Cocoa-derived composition, and humectant, skin quality improving agent, hair quality improving agent, cosmetic for skin, cosmetic for hair, pharmaceutical composition, and food composition containing same

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide: a cocoa-derived composition containing free ceramide; and a humectant, a skin quality improving agent, a hair quality improving agent, a cosmetic for skin, a cosmetic for hair, a pharmaceutical composition, and a food composition containing the cocoa-derived composition. Provided are: a cocoa-derived composition containing a cocoa-derived free ceramide, which is characterized in that: the cocoa-derived composition contains a cocoa-derived free ceramide; and a humectant, a skin quality-improving agent, a hair quality-improving agent, a cosmetic for skin, a cosmetic for hair, a pharmaceutical composition, and a food composition, each of which contains the cocoa-derived composition. The amount of free ceramide derived from cocoa is 1.2 mass% or more based on the mass of the composition derived from cocoa.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cocoa-derived composition, and a moisturizer, a skin quality improver, a hair quality improver, a skin cosmetic, a hair cosmetic, a pharmaceutical composition, and a food composition containing the cocoa-derived composition. Background Art

[0002] Ceramide is a main component of intercellular lipids present in the stratum corneum of the human epidermis and is known to be an important component in the barrier function and moisturizing function of the skin. In addition, it is also widely known that the amount of ceramide (especially ceramide AP) decreases with age, and ceramide needs to be supplemented by application to the skin or oral ingestion.

[0003] Ceramide present in human epidermis is free ceramide (free-type ceramide). Free ceramide generally has a different structure from glycosphingolipids (glycoceramide) contained in plants, and therefore it is difficult to obtain free ceramide in large quantities from raw materials existing in nature.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a method for obtaining free ceramide from chestnut peel.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2018 / 021476 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a cocoa-derived composition containing free ceramide, and a moisturizer, a skin quality improver, a hair quality improver, a skin cosmetic, a hair cosmetic, a pharmaceutical composition, and a food composition containing the cocoa-derived composition.

[0010] Solutions for solving problems

[0011] The present invention provides the following inventions.

[0012] [A1] A cocoa-derived composition comprising a cocoa-derived ingredient, wherein the cocoa-derived ingredient includes ceramide AP.

[0013] [A2] The cocoa-derived composition according to [A1], wherein the cocoa-derived component contains free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and the ratio of the amount of ceramide AP to the total amount of ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP is 0.30 or more, in terms of mass ratio.

[0014] [A3] The cocoa-derived composition according to [A1] or [A2], wherein the cocoa-derived component contains glucosylceramide, and the ratio of the amount of ceramide AP to the amount of glucosylceramide, by mass ratio, is 0.0020 or more.

[0015] [A4] The cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A3], wherein the cocoa-derived component contains free ceramides other than ceramide AP and glucosylceramide, and the ratio of the total amount of ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP to the amount of glucosylceramide is 0.0050 or more in terms of mass ratio.

[0016] [A5] The cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A4], wherein the cocoa-derived component contains free ceramides other than ceramide AP and glucosylceramides, and the ratio, by mass ratio, of the total amount of ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP to the total amount of ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramides is 0.0050 or more.

[0017] [A6] The cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A5], wherein the cocoa-derived component contains free ceramides other than ceramide AP and glucosylceramides, and the ratio of the amount of ceramide AP to the total amount of ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramides is 0.0020 or more, in terms of mass ratio.

[0018] [A7] The cacao-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A6], wherein the cacao-derived component is a component obtained by subjecting one or more extraction raw materials selected from the group consisting of cacao pod husks, cacao pulp, cacao bean shells, cacao bean endosperm, and cacao bean germ to an extraction treatment using an extraction solvent.

[0019] [A8] The cocoa-derived composition according to [A7], wherein the extraction raw material contains cocoa shells.

[0020] [A9] A moisturizer comprising the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8].

[0021] [A10] The moisturizing agent according to [A9], wherein the amount of ceramide AP is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the moisturizing agent.

[0022] [A11] A skin quality improving agent comprising the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8].

[0023] [A12] The skin quality improving agent according to [A11], wherein the amount of ceramide AP is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the skin quality improving agent.

[0024] [A13] A hair quality improving agent comprising the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8].

[0025] [A14] The hair quality improving agent according to [A13], wherein the amount of ceramide AP is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the hair quality improving agent.

[0026] [A15] A skin cosmetic comprising the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8].

[0027] [A16] The skin cosmetic according to [A15], wherein the amount of ceramide AP is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the skin cosmetic.

[0028] [A17] The skin cosmetic according to [A15] or [A16], wherein the skin cosmetic is a scalp cosmetic.

[0029] [A18] A hair cosmetic comprising the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8].

[0030] [A19] The hair cosmetic according to [A18], wherein the amount of ceramide AP is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the hair cosmetic.

[0031] [A20] A pharmaceutical composition comprising the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8].

[0032] [A21] The pharmaceutical composition according to [A20], wherein the amount of ceramide AP is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the pharmaceutical composition.

[0033] [A22] A food composition comprising the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8].

[0034] [A23] The food composition according to [A22], wherein the amount of ceramide AP is 0.0006% by mass or more based on the mass of the food composition.

[0035] [A24] A method for moisturizing the skin or hair of a subject, comprising applying the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8] to the skin or hair of the subject.

[0036] [A25] A method for improving skin quality of a subject, comprising applying the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8] to the skin of the subject.

[0037] [A26] A method for improving the hair quality of a subject, comprising applying the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8] to the hair of the subject.

[0038] [A27] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8] for moisturizing the skin or hair of a subject.

[0039] [A28] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8] for improving skin quality of a subject.

[0040] [A29] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8] for improving hair quality of a subject.

[0041] [A30] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8], which is use as an active ingredient of a moisturizing agent.

[0042] [A31] The use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8], which is the use as an active ingredient of a skin quality improving agent.

[0043] [A32] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8], which is use as an active ingredient in a hair quality improving agent.

[0044] [A33] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8], which is use in the production of a moisturizing agent.

[0045] [A34] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8], which is for the production of a skin quality improving agent.

[0046] [A35] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8], which is use in the manufacture of a hair quality improving agent.

[0047] [A36] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8], wherein the use is for the production of a skin cosmetic.

[0048] [A37] The use according to [A36], wherein the skin cosmetic is a scalp cosmetic.

[0049] [A38] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8] for producing a hair cosmetic.

[0050] [A39] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8], which is use in the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition.

[0051] [A40] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8], which is use in the production of a food composition.

[0052] In addition, the present invention provides the following inventions.

[0053] [B1] A cocoa-derived composition comprising cocoa-derived free ceramide, wherein the amount of the cocoa-derived free ceramide is 1.2% by mass or more based on the mass of the cocoa-derived composition.

[0054] [B2] A moisturizer comprising the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1].

[0055] [B3] The moisturizing agent according to [B2], wherein the amount of free ceramide derived from cocoa is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the moisturizing agent.

[0056] [B4] A skin quality improving agent comprising the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1].

[0057] [B5] The skin quality improving agent according to [B4], wherein the amount of free ceramide derived from cocoa is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the skin quality improving agent.

[0058] [B6] A hair quality improving agent comprising the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1].

[0059] [B7] The hair quality improving agent according to [B6], wherein the amount of free ceramide derived from cocoa is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the hair quality improving agent.

[0060] [B8] A skin cosmetic comprising the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1].

[0061] [B9] The skin cosmetic according to [B8], wherein the amount of free ceramide derived from cocoa is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the skin cosmetic.

[0062] [B10] The skin cosmetic according to [B8] or [B9], wherein the skin cosmetic is a scalp cosmetic.

[0063] [B11] A hair cosmetic comprising the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1].

