A pharmaceutical composition containing an extract of the plant Nigella sativa is disclosed for treating cancer, preventing the side effects of anticancer chemotherapy, and for increasing the immune function in humans.

A waste oil, an alkaline oil cake, and a crude fatty acid which are discarded as waste materials or obtained as a by-product in the manufacture of rice salad oil are subjected to hydrolysis in the presence of an alkali so as to efficiently manufacture ferulic acid. The waste materials or by-product accompanying the manufacture of rice salad oil or rice fatty acid, which were disposed of by means of burning in the past, are effectively utilized in the method of the present invention.

An agent for stimulating growth of animal cells in vitro comprises ginseng or an active ingredient extracted from ginseng Serum-free culture media containing the agent are disclosed. The present serum-free media contain less impure protein than serum-containing media, so that isolation and purification of substances produced by animal cells cultured therein is facilitated. The present serum-free media enhance the growth of lymphocytes in vitro, and can be used for vital cell transplant therapy, particularly for adoptive immunotherapy.

L-carnitine, an amino acid, improves sperm quality and motility. Ferulic acid, an antioxidant found in Dong quai, also improves sperm quality. Sperm are highly susceptible to free radical or oxidative damage from environmental toxicants and natural aging. Vitamins C and E, green tea, and selenium are all potent antioxidants that help improve overall reproductive health. Zinc and B vitamins (B6, B 12 and folate) are critical nutrients in male reproductive systems for hormone metabolism, sperm formation and motility.