of the EMF(s) for a total of about 120-364 hours. For epilepsy, it may be preferred that the compositions comprising activated yeast cells be allowed to multiply and grow in the presence of the EMF(s) for a total of about 140-210 hours. In the presence of 13 EMFs, the compositions can be grown for about 50-380, 80-380, 100-350, or 250-350 hours. In the presence of 1 EMF, the compositions can be grown for about 5-60, 10-50, 80-180 or 100-150 hours. For gastritis, it may be preferred that the activated yeast cells be allowed to multiply and grow in the presence of the EMF(s) for a total of 60-128 hours. For gastroparesis, it may be preferred that the activated yeast cells be allowed to multiply and grow in the presence of the EMF(s) for a total of 10-50 hours. For renal failure, it may be preferred that the activated yeast cells be allowed to multiply and grow in the presence of the EMF(s) for a total of 30-200 hours (e.g., 35-100 hours). For vascular dementia, it may be preferred that the compositions comprising activated yeast cells be allowed to multiply and grow in the presence of the EMF(s) for a total of 80-140, 90-136 and 80-190 hours. For impotence, it may be preferred that the activated yeast cells be allowed to multiply and grow in the presence of the EMF(s) for a total of 40- 80 hours. For hepatitis B, it may be preferred that the activated yeast cells be allowed to multiply and grow in the presence of the EMF(s) for a total of 40-160 hours. For liver cirrhosis, it may be preferred that the activated yeast cells be allowed to multiply and grow in the presence of the EMF(s) for a total of 40-160 hours. For hyperlipemia, it may be preferred that the activated yeast cells be allowed to multiply and grow in the presence of the EMF(s) for a total of 80-150 hours (e.g., 100-130 hours). For nephrotic syndrome, it may be preferred that the activated yeast cells be allowed to multiply and grow in the presence of the EMF(s) for a total of 20-150 hours (e.g., 40-120 hours). Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary apparatus for generating alternating electric fields. An electric field of a desired frequency and intensity is generated by an AC source (3) capable of generating an alternating electric field, preferably in a sinusoidal wave form, in the frequency range of 5 to 20,000 MHz. Signal generators capable of generating signals with a narrower frequency range can also be used. If desirable, a signal amplifier can also be used to increase the output. The activation container (2) can be made from non-conductive material, e.g., plastics, glass or ceramic. The wire or cable connecting the activation container (2) and the signal generator (3) is preferably a high frequency coaxial cable with a transmission frequency of at least 30 GHz. The alternating electric field can be applied to the culture by a variety of means, including placing the yeast culture (1) in close proximity to the signal emitters such as a metal wire or tube capable of transmitting EMFs. The metal wire or tube can be made of red copper, and be placed inside the container (2), reaching as deep as 3-30 cm. For example, if the fluid in the container (2) has a depth of 15-20 cm, 20-30 cm, 30-50 cm, 50-70 cm, 70-100 cm, 100-150 cm or 150-200 cm, the metal wire can be 3-5 cm, 5-7 cm, 7-10 cm, 10-15 cm, 15-20 cm, 20-30 cm and 25-30 cm from the bottom of the container (2), respectively. The number of electrode wires used depends on the volume of the culture as well as the diameter of the wires. The number of metal wires/tubes used can be from 1 to 10 (e.g., 2 to 3). It is recommended, though not mandated, that for a culture having a volume up to 10 L, metal wires/tubes having a diameter of 0.5 to 2.0 mm be used. For a culture having a volume between 10 L and 100 L, metal wires/tubes having a diameter of 3.0 to 5.0 mm can be used. For a culture having a volume in the range of 100-1000 L, metal wires/tubes having a diameter of 6.0 to 15.0 mm can be used. For a culture having a volume greater than 1000 L, metal wires/tubes having a diameter of 20.0 to 25.0 mm can be used. In one embodiment, the electric field is applied by electrodes submerged in the culture (1). In this embodiment, one of the electrodes can be a metal plate placed on the bottom of the container (2), and the other electrode can comprise a plurality of electrode wires evenly distributed in the culture (1) so as to achieve even distribution of the electric field energy. The number of electrode wires used depends on the volume of the culture as well as the diameter of the wires.

III. Culture Media Culture media useful in this invention contain sources of nutrients assimilable by yeast cells. Complex carbon-containing substances in a suitable form, such as carbohydrates (e.g., sucrose, glucose, fructose, dextrose, maltose, xylose, cellulose, starches, etc.), can be the carbon sources for yeast cells. The exact quantity of the carbon sources utilized in the medium can be adjusted in accordance with the other ingredients of the medium. For lupus erythematosus, in general, the amount of carbohydrates varies between about 0.1% and 10% by weight of the medium and preferably between about 0.1% and 5% (e.g., about 2%). These carbon sources can be used individually or in combination. Amino acid-containing substances in suitable form (e.g., beef extract and peptone) can also be added individually or in combination. In general, the amount of amino acid containing substances varies between about 0.1% and 0.5% by weight of the medium and preferably between about 0.1% and 0.3% (e.g., about 0.25%). For epilepsy, in general, the amount of carbon-containing substances varies between about 0.5% and 10% by weight of the medium, and preferably between about 1% and 5%, most preferably between about 1.0-2.0%. Vitamins can also be added to the medium, for example, Vitamin E, D3, H and B6. For gastritis, in general, the amount of carbohydrates varies between about 1% and 10% by weight of the medium and preferably between about 1 % and 5%, and most preferably about 2%. These carbon sources can be used individually or in combination. Amino acid-containing substances such as beef extract and peptone can also be added. In general, the amount of amino acid containing substances varies between about 0.1% and 1% by weight of the medium and preferably between about 0.1% and 0.5%. For gastroparesis, in general, the amount of carbohydrates varies between about 0.1% and 10% by weight of the medium and preferably between about 0.1% and 5% (e.g., about 2%). These carbon sources can be used individually or in combination. Amino acid-containing substances in suitable form (e.g., beef extract and peptone) can also be added individually or in combination. In general, the amount of amino acid containing substances varies between about 0.1% and 0.5% by weight of the medium and preferably between about 0.1% and 0.3% (e.g., about 0.25%). For renal failure, In general, the amount of carbohydrates varies between about 0.1% and 10% by weight of the medium and preferably between about 0.1% and 5% (e.g., about 2%). These carbon sources can be used individually or in combination. Amino acid-containing substances in suitable form (e.g., beef extract and peptone) can also be added individually or in combination. In general, the amount of amino acid containing substances varies between about 0.1% and 0.5% by weight of the medium and preferably between about 0.1% and 0.3% (e.g., about 0.25%).. For vascular dementia, in general, the amount of carbon-containing substances varies between about 0.5% and 10% by weight of the medium, and preferably between about 1% and 5%, and most preferably between about 1.0-2.5%. These carbon sources can be used individually or in combination. Vitamins can also be added to the medium, for example, Vitamin D, Vitamin B ₂, Vitamin E or Vitamin B₆. For treating sexual disorders, such as impotence, in general, the amount of carbohydrates varies between about 1% and 10% by weight of the medium and preferably between about 1 % and 5%, and most preferably about 2%. These carbon sources can be used individually or in combination. Amino acid-containing substances such as beef extract and peptone can also be added. In general, the amount of amino acid containing substances varies between about 0.1% and 1% by weight of the medium and preferably between about 0.1% and 0.5%. For hepatitis B, in general, the amount of carbohydrates varies between about 1% and 10% by weight of the medium and preferably between about 1 % and 5%, and most preferably about 2%. These carbon sources can be used individually or in combination. Amino acid-containing substances such as beef extract and peptone can also be added. In general, the amount of amino acid containing substances varies between about 0.1% and 1% by weight of the medium and preferably between about 0.1% and 0.5%. For liver cirrhosis, in general, the amount of carbohydrate varies between about 1% and 10% by weight of the medium and preferably between about 1 % and 5%, and most preferably about 2%. These carbon sources can be used individually or in combination. Amino acid-containing substances such as beef extract and peptone can also be added. In general, the amount of amino acid containing substances varies between about 0.1% and 1% by weight of the medium and preferably between about 0.1% and 0.5%. For hyperlipemia, in general, the amount of carbohydrates varies between about 0.1% and 10% by weight of the medium and preferably between about 0.1% and 5% (e.g., about 2%). These carbon sources can be used individually or in combination. Amino acid-containing substances in suitable form (e.g., beef extract and peptone) can also be added individually or in combination. In general, the amount of amino acid containing substances varies between about 0.1% and 0.5% by weight of the medium and preferably between about 0.1% and 0.3% (e.g., about 0.25%). For nephrotic syndrome, in general, the amount of carbohydrates varies between about 0.1% and 10% by weight of the medium and preferably between about 0.1% and 5% (e.g., about 2%). These carbon sources can be used individually or in combination. Amino acid-containing substances in suitable form (e.g., beef extract and peptone) can also be added individually or in combination. In general, the amount of amino acid containing substances varies between about 0.1% and 0.5% by weight of the medium and preferably between about 0.1% and 0.3% (e.g., about 0.25%). Among the inorganic salts which can be added to the culture medium are the customary salts capable of yielding sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate, sulfate, carbonate, and like ions. Non-limiting examples of nutrient inorganic salts are (NH4 ₂HPO4, KH₂PO₄, K2HPO4, CaCO₃, MgSO₄, NaCl, and CaSO₄. IV. Electromagnetic Activation of Yeast Cells

For Lupus Erythematos To activate or enhance the ability of yeast cells to produce substances beneficial for the treatment of LE, these cells can be activated by being cultured in an appropriate medium under sterile conditions at 20-38°C, preferably at 28-32°C (e.g., 30°C) for a sufficient amount of time, e.g., 120-364 hours, in an alternating electric field or a series of alternating electric fields as described above. An exemplary culture medium is made by mixing 900 ml of distilled water with 18 g of mannitol, 50 μg of vitamin D, 50 μg of vitamin Bι₂, 50 μg of vitamin B₃, 100 μg of vitamin H, 100 ml fetal bovine serum, 0.20 g of KH₂PO₄, 0.25 g of MgSO₄-7H₂O, 0.3 g of NaCl, 0.2 g of CaSO₄-2H₂O, 4.0 g of CaCO₃-5H₂O, and 2.5 g of peptone. An exemplary set-up of the culturing process is depicted in Fig. 1. Untreated yeast cells are added to a culture medium at 1x10⁸ cells per 1000 ml of the culture medium. The yeast cells may be Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen IFFI1413, or may be selected from any of the strains listed in Table 1. An exemplary activation process of the yeast cells involves the following sequence: the yeast cells are grown in the culture medium for 23-33 hours (e.g., 28 hours) at 28-32°C and then exposed to (1) an alternating electric field having a frequency of 10345 MHz and a field strength in the range of 290-310 mV/cm (e.g., 294 mV/cm) for 11-21 hours (e.g., 16 hours); (2) then to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 10369 MHz and a field strength in the range of 350-380 mV/cm (e.g., 363 mV/cm) for 37-47 hours (e.g., 42 hours); (3) then to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 13053 MHz and a field strength in the range of 370-400 mV/cm (e.g., 387 mV/cm) for 43-53 hours (e.g., 48 hours); (4) then to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 17826 MHz and a field strength in the range of 380-420 mV/cm (e.g., 406 mV/cm) for 37-47 hours (e.g., 42 hours); and (5) finally to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 17838 MHz and a field strength in the range of 250-270 mV/cm (e.g., 259 mV/cm) for 11-21 hours (e.g., 16 hours). The activated yeast cells are then recovered from the culture medium by various methods known in the art, dried (e.g., by lyophilization) and stored at about 4°C in powder form. The resultant yeast powder preferably contains no less than 10¹⁰ cells/g activated yeast.

For Epilepsy To activate or enhance the innate ability of yeast cells to produce agents that are useful in regulating the central nervous system, these cells can be cultured in an appropriate medium under sterile conditions at 20-35°C (e.g., 28- 32 °C) for a sufficient amount of time, e.g. 5-60, 10-50, 80-180, 100-150, 140-210, 50-380, 80-380, 100-350, or 250-350 hours in an alternating electric field or a series of alternating electric fields as described above. An exemplary set-up of the culture process is depicted in Fig. 1 (see above). An exemplary culture medium contains the following in per 1000 ml of sterile water: 6.0 g of sucrose, 12 g of mannitol, 60 μg of Vitamin E, 50 μg of Vitamin D3, 60 μg Vitamin H, 90 μg of Vitamin B6, 50 ml bovine serum, 0.2 g of KH2PO4, 0.25 g of MgSO4^»7H2O, 0.3 g of NaCl, 0.2 g of CaSO4-2H2O, 4.0 g of CaCO3^«5H2O and 2.5 g of peptone. All vitamins are sterilized before added to the solution. Yeast cells of the desired strains are then added to the culture medium to form a mixture containing 1x10 8 yeast cells per 1000 ml of culture medium. The yeast cells can be of any of the strains illustrated in Table 1. In one embodiment, the yeast cells are of the strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen IFFI1335. The mixture is then added to the apparatus of Fig. 1. The activation process of the yeast cells involves the following steps: 1) maintaining the temperature of the activation apparatus at 20-35 °C (e.g., 28-32 °C), and culturing the yeast cells for 28 hours; 2) applying an electric field having a frequency of about 10231 MHz and a field strength of 240-260 mV/cm (e.g., about 246 mV/cm) for 16 hours; 3) then applying an electric field having a frequency of about 10237 MHz and a field strength of 310-340 mV/cm (e.g., about 322 mV/cm) for 42 hours; 4) then applying an electric field having a frequency of about 12361 MHz and a field strength of 350-380 mV/cm (about 364 mV/cm) for 38 hours; 5) then applying an electric field having a frequency of about 12997 MHz and a field strength of 380-420 mV/cm (e.g., about 393 mV/cm) for 38 hours; 6) then applying an electric field having a frequency of about 13008 MHz and a field strength of 280-300 mV/cm (e.g., about 288 mV/cm) for 16 hours; and 7) finally lyophilizing the activated yeast cells to form a powder and storing the powder at 4 °C. Preferably, the concentration of the lyophilized yeast cells is more than 10¹⁰ cells/g.

For Gastritis To activate or enhance the ability of yeast cells to produce agents useful for treating gastritis, these cells can be cultured in an appropriate medium under sterile conditions at 20-35°C (e.g., 28-32°C) for a sufficient amount of time (e.g., 60-128 hours) in an alternating electric field or a series of alternating electric fields as described above. An exemplary set-up of the culture process is depicted in Fig. 1 (see above). An exemplary culture medium contains the following per 1000 ml of sterile water: 18 g of mannitol, 20 mg of Vitamin B3, 40 mg of Vitamin B₆, 10 mg of Vitamin C, 35 ml of fetal bovine serum, 0.2 g of KH₂PO₄, 0.25 g of MgSO₄'7H₂O, 0.3 g of NaCl, 0.2 g of CaSO₄'2H₂O, 4 g of CaCO₃'5H₂O, and 2.5 g of peptone. Yeast cells of the desired strain(s) are then added to the culture medium to form a mixture containing 1X10⁸ cells per 1000 ml of culture medium. The yeast cells can be of any of the strains listed in Table 1. The mixture is then added to the apparatus shown in Fig. 1. The activation process of the yeast cells involves the following steps: (1) maintaining the temperature of the activation apparatus at 24-33°C (e.g., 28-32°C), and culturing the yeast cells for 24-30 hours (e.g., 28 hours); (2) applying an alternating electric field having a frequency of 8050 MHz and a field strength of 240-260 mV/cm (e.g., 255 mV/cm) for 12-18 hours (e.g., 16 hours); (3) then applying an alternating electric field having a frequency of 8071MHz and a field strength of 250-270 mV/cm (e.g., 267 mV/cm) for 30-36 hours (e.g., 34 hours); (4) then applying an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12272 MHz and a field strength of 275-295 mV/cm (e.g., 283 mV/cm) for 32-38 hours (e.g., 36 hours); (5) then applying an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12805 MHz and a field strength of 300-320 mV/cm (e.g., 304 mV/cm) for 20-26 hours (e.g., 24 hours); and (6) then applying an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12835 MHz and a field strength of 270-290 mV/cm (e.g., 288 mV/cm) for 15-20 hours (e.g., 18 hours). The activated yeast cells are then recovered from the culture medium by various methods known in the art, dried (e.g., by lyophilization) and stored at 4°C. Preferably, the concentration of the dried yeast cells is no less than 10¹⁰ cells/g.

For Gastroparesis To activate or enhance the ability of yeast cells to produce substances beneficial for the treatment of gastroparesis (e.g., stimulating stomach contraction), these cells can be activated by being cultured in an appropriate medium under sterile conditions at 20°C-38°C, preferably at 28-32°C (e.g., 30°C) for a sufficient amount of time, e.g., 10-50 hours, in an alternating electric field or a series of alternating electric fields as described above. An exemplary culture medium is made by mixing 1000 ml of distilled water with 18 g of mannitol, 20 μg of vitamin B₁₂, 40 μg of vitamin B₆, 10 μg of vitamin D, 35 ml of fetal bovine serum, 0.20 g of KH PO₄, 0.25 g of MgSO₄-7H₂O, 0.3 g of NaCl, 0.2 g of CaSO₄-2H₂O, 4.0 g of CaCO₃-5H₂O, and 2.5 g of peptone. An exemplary set-up of the culturing process is depicted in Fig. 1. Untreated yeast cells are added to a culture medium at 1x10⁸ cells per 1000 ml of the culture medium. The yeast cells may be Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS2.559, or may be selected from any of the strains listed in Table 1. An exemplary activation process of the yeast cells involves the following sequence: the yeast cells are grown in the culture medium for 23-43 hours (e.g., 28 hours) at 28-32°C and then exposed to (1) an alternating electric field having a frequency of 10012 MHz and a field strength in the range of 240-260 mV/cm (e.g., 255 mV/cm) for 7-17 hours (e.g., 12 hours); (2) then to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 10038 MHz and a field strength in the range of 235-255 mV/cm (e.g., 253 mV/cm) for 31-41 hours (e.g., 36 hours); (3) then to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12177 MHz and a field strength in the range of 265-285 mV/cm (e.g., 277 mV/cm) for 36-46 hours (e.g., 41 hours); (4) then to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12712 MHz and a field strength in the range of 290-310 mV/cm (e.g., 294 mV/cm) for 20-30 hours (e.g., 25 hours); and (5) finally to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12733 MHz and a field strength in the range of 255-275 mV/cm (e.g., 260 mV/cm) for 10-20 hours (e.g., 15 hours). The activated yeast cells are then recovered from the culture medium by various methods known in the art, dried (e.g., by lyophilization) and stored at about 4°C in powder form. The resultant yeast powder preferably contains no less than 10¹⁰ cells/g activated yeast.

