Liquid composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to a liquid composition comprising the following components (A), (B) and (C): (A) 0.04 to 0.6 mass % of non-polymer catechins, (B) 0.0001 to 0.2 mass % of ascorbic acid or its salt, and (C) 0.0005 to 0.4 mass % of a cationic substance, wherein the binding constant of the component (C) to the component (A) is 1.0×10 4 M ‑1 above.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid composition. Background Art

[0002] It is known that non-polymer catechins have various chemical and physiological activities such as antioxidant, antibacterial, deodorizing, blood cholesterol suppressing, and α-amylase activity suppressing, and are used as raw materials or antioxidants of food compositions showing physiological activities. Antioxidants have the function of preventing other raw materials from oxidative degradation by self-oxidation, but non-polymer catechins are easily oxidatively degraded over time, and the residual rate of non-polymer catechins gradually decreases, so the storage stability is insufficient.

[0003] Conventionally, as a technique for improving the storage stability of non-polymer catechins, for example, a method of dissolving an antioxidant such as ascorbic acid and cyclic oligosaccharides at a certain ratio in an aqueous solvent containing non-polymer catechins has been proposed (Patent Document 1).

[0004] (Patent Document 1) Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-168318 Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention provides a liquid composition comprising the following components (A), (B) and (C):

[0006] (A) non-polymer catechins, wherein the content thereof is 0.04 to 0.6% by weight;

[0007] (B) ascorbic acid or a salt thereof, in an amount of 0.0001 to 0.2% by mass; and

[0008] (C) a cationic substance, the content of which is 0.0005 to 0.4% by mass,

[0009] The binding constant of component (C) to component (A) is 1.0×10 4 M -1 above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Even when ascorbic acid or cyclic oligosaccharide is added, the expected deterioration inhibitory effect cannot be obtained, and the stabilization of non-polymer catechins is still insufficient.

[0011] The present invention relates to a liquid composition in which non-polymer catechins are stabilized.

[0012] The present inventors have conducted studies in view of the above problems and have found that the stability of non-polymer catechins can be improved by incorporating specific amounts of ascorbic acid or a salt thereof and a specific cationic substance, respectively, relative to a specific amount of non-polymer catechins.

[0013] According to the present invention, a liquid composition in which non-polymer catechins are stabilized can be provided. Therefore, by using the liquid composition of the present invention, various chemical and physiological activities produced by non-polymer catechins can be fully expected.

[0014] [Liquid composition]

[0015] In the present specification, the "liquid composition" refers to a composition that is liquid at room temperature (20°C ± 15°C).

[0016] The liquid composition of the present invention contains non-polymer catechins as component (A). Here, in this specification, "(A) non-polymer catechins" is a general term including non-gallate forms such as catechin, gallocatechin, epicatechin and epigallocatechin, and gallate forms such as catechin gallate, gallocatechin gallate, epicatechin gallate and epigallocatechin gallate. In the present invention, it is sufficient to contain at least one of the above 8 types of non-polymer catechins. Furthermore, the source of component (A) is not particularly limited, for example, it can be a chemically synthesized product, or it can be an extract extracted from a plant containing non-polymer catechins.

[0017] The content of component (A) in the liquid composition of the present invention is 0.04-0.60% by mass. From the viewpoint of improving the stability of physiological effects and non-polymer catechins, it is preferably 0.05% by mass or more, more preferably 0.06% by mass or more, and further preferably 0.07% by mass or more. In addition, from the viewpoint of flavor balance, it is preferably 0.2% by mass or less, more preferably 0.19% by mass or less, and further preferably 0.18% by mass or less. As the content range of component (A), in the liquid composition of the present invention, it is preferably 0.05-0.2% by mass, more preferably 0.06-0.19% by mass, and further preferably 0.07-0.18% by mass. Furthermore, the content of component (A) is defined based on the total amount of the above-mentioned 8 kinds of non-polymer catechins. In addition, the content of component (A) can be measured by an analytical method suitable for measuring the condition of the sample in a commonly known assay method, for example, it can be analyzed by liquid chromatography. Specifically, the method described in the following embodiments can be cited. Furthermore, during the measurement, appropriate treatments may be performed, such as freeze-drying the sample to fit within the detection range of the device, or removing foreign substances from the sample to fit within the separation capability of the device.

[0018] The liquid composition of the present invention contains ascorbic acid or a salt thereof as component (B). Ascorbic acid and a salt thereof may be used alone or in combination.

[0019] Component (B) may be an L-form, a D-form, or a mixture thereof (e.g., a racemic form). Among them, the L-form is preferred. Examples of salts include alkali metal salts such as sodium salts and potassium salts; alkaline earth metal salts such as magnesium salts and calcium salts. The source of component (B) is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a chemically synthesized product, a commercially available product, or a raw material.

