A combination of lingonberry, amla, and hibiscus.

Abstract

To provide an ingredient that has a more effective collagen production-promoting effect. [Solution] An oral composition is provided comprising lingonberry, amla, and hibiscus, wherein the lingonberry content is 2.5 mg to 62.5 mg by dry weight, the amla content is 3 mg to 75 mg by dry weight, and the hibiscus content is 7.2 mg to 180 mg by dry weight.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a combination of cloudberry, amla and hibiscus.

Background Art

[0002] The skin is composed of the stratum corneum, epidermis, basement membrane and dermis from the outside. The dermis is the largest part among them, not as densely packed with cells as the epidermis. Rather, there are many extracellular spaces and it is filled with a network structure of macromolecules called the "extracellular matrix". This extracellular matrix is produced by fibroblasts in the dermis and is composed of polysaccharides called acidic mucopolysaccharides such as hyaluronic acid and dermatan sulfate, and fibrous proteins such as collagen and elastin. The extracellular matrix is directly involved in the elasticity, firmness, moisture, and metabolism of the skin. When the production of the extracellular matrix in fibroblasts and the like is dulled, the elasticity and moisture of the skin are lost, and wrinkles, fine wrinkles, and rough skin are likely to occur, contributing to skin aging.

[0003] The above fibrous protein mainly consists of collagen, and among them, type I collagen accounts for 80% of the whole. In addition to type I collagen, the presence of types III, V, XII, and XIV collagen is known. One of the causes of wrinkles and sagging seen in aging skin is the thinning of skin tissue with aging. In aging skin, the decrease in collagen fibers, which are the main matrix components of the dermis, is remarkable, and this is likely to be the main cause of the decrease in skin thickness. Therefore, it is considered effective to promote the production of collagen and maintain the amount of collagen for the prevention and improvement of wrinkles and sagging. In addition to the above, promoting the production of collagen is also considered effective for improving wound healing of the skin and the like.

[0004] While various components have been known to have such collagen production-promoting effects, such as N-benzoylglycylglycine (Patent Document 1), there is still a need for the development of components and products with even more effective collagen production-promoting effects. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-055116 [Overview of the project]

[0006] The inventors have discovered a new combination of lingonberry, amla, and hibiscus. This invention is based on this finding.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention provides a combination of lingonberry, amla, and hibiscus.

[0008] The present invention provides the following: (1) An oral composition comprising lingonberry, amla, and hibiscus, An oral composition containing lingonberry at a dry weight of 2.5 mg to 62.5 mg, amla at a dry weight of 3 mg to 75 mg, and hibiscus at a dry weight of 7.2 mg to 180 mg. (2) An oral composition comprising lingonberry, which is an oral composition for use in combination with amla and hibiscus, An oral composition containing lingonberry extract in a dry weight of 2.5 mg to 62.5 mg. (3) An oral composition comprising amla, which is an oral composition for use in combination with lingonberry and hibiscus, An oral composition containing 3 mg to 75 mg of amla by dry weight. (4) An oral composition comprising hibiscus, which is an oral composition for use in combination with lingonberry and amla, An oral composition containing hibiscus extract in a dry weight of 7.2 mg to 180 mg. (5) An oral composition comprising lingonberry, amla, and hibiscus, An oral composition for oral intake of 2.5 mg to 62.5 mg of lingonberry by dry weight per day, 3 mg to 75 mg of amla by dry weight per day, and 7.2 mg to 180 mg of hibiscus by dry weight per day. (6) An oral composition comprising lingonberry, which is an oral composition for use in combination with amla and hibiscus, An oral composition for oral intake of 2.5 mg to 62.5 mg of lingonberry by dry weight per day, 3 mg to 75 mg of amla by dry weight per day, and 7.2 mg to 180 mg of hibiscus by dry weight per day. (7) An oral composition comprising amla, which is an oral composition for use in combination with lingonberry and hibiscus, An oral composition for oral intake of 2.5 mg to 62.5 mg of lingonberry by dry weight per day, 3 mg to 75 mg of amla by dry weight per day, and 7.2 mg to 180 mg of hibiscus by dry weight per day. (8) An oral composition comprising hibiscus, which is an oral composition for use in combination with lingonberry and amla, An oral composition for oral intake of 2.5 mg to 62.5 mg of lingonberry by dry weight per day, 3 mg to 75 mg of amla by dry weight per day, and 7.2 mg to 180 mg of hibiscus by dry weight per day. (9) An oral composition according to any one of (1) to (8), which is a food composition. (10) Use of a combination of lingonberry, amla and hibiscus. (11) The use described in (10) for oral intake of lingonberry at a daily dry weight of 2.5 mg to 62.5 mg, amla at a daily dry weight of 3 mg to 75 mg, and hibiscus at a daily dry weight of 7.2 mg to 180 mg. (12) Use as described in (10) or (11) in the manufacture of therapeutic drugs. (13) Use as described in (12), where the therapeutic agent is a drug intended to promote collagen production. (14) The use according to (10) or (11), wherein lingonberry, amla, or hibiscus is in the form of a food composition. (15) Use according to any of (10), (11), and (14) for promoting collagen production. (16) A combination of lingonberry, amla, and hibiscus. (17) The combinations described in (16) for oral intake of 2.5 mg to 62.5 mg of lingonberry by dry weight per day, 3 mg to 75 mg of amla by dry weight per day, and 7.2 mg to 180 mg of hibiscus by dry weight per day. (18) The combination according to (16) or (17), wherein lingonberry, amla, or hibiscus is in the form of a food composition. (19) Any combination of (16) to (18) to promote collagen production. (20) A method comprising administering an effective dose of a combination of lingonberry, amla and hibiscus to a subject. (21) The method according to (20), wherein the administration comprises orally administering lingonberry at a dry weight of 2.5 mg to 62.5 mg per day, amla at a dry weight of 3 mg to 75 mg per day, and hibiscus at a dry weight of 7.2 mg to 180 mg per day. (22) The method according to (20) or (21), wherein lingonberry, amla, or hibiscus is in the form of a food composition. (23) The method according to any of (20) to (22) for promoting collagen production.

