A method for at least one of whitening skin, improving skin condition, protecting skin, and treating skin disease is provided, wherein the method comprises administering to a subject in need an effective amount of a Pyrenaria buisanensis extract. A method for at least one of preventing cardiovascular disease, treating cardiovascular disease, preventing diabetes, treating diabetes, preventing neurodegenerative disease, and treating neurodegenerative disease is also provided, wherein the method comprises administering to a subject in need an effective amount of a Pyrenaria buisanensis extract.