[0020] The content of component (B) in the liquid composition of the present invention is 0.0001-0.2 mass %, and from the viewpoint of the stability of non-polymer catechins, it is preferably 0.001 mass % or more, more preferably 0.005 mass % or more, more preferably 0.008 mass % or more, and, preferably 0.18 mass % or less, more preferably 0.1 mass % or less, more preferably 0.08 mass % or less. As the content range of the component (B), in the liquid composition of the present invention, it is preferably 0.001-0.18 mass %, more preferably 0.005-0.1 mass %, and more preferably 0.008-0.08 mass %. Furthermore, when component (B) is in the form of a salt, the content of component (B) is set to the value converted into the amount of ascorbic acid. The content of component (B) can be measured by the analytical method of ascorbic acid known in the art. Specifically, the method described in the following embodiments can be cited. Furthermore, when measuring, appropriate treatments may be performed, such as freeze-drying the sample to fit within the detection range of the device, or removing foreign substances from the sample to fit within the separation capability of the device.

[0021] From the viewpoint of improving the stability of non-polymer catechins, the mass ratio [(B) / (A)] of component (A) to component (B) in the liquid composition of the present invention is preferably 0.0001 or more, more preferably 0.01 or more, further preferably 0.03 or more, further more preferably 0.099 or more, and preferably 4 or less, more preferably 1.1 or less, further preferably 0.6 or less, further preferably 0.4 or less, further more preferably 0.15 or less. The range of the mass ratio [(B) / (A)] is preferably 0.0001 to 4, more preferably 0.01 to 1.1, further preferably 0.099 to 0.6, further more preferably 0.099 to 0.15. In addition, the mass ratio [(B) / (A)] may also be 0.03 to 0.4.

[0022] The liquid composition of the present invention contains a cationic substance as a component (C). In this specification, "cationic substance" refers to a substance that is positively charged when in contact with water. Cationic substances usually have a cationic group in the molecule, and examples of such cationic groups include: amino groups such as primary amino groups, secondary amino groups, and tertiary amino groups; onium salt groups such as quaternary ammonium groups and phosphonium groups; amino acid residues such as arginyl, lysyl, histidyl, and guanidyl groups; and heterocyclic groups such as imidazolyl. Furthermore, in the case where the cationic substance has both a cationic group and an anionic group, it is sufficient that the molecule as a whole is positively charged.

[0023] Here, the present inventors focus on "cationic substances" from the viewpoint of stabilization of non-polymer catechins for the following reasons. That is, it is known that non-polymer catechins are oxidized from the B ring and become polymers such as theaflavins. The present inventors focus on such an oxidation mechanism and believe that the non-polymer catechins can be stabilized by reducing the electron density of the B ring of the non-polymer catechins. In addition, it is believed that cationic substances with electron-withdrawing properties are particularly effective for the purpose of reducing the electron density of the B ring of the non-polymer catechins.

[0024] In addition, the present inventors have found that the binding constant of the cationic substance for non-polymer catechins in order to stabilize the non-polymer catechins is 1.0×10 4 M -1 The above cationic substances are easy to interact with non-polymer catechins intermolecularly, and thus are particularly effective. In this specification, "binding constant" is an index representing the binding affinity of a cationic substance to non-polymer catechins, and means that the larger the value of the binding constant, the stronger the interaction with non-polymer catechins.

[0025] In the present invention, the interaction between non-polymer catechins and cationic substances is thermodynamically analyzed, and the binding constant is determined by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). In isothermal titration calorimetry, non-polymer catechins and cationic substances are titrated at 25°C and pH 6.0 to measure the tiny heat changes generated when the molecules bind to each other. Then, the binding ratio (n), binding constant (Ka), and binding enthalpy change (ΔH) of non-polymer catechins and cationic substances can be determined based on the obtained titration curve. Furthermore, the free energy change (ΔG) of binding can be calculated according to the following formula (1), and the entropy change (ΔS) of binding can be calculated according to the following formula (2). Specifically, the methods described in the following examples can be cited. Furthermore, in isothermal titration calorimetry, for example, an isothermal titration calorimeter (VP-ITC) manufactured by MICROCAL can be used.

[0026] ΔG=-RTlnKa (1)

[0027] ΔG=ΔH-TΔS (2)

[0028] [Where R represents the gas constant, T represents the absolute temperature, and Ka represents the binding constant.]

[0029] The binding constant of component (C) to non-polymer catechins is 1.0×10 4 M -1 From the viewpoint of improving the stability of non-polymer catechins, the preferred concentration is 2.0×10 4 M -1 More preferably, 3.0×10 4 M -1 More preferably, 4.0×10 4 M -1 The upper limit of the binding constant is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1000×10 4 M -1 Below, more preferably 100×10 4 M -1 Below, more preferably 7.0×10 4 M -1 The binding constant of the component (C) to the non-polymer catechins is preferably in the range of 1.0×10 4 M -1 Above 1000×10 4 M -1 Below, more preferably 2.0×10 4 M -1 Above 100×10 4 M -1 Below, more preferably 3.0×10 4 M -1 Above 7.0×10 4 M -1 Below, more preferably 4.0×10 4 M -1 Above 7.0×10 4 M -1 the following.