[0009] According to the present invention, a combination of cloudberry, amla, and hibiscus is provided. By using the combination of the present invention, it is also possible to effectively promote the production of collagen.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a graph evaluating the effect of promoting the production of collagen when cloudberry, amla, and hibiscus are applied alone or in combination. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a graph evaluating the effect of improving rough skin when cloudberry, amla, and hibiscus are applied alone or in combination. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a graph evaluating the effect of improving skin moisture when cloudberry, amla, and hibiscus are applied alone or in combination. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a graph evaluating the effect of improving crow's feet or fine lines at the outer corners of the eyes when cloudberry, amla, and hibiscus are applied alone or in combination. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a graph evaluating the effect of improving the visibility of stretch marks when cloudberry, amla, and hibiscus are applied alone or in combination. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a graph evaluating the effect of improving skin firmness or elasticity when cloudberry, amla, and hibiscus are applied alone or in combination. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a graph evaluating the effect of improving skin softness when cloudberry, amla, and hibiscus are applied alone or in combination. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a graph evaluating the effect of improving hair gloss when cloudberry, amla, and hibiscus are applied alone or in combination. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a composition comprising cloudberry, amla and hibiscus is provided.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a composition comprising cloudberry is provided for use in combination with a composition comprising amla or a composition comprising amla and a composition comprising hibiscus or a composition comprising hibiscus.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a composition comprising amla is provided for use in combination with a composition comprising cloudberry or a composition comprising cloudberry and a composition comprising hibiscus or a composition comprising hibiscus.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a composition comprising hibiscus is provided for use in combination with a composition comprising cloudberry or a composition comprising cloudberry and a composition comprising amla or a composition comprising amla.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a collagen production promoter comprising cloudberry, amla and hibiscus is provided. Such a collagen production promoter comprising cloudberry, amla and hibiscus may be a composition comprising cloudberry, amla and hibiscus for promoting the production of collagen.

[0016] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a collagen production promoter comprising cloudberry is provided for use in combination with a composition comprising amla or a composition comprising amla and a composition comprising hibiscus or a composition comprising hibiscus. Such a collagen production promoter comprising cloudberry may be a composition comprising cloudberry for promoting the production of collagen. <​​According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a collagen production promoter comprising amla is provided for use in combination with lingonberry or a lingonberry-containing composition and hibiscus or a hibiscus-containing composition. Such an amla-containing collagen production promoter may also be an amla-containing composition for promoting collagen production.