[0064] [B12] The hair cosmetic according to [B11], wherein the amount of free ceramide derived from cocoa is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the hair cosmetic.

[0065] [B13] A pharmaceutical composition comprising the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1].

[0066] [B14] The pharmaceutical composition according to [B13], wherein the amount of free ceramide derived from cocoa is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the pharmaceutical composition.

[0067] [B15] A food composition comprising the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1].

[0068] [B16] The food composition according to [B15], wherein the amount of free ceramide derived from cocoa is 0.0006% by mass or more based on the mass of the food composition.

[0069] [B17] A method for moisturizing the skin or hair of a subject, comprising applying the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1] to the skin or hair of the subject.

[0070] [B18] A method for improving skin quality of a subject, comprising applying the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1] to the skin of the subject.

[0071] [B19] A method for improving hair quality of a subject, comprising applying the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1] to the hair of the subject.

[0072] [B20] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1] for moisturizing the skin or hair of a subject.

[0073] [B21] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1] for improving skin quality of a subject.

[0074] [B22] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1] for improving hair quality of a subject.

[0075] [B23] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1] as an active ingredient of a moisturizer.

[0076] [B24] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1] as an active ingredient of a skin quality improving agent.

[0077] [B25] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1] as an active ingredient in a hair quality improving agent.

[0078] [B26] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1] for the production of a moisturizer.

[0079] [B27] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1] for the manufacture of a skin quality improving agent.

[0080] [B28] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1] for the manufacture of a hair quality improving agent.

[0081] [B29] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1] for the production of skin cosmetics.

[0082] [B30] The use according to [B29], wherein the skin cosmetic is a scalp cosmetic.

[0083] [B31] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1] for the production of a hair cosmetic.

[0084] [B32] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1] for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition.

[0085] [B33] The use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1] for the production of a food composition.

[0086] In addition, the present invention provides the following inventions.

[0087] [C1] A composition derived from cocoa, comprising an extract from cocoa bean shells, wherein the extract from cocoa bean shells contains free ceramide derived from cocoa, and the extract from cocoa bean shells is obtained by a method comprising the following steps:

[0088] (a) a step of separating ground cacao beans into a cacao bean endosperm component and a cacao shell component by air separation to obtain the cacao shell component as a first cacao-derived raw material;

[0089] (b) a step of selecting, if necessary, materials that do not pass 16 mesh from the first cocoa-derived raw material to obtain a second cocoa-derived raw material; and

[0090] (c) A step of subjecting the first cacao-derived raw material or the second cacao-derived raw material to an extraction treatment using an extraction solvent to obtain a cacao husk extract.

[0091] [C2] The cacao-derived composition according to [C1], wherein in step (c), the first cacao-derived raw material or the second cacao-derived raw material is extracted with an extraction solvent and then the obtained extract is purified to obtain a cacao husk extract.

[0092] [C3] A moisturizer comprising the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2].

[0093] [C4] The moisturizing agent according to [C3], wherein the amount of free ceramide derived from cocoa is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the moisturizing agent.

[0094] [C5] A skin quality improving agent comprising the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2].

[0095] [C6] The skin quality improving agent according to [C5], wherein the amount of free ceramide derived from cocoa is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the skin quality improving agent.

[0096] [C7] A hair quality improving agent comprising the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2].

[0097] [C8] The hair quality improving agent according to [C7], wherein the amount of free ceramide derived from cocoa is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the hair quality improving agent.

[0098] [C9] A skin cosmetic comprising the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2].

[0099] [C10] The skin cosmetic according to [C9], wherein the amount of free ceramide derived from cocoa is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the skin cosmetic.

[0100] [C11] The skin cosmetic according to [C9] or [C10], wherein the skin cosmetic is a scalp cosmetic.

[0101] [C12] A hair cosmetic comprising the cocoa-derived composition according to [C1] or [C2].

[0102] [C13] The hair cosmetic according to [C12], wherein the amount of free ceramide derived from cocoa is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the hair cosmetic.

[0103] [C14] A pharmaceutical composition comprising the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2].

[0104] [C15] The pharmaceutical composition according to [C14], wherein the amount of free ceramide derived from cocoa is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the pharmaceutical composition.

[0105] [C16] A food composition comprising the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2].

[0106] [C17] The food composition described in [C16], wherein the amount of free ceramide derived from cocoa is 0.0006% by mass or more based on the mass of the food composition.

[0107] [C18] A method for moisturizing the skin or hair of a subject, comprising applying the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] to the skin or hair of the subject.

[0108] [C19] A method for improving skin quality of a subject, comprising applying the cocoa-derived composition of [C1] or [C2] to the skin of the subject.

[0109] [C20] A method for improving the hair quality of a subject, comprising applying the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] to the hair of the subject.

[0110] [C21] Use of the cocoa-derived composition of [C1] or [C2] for moisturizing the skin or hair of a subject.

[0111] [C22] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] for improving skin quality of a subject.

[0112] [C23] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] for improving hair quality of a subject.

[0113] [C24] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] as an active ingredient of a moisturizer.

[0114] [C25] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] as an active ingredient in a skin quality improving agent.

[0115] [C26] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] as an active ingredient in a hair quality improving agent.

[0116] [C27] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] for the production of a moisturizer.

[0117] [C28] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] for the manufacture of a skin quality improving agent.

[0118] [C29] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] for the manufacture of a hair quality improving agent.

[0119] [C30] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] for the production of skin cosmetics.

[0120] [C31] The use according to [C30], wherein the skin cosmetic is a scalp cosmetic.

[0121] [C32] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] for the production of a hair cosmetic.

[0122] [C33] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition.

[0123] [C34] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2], which is use in the production of a food composition.

[0124] Effects of the Invention

[0125] According to the present invention, a cocoa-derived composition containing free ceramide, and a moisturizer, a skin quality improver, a hair quality improver, a skin cosmetic, a hair cosmetic, a pharmaceutical composition, and a food composition containing the cocoa-derived composition are provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0126] Combinations from Cocoa

[0127] According to one embodiment, the invention relates to a composition derived from cocoa.

[0128] The form of the cocoa-derived composition is not particularly limited. Examples of the embodiment of the cocoa-derived composition include a powdery form, a paste form, and a liquid form.

[0129] The cocoa-derived composition is a composition containing one or more cocoa-derived ingredients. In addition to containing one or more cocoa-derived ingredients, the cocoa-derived composition may also contain one or more other ingredients. In this specification, one or more cocoa-derived ingredients are simply referred to as "cocoa-derived ingredients".

[0130] Cocoa pods (cocoa fruits) have a hard shell, and the inside of the shell contains pulp and cocoa beans (seeds). Cocoa beans have a shell, and the inside of the shell contains endosperm and germ. In this specification, the shell of the cocoa pod is called "cocoa pod shell", the pulp inside the cocoa pod is called "cocoa pulp", the outer skin of the cocoa bean is called "cocoa bean shell", the endosperm of the cocoa bean is called "cocoa bean endosperm", and the germ of the cocoa bean is called "cocoa bean germ".

[0131] The ingredients derived from cocoa are ingredients obtained by using the whole or part of cocoa pods as raw materials and the raw materials. There are no particular restrictions on the variety and origin of cocoa. As the variety of cocoa, for example, Forastero variety, Criollo variety, Trinitario variety, their derived varieties or hybrid varieties, etc. can be listed. As the origin of cocoa, for example, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Brazil, Venezuela, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Dominican Republic, etc. can be listed. As the part of cocoa pods used as raw materials, for example, cocoa pod shells, cocoa pulp, cocoa bean shells, cocoa bean endosperm, cocoa bean germ, etc. can be listed. One part of cocoa pods can be used as the raw material, and two or more parts of cocoa pods can be used as the raw material. From the viewpoint of efficiently obtaining the target cocoa-derived components (free ceramides (e.g., ceramide AP and / or free ceramides other than ceramide AP), glucosylceramides, etc., particularly free ceramides), the part of the cocoa pod used as the raw material preferably contains cocoa beans or parts thereof (e.g., cocoa shells, cocoa endosperm, cocoa germs, etc.), and more preferably contains cocoa shells. Examples of cocoa-derived components include ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, glucosylceramides, etc. The cocoa-derived components may include one or more of these.