[0030] An example of the binding constant for non-polymer catechins is listed below. The binding constant for protamine to non-polymer catechins is 4.2×10 4 M -1 The binding constant of lactoferrin to non-polymer catechins is 5.9×10 4 M -1The binding constant of HIV-Tat to non-polymer catechins is 5.9×10 4 M -1 The binding constant of pVEC to non-polymer catechins is 5.1×10 4 M -1 .

[0031] As component (C), as long as the binding constant is 1.0×10 4 M -1 There are no particular limitations on the above, and examples thereof include: cationic proteins, cationic polymers, and cationic surfactants, and the binding constant for non-polymer catechins is appropriately selected to be 1.0×10 4 M -1 The above cationic substances can be used. Component (C) may contain one or more than one species. The source of component (C) is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a chemically synthesized product, a commercially available product, or a raw material.

[0032] In the present specification, the term "cationic protein" refers to a protein composed of two or more amino acids having a positive charge and having a net positive charge at a selected pH value such as a physiological pH value, and is a concept that also includes peptides (oligomers) and polypeptides.

[0033] Cationic proteins may be proteins composed of positively charged amino acids of the same species, or may be proteins composed of two or more positively charged amino acids of different species. In addition, cationic proteins may also contain both positively charged amino acids and negatively charged amino acids, and the isoelectric point must be above 8. Furthermore, examples of positively charged amino acids include arginine, lysine, histidine, guanidine, and the like, and examples of negatively charged amino acids include aspartic acid, glutamic acid, cysteine, tyrosine, and the like.

[0034] Specific examples of cationic proteins include protamine, lactoferrin, polylysine, polyarginine, polyornithine, nucleolin, spermine, histone, bee venom peptide, magainin II, defensins, endogenous antimicrobial polypeptides (protegrins), cecropin, polyethyleneimine, lysozyme, papain, acid-treated gelatin, HIV-Tat, pVEC, etc.

[0035] In the present specification, "cationic polymer" refers to a polymer compound having a cationic group in the main chain or a side chain, and does not include "cationic protein".

[0036] Cationic polymers include cationic polymers having only cationic groups and no anionic groups, and amphoteric polymers having cationic groups and anionic groups and showing cationicity as a whole. The cationic polymer may be a homopolymer or a copolymer.

[0037] The cationic polymer is not particularly limited as long as the molecule as a whole has a positive charge, and examples thereof include polyallylamine hydrochloride, polyamine sulfone hydrochloride, polyvinylamine hydrochloride, chitosan acetate, cationized starch, cationized guar gum, cationized tara gum, cationized locust bean gum, cationized polyvinyl alcohol, cationized cellulose, quaternized polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polydiallyl quaternary ammonium salts (e.g., diallyldimethylammonium chloride), and the like.

[0038] In the present specification, the term "cationic surfactant" refers to a compound having a lipophilic group and a hydrophilic group in the molecule, and the hydrophilic group dissociates into ions and has a positive charge when dissolved in water.

[0039] From the viewpoint of improving the stability of non-polymer catechins, cationic surfactants having one or more unsaturated hydrocarbon groups in the molecule are preferred. Cationic surfactants having one or more long-chain saturated hydrocarbon groups in the molecule are preferred, and examples thereof include compounds represented by the following formula (A).

[0040]

[0041] (Where R 1 , R 2 Each of the groups independently represents a saturated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

[0042] R 3 , R 4 Each independently represents a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0043] A - represents an anion.)

[0044] As R 1 ~R 4 Examples of the saturated hydrocarbon group include alkyl groups, which may be linear or branched.

[0045] As R 4 The unsaturated saturated hydrocarbon group includes, for example, alkenyl, which may be linear or branched. The position of the unsaturated bond of the unsaturated hydrocarbon group may be within the molecular chain or at the end of the molecular chain, and may exist at any position.

[0046] As A -The anions are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include halide ions, boron anions, phosphorus anions, carboxylic acid anions, sulfate anions, and organic sulfonic acid anions.

[0047] Specific examples of the cationic surfactant include diallyldimethylammonium chloride, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, stearyltrimethylammonium chloride, isostearyltrimethylammonium chloride, lauryltrimethylammonium chloride, behenyltrimethylammonium chloride, octadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, cocotrimethylammonium chloride, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, stearyltrimethylammonium bromide, lauryltrimethylammonium bromide, isostearyllauryldimethylammonium chloride, dicetyldimethylammonium chloride, distearyldimethylammonium chloride, and dicocodimethylammonium chloride.

[0048] The molecular weight of the cationic substance used in the present invention is preferably 100Da or more, more preferably 200Da or more, and further preferably 300Da or more, from the viewpoint of improving the stability of non-polymer catechins and operability, and is preferably 100,000Da or less, more preferably 95,000Da or less, and further preferably 90,000Da or less. As the range of the molecular weight, it is preferably 100 to 100,000Da, more preferably 200 to 950,000Da, and further preferably 300 to 90,000Da. Furthermore, the molecular weight of the cationic substance is set to the value measured by gel permeation chromatography.

