Bath agent

Abstract

To provide a bath agent that quickly produces carbonate ions and / or bicarbonate ions in hot bath water, resulting in an increased concentration of carbonate ions and / or bicarbonate ions in the bath water relative to previous levels.SOLUTION: In order to increase the concentration of carbonate ions and the like in hot bath water, a polymer and a carbonate and / or bicarbonate are initially dissolved, followed by the gradual dissolution of an organic acid. This leads to a gradual shift in the bath water's pH from weakly alkaline to neutral or weakly acidic, ultimately maintaining high concentrations of carbonate ions and the like while minimizing carbon dioxide generation.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bath additive that rapidly generates carbonate ions and / or bicarbonate ions (hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, referred to as "carbonate ions, etc.") in the bath water, thereby increasing the concentration of carbonate ions, etc. in the bath water. [Background technology]

[0002] Water with a high concentration of carbon dioxide dissolved in it is called carbonated spring. Natural carbonated springs are found in many old strata, such as in Europe, and have been used since ancient times to treat heart disease and high blood pressure by drinking or bathing in them. Carbon dioxide acts on the capillaries, which regard the absorbed carbon dioxide as a waste product and secrete blood vessel regulating hormones to take in oxygen, which dilates the blood vessels and increases the blood volume. Improved blood circulation reduces the burden on the blood vessels and heart, lowers blood pressure, and alleviates the symptoms of circulatory system diseases such as arteriosclerosis and heart disease. It is also said to be useful in alleviating diabetes, neuralgia, and rheumatism, and in improving blood circulation disorders such as poor circulation, high blood pressure, and stiff shoulders. Carbon dioxide also acts on the autonomic nervous system, suppressing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is related to pain and stimuli, and is therefore used to alleviate pain such as neuralgia. Carbon dioxide exists as carbon dioxide dissolved in water (carbonate H2CO3) in acidic regions, and as bicarbonate ions (HCO3 - ), and in the alkaline region, carbonate ions (CO3 2- )

[0003] In order to achieve the carbon dioxide bathing effect, products have been proposed that generate carbon dioxide by combining carbonates or bicarbonates with organic acids. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] Journal of the Eastern Studies, Vol. 41, No. 1, 163-168 (2012)

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 2] Okayama University Hot Springs Research Institute Report, No. 54, 1-12 (1984) [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-087477 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In products that generate carbon dioxide by combining carbonates or bicarbonates with organic acids to obtain the bathing effect of water containing carbonate ions, etc., when carbonates or bicarbonates and organic acids are simultaneously added to the water, a strong generation of carbon dioxide is observed, but the concentration of carbonate ions dissolved in the water is not very high. Methods for further increasing the concentration of carbonate ions, etc. in the water have been considered. To improve this, a method has been invented in which these additives are made into tablets to gradually dissolve them and increase the concentration of carbonate ions, etc. in the water. However, although the slow dissolution rate of the tablets slows down the generation of carbon dioxide and increases the concentration of carbonate ions, etc. in the water, there is an issue that it takes a long time to reach the maximum concentration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In view of the above situation, the present inventors conducted extensive research and found that in order to increase the concentration of carbonate ions and the like in the hot water, a high molecular weight polymer and a carbonate and / or bicarbonate are first dissolved in the hot water, and then an organic acid is gradually dissolved therein, thereby gradually changing the pH of the hot water from weakly alkaline to neutral and then weakly acidic, thereby suppressing the generation of carbon dioxide while maintaining a high concentration of carbonate ions and the like.

[0009] This bath agent contains a first formulation containing a high molecular weight polymer and one or more compounds selected from bicarbonates and carbonates, and a second formulation containing an acidic substance, in which the high molecular weight polymer component and one or more compounds selected from bicarbonates and carbonates contained in the first formulation dissolve faster than the acidic substance contained in the second formulation. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, by first dissolving a hydrogen carbonate and / or a carbonate together with a polymer in hot water and then slowly dissolving an organic acid, the proportion of carbonate ions, including carbon dioxide, remaining in the hot water can be increased, and as a result, a high concentration of carbonate ions, etc. can be maintained in the hot water. The proportion of carbonate ions, etc. remaining in the hot water, calculated as one or more compounds selected from hydrogen carbonate and carbonate to be added, should be 35% or more, preferably 40% or more, and more preferably 45% or more. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The details for carrying out the present invention will be specifically described below.