[0132] Cocoa beans can be harvested from cocoa pods together with pulp. The harvested cocoa beans can be used directly as a raw material, or cocoa beans that have been subjected to one or more treatments after harvesting can be used as a raw material. The one or more treatments implemented after harvesting can be selected from, for example, fermentation treatment, pulping treatment, crushing treatment, screening of crushed materials, grinding treatment, drying treatment, sterilization treatment, and roasting treatment (Roasting). From the viewpoint of efficiently obtaining the target cocoa-derived components (free ceramides (e.g., ceramide AP and / or free ceramides other than ceramide AP), glucosylceramides, etc., especially free ceramides), it is preferred that the temperature of the roasting treatment is low. In addition, from this viewpoint, the shorter the fermentation treatment time, the more preferred. It should be noted that the fermentation treatment is a treatment that keeps the cocoa beans in a fermentable state, and the fermentation of the cocoa beans can be performed just after the cocoa beans are taken out of the cocoa pods.

[0133] The cocoa-derived component is preferably a component obtained by subjecting one or more extraction raw materials selected from cocoa pod shells, cocoa pulp, cocoa bean shells, cocoa bean endosperm and cocoa bean germ to an extraction treatment using an extraction solvent. That is, the cocoa-derived composition preferably contains one or more extracts selected from cocoa pod shells, cocoa pulp extracts, cocoa bean shell extracts, cocoa bean endosperm extracts and cocoa bean germ extracts. The cocoa-derived composition may be composed of one or more extracts selected from these extracts. These extracts each contain a cocoa-derived component (free ceramide (e.g., ceramide AP and / or free ceramides other than ceramide AP), glucosylceramide, etc., particularly free ceramide).

[0134] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improvement effect and hair quality improvement effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the extraction raw material preferably contains cocoa bean shells. That is, the cocoa-derived composition preferably contains an extract of cocoa bean shells. The extraction raw material may contain one or more selected from cocoa pod shells, cocoa pulp, cocoa bean endosperm and cocoa bean germ in addition to cocoa bean shells. That is, the cocoa-derived composition may contain one or more selected from cocoa bean pod shell extracts, cocoa pulp extracts, cocoa bean endosperm extracts and cocoa bean germ extracts in addition to cocoa bean shell extracts.

[0135] The cocoa pod shell extract, the cocoa pulp extract, the cocoa bean shell extract, the cocoa bean endosperm extract and the cocoa bean germ extract are extracts obtained from cocoa pod shell, cocoa pulp, cocoa bean shell, cocoa bean endosperm and cocoa bean germ as extraction raw materials. The cocoa pod shell, cocoa pulp, cocoa bean shell, cocoa bean endosperm and cocoa bean germ can be obtained by separating from cocoa pods according to conventional methods.

[0136] The extract can be obtained by subjecting the raw material to an extraction treatment using an extraction solvent after drying, pulverizing, screening the pulverized material, etc. as needed. Prior to the extraction treatment, the raw material can be subjected to a defatting treatment using a non-polar solvent (e.g., hexane).

[0137] The extraction treatment is a treatment for extracting the target cocoa-derived components (free ceramides (e.g., ceramide AP and / or free ceramides other than ceramide AP), glucosylceramides, etc., especially free ceramides) from the extraction raw material using an extraction solvent, and can be performed according to conventional methods. The extraction treatment can be performed, for example, by contacting the extraction raw material with the extraction solvent. The amount of the extraction solvent used is, for example, 1 to 8 L per 100 g of the extraction raw material. The temperature at which the extraction raw material contacts the extraction solvent is, for example, 25 to 80° C. The time for which the extraction raw material contacts the extraction solvent is, for example, 1 to 24 hours. The contact between the extraction raw material and the extraction solvent can be, for example, by immersing the extraction raw material in the extraction solvent and stirring as needed. After the extraction treatment, the mixture of the extraction raw material and the extraction solvent is subjected to a solid-liquid separation treatment to remove the extraction residue, thereby obtaining an extract. The solid-liquid separation treatment can be selected, for example, from filtration (e.g., natural filtration, suction filtration, etc.), centrifugal separation, decantation, etc. A dilute solution or a concentrated solution can be obtained by diluting or concentrating the extract. A dried product can be obtained by drying the extract, the dilute solution, or the concentrated solution. A crude purified product or a purified product can be obtained by purifying an extract, a diluent, a concentrated solution or a dried product. Dilution, concentration, drying and purification can be carried out according to a conventional method respectively. The extract also includes any form of an extract, a diluent, a concentrated solution, a dried product, a crude purified product and a purified product.

[0138] The extraction solvent is not particularly limited as long as it can extract the target cocoa-derived component (free ceramide (e.g., ceramide AP and / or free ceramides other than ceramide AP), glucosylceramide, etc., especially free ceramide). A single solvent may be used as the extraction solvent, or a mixed solvent of two or more may be used as the extraction solvent. The extraction solvent is preferably used at room temperature or a temperature below the boiling point.

[0139] The extraction solvent can be selected from polar solvents, and preferably can be selected from aliphatic alcohols having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples of aliphatic alcohols having 1 to 6 carbon atoms include methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, and the like. The aliphatic alcohol may be linear or branched. Taking propanol as an example, it may be n-propanol or isopropanol. From the viewpoint of efficiently extracting the target cocoa-derived components (free ceramides (e.g., ceramide AP and / or free ceramides other than ceramide AP), glucosylceramides, etc., especially free ceramides), aliphatic alcohols having 2 to 6 carbon atoms are preferred, and ethanol is particularly preferred.

[0140] From the viewpoint of efficiently extracting the target cocoa-derived components (free ceramides (e.g., ceramide AP and / or free ceramides other than ceramide AP), glucosylceramides, etc., especially free ceramides), the less methanol in the extraction solvent, the more preferably. The content of methanol is preferably 30% by volume or less, more preferably 20% by volume or less, and even more preferably 10% by volume or less, based on the volume of the extraction solvent. The lower limit is 0.

[0141] From the viewpoint of efficiently extracting the target cocoa-derived components (free ceramides (e.g., ceramide AP and / or free ceramides other than ceramide AP), glucosylceramides, etc., especially free ceramides), the less the non-polar solvent (e.g., pentane, octane, hexane, etc.) in the extraction solvent, the more preferably. The total content of the non-polar solvent is preferably 60% by volume or less, more preferably 50% by volume or less, and even more preferably 40% by volume or less, based on the volume of the extraction solvent. The lower limit is 0.

[0142] From the viewpoint of efficiently extracting the target cocoa-derived components (free ceramides (e.g., ceramide AP and / or free ceramides other than ceramide AP), glucosylceramide, etc., especially free ceramide), the less water in the extraction solvent, the better. The water content is preferably 5% by volume or less, more preferably 1% by volume or less, and even more preferably 0.5% by volume or less, based on the volume of the extraction solvent. The lower limit is 0.