For Renal Failure To activate or enhance the ability of yeast cells to produce substances beneficial for renal functions (e.g., increasing urine secretion and/or lowering of blood urea nitrogen, proteinuria and/or serum creatinine levels), yeast cells of this invention can be activated by being cultured in an appropriate medium under sterile conditions at 20°C-38°C, preferably at 28-32°C (e.g., 30°C) for a sufficient amount of time, e.g., 130-230 hours (e.g., 169-193 hours), in an alternating electric field or a series of alternating electric fields as described above. An exemplary culture medium is made by mixing 1000 ml of distilled water with 18 g of mannitol, 40 μg of vitamin B₃, 30 μg of vitamin B-|₂, 10 μg of vitamin H, 35 ml of fetal bovine serum, 0.20 g of KH₂PO₄, 0.25 g of MgSO₄-7H₂O, 0.3 g of NaCl, 0.2 g of CaSO₄-2H₂O, 4.0 g of CaCO₃-5H₂O, and 2.5 g of peptone. An exemplary set-up of the culturing process is depicted in Fig. 1. Untreated yeast cells are added to a culture medium at 1x10⁸ cells per 1000 ml of the culture medium. The yeast cells may be Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS2.504 or AS2.16, or may be selected from any of the strains listed in Table 1. An exemplary activation process of the yeast cells involves the following sequence: the yeast cells are grown in the culture medium for 26-30 hours (e.g., 28 hours) at 28-32°C and then exposed to (1) an alternating electric field having a frequency of 10102 MHz and a field strength in the range of 260-280 mV/cm (e.g., 278 mV/cm) for 14-18 hours (e.g., 16 hours); (2) then to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 10114 MHz and a field strength in the range of 290-310 mV/cm (e.g., 307 mV/cm) for 34-38 hours (e.g., 36 hours); (3) then to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12237 MHz and a field strength in the range of 325-345 mV/cm (e.g., 334 mV/cm) for 42-46 hours (e.g., 44 hours); (4) then to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12877 MHz and a field strength in the range of 350-370 mV/cm (e.g., 353 mV/cm) for 37-41 hours (e.g., 39 hours); and (5) finally to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12895 MHz and a field strength in the range of 280-305 mV/cm (e.g., 280 mV/cm) for 16-20 hours (e.g., 18 hours). The activated yeast cells are then recovered from the culture medium by various methods known in the art, dried (e.g., by lyophilization) and stored at about 4°C in powder form. The resultant yeast powder preferably contains more than 10¹⁰ cells/g.

For Vascular Dementia To activate or enhance the innate ability of yeast cells to improve memory, these cells can be cultured in an appropriate medium under sterile conditions at 20°C-35°C (e.g., 28-32°C) for a sufficient amount of time, e.g., 80-140, 90-136, 80-190 hours, in an alternating electric field or a series of alternating electric fields as described above. An exemplary set-up of the culture process is depicted in Fig. 1 (see above). An exemplary culture medium contains the following in per 1000 ml of sterile water: 6 g of sucrose, 12 g of mannitol, 70 μg of Vitamin D, 50 μg of Vitamin B-|₂, 40 μg of Vitamin E, 90 μg of Vitamin B₆, 50 ml of bovine serum, 0.20 g of KH₂PO₄, 0.25g of MgSO₄-7H₂O, 0.3 g of NaCl, 0.2 g of CaS0₄-2H₂O, 4.0 g of CaCO₃-5H₂O, 2.5 g of peptone. Yeast cells of the desired strains are then added to the culture medium to form a mixture containing 1x10⁸ yeast cells per 1000 ml of culture medium. The yeast cells can be of any of the strains listed in Table 1. In one embodiment, the strain is Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen IFFI1340. The mixture is then added to the apparatus of Fig. 1. The activation process of the yeast cells involves the following steps: 1) maintaining the temperature of the activation apparatus at 20-35^QC, (e.g., 28-32°C), culturing the yeast cells for 28 hours; 2) applying an electric field having a frequency of about 10300 MHz and a field strength of 240-260 mV/cm (e.g., about 256 mV/cm) for 16 hours; 3) then applying an electric field having a frequency of about 10312 MHz and a field strength of 330-360 mV/cm (e.g., about 343 mV/cm) for 36 hours; 4) then applying an electric field having a frequency of about 12348 MHz and a field strength of 350-380 mV/cm (e.g., about 367 mV/cm) for 32 hours; 5) then applying an electric field having a frequency of about 12963 MHz and a field strength of 370-400 mV/cm (e.g., about 382 mV/cm) for 36 hours; 6) then applying an electric field having a frequency of about 12987 MHz and a field strength of 330-360 mV/cm (e.g., about 337 mV/cm) for 16 hours; and 7) finally lyophilizing the compositions comprising activated yeast cells to form a powder and storing the powder at 4°C. Preferably, the concentration of the lyophilized yeast cells is more than 10¹⁰cells/g.

For Sexual Disorders To activate or enhance the ability of yeast cells to produce agents useful for treating sexual disorders (e.g., impotence), these cells can be cultured in an appropriate medium under sterile conditions at 20-35°C (e.g., 28-32°C) for a sufficient amount of time (e.g., 60-168 hours) in an alternating electric field or a series of alternating electric fields as described above. An exemplary set-up of the culture process is depicted in Fig. 1 (see above). An exemplary culture medium contains the following per 950 ml of sterilized water: 6 g of sucrose, 12 g of mannitol, 90 μg of Vitamin D, 60 μg of Vitamin E, 40 μg of Vitamin H, 60 mg of Vitamin B₆, 50 ml of fetal bovine serum, 0.2 g of KH₂PO₄, 0.25 g of MgSO₄ ^«7H₂O, 0.3 g of NaCl, 0.2 g of CaSO₄ ^«2H₂O, 4 g of CaCO₃ ^«5H₂O, and 2.5 g of peptone. Yeast cells of the desired strain(s) are then added to the culture medium to form a mixture containing 1X10⁸ cells per 1000 ml of culture medium. The yeast cells can be of any of the strains listed in Table 1. The mixture is then added to the apparatus shown in Fig. 1. The activation process of the yeast cells involves the following steps: (1) maintaining the temperature of the activation apparatus at 24-33°C (e.g., 28-32°C), and culturing the yeast cells for 24-30 hours (e.g., 28 hours); (2) applying an alternating electric field having a frequency of 7963 MHz and a field strength of 260-280 mV/cm (e.g., 272 mV/cm) for 12-18 hours (e.g., 16 hours); (3) then applying an alternating electric field having a frequency of 7975 MHz and a field strength of 310-340 mV/cm (e.g., 322 mV/cm) for 32-38 hours (e.g., 36 hours); (4) then applying an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12744 MHz and a field strength of 330-360 mV/cm (e.g., 343 mV/cm) for 32-38 hours (e.g., 36 hours); (5) then applying an alternating electric field having a frequency of 13092 MHz and a field strength of 350-380 mV/cm (e.g., 367 mV/cm) for 32-38 hours (e.g., 36 hours); and (6) then applying an alternating electric field having a frequency of 13123 MHz and a field strength of 290-320 mV/cm (e.g., 307 mV/cm) for 12-18 hours (e.g., 16 hours). The activated yeast cells are then recovered from the culture medium by various methods known in the art, dried (e.g., by lyophilization) and stored at 4°C. Preferably, the concentration of the dried yeast cells is no less than 10¹⁰ cells/g.

For Hepatitis B To activate or enhance the ability of yeast cells to produce agents useful for treating live diseases (e.g., hepatitis B), these cells can be cultured in an appropriate medium under sterile conditions at 20-35°C (e.g., 28-32°C) for a sufficient amount of time (e.g., 60-145 hours) in an alternating electric field or a series of alternating electric fields as described above. An exemplary set-up of the culture process is depicted in Fig. 1 (see above). An exemplary culture medium contains the following per 1000 ml of sterile water. 18 g of mannitol, 50 μg of Vitamin B₆, 50 μg of Vitamin Bι₂, 50 μg of Vitamin B₃, 100 mg of Vitamin H, 35 ml of fetal bovine serum, 0.2 g of KH₂PO_4l 0.25 g of MgSO₄'7H₂O, 0.3 g of NaCl, 0.2 g of CaSO₄ ^«2H₂O, 4 g of CaCO3*5H₂O, and 2.5 g of peptone. Yeast cells of the desired strain(s) are then added to the culture medium to form a mixture containing 1X10⁸ cells per 1000 ml of culture medium. The yeast cells can be of any of the strains listed in Table 1. The mixture is then added to the apparatus shown in Fig. 1. The activation process of the yeast cells involves the following steps: (1) maintaining the temperature of the activation apparatus at 24-33°C (e.g., 28-32°C), and culturing the yeast cells for 24-30 hours (e.g., 28 hours); (2) applying an alternating electric field having a frequency of 7986 MHz and a field strength of 260-280 mV/cm (e.g., 267 mV/cm) for 11-17 hours (e.g., 15 hours); (3) then applying an alternating electric field having a frequency of 8009 MHz and a field strength of 310-340 mV/cm (e.g., 315 mV/cm) for 32-38 hours (e.g., 36 hours); (4) then applying an alternating electric field having a frequency of 9949 MHz and a field strength of 320-350 mV/cm (e.g., 337 mV/cm) for 38-44 hours (e.g., 42 hours); (5) then applying an alternating, electric field having a frequency of 12293 MHz and a field strength of 330-360 mV/cm (e.g., 347 mV/cm) for 35-41 hours (e.g., 39 hours); and (6) then applying an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12312 MHz and a field strength of 260-280 mV/cm (e.g., 272 mV/cm) for 6-12 hours (e.g., 10 hours). The activated yeast cells are then recovered from the culture medium by various methods known in the art, dried (e.g., by lyophilization) and stored at 4°C. Preferably, the concentration of the dried yeast cells is no less than 10¹⁰cells/g. For Liver Cirrhosis To activate or enhance the ability of yeast cells to produce agents useful for treating cirrhosis, these cells can be cultured in an appropriate medium under sterile conditions at 20-35°C (e.g., 28-32°C) for a sufficient amount of time (e.g., 60-150 hours) in an alternating electric field or a series of alternating electric fields as described above. An exemplary set-up of the culture process is depicted in Fig. 1 (see above). An exemplary culture medium contains the following per 1000 ml of sterile water: 18 g of mannitol, 50 μg of Vitamin Be, 80 μg of Vitamin B-ι₂, 50 μg of Vitamin H, 100 mg of Vitamin E, 35 ml of fetal bovine serum, 0.2 g of KH₂PO₄, 0.25 g of MgSO₄ ^«7H₂O, 0.3 g of NaCl, 0.2 g of CaSO₄*2H₂O, 4 g of CaCO₃ ^«5H₂O, and 2.5 g of peptone. Yeast cells of the desired strain(s) are then added to the culture medium to form a mixture containing 1X10⁸ cells per 1000 ml of culture medium. The yeast cells can be of any of the strains listed in Table 1. The mixture is then added to the apparatus shown in Fig. 1. The activation process of the yeast cells involves the following steps: (1) maintaining the temperature of the activation apparatus at 24-33°C (e.g., 28-32°C), and culturing the yeast cells for 24-30 hours (e.g., 28 hours); (2) applying an alternating electric field having a frequency of 7886 MHz and a field strength of 260-280 mV/cm (e.g., 274 mV/cm) for 11-17 hours (e.g., 15 hours); (3) then applying an alternating electric field having a frequency of 7907 MHz and a field strength of 300-330 mV/cm (e.g., 311 mV/cm) for 31-37 hours (e.g., 35 hours); (4) then applying an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12224 MHz and a field strength of 320-350 mV/cm (e.g., 337 mV/cm) for 39-45 hours (e.g., 43 hours); (5) then applying an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12646 MHz and a field strength of 340-370 mV/cm (e.g., 355 mV/cm) for 33-39 hours (e.g., 37 hours); and (6) then applying an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12662 MHz and a field strength of 270-290 mV/cm (e.g., 278 mV/cm) for 13-19 hours (e.g., 17 hours). The activated yeast cells are then recovered from the culture medium by various methods known in the art, dried (e.g., by lyophilization) and stored at 4°C. Preferably, the concentration of the dried yeast cells is no less than 10¹⁰cells/g.

For Hyperlipemia To activate or enhance the ability of yeast cells to produce substances beneficial for the treatment of hyperlipemia (e.g., lowering of triglyceride and/or cholesterol levels), these cells can be activated by being cultured in an appropriate medium under sterile conditions at 20°C-38°C, preferably at 28-32°C (e.g., 30°C) for a sufficient amount of time, e.g., 100-200 hours (e.g., 147-171 hours), in an alternating electric field or a series of alternating electric fields as described above. An exemplary culture medium is made by mixing 950 ml of distilled water with 20 g of sucrose, 20 μg of vitamin Bι₂, 40 μg of vitamin Be, 100 μg of vitamin E, 50 ml of fetal bovine serum, 0.20 g of KH2PO₄, 0.25 g of MgSO -7H₂0, 0.3 g of NaCl, 0.2 g of CaSO₄-2H₂O, 4.0 g of CaCO₃-5H₂O, and 2.5 g of peptone. An exemplary set-up of the culturing process is depicted in Fig. 1. Untreated yeast cells are added to a culture medium at 1x10⁸ cells per 1000 ml of the culture medium. The yeast cells may be Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS2.560, or may be selected from any of the strains listed in Table 1. An exemplary activation process of the yeast cells involves the following sequence: the yeast cells are grown in the culture medium for 26-30 hours (e.g., 28 hours) at 28-32°C and then exposed to (1) an alternating electric field having a frequency of 7858 MHz and a field strength in the range of 270-290 mV/cm (e.g., 276 mV/cm) for 14-18 hours (e.g., 16 hours); (2) then to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 7873 MHz and a field strength in the range of 300-330 mV/cm (e.g., 305 mV/crn) for 30-34 hours (e.g., 32 hours); (3) then to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 10072 MHz and a field strength in the range of 300-330 mV/cm (e.g., 317 mV/cm) for 37-41 hours (e.g., 39 hours); (4) then to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12623 MHz and a field strength in the range of 340-370 mV/cm (e.g., 346 mV/cm) for 27-31 hours (e.g., 29 hours); and (5) finally to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12642 MHz and a field strength in the range of 270-290 mV/cm (e.g., 284 mV/cm) for 13-17 hours (e.g., 15 hours). The activated yeast cells are then recovered from the culture medium by various methods known in the art, dried (e.g., by lyophilization) and stored at about 4°C in powder form. The resultant yeast powder preferably contains no less than 10¹⁰ cells/g activated yeast.

For Nephrotic Syndrome To activate or enhance the ability of yeast cells to produce substances beneficial for the treatment of nephrotic syndrome (e.g., decreasing urinary protein and/or increasing serum protein levels), these cells can be activated by being cultured in an appropriate medium under sterile conditions at 20°C-38°C, preferably at 28-32°C (e.g., 30°C) for a sufficient amount of time, e.g., 5-200 hours (e.g., 6-16, 10-20, 27-37 and 31-41 hours), in an alternating electric field or a series of alternating electric fields as described above. An exemplary culture medium is made by mixing 1000 ml of distilled water with 18 g of mannitol, 40 μg of vitamin Bι₂, 30 μg of vitamin E, 30 μg of vitamin H, 35 ml of fetal bovine serum, 0.20 g of KH₂PO₄, 0.25 g of MgSO₄-7H₂O, 0.3 g of NaCl, 0.2 g of CaSO₄-2H₂O, 4.0 g of CaCO₃-5H₂O, and 2.5 g of peptone. An exemplary set-up of the culturing process is depicted in Fig. 1. Untreated yeast cells are added to a culture medium at 1x10⁸ cells per 1000 ml of the culture medium. The yeast cells may be Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS2.502, or may be selected from any of the strains listed in Table 1. An exemplary activation process of the yeast cells involves the following sequence: the yeast cells are grown in the culture medium for 23-33 hours (e.g., 28 hours) at 28-32°C and then exposed to (1) an alternating electric field having a frequency of 10156 MHz and a field strength in the range of 325-355 mV/cm (e.g., 332 mV/cm) for 6-16 hours (e.g., 11 hours); (2) then to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 10185 MHz and a field strength in the range of 400-440 mV/cm (e.g., 416 mV/cm) for 31-41 hours (e.g., 36 hours); (3) then to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12107 MHz and a field strength in the range of 430-470 mV/cm (e.g., 443 mV/cm) for 27-37 hours (e.g., 32 hours); (4) then to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12687 MHz and a field strength in the range of 340-370 mV/cm (e.g., 353 mV/cm) for 31-41 hours (e.g., 36 hours); and (5) finally to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12698 MHz and a field strength in the range of 285-305 mV/cm (e.g., 296 mV/cm) for 10-20 hours (e.g., 15 hours). The activated yeast cells are then recovered from the culture medium by various methods known in the art, dried (e.g., by lyophilization) and stored at about 4°C in powder form. The resultant yeast powder preferably contains no less than 10¹⁰ cells/g activated yeast. For all the pathological conditions, the activated yeast cells can subsequently be evaluated for their ability to treat a specific condition using standard methods known in the art, such as those described in Section VII.