[0049] Among them, as the cationic substance, from the viewpoint of improving the stability of non-polymer catechins, preferably one or more selected from cationic proteins, cationized polymers and cationic surfactants, more preferably one or more selected from cationic proteins and cationic surfactants, further preferably cationic proteins, further preferably one or more selected from protamine, lactoferrin, HIV-tat, pVEC, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride and polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride, and from the viewpoint of imparting a preferred flavor as a food to the liquid composition, further more preferably one or more selected from protamine and lactoferrin.

[0050] The content of component (C) in the liquid composition of the present invention is 0.0005-0.4% by mass. From the viewpoint of improving the stability of non-polymer catechins, it is preferably 0.0008% by mass or more, more preferably 0.001% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.0051% by mass or more, and preferably 0.3% by mass or less, more preferably 0.1% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.049% by mass or less. As the content range of the component (C), in the liquid composition of the present invention, it is preferably 0.0008-0.3% by mass, more preferably 0.001-0.1% by mass, and more preferably 0.0051-0.049% by mass. Furthermore, the content of component (C) can be determined by an analytical method suitable for measuring the condition of the sample in a commonly known determination method, for example, it can be analyzed by liquid chromatography. Specifically, the method described in the following embodiment can be cited. Furthermore, during the determination, the sample can also be freeze-dried as needed to fit the detection range of the device, or the inclusions in the sample can be removed to fit the separation capacity of the device, etc., and appropriately processed.

[0051] From the viewpoint of improving the stability of non-polymer catechins, the mass ratio [(C) / (A)] of component (A) to component (C) in the liquid composition of the present invention is preferably 0.0008 or more, more preferably 0.001 or more, further preferably 0.0099 or more, further more preferably 0.055 or more, and preferably 10 or less, more preferably 0.6 or less, further preferably 0.5 or less, further more preferably 0.15 or less. The range of the mass ratio [(C) / (A)] is preferably 0.0008 to 10, more preferably 0.001 to 0.6, further preferably 0.0099 to 0.6, further preferably 0.0099 to 0.5, further more preferably 0.055 to 0.15.

[0052] The liquid composition of the present invention can be prepared in a liquid state using a solvent as the component (D).

[0053] As the component (D), any component that can disperse or dissolve the component (A), the component (B), and the component (C) and does not react with these components can be appropriately selected and used.

[0054] Component (D) includes, for example, water, physiological saline, and buffer. Water includes, for example, ion exchange water, distilled water, and natural water. Buffer includes, for example, boric acid buffer, phosphate buffer, carbonate buffer, citric acid buffer, acetic acid buffer, glycine buffer, glycylglycine buffer, Tris buffer, aspartic acid, aspartate, and ε-aminocaproic acid.

[0055] The content of component (D) in the liquid composition of the present invention is preferably 90% by mass or more, more preferably 95.0% by mass or more, further preferably 97.0% by mass or more, and preferably 99.9% by mass or less, more preferably 99.7% by mass or less, further preferably 99.5% by mass or less. As the content range of the component (D), in the liquid composition of the present invention, it is preferably 90 to 99.9% by mass, more preferably 95.0 to 99.9% by mass, more preferably 97.0 to 99.7% by mass, and further preferably 97.0 to 99.5% by mass.

[0056] The pH value of the liquid composition of the present invention is preferably 4 or more, more preferably 4.5 or more, and even more preferably 5 or more, and is preferably 7 or less, more preferably 6.8 or less, and even more preferably 6.5 or less. The pH value range is preferably 4 to 7, more preferably 4.5 to 6.8, and even more preferably 5 to 6.5. The pH value is set to a value measured by a pH meter at a temperature adjusted to 20°C.

[0057] From the viewpoint of providing a beverage with high clarity, the turbidity (20°C) of the liquid composition of the present invention is preferably 800NTU or less, more preferably 500NTU or less, further preferably 300NTU or less, and particularly more preferably 250NTU or less. In addition, from the viewpoint of providing a good taste when drinking, the turbidity (20°C) is preferably 0.1NTU or more, more preferably 1NTU or more, further preferably 5NTU or more, and further preferably 40NTU or more. As the range of the turbidity, it is preferably 0.1-800NTU, more preferably 1-500NTU, further preferably 5-300NTU, and particularly more preferably 40-250NTU. Here, "NTU" is a unit of measurement of formazin turbidity using a formazin turbidity standard. Furthermore, the turbidity is set to a value measured using a turbidimeter at 20°C, a wavelength range of 850nm, and a 90° transmission scattering comparison method.

[0058] In addition, regarding the transparency of the liquid composition of the present invention, it is preferred that the transmittance of light with a wavelength of 700 nm is 70% or more. Furthermore, the transmittance is set to a value obtained by measuring the transmittance of light with a wavelength of 700 nm using an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer with a quartz cuvette with an optical path length of 1 cm. The ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer can use UV-160A, UV-1800, etc. manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation.