[0018] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a hibiscus-containing collagen production promoter is provided for use in combination with lingonberry or a lingonberry-containing composition and amla or an amla-containing composition. Such a hibiscus-containing collagen production promoter may be a hibiscus-containing composition for promoting collagen production.

[0019] The collagen used in this invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably type I collagen.

[0020] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more improving agents selected from the group consisting of rough skin, skin moisture, crow's feet or fine lines, nasolabial folds, skin firmness or elasticity, skin softness, and hair shine are provided, for use in combination with amla or a composition containing amla and hibiscus or a composition containing hibiscus. According to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more improving agents selected from the group consisting of rough skin, skin moisture, crow's feet or fine lines, nasolabial folds, skin firmness or elasticity, and skin softness are provided, for use in combination with amla or a composition containing amla and hibiscus or a composition containing hibiscus.

[0021] Such a lingonberry-containing improving agent may also be a composition containing lingonberries. Such improvements in rough skin, skin moisture, crow's feet or fine lines, nasolabial folds, skin firmness or elasticity, skin softness, or hair shine may be achieved by promoting collagen production, or not, but are preferably achieved by promoting collagen production.

[0022] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more improving agents selected from the group consisting of rough skin, skin moisture, crow's feet or fine lines, nasolabial folds, skin firmness or elasticity, skin softness, and hair shine are provided, for use in combination with lingonberry or a lingonberry-containing composition and hibiscus or a hibiscus-containing composition. According to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more improving agents selected from the group consisting of rough skin, skin moisture, crow's feet or fine lines, nasolabial folds, skin firmness or elasticity, and skin softness are provided, for use in combination with lingonberry or a lingonberry-containing composition and hibiscus or a hibiscus-containing composition.

[0023] Such amla-containing improving agents may also be compositions containing amla. Such improvements in rough skin, skin moisture, crow's feet or fine lines, nasolabial folds, skin firmness or elasticity, skin softness, or hair shine may be achieved by promoting collagen production, or not, but are preferably achieved by promoting collagen production.

[0024] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more improving agents selected from the group consisting of rough skin, skin moisture, crow's feet or fine lines, nasolabial folds, skin firmness or elasticity, skin softness, and hair shine are provided, for use in combination with lingonberry or a lingonberry-containing composition and amla or a composition containing amla. According to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more improving agents selected from the group consisting of rough skin, skin moisture, crow's feet or fine lines, nasolabial folds, skin firmness or elasticity, and skin softness are provided, for use in combination with lingonberry or a lingonberry-containing composition and amla or a composition containing amla.

[0025] Such a hibiscus-containing improving agent may also be a composition containing hibiscus. Such improvements in rough skin, skin moisture, crow's feet or fine lines, the appearance of nasolabial folds, skin firmness or elasticity, skin softness, or hair shine may be achieved by promoting collagen production, or not, but are preferably achieved by promoting collagen production.

[0026] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more improving agents selected from the group consisting of rough skin, skin moisture, crow's feet or fine lines, nasolabial folds, skin firmness or elasticity, skin softness, and hair shine are provided, comprising lingonberry, amla, and hibiscus. According to one more preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more improving agents selected from the group consisting of rough skin, skin moisture, crow's feet or fine lines, nasolabial folds, skin firmness or elasticity, and skin softness are provided, comprising lingonberry, amla, and hibiscus.

[0027] Such improving agents comprising lingonberry, amla, and hibiscus may also be compositions comprising lingonberry, amla, and hibiscus. Such improvements in rough skin, skin moisture, crow's feet or fine lines, nasolabial folds, skin firmness or elasticity, skin softness, or hair shine may be achieved by promoting collagen production, or not, but are preferably achieved by promoting collagen production.

[0028] The improvements in this invention include restoring or approaching the state of an object that is not equivalent to that of a healthy person, and maintaining or improving the state of an object that is equivalent to that of a healthy person.

[0029] In the present invention, the subjects to whom the combination of lingonberry, amla, and hibiscus is applied are not limited to, but include, for example, humans, primates including chimpanzees, pet animals such as dogs and cats, domestic animals such as cows, horses, sheep, and goats, and mammals such as rodents such as mice and rats. In the present invention, the subject to which the combination of lingonberry, amla, and hibiscus is applied is preferably humans.

