The present invention relates to a chalcone compound represented by the following general formula: ##STR00001## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are taken together with the carbon atom to which they are bound, respectively, to form a hydroxydimethyl hexane ring, or where R.sub.1 is a hydroxyl group, R.sub.2 is an isohexenyl group, a derivative thereof, or a salt thereof. Also, the present invention relates to a therapeutic agent or prophylactic agent for a disease requiring neuronal protection, suppression for nitrogen monoxide (NO) production, inhibition for aldose reductase or suppression for interleukin production, and a food, beverage or feed for treatment or prevention of the above-mentioned disease, characterized in that each comprises the above-mentioned compound as an effective ingredient.