[0059] The liquid composition of the present invention can be manufactured according to a conventional method, and an appropriate method can be used. For example, component (A), component (B), component (C) and other components as required can be mixed in a manner such that the contents of component (A), component (B) and component (C) are within the above ranges. The mixing order of component (A), component (B) and component (C) is not particularly limited.

[0060] The component (A) is not particularly limited as long as it is commonly used in the field of food and beverages. For example, a commercially available reagent may be used, and the component (A) may be contained in the form of an extract of a plant rich in the component (A).

[0061] As a plant, as long as it contains component (A) and is commonly used in the field of food and beverage, there is no particular limitation, for example, the genus Camellia can be cited, for example, tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) selected from small-leaf tea (C. sinensis var. sinensis (including Yabukita species)), large-leaf tea (C. sinensis var. assamica) and hybrids thereof. Tea leaves can be divided into non-fermented tea, semi-fermented tea and fermented tea according to their processing methods, and one or more of these can be appropriately selected for use. As non-fermented tea leaves, for example, green tea leaves such as sencha, bancha, nicha, kamacha, stalk tea, stick tea, and bud tea can be cited, and heating processing can also be implemented. In addition, as semi-fermented tea leaves, for example, oolong tea leaves such as Tieguanyin, color species, Huang Jingui, and Wuyi rock tea can be cited. Further, as fermented tea leaves, black tea leaves such as Darjeeling, Assam, and Sri Lanka can be cited. One or more of the tea leaves can be used. Among them, from the viewpoint of the non-polymer catechin content and flavor, unfermented tea leaves are preferred, and green tea is more preferred. The extraction method and extraction conditions are not particularly limited, and a known method can be used.

[0062] Since the liquid composition of the present invention is excellent in stability of non-polymer catechins, various chemical and physiological activities produced by non-polymer catechins can be fully expected, and therefore, it can be applied to a wide range of uses. For example, it can be listed as beverages, snacks, seasonings, fish cakes, processed meat products, steamed foods, canned foods, pickled vegetables, salted seafood, frozen foods and other food and beverages, in addition to these, antibacterial agents, antioxidants, deodorants, antiviral agents, anticancer agents, etc. Among them, preferably food and beverages, more preferably beverages, and even more preferably tea beverages.

[0063] [Containerized beverages]

[0064] The packaged beverage of the present invention is obtained by filling the above-mentioned liquid composition into a container. Alternatively, the liquid composition may be concentrated or diluted as necessary and then filled into the container.

[0065] The container is not particularly limited as long as it is a common packaging container, and examples thereof include molded containers mainly composed of polyethylene terephthalate (so-called PET bottles), metal cans, paper containers and bottles composited with metal foil or plastic film, and the like.

[0066] In addition, the container-packed beverage of the present invention can be sterilized by heating. As for the sterilization method, there is no particular limitation as long as it is a sterilization method suitable for the conditions stipulated in the applicable laws and regulations (the Food Sanitation Law in Japan). For example, the tea beverage is filled into a container package, and then sterilized after plugging or sealing; or a liquid sterilized by a sterilizer with an automatic recording thermometer or a liquid sterilized by a filter is automatically filled into the container package, and then plugged or sealed. More specifically, it can be listed as: steaming sterilization method, high temperature short time sterilization method (HTST method), ultra-high temperature sterilization method (UHT method), etc.

[0067] The present invention has been described in detail above based on the embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The present invention can be variously modified within the scope of the main purpose. For example, from the viewpoint of improving the stability of non-polymer catechins, the liquid composition of the present invention preferably contains a specific amount of non-polymer catechins and ascorbic acid or a salt thereof, and contains a specific amount of cationic substances having the following binding constants relative to non-polymer catechins. That is, the present invention provides the following liquid composition.

[0068] <1> A liquid composition comprising the following components (A), (B) and (C):

[0069] (A) 0.04-0.6% by mass of non-polymer catechins,

[0070] (B) 0.0001 to 0.2 mass % of ascorbic acid or its salt, and

[0071] (C) Cationic substance 0.0005 to 0.4% by mass

[0072] The binding constant of component (C) to component (A) is 3.0×10 4 M -1 Above 7.0×10 4 M -1 Below, preferably 4.0×10 4 M -1 Above 7.0×10 4 M -1 the following.

[0073] <2> The liquid composition according to <1> above, wherein the content of the component (A) is preferably 0.04 to 0.2% by mass, and the content of the component (B) is preferably 0.005 to 0.1% by mass.

[0074] <3> The liquid composition according to <1> above, wherein the content of component (A) is preferably 0.06 to 0.2 mass %, the content of component (B) is preferably 0.005 to 0.1 mass %, and the content of component (C) is preferably 0.001 to 0.1 mass %.

[0075] <4> The liquid composition according to <2> or <3> above, wherein the mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (B) [(B) / (A)] is preferably 0.03 to 0.4.