V. Acclimatization of Yeast Cells To the Gastric Environment Because the activated yeast cells of this invention must pass through the stomach before reaching the small intestine, where the effective components are released from these yeast cells, it is preferred that these yeasts be cultured under acidic conditions so as to acclimatize the cells to the gastric juice. This acclimatization process results in better viability of the yeast cells in the acidic gastric environment. To achieve this, the yeast powder containing activated yeast cells can be mixed with a highly acidic acclimatizing culture medium at 10 g (containing more than 10¹⁰ activated cells per gram) per 1000 ml. For lupus ervthematosu, the yeast mixture can then be cultured first in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 17826 MHz and a field strength in the range of 410-450 mV/cm (e.g., 424 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32°C for 44-52 hours (e.g., 48 hours). The resultant yeast cells can then be further incubated in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 17838 MHz and a field strength in the range of 370-400 mV/cm (e.g., 374 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32°C for 16-28 hours (e.g., 20 hours). The resulting acclimatized yeast cells are then recovered from the culture medium by various methods known in the art and are dried and stored either in powder form (>10¹⁰ cells/g) at room temperature or in vacuum at 0-4°C. For epilepsy, the yeast mixture is then cultured first in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of about 12997 MHz and a field strength of 370-430 mV/cm (e.g., about 446 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32°C for 34-42°C hours (e.g., 38 hours). The resultant yeast cells are further incubated in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of about 13008 MHz and a field strength of 350-380 mV/cm (e.g., about 364 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32°C for 16-28 hours (e.g., 20 hours). The resulting acclimatized yeast cells are then dried and stored either in powder form (>10¹⁰ cells/g) at room temperature or stored in vacuum at 0-4°C. For gastritis, the yeast mixture is then cultured first in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12805 MHz and a field strength of 320-340 mV/cm (e.g., 325 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32°C for 36 to 42 hours (e.g., 40 hours). The resultant yeast cells can then be further incubated in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12835 MHz and a field strength of 295-315 mV/cm (e.g., 312 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32°C for 20 to 24 hours (e.g., 22 hours). The resulting acclimatized yeast cells are then dried and stored either in powder form (>10¹⁰ cells/g) at room temperature or in vacuum at 0-4°C. For gastroparesis, the yeast mixture can then be cultured first in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12712 MHz and a field strength in the range of 290-320 mV/cm (e.g., 314 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32°C for 36-42 hours (e.g., 38 hours). The resultant yeast cells can then be further incubated in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12733 MHz and a field strength in the range of 275-295 mV/cm (e.g., 290 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32°C for 16-28 hours (e.g., 20 hours). The resulting acclimatized yeast cells are then recovered from the culture medium by various methods known in the art and are dried and stored either in powder form (>10¹⁰ cells/g) at room temperature or in vacuum at 0-4°C. For renal failure, the yeast mixture can then be cultured first in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12877 MHz and a field strength in the range of 370-390 mV/cm (e.g., 377 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32°C for 42-48 hours (e.g., 46 hours). The resultant yeast cells can then be further incubated in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12895 MHz and a field strength in the range of 350-370 mV/cm (e.g., 352 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32°C for 15-25 hours (e.g., 20 hours). The resulting acclimatized yeast cells are then recovered from the culture medium by various methods known in the art and are dried and stored either in powder form (>10¹⁰ cells/g) at room temperature or in vacuum at 0-4°C. For vascular dementia, the yeast mixture is then cultured first in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of about 12963 MHz and a field strength of 390-430 mV/cm (e.g., about 416 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32°C for 28-36 hours (e.g., about 32 hours). The resultant yeast cells are further incubated in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of about 12987 MHz and a field strength of 340-370 mV/cm (e.g., about 356 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32°C for 16-28 hours (e.g., about 20 hours). The resulting acclimatized yeast cells are then dried and stored either in powder form (>10¹⁰ cells/g) at room temperature or in vacuum at 0-4°C. For treating sexual disorders, the yeast mixture is then cultured first in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 13092 MHz and a field strength of 360-390 mV/cm (e.g., 375 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32°C for 32 to 42 hours (e.g., 36 hours). The resultant yeast cells can then be further incubated in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 13123 MHz and a field strength of 260-280 mV/cm (e.g., 266 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32°C for 16 to 28 hours (e.g., 20 hours). The resulting acclimatized yeast cells are then dried and stored either in powder form (>10¹⁰ cells/g) at room temperature or in vacuum at 0-4°C. For hepatitis B, the yeast mixture is then cultured first in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12293 MHz and a field strength of 360-390 mV/cm (e.g., 375 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32°C for 42 to 50 hours (e.g., 46 hours). The resultant yeast cells can then be further incubated in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12312 MHz and a field strength of 300-330 mV/cm (e.g., 317 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32°C for 16 to 28 hours (e.g., 20 hours). The resulting acclimatized yeast cells are then dried and stored either in powder form (≥10¹⁰ cells/g) at room temperature or in vacuum at 0-4°C. For liver cirrhosis, the yeast mixture is then cultured first in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12646 MHz and a field strength of 350-380 mV/cm (e.g., 368 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32°C for 40 to 50 hours (e.g., 45 hours). The resultant yeast cells can then be further incubated in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12662 MHz and a field strength of 320-350 mV/cm (e.g., 324 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32°C for 16 to 24 hours (e.g., 20 hours). The resulting acclimatized yeast cells are then dried and stored either in powder form (≥10¹⁰ cells/g) at room temperature or in vacuum at 0-4°C. For hyperlipemia, the yeast mixture can then be cultured first in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12623 MHz and a field strength in the range of 350-380 mV/cm (e.g., 363 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32°C for 34-42 hours (e.g., 38 hours). The resultant yeast cells can then be further incubated in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12642 MHz and a field strength in the range of 310-340 mV/cm (e.g., 320 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32°C for 16-24 hours (e.g., 20 hours). The resulting acclimatized yeast cells are then recovered from the culture medium by various methods known in the art and are dried and stored either in powder form (>10¹⁰ cells/g) at room temperature or in vacuum at 0-4°C. For nephrotic syndrome, the yeast mixture can then be cultured first in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12687 MHz and a field strength in the range of 360-390 mV/cm (e.g., 364 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32°C for 36-48 hours (e.g., 44 hours). The resultant yeast cells can then be further incubated in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12698 MHz and a field strength in the range of 285-315 mV/cm (e.g., 296 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32°C for 16-28 hours (e.g., 20 hours). The resulting acclimatized yeast cells are then recovered from the culture medium by various methods known in the art and are dried and stored either in powder form (≥10¹⁰ cells/g) at room temperature or in vacuum at 0-4°C.

An exemplary acclimatizing culture medium is made by mixing 700 ml fresh pig gastric juice and 300 ml wild Chinese hawthorn extract. The pH of acclimatizing culture medium is adjusted to 2.5 with 0.1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) and 0.2 M potassium hydrogen phthalate (C₆H₄(COOK)COOH). The fresh pig gastric juice is prepared as follows. At about 4 months of age, newborn Holland white pigs are sacrificed, and the entire contents of their stomachs are retrieved and mixed with 2000 ml of water under sterile conditions. The mixture is then allowed to stand for 6 hours at 4°C under sterile conditions to precipitate food debris. The supernatant is collected for use in the acclimatizing culture medium. To prepare the wild Chinese hawthorn extract, 500 g of fresh wild Chinese hawthorn is dried under sterile conditions to reduce water content (<8%). The dried fruit is then ground (>20 mesh) and added to 1500 ml of sterilized water. The hawthorn slurry is allowed to stand for 6 hours at 4°C under sterile conditions. The hawthorn supernatant is collected to be used in the acclimatizing culture medium.

VI. Manufacture of Yeast Compositions To prepare the yeast compositions of the invention, an apparatus depicted in Fig. 2 or an equivalent thereof can be used. This apparatus includes three containers, a first container (A), a second container (B), and a third container (C), each equipped with a pair of electrodes (4). One of the electrodes is a metal plate placed on the bottom of the containers, and the other electrode comprises a plurality of electrode wires evenly distributed in the space within the container to achieve even distribution of the electric field energy. All three pairs of electrodes are connected to a common signal generator. The culture medium used for this purpose is a mixed fruit extract solution containing the following ingredients per 1000 L: 300 L of wild Chinese hawthorn extract, 300 L of jujube extract, 300 L of Schisandra chinensis (Turez) Baill seeds extract, and 100 L of soy bean extract. To prepare hawthorn, jujube and Schisandra chinensis (Turez) Baill seeds extracts, the fresh fruits are washed and dried under sterile conditions to reduce the water content to no higher than 8%. One hundred kilograms of the dried fruits are then ground (>20 mesh) and added to 400 L of sterilized water. The mixtures are stirred under sterile conditions at room temperature for twelve hours, and then centrifuged at 1000 rpm to remove insoluble residues. To make the soy bean extract, fresh soy beans are washed and dried under sterile conditions to reduce the water content to no higher than 8%. Thirty kilograms of dried soy beans are then ground into particles of no smaller than 20 mesh, and added to 130 L of sterilized water. The mixture is stirred under sterile conditions at room temperature for twelve hours and centrifuged at 1000 rpm to remove insoluble residues. Once the mixed fruit extract solution is prepared, it is autoclaved at 121 °C for 30 minutes and cooled to below 40°C before use.

For Lupus Erythematosus One thousand grams of the activated yeast powder prepared as described above (Section V, supra) is added to 1000 L of the mixed fruit extract solution, and the yeast solution is transferred to the first container (A) shown in Fig. 2. The yeast cells are then cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 17826 MHz and a field strength of about 440-480 mV/cm (e.g., 453 mV/cm) at 28-32°C under sterile conditions for 48 hours. The yeast cells are further incubated in an alternating electric field having a frequency of 17838 MHz and a field strength of 350-380 mV/cm (e.g., 364 mV/cm). The culturing continues for another 12 hours. The yeast culture is then transferred from the first container (A) to the second container (B) (if need be, a new batch of yeast culture can be started in the now available the first container (A)), and subjected to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 17826 MHz and a field strength of 460-5O0 mV/cm (e.g., 472 mV/cm) for 24 hours. Subsequently, the frequency and field strength of the electric field are changed to about 17838 MHz and 380-410 mV/cm (e.g., 382 mV/cm), respectively. The culturing process continues for another 12 hours. The yeast culture is then transferred from the second container (B) to the third container (C), and subjected to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 17826 MHz and a field strength of 480-520 mV/cm (e.g., 507 mV/cm) for 24 hours. Subsequently the frequency and field strength of the electric field are changed to 17838 MHz and 380-420 mV/cm (e.g., 396 mV/cm), respectively (for lupus erythematosus). The culturing continues for another 12 hours. The yeast culture from the third container (C) can then be packaged into vacuum sealed bottles (30-50 ml/bottle or 100 ml/bottle) for use as medication or dietary supplement. The compositions may conveniently be formulated as health drinks. If desired, the final yeast culture can also be dried within 24 hours and stored in powder form. The dietary supplement can be taken by adults three to four times daily at a bottle per dose for a period of three to six months, preferably 10-30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. For children, the dose should be reduced to half of the dose for adults. In some embodiments, the compositions of the invention can also be administered intravenously or peritoneally in the form of a sterile injectable preparation. Such a sterile preparation can be prepared as follows. A sterilized health drink composition is first treated under ultrasound (>18000 Hz) for 10 minutes and then centrifuged at 4355 rpm for another 10 minutes. The resulting supernatant is adjusted to pH 7.2-7.4 using 1 M NaOH and subsequently filtered through a membrane (0.22 μm for intravenous injection and 0.45 μm for peritoneal injection) under sterile conditions. The resulting sterile preparation is submerged in a 35-38°C water bath for 30 minutes before use. In other embodiments, the compositions of the invention may also be formulated with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers to be orally administered in any orally acceptable dosage form including, but not limited to, capsules, tablets, suspensions or solutions.

For Epilepsy One thousand grams of the activated yeast powder prepared as described above (Section V, supra) is added to 1000 L of the mixed fruit extract solution, and the yeast solution is transferred to container (A) shown in Fig. 2. The yeast cells are then cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of about 12997 MHz and a field strength of about 430-470 mV/cm (e.g., about 446 mV/cm) at 28-32°C under sterile conditions for 38 hours. The yeast cells are further incubated in an alternating electric field having a frequency of about 13008 MHz and a field strength of 330-360 mV/cm (e.g., about 343 mV/cm). The culturing continues for another 12 hours. The yeast culture is then transferred from the first container (A) to the second container (B) (if need be, a new batch of yeast culture can be started in the now available first container (A)), and subjected to an alternating electric field having a frequency of about 12997 MHz and a field strength of 470-510 mV/cm (e.g., about 483 mV/cm) for 24 hours. Subsequently the frequency and field strength of the electric field are changed to about 13008 MHz and 350-380 mV/cm (e.g., about 368 mV/cm), respectively. The culturing continues for another 12 hours. 1)The yeast culture is then transferred from the second container (B) to the third container (C), and subjected to an alternating electric field having a frequency of about 12997 MHz and a field strength of 330-360 mV/cm (e.g., about 346 mV/cm) for 28 hours. Subsequently the frequency and field strength of the electric field are changed to about 13008 MHz and 260-280 mV/cm (e.g., about 272 mV/cm), respectively. The culturing continues for another 12 hours. The yeast culture from the third container (C) can then be packaged into vacuum sealed bottles of 30-50 ml or 100 ml for use as a dietary supplement, e.g., health drinks, or medication in the form of pills, powder, etc. The dietary supplement can be taken 3-4 times daily at 30-60 ml each time for a period of three months (10-30 minutes before meals and at bedtime). If desired, the final yeast culture can also be dried within 24 hours and stored in powder form. In one embodiment, the compositions of the invention can also be administered intravenously or peritoneally in the form of a sterile injectable preparation. Such a sterile preparation is prepared as follows. A sterilized health drink composition is first treated under ultrasound (>= 18,000 Hz) for 10 minutes and then centrifuged at 4355 rpm for another 10 minutes. The resulting supernatant is adjusted to pH 7.2-7.4 using 1 M NaOH and subsequently filtered through a membrane (0.22 μm for intravenous injection and 0.45 μm for peritoneal injection) under sterile conditions. The resulting sterile preparation is submerged in a 35-38 °C water bath for 30 minutes before use.

For Gastritis One thousand grams of the activated yeast powder prepared as described above (Section V, supra) is added to 1000 L of the mixed fruit extract solution, and the yeast solution is transferred to the first container (A) shown in Fig. 2. The yeast cells are then cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12805 MHz and a field strength of about 340-360 mV/cm (e.g., 356 mV/cm) at 28-32°C under sterile conditions for 24 hours. The yeast cells are further incubated in an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12835 MHz and a field strength of 290-310 mV/cm (e.g., 292 mV/cm). The culturing continues for another 12 hours. The yeast culture is then transferred from the first container (A) to the second container (B) which contains 1000 L of culture medium (if need be, a new batch of yeast culture can be started in the now available first container (A)), and subjected to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12805 MHz and a field strength of 370-390 mV/cm (e.g., 374 mV/cm) for 24 hours. Subsequently the frequency and field strength of the electric field are changed to 12835 MHz and 295-315 mV/cm (e.g., 310 mV/cm), respectively. The culturing continues for another 12 hours. The yeast culture is then transferred from the second container (B) to the third container (C) which contains 1000 L of culture medium, and subjected to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12805 MHz and a field strength of 250-270 mV/cm (e.g., 266 mV/cm) for 24 hours. Subsequently the frequency and field strength of the electric field are changed to 12835 MHz and 225-245 mV/cm (e.g., 240 mV/cm), respectively. The culturing continues for another 12 hours. The yeast culture from the third container (C) can then be packaged into vacuum sealed bottles for use as dietary supplement, e.g., health drinks, or medication in the form of pills, powder, etc. If desired, the final yeast culture can also be dried within 24 hours and stored in powder form. The dietary supplement can be taken three to four times daily at 30-60 ml per dose for a three-month period, preferably 10-30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. In some embodiments, the compositions of the invention can also be administered intravenously or peritoneally in the form of a sterile injectable preparation. Such a sterile preparation can be prepared as follows. A sterilized health drink composition is first treated under ultrasound (20,000 Hz) for 10 minutes and then centrifuged for another 10 minutes. The resulting supernatant is adjusted to pH 7.2-7.4 using 1 M NaOH and subsequently filtered through a membrane (0.22 μm for intravenous injection and 0.45 μm for peritoneal injection) under sterile conditions. The resulting sterile preparation is submerged in a 35-38 °C water bath for 30 minutes before use. In other embodiments, the compositions of the invention may also be formulated with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers to be orally administered in any orally acceptable dosage form including, but not limited to, capsules, tablets, suspensions or solutions.