[0143] From the viewpoint of efficiently extracting the target cocoa-derived components (free ceramides (e.g., ceramide AP and / or free ceramides other than ceramide AP), glucosylceramides, etc., especially free ceramides), the less polyols (e.g., propylene glycol, butylene glycol, glycerol, etc.) in the extraction solvent, the more preferably. The total content of the polyols is preferably 20% by volume or less, more preferably 10% by volume or less, and even more preferably 5% by volume or less, based on the volume of the extraction solvent. The lower limit is 0.

[0144] Hereinafter, embodiments of the cocoa-derived composition will be described.

[0145] <First embodiment>

[0146] The cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment has the feature A described below. The cocoa-derived composition having the feature A described below has a moisturizing effect, a skin quality improving effect, and a hair quality improving effect. From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, the skin quality improving effect, and the hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment preferably has one or more of the features B to H described below in addition to the feature A described below.

[0147] The moisturizing effect is exerted, for example, by the inhibitory effect of transepidermal water evaporation. However, the moisturizing effect is not limited to the moisturizing effect exerted by the inhibitory effect of transepidermal water evaporation. The skin quality improvement effect is exerted, for example, by the moisturizing effect. However, the skin quality improvement effect is not limited to the skin quality improvement effect exerted by the moisturizing effect. The skin as the object can be the skin of any part of the body, for example, the skin of the face, head, neck, back, shoulders, chest, abdomen, hands, feet, etc. can be listed. Skin quality improvement includes prevention, treatment or improvement of dry skin, rough skin, sagging, dullness, formation of spots or wrinkles, reduction of skin softness or elasticity, reduction of skin barrier function, etc., caused by the reduction of skin moisturizing function (including aging symptoms). The hair quality improvement effect is exerted, for example, by the moisturizing effect. However, the hair quality improvement effect is not limited to the hair quality improvement effect exerted by the moisturizing effect. The hair as the object can be the hair grown in any part of the body, for example, hair, eyebrows, armpit hair, beard, body hair, etc. can be listed. Improving hair quality includes preventing, treating or improving symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by a decrease in the moisturizing function of hair, such as dry hair, rough hair, and decreased softness or elasticity of hair.

[0148] [Feature A]

[0149] The cocoa-derived component preferably contains ceramide AP. The cocoa-derived component may contain one type of ceramide AP, or may contain two or more types of ceramide AP.

[0150] Ceramide AP is a compound composed of phytosphingosine and an α-hydroxy fatty acid amide-bonded to the phytosphingosine. The amide bond is formed by the amino group of phytosphingosine and the carboxyl group of the α-hydroxy fatty acid. Ceramide AP is a type of free ceramide.

[0151] The α-hydroxy fatty acid constituting ceramide AP preferably has 16 to 36 carbon atoms, more preferably 20 to 26 carbon atoms, and even more preferably 24 to 26 carbon atoms, from the viewpoint of enhancing the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition.

[0152] The number of carbon-carbon double bonds of the α-hydroxy fatty acid constituting ceramide AP is preferably 0 to 2, more preferably 0 or 1, and even more preferably 0, from the viewpoint of enhancing the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition.

[0153] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improvement effect, and hair quality improvement effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the number of hydroxyl groups of the α-hydroxy fatty acid constituting ceramide AP is preferably 1, and may be 2 or more. The α-hydroxy fatty acid has an α-hydroxyl group. The α-hydroxy fatty acid may have a hydroxyl group other than the α-hydroxyl group (e.g., a β-hydroxyl group).

[0154] [Feature B]

[0155] The cocoa-derived component preferably contains free ceramides other than ceramide AP. The cocoa-derived component may contain one type of free ceramide other than ceramide AP, or may contain two or more types of free ceramides other than ceramide AP.

[0156] Free ceramide is a compound composed of a ceramide skeleton. The ceramide skeleton is composed of a sphingoid base and a fatty acid that forms an amide bond with the sphingoid base. The amide bond is formed by the amino group of the sphingoid base and the carboxyl group of the fatty acid. The hydroxyl group of the sphingoid base in free ceramide is not bonded to a sugar, phosphoric acid, or the like.

[0157] The number of carbon atoms in the sphingoid base constituting the free ceramide other than ceramide AP is preferably 14 to 24, more preferably 16 to 20, and even more preferably 18, from the viewpoint of enhancing the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition.

[0158] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improvement effect, and hair quality improvement effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the number of carbon-carbon double bonds of the sphingoid base constituting the free ceramide other than ceramide AP is preferably 0 to 2, more preferably 0 or 1, and even more preferably 0. When the number of carbon-carbon double bonds is 1, the position and EZ configuration of the carbon-carbon double bonds are, for example, 8Z, 8E, etc. When the number of carbon-carbon double bonds is 2, the position and EZ configuration of the carbon-carbon double bonds are, for example, (4E, 8Z), (4E, 8E), etc.

[0159] The number of hydroxyl groups of the sphingoid base constituting the free ceramide other than ceramide AP is preferably 1 to 3, more preferably 2 or 3, and even more preferably 3, from the viewpoint of enhancing the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition.

[0160] Examples of sphingoid bases constituting free ceramides other than ceramide AP include dihydrosphingosine, sphingosine, phytosphingosine, 6-hydroxysphingosine, 4-hydroxysphingosine, and 4,8-sphingadienol. From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, dihydrosphingosine and 4-hydroxysphingosine are preferred, and 4-hydroxysphingosine is more preferred.

[0161] From the viewpoint of enhancing the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the number of carbon atoms of the fatty acid constituting the free ceramide other than ceramide AP is preferably 16 to 36, more preferably 20 to 26, and even more preferably 24 to 26.

[0162] From the viewpoint of enhancing the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the number of carbon-carbon double bonds of the fatty acid constituting the free ceramide other than ceramide AP is preferably 0 to 2, more preferably 0 or 1, and even more preferably 0.

[0163] From the viewpoint of enhancing the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the number of hydroxyl groups of the fatty acid constituting the free ceramide other than ceramide AP is preferably 0 to 2, more preferably 1 or 2, and even more preferably 1.

[0164] The fatty acid constituting the free ceramide other than ceramide AP can be selected from, for example, non-hydroxy fatty acids, monohydroxy fatty acids, dihydroxy fatty acids, ω-hydroxy fatty acid esters, and the like.

[0165] Examples of the combination of (sphingoid base)-(fatty acid) constituting free ceramides other than ceramide AP include the following combinations.

[0166] (1) Combination of (a sphingoid base having 2 hydroxyl groups, 14 to 24 carbon atoms (particularly 16 to 20 carbon atoms) and 0 carbon-carbon double bonds) - (a fatty acid having 16 to 36 carbon atoms (particularly 20 to 26 carbon atoms) and 0 carbon-carbon double bonds

[0167] (2) Combination of (a sphingoid base having 2 hydroxyl groups, 14 to 24 carbon atoms (particularly 16 to 20 carbon atoms) and 1 carbon-carbon double bond) - (a fatty acid having 16 to 36 carbon atoms (particularly 20 to 26 carbon atoms) and 0 carbon-carbon double bonds)

[0168] (3) Combination of (a sphingoid base having 2 hydroxyl groups, 14 to 24 carbon atoms (particularly 16 to 20 carbon atoms) and 2 carbon-carbon double bonds) - (a fatty acid having 16 to 36 carbon atoms (particularly 20 to 26 carbon atoms) and 0 carbon-carbon double bonds

[0169] (4) Combination of (a sphingoid base having 3 hydroxyl groups, 14 to 24 carbon atoms (particularly 16 to 20 carbon atoms) and 0 carbon-carbon double bonds) - (a fatty acid having 16 to 36 carbon atoms (particularly 20 to 26 carbon atoms) and 0 carbon-carbon double bonds

[0170] (5) Combination of (a sphingoid base having 3 hydroxyl groups, 14 to 24 carbon atoms (particularly 16 to 20 carbon atoms) and 1 carbon-carbon double bond) - (a fatty acid having 16 to 36 carbon atoms (particularly 20 to 26 carbon atoms) and 0 carbon-carbon double bonds)

[0171] (6) Combination of (a sphingoid base having 3 hydroxyl groups, 14 to 24 carbon atoms (particularly 16 to 20 carbon atoms) and 2 carbon-carbon double bonds) - (a fatty acid having 16 to 36 carbon atoms (particularly 20 to 26 carbon atoms) and 0 carbon-carbon double bonds

[0172] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the cocoa-derived component preferably contains one or more free ceramides other than ceramide AP selected from combinations (1) to (6) which are combinations of (sphingoid base)-(fatty acid). In combinations (1) to (6), the number of hydroxyl groups of the fatty acid is preferably 0 to 2, more preferably 1 or 2, and even more preferably 1. In combinations (1) to (6), the fatty acid may have an α-hydroxyl group. In combinations (1) to (6), the fatty acid may have a hydroxyl group other than an α-hydroxyl group (e.g., a β-hydroxyl group).