[0076] <5> The liquid composition according to any one of <2> to <4> above, wherein the mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (C) [(C) / (A)] is preferably 0.0099 to 0.6.

[0077] <6> The liquid composition according to any one of <2> to <5> above, wherein the molecular weight of the component (C) is preferably 300 to 90,000.

[0078] <7> The liquid composition according to any one of <2> to <6> above, wherein the pH value is 4 to 7.

[0079] <8> The liquid composition according to any one of <2> to <7> above, wherein the liquid composition is a beverage.

[0080] In addition, from the viewpoint of improving the stability of non-polymer catechins, the liquid composition of the present invention preferably contains specific amounts of non-polymer catechins and ascorbic acid or a salt thereof, and specific amounts of the following cationic substances. That is, the present invention provides the following liquid composition.

[0081] <11> A liquid composition comprising the following components (A), (B) and (C):

[0082] (A) 0.04-0.6% by mass of non-polymer catechins,

[0083] (B) 0.0001 to 0.2 mass % of ascorbic acid or its salt, and

[0084] (C) Cationic substance 0.0005 to 0.4% by mass

[0085] Component (C) is one or more cationic substances selected from cationic proteins, cationic polymers and cationic surfactants, and the binding constant of component (C) to component (A) is 3.0×104 M -1 Above 7.0×10 4 M -1 Below, preferably 4.0×10 4 M -1 Above 7.0×10 4 M -1 the following.

[0086] <12> The liquid composition according to <11> above, wherein the content of the component (A) is 0.04 to 0.2% by mass, and the content of the component (B) is 0.005 to 0.1% by mass.

[0087] <13> The liquid composition according to <11> above, wherein the content of component (A) is 0.06 to 0.2 mass %, the content of component (B) is 0.005 to 0.1 mass %, and the content of component (C) is 0.001 to 0.1 mass %.

[0088] <14> The liquid composition according to <12> or <13> above, wherein the mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (B) [(B) / (A)] is preferably 0.03 to 0.4.

[0089] <15> The liquid composition according to any one of <12> to <14> above, wherein the mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (C) [(C) / (A)] is preferably 0.0099 to 0.6.

[0090] <16> The liquid composition according to any one of <12> to <15>, wherein the molecular weight of the component (C) is preferably 300 to 90,000.

[0091] <17> The liquid composition according to any one of <12> to <16> above, wherein the pH value is 4 to 7.

[0092] <18> The liquid composition according to any one of <12> to <17> above, wherein the liquid composition is a beverage.

[0093] <19> The liquid composition according to any one of <12> to <18>, wherein the cationic surfactant is preferably a compound represented by the following formula (A).

[0094]

[0095] (Where R 1 , R 2 Each of the groups independently represents a saturated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

[0096] R 3 , R 4Each independently represents a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0097] A - represents an anion.)

[0098] In addition, from the viewpoint of improving the stability of non-polymer catechins, the liquid composition of the present invention preferably contains specific amounts of non-polymer catechins and ascorbic acid or a salt thereof, and specific amounts of the following cationic substances. That is, the present invention provides the following liquid composition.

[0099] <21> A liquid composition comprising the following components (A), (B) and (C):

[0100] (A) 0.04-0.6% by mass of non-polymer catechins,

[0101] (B) 0.0001 to 0.2 mass % of ascorbic acid or its salt, and

[0102] (C) Cationic substance 0.0005 to 0.4% by mass

[0103] The component (C) is preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of protamine, lactoferrin, HIV-tat, pVEC, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride and polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride.

[0104] <22> The liquid composition according to <21> above, wherein the content of the component (A) is 0.04 to 0.2% by mass, and the content of the component (B) is 0.005 to 0.1% by mass.

[0105] <23> The liquid composition according to <21> above, wherein the content of component (A) is 0.06 to 0.2 mass %, the content of component (B) is 0.005 to 0.1 mass %, and the content of component (C) is 0.001 to 0.1 mass %.

[0106] <24> The liquid composition according to <22> or <23> above, wherein the mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (B) [(B) / (A)] is preferably 0.03 to 0.4.

[0107] <25> The liquid composition according to any one of <22> to <24> above, wherein the mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (C) [(C) / (A)] is preferably 0.0099 to 0.6.

[0108] <26> The liquid composition according to any one of <22> to <25>, wherein component (C) is preferably at least one selected from protamine and lactoferrin.

[0109] <27> The liquid composition according to any one of <22> to <26> above, wherein the pH value is 4 to 7.

[0110] <28> The liquid composition according to any one of <22> to <27>, wherein the liquid composition is a beverage.

