Intestinal motility improving composition containing extract of Tenebrio larvae

Abstract

The present application relates to an intestinal motility improving composition comprising a Tenebrio spp. larvae extract as an active ingredient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an intestinal motility improving composition comprising a Tenebriocaridae larvae extract as an active ingredient. Background Art

[0002] Intestinal movement occurs reflexively through relaxation and contraction of the intestines and muscles (enteric motor reflex), and at the same time, the stimulation of the rectal mucosa by the intestinal contents transferred to the rectum is transmitted to the center, thereby wanting to go to the toilet. However, when the intestinal motor function is impaired due to autonomic dysfunction occurring in the lower digestive tract, excessive water absorption in the intestine, decreased intestinal fluid secretion, dyskinesia, gastrointestinal psychosomatic diseases (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome), decreased intestinal motor reflex function, etc., large and small diseases or symptoms including constipation and abdominal obesity may occur. To date, various drugs and functional foods for activating intestinal motor function and improving constipation or obesity have been sold, but there is a problem that the effect is temporary and causes various side effects depending on the type.

[0003] Meanwhile, among the edible insects proposed as future foods, Tenebrio molitor, also commonly known as mealworms, is known to contain high-quality nutrients and is an insect registered as a food ingredient in Korea. Therefore, there are attempts to use Tenebrio molitor larvae as a use for ingestion or functional materials. In this regard, there is a study result that confirmed the antioxidant and liver protective effects of protein hydrolysates of Tenebrio molitor larvae (Korean Patent Registration No. 1966503), but attempts to use Tenebrio molitor larvae to improve intestinal motility are insufficient. In particular, there are no results that directly study how Tenebrio molitor larvae contribute to improving constipation or obesity.

[0004] In this context, the inventors of the present application experimentally confirmed the efficacy of extracts of Tenebrionidae larvae for improving intestinal motor function and activating intestinal motility, and newly confirmed that Tenebrionidae larvae can be used to prevent, improve or treat constipation or obesity.

[0005] Public Content

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a composition for improving intestinal motility by increasing stool weight, increasing water content in stool, increasing gastrointestinal transit capacity, and increasing the length and area of ​​mucosa.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for improving intestinal motility function, comprising administering a solvent extract of Tenebrio carabidae larvae to a subject.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a solvent extract of Tenebrionidae larvae for improving intestinal motility.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a use of a solvent extract of Tenebrionidae larvae for preparing a product, food or medicine for improving intestinal motility.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a composition for improving constipation.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for improving constipation, comprising administering a solvent extract of Tenebrionidae larvae to a subject.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a solvent extract of Tenebrionidae larvae for improving constipation.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide use of a solvent extract of Tenebrionidae larvae for preparing a product, food or medicine for improving constipation.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a health functional food for improving constipation.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a composition for weight loss and a health functional food for weight loss comprising the composition.

[0017] Technical Solution

[0018] To this end, one aspect of the present invention provides a composition for improving intestinal motility, comprising a solvent extract of Tenebrio carabidae larvae.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for improving intestinal motility function, comprising administering a solvent extract of Tenebrio carabidae larvae to a subject.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention provides a solvent extract of Tenebrionidae larvae for improving intestinal motility.

[0021] Another aspect of the present invention provides use of a solvent extract of Tenebrionidae larvae for preparing a product, food or medicine for improving intestinal motility.

[0022] Another aspect of the present invention provides a composition for improving constipation, comprising a solvent extract of Tenebriocaridae larvae.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for improving constipation, comprising administering a solvent extract of Tenebrio carabidae larvae to a subject.

[0024] Another aspect of the present invention provides a solvent extract of Tenebrionidae larvae for improving constipation.

[0025] Another aspect of the present invention provides use of a solvent extract of Tenebrionidae larvae for preparing a product, food or medicine for improving constipation.

[0026] Another aspect of the present invention provides a health functional food for improving constipation, comprising a solvent extract of Tenebrio carabidae larvae.

[0027] Another aspect of the present invention provides a composition for weight loss and a health functional food for weight loss comprising the composition, which comprises a Tenebrio carabidae larvae extract.

[0028] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.

[0029] The present invention relates to a composition for improving intestinal motility function, comprising an extract of Tenebrio carinae larvae.

[0030] As used herein, the term "amelioration" refers to all actions including improvement, suppression or delay of symptoms, and can be used interchangeably with "prevention" or "treatment".

[0031] Prevention may be all actions to suppress the corresponding disease or delay its onset by administering the composition to a subject, and treatment may be all actions to improve the symptoms of the corresponding pre-infectious disease by administering the composition to a subject.

[0032] As used herein, the term "improvement of intestinal motility function" refers to all actions that maintain a normal intestinal motility condition or improve an abnormal intestinal motility condition. For example, improvement of intestinal motility function may include inducing intestinal motility, promoting intestinal motility, regularizing irregular intestinal motility, increasing the water content included in stool, increasing intestinal motility, increased intestinal motility, improved symptoms associated with constipation or diarrhea, or prevention or improvement of weight loss or abdominal obesity, and may be used in combination with improving defecation or improving intestinal motility. Specifically, improvement of intestinal motility function may mean an increase in stool weight, an increase in water content in stool, an increase in gastrointestinal transit capacity, or an increase in the length and area of ​​the intestinal mucosa.

[0033] The composition of the present invention includes the Tenebrio larvae extract. Specifically, the Tenebrio larvae extract can be included as an active ingredient of the composition.

