Aroma chemical composition and menstrual cycle marker

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of: providing an aroma chemical comprising a substance secreted characteristically in the ovulatory period, the aroma chemical, as a result of smelling the fragrance thereof, evoking a pleasant feeling, inducing a tranquil effect in men, and increasing allure in women; as well as providing substances (menstrual cycle markers) for specifying each period of the menstrual cycle, and a method for estimating menstrual cycles using said substances. Specifically, the present invention is an aroma chemical composition comprising one or more compounds selected from the group of compounds consisting of geranylacetone, 9-hexadecenoic acid, and tetradecanoic acid. The present invention also is a method for estimating the menstrual cycle of a subject, the method comprising the detection, in secreted substances from the axilla of the subject, of at least one compound selected from the group of compounds consisting of: octanal; 1-tetradecanol; 1,3-butanediol; 1-hexadecanol; hexanoic acid; dodecanal; propionic acid; 2,6,10,14-tetramethyl-pentadecane; heptadecane; 1-pentadecanol; (Z)-9-octadecenoic acid; 1-dodecanol, 1-octanol; hexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one; 1-tridecanol; tetradecane; octadecane; tetradecanoic acid; (E)-geranylacetone; (Z)-9-hexadecenoic acid; hydrogen sulfide; and 2-pyrrolidone.

Description

Fragrance composition and menstrual cycle marker

[0001] The present invention relates to a fragrance composition, particularly a fragrance composition that has a calming effect on humans. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a substance that can be used to estimate the menstrual cycle (menstrual cycle marker) and a method for estimating the menstrual cycle using the substance.

[0002] Olfactory stimuli play a vital role as a means of communication in mammals. For example, olfactory stimuli allow individuals to distinguish between members of the same species and identify sex, kinship, and reproductive physiological status. For example, body odor is known to provide useful information about the reproductive physiological status of female animals. In humans, for example, it has been reported that vaginal secretions during the pre-ovulatory and ovulatory phases of women have a slightly weaker and less unpleasant odor than those during menstruation, the early luteal phase, and the late luteal phase (Non-Patent Document 1). Furthermore, because the eccrine and apocrine glands, which release a wide variety of odorous substances, are relatively dense in the axilla, extensive research has been conducted on axillary odor. For example, it has been reported that the axillary area of ​​a T-shirt worn during the period when fertility is most likely (7 days before and after ovulation) is perceived as more pleasant and sexy than one worn during the luteal phase (Non-Patent Document 2). Hormonal contraceptives eliminate the effects of axillary odor during ovulation, suggesting that such changes in axillary odor during the menstrual cycle are mediated by female hormones (Non-Patent Document 3).

[0003] These reports suggest that a woman's axillary odor encodes information about her fertility and sends subtle cues to potential male partners. These findings support the importance of female olfactory communication between men and women. However, the axillary-derived compounds responsible for her attractiveness to men during ovulation remain to be identified.

[0004] Doty et al., Science 190:1316-1318 (1975); Singh and Bronstad, Proceedings. Biol. Sci. 268, 797-801 (2001); Kuukasjarvi et al., Behav. Ecol. 15, 579-584 (2004).

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a fragrance based on a substance that is characteristically secreted during ovulation, which fragrance causes a feeling of comfort when smelled, has a calming effect in men, and increases attractiveness in women.Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a substance (menstrual cycle marker) that can be used to identify each phase of the menstrual cycle, and a method for estimating the menstrual cycle using the substance.

[0006] The inventors collected and analyzed axillary odor throughout the menstrual cycle, which consists of four phases: menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulation phase, and luteal phase, and succeeded in identifying substances characteristically secreted during each phase. Furthermore, by presenting the odors of substances characteristically secreted during ovulation to male subjects and investigating their effects on psychological and cognitive behavior, they succeeded in identifying substances that bring about comforting effects such as pleasantness and improve the attractiveness of a woman's face to the male subjects, thereby completing the present invention. Specifically, the present invention comprises the following (1) to (11): (1) a fragrance composition containing one or more compounds selected from the group of compounds consisting of geranyl acetone, 9-hexadecenoic acid, and tetradecanoic acid; (2) a deodorizing fragrance composition containing the fragrance composition described in (1); (3) a composition for improving a woman's facial impression containing the fragrance composition described in (1); (4) miscellaneous goods or fabrics containing the fragrance composition described in (1); and (5) a relaxation method comprising having a subject inhale the fragrance composition described in (1). (6) A method for predicting the menstrual cycle of a subject, comprising detecting at least one compound selected from the group consisting of octanal, 1-tetradecanol, 1,3-butanediol, 1-hexadecanol, hexanoic acid, dodecanal, propionic acid, 2,6,10,14-tetramethyl-pentadecane, heptadecane, 1-pentadecanol, (Z)-9-octadecenoic acid, 1-dodecanol, 1-octanol, hexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one, 1-tridecanol, tetradecane, octadecane, tetradecanoic acid, (E)-geranylacetone, (Z)-9-hexadecenoic acid, hydrogen sulfide, and 2-pyrrolidone from secretions from the axilla of the subject. (7) The method according to (6) above, wherein when a significantly large amount of octanal or 1-tetradecanol is detected from the secretory substance, the subject's menstrual cycle is estimated to be in the menstrual phase.(8) The method according to (6) above, wherein the menstrual cycle of the subject is estimated to be in the follicular phase when a significantly large amount of 1,3-butanediol, 1-hexadecanol, hexanoic acid, dodecanal, propionic acid, 2,6,10,14-tetramethyl-pentadecane, heptadecane, 1-pentadecanol, (Z)-9-octadecenoic acid, 1-dodecanol, 1-octanol, hexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one, 1-tridecanol, tetradecane, or octadecane is detected from the secretory substances. (9) The method according to (6) above, wherein the menstrual cycle of the subject is estimated to be in the ovulatory phase when a significantly large amount of tetradecanoic acid, (E)-geranylacetone, or (Z)-9-hexadecenoic acid is detected from the secretory substances. (10) The method according to (6) above, wherein when a significantly large amount of hexahydro-2H-azepine-2-one, hydrogen sulfide or 2-pyrrolidone is detected from the secreted substances, the subject's menstrual cycle is estimated to be in the luteal phase. (11) Use of a substance secreted from the armpit of a subject as a menstrual cycle marker, wherein the substance secreted is at least one selected from the group consisting of octanal, 1-tetradecanol, 1,3-butanediol, 1-hexadecanol, hexanoic acid, dodecanal, propionic acid, 2,6,10,14-tetramethyl-pentadecane, heptadecane, 1-pentadecanol, (Z)-9-octadecenoic acid, 1-dodecanol, 1-octanol, hexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one, 1-tridecanol, tetradecane, octadecane, tetradecanoic acid, (E)-geranylacetone, (Z)-9-hexadecenoic acid, hydrogen sulfide, and 2-pyrrolidone. In this specification, the symbol "to" indicates a numerical range including the values ​​on either side of it.