[0030] The daily intake of lingonberries in this invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 2.5 mg to 62.5 mg, more preferably 5 mg to 31.25 mg, and more preferably 8.3 mg to 18.75 mg by dry weight. The lingonberry content in the composition of the present invention may be adjusted as appropriate according to the dosage and administration. For example, when one composition is taken per day, the lingonberry content in the composition of the present invention is preferably 2.5 mg to 62.5 mg, more preferably 5 mg to 31.25 mg, and more preferably 8.3 mg to 18.75 mg per unit composition by dry weight. When two compositions are taken per day, the lingonberry content in the composition of the present invention is preferably 1.25 mg to 31.25 mg, more preferably 2.5 mg to 15.625 mg, and more preferably 4.16 mg to 9.375 mg per unit composition by dry weight. When three compositions are taken per day, the lingonberry content in the composition of the present invention is preferably 0.83 mg to 20.83 mg, more preferably 1.66 mg to 10.41 mg, and more preferably 2.77 mg to 6.25 mg per unit composition by dry weight. In this invention, lingonberry intake is preferably by oral ingestion.

[0031] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lingonberry content in the composition of the present invention is 3.3 mg / g to 83.3 mg / g, preferably 6.6 mg / g to 41.6 mg / g, and more preferably 11.06 mg / g to 25 mg / g, based on dry weight of the total amount of the composition.

[0032] The daily intake of amla in this invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 3 mg to 75 mg, more preferably 6 mg to 37.5 mg, and more preferably 10 mg to 22.5 mg by dry weight. The amla content in the composition of the present invention may be adjusted as appropriate according to the dosage and administration. For example, when one composition is taken per day, the amla content in the composition of the present invention is preferably 3 mg to 75 mg, more preferably 6 mg to 37.5 mg, and more preferably 10 mg to 22.5 mg by dry weight per unit composition. When two compositions are taken per day, the amla content in the composition of the present invention is preferably 1.5 mg to 37.5 mg, more preferably 3 mg to 18.75 mg, and more preferably 5 mg to 11.25 mg by dry weight per unit composition. When three compositions are taken per day, the amla content in the composition of the present invention is preferably 1 mg to 25 mg, more preferably 2 mg to 12.5 mg, and more preferably 3.3 mg to 7.5 mg by dry weight per unit composition. The intake of amla in the present invention is preferably by oral ingestion.

[0033] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the amla content in the composition of the present invention is 4 mg / g to 100 mg / g, preferably 8 mg / g to 50 mg / g, and more preferably 13.3 mg / g to 30 mg / g, based on dry weight of the total amount of the composition.

[0034] The daily intake of hibiscus in this invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 7.2 mg to 180 mg, more preferably 14.4 mg to 90 mg, and more preferably 24 mg to 54 mg by dry weight. The hibiscus content in the composition of the present invention may be adjusted as appropriate according to the dosage and administration. For example, when one composition is taken per day, the hibiscus content in the composition of the present invention is preferably 7.2 mg to 180 mg, more preferably 14.4 mg to 90 mg, and more preferably 24 mg to 54 mg per unit composition by dry weight. When two compositions are taken per day, the hibiscus content in the composition of the present invention is preferably 3.6 mg to 90 mg, more preferably 7.2 mg to 45 mg, and more preferably 12 mg to 27 mg per unit composition by dry weight. When three compositions are taken per day, the hibiscus content in the composition of the present invention is preferably 2.4 mg to 60 mg, more preferably 4.8 mg to 30 mg, and more preferably 8 mg to 18 mg per unit composition by dry weight. The intake of hibiscus in the present invention is preferably by oral ingestion.

[0035] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hibiscus content in the composition of the present invention is 9.6 mg / g to 240 mg / g, preferably 19.2 mg / g to 120 mg / g, and more preferably 32 mg / g to 72 mg / g, based on dry weight of the total amount of the composition.

[0036] The ratio of lingonberry and amla used in the composition of the present invention can be appropriately determined depending on the application, but preferably, when the dry weight of lingonberry is CA and the dry weight of amla is CB, CA / CB is 0.2 to 2.5, and more preferably CA / CB is 0.5 to 1.5.

[0037] The ratio of amla and hibiscus used in the composition of the present invention can be appropriately determined depending on the application, but preferably, when the dry weight of amla is CB and the dry weight of hibiscus is CD, the CB / CD ratio is 0.15 to 2.5, and more preferably CB / CD is 0.25 to 0.8.

