Conophylline, contained in leaves of Ervatamia microphylla or
Tabernaemontana divaricata, can induce non-tumor cells to differentiate
into insulin-producing cells and thereby to produce insulin and also to
lower blood glucose levels. Thus, in the present invention, dried
products and extracts of leaves of Ervatamia microphylla or
Tabernaemontana divaricata, which contain conophylline, are used as
health foods for preventing and improving diabetes and obesity or health
foods for lowering blood glucose levels.