[0007] The fragrance composition of the present invention has the effect of suppressing unpleasant odors caused by body odor and the like, and improving the psychological state of the user by, for example, reducing stress. Furthermore, when smelled by a man, the fragrance composition has the effect of increasing a woman's attractiveness to the man. Therefore, the present invention is particularly effective in maintaining good relationships between men and women and facilitating communication between men and women, thereby contributing to the maintenance of stability in human society.

[0008] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the odor collection method from women's armpits. Figure 2 shows the analysis results of components that increase during each phase of the menstrual cycle. (A) Among the components detected in the armpits of 21 women, those emitted in significantly greater amounts during each phase of the menstrual cycle are shown (p<0.05, one-sample t-test or one-sample Wilcoxon test). M: menstrual phase, F: follicular phase, O: ovulation phase, L: luteal phase. (B) For the three components that increase significantly during ovulation, the variation in the amount of compounds emitted during each phase of the menstrual cycle of 21 women is shown (mean ± SE). The vertical axis shows the within-subject robustly standardized area values ​​detected during each phase by GCMS analysis. M: menstrual phase, F: follicular phase, O: ovulation phase, L: luteal phase. P value*<0.05, one-sample t-test or one-sample Wilcoxon test. Figure 3 shows the results of sensory evaluations of the three ovulation components and the three ovulation components plus model axillary odor. The sensory evaluation results for each odor stimulus by 72 men are shown (Ctrl: no odor, O: three ovulation components, Ax: model axillary odor, AxO: three ovulation components plus model axillary odor). The Y-axis shows the sensory evaluation rating. Mean ± SEM. P values: *<0.05, **<0.01, ***<0.005, ****<0.001, #<0.0005. Paired t-test with FDR correction. Figure 4 shows the results of an investigation into the unpleasantness-suppressing effect of the ovulation characteristic components on model axillary odor. The pleasantness / unpleasantness ratings for each odor stimulus are shown (left: 37 men, right: 56 women). (odor-Ax: model axillary odor; odor-AxO: three ovulatory components + model axillary odor; odor-AxG: geranylacetone + model axillary odor; odor-AxH: (Z)-9-hexadecenoic acid + model axillary odor; odor-AxT: tetradecanoic acid + model axillary odor). The Y-axis shows sensory evaluation ratings. Mean ± SEM. P values ​​*<0.05, ****<0.001. ANOVA with Holm-Sidak's multiple comparisons test. Figure 5 shows the psychological and physiological effects of the three ovulatory components during desk work. (A) Scores on the multifaceted emotional scale (left: hostility; right: boredom) for each odor stimulus are shown (Base: before work; Ctrl: no odor presented; odor-O: three ovulatory components).Mean ± SE. P value *<0.05. One-way within-subjects ANOVA adjusted by the Greenhouse-Geisser method with Tukey's multiple comparison test as a post hoc test (n=19). (B) Scores on the multifaceted emotional scale (relaxation) for each odor stimulus (Ctrl: no odor presented; odor-O: three ovulation components; odor-Ax: model axillary sweat odor; odor-AxO: three ovulation components + model axillary sweat odor). Mean ± SE. P value *<0.05. Paired t-tests (n=9 or 10). (C) Changes in stress markers (salivary amylase levels) for each odor stimulus are shown. P value *<0.05. Left: One-way within-subjects ANOVA adjusted by the Greenhouse-Geisser method with Tukey's multiple comparison test as a post hoc test (n=19); center and right: Paired t-tests (n=9 or 10). Figure 6 shows the results of examining the influence of the three components of ovulation on women's facial impression ratings. (A) Shows the results of evaluating the impressions of eight women's facial images, both neutral and smiling, under odor-free conditions. A seven-point rating ranging from "not at all" to "very much" was conducted for four categories: beauty, elegance, intelligence, wanting to interact with, and wanting to look at. The average score for the four categories was calculated. Examples of faces are shown below. (B) Shows the impression ratings for each odor stimulus for four women's images with low impression ratings under odor-free conditions. (Ctrl: no odor presented, odor-O: three ovulation components, odor-Ax: model axillary sweat odor, odor-AxO: three ovulation components + model axillary sweat odor). Mean ± SE. Left: P value *<0.05. Paired t-tests (n=9 or 10); Right: P value *<0.05. Unpaired t-tests (n=9 or 10). (C) Shows the impression rating scores for each odor stimulus for four female images that gave high impression ratings under the odor-free condition. (Ctrl: no odor presented, odor-O: three ovulation components, odor-Ax: model axillary sweat odor, odor-AxO: three ovulation components + model axillary sweat odor). Mean ± SE.Left: Paired t-tests (n=9 or 10); Right: Unpaired t-tests (n=9 or 10). Figure 7 shows the results of sensory evaluations (vs. model axillary odor) when a commercially available antiperspirant or three ovulation-phase components were added to model axillary odor. The sensory evaluation results for each odor stimulus by 23 subjects (12 men) are shown. (A) Ax: Model axillary odor; Commercial antiperspirants A, B, C, or D + Ax: Commercial antiperspirants A, B, C, or D + model axillary odor; Ovu1 + Ax: Three ovulation-phase components (E-geranylacetone) + model axillary odor; Ovu2 + Ax: Three ovulation-phase components (commercial geranylacetone) + model axillary odor; Ovu3 + Ax: Double the amount of three ovulation-phase components (commercial geranylacetone) + model axillary odor. The Y-axis indicates the sensory evaluation rating. Mean ± SEM. (B) Ax: Model axillary odor; Commercial + Ax: Mean rating of the four commercial antiperspirants listed in (A) plus the model axillary odor; Ovu + Ax: Mean rating of the three ovulation-phase three-ingredient compound listed in (A) plus the model axillary odor. The Y-axis indicates sensory evaluation ratings. Mean ± SEM. Dunnett's multiple comparisons test, P value *<0.05. Figure 8 shows the results of a comparison of the sensory evaluation of the commercial antiperspirants and the ovulation-phase three-ingredient compound on the model axillary odor. The differences between the sensory evaluation scores of 23 subjects (12 men) for each odor stimulus (commercial or ovulation-phase three-ingredient compound added to the model axillary odor) and each subject's sensory evaluation score for the model axillary odor (Ax) were calculated to directly compare the effects of the commercial antiperspirants and the ovulation-phase three-ingredient compound on the model axillary odor. (A) (Commercial antiperspirant A, B, C, or D + Ax) - Ax: The difference between (commercial antiperspirant A, B, C, or D + model axillary odor) and the model axillary odor; (Ovu1 + Ax) - Ax: The difference between (the three ovulatory components (E-form geranyl acetone) + model axillary odor) and the model axillary odor; (Ovu2 + Ax) - Ax: The difference between (the three ovulatory components (commercial geranyl acetone) + model axillary odor) and the model axillary odor; (Ovu3 + Ax) - Ax: The difference between (the three ovulatory components (double the amount of commercial geranyl acetone) + model axillary odor) and the model axillary odor. The Y-axis indicates the sensory rating. Mean ± SEM.(B) (Commercial + Ax) - Ax: The average value of the difference between the ratings of the four commercial antiperspirants shown in (A) plus the model axillary odor and the model axillary odor; (Ovu + Ax) - Ax: The average value of the difference between the three ovulation components shown in (A) plus the model axillary odor and the model axillary odor. The Y-axis shows the sensory evaluation rating. Mean ± SEM. Paired t-test, P values ​​*<0.05, **<0.01, ***<0.005.