[0173] Free ceramide includes the following free ceramides generated by the bonding pattern of sphingoid base and fatty acid.

[0174] [Table A]

[0175] Non-hydroxy fatty acids α-Hydroxy fatty acids ω-Hydroxy fatty acid esters Dihydrosphingosine Ceramide NDS Ceramide ADS Ceramide EODS Sphingosine Ceramide NS Ceramide AS Ceramide EOS Phytosphingosine Ceramide NP Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP 6-Hydroxysphingosine Ceramide NH Ceramide AH Ceramide EOH

[0176] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the cocoa-derived component preferably contains one or more free ceramides other than ceramide AP selected from a combination of (sphingoid base)-(fatty acid), that is, a sphingoid base having 2 or 3 hydroxyl groups, 18 carbon atoms and 0 or 1 carbon-carbon double bonds)-(fatty acid having 20 to 26 carbon atoms, 0 carbon-carbon double bonds and 0 to 2 hydroxyl groups.

[0177] [Feature C]

[0178] The cocoa-derived component preferably contains glucosylceramide. The cocoa-derived component may contain one type of glucosylceramide or two or more types of glucosylceramide.

[0179] Glucosylceramide is a compound composed of a ceramide skeleton and glucose glycosidically bonded to the hydroxyl group of the sphingosine base in the ceramide skeleton.

[0180] The ceramide skeleton is composed of a sphingoid base and a fatty acid that forms an amide bond with the sphingoid base. The amide bond is formed by an amino group of the sphingoid base and a carboxyl group of the fatty acid.

[0181] The number of carbon atoms in the sphingoid base constituting glucosylceramide is preferably 14 to 24, more preferably 16 to 20, and even more preferably 18, from the viewpoint of enhancing the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition.

[0182] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improvement effect, and hair quality improvement effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the number of carbon-carbon double bonds of the sphingoid base constituting glucosylceramide is preferably 0 to 2, more preferably 1 or 2. When the number of carbon-carbon double bonds is 1, the position and EZ configuration of the carbon-carbon double bonds are, for example, 8Z, 8E, etc. When the number of carbon-carbon double bonds is 2, the position and EZ configuration of the carbon-carbon double bonds are, for example, (4E, 8Z), (4E, 8E), etc.

[0183] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the number of hydroxyl groups of the sphingoid base constituting glucosylceramide is preferably 1 to 3, more preferably 2 or 3, and even more preferably 3. The number of hydroxyl groups of the sphingoid base constituting glucosylceramide also includes hydroxyl groups glycosidically bonded to glucose.

[0184] Examples of the sphingoid base constituting glucosylceramide include dihydrosphingosine, sphingosine, phytosphingosine, 6-hydroxysphingosine, 4-hydroxysphingosine, and 4,8-sphingadienol. From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improvement effect, and hair quality improvement effect of the cocoa-derived composition, dihydrosphingosine and 4-hydroxysphingosine are preferred, and 4-hydroxysphingosine is more preferred.

[0185] The number of carbon atoms in the fatty acid constituting the glucosylceramide is preferably 16 to 36, more preferably 20 to 26, and even more preferably 24 to 26, from the viewpoint of enhancing the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition.

[0186] The number of carbon-carbon double bonds of the fatty acid constituting glucosylceramide is preferably 0 to 2, more preferably 0 or 1, and even more preferably 0, from the viewpoint of enhancing the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition.

[0187] From the viewpoint of enhancing the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the number of hydroxyl groups of the fatty acid constituting the glucosylceramide is preferably 0 to 2, more preferably 1 or 2, and even more preferably 1.

[0188] The fatty acid constituting glucosylceramide can be selected from, for example, non-hydroxy fatty acids, monohydroxy fatty acids, dihydroxy fatty acids, ω-hydroxy fatty acid esters, etc. The fatty acid constituting glucosylceramide can have an α-hydroxyl group (i.e., it can be an α-hydroxy fatty acid). The fatty acid constituting glucosylceramide can also have a hydroxyl group other than an α-hydroxyl group (e.g., a β-hydroxyl group).

[0189] As the combination of (sphingosine base)-(fatty acid) constituting glucosylceramide, for example, the above-mentioned combinations (1) to (6) can be cited. From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improvement effect and hair quality improvement effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the cocoa-derived component preferably contains one or more glucosylceramides selected from the combinations (1) to (6) as the combination of (sphingosine base)-(fatty acid). In the combinations (1) to (6), the number of hydroxyl groups of the fatty acid is preferably 0 to 2, more preferably 1 or 2, and even more preferably 1. In the combinations (1) to (6), the fatty acid may have an α-hydroxyl group. In the combinations (1) to (6), the fatty acid may have a hydroxyl group other than an α-hydroxyl group (e.g., a β-hydroxyl group).

[0190] The ingredients derived from cocoa may contain one or more glycosylceramides other than glucosylceramide. Glycosylceramide is a compound consisting of a ceramide skeleton and a sugar glycosidically bonded to the hydroxyl group of the sphingoid base in the ceramide skeleton. Examples of glycosylceramides other than glucosylceramide include galactosylceramide and the like. Galactosylceramide is a compound consisting of a ceramide skeleton and a galactose glycosidically bonded to the hydroxyl group of the sphingoid base in the ceramide skeleton.

[0191] [Feature D]

[0192] The cocoa-derived component preferably contains ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramide. The cocoa-derived component may contain one free ceramide other than ceramide AP, or may contain two or more free ceramides other than ceramide AP. The cocoa-derived component may contain one glucosylceramide, or may contain two or more glucosylceramides.

[0193] The descriptions about ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramide are as described above.

[0194] [Feature E]

[0195] When the cocoa-derived component contains ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP, the ratio of the amount of ceramide AP to the total amount of ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP (hereinafter referred to as "ratio A") is preferably 0.30 or more, more preferably 0.35 or more, further preferably 0.40 or more, and further preferably 0.45 or more, in terms of mass ratio.

[0196] The upper limit of the ratio A is not particularly limited, and is preferably 0.99 or less, more preferably 0.95 or less, further preferably 0.90 or less, further preferably 0.85 or less, further preferably 0.80 or less in terms of mass ratio. These upper limits may be combined with any of the above lower limits.

[0197] When the cocoa-derived component contains one type of ceramide AP, the “amount of ceramide AP” refers to the amount of the one type of ceramide AP, and when the cocoa-derived component contains two or more types of ceramide AP, it refers to the total amount of the two or more types of ceramide AP.

[0198] When the cocoa-derived component contains one type of free ceramide other than ceramide AP, the “amount of free ceramides other than ceramide AP” means the amount of the one type of free ceramide, and when the cocoa-derived component contains two or more types of free ceramides other than ceramide AP, it means the total amount of the two or more types of free ceramides.