[0034] In the present specification, "Tenebrionidae" belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Tenebrionidae, and includes its subspecies and variants. In addition, the Tenebrionidae of the present invention includes insects of the Tenebrionidae that are obvious in the art and can be used for the same or similar purposes of prevention, improvement and treatment as the present invention. In addition, in the present specification, "Tenebrionidae larvae" means larvae of the Tenebrionidae, and specifically, it can be a larvae of yellow mealworms that are considered as food raw materials.

[0035] As used herein, the term "extract" means separating an active ingredient or a specific ingredient of a substance by dissolving it in a solvent, or separating an active ingredient or a specific ingredient of a substance by treating it with an enzyme. Specifically, the extract includes an extract extracted by adding an extraction solvent to the larvae of the Tenebrio spp., and fractions fractionated by adding a fractionation solvent to the extract. In addition, the extract includes an enzyme extract obtained by treating the larvae of the Tenebrio spp. with an enzyme.

[0036] Specifically, the solvent extract of the Tenebrio larvae of the present invention may be an extract using water, an organic solvent or a mixed solvent thereof. More specifically, the solvent extract of the Tenebrio larvae may be an extract using an organic solvent or a mixed solvent of an organic solvent and water.

[0037] The solvent may be at least one organic solvent selected from alcohols having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, acetone, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, chloroform, methylene chloride, ether, xylene and hexane, water or a mixture thereof. The alcohol having 1 to 5 carbon atoms may be an alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, 1 to 3 carbon atoms, 2 to 5 carbon atoms, 2 to 4 carbon atoms, 2 to 3 carbon atoms or 1 to 2 carbon atoms, such as ethanol, but is not limited thereto. The ethanol may be edible ethanol, and when ethanol is used as a solvent for extraction, commercially widely used alcohols may be used.

[0038] In the present specification, the term "enzyme extract" may be used in the same meaning as "enzyme analyte", "enzyme hydrolysate" or "enzyme treatment product". Specifically, the enzyme extract may be Tenebrio larvae treated with protease. For example, the content of amino acids or peptides may be increased by treating an aqueous supernatant obtained by centrifuging a pulverized product of Tenebrio larvae with protease.

[0039] The protease may be any one or more selected from the following: pepsin, trypsin, Flavourzyme TM 、Protamex TM , papain, alpha chymotrypsin, and pancreatin.

[0040] Furthermore, the Tenebrio larvae extract may be prepared by filtering, concentrating and / or drying after extraction.

[0041] Filtration is for removing solid particles suspended from the extract to obtain only a water-soluble supernatant that does not include precipitation, and particles can be filtered using a filter such as cotton or nylon, for example, a filter having pores with a diameter of 0.2 μm to 5 μm, a freeze filtration method, a centrifugation method, etc., but are not limited thereto.

[0042] Concentration is to increase the concentration of the solid content in the extract, and the concentrate of the extract obtained by concentration has the characteristic of being more easily used as a food material. Concentration can be performed by vacuum concentration, plate concentration, thin film concentration, etc., but is not limited thereto, and can be performed at a temperature of 40° C. to 60° C. using a known concentrator, for example.

[0043] The Brix of the present invention expresses the amount of solids contained in 100 g of solution (water) as grams based on saccharides (sugar), and can be used in combination with Brix %, bx, etc. The Brix can be measured by a known method, and can be measured at room temperature, such as 15°C to 35°C.

[0044] Drying includes freeze drying, vacuum drying, hot air drying, spray drying, reduced pressure drying, spray drying, foam drying, high frequency drying, infrared drying, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0045] In the case where the Tenebrio larvae themselves are used in the composition of the present invention, the Tenebrio larvae may be contained in the form of a pulverized product or powder thereof.

[0046] The Tenebrio larvae crushed product (powder) may be crushed after fasting and drying the Tenebrio larvae.

[0047] The compositions of the present invention can be administered to mammals, such as rats, mice, livestock and humans, by various routes. "Administering" includes methods of delivering the composition to a subject's system or a specific area in or on a subject. Administration can be, for example, enteral, parenteral, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intradermal, intranasal, oral, transdermal, endometrial, intraventricular or mucosal. In addition, the composition can also be administered topically or systemically.

[0048] The composition can be applied together with one or more active ingredients showing the same or similar functions. For application, one or more other acceptable carriers can be included according to the method that can be easily carried out by ordinary technicians in the field of the present invention. The meaning of "acceptable" means that it does not inhibit the activity of the active ingredient and does not have the adaptive toxicity exceeding the application (prescription) target. "Carrier" is defined as a compound that promotes the addition of compounds to cells or tissues. The composition can be prepared using carriers and / or excipients to prepare unit dosage forms or by pouring into multi-dose containers, and can additionally include dispersants or stabilizers. In addition, the active ingredients contained in the composition can be delivered in carriers such as colloidal suspensions, powders, saline, lipids, liposomes, microspheres or nano-spherical particles. These active ingredients can form complexes with vehicles or are related to them, and can be delivered in vivo by using delivery systems known in the art, such as lipids, liposomes, microparticles, gold, nanoparticles, polymers, condensation agents, polysaccharides, polyamino acids, dendrimers, saponins, adsorption enhancing substances or fatty acids. In addition, carrier can also include lactose, dextrose, sucrose, sorbitol, mannitol, starch, gum arabic, calcium phosphate, alginate, gelatin, calcium silicate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, cellulose, water, syrup, methylcellulose, methyl hydroxybenzoate, propyl hydroxybenzoate, talcum, magnesium stearate, mineral oil etc., they are generally used in preparation, but are not limited to this. In addition, except above-mentioned components, carrier can also include lubricant, wetting agent, sweetener, flavoring agent, emulsifying agent, suspending agent, preservative etc. Carrier can be used by one or more in mixed saline, sterile water, Ringer's solution, buffered saline, dextrose solution, maltodextrin solution, glycerol, ethanol and these components, and if necessary, other conventional additives can be added, such as antioxidant, buffer, antibacterial agent etc.