[0009] Modes for carrying out the present invention are described below. The term "present embodiment" refers to all embodiments described herein unless otherwise specified. The first embodiment is a fragrance composition (hereinafter also referred to as "fragrance composition according to the present embodiment") containing one or more compounds selected from the group of compounds consisting of geranyl acetone, 9-hexadecenoic acid, and tetradecanoic acid. The first embodiment also includes a composition for use as a fragrance containing one or more compounds selected from the group of compounds consisting of geranyl acetone, 9-hexadecenoic acid, and tetradecanoic acid. As mentioned above, it has been suggested that the axillary odor of ovulatory women may play an important role in communication between men and women. The inventors have discovered that, among the volatile compounds secreted from the axillae of ovulatory women, three compounds, geranyl acetone, 9-hexadecenoic acid, and tetradecanoic acid, have deodorizing effects such as removing malodor, calming effects such as reducing stress and promoting comfort, and the effect of enhancing a woman's attractiveness, such as improving the impression of her face. These effects are also exhibited by each of the compounds geranylacetone, 9-hexadecenoic acid, and tetradecanoic acid alone, but the effect of the mixture of the three compounds is more pronounced.

[0010] The fragrance composition according to the present embodiment can be used, for example, as a deodorizing fragrance composition or a composition for improving a woman's facial impression, for purposes such as deodorizing, removing unpleasant odors (e.g., preventing or removing sweat odors), alleviating stress (e.g., relieving stress during work and relaxing the mind and body), promoting comfort, and enhancing a woman's attractiveness. Depending on the intended purpose, the fragrance composition according to the present embodiment may be used, for example, for air (by volatilizing the above three compounds into the air), for textile products (by incorporating the above three compounds into covers for clothing, bedding, sofas, etc.), for personal belongings (by incorporating the above three compounds into accessories other than clothing, such as bags, small items, stationery, etc.), or as an external composition for application to the skin, etc. However, the uses of the fragrance composition according to the present embodiment are not limited to these uses.

[0011] The contents of the geranyl acetone, 9-hexadecenoic acid, and tetradecanoic acid compounds (hereinafter, each compound may be referred to as a "fragrance compound according to the present embodiment") in the fragrance composition according to the present embodiment can be appropriately determined depending on the intended use. The contents of the respective compounds are not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0.00001% to 10% by weight, preferably 0.00005% to 5% by weight, more preferably 0.0005% to 2% by weight, and even more preferably 0.001% to 1% by weight.

[0012] The fragrance composition according to the present embodiment may contain, in addition to the fragrance compound according to the present embodiment, a substance that does not inhibit the effect of the fragrance composition, and preferably, may contain a substance that further enhances or sustains the effect of the fragrance compound according to the present embodiment.

[0013] The fragrance composition according to this embodiment can be used, for example, in the air, on fibers, or on personal belongings without direct contact with the body, or can be used directly on the body as an external composition. As examples of usage forms of the fragrance composition according to this embodiment, forms for use in these applications are described below.

[0014] When the fragrance composition according to the present embodiment is used for air, fabric, or personal belongings, the fragrance composition may contain, in addition to the fragrance compound according to the present embodiment, optional components such as surfactants, deodorants, polyhydric alcohols, solvents, oils, gelling agents, various salts, pH adjusters, antioxidants, preservatives, disinfectants, antibacterial agents, or dyes. Among the optional components, surfactants include, for example, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and nonionic surfactants; polyhydric alcohols include, for example, glycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, butanediol, polyethylene glycol, and polypropylene glycol; and solvents include, for example, ethanol, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether, and benzyl alcohol.

[0015] When used for air, textiles, or personal belongings, the fragrance composition according to the present embodiment can be used, for example, in a liquid form (including a mist) or a gel form. Specifically, for example, the fragrance composition according to the present embodiment can be made into a spray or lotion and applied or sprayed onto textile products such as towels, handkerchiefs, pillows and pillowcases, sheets, curtains, and sofa covers, or onto clothing such as jackets, slacks, and shirts, or sprayed into the air. The fragrance compound can also be applied or sprayed onto filters of air conditioners, air purifiers, and the like to waft into the air. Furthermore, the fragrance composition can be used in a gel form as an air deodorizer. Alternatively, it can be applied to bags, wallets, stationery, and the like.