[0199] The ratio A is calculated based on the amount of ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient and the amount of free ceramide contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient. The cocoa-derived composition may or may not contain ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient. In the case where the cocoa-derived composition contains ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient, the amount of ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient is not used in calculating the ratio A. The cocoa-derived composition may or may not contain free ceramide other than free ceramide contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient. In the case where the cocoa-derived composition contains free ceramide other than free ceramide contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient, the amount of free ceramide other than free ceramide contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient is not used in calculating the ratio A.

[0200] [Feature F]

[0201] When the cocoa-derived component contains ceramide AP and glucosylceramide, the ratio of the amount of ceramide AP to the amount of glucosylceramide (hereinafter referred to as "ratio B") is preferably 0.0020 or more, more preferably 0.040 or more, further preferably 0.080 or more, further preferably 0.12 or more, and further preferably 0.16 or more, in terms of mass ratio.

[0202] The upper limit of the ratio B is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5.0 or less, more preferably 4.0 or less, further preferably 3.0 or less, and further preferably 2.0 or less in terms of mass ratio. These upper limits may be combined with any of the above lower limits.

[0203] The meaning of "the amount of ceramide AP" is as described above.

[0204] When the cocoa-derived component contains one type of glucosylceramide, the “amount of glucosylceramide” refers to the amount of the one type of glucosylceramide, and when the cocoa-derived component contains two or more types of glucosylceramide, it refers to the total amount of the two or more types of glucosylceramides.

[0205] The ratio B is calculated based on the amount of ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient and the amount of glucosylceramide contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient. The cocoa-derived composition may or may not contain ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient. In the case where the cocoa-derived composition contains ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient, the amount of ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient is not used in calculating the ratio B. The cocoa-derived composition may or may not contain glucosylceramide other than glucosylceramide contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient. In the case where the cocoa-derived composition contains glucosylceramide other than glucosylceramide contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient, the amount of glucosylceramide other than glucosylceramide contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient is not used in calculating the ratio B.

[0206] [Feature G]

[0207] When the cocoa-derived component contains ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramide, the ratio of the total amount of ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP to the amount of glucosylceramide (hereinafter referred to as "ratio C") is preferably 0.0050 or more, more preferably 0.50 or more, further preferably 1.0 or more, and further preferably 2.0 or more, in terms of mass ratio.

[0208] The upper limit of the ratio C is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 or less, more preferably 9.0 or less, further preferably 8.0 or less, and further preferably 7.0 or less in terms of mass ratio. These upper limits may be combined with any of the above lower limits.

[0209] The “amount of ceramide AP”, “the amount of free ceramides other than ceramide AP” and “the amount of glucosylceramide” have the same meanings as described above.

[0210] The ratio C is calculated based on the amount of ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient, the amount of free ceramide contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient, and the amount of glucosylceramide contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient. Ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient may or may not be contained. In the case where the cocoa-derived composition contains ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient, the amount of ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient is not used in calculating the ratio C. The cocoa-derived composition may or may not contain free ceramide other than free ceramide contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient. In the case where the cocoa-derived composition contains free ceramide other than free ceramide contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient, the amount of free ceramide other than free ceramide contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient is not used in calculating the ratio C. The cocoa-derived composition may or may not contain glucosylceramide other than glucosylceramide contained in the cocoa-derived ingredient. When the cacao-derived composition contains glucosylceramides other than glucosylceramides contained in the cacao-derived component, the amount of glucosylceramides other than glucosylceramides contained in the cacao-derived component is not used in calculating the ratio C.

[0211] [Feature H]

[0212] When the cocoa-derived component contains ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramide, the ratio of the total amount of ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP to the total amount of ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramide (hereinafter referred to as "ratio D") is, in terms of mass ratio, preferably 0.0050 or more, more preferably 0.10 or more, further preferably 0.20 or more, and further preferably 0.30 or more.

[0213] The upper limit of the ratio D is not particularly limited, but is preferably 3.0 or less, more preferably 2.0 or less, and further preferably 1.0 or less in terms of mass ratio. These upper limits may be combined with any of the above lower limits.

[0214] The “amount of ceramide AP”, “the amount of free ceramides other than ceramide AP” and “the amount of glucosylceramide” have the same meanings as described above.

[0215] The ratio D is calculated based on the amount of ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component, the amount of free ceramide contained in the cocoa-derived component, and the amount of glucosylceramide contained in the cocoa-derived component. Ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component may or may not be contained. In the case where the cocoa-derived composition contains ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component, the amount of ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component is not used in calculating the ratio D. The cocoa-derived composition may or may not contain free ceramide other than free ceramide contained in the cocoa-derived component. In the case where the cocoa-derived composition contains free ceramide other than free ceramide contained in the cocoa-derived component, the amount of free ceramide other than free ceramide contained in the cocoa-derived component is not used in calculating the ratio D. The cocoa-derived composition may or may not contain glucosylceramide other than glucosylceramide contained in the cocoa-derived component. When the cacao-derived composition contains glucosylceramides other than glucosylceramides contained in the cacao-derived component, the amount of glucosylceramides other than glucosylceramides contained in the cacao-derived component is not used in calculating the ratio D.

[0216] [Feature I]

[0217] When the cocoa-derived component contains ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramide, the ratio of the amount of ceramide AP to the total amount of ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramide (hereinafter referred to as "ratio E") is, in terms of mass ratio, preferably 0.0020 or more, more preferably 0.040 or more, further preferably 0.080 or more, further preferably 0.12 or more, further preferably 0.16 or more.

[0218] The upper limit of the ratio E is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1.0 or less, more preferably 0.9 or less, further preferably 0.8 or less, and further preferably 0.7 or less in terms of mass ratio. These upper limits may be combined with any of the above lower limits.

[0219] The “amount of ceramide AP”, “the amount of free ceramides other than ceramide AP” and “the amount of glucosylceramide” have the same meanings as described above.

[0220] The ratio E is calculated based on the amount of ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component, the amount of free ceramide contained in the cocoa-derived component, and the amount of glucosylceramide contained in the cocoa-derived component. Ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component may or may not be contained. In the case where the cocoa-derived composition contains ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component, the amount of ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component is not used in calculating the ratio E. The cocoa-derived composition may or may not contain free ceramide other than free ceramide contained in the cocoa-derived component. In the case where the cocoa-derived composition contains free ceramide other than free ceramide contained in the cocoa-derived component, the amount of free ceramide other than free ceramide contained in the cocoa-derived component is not used in calculating the ratio E. The cocoa-derived composition may or may not contain glucosylceramide other than glucosylceramide contained in the cocoa-derived component. When the cacao-derived composition contains glucosylceramides other than glucosylceramides contained in the cacao-derived component, the amount of glucosylceramides other than glucosylceramides contained in the cacao-derived component is not used in calculating the ratio E.

[0221] The amount of ceramide AP, the amount of free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and the amount of glucosylceramide can be measured by analyzing the cocoa-derived composition using a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer (LC-MS / MS). LC-MS / MS analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0222] <Second embodiment>

[0223] In the cacao-derived composition according to the second embodiment, the cacao-derived component contains free ceramide. In the second embodiment, the free ceramide contained in the cacao-derived component may be referred to as "free ceramide derived from cacao".

[0224] In the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment, the cocoa-derived component may contain one free ceramide or two or more free ceramides. The cocoa-derived component may contain one or more free ceramides selected from ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP. The description related to ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP in the first embodiment (see features A and B) also applies to the second embodiment.