[0012] The polymer used in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can achieve the effects of the invention. Specific examples include polyethylene glycol, carbomer, polyacrylic acid resin, xanthan gum, etc. The content of the polymer is not particularly limited as long as it can achieve the effects of the invention. Specifically, the polymer is contained so that the concentration of the polymer when dissolved in hot water is 0.0001 to 0.1 g / L, preferably 0.0005 to 0.05 g / L, and more preferably 0.001 to 0.02 g / L.

[0013] When polyethylene glycol is used as the polymer, its molecular weight is not particularly limited as long as it achieves the effects of the invention. Specifically, it is 4,000 or more, preferably 6,000 or more, more preferably 20,000 or more, and even more preferably 2 million or more. By using polyethylene glycol with a molecular weight of 2 million or more as the polymer, it is possible to provide hot water with viscosity, that is, hot water with a so-called thick consistency, while maintaining a high concentration of carbon dioxide in the hot water.

[0014] The carbonate or hydrogen carbonate may be any salt that generates ions such as carbonate ions and / or carbon dioxide when dissolved in a hot water bath, and is not particularly limited. Specific salts that can be used include sodium salts, potassium salts, and ammonium salts. More specifically, sodium hydrogen carbonate and / or sodium carbonate can be used. The content of the carbonate or hydrogen carbonate is not particularly limited as long as the effects of the present invention are achieved. Specifically, the carbonate or hydrogen carbonate may be contained so that the concentration of the carbonate or hydrogen carbonate when dissolved in hot water is 0.001 to 0.5 g / L, preferably 0.005 to 0.1 g / L, and more preferably 0.01 to 0.05 g / L.

[0015] The acidic substance may be any acidic substance as long as it can achieve the effects of the present invention. It is preferably an organic acid or a salt thereof that exhibits acidity, more preferably citric acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, malic acid, adipic acid, or glycolic acid, and even more preferably malic acid. The content of the acidic substance is not particularly limited as long as it can achieve the effects of the present invention. Specifically, it is sufficient that the acidic substance is contained so that the concentration of carbonate or hydrogencarbonate when dissolved in hot water is 0.005 to 1 g / L, preferably 0.01 to 0.5 g / L, and even more preferably 0.02 to 0.2 g / L.

[0016] In the present invention, the ratio of carbonate or bicarbonate to the acidic substance is not particularly limited as long as the effects of the invention are achieved. Specifically, the molar ratio is 1 part carbonate or bicarbonate to 0.05 to 10 parts acidic substance, preferably 0.1 to 5 parts, and more preferably 0.3 to 1 parts.

[0017] The bath agent of the present invention is a preparation comprising a first preparation containing the above-described high molecular weight polymer and one or more compounds selected from bicarbonates and carbonates, and a second preparation containing an acidic substance.

[0018] The first and second formulations are designed so that the polymer and one or more compounds selected from bicarbonate and carbonate contained in the first formulation dissolve faster than the acidic substance contained in the second formulation. With this design, the polymer and one or more compounds selected from bicarbonate and carbonate in the first formulation dissolve quickly in the bath immediately after the bath additive is added, resulting in an increase in pH in the bath and an alkaline state. After the polymer and one or more compounds selected from bicarbonate and carbonate in the first formulation are completely or partially dissolved, the acidic substance in the second formulation containing an acidic substance begins to dissolve, the pH of the bath gradually decreases, and the pH of the bath finally becomes neutral to weakly acidic.

[0019] Specifically, the first preparation is designed so that the acidic substance contained in the second preparation dissolves after the polymer and one or more compounds selected from hydrogen carbonates or carbonates contained in the first preparation are completely or partially dissolved. Alternatively, the second preparation may be designed so that the polymer and one or more compounds selected from hydrogen carbonates or carbonates contained in the first preparation and the acidic substance contained in the second preparation begin to dissolve almost simultaneously, but the dissolution speed of the second preparation is slower than that of the first preparation. As a result of this design, the pH fluctuation in the hot water will show the trend described above.