[0049] When the composition of the present invention is used for food, the active ingredient (Tenophoridae larvae extract) contained in the composition can be added to the food as is or used together with other foods or food ingredients, and can be used appropriately according to conventional methods. In addition to the active ingredient, the composition may also contain other ingredients as basic ingredients without particular restrictions. For example, as with general beverages, various flavoring agents or natural carbohydrates may be included as additional ingredients. Examples of the above-mentioned natural carbohydrates may include general sugars, such as monosaccharides, such as glucose, fructose, etc.; disaccharides, such as maltose, sucrose, etc.; and polysaccharides, such as dextrin, cyclodextrin, etc., and sugar alcohols, such as xylitol, sorbitol, erythritol, etc. As flavoring agents other than those mentioned above, natural flavoring agents (tauumatin, stevia extract (such as rebaudioside A, glycyrginine, etc.)) and synthetic flavoring agents (saccharin, aspartame, etc.) may be advantageously used. The ratio of natural carbohydrates may be appropriately determined by the selection of those skilled in the art. The composition may include various nutrients, vitamins, minerals (electrolytes), flavoring agents such as synthetic and natural flavoring agents, coloring agents and enhancers (cheese, chocolate, etc.), pectin acid and its salts, alginic acid and its salts, organic acids, protective colloid thickeners, pH regulators, stabilizers, preservatives, glycerol, alcohol, carbonating agents used in carbonated beverages, etc. These ingredients may be used alone or in combination, and the proportions of these additives may also be appropriately selected by those skilled in the art.

[0050] When the composition of the present invention is used pharmaceutically, the composition can be used with various oral and parenteral preparations during actual clinical application, and for preparations, by using commonly used diluents or excipients, such as fillers, extenders, adhesives, wetting agents, disintegrants and surfactants to prepare the composition. Solid preparations for oral administration include tablets, pills, powders, granules, capsules, etc., and these solid preparations can be prepared by mixing at least one excipient, such as starch, calcium carbonate, sucrose, lactose, gelatin, etc. with herbal extracts or herbal fermentation products. In addition, in addition to simple excipients, lubricants such as magnesium stearate talc can also be used. Powders can be prepared by simply mixing the active ingredient of the present invention with suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers (such as lactose, starch, microcrystalline cellulose, etc.). Granules can be prepared by mixing the active ingredient of the present invention, suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and suitable pharmaceutically acceptable adhesives (such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone and hydroxypropyl cellulose), then using the wet granulation method utilizing solvents (such as water, ethanol and isopropanol) or the dry granulation method using compression force. In addition, tablets can be prepared by mixing particles with suitable pharmaceutically acceptable lubricants such as magnesium stearate, and then using a tablet press to compress the mixture. Liquid preparations for oral administration can correspond to suspensions, oral liquids, emulsions, syrups, etc., and in addition to water and liquid paraffin as common simple diluents, various excipients can also be included, such as wetting agents, sweeteners, aromatics, preservatives, etc. Preparations for parenteral administration include sterile aqueous solutions, non-aqueous solutions, suspensions, emulsions, lyophilized agents, and suppositories. As non-aqueous solutions and suspensions, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, vegetable oils such as olive oil, injectable esters such as ethyl oleate, etc. can be used. As the matrix of suppositories, witepsol, polyethylene glycol, tween 61, cocoa butter, laurinum, glycerine, gelatin, etc. can be used.

[0051] Depending on the disease to be prevented, improved or treated and the condition of the subject, the active ingredient (Tenocaridae larvae extract) can be administered with an oral agent, an injection (e.g., intramuscular injection, intraperitoneal injection, intravenous injection, infusion, subcutaneous injection, implant), an inhalation, a nasal injection, a vaginal agent, a rectal agent, a sublingual agent, a transdermal agent, a topical agent, etc., but is not limited thereto. Depending on the route of administration, the active ingredient can be prepared into a suitable dosage unit formulation, which includes a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, additive and vehicle, which are commonly used and non-toxic. During administration, the amount range of the Tenebriocaridae larvae extract as an active ingredient varies depending on the patient's weight, age, sex and health condition, diet, administration time, administration method, excretion rate, target site and severity of the disease.

[0052] In addition, when the composition is used on medicine, the composition can be applied in a pharmaceutically effective dose. In the present invention, "pharmaceutically effective dose" refers to a sufficient amount for treating a disease at a reasonable benefit / risk ratio applicable to medical treatment. The effective dose level can be determined according to factors including the type and severity of the patient's disease, the activity of the drug, sensitivity to the drug, the time of application, the route of administration, the rate of discharge, the duration of treatment, and the drugs used simultaneously, as well as other factors well known in the medical field. The effective dose is generally 0.01 mg to 5000 mg / day / 1kg of the body weight of the subject of application, and can be applied once or several times a day at regular intervals according to the judgment of a doctor or pharmacist, but is not limited thereto. The composition can be applied as a single therapeutic agent, or combined with a therapeutic agent for a disease caused by other pollutants or a therapeutic agent for improving skin aging, and can be applied simultaneously, separately or successively with an existing therapeutic agent, and can be applied alone or multiple times. It is important to apply the amount that can obtain the maximum effect without side effects in a minimum amount by considering all factors that can be easily determined by those skilled in the art. Specifically, the effective dose of the composition can be varied according to the patient's age, sex, condition and body weight, the absorption rate of active ingredients in the body, the inactivation rate, the excretion rate, the disease type and the medicine used in combination, and can be increased or decreased according to the route of administration, the severity of obesity, sex, body weight, age, etc., and can be varied according to the severity of the treatment condition. If necessary, for convenience, the total daily dose can be divided and applied several times in one day. For example, the daily dose can be about 0.0001mg / kg to about 10g / kg / day, for example, the amount of about 0.001mg / kg to about 1g / kg can be applied once a day. In addition, the application time can be 1 day to 2 months, but the composition can be applied without restriction until the prevention or treatment effect of the disease is shown. In addition, according to the judgment of a doctor or pharmacist, the composition can be applied several times a day at regular time intervals, for example, 2 to 3 times are applied separately in one day.