[0016] When used as a topical composition by direct contact with the body When the fragrance composition according to the present embodiment is used as a topical composition, the fragrance composition may contain, in addition to the fragrance compound according to the present embodiment, any optional components, including, but not limited to, vitamins, peptides or derivatives thereof, amino acids or derivatives thereof, anti-inflammatory agents, cooling agents, disinfectants, moisturizing ingredients, whitening ingredients, anti-aging ingredients, etc.

[0017] Among the above optional ingredients, examples of anti-inflammatory agents include allantoin and its derivatives (derivatives include esters, ethers, alkylated products, etc.; the same applies hereinafter), glycyrrhetinic acid and its derivatives, glycyrrhizinic acid and its derivatives, salicylic acid derivatives, aminocaproic acid, azulene and its derivatives, etc., and more specific examples include allantoin, allantoin chlorohydroxyaluminum, glycyrrhetinic acid, glycyrrhizinic acid, stearyl glycyrrhetinate, methyl salicylate, azulene, guaiazulene, and salts thereof. Examples of salts include salts of sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, etc., salts of maleic acid, methanesulfonic acid, etc., salts of sodium, potassium, etc.

[0018] Among the optional components, examples of the refreshing agent include camphor, menthol, cineole, tenpenes such as limonene (which may be any of D-, L-, and DL-isomers), eucalyptus oil, bergamot oil, peppermint oil, cool mint oil, spearmint oil, fennel oil, peppermint oil, and rose oil.

[0019] Among the optional ingredients, examples of disinfectants include benzalkonium chloride, acrinol, ethanol, benzethonium chloride, cresol, isopropylmethylphenol, and derivatives thereof, povidone-iodine, potassium iodide, iodine, triclosan, paraben, phenoxyethanol, and miconazole.

[0020] Among the optional ingredients, examples of moisturizing ingredients include polymeric compounds such as sodium hyaluronate, sodium chondroitin sulfate, collagen, elastin, keratin, chitin, and chitosan; amino acids such as glycine, aspartic acid, and arginine; naturally occurring ingredients such as sodium lactate, urea, and sodium pyrrolidone carboxylate; lipids such as ceramide and phospholipid; and ingredients derived from plant oils such as chamomile extract and perilla extract.

[0021] Among the optional ingredients, examples of whitening ingredients include tocopherol and tranexamic acid, and examples of anti-aging ingredients include pangamic acid, kinetin, sphingosine derivatives, and turmeric extract.

[0022] The fragrance composition according to the present embodiment may be incorporated into clothing or personal belongings as described above, or may be applied directly to the body, for example, when body sweat odor is a concern, when stress due to complex work is anticipated, or when a woman wishes to improve her facial impression in the eyes of men. When used for such purposes, the fragrance composition according to the present embodiment may be used, for example, as a gel, liniment, lotion, aerosol, cataplasm, powder, deodorant, antiperspirant, ointment, or liquid. It may also be incorporated into body, face, or hair cleansers (e.g., body soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc.), hair styling products, cosmetics (perfumes, eau de toilette, eau de cologne, lotions, foundations, lipstick, body powder, etc.), and the like.

[0023] The second embodiment relates to miscellaneous goods or fabrics containing a fragrance composition (the fragrance composition according to this embodiment) containing one or more compounds selected from the group of compounds consisting of geranyl acetone, 9-hexadecenoic acid, and tetradecanoic acid. Here, miscellaneous goods refer to everyday items, including, but not limited to, stationery, wallets, bags, and shoes. Furthermore, fabrics include, but are not limited to, clothing such as jackets, slacks, shirts, underwear, socks, and stockings, as well as towels, handkerchiefs, pillowcases, sofa covers, and futon covers. Furthermore, "containing a fragrance composition" refers to a state in which an effective amount of geranyl acetone, 9-hexadecenoic acid, and / or tetradecanoic acid, which constitute the fragrance compounds according to this embodiment, is adhered to or soaked into the miscellaneous goods or fabrics. The term "effective amount" refers to an amount that exhibits the effects of the fragrance composition of this embodiment (for example, a deodorizing effect such as removing bad odors, a calming effect such as reducing stress and promoting comfort, and an effect of increasing a woman's attractiveness such as improving the impression of her face), and can be easily determined by a person skilled in the art through preliminary experiments, etc.

[0024] The third embodiment is a relaxation method comprising having a subject inhale a fragrance composition (the fragrance composition according to the present embodiment) containing one or more compounds selected from the group of compounds consisting of geranyl acetone, 9-hexadecenoic acid, and tetradecanoic acid. Here, the term "subject" refers to any person who wishes to relieve mental and physical tension (to relax). For example, the term "subject" may refer to a person who is performing stressful tasks, a person who is already performing stressful tasks, or a person who wishes to relax due to fatigue, and includes anyone who wishes to "relax." The method of inhalation is not particularly limited. The topical composition according to the present embodiment may be applied directly to the skin, clothing, miscellaneous items, etc., and the volatilized fragrance compounds may be inhaled, or the fragrance composition may be sprayed into the air using a diffuser, sprayer, or the like and inhaled.

[0025] Unless otherwise specified, the fragrance compounds in the first, second and third embodiments also include their tautomers, geometric isomers (cis and trans isomers, E and Z isomers), optical isomers (D and L isomers), etc.

[0026] The fourth embodiment is a method for estimating a subject's menstrual cycle, which includes detecting a substance secreted from the subject's armpit. Understanding the menstrual cycle is important not only for determining fertile periods, but also for understanding changes in physical condition caused by menstruation. Conventional methods for monitoring the menstrual cycle include predicting the next ovulation or menstrual period based on the number of days since the previous menstruation or basal body temperature, and predicting the menstrual period using female hormone concentrations in blood or urine as indicators. The menstrual cycle estimation method according to this embodiment relies on detecting a specific substance secreted from the armpit, and is therefore non-invasive and less invasive to the subject. Secretions from the armpit can be collected by, for example, applying a substance that adsorbs volatile organic compounds (e.g., poly(dimethylsiloxane):PDMS, or a substance containing carbon graphite, activated carbon, or a compound containing a C18 group (e.g., a silica monolith adsorbent (MonoTrap)), or gauze) to the armpit for several hours to several days, and then allowing the secretions from the armpit to adhere to the membrane or gauze. Compounds contained in the collected secretions from the armpit can be detected using known methods such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, or can also be detected using compounds that can be specifically detected, such as an odor sensor.