For Gastroparesis One thousand grams of the activated yeast powder prepared as described above (Section V, supra) is added to 1000 L of the mixed fruit extract solution, and the yeast solution is transferred to the first container (A) shown in Fig. 2. The yeast cells are then cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12712 MHz and a field strength of about 360-380 mV/cm (e.g., 364 mV/cm) at 28-32°C under sterile conditions for 19-29 hours (e.g., 24 hours). The yeast cells are further incubated in an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12733 MHz and a field strength of 280-300 mV/cm (e.g., 293 mV/cm). The culturing continues for 7-17 hours (e.g., 12 hours). The yeast culture is then transferred from the first container (A) to the second container (B) (if need be, a new batch of yeast culture can be started in the now available the first container (A)), and subjected to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12712 MHz and a field strength of 265-285 mV/cm (e.g., 279 mV/cm) for 19-29 hours (e.g., 24 hours). Subsequently the frequency and field strength of the electric field are changed to 12733 MHz and 250-270 mV/cm (e.g., 260 mV/cm), respectively. The culturing process continues for 7-17 hours (e.g., 12 hours). The yeast culture is then transferred from the second container (B) to the third container (C), and subjected to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12712 MHz and a field strength of 265-285 mV/cm (e.g., 279 mV/cm) for 19-29 hours (e.g., 24 hours). Subsequently the frequency and field strength of the electric field are changed to 12733 MHz and 250-270 mV/cm (e.g., 260 mV/cm), respectively. The culturing continues for 7-17 hours (e.g., 12 hours). The yeast culture from the third container (C) can then be packaged into vacuum sealed bottles for use as dietary supplement or medication. The compositions may be conveniently formulated as health drinks. If desired, the final yeast culture can also be dried within 24 hours and stored in powder form. The dietary supplement or medication can be taken three to four times daily at 30~50 ml or 100 ml per bottle for a three-month period (preferably a six-month period), preferably 10-30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. In some embodiments, the compositions of the invention can also be administered intravenously or peritoneally in the form of a sterile injectable preparation. Such a sterile preparation can be prepared as follows. A sterilized health drink composition is first treated under ultrasound (>18000 Hz) for 1O minutes and then centrifuged at 4355 rpm for another 10 minutes. The resulting supernatant is adjusted to pH 7.2-7.4 using 1 M NaOH and subsequently filtered through a membrane (0.22 μm for intravenous injection and 0.45 μm for peritoneal injection) under sterile conditions. The resulting sterile preparation is submerged in a 35-38°C water bath for 30 minutes before use. In other embodiments, the compositions of the invention may also be formulated with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers to be orally administered in any orally acceptable dosage form including, but not limited to, capsules, tablets, suspensions or solutions.

For Renal Failure One thousand grams of the activated yeast powder prepared as described above (Section V, supra) is added to 1000 L of the mixed fruit extract solution, and the yeast solution is transferred to the first container (A) shown in Fig. 2. The yeast cells are then cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12877 MHz and a field strength of about 380-420 mV/cm (e.g., 406 mV/cm) at 28-32°C under sterile conditions for 32 hours. The yeast cells are further incubated in an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12895 MHz and a field strength of 370-390 mV/cm (e.g., 372 mV/cm). The culturing continues for another 12 hours at 28-32°C. The yeast culture is then transferred from the first container (A) to the second container (B) (if need be, a new batch of yeast culture can be started in the now available the first container (A)), and subjected to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12877 MHz and a field strength of 430-450 mV/cm (e.g., 438 mV/cm) for 24 hours at 28-32°C. Subsequently the frequency and field strength of the electric field are changed to 12895 MHz and 380-400 mV/cm (e.g., 385 mV/cm), respectively. The culturing process continues for another 12 hours at 28-32°C. The yeast culture is then transferred from the second container (B) to the third container (C), and subjected to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12877 MHz and a field strength of 315-335 mV/cm (e.g., 321 mV/cm) for 24 hours. Subsequently the frequency and field strength of the electric field are changed to 12895 MHz and 250-270 mV/cm (e.g., 250 mV/cm), respectively. The culturing continues for another 12 hours. The yeast culture from the third container (C) can then be packaged into vacuum sealed bottles for use as medication or dietary supplement, e.g., in the form of health drinks, pills, or powder, etc. If desired, the final yeast culture can also be dried within 24 hours and stored in powder form. The dietary supplement can be taken three to four times daily at 30~60 ml per dose for a three-month period, preferably 10-30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. In some embodiments, the compositions of the invention can also be administered intravenously or peritoneally in the form of a sterile injectable preparation. Such a sterile preparation can be prepared as follows. A sterilized health drink composition is first treated under ultrasound (>18,000 Hz) for 10 minutes and then centrifuged for another 10 minutes. The resulting supernatant is adjusted to pH 7.2-7.4 using 1 M NaOH and subsequently filtered through a membrane (0.22 μm for intravenous injection and 0.45 μm for peritoneal injection) under sterile conditions. The resulting sterile preparation is submerged in a 35-38 °C water bath for 30 minutes before use.

For Vascular Dementia One thousand grams of the activated yeast powder prepared as described above (Section V, supra) is added to 1000 L of the mixed fruit extract solution, and the yeast solution is transferred to the first container (A) shown in Fig. 2. The yeast cells are then cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of about 12963 MHz and a field strength of about 420-460 mV/cm (e.g., about 435 mV/cm) at 28-32°C under sterile conditions for 32 hours. The yeast cells are further incubated in an alternating electric field having a frequency of about 12987 MHz and a field strength of 270-290 mV/cm (e.g., about 282 mV/cm). The culturing continues for another 12 hours. The yeast culture is then transferred from the first container (A) to the second container (B) (if need be, a new batch of yeast culture can be started in the now available first container (A)), and subjected to an alternating electric field having a frequency of about 12963 MHz and a field strength of 400-420 mV/cm (e.g., about 416 mV/cm) for 24 hours. Subsequently the frequency and field strength of the electric field are changed to about 12987 MHz and 320-350 mV/cm (e.g., about 332 mV/cm), respectively. The culturing continues for another 12 hours. The yeast culture is then transferred from the second container (B) to the third container (C), and subjected to an alternating electric field having a frequency of about 12963 MHz and a field strength of 360-390 mV/cm (e.g., about 372 mV/cm) for 24 hours. Subsequently the frequency and field strength of the electric field are changed to about 12987 MHz and 240-260 mV/cm (e.g., about 256 mV/cm), respectively. The culturing continues for another 12 hours. The yeast culture from the third container (C) can then be packaged into vacuum sealed bottles of 30-50 ml or 100 ml for use as a dietary supplement, e.g., health drinks, or medication in the form of pills, powder, etc. The dietary supplement can be taken 3-4 times daily at 30-50 ml each time for a period of three months (10-30 minutes before meals and at bedtime). If desired, the final yeast culture can also be dried within 24 hours and stored in powder form. In one embodiment, the compositions of the invention can also be administered intravenously or peritoneally in the form of a sterile injectable preparation. Such a sterile preparation is prepared as follows. A sterilized health drink composition is first treated under ultrasound (>=18,000 Hz) for 10 minutes and then centrifuged at 4355 rpm for another 10 minutes. The resulting supernatant is adjusted to pH 7.2-7.4 using 1 M NaOH and subsequently filtered through a membrane (0.22 μm for intravenous injection and 0.45 μm for peritoneal injection) under sterile conditions. The resulting sterile preparation is. submerged in a 35-38 °C water bath for 30 minutes before use.

For Sexual Disorders One thousand grams of the activated yeast powder prepared as described above (Section V, supra) is added to 1000 L of the mixed fruit extract solution, and the yeast solution is transferred to the first container (A) shown in Fig. 2. The yeast cells are then cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 13092 MHz and a field strength of about 300-420 mV/cm (e.g., 397 mV/cm) at 28-32°C under sterile conditions for 36 hours. The yeast cells are further incubated in an alternating electric field having a frequency of 13123 MHz and a field strength of 310-330 mV/cm (e.g. , 322 mV/cm). The culturing continues for another 12 hours. The yeast culture is then transferred from the first container (A) to the second container (B) which contains 1000 L of culture medium (if need be, a new batch of yeast culture can be started in the now available first container (A)), and subjected to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 13092 MHz and a field strength of 420-460 mV/cm (e.g., 438 mV/cm) for 24 hours. Subsequently the frequency and field strength of the electric field are changed to 13123 MHz and 330-360 mV/cm (e.g., 348 mV/cm), respectively. The culturing continues for another 12 hours. The yeast culture is then transferred from the second container (B) to the third container (C) which contains 1000 L of culture medium, and subjected to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 13092 MHz and a field strength of 310-340 mV/cm (e.g., 318 mV/cm) for 24 hours. Subsequently the frequency and field strength of the electric field are changed to 13123 MHz and 260-280 mV/cm (e.g., 272 mV/cm), respectively. The culturing continues for another 12 hours. The yeast culture from the third container (C) can then be packaged into vacuum sealed bottles for use as dietary supplement, e.g., health drinks, or medication in the form of pills, powder, etc. If desired, the final yeast culture can also be dried within 24 hours and stored in powder form. The dietary supplement can be taken three to four times daily at 30-60 ml per dose for a three-month period, preferably 10-30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. In some embodiments, the compositions of the invention can also be administered intravenously or peritoneally in the form of a sterile injectable preparation. Such a sterile preparation can be prepared as follows. A sterilized health drink composition is first treated under ultrasound (20,000 Hz) for 10 minutes and then centrifuged for another 10 minutes. The resulting supernatant is adjusted to pH 7.2-7.4 using 1 M NaOH and subsequently filtered through a membrane (0.22 μm for intravenous injection and 0.45 μm for peritoneal injection) under sterile conditions. The resulting sterile preparation is submerged in a 35-38°C water bath for 30 minutes before use. In other embodiments, the compositions of the invention may also be formulated with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers to be orally administered in any orally acceptable dosage form including, but not limited to, capsules, tablets, suspensions or solutions.

For Hepatitis B One thousand grams of the activated yeast powder prepared as described above (Section V, supra) is added to 1000 L of the mixed fruit extract solution, and the yeast solution is transferred to the first container (A) shown in Fig. 2. The yeast cells are then cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12293 MHz and a field strength of about 400-440 mV/cm (e.g., 416 mV/cm) at 28-32°C under sterile conditions for 32 hours. The yeast cells are further incubated in an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12312 MHz and a field strength of 290-320 mV/cm (e.g., 298 mV/cm). The culturing continues for another 12 hours. The yeast culture is then transferred from the first container (A) to the second container (B) which contains 1O00 L of culture medium (if need be, a new batch of yeast culture can be started in the now available first container (A)), and subjected to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12293 MHz and a field strength of 430-470 mV/cm (e.g., 446 mV/cm) for 24 hours. Subsequently the frequency and field strength of the electric field are changed to 12312 MHz and 260-280 mV/cm (e.g., 272 mV/cm), respectively. The culturing continues for another 12 hours. The yeast culture is then transferred from the second container (B) to the third container (C) which contains 1000 L of culture medium, and subjected to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12293 MHz and a field strength of 310-340 mV/cm (e.g., 327 mV/cm) for 24 hours. Subsequently the frequency and field strength of the electric field are changed to 12312 MHz and 270-290 mV/cm (e.g., 285 mV/cm), respectively. The culturing continues for another 12 hours. The yeast culture from the third container (C) can then be packaged into vacuum sealed bottles for use as a dietary supplement, e.g., health drinks, or medication in the form of pills, powder, etc. If desired, the final yeast culture can also be dried within 24 hours and stored in powder form. The dietary supplement can be taken three to four times daily at 30-60 ml per dose for a three-month period, preferably 10-30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. In some embodiments, the compositions of the invention can also be administered intravenously or peritoneally in the form of a sterile injectable preparation. Such a sterile preparation can be prepared as follows. A sterilized health drink composition is first treated under ultrasound (20,000 Hz) for 10 minutes and then centrifuged for another 10 minutes. The resulting supernatant is adjusted to pH 7.2-7.4 using 1 M NaOH and subsequently filtered through a membrane (0.22 μm for intravenous injection and 0.45 μm for peritoneal injection) under sterile conditions. The resulting sterile preparation is submerged in a 35-38 °C water bath for 30 minutes before use. In other embodiments, the compositions of the invention may also be formulated with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers to be orally administered in any orally acceptable dosage form including, but not limited to, capsules, tablets, suspensions or solutions.

For Liver Cirrhosis One thousand grams of the activated yeast powder prepared as described above (Section V, supra) is added to 1000 L of the mixed fruit extract solution, and the yeast solution is transferred to the first container (A) shown in Fig. 2. The yeast cells are then cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12646 MHz and a field strength of about 400-440 mV/cm (e.g., 413 mV/cm) at 28-32°C under sterile conditions for 32 hours. The yeast cells are further incubated in an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12662 MHz and a field strength of 330-370 mV/cm (e.g., 347 mV/cm). The culturing continues for another 12 hours. The yeast culture is then transferred from the first container (A) to the second container (B) which contains 1000 L of culture medium (if need be, a new batch of yeast culture can be started in the now available first container (A)), and subjected to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12646 MHz and a field strength of 430-470 mV/cm (e.g., 442 mV/cm) for 24 hours. Subsequently the frequency and field strength of the electric field are changed to 12662 MHz and 350-380 mV/cm (e.g., 364 mV/cm), respectively. The culturing continues for another 12 hours. The yeast culture is then transferred from the second container (B) to the third container (C) which contains 1000 L of culture medium, and subjected to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12646 MHz and a field strength of 310-340 mV/cm (e.g., 324 rnV/cm) for 24 hours. Subsequently the frequency and field strength of the electric field are changed to 12662 MHz and 260-280 mV/cm (e.g., 274 mV/cm), respectively. The culturing continues for another 12 hours. The yeast culture from the third container (C) can then be packaged into vacuum sealed bottles for use as dietary supplements, e.g., health drinks, or medication in the form of pills, powder, etc. If desired, the final yeast culture can also be dried within 24 hours and stored in powder form. The dietary supplement can be taken three to four times daily at 30-60 ml per dose for a three-month period, preferably 10-3O minutes before meals and at bedtime. In some embodiments, the compositions of the invention can also be administered intravenously or peritoneally in the form of a sterile injectable preparation. Such a sterile preparation can be prepared as follows. A sterilized health drink composition is first treated under ultrasound (20,000 Hz) for 10 minutes and then centrifuged for another 10 minutes. The resulting supernatant is adjusted to pH 7.2-7.4 using 1 M NaOH and subsequently filtered through a membrane (0.22 μm for intravenous injection and 0.45 μm for peritoneal injection) under sterile conditions. The resulting sterile preparation is submerged in a 35-38 °C water bath for 30 minutes before use. In other embodiments, the compositions of the invention may also be formulated with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers to be orally ad inistered in any orally acceptable dosage form including, but not limited to, capsules, tablets, suspensions or solutions.

For Hyperlipemia One thousand grams of the activated yeast powder prepared as described above (Section V, supra) is added to 100O L of the mixed fruit extract solution, and the yeast solution is transferred to the first container (A) shown in Fig. 2. The yeast cells are then cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12623 MHz and a field strength of about 370-400 mV/cm (e.g., 384 mV/cm) at 28-32°C under sterile conditions for 26 hours. The yeast cells are further incubated in an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12642 MHz and a field strength of 320-350 mV/cm (e.g., 332 mV/cm). The culturing continues for another 12 hours. The yeast culture is then transferred from the first container (A) to the second container (B) (if need be, a new batch of yeast culture can be started in the now available the first container (A)), and subjected to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12623 MHz and a field strength of 390-430 mV/cm (e.g., 407 mV/cm) for 24 hours. Subsequently the frequency and field strength of the electric field are changed to 12642 MHz and 360-390 mV/cm (e.g., 374 mV/cm), respectively. The culturing process continues for another 12 hours. The yeast culture is then transferred from the second container (B) to the third container (C), and subjected to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12623 MHz and a field strength of 270-290 mV/cm (e.g., 276 mV/cm) for 24 hours. Subsequently the frequency and field strength of the electric field are changed to 12642 MHz and 220-240 mV/cm (e.g., 228 mV/cm), respectively. The culturing continues for another 12 hours. The yeast culture from the third container (C) can then be packaged into vacuum sealed bottles for use as medicament or dietary supplement, e.g., in the form of health drinks, pills, or powder, etc. If desired, the final yeast culture can also be dried within 24 hours and stored in powder form. The dietary supplement can be taken three to four times daily at 30-60 ml per dose for a three-month period, preferably 10-30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. In some embodiments, the compositions of the invention can also be administered intravenously or peritoneally in the form of a sterile injectable preparation. Such a sterile preparation can be prepared as follows. A sterilized health drink composition is first treated under ultrasound (>18,000 Hz) for 10 minutes and then centrifuged for another 10 minutes. The resulting supernatant is adjusted to pH 7.2-7.4 using 1 M NaOH and subsequently filtered through a membrane (0.22 μm for intravenous injection and 0.45 μm for peritoneal injection) under sterile conditions. The resulting sterile preparation is submerged in a 35-38 °C water bath for 30 minutes before use. In other embodiments, the compositions of the invention may also be formulated with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers to be orally administered in any orally acceptable dosage form including, but not limited to, capsules, tablets, suspensions or solutions. In other embodiments, the compositions of the invention may also be formulated with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers to be orally administered in any orally acceptable dosage form including, but not limited to, capsules, tablets, suspensions or solutions.

