PURPOSE: To obtain a safe improver for the lipid metabolism having lowering actions on triglycerides.

CONSTITUTION: This improver for the lipid metabolism contains α-curcumene which is a bisabolane type sesquiterpenoid isolated from Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. as an active ingredient. The daily dose of the compound for an adult is preferably within the range of 100-1500mg in the case of oral administration and 10-150mg in the case of parenteral administration. The α-curcumene is added to a food and drink substantially without containing the α-curcumene to produce a food and drink having improving actions on the lipid metabolism. The α-curcumene is preferably ingested as the food and drink containing the α-curcumene in a daily dose within the range of 50-500mg.