[0038] The ratio of lingonberry and hibiscus used in the composition of the present invention can be appropriately determined depending on the application, but preferably, when the dry weight of lingonberry is CA and the dry weight of hibiscus is CD, CA / CD is 0.1 to 1, and more preferably CA / CD is 0.2 to 0.6.

[0039] The proportions of lingonberry, amla, and hibiscus used in the composition of the present invention can be appropriately determined depending on the application, and the proportions of lingonberry and amla, amla and hibiscus, and lingonberry and hibiscus specified above may be combined as appropriate.

[0040] In this invention, "lingonberry" refers to Vaccinium vitis-idaea (Chinese name: Yueqiu), a plant belonging to the genus Vaccinium in the family Ericaceae, also known as cranberry. Lingonberries are generally found growing abundantly in the Arctic Circle of Northern Europe and Canada, and are known to be rich in vitamin C and citric acid. The fruit is eaten fresh and is commonly used in processed foods such as juice and jam. In this invention, ordinary lingonberries can be used.

[0041] In this invention, the part of the lingonberry that can be used is, for example, the fruit (unripe fruit, ripe fruit, dried fruit), leaves, tubers, flowers, seeds, etc., and preferably the fruit is used.

[0042] In the present invention, lingonberries can be used fresh or dried. According to one aspect of the present invention, "lingonberry" is a lingonberry extract prepared using all or part of a lingonberry.

[0043] "Amra" in the present invention refers to Phyllanthus emblica or Emblica officinale, which is a plant of the genus Emblica in the Euphorbiaceae family, and is also called Indian gooseberry, oil plum, amalaki, Malacca tree, etc. In the present invention, common amra can be used.

[0044] In the present invention, as parts of amra, for example, fruits (immature fruits, ripe fruits, dried fruits), leaves, tubers, flowers, seeds, etc. can be used, and preferably fruits are used. Also, in the present invention, amra itself (for example, fresh fruits) can be used.

[0045] In the present invention, amra can be used either raw or dried. According to one aspect of the present invention, "amra" is an amra extract produced by using the whole or a part of amra.

[0046] "Hibiscus" in the present invention refers to Hibiscus sabdariffa or Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, which is a plant of the genus Hibiscus in the Malvaceae family, and is also called roselle and Chinese hibiscus respectively. Generally, hibiscus is a plant native to Africa and has a refreshing sour taste, so it is also used as a sauce in French and Italian cuisine and is also used as a herb. In the present invention, common hibiscus can be used, and preferably roselle is used.

[0047] In the present invention, as parts of hibiscus, for example, flowers, calyces, buds, fruits, fruit skins, seeds, seed coats, stems, leaves, branches, branch leaves, trunks, tree barks, roots, rhizomes, root skins, etc. can be used, and preferably calyces and / or flowers are used.

[0048] In the present invention, hibiscus can be used fresh, dried, or extracted with a solvent. According to one aspect of the present invention, "hibiscus" is a hibiscus extract prepared using all or part of a hibiscus plant.

[0049] The method for producing lingonberry extract, amla extract, or hibiscus extract in the present invention is not particularly limited and can be carried out according to methods commonly used in the art, for example, by extracting lingonberry, amla, or hibiscus as raw materials. The extraction method is not limited, but examples include hot water extraction, ultrasonic extraction, filtration, reflux extraction, and solvent extraction. These may be carried out individually or in combination of two or more methods. Furthermore, to obtain a high-purity extract, the extract may be extracted one or more times using the same method.

[0050] The type of solvent used for the production of lingonberry extract, amla extract, or hibiscus extract in the present invention is not particularly limited, and any solvent known in the art may be used as long as it yields an extract having the desired effect of the present invention. Examples of such solvents, though not limited to them, include water, hexane, ether, ethyl acetate, butanol, acetone, propanol, ethanol, methanol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, and more than two of these may be used in combination.

[0051] If lingonberry (including dried powder, extracts, etc.), amla (including dried powder, extracts, etc.), or hibiscus (including dried powder, extracts, etc.) is commercially available, it may be used if it provides the desired effects of the present invention.

[0052] The composition of the present invention may be a pharmaceutical composition, a cosmetic composition, or a food composition, although this is not limited to these. The composition in the present invention is preferably a food composition.

[0053] The composition of the present invention may be either an oral composition or a topical composition. In the present invention, lingonberry, amla, and hibiscus are preferably absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract by oral ingestion, and their active ingredients act in the body. Therefore, according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the composition of the present invention is an oral composition.