[0027] The present inventors have demonstrated that among the axillary secretions that constitute axillary odor, octanal, 1-tetradecanol, 1,3-butanediol, 1-hexadecanol, hexanoic acid, dodecanal, propionic acid, 2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadecane, heptadecane, 1-pentadecanol, (Z)-9-octadecenoic acid, 1-dodecanol, 1-octanol, hexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one, 1-tridecanol, tetradecane, octadecane, tetradecanoic acid, (E)-geranylacetone, (Z)-9-hexadecenoic acid, hydrogen sulfide, and 2-pyrrolidone are secreted in significantly higher amounts during specific phases of the menstrual cycle. Therefore, these compounds can be used as indicators for monitoring the menstrual cycle (menstrual cycle marker compounds).

[0028] More specifically, the fourth embodiment is a method for estimating the menstrual cycle of a subject, comprising detecting at least one compound selected from the group consisting of octanal, 1-tetradecanol, 1,3-butanediol, 1-hexadecanol, hexanoic acid, dodecanal, propionic acid, 2,6,10,14-tetramethyl-pentadecane, heptadecane, 1-pentadecanol, (Z)-9-octadecenoic acid, 1-dodecanol, 1-octanol, hexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one, 1-tridecanol, tetradecane, octadecane, tetradecanoic acid, (E)-geranylacetone, (Z)-9-hexadecenoic acid, hydrogen sulfide, and 2-pyrrolidone from secretions from the axilla of the subject.

[0029] Alternatively, a fourth embodiment is the use of a secretory substance from the armpit of a subject as a menstrual cycle marker, wherein the secretory substance is at least one selected from the group of compounds consisting of octanal, 1-tetradecanol, 1,3-butanediol, 1-hexadecanol, hexanoic acid, dodecanal, propionic acid, 2,6,10,14-tetramethyl-pentadecane, heptadecane, 1-pentadecanol, (Z)-9-octadecenoic acid, 1-dodecanol, 1-octanol, hexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one, 1-tridecanol, tetradecane, octadecane, tetradecanoic acid, (E)-geranylacetone, (Z)-9-hexadecenoic acid, hydrogen sulfide, and 2-pyrrolidone.

[0030] Among the substances secreted from the axilla, octanal and 1-tetradecanol are detected in significantly higher amounts during menstruation compared to other periods, and therefore, octanal and 1-tetradecanol can be used as indicators of menstruation.

[0031] Of the above-mentioned axillary secretory substances, 1,3-butanediol, 1-hexadecanol, hexanoic acid, dodecanal, propionic acid, 2,6,10,14-tetramethyl-pentadecane, heptadecane, 1-pentadecanol, (Z)-9-octadecenoic acid, 1-dodecanol, 1-octanol, hexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one, 1-tridecanol, tetradecane, and octadecane are detected in significantly higher amounts during the follicular phase compared to other phases. Therefore, 1,3-butanediol, 1-hexadecanol, hexanoic acid, dodecanal, propionic acid, 2,6,10,14-tetramethyl-pentadecane, heptadecane, 1-pentadecanol, (Z)-9-octadecenoic acid, 1-dodecanol, 1-octanol, hexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one, 1-tridecanol, tetradecane, and octadecane can be used as indicators of the follicular phase.

[0032] Among the substances secreted from the axilla, tetradecanoic acid, (E)-geranylacetone, and (Z)-9-hexadecenoic acid are detected in significantly higher amounts during the ovulation phase compared to other phases, and therefore can be used as indicators of the ovulation phase.

[0033] Among the above-mentioned axillary secretions, hexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one, hydrogen sulfide, and 2-pyrrolidone are detected in significantly higher amounts during the luteal phase than during other phases, and therefore can be used as indicators of the luteal phase.

[0034] More specifically, for example, the amount of one or more of the menstrual cycle markers in axillary secretions collected from a subject can be periodically measured, and fluctuations in these amounts can be tracked to estimate the subject's menstrual cycle. Alternatively, a statistical value (e.g., average detected amount) of fluctuations in the menstrual cycle markers of a plurality of individuals (groups) can be used as a reference fluctuation amount for each menstrual cycle marker, and the reference fluctuation amount can be compared with the amount of the menstrual cycle marker detected in the subject to estimate the subject's menstrual cycle.

[0035] When this specification is translated into English and includes the singular words "a," "an," and "the," it is intended to include not only the singular but also the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, in this specification, "about" means a numerical range of ±10%. The present invention will be further explained below with reference to examples, but these examples are merely illustrative of embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0036] 1. Analysis of axillary odor at different stages of the menstrual cycle. We investigated how evaluators (n = 47, men: n = 26, women: n = 21) perceived axillary odor in women at different stages of the menstrual cycle. To conduct this study, axillary odor samples were collected using gauze from 21 female donors (age: mean ± SD = 23.7 ± 2.9 years). The phase of the menstrual cycle (menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, luteal phase) was determined based on urinary luteinizing hormone levels, basal body temperature, and salivary estradiol and progesterone levels (saliva samples from 12 donors). Previous research has suggested that body odor under stress differs from normal body odor. Therefore, we used the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)-S to assess the donors' anxiety state at the time of sample collection. The mean STAI-S scores for each phase were as follows: M (menstrual phase), mean ± SE = 32.6 ± 5.48 points; F (follicular phase), mean ± SE = 33.7 ± 9.16 points; O (ovulation phase), mean ± SE = 34.9 ± 10.3 points; and L (luteal phase), mean ± SE = 34.9 ± 7.72 points. No significant differences were observed between phases (p = 0.423, Friedman's test).

[0037] Of the 84 samples (21 individuals x 4 time periods), each evaluator randomly evaluated samples from 10 to 11 donors selected by the examiner (40 or 44 samples in total). Evaluators rated the odor by smelling the sample and then answering questions immediately. The average ratings for each time period were calculated, and one-way ANOVA analysis and Tukey's multiple comparison test were performed. The analysis showed that axillary odor during ovulation was rated as less unpleasant than that during all other times. This trend in ratings was also observed when evaluations were conducted with single men only.