[0053] As another aspect for achieving the object of the present invention, the present invention provides a method for improving intestinal motility function, which comprises administering a Tenebrio carabidae larvae extract to a subject.

[0054] As used herein, the term "subject" may be a subject including humans, or may be a subject other than humans. In addition, the term "subject" may be a subject to which the Tenebrio larvae of the present invention, an extract thereof, or a composition comprising the Tenebrio larvae of the present invention or an extract thereof is required to be administered. Subjects to be administered may include subjects who have been diagnosed with related diseases, subjects who have developed related symptoms, and subjects who want to be administered to prevent the development of diseases or symptoms or to improve health. For example, in the present invention, subjects to be administered are subjects suffering from constipation, subjects to prevent constipation, subjects to improve or prevent abdominal obesity caused by constipation, subjects to improve abnormal intestinal motility conditions, and subjects to maintain normal intestinal motility conditions.

[0055] As one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for improving intestinal motility function, which comprises allowing a subject or a subject with reduced intestinal motility to ingest a food composition or a pharmaceutical composition for improving intestinal motility function.

[0056] The Tenebrionidae larvae extract, food composition, and pharmaceutical composition, and administration for improving intestinal motility function are the same as those described above.

[0057] As another aspect for achieving the object of the present invention, the present invention provides a Tenebrio larvae extract for improving a Tenebrio larvae extract.

[0058] As another aspect for achieving the purpose of the present invention, the present invention provides use of an extract of Tenebrionidae larvae for preparing a product, food or medicine for improving intestinal motility function.

[0059] In another aspect, the present invention provides a composition for improving constipation, comprising an extract of Tenebriocaridae larvae.

[0060] The contents related to the Tenebrio carabidae larvae extract and the composition are the same as those described about the "composition for improving intestinal motility function", and hereinafter, only the specific configuration of the composition for improving constipation will be described.

[0061] The extract of Tenebrionidae larvae can be used as a composition for improving constipation by increasing stool weight, increasing the water content in stool to soften intestinal movement, improving gastrointestinal transit capacity, and increasing the length and area of ​​mucosa to improve intestinal motility.

[0062] As used herein, "constipation" may include constipation caused by various reasons. Specifically, constipation may be transient constipation (whose main cause is overeating or tension), atonic constipation or colonic constipation caused by reduced abdominal muscle strength due to lack of exercise or overwork, habitual or rectal constipation caused by reduced large intestine motility and defecation desire, and spastic constipation or organic constipation caused by interference with feces passage due to excessive large intestine motility.

[0063] In addition, constipation may include constipation caused by drugs. Drugs that may cause constipation may include calcium channel blockers, anticholinergics, analgesics, antidepressants, antihistamines, antispasmodics, anticonvulsants, aluminum-containing antacids, iron preparations, and the like.

[0064] As one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for improving constipation, comprising administering an extract of Tenebrio larvae to a subject.

[0065] As another embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising an extract of Tenebrionidae larvae for improving constipation.

[0066] The Tenebrio larvae extract and composition according to the present invention may have the characteristics as described above. The administration is the same as described for the "composition for improving intestinal motility function". The subject may be a mammal, particularly a human.

[0067] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a health functional food for improving constipation, comprising an extract of Tenebrio carabidae larvae.

[0068] The Tenebrio larvae extract is the same as described about the “composition for improving intestinal motility function”, and the description of constipation is the same as described above, and hereinafter, only the specific configuration of the health functional food for improving constipation will be described.

[0069] Health functional food is a food with high medical and health effects that is processed to effectively show biological regulation functions in addition to nutrition supply, and can obtain useful effects for health purposes, such as regulating nutrients or physiological effects on human body structure and function. The health functional food can be prepared by the method commonly used in the technical field of the present invention, and can be prepared by adding raw materials and ingredients commonly added in the art. In addition, the preparation of health functional food can be prepared in various forms without restriction, as long as it is a preparation considered as health functional food. Unlike general medicines, there is an advantage that by using food as a raw material, there are no side effects that may occur during the long-term use of the medicine, and the portability is excellent. Therefore, in order to prevent or improve constipation, before or after the stage of symptom occurrence, health functional food can be used simultaneously or separately with the medicine for treatment. Health functional food includes health food with positive health maintenance or promotion effect compared with general food and health supplement food for health supplement purpose, and in some cases, the terms "health functional food", "health food" and "health supplement food" can be used interchangeably.