[0054] When the composition of the present invention is used as an oral composition, known components (additives) used in oral compositions may be further incorporated. Such components are not particularly limited, but examples include emulsifiers, wettable powders, solvents, emollients, stabilizers, thickeners, preservatives, lubricants, chelating agents, fillers, excipients, powders, fragrances, flavorings, absorbents, dyes, opacifiers, antioxidants, preservatives, vitamins, amino acids, nutrients, minerals (electrolytes), flavorings such as synthetic and natural flavorings, pectinic acid and its salts, alginic acid and its salts, organic acids, pH adjusters, glycerin, alcohol, and carbonating agents used in carbonated beverages.

[0055] The oral composition in this invention may be a liquid, a semi-solid, or a solid.

[0056] When the composition of the present invention is used as a topical composition, known components (additives) that are incorporated into topical compositions may be further added. Such components are not limited to, but include, for example, emulsifiers, wettable powders, solvents, emollients, stabilizers, thickeners, preservatives, lubricants, chelating agents, fillers, excipients, powders, fragrances, scents, absorbents, dyes, opacifiers, antioxidants, vitamins, amino acids, and the like.

[0057] The topical composition in this invention may be a liquid, a semi-solid, or a solid. [Examples]

[0058] The present invention will be specifically described based on the following examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Unless otherwise specified, the content is expressed in mass percent.

[0059] Cell culture The cells used were commercially available human neonatal dermal fibroblasts (Cryo NHDF-Neo, Sanko Junyaku). 2 × 10⁶ cells were placed per well in a commercially available 24-well plate. 5 Human neonatal dermal fibroblasts were seeded to a number of cells and cultured in a commercially available cell culture medium (D-MEM (1 g / L glucose), Wako Pure Chemical Industries) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum at 37°C under a 5% CO2 and saturated steam atmosphere until confluence was reached. After culturing to confluence, the medium in each well was replaced with a drug-supplemented medium prepared in the same manner, with the hibiscus extract at a dry weight of 0.3 μg / mL in the cell culture medium (D-MEM (1 g / L glucose), Wako Pure Chemical Industries), or with the lingonberry extract at a dry weight of 0.17 μg / mL and the amla extract at a dry weight of 0.6 μg / mL in the same medium, or with the lingonberry extract at a dry weight of 0.08 μg / mL, the amla extract at a dry weight of 0.3 μg / mL and the hibiscus extract at a dry weight of 0.15 μg / mL in the same medium, and incubated again for 72 hours. In the control group, the same procedure was performed by substituting the drug-free cell culture medium (D-MEM (1 g / L glucose), Wako Pure Chemical Industries) for the drug-free medium.

[0060] Drugs applied to cells The medications used were those listed in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0061] After 72 hours of incubation, the supernatant of the culture medium was collected from each well, and the concentration of the C-terminal peptide (hereinafter referred to as "PIP") of type I procollagen produced by human neonatal dermal fibroblasts in the collected supernatant was measured by ELISA using the Procollagen type I C-peptide EIA kit (Takara Bio Inc.).

[0062] Measurement of PIP concentration using ELISA method ELISA measurements were performed according to the kit manual using the following procedure. 100 μL of labeled antibody solution was added to each well of the plate. Then, 20 μL each of the pre-prepared PIP standard solutions and the sample (supernatant) were added to each well using a micropipette, and the mixture was reacted at 37°C for 3 hours. During this time, the sample was added within 5 minutes. The reaction mixture was discarded, and the plates were washed four times with PBS. Then, 100 μL of Substrate Solution (TMBZ) was added to each well, and the mixture was reacted at room temperature for 15 minutes. 100 μL of Stop Solution was added to each well in the order in which the Substrate Solution (TMBZ) was added to stop the reaction, and then the mixture was thoroughly mixed. The absorbance was measured at a wavelength of 450 nm after zeroing using distilled water as a control. The color development remained stable for up to 1 hour after reaction cessation. A standard curve was created with the concentration of each PIP standard solution on the x-axis and the corresponding absorbance on the y-axis, and the PIP concentration value corresponding to the absorbance of the sample was used as the measurement result. The measurement results were corrected using the cell count in each well obtained by the Aramblue measurement to obtain the value of collagen production.