[0225] In the cacao-derived composition according to the second embodiment, the cacao-derived component may contain glucosylceramide. The description regarding glucosylceramide in the first embodiment (see feature C) also applies to the second embodiment.

[0226] The cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment has a moisturizing effect, a skin quality improving effect, and a hair quality improving effect.

[0227] The moisturizing effect is exerted, for example, by the inhibitory effect of transepidermal water evaporation. However, the moisturizing effect is not limited to the moisturizing effect exerted by the inhibitory effect of transepidermal water evaporation. The skin quality improvement effect is exerted, for example, by the moisturizing effect. However, the skin quality improvement effect is not limited to the skin quality improvement effect exerted by the moisturizing effect. The skin as the object can be the skin of any part of the body, for example, the skin of the face, head, neck, back, shoulders, chest, abdomen, hands, feet, etc. can be listed. Skin quality improvement includes prevention, treatment or improvement of dry skin, rough skin, sagging, dullness, formation of spots or wrinkles, reduction of skin softness or elasticity, reduction of skin barrier function, etc., caused by the reduction of skin moisturizing function (including aging symptoms). The hair quality improvement effect is exerted, for example, by the moisturizing effect. However, the hair quality improvement effect is not limited to the hair quality improvement effect exerted by the moisturizing effect. The hair as the object can be the hair grown in any part of the body, for example, hair, eyebrows, armpit hair, beard, body hair, etc. can be listed. Improving hair quality includes preventing, treating or improving symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by a decrease in the moisturizing function of hair, such as dry hair, rough hair, and decreased softness or elasticity of hair.

[0228] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment preferably has at least one of the characteristics A and B, more preferably has at least the characteristic A of the characteristics A and B, and even more preferably has both the characteristics A and B. The descriptions of the characteristics A and B are as described above.

[0229] The cacao-derived composition according to the second embodiment may have feature C or feature D. The descriptions regarding feature C and feature D are as described above.

[0230] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improvement effect and hair quality improvement effect of the composition derived from cocoa, the amount of free ceramide derived from cocoa in the composition derived from cocoa according to the second embodiment is preferably 1.2% by mass or more, more preferably 2.5% by mass or more, more preferably 5.0% by mass or more, more preferably 7.5% by mass or more, more preferably 10.0% by mass or more, more preferably 12.0% by mass or more, and more preferably 24.0% by mass or more, based on the mass of the composition derived from cocoa. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be 99.9% by mass or less, 99.0% by mass or less, or 97.0% by mass or less. These upper limits may be combined with any of the above lower limits.

[0231] When the cocoa-derived component contains one type of free ceramide, the “amount of free ceramide derived from cocoa” means the amount of the one type of free ceramide, and when the cocoa-derived component contains two or more types of free ceramides, it means the total amount of the two or more types of free ceramides.

[0232] The amount of free ceramide can be determined by analyzing the composition derived from cocoa using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). HPLC analysis can be performed according to the conditions and steps described in the examples. When a sample containing two or more free ceramides is subjected to HPLC analysis according to the conditions and steps described in the examples, the peaks of the two or more free ceramides overlap and are detected as one peak. The amount obtained based on the peak area of ​​the detected peak and the standard curve prepared using ceramide AP as a standard for the standard curve is taken as the total amount of the two or more free ceramides. That is, the total amount of the two or more free ceramides is obtained as a ceramide AP equivalent (converted to the amount of ceramide AP). The standard curve is prepared by using ceramide AP (Hydroxyphytoceramide_C24:0) (Avanti) as a standard for the standard curve and the peak area when it is provided for HPLC analysis at a specified concentration.

[0233] The cacao-derived composition according to the second embodiment is preferably obtained by the following method.

[0234] Preparation of raw materials for extraction

[0235] The extraction raw material is prepared. The extraction raw material preferably contains cocoa bean shells. The extraction raw material may contain one or more selected from the group consisting of cocoa pod shells, cocoa pulp, cocoa bean endosperm, and cocoa bean germ in addition to cocoa bean shells.

[0236] Extraction

[0237] The extraction raw material is subjected to an extraction treatment using an extraction solvent to obtain an extract. The description of the extraction treatment using an extraction solvent is as described above.

[0238] Acquisition of dry matter

[0239] The extract is dried to obtain a dried product. Before drying, the extract may be concentrated. The concentration of the extract may be performed, for example, using an evaporator. The drying of the extract may be performed, for example, by drying under reduced pressure.

[0240] The obtained dried product is preferably freeze-pulverized to obtain a dried and pulverized product. By freeze-pulverizing the dried product, the dried product can be homogenized. The freeze-pulverization can be performed in the presence of liquid nitrogen.

[0241] Purification of dried or dried powdered products

[0242] The dried product or the dry-pulverized product (preferably the dry-pulverized product) is purified.

[0243] The purification of the dried product or the dry-pulverized product (preferably the dry-pulverized product) is preferably carried out by the following method 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.

[0244] <Method 1>

[0245] Method 1 includes the following processing.

[0246] Treatment A1: Water cleaning

[0247] The dried product is washed with water or the dried product is crushed.

[0248] As water, for example, purified water (such as Milli-Q water) can be used. The amount of water used is, for example, 1 to 10 mL, preferably 2 to 4 mL per 1 g of the dried product or the dry-pulverized product. Water washing can be performed, for example, by shaking and mixing a mixture of the dried product or the dry-pulverized product and water.

[0249] The conditions for shaking mixing are as follows, for example.

[0250] Temperature: for example 4 to 50°C, preferably 20 to 30°C

[0251] Oscillation speed: for example, 10 to 500 rpm, preferably 100 to 200 rpm

[0252] Time: For example, 1 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0253] Process A2: Centrifugation

[0254] After treatment A1, the mixture was centrifuged.

[0255] The conditions for centrifugal separation are as follows, for example.

[0256] Temperature: for example 1 to 40°C, preferably 2 to 5°C

[0257] Rotation speed: for example, 100 to 15000 rpm, preferably 2000 to 4000 rpm

[0258] Time: For example, 5 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0259] Treatment A3: Recovery of sediment

[0260] After treatment A2, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was recovered.

[0261] Processing A4: Processing the duplication of A1 to A3

[0262] After treatment A3, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments A1 to A3, for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times (1 cycle), to recover the precipitate. Treatment A4 may be omitted as appropriate.

[0263] Treatment A5: Ethanol Cleaning

[0264] After treatment A4 (after treatment A3 when treatment A4 is omitted), the recovered precipitate is washed with ethanol.

[0265] As ethanol, for example, 40 to 99.5 volume %, preferably 50 to 70 volume %, can be used. The amount of ethanol used is, for example, 1 to 10 mL, preferably 2 to 4 mL per 1 g of the precipitate. Ethanol washing can be performed, for example, by shaking and mixing a mixture of the precipitate and ethanol.

[0266] The conditions for shaking mixing are as follows, for example.

[0267] Temperature: for example, 4 to 50°C, preferably 20 to 30°C

[0268] Oscillation speed: for example, 10 to 500 rpm, preferably 100 to 200 rpm

[0269] Time: For example, 1 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0270] Process A6: Centrifugation

[0271] After treatment A5, the mixture was centrifuged.

[0272] The conditions for centrifugal separation are as follows, for example.

[0273] Temperature: for example 1 to 40°C, preferably 2 to 5°C

[0274] Rotation speed: for example, 100 to 15000 rpm, preferably 2000 to 4000 rpm

[0275] Time: For example, 1 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0276] Treatment A7: Recovery of sediment

[0277] After treatment A6, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was recovered.