For Nephrotic Syndrome One thousand grams of the activated yeast powder prepared as described above (Section V, supra) is added to 1000 L of the mixed fruit extract solution, and the yeast solution is transferred to the first container (A) shown in Fig. 2. The yeast cells are then cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12687 MHz and a field strength of about 460-500 mV/cm (e.g., 487 mV/cm) at 28-32°C under sterile conditions for 27-37 hours (e.g., 32 hours). The yeast cells are further incubated in an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12698 MHz and a field strength of 410-450 mV/cm (e.g., 435 mV/cm). The culturing continues for 7-17 hours (e.g., 12 hours). The yeast culture is then transferred from the first container (A) to the second container (B) (if need be, a new batch of yeast culture can be started in the now available the first container (A)), and subjected to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12687 MHz and a field strength of 480-520 mV/cm (e.g., 507 mV/cm) for 19-29 hours (e.g., 24 hours). Subsequently the frequency and field strength of the electric field are changed to 12698 MHz and 440-480 mV/cm (e.g., 456 mV/cm), respectively. The culturing process continues for 7-17 hours (e.g., 12 hours). The yeast culture is then transferred from the second container (B) to the third container (C), and subjected to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12687 MHz and a field strength of 360-390 mV/cm (e.g., 373 mV/cm) for 19-29 hours (e.g., 24 hours). Subsequently the frequency and field strength of the electric field are changed to 12698 MHz and 320-350 mV/cm (e.g., 332 mV/cm), respectively. The culturing continues for 7-17 hours (e.g., 12 hours). The yeast culture from the third container (C) can then be packaged into vacuum sealed bottles, each having 30-50 ml or 100 ml of the yeast culture, for use as a dietary supplement, e.g., health drinks, or medication in the form of pills, powder, etc. If desired, the final yeast culture can also be dried within 24 hours and stored in powder form. The dietary supplement can be taken orally three times daily at 30 ml per dose for a three-month period, preferably before meals. In some embodiments, the compositions of the invention can also be administered intravenously or peritoneally in the form of a sterile injectable preparation. Such a sterile preparation can be prepared as follows. A sterilized health drink composition is first treated under ultrasound (>18000 Hz) for 10 minutes and then centrifuged at 4355 rpm for another 10 minutes. The resulting supernatant is adjusted to pH 7.2-7.4 using 1 M NaOH and subsequently filtered through a membrane (0.22 μm for intravenous injection and 0.45 μm for peritoneal injection) under sterile conditions. The resulting sterile preparation is submerged in a 35-38°C water bath for 30 minutes before use. In other embodiments, the compositions of the invention may also be formulated with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers to be orally administered in any orally acceptable dosage form including, but not limited to, capsules, tablets, suspensions or solutions. The yeast compositions of the present invention are derived from yeasts used in food and pharmaceutical industries. The yeast compositions are thus devoid of side effects associated with many conventional pharmaceutical compounds.

VII. Example In order that this invention be more fully understood, the following example is set forth. This example is for the purpose of illustration only and is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

Effect on Lupus Erythematosus The activated yeast composition used in the following example was prepared as described above, using Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen IFFI1413, cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having the electric field frequency and field strength exemplified in the parentheses following the recommended ranges listed in Section IV, supra. Control (i.e., untreated) yeast composition was prepared in the same manner except that the yeast cells were cultured in the absence of EMFs. All compositions of interest were administered to patients orally. Ninety-nine patients with LE for five to eight years between 12 and 25 years old participated in the clinical study of the effects of the activated yeast composition on LE. A majority of the patients had DLE. The criterion for selecting patients for the clinical study was one of the following: (1) positive test result for LE cells, (2) positive test result for anti-nDNA antibody, (3) positive test result for anti-Sm antibody, (4) urine protein >0.5 g/d, (5) leukocyte count < 4.0 x 10⁹ IL, (6) platelet count < 100x10⁹ IL, (7) butterfly-shaped rash across the cheek and nose, and (8) non-rheumatoid arthritis. All patients were randomly divided into three groups, AY, NY and CK, with thirty-three patients per group. Patients in the AY group were given a bottle of the activated yeast composition three times a day at a bottle (30 ml) per dose for six months. Patients in the NY group were given the control yeast composition three times a day at half a bottle per dose for six months or at a bottle per dose if those between the ages of 13 and 18. Patients in the CK group were treated with conventional LE medications, such as Lincomycin, cyclophosphamide, prednisone, cyclosporine

and IgG in conjunction with conventional fever reducing, blood pressure lowering, or diuretic medications. At the end of the six-month period, blood samples were collected from patients in all three groups and analyzed using standard tests known in the art. The results of the analysis are summarized in Table 2.

Table 2

The above results show that the activated yeast composition was more effective in minimizing and/or eliminating various symptoms in LE patients and normalizing urinary protein levels and/or leukocyte, lymphocyte, and/or platelet counts than both the control yeast composition and the conventional medications.

Anti-seizure Effect The activated yeast compositions used in the following experiments were prepared as described above, using Saccharomyces cervisiae Hansen IFFI1335 cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having the electric field frequency and field strength exemplified in the parentheses following the recommended ranges in Section IV, supra. Control yeast compositions were those prepared in the same manner except that the yeast cells were cultured in the absence of EMFs. Unless otherwise indicated, the yeast compositions and the corresponding controls were admitted to the animals via intragastric feeding. Example 1: on mice Electrodes are placed at the ears of the mice to provide instant stimulation through a strong electric currency. An appropriate electric currency induces an excessive surge of electrical activity in the brain resulting in seizures to occur. Kunming grade healthy mice, which were 50-70 days old, weighing 18-22 g, were provided by the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. The electroshock device (model GJ-2, manufactured by Medical Instrument Factory, Zhejiang Medical University) was adjusted to an output frequency of 60 Hz and voltage of 125 V. An equal number of male and female mice were selected. The ears of the mice were covered with saturated saline soaked-cotton. The electrodes were then clipped onto the ears of the mice. The mice were electroshocked three times for 0.3 seconds at an interval of 10 seconds. Mice with seizure activity were then divided into four groups, each group containing 70 mice: the test group (AY), the control yeast group (NY), the positive control group (CK2) and negative control group (CK1). Each mouse in the test, control yeast and negative control groups was administered twice daily 0.4 ml of the activated yeast composition, the control yeast composition, and saline, respectively, for 1 week. Each mouse in the positive control group was administered twice daily 15 mg/kg of phenobarbital for 1 week. On each day, the mice were electroshocked once for 0.3 seconds. The number of mice with seizure activity were monitored as illustrated in Table 2. Table 2

As illustrated above, compared to the control (CK1) and control yeast (NY) groups, the test group (AY) shows a significant decrease in the number of rats with seizure activity after day 4. Further, nearly all of the rats in the test group show an anti-seizure effect after day 7, while only 12.9% of the rats in the positive control group (CK2) have an anti-seizure effect. Thus, the activated yeast composition of this invention has an anti-seizure affect on electro-shocked mice.

Example 2: on rats induced with cardiazol Cardiazol induces seizure activity through intensifying excitatory synaptic activity of the brain. At the appropriate dose, cardiazol induces epileptic bursts that occur spontaneously. An equal number of female and male Wistar rats that were 5-6 months old, weighing 200-220 g were provided by the Chinese Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China. The rats were divided into four groups, each containing 20 rats: the test group (AY), the control yeast group (NY), the positive control group (CK2) and negative control group (CK1). Each rat in the test, control yeast and negative control groups was administered twice daily 0.6 ml of the activated yeast composition, the control yeast composition, and saline, respectively, for 1 week. Each mouse in the positive group was administered twice daily 0.04 g/kg (body weight) of phenobarbital (dissolved in 0.6 ml saline) for 1 week. On day 7, 30 minutes after administering the last dosage of the above compositions, each group was administered by subcutaneous injection 70 mg/kg (body weight) of cardiazol (prepared as a 5% cardiazol solution in saline). The number of seizures occurred, incubation time (time between completion of injection and first seizure) and life span after injection was recorded immediately thereafter as shown in Table 3.

Table 3

As illustrated above, compared to the control yeast (NY), negative control groups (CK1), the test group (AY) shows a significant increase in the incubation time of the seizure and the life span of the rat after cardiazol injection. Further, compared to the positive control group (CK2), the test group shows that the incubation time of the seizure as well as the life span of the rat after cardiazol injection is much higher. Thus, the activated composition of this invention has an anti-seizure effect on rats treated with a seizure-inducing drug, cardiazol.

Effect on Gastritis The activated yeast compositions used in the following experiments were prepared as described above, using Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS2.501 cells cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having the electric field frequency and field strength exemplified in the parentheses following the recommended ranges listed in Section IV, supra. Control yeast compositions were those prepared in the same manner except that the yeast cells were cultured in the absence of EMFs. Unless otherwise indicated, the yeast compositions and the corresponding controls were administered to the animals by intragastric feeding.

Example 1: on gastric acid, pepsin, mucus and serum gastrin concentration Gastritis can be induced in rats by feeding them with sodium deoxycholate and ethanol. Symptoms of the induced gastritis include reduced gastric acidity (increased pH value), increased pepsin activity, and gastric mucosa inflammation, resembling the human disease. The activated yeast composition of this invention was shown to ameliorate these symptoms of gastritis. This result was obtained as follows. Forty SD rats of 4-6 months old and 180-200 g in weight (20 males and 20 females) were randomly divided into four groups of ten rats each. To obtain rats with gastritis, three groups (group AY, NY, and CK1) of rats were treated as follows: in addition to regular rat feed, for the first month, each rat was given 2 ml of 65% ethanol every three days for a total of ten doses; for the second month, each rat was given 2 ml of 65% ethanol every six days for a total of five doses; for the third month, each rat was given 2 ml of 40% ethanol every three days for a total of ten doses. From day one, the drinking water for the rats contained 20 mM sodium deoxycholate (pH 7.0-7.8). After three months, Group AY rats were administered 2 ml of the activated yeast composition once daily for thirty days; rats in Groups NY and CK1 were given 2 ml of the control yeast composition and 2 ml of saline, respectively, once daily for thirty days. The rats in all three groups were otherwise maintained under the same conditions. During this period, the drinking water for the rats also contained 20 mM sodium deoxycholate (pH 7.0-7.8). The fourth group of rats, Group CK2, were not challenged with ethanol but were fed normally and provided with normal drinking water during the four-month period. They were otherwise maintained under the same conditions as the other three groups of rats. At the end of the fourth month, all four groups of rats were given only water, no food, for 16 hours. The rats were then sacrificed and blood samples taken. The blood was centrifuged at 3500 rpm for 24 minutes and the supernatant was taken for serum gastrin measurement. After an incision was made in the abdomen, the cardia and the pylorus were ligated and the whole stomach was removed from the rat. The stomach was cut open along the greater curvature. Five milliliters of distilled water was added into the stomach, and the gastric contents was then collected. The gastric contents were transferred into a conical centrifuge tube, centrifuged at 1500 rpm for 10 minutes, and the supernatant was then taken. Specimens at the same position of the stomach were taken and fixed in 10% formaldehyde. Histopathological changes in the stomach tissues were examined and compared with healthy tissues by paraffin sections and HE staining. The acidity of the gastric juice was measured by titrating 1 ml of the gastric juice with 0.01 M NaOH using 0.1% phenol red as an indicator. The pepsin activity in the gastric juice was determined according to the procedures shown in Tables 3 and 4. Table 3

Table 4

Incubated at room temperature for 20 minutes, and OD measured at 660 nm (using the blank sample for calibration). Pepsin activity was calculated according to the formula below. (OD_t/ODo) x 0.2(μmol) x [11(ml)/1.0(ml)] + 0.5(ml) ^•*^■ 30(min) x 10 = (OD₁/OD₀) x 1.47 (U) In the above formula, OD1 is the OD660 of the samples and OD0 is the OD660 of the standard tube. One unit (U) of pepsin activity is the amount of pepsin in 1 ml of gastric juice that hydrolyzes casein to yield one micromole of tyrosine in one minute at 40°C. The amount of mucus content in the gastric juice was measured according to the procedure in Table 5. Table 5

*The citrate-phosphate buffer (pH 5.8) is prepared by mixing 7.91 ml of 0.1 M Citrate and 12.09 ml of 0.2 M Na₂HPO4. The amount of mucus content in the gastric juice, expressed in the unit "mg-Alcian blue/ml gastric juice," was calculated by deducting the amount of Alcian blue unbound to gastric mucus from the total amount of Alcian blue added to the sample, and multiply the resulting value by ten (the dilution factor for the gastric juice), as expressed in the following formula: gastric mucus amount per ml of gastric juice = [1(mg) - (OD sample/OD standard) x 1 (mg)] x 10 ÷ 1 (ml) Serum gastrin concentration was measured using the gastrin assay kit according to protocols provided by the manufacturer China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing, China. The experimental results are summarized in Table 6 below.

These data demonstrate that the activated yeast composition notably increased gastric acid secretion, decreased the activity level of pepsin and the amount of mucus, and increased the serum gastrin concentration, as compared to the control yeast composition and saline.

Example 2: on ethanol-induced gastric lesion Thirty Wistar rats (15 males and 15 females) of 3-6 months old and 180-200 g in weight were divided into three equal groups, AY, NY, and CK. Group AY rats were each given 2 ml of the activated yeast composition daily for 13 consecutive days. On the 14th day, the rats were given no food for 24 hours. The Group AY rats were then each given another 2 ml of the activated yeast composition. Thirty minutes later, 1.2 ml of anhydrous ethanol was administered to each rat. After one hour, the rats were sacrificed and the abdomen opened. After the pylorus and cardia were ligated, the stomach was retrieved. The stomach was then opened by an incision along the greater curvature. The interior of the stomach was examined and the areas of the lesions to the gastric mucosa were measured. Rats in Groups NY and CK were treated in the same way as the Group AY rats, except that they were given the control composition and saline, respectively, in lieu of the activated yeast composition. The results are shown in Table 7 below.

Table 7

These data demonstrate that the activated yeast composition significantly reduced gastric lesion induced by anhydrous ethanol, as compared to the control yeast composition and saline.

Example 3: on gastric lesion induced by indomethacin Thirty Wistar rats (15 males and 15 females) of 15-16 months old and 180-200 g in weight were divided into three equal groups, AY, NY, and CK. Group AY rats were each given 2 ml of the activated yeast composition daily for 13 consecutive days. On the 14th day, the rats were given no food for 24 hours. The AY rats were then each given another 2 ml of the activated yeast composition. Thirty minutes later, an indomethacin solution was injected into the rat stomach at 20 mg of indomethacin per kilogram of body weight. Four hours later the rats were sacrificed and the abdomen opened immediately. After the pylorus and cardia were ligated, the stomach was retrieved. The stomach was then opened by an incision along the greater curvature. The interior of the stomach was examined for lesions to the gastric mucosa. Rats in Groups NY and CK were treated in the same way as the Group AY rats, except that they were given the control composition and saline, respectively, in lieu of the activated yeast composition. The amount of lesion and the percentage of gastritic lesion (area of gastric mucosa with gastritis versus the total area of the gastric mucosa) observed from these experiments are shown in Table 8 below.

Table 8

These data demonstrate that the activated yeast composition significantly reduced gastric lesion induced by indomethacin, as compared to the control yeast composition and saline.

Effect on Gastroparesis The activated yeast compositions used in the following examples were prepared as described above, using Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS2.559, cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having the electric field frequency and field strength exemplified in the parentheses following the recommended ranges listed in Section IV, supra. Control (i.e., untreated) yeast compositions were those prepared in the same manner as described in Section IV, supra, except that the yeast cells were cultured in the absence of EMFs. Unless otherwise specified, all compositions of interest were administered to the animals by intragastric feeding. Example 1: on stomach contraction To test the ability of the activated yeast compositions to stimulate stomach contraction, thirty domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus curiculus) of average weight of about 2.0±0.2 kg (3-5 months old, half of them male and the other half female) were fasted for 16 hours and subsequently randomly divided into three groups, designated as AY, NY and CK. Each rabbit was anesthetized by injection of 0.8 ml of a 2.5 g/dl pentobarbital solution through its marginal ear vein. A No. 10 urinary catheter was inserted into the stomach of the rabbit through its mouth (about 22 cm from its teeth) for feeding. See, e.g., Zhu Yu et al., Eds., Animal Disease Models, Tian Jin Science and Technology Translation Publishing Company (1997). Each rabbit was then placed in a supine position on a rabbit board. The fur around the xiphoid process or ensisternum was shaved and the exposed skin was rubbed with 95% alcohol to remove surface oil. An electrode was placed onto the rabbit's abdomen over the gastric antrum, which was about 1 cm below and 1 cm to the left of xiphoid process. Another electrode was placed over the stomach, which was about 1 cm below and 1 cm to the right of xiphoid process. An electrogastrogram (EGG) was taken for 5 to 10 minutes first over gastric antrum and then over the stomach before the rabbits were fed. Rabbits in the AY group were each given 2 ml of the activated yeast composition. Rabbits in the NY group were each given 2 ml of the control yeast composition. Rabbits in the CK group were each given 2 ml of saline. The rabbits in all three groups were otherwise maintained under the same conditions. An EGG was taken for each rabbit, first over the gastric antrum and then over the stomach, at 30 minutes and 60 minutes after feeding. A representative EGG before and after feeding for rabbits in each group is shown in Fig. 3. The average frequency (1/min.) and intensity (μV) of electrical signals recorded on EGGs over a period of 3 to 5 minutes are summarized in Table 2a and Table 2b, respectively.

Table 2a. Effects of Treatment on the Frequency of Electrical Signals

30 2.6±0.7 2.7±0.5 2.7±0.8 2.4±0.5 1.8±0.6 1.9±0.7

60 2.9±0.2 2.7±0.7 2.7±0.6 2.1±0.4 2.7±0.5 2.7±0.7

Table 2b. Effects of Treatment on the Intensity of Electrical Signals

The above results show that unlike the control yeast composition or saline, the activated yeast composition could stimulate the stomach to contract by increasing the intensity of the electrical signals over both the gastric antrum and the stomach.

Example 2: on gastric acid and pepsin Thirty Wistar rats of average weight of about 180-200 g (4-6 months old) were randomly divided into three equal groups. Rats in the AY group were administered 2 ml of the activated yeast composition once daily for five days. Rats in the NY and CK groups were given 2 ml of the control yeast composition and saline once daily for five days, respectively. The rats in all three groups were otherwise maintained under the same conditions. After the fifth dose of yeast composition was administered to the animals, the animals were given only water, but no food, for the next 24 hours. The rats were then anesthetized with ether. An incision was then made in the middle of the abdomen of the animal and the stomach was located. The pylorus was then ligated. The activated yeast composition, control yeast composition, and saline were administered at 3 ml/kg body weight through the duodenum by injection to rats in the AY, NY and CK groups, respectively. Then, the incision was stitched. Two hours later, the animals were sacrificed. The whole stomach was removed. The gastric contents were emptied into a conical centrifuge tube, measured for its volume and pH value, and centrifuged at 1500 rpm for 10 minutes. The supernatant was collected. The pepsin concentration in the gastric juice was determined by the HPLC method. The experimental results are summarized in Table 3 below. Table 3. Effects of Treatment on Secretion of Gastric Acid and Pepsin Activity

These data demonstrate that the activated yeast composition decreased gastric acid concentration and pepsin activity, as compared to the control yeast composition and saline.