[0063] Statistical analysis was performed using the Tukey-Kramer method as a multiple comparison test, determining whether a significant improvement was observed compared to the group being compared. A value of * was used to indicate p < 0.05.

[0064] Figure 1 shows the results of evaluating collagen production in human neonatal dermal fibroblasts. The groups treated with hibiscus alone, lingonberry and amla in combination, and lingonberry, amla, and hibiscus in combination all showed significantly increased collagen production compared to the control group. Furthermore, the groups treated with hibiscus, lingonberry, and amla in combination showed significantly increased collagen production compared to both the control group and the group treated with hibiscus alone, and tended to show even greater collagen production compared to the group treated with lingonberry and amla in combination.

[0065] Evaluation of the effects of lingonberry, amla, and hibiscus on the condition of human skin, etc. A continuous use test was conducted by panelists, and the effects of the present invention were confirmed by the tests described below. The continuous use test was conducted using four types of test samples, divided into groups A to D. The number of panelists was as follows: Group A: 15 people (placebo group, ingested by taking 3 tablets of 250 mg each), Group B: 15 people (hibiscus extract 72 mg (dry weight) / day, ingested by taking 3 tablets of 250 mg each), Group C: 15 people (lingonberry extract 25 mg (dry weight) + amla extract 30 mg (dry weight) / day, ingested by taking 3 tablets of 250 mg each), Group D: 15 people (lingonberry extract 12.5 mg (dry weight) + amla extract 15 mg (dry weight) + hibiscus extract 36 mg (dry weight) / day, ingested by taking 3 tablets of 250 mg each). The amounts of lingonberry extract, amla extract, and hibiscus extract contained in the tablets taken in groups B, C, and D were equal across the tablets taken in each group. The panelists were healthy Japanese women aged 35-50 years, excluding those who met one or more of the conditions listed in Table 2 below. [Table 2]

[0066] Each panelist took the test sample (tablet) orally with water or lukewarm water daily before bedtime for 28 days. The tablets contained lingonberry extract as listed in Table 2, amla extract as listed in Table 2, and hibiscus extract as listed in Table 2.

[0067] Survey evaluation (Test method) A questionnaire survey was conducted regarding the condition of human skin, etc., before the start of the continuous use test and 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, 21 days, and 28 days after the start of the continuous use test.

[0068] The questionnaire was evaluated using the VAS (Visual Analogue Scale), a commonly used evaluation scale. Specifically, on each survey day, participants were given a sheet of paper with a 10cm horizontal line drawn on it. The left end of the line was designated as the "worst condition" and the right end as the "best condition," and participants were asked to mark their perceived degree of improvement on the line (by marking one point on the line segment). The distance moved to the right (or left) from the starting position of the test was used as the scale value for evaluation. The results for "skin roughness" are shown in Figure 2, the results for "skin moisture" in Figure 3, the results for "crow's feet or fine lines" in Figure 4, the results for "visibility of nasolabial folds" in Figure 5, the results for "skin firmness or elasticity" in Figure 6, the results for "skin softness" in Figure 7, and the results for "hair shine" in Figure 8. In Figures 2-8, P represents the evaluation results for Group A (placebo), H represents the evaluation results for Group B (hibiscus), L+A represents the evaluation results for Group C (lingonberry + amla), and H+L+A represents the evaluation results for Group D (lingonberry + amla + hibiscus).

[0069] The results shown in Figures 2-8 indicate that Group D (lingonberry + amla + hibiscus) showed improvement in skin roughness, skin moisture, crow's feet or fine lines, nasolabial folds, skin firmness or elasticity, skin softness, and hair shine compared to Group A (placebo), Group B (hibiscus), and Group C (lingonberry + amla). Furthermore, these effects of Group D (lingonberry + amla + hibiscus) were higher than the combined effects of Group B (hibiscus) and Group C (lingonberry + amla), suggesting that the combination of lingonberry, amla, and hibiscus has a synergistic effect in improving skin roughness, skin moisture, crow's feet or fine lines, nasolabial folds, skin firmness or elasticity, skin softness, and hair shine.

Claims

1. An oral composition comprising lingonberry, amla, and hibiscus, When the dry weight is such that the lingonberry content is CA, the amla content is CB, and the hibiscus content is CD, then the CA / CB ratio is 0.2 to 2.5, the CA / CD ratio is 0.1 to 1, and the CB / CD ratio is 0.15 to 2.