[0020] As long as the bath agent is designed as described above, the form of the first formulation and the second formulation is not particularly limited. Specifically, the first formulation may be a powder or granule (hereinafter simply referred to as "granules") formulation, while the second formulation may be a granule having a larger particle size than the first formulation. In this case, the second formulation may be a compressed tablet. It is also possible to add an additive that suppresses the dissolution speed to the second formulation and granulate or compress it. The powder, granule, or compression-molded formulation of the second formulation may be coated with a film that controls the dissolution speed.

[0021] When changing the dissolution speed by the difference in granule size between the first formulation and the second formulation, the size of the granules is not particularly limited as long as the effect of the invention is achieved. Specifically, the particle size of the first formulation can be less than 1 mm, and the particle size of the second formulation can be 1 mm or more. When sieving to such a particle size, for example, a sieve can be used, and the granules that have been granulated or the like can be sieved through a JIS standard 16M sieve to select the particles. The method of producing the granules is not particularly limited as long as the effect of the invention is achieved. Specifically, dry granulation, fluidized bed granulation, stirring granulation, spray drying, etc. can be mentioned. In addition, as for the first granules, as long as the effect of the invention is achieved, there is no problem even if the powder is in a state in which the necessary components are mixed as it is.

[0022] In addition, as long as the characteristics of the first and second preparations are not impaired, the present bath agent can be made into a single preparation by combining the first and second preparations and subjecting them to granulation, compression molding, etc. In addition to the first and second preparations, additives such as excipients, flow agents, binders, lubricants, colorants, and fragrances can also be added.

[0023] The pH of the bath agent of the present invention when dissolved in both the first and second preparations is not particularly limited as long as the effects of the invention are not achieved. Specifically, when the bath agent of the present invention is dissolved in hot water or water at 40° C., the pH is 3.0 to 7.5, preferably 4.0 to 7.0.

[0024] The bath agent can be dissolved in ordinary hot water and used. In this case, the hot water is not particularly limited as long as it can be used for bathing. Specifically, it can be dissolved in hot water at a temperature of 30°C to 42°C. Also, as long as the effects of the present invention are achieved, there is no problem even if the temperature is other than the above. Also, there is no problem even if other components other than water are contained, such as in hot springs. EXAMPLES

[0025] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the following Test Examples and Examples, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. The blend amounts are expressed as % by weight based on the total amount of the bath agent unless otherwise specified.

[0026] <Test Example 1> The carbon dioxide concentration and viscosity of the bath water were observed using the recipe shown in Table 1. Specifically, a bath additive was prepared by mixing powdered polymer, powdered sodium bicarbonate, granular (diameter 1 mm or more) acidic substances citric acid and powdered sodium sulfate to a total of 3 g. The product thus prepared was poured into 10 L of bath water (40°C). The bath water was left to stand for 20 minutes after pouring to prepare the test liquid. The proportion of remaining carbonate ions and the viscosity were confirmed using this test liquid. For Comparative Example 1, the test was conducted using citric acid in powder form with the same particle size as the other compounds (diameter less than 1 mm).

[0027] Sensory test for viscosity A sensory test of the viscosity was carried out using the bath water containing the bath additive of Test Example 1, with the following criteria. The test was carried out by three people. <Evaluation criteria> -: None, almost the same as regular hot water ±: Slightly viscous +: Yes, clearly viscous

[0028] Proportion of remaining carbonate ions, etc. The proportion of carbonate ions, etc. remaining in the hot water was measured to calculate the remaining proportion of carbonate ions, etc. in the hot water. Specifically, the amount of carbonate ions and the like in the hot water was measured as follows. 1 mL of the test liquid of Test Example 1 was taken, and 0.1 mL of 1 mol / mL sodium hydroxide was added. Then, 1 mL of 1% calcium chloride was added to generate a precipitate. The turbidity (OD600nm) of the suspension thus obtained was measured using a turbidimeter (Gene Quant 100 (manufactured by Biochrom)). On the other hand, a solution of 0.045 g of sodium bicarbonate dissolved in 100 mL of purified water was used as a 100% carbonate standard solution, and the turbidity of the solution was measured by the method described above. The solution was appropriately diluted, and the turbidity was measured by the method described above to create a calibration curve. Using the calibration curve, the remaining carbonate ions, etc. in the test solution were converted into sodium bicarbonate to measure the proportion (%) of the remaining carbonate ions, etc.