Effect on Renal Failure The activated yeast compositions used in the following examples were prepared as described above, using Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS2.16 cells, cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having the electric field frequency and field strength exemplified in the parentheses following the recommended ranges listed in Section IV, supra. Control (i.e., untreated) yeast compositions were those prepared in the same manner as described in Section VI, supra, except that the yeast cells were cultured in the absence of EMFs. All compositions of interest were administered to the animals by intragastric feeding, unless otherwise specified.

Example 1: on renal failure in rats To test the ability of the EMF-treated AS2.16 cells to ameliorate renal failure and restore renal function, forty healthy male Wistar rats (3-6 months old, about 180 to 200 g body weight) were selected and randomly divided into four equal groups, Groups A, B, C and D. Group D rats were used as controls. Under anesthesia with amobarbital (3.0 ml/100 g body weight), each of Groups A, B and C rats was laid prone on an operating table and its posterior abdominal cavity was opened under sterile conditions. The right kidney was exposed and two thirds of the cortical tissue (about 0.45-5.0 g) of the right kidney were removed. After bleeding was stopped, the muscular tissue was injected with penicillin (1.5x10⁴ units/100 g body weight) to prevent infection. The wound opening was then closed by stitches. One week later, blood samples were collected from the tail and the carotid artery of each rat in the four groups ten hours after feeding with water only. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels in the blood samples were determined for all rats. Urine samples from each rat in the four groups were collected for a twenty-four hour period, during which the rat was given water but no food. The collected urine samples were preserved with xylene and the proteinuria concentration in the samples was determined. Subsequently, the abdominal cavity of each of Groups A, B and C rats was re-opened by the same method as described above. The renal pedicel was ligated with a ligature and the left kidney was removed. All rats in the four groups were then raised with normal feed for another week. At week three, a composition of interest (1.5 ml/1 OOg body weight) was administered to each of the operated rats once daily for the next eight weeks. Rats in Group A were each given the activated yeast composition at a dose of 1.5 ml/1 OOg body weight. Rats in Groups B and C were treated in the same manner as those in Group A, except that they were given the control yeast composition and tap water, respectively, in lieu of the activated yeast composition. Rats in Group D were treated in the same manner as those in Group C, except that the former were not operated on. Urine samples were collected for a twenty-four hour period and the proteinuria concentration was determined. BUN levels and serum creatinine readings in the blood samples were also determined as described above. The results were summarized in Tables 2 and 3. Table 2. Urine Secretion of Male Wistar Rats.

Table 3. Serum BUN and Creatinine Levels of Male Wistar Rats.

The above results show that the activated yeast composition increased urine secretion, decreased proteinuria concentration, and lowered BUN and serum creatinine levels. In contrast, the control yeast composition demonstrated no such effects. Additionally, rats given the activated yeast composition showed noticeable improvement in the amount of food intake which resulted in an increase in body weight. Example 2: diuretic effect in rabbits To test the diuretic effect of the EMF-treated AS2.16 cells, each of eighteen healthy domesticated male rabbits (Oryctolagus curiculus, 3-5 months old, about 2±0.2 kg body weight) was injected with 5% glucose saline (10 ml/kg) through the marginal vein of its ear. A urinary catheter was gently inserted into the rabbit's bladder for 8-10cm. The bladder was emptied and urine was collected twice, each for a period of 5 to 10 minutes. The collected urine samples were measured and recorded. Another catheter was subsquently inserted into the rabbit's stomach. The rabbits were then randomly divided into three equal groups. A composition of interest (12 ml/kg) was fed to each rabbit through the catheter to the stomach. Rabbits in Group A were each given the activated yeast composition at a dose of 12 ml/kg body weight. Rabbits in Groups B and C were treated in the same manner as those in Group A, except that they were given the control yeast composition and saline, respectively, in lieu of the activated yeast composition. Urine samples were collected every 30 minutes for three times starting 30 minutes after the administration. These results were summarized in Table 4. Table 4. Effects of Treatment on Urine Secretion.

The above results show that the activated composition increased urine secretion compared to the controls.

Effect on Vascular Dementia The activated yeast compositions used in the following experiments were prepared as described above, using Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen IFFI1340 cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having the electric field frequency and field strength exemplified in the parentheses following the recommended ranges. Control yeast compositions were those prepared in the same manner except that the yeast cells were cultured in the absence of EMFs. Unless otherwise indicated, all yeast compositions and the corresponding controls were administered to the animals by intragastric feeding. Example 1: on Rats with VaD induced by cerebral ischemia A large number of clinical studies have shown that blockage in the artery or vein can reduce the blood flow in the brain, thereby inducing cerebral ischemia. When under ischemic conditions for only a few minutes, brain cells can be severely damaged, leading to stroke or dementia and even death. Blockage in the arteria carotis is a major cause in cerebral ischemia. A goal of the treatment is to help the damaged brain cells gradually recover. In this experiment, VaD is induced by ligation of the common artery on both sides of the neck for 4-12 minutes (the duration depends on the blood flow), which results in memory loss in rats. The change in memory of the rats after administering the activated yeast composition is monitored. The rat VaD model closely resembles human VaD. Male Wistar rats that were 4-6 months old, weighing 180-200 g were provided by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Anesthesia of 100 healthy rats was performed by administering abdominally 35 mg/kg (body weight) of chloral hydrate. Then, the necks of the rats were cleaved in the center. Twelve rats were selected for the positive control group (CK1 group), of which the cleaved skin was sealed, and 2x10⁴ unit/kg (body weight) of penicillin was injected into the buttocks of the rats to prevent infection. For the rest of the rats, the common artery on each side was separated, and clamped to control 50% of the blood flow. After 10 minutes, the clamp was removed and the blood flow in the artery recovered to normal conditions. Then, the cleaved skin of the rats was sealed, and 2x10⁴ unit/kg (body weight) of penicillin was injected into the buttocks of the rats to prevent infection. The rats were fed for two days, and the memory of the rats were monitored by using the water maze method. Rats that exceeded 85 seconds in completing the maze were selected. The selected rats were divided into three groups of 12 each, the test group (AY), the control yeast group (NY) and the saline control group (CK2). Each rat in groups AY, NY, CK2 and CK1 was administered twice daily 1 ml of the activated yeast composition, the control yeast composition and saline (for both CK2 and CK1), respectively for 21 days. The rats were monitored on Day 7, 14 and 21 for the time required to complete the maze. The results are shown in Table 2. Table 2

The above experiment shows that compared to the groups treated with unactivated yeast composition (NY) or saline (CK2), the group treated with activated yeast composition (AY) demonstrates significant recovery of memory after 7 days, 14 days and 21 days of treatment. On Day 21 , the memory of the rats is comparable to those of the rats in the positive control group (CK1). Example 2: on VaD induced by blockage of the middle cerebral artery In this experiment, paraffin oil is injected into the middle cerebral artery of rats. The paraffin oil mimicks the microparticles of thrombus and induces blockage of the blood vessel, leading to VaD in the rats. The VaD observed in the rat model is similar to that observed in humans. Through treatment, damaged brain cells recover, and the memory is improved. In this experiment, the Morris maze method was used to record the change in memory after treatment. Male Sprague-Dawley rats that were 5-7 months old, weighing 220-250 g were provided by the Chinese Medical Science Academy. Anesthesia of 80 healthy rats was performed by administering abdominally 35 mg/kg (body weight) of soluble phenobarbital. Then, the necks of the rats were cleaved in the center. Fifteen rats were selected for the positive control group (CK1). The middle cerebral artery of these rats were slowly injected with 20 μl/kg (body weight) of saline for 10-15 minutes. For the rest of the rats, paraffin oil was slowly injected into the middle cerebral artery for 10-15 minutes at 20 μl/kg (body weight). The paraffin oil was sterilized at 121°C and cooled to 35 to 38°C before use. Then, the cleaved skin of the rats was sealed, and 2x10⁴ unit/kg (body weight) of penicillin was injected into the buttocks of the rats to prevent infection. The rats were fed for ten days, and the memory of the rats were monitored by the Morris maze method on Day 11. Rats that exceeded 100 seconds in locating the safety zone were selected. The selected rats were divided into three groups of 15 each, the test group (AY), the control yeast group (NY) and the saline control group (CK2). Each rat in groups AY, NY, CK2 and CK1 was administered twice daily 1 ml of the activated yeast composition, the control yeast composition and saline (for both CK2 and CK1), respectively for 21 days. The rats were monitored on Day 7, 14 and 21 for the time required to locate the safety zone. The results are shown in Table 3. Table 3

The above experiment shows that compared to the groups treated with unactivated yeast composition (NY) or saline (CK2), the group treated with activated yeast composition (AY) demonstrates significant recovery of memory after 7 days, 14 days and 21 days of treatment. The group treated with unactivated yeast composition does not demonstrate any effect on the rats compared to the saline control group. On Day 21 , the memory of the rats is even better than that of the rats in the positive control group (CK1). Thus, the activated yeast composition helps rats with vascular dementia recover their memory.

Effect on Sexual Disorders The activated yeast compositions used in the following experiments were prepared as described abovefusing Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS2.502 cells cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having the electric field frequency and field strength exemplified in the parentheses following the recommended ranges listed in Section IV, supra. Control yeast compositions were those prepared in the same manner except that the yeast cells were cultured in the absence of EMFs. Unless otherwise indicated, the yeast compositions and the corresponding controls were administered to the animals by intragastric feeding.

Example 1: on sexual function of castrated male wistar rats To test the ability of the EMF-treated AS2.502 cells to improve male sexual function, hormone levels, and sexual organ development, 50 healthy adult male Wistar rats (about 100-120 g body weight, 6-8 weeks old) were selected. Ten rats were randomly selected to be the normal control group, CK1 (uncastrated rats). Under anesthesia with pentobarbital (5%, at 45 mg/kg body weight), both testes (including the epididymis) of each of the remaining 40 rats were removed under sterile conditions. Immediately after castration, Penicillin G was injected at 20,000 U/kg body weight once daily for five consecutive days. The castrated rats were then randomly divided into four equal groups, designated as AY (for treatment with the activated yeast composition), NY (for treatment with the control yeast composition), CK2 (for treatment with testosterone propionate), and CK3 (for treatment with saline). Each rat was kept separately. The activated yeast composition was administered to the AY rats at 1.2 ml/kg body weight once daily for 30 days. The control yeast composition was administered to the NY rats and saline was administered to the CK3 rats at the same dosage. Testosterone propionate was injected intramuscularly to the CK2 rats in the buttocks at 2 mg/kg once daily for 30 days. The uncastrated CK1 rats, each also kept separately, were administered 1.2 ml/kg of saline once daily for 30 days. On the twenty-ninth day of the experiment, two female rats (100-120 g, 6-8 weeks old) were put into the same cage as each male rat and kept there for 30 minutes. The frequency of the male rat's sniffing and licking of the female rats, and the frequency of the male rat's mounting of the female rats were recorded in Table 2. Each male rat was sacrificed on the thirty-first day. The seminal vesicle and prostate were retrieved and placed in Bouin's solution overnight. The fatty tissue around the seminal vesicle and the prostate was removed. The ductus deferens, part of the urethra, and the bladder were also removed from the peripheries of the seminal vesicle and the prostate. The remaining seminal vesicle and the prostate were weighed and then submerged in 70% ethanol overnight. The urethra was then completely stripped away from the prostate and seminal vesicle. The wet weight of the prostate and seminal vesicle was recorded in Table 2. The oval-shaped glandulae preputiales was also retrieved from the pubis area. The wet weight of the glandulae preputiales was also recorded in Table 2. Table 2. Effects of Yeast Compositions on Male Sexual Activity, Glandulae Preputiales, Seminal Vesicle and Prostate of Castrated Wistar Rats

The results in Table 2 show that (1) the activated yeast composition was capable of restoring sexual function/activity in castrated male rats, while the control yeast composition or saline was not; (2) the activated yeast composition stimulated the growth of the prostate, seminal vesicle and glandulae preputiales in castrated rats, while the control yeast composition or saline did not; and (3) the activated yeast composition was superior to testosterone propionate in stimulating the growth of the prostate, seminal vesicle and glandulae preputiales.

Example 2: on erectile function and testosterone levels of castrated wistar rats To test the ability of the EMF-treated AS2.502 cells to improve male sexual function, hormone levels, and sexual organ development, 50 healthy adult male Wistar rats (about 150-180 g body weight, 8-10 weeks old) were selected. Ten rats were randomly selected to be the normal control group, CK1 (uncastrated rats). Under anesthesia with pentobarbital (5%, at 45 mg/kg body weight), both testes (including the epididymis) of each of the remaining 40 rats were removed under sterile conditions. Immediately after castration, Penicillin G was injected at 20,000 U/kg body weight once daily for five consecutive days. The castrated rats were then randomly divided into four equal groups, designated as AY (for treatment with the activated yeast composition), NY (for treatment with the control yeast composition), CK2 (for treatment with testosterone propionate), and CK3 (for treatment with saline). Each rat was kept separately. The activated yeast composition was administered to the AY rats at 1.2 ml/kg body weight once daily for 30 days. The control yeast composition was administered to the NY rats and saline was administered to the CK3 rats at the same dosage. Testosterone propionate was injected intramuscularly to the CK2 rats in the buttocks at 2 mg/kg once daily for 30 days. The uncastrated CK1 rats, each also kept separately, were administered 1.2 ml/kg of saline once daily for 30 days. On the thirty-first day of the experiment, an electrical stimulator was used to measure the erectile function of the rats. One of the two electrodes of the electric stimulator was placed at the opening of urethra, and the other in contact with the skin of the penis shaft. The stimulator was switched on at 55 Hz and 4.5 mA. The time needed for the penis to achieve erection ("the erection lag") was recorded in Table 3. Each rat was sacrificed after the erection test. Blood samples were collected from each rat, and the blood concentration of testosterone was determined by the standard radio-immunoassay (RIA) method. The results are shown in Table 3 below.

The results in Table 3 show that the activated yeast compositions shortened erection lag and increased the secretion of testosterone, while the control yeast composition or saline did not.

Effect on Hepatitis B The activated yeast compositions used in the following experiments were prepared as described above, using Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS2.561 cells cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having the electric field frequency and field strength exemplified in the parentheses following the recommended ranges listed in Section IV, supra. Control yeast compositions were those prepared in the same manner except that the yeast cells were cultured in the absence of EMFs. Unless otherwise indicated, the yeast compositions and the corresponding controls were administered to the animals by intragastric feeding. Example 1: against HBsAg The HBV surface coat is composed of hepatitis B surface antigens ("HBsAg"). HBsAg is produced in larger quantities than required for the virus to reproduce. The excess surface antigens clump into spherical particles or form rods of variable length. These spherical particles can also encapsulate a core particle and produce a complete and infectious viral particle that enters the blood stream and infects other liver cells. The excess spheres, rods and complete viral particles enter the blood stream in large numbers and are easily detectable. HbsAg-positivity is the current standard used to indicate HBV infection. The presence of HBsAg for more than six months is generally taken to indicate chronic infection. In this experiment, the effectiveness of the activated yeast composition in reducing HBsAg level was assessed using an ELISA assay. Preparation of yeast compositions for ELISA: Under sterile conditions, a bottle (100 ml/bottle, about 10⁸ cells/ml) of the activated yeast composition (AY) was mixed with 100 ml of de-ionized H₂O in a 200 ml beaker and the mixture incubated at 28-30°C for two hours. The mixture was then sonicated at 3000 Hz for 15 minutes and centrifuged at 1000 rpm for 10 minutes. The supernatant was then filtered through a 0.45 μm membrane. De-ionized water was added to bring the volume to 100 ml. The pH of the solution was adjusted to 7.0 with 0.1 M NaOH and HCl, and then stored at 4°C. Before use, three different concentrations of the solution were prepared: 1 X 50 μl (stock solution without further concentration), 2 X 50 μl (100 μl of stock solution concentrated to 50 μl), and 3 X 50 μl (150 μl of stock solution concentrated to 50 μl). Control yeast composition solutions (NY) were prepared in the same way. Preparation of HBsAg solutions: HBsAg was purified from HBsAg positive serum (with a titer of 1 :8) using cellulose ion-exchange affinity chromatography. The preparation was stored in aliquots at 4°C. Two HBsAg concentrations were used for this experiment: P/N (Positive/Negative) = 10.92, and P/N = 14.26. P/N is the ratio between the HBsAg concentration of an HbsAg-positive serum and that of an HbsAg-negative serum. Experimental procedure: Six solutions were prepared by mixing 50 μl of the yeast composition solutions at three different concentrations with 50 μl of the HBsAg preparations at two different concentrations. HBsAg positive (where no yeast composition solution was added) and HBsAg negative (no HBsAg) controls, as well as a blank control (where H₂O was used in lieu of yeast composition and HBsAg) were also included. These mixtures were incubated at 37°C for four hours. The ELISA plate were coated with 100 μl of purified hepatitis B surface antibody ("HbsAb") per well at 4°C for 48 hours. The plates were then washed several times with wash buffer and spun dry. The yeast composition solution-HBsAg mixtures and the various controls were each added to a HBsAb-coated well and incubated at 43°C for two hours. The plates were washed several times and spun dry, and 100 μl of HRP-HBsAb (1:100) in 10% fetal bovine serum was added per well and incubated at 43°C for one hour. The plates were then washed several times and spun dry. 100 μl of o-phenylenediamine-hydrogen peroxide was added per well. After incubation at 37°C in the dark for 30 minutes, the reactions were stopped by adding 50 μl of 2 M H₂SO₄ per well. The optical density of the samples was measured at 492 nm, using the blank sample for calibration. The P/N values of the reactions were calculated based on the average OD values (i.e., OD value for the samples divided by the OD value of the negative control). The data are shown in Table 2 below.