[0070] In health functional food, active ingredient (Tenocaridae larvae extract) can be added to food as is or used together with other food or food ingredients, and can be used appropriately according to general methods. The mixing amount of active ingredient can be appropriately determined according to its purpose of use (for preventing or improving constipation). As long as the active ingredient has the effect of preventing or improving constipation, the active ingredient can be included in the health functional food in various amounts, and based on the gross weight of the health functional food, it can be added in an amount of 15 weight parts or less, 14 weight parts or less, 13 weight parts or less, 12 weight parts or less, 11 weight parts or less or 10 weight parts or less. However, in the case of long-term intake for the purpose of health and hygiene or health regulation, the amount can be equal to or less than the above range. In addition to active ingredients, health functional food can also include other ingredients as basic ingredients, without particular restrictions. For example, as with general beverages, various flavoring agents or natural carbohydrates can be included as additional ingredients. Examples of the above-mentioned natural carbohydrates may include general sugars, such as monosaccharides, such as glucose, fructose, etc.; disaccharides, such as maltose, sucrose, etc.; and polysaccharides, such as dextrin, cyclodextrin, etc., and sugar alcohols, such as xylitol, sorbitol, erythritol, etc. As flavoring agents other than those mentioned above, natural flavoring agents (tauumatin, stevia extract (such as rebaudioside A, glycyrginine, etc.)) and synthetic flavoring agents (saccharin, aspartame, etc.) can be advantageously used. The ratio of natural carbohydrates can be appropriately determined by the selection of those skilled in the art.

[0071] The health functional food may include various nutrients, vitamins, minerals (electrolytes), flavoring agents such as synthetic and natural flavoring agents, coloring agents and enhancers (cheese, chocolate, etc.), pectin acid and its salts, alginic acid and its salts, organic acids, protective colloid thickeners, pH regulators, stabilizers, preservatives, glycerol, alcohol, carbonating agents used in carbonated beverages, etc. These ingredients may be used alone or in combination, and the proportions of these additives may also be appropriately selected by those skilled in the art.

[0072] As another aspect for achieving the object of the present invention, the present invention provides a method for preventing or improving constipation, which comprises administering a Tenebrio carabidae larvae extract to a subject.

[0073] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for preventing or improving constipation, comprising administering a composition for improving intestinal motility function to a subject.

[0074] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for preventing or improving constipation, comprising administering a composition for improving intestinal motility function to a subject expected to develop constipation symptoms or having constipation symptoms.

[0075] The Tenebrio larvae extract, the composition for improving intestinal motility function, the subject, and the administration are the same as those described above.

[0076] As another aspect for achieving the object of the present invention, the present invention provides a Tenebrio larvae extract for preventing or improving constipation.

[0077] As another aspect for achieving the purpose of the present invention, the present invention provides use of an extract of Tenebrionidae larvae for preparing a product, food or medicine for preventing or improving constipation.

[0078] In another aspect, the present invention provides a composition for weight loss, comprising an extract of Tenebrio carabidae larvae.

[0079] The Tenebrio larvae extract and composition are the same as those described in connection with the "composition for improving intestinal motility function", and hereinafter, only the specific configuration of the composition for weight loss will be described.

[0080] The composition can be effectively used for weight loss by increasing stool weight, increasing the water content in stool and promoting intestinal motility to improve intestinal motor function and promote intestinal motility.

[0081] As used herein, the term "weight loss" refers to all effects of maintaining normal weight or improving overweight conditions, and can be used interchangeably with "weight reduction" or "body fat reduction." Specifically, weight loss can be weight loss based on improving intestinal motility or weight loss based on improving constipation.

[0082] The composition for weight loss of the present invention has anti-obesity activity and can improve obesity.

[0083] As used herein, the term "obesity" refers to a type of disease in which remaining energy after consuming ingested energy is converted into triglycerides and accumulated mainly in fat cells in the abdomen and adipose tissue, and refers to a complex syndrome caused by various causes such as genetic, nutritional, environmental and social factors.

[0084] In the present invention, obesity may be obesity caused by intestinal motility disorder or obesity caused by constipation, particularly abdominal obesity.

[0085] As one aspect for achieving the object of the present invention, the present invention provides a method for weight loss, which comprises administering a Tenebrio larvae extract or a composition for weight loss to a subject or a subject with weight gain.

[0086] As another aspect for achieving the object of the present invention, the present invention provides a method for preventing or improving obesity, which comprises administering Tenebrionidae larvae or an extract thereof to a subject or a subject suffering from obesity; or a composition for weight loss.

[0087] The Tenebrio larvae extract, the composition for weight loss, the subject, and the administration are the same as those described above.

[0088] As another aspect for achieving the object of the present invention, the present invention provides a composition comprising an extract of Tenebrio larvae for weight loss.

[0089] As another aspect for achieving the object of the present invention, the present invention provides use of an extract of Tenebrionidae larvae for preparing a weight loss product, food or medicine.

[0090] In another aspect, the present invention provides a composition for improving hyperlipidemia, comprising a Tenebrio molitor larvae extract.

[0091] The Tenebrio larvae extract and composition are the same as those described in connection with the "composition for improving intestinal motility function", and hereinafter, only the specific configuration of the composition for weight loss will be described.

[0092] As used herein, "hyperlipidemia" refers to a disease caused by a large amount of fat in the blood due to inappropriate metabolism of fats such as triglycerides and cholesterol, and can be used interchangeably with terms such as improving or reducing cholesterol and / or triglyceride levels.

[0093] As one aspect for achieving the object of the present invention, the present invention provides a method for preventing or improving hyperlipidemia, comprising administering a Tenebrionidae larvae extract to a subject or a subject in need of improving hyperlipidemia; and a composition for improving hyperlipidemia.

[0094] As another aspect for achieving the object of the present invention, the present invention provides a method for improving or lowering cholesterol and / or triglycerides, which comprises administering Tenebrionidae larvae or an extract thereof to a subject or a subject in need of improving cholesterol and / or triglyceride levels; and a composition for weight loss.

