Thioredoxin (TRX) is known to be a stress-reducing protein. Its uses are expected to include the prevention and amelioration of food allergies, as well as protection of the mucosal membranes of the mouth and throat. Focusing on these useful effects of thioredoxin, RBS has sought out substances that increase the expression of thioredoxin in the body (TRX-inducing substances) in vegetables and other plant ingredients. RBS has also developed yeast strains that produce higher than normal amounts of thioredoxin, and is working on the development of functional foods that contain these ingredients. (This project has been selected as one of the Integrated Interdisciplinary Research Advancement Projects for the Creation of Bio-Related Industries of the Bio-oriented Technology Research Advancement Institution, National Agricultural and Bio-oriented Research Organization for the period from 2002 to 2006.) The company is also developing skin care products that take advantage of thioredoxinﾕs effectiveness in preventing oxidation of the skin.