5. An oral composition containing lingonberry at a dry weight of 2.5 mg to 62.5 mg, amla at a dry weight of 3 mg to 75 mg, and hibiscus at a dry weight of 14.4 mg to 180 mg.

2. An oral composition comprising lingonberry, for use in combination with amla and hibiscus, When the dry weight is such that the lingonberry content is CA, the amla usage is CB, and the hibiscus usage is CD, the CA / CB ratio is 0.2 to 2.5, the CA / CD ratio is 0.1 to 1, and the CB / CD ratio is 0.15 to 2.

5. The amount of amla used is 3 mg to 75 mg by dry weight, and the amount of hibiscus used is 14.4 mg to 180 mg by dry weight. An oral composition containing lingonberry in a dry weight of 2.5 mg to 62.5 mg.

3. An oral composition comprising amla, for use in combination with lingonberry and hibiscus, When the dry weight is such that the amount of lingonberry used is CA, the amount of amla is CB, and the amount of hibiscus used is CD, then the CA / CB ratio is 0.2 to 2.5, the CA / CD ratio is 0.1 to 1, and the CB / CD ratio is 0.15 to 2.

5. The amount of lingonberry used is 2.5 mg to 62.5 mg by dry weight, and the amount of hibiscus used is 14.4 mg to 180 mg by dry weight. An oral composition containing 3 mg to 75 mg of amla by dry weight.

4. An oral composition comprising hibiscus, for use in combination with lingonberry and amla, When the dry weight is such that the amount of lingonberry used is CA, the amount of amla used is CB, and the hibiscus content is CD, then the CA / CB ratio is 0.2 to 2.5, the CA / CD ratio is 0.1 to 1, and the CB / CD ratio is 0.15 to 2.

5. The amount of lingonberry used is 2.5 mg to 62.5 mg by dry weight, and the amount of amla used is 3 mg to 75 mg by dry weight. An oral composition containing hibiscus extract in a dry weight of 14.4 mg to 180 mg.

5. An oral composition comprising lingonberry, amla, and hibiscus, When the dry weight is such that the lingonberry content is CA, the amla content is CB, and the hibiscus content is CD, then the CA / CB ratio is 0.2 to 2.5, the CA / CD ratio is 0.1 to 1, and the CB / CD ratio is 0.15 to 2.

5. An oral composition for oral intake of 2.5 mg to 62.5 mg of lingonberry by dry weight per day, 3 mg to 75 mg of amla by dry weight per day, and 14.4 mg to 180 mg of hibiscus by dry weight per day.

6. An oral composition comprising lingonberry, for use in combination with amla and hibiscus, When the dry weight is such that the lingonberry content is CA, the amla usage is CB, and the hibiscus usage is CD, the CA / CB ratio is 0.2 to 2.5, the CA / CD ratio is 0.1 to 1, and the CB / CD ratio is 0.15 to 2.

5. An oral composition for oral intake of 2.5 mg to 62.5 mg of lingonberry by dry weight per day, 3 mg to 75 mg of amla by dry weight per day, and 14.4 mg to 180 mg of hibiscus by dry weight per day.

7. An oral composition comprising amla, for use in combination with lingonberry and hibiscus, When the dry weight is such that the amount of lingonberry used is CA, the amount of amla is CB, and the amount of hibiscus used is CD, then the CA / CB ratio is 0.2 to 2.5, the CA / CD ratio is 0.1 to 1, and the CB / CD ratio is 0.15 to 2.

5. An oral composition for oral intake of 2.5 mg to 62.5 mg of lingonberry by dry weight per day, 3 mg to 75 mg of amla by dry weight per day, and 14.4 mg to 180 mg of hibiscus by dry weight per day.

8. An oral composition comprising hibiscus, for use in combination with lingonberry and amla, When the dry weight is such that the amount of lingonberry used is CA, the amount of amla used is CB, and the hibiscus content is CD, then the CA / CB ratio is 0.2 to 2.5, the CA / CD ratio is 0.1 to 1, and the CB / CD ratio is 0.15 to 2.

5. An oral composition for oral intake of 2.5 mg to 62.5 mg of lingonberry by dry weight per day, 3 mg to 75 mg of amla by dry weight per day, and 14.4 mg to 180 mg of hibiscus by dry weight per day.

9. An oral composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which is a food composition.

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