[0095] The Tenebrio larvae extract, the composition for weight loss, the subject, and the administration are the same as those described above.

[0096] As another aspect for achieving the object of the present invention, the present invention provides a composition comprising an extract of Tenebrio carabidae larvae for improving hyperlipidemia.

[0097] As another aspect for achieving the purpose of the present invention, the present invention provides use of an extract of Tenebrionidae larvae for preparing a product, food or medicine for improving hyperlipidemia.

[0098] The Tenebrio larvae extract and the composition containing the same according to the present invention may have the characteristics as described above. In addition, the group administered with the Tenebrio larvae extract of the present invention may have no toxicity or low toxicity. Alternatively, the group administered with the Tenebrio larvae extract of the present invention may have no side effects or have possible low side effects. Specifically, the group administered with the Tenebrio larvae extract of the present invention may show a similar change in weight gain as the normal control group, or have an organ weight similar to that of the normal control group.

[0099] Beneficial Effects

[0100] According to the present invention, the composition comprising the extract of the larvae of the family Tenebrio spp. as an active ingredient has an excellent effect of improving intestinal motility function by increasing stool weight, increasing the water content in stool to soften intestinal movement, and increasing the length and area of ​​the mucosa to improve intestinal motility, and can therefore be effectively used to prevent, improve or treat constipation or obesity.

[0101] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0102] Figure 1 It is a graph illustrating the results of measuring the feces weight and the water content in the feces to determine the effect of applying the extract of Tenebrio larvae on the feces index. [N (normal): normal control; C (control): loperamide alone administration group; PC (positive control): Plantago asiatica husk 120 mg / kg; M120: loperamide + Tenebrio larvae enzyme extract 120 mg / kg; M500: loperamide + Tenebrio larvae enzyme extract 500 mg / kg; M'120: loperamide + Tenebrio larvae ethanol extract 120 mg / kg, error bars represent standard errors, and n=5].

[0103] Figure 2 It is a graph illustrating the results of measuring digestive tract mobility to determine the effect of administering the extract of Tenebrio larvae on gastrointestinal transit capacity. [N (normal): normal control; C (control): loperamide administration group alone; PC (positive control): Plantago asiatica husk 120 mg / kg; M120: loperamide + Tenebrio larvae enzyme extract 120 mg / kg; M500: loperamide + Tenebrio larvae enzyme extract 500 mg / kg; M'120: loperamide + Tenebrio larvae ethanol extract 120 mg / kg, error bars represent standard errors, and n=5].

[0104] Figure 3 It is a diagram illustrating the results of staining colon tissue with hematoxylin-eosin to determine the effect of administering a Tenebrio larvae extract on intestinal digestive motility.

[0105] Best Mode

[0106] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail by examples and experimental examples. However, these examples and experimental examples are only for illustration of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples and experimental examples.

[0107] [Preparation Example 1]

[0108] Preparation of enzyme extracts from Tenebrio larvae

[0109] (1) Steps to control the diet of mealworm larvae

[0110] Before use, 3-month-old mealworm larvae fed on wheat grains were fasted and excreted while being fed. After 48 hours of fasting, the mealworm larvae were washed and frozen for storage.

[0111] (2) Steps of hydrolysis, sterilization and wet crushing of mealworm larvae

[0112] 1900 parts by weight of water were added to 100 parts by weight of the pretreated raw material, followed by sterilization at 100° C. for 30 minutes. Thereafter, the mealworm larvae were pulverized with a homogenizer at 6000 rpm for 10 minutes to obtain a liquid form that is easily treated with an enzyme.

[0113] (3) A step of treating the mealworm larvae solution with protease to decompose protein

[0114] 0.1% of protease Protamex was added to the crushed Tenebrio molitor larvae solution and treated at 60°C for 1 hour, and then the enzyme was inactivated at 100°C for 10 minutes.

[0115] (4) Step of filtering the mealworm larvae extract

[0116] The protease-treated product was filtered through 1 μm glass fiber filter paper under reduced pressure, and then only the filtrate was taken.

[0117] (5) Step of concentrating the mealworm larvae extract

[0118] The filtrate was concentrated using a vacuum concentrator to prepare a concentrate having a Brix of 10 or more.

[0119] (6) Step of powdering the mealworm larvae extract

[0120] The concentrate was freeze-dried and powdered, specifically, kept at -45°C for 6 hours, -20°C for 21 hours, -15°C for 11 hours, and -5°C for 11 hours in sequence, then thawed, and then powdered by removing moisture.

[0121] [Preparation Example 2]

[0122] Preparation of ethanol extracts from Tenebrionidae larvae

[0123] (1) Steps to control the diet of mealworm larvae

[0124] Before use, 3-month-old mealworm larvae fed on wheat grains were subjected to the process of excreting feces when fasting. After 48 hours of fasting, the mealworm larvae were washed and stored frozen.

[0125] (2) Steps of drying and then crushing mealworm larvae

[0126] The cryopreserved mealworm larvae were washed and then dried at 90° C. for 24 hours. The dried raw material was finely pulverized with a pulverizer for easy extraction.

[0127] (3) Step of extracting mealworm larvae powder by adding ethanol

[0128] 900 parts by weight of ethanol were added to 100 parts by weight of the pretreated raw material, followed by extraction at 25° C. and 100 rpm for 24 hours.

[0129] (4) Step of filtering the mealworm larvae extract

[0130] The extract was filtered through 1 μm glass fiber filter paper under reduced pressure, and then only the filtrate was taken.