Table 2

The data demonstrate that the activated yeast composition significantly reduced the level of HBsAg (P/N < 0.95) compared to the control yeast composition (P/N > 10.34). By general medical standards, a P/N value of <1.2 indicates significant effect of treatment; a P/N value of <2.1 , average effect; a P/N value of 3.8-4.25, low effect; and a P/N value of >4.25, no effect. Example 2: on glutamate-pyruvate transaminase activity Glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT) normally is expressed in hepatocytes. When the liver tissue undergoes necrosis or is otherwise damaged, GPT is released into the blood stream, elevating the level of serum GPT. Thus, the serum GPT level is one of the important indicators of liver functions. To evaluate the effects of the activated yeast composition of this invention on serum GPT activity, the yeast compositions were tested in patients with chronic hepatitis B (either Chronic Persistent Hepatitis B or Chronic Active Hepatitis B). The study was conducted under the direction of physicians. In this study, the patients with Chronic Persistent Hepatitis B or Chronic Active Hepatitis B (these two groups of patients were studied separately) were randomly divided into three groups, namely AY (for treatment with the activated yeast composition), NY (for treatment with the control yeast composition), CK (positive control group, for treatment with Stronger Neominophagen C, or SNMC, a known drug for treating hepatitis B). The AY group patients were each given 30 ml of the activated yeast composition (about 10⁸ cells/ml), three times daily for six months. The NY patients were treated in the same manner except that they were given the control yeast composition, in lieu of the activated yeast composition. The CK patients were each given 40 ml of SNMC (1.0 mg/ml) via intraveinous injection daily for six months. At the end of the sixth month, blood samples were taken from each patient to determine the serum GPT level. To do so, 0.1 ml of serum from each paitent was mixed with 0.5 ml of the glutamate-pyruvate substrate solution (1 M) and incubated in a 37°C water bath for 30 minutes. Then 0.5 ml of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine was added and the incubation continued for another 20 minutes. Finally, 5 ml of 0.4 M NaOH was added. The control reaction was prepared in the same manner except that the serum was added immediately after, not before, the 30 minute incubation step. The optical density of the sample was measured at 520 nm, using the control reaction for calibration. The GPT concentration was determined using a standard curve. Data in Table 3 below show that the number of patients in each group whose serum GPT level returned to normal after treatment. Table 3

NY 23 0 0 25 0 0

CK 20 3 15.0 27 4 14.8

The data demonstrate that the activated yeast composition significantly restored serum GPT to normal levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B, and was superior to SNMC in doing so.

Effect on Liver Cirrhosis The activated yeast compositions used in the following experiments were prepared as described above, using Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS2.562 cells cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having the electric field frequency and field strength exemplified in the parentheses following the recommended ranges listed in Section IV, supra. Control yeast compositions were those prepared in the same manner except that the yeast cells were cultured in the absence of EMFs. Unless otherwise indicated, the yeast compositions and the corresponding controls were administered to the animals by intragastric feeding. Example 1: on Fibrous Tissue Formation and Collagen Level in Liver Fibrous tissue formation as a result of liver cell regeneration and high collagen level are characteristics of liver cirrhosis. To test the ability of the yeast composition containing EMF-treated AS2.562 cells to ameliorate or prevent cirrhosis, the composition's effects on liver fibrous tissue formation and collagen level were examined in Wistar rats with liver cirrhosis induced by subcutaneous injection of CCI₄. The activated yeast composition of this invention was shown to significantly alleviate these symptoms of cirrhosis. This result was obtained as follows. Forty Wistar rats (half male, half female, 6-9 months old, and 250-280 g in weight) were divided randomly into four groups often rats each: AY, for treatment with activated yeast composition; NY, for treatment with control yeast composition (unactivated yeast); CK1 , control group for treatment with saline; and CK2, normal control without induction of cirrhosis for treatment with saline. To induce cirrhosis, on day one of the nine-week experiment the AY, NY, and CK1 groups of rats were each administered 5.0 ml/kg (body weight) CCI₄ by subcutaneous injection. Each rat was then injected with 3 ml/kg of CCI₄ containing 40% plant oil (such as peanut oil). For the first two weeks, the rats' diet contained 79.5% corn flour, 20% lard, and 0.5% cholesterol, and their drinking water contained 30% alcohol. From the third week to the end of the ninth week, the diet contained 99% corn flour and 1% cholesterol, and the drinking water contained 30% alcohol. Starting from the second day of the experiment, each AY rat was administered 1.5 ml per 100 g body weight of the activated yeast composition twice daily till the end of the experiment; rats in groups NY and CK1 were given the control yeast composition and saline at the same dosage, respectively. The fourth group of rats, CK2, were not challenged with CCI₄ but were fed normally and provided normal drinking water during the nine-week period. They were given 1.5 ml of saline twice daily starting from the second day of the experiment. The four groups of rats were otherwise maintained under the same conditions. At the end of the ninth week, each rat was sacrificed and the left lobe of the liver was fixed in 10% formaldehyde. Paraffin sections were prepared and stained with HE (hematoxylin-eosin) and/or VG (van Gieson), and fibrous tissue formation was examined under the microscope. The rest of the liver sample was immersed first in 95% ethanol for 12 hours and then in acetone for 48 hours to extract fat. The liver was then dried at 110°C and ground into powder. To measure the liver hydroxyproline ("Hyp") level, 40 mg of the liver powder was added to 3 ml of 6 M HCl and incubated at 125°C to hydrolyze for five hours. The sample was then cooled down to room temperature and its pH adjusted to 6.0 with 6 M NaOH. The volume was brought up to 50 ml with de-ionized water. After filtration, 2 ml of the resulting solution was mixed with 1 ml of chloramine-T and incubated at room temperature for twenty minutes. One milliliter of perchloric acid was subsequently added. Five minutes later, 1 ml of 10% p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde was added and the reaction was incubated in a 60°C water bath for 20 minutes for color to develop. Optical densities of the samples were then measured at 550 nm. Hyp levels (Y) of the samples were obtained based on a proline standard curve. The proline standard curve was made by assaying proline solutions of several different concentrations following the procedure as described above. Since every microgram (μg) of Hyp corresponds to about 7.46 microgram (μg) of collagen in the liver, the liver collagen level (X) was calculated by the following formula:

X = [(7.46 x 50V40] x Y = 9.325 x Y (mg per gram liver dry weight)

The data from the above experiments are summarized in Table 2 below. Table 2

"-*": no fibrous tissue; "+": 0-0.25%, fibrous tissue volume v. total liver volume; "++": 0.25-2.5%; "+++": 2.5-5.0%.

** Average fibrous tissue volume as percent of total liver volume.

As shown in Table 2 above, the CK1 rats developed severe cirrhosis, indicating the success of cirrhosis induction by CCU- The AY rats, like the healthy control CK2 rats, had significantly less fibrous tissue formation or collagen in the liver compared to CK1 rats, while the NY rats were similar to CK1 rats in terms of the severity of cirrhosis. These data demonstrate that the activated yeast composition can significantly alleviate the symptoms of liver cirrhosis, e.g., decrease liver collagen level and the formation of liver fibrous tissue, as compared to the control yeast composition.

Example 2: on serum y-globulin level Serum proteins are generally classified into albumin and globulins. Globulins are roughly divided into α, β, and y globulins, which can be separated and quantitated by electrophoresis and densitometry. The D-globulins include the various types of antibodies, such as immunoglobulins M, G, and A. When the liver tissue is damaged as in cirrhosis, serum /-globulin levels increase because B cells secret more antibodies as a result of, inter alia, the saturated phagocytosis capability of the Kuffer cells and inadequate T-cell function. Thus, serum D-globulin level is one of the important indicators of liver functions. To evaluate the effects of the activated yeast composition of this invention on serum y-globulin levels, rats with CCU-induced liver cirrhosis were treated with the yeast compositions according to the procedure described in Example 1. The rats were sacrificed at the end of the ninth week. Blood samples were drawn from each of the sacrificed rats and sera were prepared. To determine the relative serum D-globulin level, the sera were subjected to standard serum globulin electrophoresis. After the electrophoresis was completed, the electrophoresis membrane was stained in amido black 10B solution for 10 minutes, and then destained to get rid of background staining. Each of the albumin or globulin bands was then excised. The membrane containing albumin was soaked in 6 ml of 0.4 M NaOH in a test tube, and the globulin bands were each soaked in 3 ml of 0.4 NaOH. All tubes were incubated at room temperature for an hour with agitation to elute the dye from the membrane. The optical density of each sample was measured at 580 nm, using 0.4 M NaOH for calibration. The relative proportion of each protein fraction was calculated using the following formulae:

Total serum protein = ∑E = 2 * E_A* + E_αι + E_α2 + Eβ + E_γ albumin (%) = [(2 * E_A) / ∑E] * 100 α1 globulin (%) = (E_αι / ∑E) * 100 α2 globulin (%) = (E_α2 / ∑E) * 100 β globulin (%) = (E_β / ∑E) * 100 y globulin (%) = (E_γ/ ∑E) 100 * E: optical density; A: albumin.

The average serum γ-globulin level (as percent of total serum protein) for the different groups of rats were shown in Table 3 below.

Table 3

The data demonstrate that the activated yeast composition was effective in maintaining normal serum γ-globulin levels in rats with cirrhosis, while the control yeast composition was not.

Effect on Hyperlipemia: The activated yeast compositions used in the following examples were prepared as described above, using Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS2.560 cells, cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having the electric field frequency and field strength exemplified in the parentheses following the recommended ranges listed in Section IV, supra. Control (i.e., untreated) yeast compositions were those prepared in the same manner as described in Section VI, supra, except that the yeast cells were cultured in the absence of EMFs. All compositions of interest were administered to the animals by intragastric feeding, unless otherwise specified.

Example 1: on cholesterol levels in rabbits To test the ability of the activated yeast compositions to control hyperlipemia, thirty healthy domesticated rabbits (Oryctolagus curiculus, 3.8-4.2 kg, half of them male and half of them female, 18-24 months old) were given regular rabbit feed for four weeks and then were randomly divided into three groups, Group A, B and C. A mixture of 0.2 mg/kg cholesterol + 2 ml lard was administered to each rabbit once daily and a composition of interest at a dosage of 1.5 ml/kg was administered twice a day for eight consecutive weeks. Rabbits in Groups A, B and C were given the activated yeast composition, the control yeast composition and saline, respectively, in addition to cholesterol and lard. All rabbits were otherwise maintained the same way. Prior to the administration of the mixture and the composition of interest, as well as at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after the administration, blood samples were taken from the marginal vein of an ear of each rabbit and centrifuged at 3000 rpm to recover sera. The amount of serum cholesterol was measured by the method described in Table 2 below. Table 2. A Method for Determining Cholesterol Concentration.

A standard curve of cholesterol was established and the concentration of cholesterol in the samples was determined according to the standard curve. The results were shown in Table 3.

The above results show that the activated yeast composition was more effective in lowering the cholesterol levels than the control yeast composition. Example 2: on cholesteroland triglyceride levels in rats To test the ability of the activated yeast compositions to control hyperlipemia, forty healthy Wistar rats (120-140 g, half of them male and half of them female, 2-4 months old) were randomly divided into four groups, Groups A, B, C and D. Groups A, B and C rats were given high lipid content rat feed and Groups D rats were given regular rat feed for three weeks. A composition of interest at a dosage of 1.5 ml/100 g was then administered to each rat in Groups A, B and C once daily in conjunction with the high lipid content rat feed for another three consecutive weeks. Rats in Group A, B and C were given the activated yeast composition, the control yeast composition and saline, respectively, in addition to the high lipid content rat feed. Rats in Group D were given 1.5 ml/100 g saline and regular rat feed instead. The high lipid content rat feed was prepared by mixing 1% cholesterol, 0.5% bile salt, 0.2% methylthiouracil, 2% lard, 5% soybean, 1% egg, 2% ground dry yolk, 1% fish meal, and 87.3% regular rat feed with water to form a paste.

Twenty-four hours after the last administration of the composition, the rats were given no feed but water for another twelve hours. Blood samples were then taken from the carotid and jugular vein of the rat and centrifuged at 3000 rpm to recover sera. The amount of serum cholesterol was measured by the same method as described in Example 1. The amount of serum triglycerides was measured by the method described in Table 4 below. Table 4. A Method for Determining Triglyceride Concentration.

(0.5 M) Stirred in a 65°C water bath for 10 minutes and cooled to room temperature. Readings of the sample and standard tubes were taken with a spectrophotometer at 420 nm (calibrated with the blank control tube).

A standard curve of triglyceride was established and the concentration of triglyceride in the samples was determined according to the standard curve. The results were shown in Table 5. Table 5. Effects on Triglyceride and Cholesterol Concentrations

The above results show that the activated yeast composition was more effective in lowering the triglyceride and cholesterol levels than the control yeast composition.

Effect on Nephrotic Syndrome The activated yeast compositions used in the following examples were prepared as described above, using Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS2.502, cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having the electric field frequency and field strength exemplified in the parentheses following the recommended ranges listed in Section IV, supra. Control (i.e., untreated) yeast compositions were those prepared in the same manner as described in Section VI, supra, except that the yeast cells were cultured in the absence of EMFs. Unless otherwise specified, all compositions of interest were administered to the animals by intragastric feeding. Example 1: on proteinuria To test the ability of the activated yeast compositions to reduce the level of urinary protein, sixty healthy Wistar rats with average weight of about 200-220 g (4-7 months old, half of them male and the other half female) were chosen and males and females were kept in separate cages. Each rat was injected intravenously with bovine serum albumin (BSA; at 350 mg/kg body weight) in the marginal ear vein to induce excess secretion of protein in the urine (proteinuria). After the injection, each rat was given normal feed for seven days. Urine samples were collected from the fine cancellated base of metabolic cages, and the amount of protein in the samples was determined by hot acetic acid method. Forty rats were selected for further study from those showing proteinuria, i.e., less than 0.5 mg/24 hours, and randomly divided into four equal groups, designated as AY, NY, CK1 and CK2. Subsequently, a composition of interest was administered twice daily to each of the four groups of rats for eight weeks. Rats in the AY, NY and CK1 groups received the 1.0 ml/100 g body weight of the activated yeast composition, the control yeast composition and saline, respectively. Rats in the CK2 group received 0.25 mg/100 g body weight of pednisone (metacortandiacin). Urine samples were collected for 24 hours on the last day of the fourth week as well as on the last day of the eighth week. The amount of urinary protein was determined by sulfosalicylic acid turbidimetry. The volume of each urine sample was first measured (ml). Five milliliters of each sample was then taken out and centrifuged at 3000 rpm. One milliliter of the supernatant was mixed with 3 ml of 30 mg/ml sulfosalicylic acid in a test tube. In the control tube, 1 ml saline was mixed with 3 ml of 30 mg/ml sulfosalicylic acid. Ten minutes later, the absorption of the sample test tube was measured at 620 nm against the control tube. The amount of urinary protein (per 100 ml) was determined based on a protein standard curve. The protein standard curve was created according to the following procedure. The amount of protein in fresh sera free of unhemolysis and unbilirubin were determined by commonly used KjeldahPs method. The fresh sera were then diluted to 4 mg/ml with saline. Seven mixtures were prepared according to Table 2. Absorption was determined for each mixture containing diluted sera against the control mixture, which had no serum. The protein standard curve was thus created with protein concentrations and their corresponding absorption. Table 2.

calculated by multiplying urinary protein concentration (mg%) by the total urine volume in the 24-hour collection period (ml) and divided by 100 and summarized in Table 3. Table 3. The Effect of Treatment on Urinary Protein secretion

75 The results in Table 3 show that the activated yeast composition was more effective in reducing the amount of urinary protein than the control yeast composition, saline or pednisone. Example 2: on serum protein To test the ability of the activated yeast compositions to reduce the

80 level of urinary protein, sixty healthy Wistar rats with average weight of about 200-220 g (4-6 months old, half of them male and the other half female) were chosen and prepared as described in Example 1. Subsequently, a composition of interest was administered twice daily to each of the four groups of rats for six weeks. Rats in the AY, NY

85 and CK1 groups received 1.0 ml/100 g body weight of the activated yeast composition, the control yeast composition and saline, respectively. Rats in the CK2 group received 0.2 mg/100 g body weight of pednisone. Six weeks later, the rats were anesthetized with ether and blood samples were collected from the carotid artery and centrifuged at 3000 rpm. The

90 amount of protein in the supernatant (serum protein) was determined. To determine the amount of serum protein, 50 μl of the supernatant and standard serum protein were added into two separate tubes. Four milliliters of allophanamide (biuret) was added to each tube and mixed with the samples. The mixtures were placed in water bath at 37°C for 10

95 minutes and measured for absorption at 546 nm. The concentration of serum protein was calculated according to the following formula:

[Serum Protein] = [absorption for the testing sample/absorption for the standard] x [standard serum protein] (g/dl).0O The results are summarized in Table 4.

Table 4. The Effect of Treatment on Serum Protein

105 The results in Table 4 show that unlike the control yeast composition, saline or pednisone, the activated yeast composition was effective in increasing serum protein level in subjects with hypoalbuminemia.

While a number of embodiments of this invention have been set 110 forth, it is apparent that the basic constructions may be altered to provide other embodiments which utilize the compositions and methods of this invention.

Claims

115 CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A composition comprising a plurality of yeast cells, said yeast cells 120 being cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range from 7000 to18500 MHz and a field strength in the range from 20 to 600 mV/cm.

