Disclosed is water-soluble composition made by subjecting pentacyclic triterpene compound belonging to amylin group such as oleanolic acid, ursolic acid and hederagenin to inclusion in cyclodextrins. Though the aforementioned pentacyclic triterpene compound has various pharmacological functions, it has suffered a disadvantage such that it is insoluble in water. However, by subjecting the compound to inclusion in cyclodextrins, the water-soluble composition can be made with maintaining the pharmacological functions, and applied for foods, drinks, toothpaste, gargle and chewing gum, exhibiting the effect of cariostatic.

Provided are, among other things, lipid-lowering or glucose-lowering methods and compounds, particularly lipid-lowering or glucose-lowering compounds, with an A-B ring structure as follows: ##STR1## wherein the dotted line between carbons 5 and 6, the dotted line between carbon 4 and R.sup.2, and the dotted line between carbon 11 and R.sup.3 each independently represent an optional double bond from the respective numbered carbon to a linked carbon, and wherein X is hydroxy or, together with Y is oxy linking carbon 8 and carbon 12.

Provided are, among other things, lipid-lowering or glucose-lowering methods and compounds, particularly lipid-lowering or glucose-lowering compounds, with an A-B ring structure as follows: ##STR1## wherein the dotted line between carbons 5 and 6, the dotted line between carbon 4 and R.sup.2, and the dotted line between carbon 11 and R.sup.3 each independently represent an optional double bond from the respective numbered carbon to a linked carbon, and wherein X is hydroxy or, together with Y is oxy linking carbon 8 and carbon 12.