[0131] (5) Step of concentrating the mealworm larvae extract

[0132] The filtered extract was concentrated using a reduced pressure concentrator to prepare a concentrate having a Brix of 10 or more.

[0133] (6) Step of powdering the mealworm larvae extract

[0134] The concentrate was freeze-dried and powdered, specifically, kept at -45°C for 6 hours, -20°C for 21 hours, -15°C for 11 hours, and -5°C for 11 hours in sequence, then thawed, and then powdered by removing moisture.

[0135] [Experimental example]

[0136] Confirmation of the intestinal motility function of extracts from Tenebrio larvae

[0137] Experimental Example 1: Animal husbandry and experimental design

[0138] This study was conducted in accordance with the policies and regulations of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of the Southeast Institute of Medical Chemistry (SEMI-19-008). As experimental animals used in the experiment, 7-week-old ICR mouse models (male) were received from Hana Bio (Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Korea) and quarantined, acclimated, and raised in the animal house (Animal Facility Registration Certificate No. 412), and then the experiment was performed. During the feeding period, the light time was set to a cycle of 12 hours (07:00 to 19:00), and food and water were freely available.

[0139] First, 5 ICR mice (7 weeks old, male) were placed in each group, and the experimental groups were divided into a total of 6 groups. The experimental groups were divided into a normal control group (N), a loperamide administration group (C), a psyllium husk administration group (PC), a loperamide + low concentration enzyme extract group (120 mg / kg) (M120), a loperamide + high concentration enzyme extract group (500 mg / kg) (M500), and a loperamide + low concentration ethanol extract group (120 mg / kg) (M'120).

[0140] The samples were orally administered for a total of 7 days according to the contents in Table 1, and on the 7th day of administration, all groups except the normal control group were orally administered with 5 mg / kg of loperamide (in saline) to induce constipation. For feed, solid feed (Hana Bio, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Korea) was provided to the experimental animals, and the body weight change was measured twice a week.

[0141] [Table 1]

[0142] Group experiment Notice Control group 1 (N) Apply saline No loperamide Control group 2 (N) brine Control group 3 (PC) Psyllium husk 120mg / kg Example 1 (M120) Preparation Example 1, 120 mg / kg Embodiment 2 (M500) Preparation Example 1, 500 mg / kg Example 3 (M'120) Preparation Example 2, 120 mg / kg

[0143] The experimental results of the measurements were expressed as mean values ​​and standard errors, and statistical processing was performed using the variance analysis t-test in the Statview program for the significance test of each group.

[0144] Experimental Example 2: Changes in fecal index caused by extracts from Tenebrionidae larvae

[0145] On the 6th day of sample administration, feces of experimental animals were collected after administration of loperamide (5 mg / kg, body weight), and the weight and quantity of feces of each subject were measured. In order to check the water content in feces, the change was calculated by comparing the weight immediately after collection with the weight after drying at 105°C for 48 hours.

[0146] Water content (%) = [(weight before drying - weight after drying) / weight before drying] × 100

[0147] The results are shown in Table 2 and Figure 1 middle.

[0148] [Table 2]

[0149]

[0150] 1) The experimental results are shown as mean values ​​and standard errors in Table 2. The significance of each group is indicated as follows: * compared with group C at P < 0.05, # compared with group C at P < 0.001.

[0151] 2) N (normal): normal control; C (control): loperamide alone; PC (positive control): Plantago asiatica husk 120 mg / kg; M120: loperamide + Tenebrio larvae enzyme extract 120 mg / kg; M500: loperamide + Tenebrio larvae enzyme extract 500 mg / kg; M'120: loperamide + Tenebrio larvae ethanol extract 120 mg / kg

[0152] As shown in Table 2 and Figure 1 As shown, in the constipation-induced C group, the feces weight showed a significant decrease compared with the non-constipation-induced N group, but in all the M120 group, M500 group and M'120 group administered with the Tenebrio larvae extract, the feces weight increased compared with the C group and was greater than the feces weight in the PC group administered with Psyllium husk.

[0153] In addition, the water content in feces showed a significant decrease in the constipation-induced C group compared with the non-constipation-induced N group, but in all the M120, M500 and M'120 groups administered with the extract of the larvae of the Tenebrio spp., the water content in feces was significantly higher than that in the C group and higher than that in the normal control group.

[0154] As a result, it was confirmed that the extract of the larvae of the family Tenebrionidae prevented a decrease in stool weight and improved intestinal motility by increasing the water content in stool, thereby confirming that the effect of preventing or improving constipation was excellent.

[0155] Experimental Example 3: Changes in digestive tract mobility caused by extracts from Tenebrionidae larvae

[0156] In order to observe the effect of the extract of Tenebrio larvae on gastrointestinal transit capacity, digestive tract mobility was evaluated. Digestive tract mobility can be evaluated by measuring the length of movement of an applied indicator material from the entire length of the small intestine in a certain period of time, and in this experiment, loperamide, which exhibits a gastrointestinal transit inhibitory effect, was used as a constipation-inducing drug, and phenol red was used as an indicator material.

[0157] Specifically, 5 mg / kg loperamide was orally administered 1 hour after the administration of the Tenebrio larvae extract. 30 minutes after the administration of loperamide, 0.5% phenol red (in 1.5% methylcellulose) used as an indicator was orally administered, and 20 minutes later, an autopsy was performed to measure the total intestinal length and the movement distance of phenol red. The measurement results were analyzed using the following equation, which was calculated as the percentage of the movement distance of phenol red relative to the total intestinal length. The analysis results are shown in Tables 3 and Figure 2 middle.