[0038] Next, we investigated differences in the quality of axillary odor during each phase of the menstrual cycle. Differences in axillary odor quality were assessed using the Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) test (sensory test). In this evaluation, evaluators with low olfactory ability (<7 points on the open essence score of the olfactory ability test) were excluded because they were deemed unable to accurately assess odor quality. Among the items used to evaluate axillary odor, "vinegary odor" was checked 75-79 times during the menstrual (M), follicular (F), and luteal (L) phases, but was checked the least frequently during the ovulatory (O) phase, at 53 times. Furthermore, "fragrant odor" was checked 67-73 times during the menstrual, follicular, and luteal phases, but was checked the most frequently during the ovulatory phase, at 91 times. These results suggest that axillary odor during ovulation is less unpleasant, less vinegary, and more fragrant than that during other periods. This tendency was also observed among single men, who rated axillary odor during ovulation as being particularly fragrant. These results indicate that single men perceive the axillary odor of women during ovulation as more pleasant than that of women during other periods.

[0039] 2. Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds in Axillary Odor During Each Phase of the Menstrual Cycle To investigate the compound profiles of axillary odor during the menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC / MS) was used to analyze volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from the axillae of 21 women. The compounds in axillary odor were collected as follows: The axillary surface was wiped with a hot towel and then disinfected with 70% ethanol. A PDMS odor-collecting membrane (Cat. No. 751-624-16, Goodfellow Cambridge Limited, 15 mm × 5 mm × 0.45 mm) that had been previously heated and desorbed in an oven at 260°C for 1 hour was attached to the axilla and covered with a PET film (OMI ODOR-AIR SERVICE Corporation) to block external air. The entire membrane was then covered and secured with a waterproof film (New Tac Kasei) (Figure 1). Odor collection was carried out for 2 hours.

[0040] Eighty-four axillary odor samples collected on PDMS membranes were analyzed using a GCMS-TQ8030 (Shimadzu) coupled with an OPTIC4 thermal desorption system (GL Science) to identify compounds whose abundance during each phase of the menstrual cycle tended to be significantly higher than the median values ​​across the four phases. Normality was tested using the Shapiro-Wilks test, followed by a one-sample t-test for parametric data and a one-sample Wilcoxon test for nonparametric data. p values ​​were calculated using a one-tailed test to confirm that each compound was greater than 0 (the median robust Z-score). Of the 98 compounds detected in the axillary odor of 21 women with normal menstrual cycles during the menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases, 25% or more of the donors were identified as being secreted in higher amounts during each phase (p<0.05) (Figure 2A). The substances identified here that are secreted in characteristic amounts at each stage of the menstrual cycle are thought to be usable as indicators for monitoring the menstrual cycle.During the menstrual phase, octanal and 1-tetradecanol were detected in large amounts, while during the follicular phase, 1-pentadecanol, octadecane, 1,3-butanediol, 2,6,10,14-tetramethyl-pentadecane, propionic acid, dodecanal, 1-octanol, heptadecane, 1-hexadecanol, hexanoic acid, 1-dodecanol, and (Z)-9-octadecenoic acid were detected in large amounts. During the luteal phase, hydrogen sulfide, hexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one, and tetradecanoic acid, 1-tridecanol, tetradecane, and hexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one were detected in large amounts. During the ovulation phase, tetradecanoic acid, (E)-geranylacetone, and (Z)-9-hexenoic acid were detected in large amounts. During the luteal phase, hydrogen sulfide, hexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one, and 2-pyrrolidone were detected in large amounts.

[0041] We further investigated the compounds contained in the axillary odor of the ovulatory period, which is more fragrant than the axillary odor of the other three periods. We investigated the effects of a mixture of the top three compounds (Fig. 2A and B) that significantly increased in abundance during the ovulatory period and had the smallest p-values, namely, geranylacetone, tetradecanoic acid, and 9-hexadecenoic acid (hereinafter referred to as the "ovulatory three components"), on men based on sensory, psychological, and physiological evaluations.

[0042] 3. Examination of the effects of the three ovulatory components 3-1. Sensory evaluation Because the results so far have shown that single men tend to perceive the axillary odor of ovulatory women as more preferable than the axillary odor of the other three periods, subsequent experiments will focus primarily on the effects on single men, and will examine the attributes of odor compounds characteristic of ovulation and the physiological and psychological effects of that odor. A solution containing the three ovulatory components (hereinafter referred to as "odor-O") was prepared in a ratio of components found in axillary odor collected from ovulatory women. Odor-O was prepared from tetradecanoic acid, (Z)-9-hexadecanoic acid, and geranylacetone (a mixture of (E)- and (Z)-isomers) obtained from Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. The E-isomer of geranylacetone was isolated (Williams et al., Tetrahedron. 2001 57:425–447, 10.1016 / S0040-4020(00)00927-3). The final concentrations of tetradecanoic acid, (Z)-9-hexadecanoic acid, and (E)-geranylacetone were adjusted to 173 mM, 62.4 mM, and 1.07 mM, respectively. Ethanol was used as the solvent. The final concentration of the odor-O solution used in each experiment was adjusted so that 60 μL of the solution contained three times the median amount of compounds captured on the PDMS membrane during the ovulatory phase for 2 hours. Model axillary odor (hereinafter referred to as "odor-Ax") (modified from Hara et al., Chem Biodivers. 2015 Feb;12(2):248-58. doi: 10.1002 / cbdv.201400272. PMID: 25676506) was used as the baseline axillary odor. The composition of odor-Ax is shown in Table 1.

[0043] Among the compounds listed in Table 1, except for propionic acid, whose concentration increased during the follicular phase, no significant increase in the concentrations of any of the compounds was observed during each period. The odor intensity of the model axillary odor (median = 3) was set at approximately 1.5 times the odor intensity of axillary odor collected from a woman's armpit using gauze for 4 hours (median = 1.5). Additionally, a mixture of odor-Ax and odor-O (odor-AxO) and a mixture of odor-Ax and each of the three components of the ovulatory phase (odor-AxG; (E)-geranylacetone (trans-geranylacetone), odor-AxH; (Z)-9-hexadecenoic acid, odor-AxT; tetradecanoic acid) were prepared. Each odor solution was pipetted onto the tip of a mouette (5.5 × 8.5 × 2.5 cm, Hiromichi) and allowed to stand for 10 minutes until the solvent ethanol evaporated. The sensory test was conducted by 72 single men in their 20s and 30s (some evaluations were conducted by 37 single men and 56 single women).