[0029] [Table 1]

[0030] When the high molecular weight polymer and bicarbonate trim were dissolved first, and then the acidic substance citric acid was dissolved, the proportion of remaining carbonate ions in the hot water increased compared to when the high molecular weight polymer was not used.

[0031] <Test Example 2> Differences between the presence or absence of viscosity and the addition of citric acid The carbon dioxide concentration and viscosity of the hot water were observed using the recipe shown in Table 2. Specifically, polyethylene glycol, a high molecular weight polymer, powdered sodium bicarbonate, and powdered sodium sulfate were mixed, and granular (diameter 1 mm or more) citric acid was used in Example 6, and compression-molded citric acid was used in Example 7, to adjust the total amount to 3 g. The product thus adjusted was poured into 10 L of hot water (40°C). After leaving it for 20 minutes, the remaining carbon dioxide and viscosity of the water after pouring were checked. The sensory test for viscosity and the proportion of residual carbonate ions, etc. were performed in the same manner as in Test Example 1.

[0032] [Table 2]

[0033] It was found that the proportion of remaining carbonate ions in the hot water can be increased by first dissolving the sodium bicarbonate, which is the carbon dioxide source, and then either dissolving the citric acid slowly or adding it later.

[0034] Example 3: Examination of organic acids The carbon dioxide concentration and viscosity of the hot water were observed using the recipe in Table 2. Specifically, polyethylene glycol, a high molecular weight polymer, powdered sodium bicarbonate, and powdered sodium sulfate were mixed together, and various additives were added in predetermined amounts as organic acids, adjusting the total to 3g. The product thus prepared was poured into 10L of hot water (40°C). After leaving it for 20 minutes, the remaining carbon dioxide and viscosity of the water were checked. The sensory test for viscosity and the proportion of residual carbonate ions, etc. were performed in the same manner as in Test Example 1.

[0035] [Table 3]

[0036] When we checked the proportion of remaining carbonate ions in the hot water depending on the type and concentration of organic acid added, we found that there was no significant difference depending on the type of organic acid, and no significant difference was observed depending on the concentration.

[0037] <Example 5> Actual use 30 g of bath additives were prepared according to the formula shown in Table 5, and added to 200 L of bath water. 25 people were asked to evaluate the sensation of use (thickness during bathing, warmth after getting out of the bath, and moisturizing sensation after getting out of the bath).

[0038] <Evaluation criteria> -:none ±: Slightly +: Yes ++:Very likely

[0039] [Table 5]

[0040] <Formulation Example 1> Bath additive 1 (% by weight) PEG160M······ 10.0 Polycarbonate-10: 1.5 Sodium bicarbonate: 15.0 Citric acid·····35.0 Sucrose palmitate ··· 1.0 Fragrance: Appropriate amount Pigment: Appropriate amount Sodium sulfate: Remainder

[0041] <Formulation Example 2> Bath agent 2 (wt%) PEG115M······ 15.0 Polycarbonate-10: 1.5 Magnesium sulfate 5.0 Sodium carbonate: 1.0 Sodium bicarbonate 13.5 Malic acid······24.0 Fragrance: Appropriate amount Pigment: Appropriate amount Sodium sulfate: Remainder [Industrial Applicability]

[0042] According to the present invention, by blending a high molecular weight polymer, particularly a highly polymerized polyethylene glycol, and a bicarbonate or carbonate with a coarse organic acid, it is possible to suppress the generation of carbon dioxide and maintain a high concentration of carbonate and bicarbonate ions in the bath water, thereby making it possible to provide a bath additive with an excellent warming effect. According to the present invention, by applying to the skin an N-acyl derivative of Pro-Hyp or its salt, which enhances the collagen production ability of fibroblasts, and using an iontophoresis device in combination, it is possible to increase the permeability into the skin and provide an external anti-wrinkle agent with an excellent wrinkle improving effect.

Claims

1. A first formulation containing a polymer and one or more compounds selected from bicarbonates and carbonates; A second preparation containing an acidic substance A formulation comprising: A bath additive in which a high molecular weight polymer component and one or more compounds selected from hydrogen carbonates and carbonates contained in a first preparation dissolve faster than an acidic substance contained in a second preparation.

2. 2. The bath agent according to claim 1, wherein the polymer is one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, carbomer, polyacrylate and xanthan gum.

3. 3. The bath agent according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the acidic substance is an organic acid.

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