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Komezu is one of brewed vinegar (acetic acid; 4%) obtained from Japanese rice. Komezu is not only simple vinegar but also regarded as a healthful food having a long history in oriental folk medicine. The acute toxicity of Komezu in mice and the pharmacological effects of it on lipid metabolism in mice were investigated and the following results were obtained. 1) The LD50 value of Komezu in male mice was 21.5 ml/kg and equal to that of 4% acetic acid aqueous solution. The cause of death in acute toxicity was the disturbance of upper digestive tracts of mice by acetic acid. 2) Komezu at a dose of over 2.5 ml/kg (p.o.) showed effects of decreasing serum cholesterol levels in both normal and high cholesterol diet-fed mice. Same effect was observed with 4% acetic acid aqueous solution. 3) Komezu (>2.5ml/ kg, p.o.) inhibited the increase of lipid peroxide (LPO) levels in mice myocardium induced by adriamycin injection (15mg/kg, i.p.). At a dose of 5ml/kg (p.o.), it also decreased the LPO level of myocardium in normal mouse. But, the effect of 4% acetic acid aqueous solution on LPO levels in mice was weeker than that of Komezu.

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