[0044] Each evaluator evaluated the presented odor-O, odor-Ax, and odor-AxO samples in the following categories: Intensity, Pleasantness, Preference, Feminine / Masculine, Fragrant (perfume-like), Citrus, Woody, Sweet, Sweaty, Dampened Clothing / Mildew-like, Sebaceous, Stinky, Relax, and Arousal / Excitement. The results are shown in Figure 3. A control (Ctrl) was used when no odor was presented. It was found that the odor of the three ovulation components of the present invention itself is both fragrant and citrus-like, providing a sense of security (Figure 3). The evaluation of a sample (odor-AxO) in which three ovulation components were added to a model axillary odor (an unpleasant odor composed of short-chain fatty acids; Table 1) showed significantly higher psychological ratings of pleasantness, preference, femininity, and sense of security than a sample containing only axillary odor (odor-Ax). In terms of odor quality, there were more positive ratings of cosmetic, citrus, woody, and sweet notes, and fewer negative ratings of sweaty and damp odors (Figure 3).

[0045] Although the unpleasantness of the three ovulation components was suppressed when each component was added individually to the model axillary odor, the addition of a mixture of the three ovulation components was most effective in suppressing the unpleasantness of the model axillary odor (Figure 4). Furthermore, when a similar sensory evaluation was conducted on women, just as with men, the unpleasantness of the three ovulation components was suppressed both when the mixture of the three ovulation components was added to the model axillary odor and when each component was added individually (Figure 4, right).

[0046] 3-2. Psychological and Physiological Evaluations Next, we examined the psychological and physiological effects of the three components of the ovulation phase on men. The subjects (n = 19) sat quietly in a chair. First, they completed a basic assessment of the Multiple Mood Scale (MMS) and collected saliva samples. Next, participants wore a headset equipped with a microphone to which odor samples were blindly attached. While smelling the odor samples, they rated their impressions of female facial images (desk work). Immediately after completing the MMS, saliva samples were collected. This series of sessions was conducted three times. In the first session, either odor-free or odor-O was presented; in the second session, odor-O or odor-free was presented; and in the third session, nine subjects were presented with odor-Ax and 10 subjects with odor-AxO.

[0047] The MMS is a self-assessment test developed to measure multiple emotional states over a period of time (Terasaki et al., The Japanese Journal of Psychology 1992, Vol. 62, No. 6, 350-356). Eight major categories (Depression / Anxiety, Hostility, Boredom, Liveliness, Relaxation / Tranquility, Amicability / Friendliness, Concentration / Focus, and Startle / Surprise) are rated on a scale of 0 to 15.

[0048] Saliva samples were collected by subjecting naturally flowing saliva without moving the inside of their mouths into a tube. Saliva samples were stored at -80°C until assay. Salivary α-Amylase activity was measured using the Salivary α-Amylase Kinetic Enzyme Assay Kit (Salimetrics).

[0049] The impression evaluation of female facial images was conducted as follows. Smiling and neutral facial images of eight young women were obtained from Getty Images (https: / / www.gettyimages.co.jp / ), AIST facial expression database 2017 (https: / / unit.aist.go.jp / harc / kao_CECRT / kaohyoujoDB_HP.html), istock (https: / / www.istockphoto.com / jp), Shutterstock (https: / / www.shutterstock.com / ja), and PIXTA (https: / / pixta.jp / ). Next, Future Baby Maker FaceFilm (Jiangguo Yan, App Store) was used to create morphed images of the eight smiling and neutral female faces in nine stages, ranging from neutral (0%) to smiling (100%), which were used in the experiment. In each of sessions 1 to 3, while smelling the odor, the subjects rated their impression of each face image on four items (Beautiful, Elegant & Intellectual, Want to spend time with, Want to keep gazing) on ​​a 6-point scale, with 0 being not perceived and 5 being extremely strong. Each face image was presented on the monitor for 2 seconds, followed by a 10-second page for rating the face image.

[0050] (1) Psychological and physiological effects during desk work Single male subjects were asked to perform a relatively tedious desk task (evaluating the impression of a female face image) while smelling a random odor. The results of a survey of psychological changes (multifaceted emotional scale) before and after the task are shown in Figures 5A and 5B. When subjects were exposed to the three ovulation components while performing the impression evaluation of a female face image, they felt less boredom and experienced less hostility, such as annoyance or aggression, compared to when no odor was present (Figure 5A). Furthermore, when subjects were exposed to "model axillary sweat odor + three ovulation components" (odor-AxO) while performing the same task, the decrease in relaxation that occurred when they smelled "model axillary sweat odor" (odor-Ax) (left panel of Figure 5B) did not occur (right panel of Figure 5B). Furthermore, while assessing impressions of female facial images, salivary amylase, an indicator of stress, significantly increased in the group of subjects who smelled the "model's armpit sweat odor" (odor-Ax) (Fig. 5C, center), but no increase in amylase occurred in the group of subjects who smelled the "model's armpit sweat odor + the three ovulation components" (Fig. 5C, right). These results suggest that by releasing the scent of the three ovulation components into an environment where unpleasant body odor is present, the olfactory environment can be changed, potentially providing positive psychological and physiological effects to those in that environment.

[0051] (2) Effect on men's impression ratings of women Single male subjects were asked to first rate female face images (neutral face (N), smiling face (S)) under odor-free conditions (Figure 6A), and then to perform the same rating after smelling any odor. For female face images that received low impression ratings under odor-free conditions, the ratings decreased when they smelled the model armpit sweat odor, but increased when they smelled the model armpit sweat odor plus the three ovulation components (Figure 6B). On the other hand, for female face images that received high impression ratings under odor-free conditions, no change was observed in impression ratings when they smelled either the model armpit sweat odor or the model armpit sweat odor plus the three ovulation components (Figure 6C). These results suggest that single men's impressions of women improve when they smell the three ovulation components.