[0111] Example

[0112] 1. Analysis of non-polymer catechins

[0113] The sample solution was filtered through a filter (0.45 μm), and analyzed using a high performance liquid chromatograph (model SCL-10AVP, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation) equipped with a liquid chromatograph packed column (L-Column TM ODS 4.6 mmφ×250 mm, 5 μm: manufactured by the Institute for the Evaluation of Chemical Substances) introduced with octadecyl groups, using a gradient method at a column temperature of 40°C. Non-polymer catechins manufactured by Kurita Industries were used as standard non-polymer catechins, and quantification was performed using a calibration curve method. Mobile phase A used a distilled water solution containing 0.1 mol / L acetic acid, and mobile phase B used an acetonitrile solution containing 0.1 mol / L acetic acid, and the analysis was performed under the conditions of a sample injection volume of 10 μL and a UV detector wavelength of 280 nm. The gradient conditions are as follows.

[0114] Concentration gradient conditions

[0115]

[0116]

[0117] 2. Analysis of Ascorbic Acid

[0118] Add 1-5 g of the sample to 5% metaphosphoric acid solution (50 mL) and dilute appropriately. Centrifuge and filter, take 1 mL of the filtrate in a small test tube, add 1 mL of 5% metaphosphoric acid solution, then add 100 μL of 0.2% dichlorophenol indophenol solution and 2 mL of 2% thiourea-5% metaphosphoric acid solution. Add 0.5 mL of 2% 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine-4.5 mol / L sulfuric acid and react at 38-42°C for 16 hours.

[0119] Extraction was performed with 3 mL of ethyl acetate (shaking for 60 minutes), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and analyzed by HPLC. 0035HPLC used LC-10AS (Shimadzu Corporation), UV-VIS detector used SPD-10AV (Shimadzu Corporation), column used Senshupak Silca-1100 4.6 mm × length 100 mm (column temperature 35°C), and a mixed solution of ethyl acetate, hexane, acetic acid, and water (60:40:5:0.05) was used as the mobile phase, and detection was performed at a flow rate of 1.5 mL / min at a wavelength of 495 nm.

[0120] 3. Analysis of cationic substances

[0121] (1) Protamine

[0122] Weigh about 0.1 to 0.15 g of the sample and quantify it by the Kjeldahl method of nitrogen quantification. Then, the content is calculated by the following formula. In addition, the quantification by the Kjeldahl method can refer to the 8th edition of the Food Additive Codex. In addition, 0.05 mol / L sulfuric acid 1 ml = 1.401 mgN.

[0123] Protamine content (%) =

[0124] [Nitrogen content (mg) × 3.19] / [Sample volume after dry matter conversion (g) × 1000] × 100

[0125] (2) Lactoferrin

[0126] Lactoferrin content can be measured by latex agglutination method. Latex agglutination method is a latex agglutination turbidimetry using anti-lactoferrin antibody sensitized latex, and is a method for quantifying lactoferrin with antigen-antibody reactivity. Lactoferrin in the sample and the anti-lactoferrin antibody combined with latex particles show antigen-antibody reaction and produce agglutination. For this agglutination, the absorbance change is measured at a certain wavelength, which is converted, and the content of lactoferrin is measured using a commercially available test kit and an optical analysis device. As a commercially available test kit, for example, a lactoferrin assay reagent (for humans and cattle) (manufactured by Infinita Co., Ltd.) can be used. As an optical analysis device, an automatic biochemical analyzer BIOLIS24i (Tokyo Boeki Medisys Inc.) can be used.

[0127] (3) HIV-tat

[0128] HIV-Tat in the sample shows an antigen-antibody reaction with anti-HIV-Tat antibodies, and the HIV-Tat content is measured by ELISA using a commercially available kit. As a commercially available kit, an anti-TAT immunoglobulin measurement ELISA kit (manufactured by Cosmo Bio Co., Ltd.) can be used.

[0129] (4) pVEC

[0130] pVEC in the sample was measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC / MS / MS) using an HPLC column and a mobile phase.

[0131] (5) Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride

[0132] Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride in the sample was measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC / MS / MS) using an HPLC column and a mobile phase.

[0133] LC / MS / MS: LCMS 8030 (Shimadzu Corporation)

[0134] HPLC column: Shim pack FC ODS (75 mm × 2.0 mm id, particle size 3 μm) (Shimadzu Corporation)

[0135] Mobile phase: 5 mM ammonium acetate in water, 5 mM ammonium acetate in methanol

[0136] (6) Polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride

[0137] The polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride in the sample was measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC / MS / MS) using an HPLC column and a mobile phase.

[0138] 4. Analysis of binding constants of cationic substances

[0139] Using 10 mM phosphate buffer (pH 6.0) as a solvent, the sample tank (volume 1.4 mL) of an isothermal titration calorimeter (ITC, manufactured by MicloCal, model name: VP-ITC) is filled with an aqueous solution of a cationic substance or an aqueous solution of dextrin (β-cyclodextrin, γ-cyclodextrin), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) is added dropwise at regular time intervals from a syringe rotating at 310 rpm at 25°C, and the resulting heat change is repeatedly measured. The heat change when the EGCg aqueous solution is added dropwise to a 10 mM phosphate buffer that does not contain a cationic substance or an aqueous solution of dextrin is also measured in the same manner, and the heat change is set as the dilution heat data. After subtracting the dilution heat data from the thermal titration data of adding the EGCg aqueous solution dropwise to the cationic polymer aqueous solution or the dextrin aqueous solution, the analysis is performed using the single-site binding model using the analysis software (Origin7).