[0158] Digestive tract mobility (%) = (movement distance of phenol red / total intestinal length) × 100

[0159] [Table 3]

[0160] Group Number of objects Digestive tract mobility (%) Control group 1 (N) 5 <![CDATA[49.0 # ]]> Control group 2 (N) 5 21.1 Control group 3 (PC) 5 28.8* Example 1 (M120) 5 28.6* Embodiment 2 (M500) 5 <![CDATA[34.5 # ]]> Example 3 (M'120) 5 <![CDATA[35.8 # ]]>

[0161] 1) The experimental results are shown as mean values ​​and standard errors in Table 3. The significance of each group is indicated as follows: * compared with group C at P < 0.05, # compared with group C at P < 0.001.

[0162] 2) N (normal): normal control; C (control): loperamide alone; PC (positive control): Plantago asiatica husk 120 mg / kg; M120: loperamide + Tenebrio larvae enzyme extract 120 mg / kg; M500: loperamide + Tenebrio larvae enzyme extract 500 mg / kg; M'120: loperamide + Tenebrio larvae ethanol extract 120 mg / kg

[0163] As shown in Table 3 and Figure 2 As shown, the digestive tract mobility was significantly decreased in the constipation-causing C group compared with the N group, while it was confirmed that the digestive tract mobility was significantly increased in the group administered with the extract of the Tenebrio larvae compared with the C group (p<0.05, p<0.001). In addition, it was shown that the digestive tract mobility was higher in the group administered with the extract of the Tenebrio larvae than in the PC group administered with the extract of Plantago asiatica, and the digestive tract mobility was particularly high in the M'120 group.

[0164] Thus, it was confirmed that the extract of the larvae of the family Tenebrio spp. activated the digestive movement of the intestine, and the results confirmed that the extract of the larvae of the family Tenebrio spp. can be effectively used to prevent or improve constipation.

[0165] Experimental Example 4: Confirmation of structural changes in colon tissue caused by extracts from Tenebrio larvae

[0166] To determine the effect of the Tenebrionidae larval extract on colon tissue, colon tissue was stained with hematoxylin & eosin (H&E).

[0167] Specifically, the colon tissue extracted from each experimental group was fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde immediately after extraction, washed with water, dehydrated, transparent and infiltrated, and then embedded in paraffin. The prepared paraffin blocks were microsectioned and then stained with H&E staining. The stained slides were photographed after observation with an optical microscope (Nikon, E600, Japan), and the results are shown in Figure 3 middle.

[0168] like Figure 3 As shown, it was observed that the length and area of ​​the mucosa were significantly decreased in the constipation-induced C group compared with the untreated N group, and it was confirmed that the length and area of ​​the mucosa were increased in the Tenebrio larvae extract-administered group compared with the C group.

[0169] This confirmed that the extract from the larvae of the family Tenebrio spp. can help the digestive movement of the intestine, and the results confirmed that the extract from the larvae of the family Tenebrio spp. can be effectively used to prevent or improve constipation.

[0170] Example 5: Confirmation of the effect of extracts from Tenebrionidae larvae in inhibiting lipid accumulation in vivo

[0171] To confirm the effect of the extract of Tenebrionidae larvae on lipid accumulation in vivo, biochemical analysis in serum was performed.

[0172] Specifically, the experimental animals were fasted for 12 hours upon completion of sample feeding, and then fasting blood was collected from the tail, and total cholesterol in serum was measured using a blood analysis device. The measurement results are shown in Table 4.

[0173] [Table 4]

[0174]

[0175]

[0176] 1): N (normal): normal control; C (control): loperamide alone; PC (positive control): psyllium husk (120 mg / kg) administration group; M120: loperamide + Tenebrio larvae enzyme extract 120 mg / kg; M500: loperamide + Tenebrio larvae enzyme extract 500 mg / kg; M'120: loperamide + Tenebrio larvae ethanol extract 120 mg / kg

[0177] As shown in Table 4, it was confirmed that the total cholesterol levels in the serum of the control group and the example were 146.99 mg / dL and 141.12 mg / dL in the untreated N group and the constipation-induced C group, respectively, but the cholesterol level was reduced in the M'120 group to which the ethanol extract of the Tenebrionidae larvae was administered after constipation was induced.

[0178] Considering the above results, the extract of the larvae of the family Tenebrionidae showed a significant increase in stool weight, water content in stool, digestive tract mobility, and length and area of ​​the mucosa compared to the control group administered with loperamide, thereby showing a very excellent effect of improving intestinal motor function and improving intestinal motility.

Claims

1. Use of an ethanol extract of Tenebrio larvae in the preparation of a drug for improving intestinal motility, wherein the ethanol extract is prepared by a method comprising: drying the Tenebrio larvae and then crushing them, and adding ethanol to extract the Tenebrio larvae powder.

2. Use of an ethanol extract of Tenebrio larvae in the preparation of a medicament for improving constipation, wherein the ethanol extract is prepared by a method comprising: drying the Tenebrio larvae and then crushing them, and adding ethanol to extract the Tenebrio larvae powder.

3. The use as claimed in claim 1, wherein the improvement of intestinal motility function is an increase in stool weight, an increase in water content in stool, an increase in gastrointestinal transit capacity, or an increase in the length and area of ​​intestinal mucosa.

4. The use according to claim 2, wherein the constipation is transient constipation, atonic constipation, spastic constipation, impaired intestinal motility constipation or organic constipation.

5. Use of an ethanol extract of Tenebrio larvae in the preparation of a health functional food for improving constipation, wherein the ethanol extract is prepared by a method comprising: drying the Tenebrio larvae and then crushing them, and adding ethanol to extract the Tenebrio larvae powder.

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