2. A composition of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of yeast cells are 125 characterized by their ability to treat lupus erythematosus in a subject, as a result of having been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of 9500-18500 MHz and a field strength in the range of 220 to 550 mV/cm, as compared to yeast cells not having been so cultured. 130

3. A composition of claim 2, wherein said frequency is in the range of about 9800-10800, 12500-13500 or 17300-18300 MHz.

4. A composition of claim 2, wherein said field strength is in the range 135 of 250-270, 290-310, 350-380, 370-400, 380-410, 380-420, 410-450, 440-480, 460-500 or 480-520 mV/cm.

5. The composition of claim 2, wherein said yeast cells are derived from cells of the species Saccharomyces sp., Schizosaccharomyces

140 pombe, Saccharomyces sake, Saccharomyces uvarum, Saccharomyces rouxii, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, and Rhodotorula aurantiaca.

6. A composition of claim 2, wherein said yeast cells are derived from 145 cells of the strain deposited at the China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center with an accession number selected from the group consisting of IFFI1413, AS2.311, AS2.214, ACCC2045, IFFI1207, AS2.371, AS2.611 , AS2.265, AS2.103 and AS2.139.

150 7. A composition of claim 2, wherein said composition is in the form of a tablet, powder, or a health drink.

8. A composition of claim 7, wherein said composition is in the form of a health drink.

155 9. A composition of claim 2, wherein said lupus erythematosus is discoid lupus erythematosus, systemic lupus erythematosus, drug-induced lupus or neonatal lupus.

160 10. A method of preparing a yeast composition, comprising culturing a plurality of yeast cells in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of 7000-18500 MHz and a field strength in the range of 20 to 600 mV/cm for a period of time to result in the capability of said composition in improving a pathological condition in a subject.

165 11. A method of claim 10, wherein said frequency is in the range of about 9800-10800, 12500-13500 or 17300-18300 MHz.

12. A method for treating lupus erythematosus in a subject, comprising 170 orally administering to said subject the composition of claim 2.

13. A method of claim 12 comprising oral administration.

175 14. A composition of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of yeast cells are characterized by an increase in their capability to treat epilepsy in a subject as a result of having been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 10200 to 13040 MHz and a field strength in the range of about 20 to 600 mV/cm, as compared

180 to yeast cells not having been so cultured.

15. A composition of claim 14, wherein the range of the frequency is about 10200 to 10270, 12330 to12390 or 12970 to 13040 MHz.

185 16. A composition of claim 14, wherein the range of the field strength is about 200 to 500 mV/cm.

17. A composition of claim 14, wherein said yeast cells are of the species selected from the group consisting of Saccharomyces sp,

190 Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Saccharomyces sake, Saccharomyces uvarum, Saccharomyces rouxii, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, Rhodotorula aurantiaca.

18. A composition of claim 14, wherein said yeast cells are derived 195 from the strain deposited at the China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center with an accession number selected from the group consisting of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS 2.501, AS2.502, AS2.503, AS2.504, AS2.535, AS2.558, AS2.560, AS2.561 , AS2.562 and IFFI1335. 200

19. A composition of claim 18, wherein said strain is Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen IFFI1335.

20. A composition of claim 14, wherein the composition is in the form 205 of a tablet, powder or health drink.

21. A composition of claim 14, wherein the composition is in the form of a health drink.

22. A method of treating epilepsy in a subject, comprising the step of 210 administering to said subject the composition of any one of claims 14 to 19.

23. A method of claim 22, wherein the administration is through oral administration.

24. A composition of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of yeast cells are characterized by their ability to ameliorate or prevent gastritis in a mammal, said ability resulting from their having been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 5 790O-13000 MHz and a field strength in the range of 200 to 420 mV/cm, as compared to yeast cells not having been so cultured.

25. A composition of claim 24, wherein said frequency is in the range of about 8000 to 8100, or 12200-12900 MHz.

26. A composition of claim 24, wherein said field strength is in the range of about 225-245, 240-260, 250-270, 270-290, 275-295, 290-310, 295-315, 300-320, 320-340, 340-360, or 370-390 mV/cm.

27. A composition of claim 24, wherein said yeast cells are of the species selected from the group consisting of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, Saccharomyces rouxii, Saccharomyces sake, Saccharomyces uvarum, Saccharomyces sp., Schizosaccharomyces 5 pombe, and Rhodotorula aurantiaca.

28. A composition of claim 24, wherein said yeast cells are derived from the strain deposited at the China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center with an accession number selected from the group consisting of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS2.501 and AS2.69, 5 Saccharomyces sp. AS2.311 , Schizosaccharomyces pombe Lindner AS2.994, Saccharomyces sake Yabe ACCC2045, Saccharomyces uvarum Beijer IFFI1044, Saccharomyces rouxii Boutroux AS2.180, Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen Var. ellipsoideus AS2.612, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis Hansen AS2.377, and Rhodotorula rubar (Demme) Lodder AS2.282.

29. A composition of claim 24, wherein said composition is in the form of a tablet, powder, or a health drink.

30. A composition of claim 24, wherein said composition is in the form of a health drink.

31. A method of treating or preventing gastritis in a subject, comprising administering the composition of claim 24 to the subject.

32. A method of claim 31 comprising oral administration.

33. A composition of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of yeast cells are characterized by their ability to treat gastroparesis in a subject, as a result of having been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of 9500 to 13500 MHz and a field strength in the range of 200 to 450 mV/cm, as compared to yeast cells not having been so cultured.

34. A composition of claim 33, wherein said frequency is in the range of 9500-10500, 11700-12700 or 12200-13200 MHz.

35. A composition of claim 33, wherein said field strength is in the range of 235-255, 240-260, 250-270, 255-275, 265-285, 275-295, 280-300, 290-310, 290-320, 330-350 or 360-380 mV/cm.

36. A composition of claim 33, wherein said yeast cells are cells of the species Saccharomyces sp., Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Saccharomyces sake, Saccharomyces uvarum, Saccharomyces rouxii, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, Rhodotorula aurantiaca and Rhodotorula rubar.

37. The composition of claim 33, wherein said yeast cells are derived from cells of the strain deposited at the China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center with an accession number selected from the group consisting of AS2.559, AS2.311, AS2.994, ACCC2045, IFFI1044, AS2.180, AS2.612, AS2.377, AS2.282 and AS2.69.

38. The composition of claim 33, wherein said composition is in the form of a tablet, powder, or a health drink

39. The composition of claim 38, wherein said composition is in the form of a health drink.

40. The composition of claim 33, wherein said gastroparesis is associated with diabetes.

41. A method according to claim 33, wherein sad frequency is in the range of 9500-10500, 11700-12700 or 12200-13200 MHz.

42. A method for treating gastroparesis in a subject, comprising orally administering to said subject the composition of claim 33.

43. A method of claim 42, comprising oral administration.

44. A composition of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of yeast cells are characterized by their ability to treat renal failure in a subject, said ability resulting from their having been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 9500 to 13000 MHz and a field strength in the range of about 220 to 480 mV/cm, as compared to yeast cells not having been so cultured.

45. A composition of claim 44, wherein said frequency is in the range of about 9750-10500, 12000-12500 or 12600-12980 MHz.

46. A composition of claim 44, wherein said field strength is in the range of about 250-270, 260-280, 280-305, 290-310, 315-335, 325-345, 350-370, 370-390, 380-400, 380-420, or 430-450 mV/cm.

47. A composition of claim 44, wherein said yeast cells are cells of the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, Saccharomyces rouxii, Saccharomyces sake, Saccharomyces uvarum, Saccharomyces sp., Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Rhodotorula aurantiaca, or Rhodotorula rubar.

48. A composition of claim 44, wherein said yeast cells are derived from cells of the strain deposited at the China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center with an accession number selected from the group consisting of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS2.16, AS2.112 and AS2.504, Saccharomyces sp. AS2.311, Schizosaccharomyces pombe Lindner AS2.274, Saccharomyces sake Yabe ACCC2045, Saccharomyces uvarum Beijer IFFI1207, Saccharomyces rouxii Boutroux AS2.370, Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen Var. ellipsoideus AS2.612, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis Hansen AS2.417, and Rhodotorula rubar (Demme) Lodder AS2.105.

49. A composition of claim 44, wherein said composition is in the form of a tablet, powder, or a health drink.

50. A composition of claim 49, wherein said composition is in the form of a health drink.

51. A method for improving kidney functions in a subject comprising administering to said subject a composition of claim 1.

52. A method of claim 51 , comprising oral administration.

53. A composition of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of yeast cells are characterized by an increase in their capability to improve the memory of a mammal with vascular dementia as a result of having been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 10280 to 13000 MHz and a field strength in the range of about 200 to 500 mV/cm as compared to yeast cells not having been so cultured.

54. A composition of claim 53, wherein the range of the frequency is about 1O280 to 10400, 12320 to 12380 or 12950 to 13000 MHz.

55. A composition of claim 53, wherein the range of the field strength is about 2O0 to 400 mV/cm.

56. A composition of claim 53, wherein said yeast cells are of the species selected from the group consisting of Saccharomyces sp, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Saccharomyces sake, Saccharomyces uvarum, Saccharomyces rouxii, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, Rhodotorula aurantiaca.

57. A composition of claim 53, wherein said yeast cells are derived from the strain deposited at the China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center with the accession number selected from the group consisting of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS 2.501 , AS2.502, AS2.503, AS2.504, AS2.535, AS2.558, AS2.560, AS2.561, AS2.562 and IFFI134O.

58. A composition of claim 57, wherein said strain is Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen IFFI1340.

59. A composition of claim 53, wherein the composition is in the form of a tablet, powder or health drink.

60. A composition of claim 53, wherein the composition is in the form of a health drink.

61. A method of improving the memory of a subject with vascular dementia, comprising the step of administering to said subject the composition of any one of claims 53 to 58.

62. A method of claim 61 , wherein the administration is through oral administration.

63. A composition of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of yeast cells are characterized by their ability to treat male sexual disorder in a mammal, said ability resulting from their having been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 7900-13200 MHz and a field strength in the range of about 240 to 500 mV/cm, as compared to yeast cells not having been so cultured.

64. A composition according to claim 63, wherein said male sexual disorder is impotence.

65. A composition of claim 63, wherein said frequency is in the range of about 7900-8000, 12700-12800, or 13050-13200 MHz.The composition of claim 1, wherein said field strength is in the range of about 260-280, 290-320, 300-320, 310-340, 330-360, 350-380, 360-400, or 420-460 mV/cm.

66. A composition of claim 63, wherein said yeast cells are of the species selected from the group consisting of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, Saccharomyces rouxii, Saccharomyces sake, Saccharomyces uvarum, Saccharomyces sp., Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and Rhodotorula aurantiaca.

67. A composition of claim 63 , wherein said yeast cells are derived from the strain deposited at the China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center with an accession number selected from the group consisting of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS2.502 and AS2.69, Saccharomyces sp. AS2.311, Schizosaccharomyces pombe Lindner AS2.994, Saccharomyces sake Yabe ACCC2045, Saccharomyces uvarum Beijer IFFI1044, Saccharomyces rouxii Boutroux AS2.180, Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen Var. ellipsoideus AS2.612, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis Hansen AS2.377, and Rhodotorula rubar (Demme) Lodder AS2.282.

68. A composition of claim 63, wherein said composition is in the form of a tablet, powder, or a health drink.

69. A composition of claim 63, wherein said composition is in the form of a health drink.

70. A method of treating male sexual disorder in a subject, comprising administering the composition of claim 63 to the subject.

71. A method of claim 70 comprising oral administration.

72. A method of claim 70, wherein said male sexual disorder is impotence.

73. A method of claim 72, comprising oral administration.

74. A composition of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of yeast cells are characterized by their ability to normalize the level of serum glutamate-pyruvate Transaminase (GPT), or reduce serum HBsAg levels in a subject, said ability resulting from their having been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of 7900-12400 MHz and a field strength in the range of 240-500 mV/cm, as compared to yeast cells not having been so cultured.

75. A composition of claim 74, wherein said frequency is in the range of 7900-8100, 9850-10050, or 12200-12400 MHz.

76. A composition of claim 74, wherein said field strength is in the range of 260-280, 270-290, 290-320, 300-330, 310-340, 320-350, 330-360, 360-390, 400-440, or 430-470 mV/cm.

77. The composition of claim 74, wherein said yeast cells are of the species selected from the group consisting of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, Saccharomyces rouxii, Saccharomyces sake, Saccharomyces uvarum, Saccharomyces sp., Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and Rhodotorula aurantiaca.

78. The composition of claim 74, wherein said yeast cells are of the strain deposited at the China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center with an accession number selected from the group consisting of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS2.561 and AS2.69, Saccharomyces sp. AS2.311 , Schizosaccharomyces pombe Lindner AS2.994, Saccharomyces sake Yabe ACCC2045, Saccharomyces uvarum Beijer IFFI1O44, Saccharomyces rouxii Boutroux AS2.180, Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen Var. ellipsoideus AS2.612, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis Hansen AS2.377, or Rhodotorula rubar (Demme) Lodder AS2.282.

79. The composition of claim 74, wherein said composition is in the form of a tablet, powder, or a health drink.

80. The composition of claim 74, wherein said composition is in the form of a health drink.

81. A method of treating hepatitis B in a subject, comprising administering the composition of claim 74 to the subject.

82. A method of claim 81 , comprising oral administration.

83. A composition of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of yeast cells are characterized by their ability to decrease liver collagen level or formation of liver fibrous tissue or to normalize serum γ-globulin level in a subject, said ability resulting from their having been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of 7700-12800 MHz and a field strength in the range of 240-500 mV/cm, as compared to yeast cells not having been so cultured.

84. A composition of claim 83, wherein said frequency is in the range of 7800-8000, 12150-12300, or 12550-12800 MHz.

85. A composition of claim 83, wherein said field strength is in the range of 260-28O, 270-290, 300-330, 310-340, 320-350, 330-370, 340-370, 350-380, 400-440, or 430-470 mV/cm.

86. A composition of claim 83, wherein said yeast cells are of the species selected from the group consisting of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, Saccharomyces rouxii, Saccharomyces sake, Saccharomyces uvarum, Saccharomyces sp., Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and Rhodotorula aurantiaca.

87. A composition of claim 83, wherein said yeast cells are of the strain deposited at the China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center with an accession number selected from the group consisting of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS2.562 and AS2.69, Saccharomyces sp. AS2.311, Schizosaccharomyces pombe Lindner AS2.994, Saccharomyces sake Yabe ACCC2045, Saccharomyces uvarum Beijer IFFI1O44, Saccharomyces rouxii Boutroux AS2.180, Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen Var. ellipsoideus AS2.612, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis Hansen AS2.377, or Rhodotorula rubar (Demme) Lodder AS2.282.

88. A composition of claim 83, wherein said composition is in the form of a tablet, powder, or a health drink.

89. The composition of claim 83, wherein said composition is in the form of a health drink.

90. A method of treating liver cirrhosis in a subject, comprising administering the composition of claim 83 to the subject.

91. A method of claim 90 comprising oral administration.

92. A composition of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of yeast cells are characterized by their ability to treat hyperlipemia in a subject, said ability resulting from their having been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about 7000 to 13000 MHz and a field strength in the range of about 200 to 450 mV/cm, as compared to yeast cells not having been so cultured.

93. A composition of claim 92, wherein said frequency is in the range of about 7500-8000, 10000-10500, or 12400-12800 MHz.

94. A composition of claim 92, wherein said field strength is in the range of 220-240, 270-290, 300-330, 310-340, 320-350, 340-370, 350-380, ^"360-39O, 370-400, 390-430, or 420-450 mV/cm.

95. A composition of claim 92, wherein said yeast cells are cells of the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, Saccharomyces rouxii, Saccharomyces sake, Saccharomyces uvarum, Saccharomyces sp., Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Rhodotorula glutinis, or Rhodotorula aurantiaca.

96. A composition of claim 92, wherein said yeast cells are derived from cells of the strain deposited at the China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center with an accession number selected from the group consisting of AS2.560, ACCC2038, AS2.311 , AS2.259, ACCC2045, IFFI1036, AS2.371, AS2.559, AS2.440 and AS2.704.

97. A composition of claim 92, wherein said composition is in the form of a tablet, powder, or a health drink.

98. A composition of claim 97, wherein said composition is in the form of a health drink.

99. A method for treating hyperlipemia in a subject comprising administering to said subject a composition of claim 92.

100. A method of claim 99, comprising oral administration.

101. A composition of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of yeast cells are characterized by their ability to treat nephrotic syndrome in a subject, said ability resulting from their having been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a frequency in the range of 9500 to 13500 MHz and a field strength in the range of 250 to 600 mV/cm, as compared to yeast cells not having been so cultured.

102. A composition of claim 101 , wherein said frequency is in the range of 9700-10700 or 11800-12800 MHz.

103. A composition of claim 101, wherein said field strength is in the range of 285-305, 285-315, 320-350, 325-355, 340-370, 360-390, 400-440, 410-450, 430-470, 440-480, 460-500 or 480-520 mV/cm.

104. The composition of claim 101, wherein said yeast cells are cells of the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, Saccharomyces rouxii, Saccharomyces sake, Saccharomyces uvarum, Saccharomyces sp., Schizosaccharomyces pombe, or Rhodotorula aurantiaca.

105. The composition of claim 101 , wherein said yeast cells are cells of the strain deposited at the China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center with an accession number selected from the group consisting of AS2.502, IFFI1010, AS2.53, ACCC2045, IFFI1072 and AS2.248.

106. The composition of claim 101, wherein said composition is in the form of a tablet, powder, or a health drink.

107. The composition of claim 106, wherein said composition is in the form of a health drink.

108. A composition of claim 101, wherein said nephrotic syndrome is caused by minimal change disease, focal segmental glomerular sclerosis, membranous glomerulonephritis or mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis.

109. A method for treating nephrotic syndrome in a subject, comprising administering to said subject the composition of claim 101.

1 10. The method of claim 109 comprising oral administration.