[0140] 5. Determination of pH value

[0141] The temperature of the tea beverage was adjusted to 20°C, and the pH was measured using a pH meter (HORIBA Small pH Meter, manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.).

[0142] 6. Stability evaluation of non-polymer catechins

[0143] The residual rate of non-polymer catechins was determined by the following formula from the content of non-polymer catechins in the liquid composition before storage (immediately after production) and the content of non-polymer catechins in the liquid composition after storage at 55° C. for 7 days.

[0144] Residual rate of non-polymer catechins (%) = X / Y × 100

[0145] (X represents the content of non-polymer catechins in the liquid composition after storage, and Y represents the content of non-polymer catechins in the liquid composition before storage.)

[0146] Examples 1 to 6 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3

[0147] Each component shown in Table 1 was uniformly mixed to prepare each liquid composition. The obtained liquid composition was analyzed and the stability of non-polymer catechins was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0148] [Table 1]

[0149]

[0150] *1:Teavigo (Taiyo Chemical Co., Ltd.): Non-polymer catechins 94%

[0151] *2: Watanabe Chemical Co., Ltd.

[0152] *3: HAP-100, MARUHA NICHIRO Corporation, molecular weight (Da): 4200

[0153] *4: HIV-Tat (47-57), Jena Bioscience, molecular weight (Da): 1972

[0154] *5: pVEC (human cadherin-5), AnaSpec, Inc, Molecular weight (Da): .2210

[0155] *6: Lactoferrin, Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC., molecular weight (Da): 80,000

[0156] *7: Quartamin 60W (Kao Co., Ltd.): 30%, molecular weight (Da): 320

[0157] *8: Merquat 100 (Kao Co., Ltd.): 42%, molecular weight (Da): 491

[0158] *9: β-cyclodextrin, Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., molecular weight (Da): 1135

[0159] *10: γ-cyclodextrin, Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., molecular weight (Da): 1297

[0160] Examples 7, 8 and Comparative Examples 4 to 7

[0161] Each component shown in Table 2 was uniformly mixed to prepare each liquid composition. The obtained liquid composition was analyzed and the stability of non-polymer catechins was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 2 together with the results of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1.

[0162] [Table 2]

[0163]

[0164] *1:Teavigo (Taiyo Chemical Co., Ltd.): Non-polymer catechins 94%

[0165] *2: Watanabe Chemical Co., Ltd.

[0166] *3: HAP-100, MARUHA NICHIRO Corporation

[0167] Examples 9 to 12

[0168] Each component shown in Table 3 was uniformly mixed to prepare each liquid composition. The obtained liquid composition was analyzed and the stability of non-polymer catechins was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 3 together with the results of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1.

[0169] [Table 3]

[0170]

[0171] *1:Teavigo (Taiyo Chemical Co., Ltd.): Non-polymer catechins 94%

[0172] *2: Watanabe Chemical Co., Ltd.

[0173] *3: HAP-100, MARUHA NICHIRO Corporation

[0174] Examples 13 to 15 and Comparative Examples 8 to 10

[0175] Each component shown in Table 4 was uniformly mixed to prepare each liquid composition. The obtained liquid composition was analyzed and the stability of non-polymer catechins was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 4 together with the results of Example 1.

[0176] [Table 4]

[0177]

[0178] *1:Teavigo (Taiyo Chemical Co., Ltd.): Non-polymer catechins 94%

[0179] *2: Watanabe Chemical Co., Ltd.

[0180] *3: HAP-100, MARUHA NICHIRO Corporation

[0181] As can be seen from Tables 1 to 4, by incorporating specific amounts of ascorbic acid or a salt thereof and a specific cationic substance, respectively, relative to a specific amount of non-polymer catechins, the stability of the non-polymer catechins can be improved.

Claims

1. A liquid composition, wherein Contains the following ingredients (A), (B) and (C): (A) non-polymer catechins, wherein the content thereof is 0.06 to 0.6% by mass; (B) ascorbic acid or a salt thereof, in an amount of 0.008 to 0.08% by mass; and (C) a cationic substance, the content of which is 0.0005 to 0.4% by mass, The binding constant of component (C) to component (A) is 1.0×10 4 M -1 above, The mass ratio of component (A) to component (B) (B) / (A) is 0.05 to 0.6, The mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (C), (C) / (A), is 0.0099 to 4.

44.

2. The liquid composition according to claim 1, wherein Component (C) is at least one selected from the group consisting of cationic proteins, cationized polymers and cationic surfactants.

3. The liquid composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Component (C) is at least one selected from protamine and lactoferrin.

4. The liquid composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The pH value is 4-7.

5. A container-packed beverage, wherein: The liquid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is filled in a container.

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