[0052] 3-3. Comparison of the Effects of the Three Ovulation Components with Those of a Commercially Available Antiperspirant Figures 3 and 4 show that adding a mixture of the three ovulation components to model axillary odor suppressed the unpleasantness of the three ovulation components for both men and women. Next, we investigated the odor-suppressing effects of a commercially available antiperspirant and the three ovulation components on model axillary odor and the change in odor impression in male and female subjects. To more closely approximate the intensity of actual axillary odor, the model axillary odor was adjusted to one-third of the concentrations listed in Table 1. Three types of three ovulation components were prepared: one-sixth (Ovu1), one-sixth (however, the geranyl acetone was obtained from Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. and contained approximately equal amounts of Z-geranyl acetone and E-geranyl acetone) (Ovu2), and one-third (however, the geranyl acetone was obtained from Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. and contained approximately equal amounts of Z-geranyl acetone and E-geranyl acetone) (Ovu3). For comparison, 10 μl of four types of commercially available antiperspirants (Commercial A, B, C, or D) sold by three domestic companies and advertised as fragrance-free were used. For the sensory evaluation, the model axillary odor and the commercial antiperspirant or ovulation-phase three-ingredient solution were scented onto filter paper, the solvent was completely evaporated, and the solution was then sealed in a 50 ml vial and left to stand at room temperature for 40 minutes. The subjects then opened the vial, waited 5 seconds, and then brought it close to their noses to smell the samples (Figures 7 and 8). The sensory evaluation was conducted by 23 men and women (12 of whom were men) in their 20s to 50s.

[0053] Each evaluator evaluated each of the presented samples (model axillary odor; commercial antiperspirants from companies A, B, C, and D plus model axillary odor; and three ovulation-phase three-ingredient solutions plus model axillary odor; Ovu2+Ax: ovulation-phase three-ingredient solution) in the following categories: intensity, pleasantness / unpleasantness, preference, femininity / masculinity, femininity, masculinity, familiarity, pleasant to wear, citrus, irritability / stress, unclean feeling, and sweaty odor. The samples containing the model axillary odor plus the three ovulation-phase ingredients were rated significantly higher in pleasantness and preference than the samples containing only axillary odor (Figure 7). However, no such effects were observed with the commercial antiperspirants. Next, the sensory evaluation scores for the "commercial antiperspirant or the ovulation-period three ingredients added to the model axillary sweat odor" were calculated from the difference between each subject's sensory evaluation score and the "model axillary sweat odor" to directly compare the effects of the commercial antiperspirant and the ovulation-period three ingredients on the model axillary sweat odor (Figure 8). Note that a negative value indicates a positive effect. In other words, the ovulation-period three ingredients are more effective than the commercial product in reducing the irritation felt by the model axillary sweat odor. Adding the ovulation-period three ingredients to the model axillary sweat odor increased positive evaluations, such as femininity, friendliness, pleasant to wear fragrance, and citrus, compared with the commercial antiperspirant. Meanwhile, negative evaluations, such as masculinity, irritability / stress, uncleanness, and sweaty odor, were reduced. The ovulation-period three ingredients containing only the E-isomer of geranyl acetone and the ovulation-period three ingredients containing approximately equal amounts of the E- and Z-isomers, demonstrated comparable effects in the sensory evaluation. Therefore, even geometric isomers that are not contained in axillary odors can be considered to be one of the three ovulation components.These results show that the three ovulation components reduce negative evaluations of the model axillary sweat odor more than commercially available antiperspirants, and increase positive evaluations such as pleasantness, preference, friendliness, and femininity.

[0054] The present invention makes it possible to produce products (daily life items) that can be used to suppress and remove malodors, improve psychological and physiological states, and the like.

Claims

1. A fragrance composition comprising one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of geranylacetone, 9-hexadecanoic acid, and tetradecanoic acid.

2. A deodorizing and fragrance composition comprising the fragrance composition according to claim 1.

3. A composition for improving the facial impression of women, comprising the fragrance composition according to claim 1.

4. Miscellaneous goods or fabrics containing the fragrance composition according to claim 1.

5. A method for relaxation, comprising having a subject inhale the fragrance composition according to claim 1.

6. A method for estimating the menstrual cycle of a subject, comprising detecting at least one compound selected from the group consisting of octanal, 1-tetradecanol, 1,3-butanediol, 1-hexadecanol, hexanoic acid, dodecanal, propionic acid, 2,6,10,14-tetramethyl-pentadecane, heptadecane, 1-pentadecanol, (Z)-9-octadecenoic acid, 1-dodecanol, 1-octanol, hexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one, 1-tridecanol, tetradecane, octadecane, tetradecanoic acid, (E)-geranylacetone, (Z)-9-hexadecenoic acid, hydrogen sulfide and 2-pyrrolidone from secretions from the armpits of the subject.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, when a significantly large amount of octanal or 1-tetradecanol is detected from the secreted substance, it is estimated that the subject's menstrual cycle is in the menstrual phase.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein, when a significantly large amount of 1,3-butanediol, 1-hexadecanol, hexanoic acid, dodecanal, propionic acid, 2,6,10,14-tetramethyl-pentadecane, heptadecane, 1-pentadecanol, (Z)-9-octadecenoic acid, 1-dodecanol, 1-octanol, hexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one, 1-tridecanol, tetradecane or octadecane is detected from the secreted substances, the subject's menstrual cycle is estimated to be in the follicular phase.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein, when a significantly large amount of tetradecanoic acid, (E)-geranylacetone or (Z)-9-hexadecenoic acid is detected from the secreted substances, it is estimated that the subject's menstrual cycle is in the ovulation phase.

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein, when a significantly large amount of hexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one, hydrogen sulfide and 2-pyrrolidone are detected from the secreted substances, the subject's menstrual cycle is estimated to be in the luteal phase.

11. Use of a secretory substance from the armpit of a subject as a menstrual cycle marker, wherein the secretory substance is at least one selected from the group of compounds consisting of octanal, 1-tetradecanol, 1,3-butanediol, 1-hexadecanol, hexanoic acid, dodecanal, propionic acid, 2,6,10,14-tetramethyl-pentadecane, heptadecane, 1-pentadecanol, (Z)-9-octadecenoic acid, 1-dodecanol, 1-octanol, hexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one, 1-tridecanol, tetradecane, octadecane, tetradecanoic acid, (E)-geranylacetone, (Z)-9-hexadecanoic acid, hydrogen sulfide, and 2-pyrrolidone.

Images