[0278] Processing A8: Processing the duplication of A5 to A7

[0279] After treatment A7, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments A5 to A7, for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times (1 cycle), to recover the precipitate. Treatment A8 may be omitted as appropriate.

[0280] Process A9: Dry

[0281] After treatment A8 (after treatment A7 when treatment A8 is omitted), the recovered precipitate is dried.

[0282] The precipitate can be dried, for example, by drying under reduced pressure.

[0283] Treatment A10: Activated carbon treatment

[0284] After treatment of A9, the resulting dried product was treated with activated carbon.

[0285] The activated carbon treatment can be carried out, for example, by bringing the dried product into contact with activated carbon in ethanol. As ethanol, for example, 40 to 99.8% by volume, preferably 95 to 99.5% by volume, can be used. The amount of ethanol used is, for example, 1 to 20 mL, preferably 5 to 10 mL, per 1 g of the dried product. The contact of the dried product with activated carbon in ethanol can be carried out, for example, by shaking and mixing a mixture of ethanol, the dried product and activated carbon. The concentration of activated carbon in the mixture of ethanol, the dried product and activated carbon is, for example, 0.01 to 1 w / v%, preferably 0.05 to 0.2 w / v%.

[0286] The conditions for shaking mixing are as follows, for example.

[0287] Temperature: for example 4 to 50°C, preferably 20 to 30°C

[0288] Oscillation speed: for example, 10 to 500 rpm, preferably 100 to 200 rpm

[0289] Time: For example, 5 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0290] Processing A11: Filtering

[0291] After treatment of A10, the mixture was filtered and the filtrate was recovered.

[0292] Examples of the filtration include natural filtration and suction filtration.

[0293] Processing A12: Dry

[0294] After treatment of A11, the obtained filtrate is dried.

[0295] The filtrate can be dried, for example, by drying under reduced pressure.

[0296] The dried product obtained in process A12 is an example of a composition derived from cocoa according to the second embodiment. Based on the dry mass of the dried product, the amount of free ceramide derived from cocoa is preferably 2.0% by mass or more, more preferably 3.0% by mass or more, and even more preferably 4.0% by mass or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be 99.0% by mass or less, 70.0% by mass or less, or 40.0% by mass or less. These upper limits may be combined with any of the above lower limits.

[0297] <Method 2>

[0298] Method 2 includes the following processing.

[0299] Treatment B1: Water cleaning

[0300] The dried product is washed with water or the dried product is crushed.

[0301] Treatment B1 can be performed in the same manner as Treatment A1. The description regarding Treatment A1 also applies to Treatment B1.

[0302] Process B2: Centrifugation

[0303] After treatment B1, the mixture was centrifuged.

[0304] Process B2 can be performed in the same manner as Process A2. The description regarding Process A2 also applies to Process B2.

[0305] Treatment B3: Recovery of sediment

[0306] After treatment B2, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was recovered.

[0307] Processing B4: Processing the duplication of B1 to B3

[0308] After the treatment B3, the recovered precipitate is subjected to the treatments B1 to B3, for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times (1 cycle), to recover the precipitate. The treatment B4 may be omitted as appropriate.

[0309] Treatment B5: Alkali treatment

[0310] After treatment B4 (after treatment B3 when treatment B4 is omitted), the recovered precipitate is treated with an alkali.

[0311] As the base, for example, an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide can be used. Examples of the alkali metal hydroxide include NaOH, KOH, etc., preferably NaOH. The concentration of the aqueous solution of the alkali metal hydroxide is, for example, 0.01 to 0.8 M, preferably 0.3 to 0.5 M. The amount of the aqueous solution of the alkali metal hydroxide used is, for example, 1 to 10 mL, preferably 2 to 4 mL per 1 g of the precipitate. The alkali treatment can be performed, for example, by oscillating and mixing a mixture of the precipitate and the aqueous solution of the alkali metal hydroxide.

[0312] The conditions for shaking mixing are as follows, for example.

[0313] Temperature: for example 4 to 80°C, preferably 30 to 40°C

[0314] Oscillation speed: for example, 10 to 500 rpm, preferably 100 to 200 rpm

[0315] Time: For example, 5 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0316] Process B6: Centrifugation

[0317] After treatment B5, the mixture was centrifuged.

[0318] The conditions for centrifugal separation are as follows, for example.

[0319] Temperature: for example 4 to 60°C, preferably 10 to 20°C

[0320] Rotation speed: for example, 100 to 15000 rpm, preferably 2000 to 4000 rpm

[0321] Time: For example, 1 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0322] Treatment B7: Recovery of sediment

[0323] After treatment B6, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was recovered.

[0324] Treatment B8: Water cleaning

[0325] After treatment B7, the recovered precipitate was washed with water.

[0326] The water washing can be performed by adding water to the precipitate and then mixing the mixture upside down. The water washing can also be performed in the same manner as in Treatment A1.

[0327] Process B9: Centrifugal separation

[0328] After treatment B8, the mixture was centrifuged.

[0329] The conditions for centrifugal separation are as follows, for example.

[0330] Temperature: for example 4 to 60°C, preferably 10 to 20°C

[0331] Rotation speed: for example, 100 to 15000 rpm, preferably 2000 to 4000 rpm

[0332] Time: For example, 1 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0333] Treatment B10: Recovery of sediment

[0334] After treatment of B9, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was recovered.

[0335] Processing B11: Repeat of processing B8 to B10

[0336] After treatment B10, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments B8 to B10, for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times (1 cycle), to recover the precipitate. Treatment B11 may be omitted as appropriate.

[0337] Processing B12: Dry

[0338] After treatment B11 (after treatment B10 when treatment B11 is omitted), the recovered precipitate is dried.

[0339] The precipitate can be dried, for example, by drying under reduced pressure.

[0340] The dried product obtained in treatment B12 is an example of a composition derived from cocoa according to the second embodiment. Based on the dry mass of the dried product, the amount of free ceramide derived from cocoa is preferably 1.2% by mass or more, more preferably 1.5% by mass or more, and further preferably 2.0% by mass or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be 99.0% by mass or less, 70.0% by mass or less, or 40.0% by mass or less. These upper limits may be combined with any of the above lower limits.

[0341] <Method 3>

[0342] Method 3 includes the following processing.

[0343] Treatment C1: Redissolution

[0344] The dried product or the dried and pulverized product is redissolved in ethanol.

[0345] As ethanol, for example, 40 to 99.8% by volume, preferably 95 to 99.5% by volume, can be used. The amount of ethanol used is, for example, 1 to 10 mL, preferably 4 to 6 mL per 1 g of the dried product or the dried and crushed product. Redissolution can be performed, for example, by subjecting the mixture of the dried product or the dried and crushed product and ethanol to ultrasonic treatment as needed and then oscillating and mixing.

[0346] The conditions for the ultrasonic treatment are as follows, for example.

[0347] Temperature: for example 4 to 60°C, preferably 20 to 40°C

[0348] Time: For example, 1 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0349] The conditions for shaking mixing are as follows, for example.

[0350] Temperature: for example 4 to 80°C, preferably 30 to 50°C

[0351] Oscillation speed: for example, 10 to 500 rpm, preferably 100 to 200 rpm

[0352] Time: For example, 5 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0353] Treatment C2: Centrifugation

[0354] After treatment of C1, the mixture was centrifuged.

[0355] The conditions for centrifugal separation are as follows, for example.

[0356] Temperature: for example 4 to 50°C, preferably 20 to 30°C

[0357] Rotation speed: for example, 100 to 15000 rpm, preferably 2000 to 4000 rpm

[0358] Time: For example, 1 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0359] Treatment C3: Recovery of sediment

[0360] After treatment C2, the supernatant and the precipitate are separated and recovered.

[0361] Processing C4: Processing the duplication of C1 to C3

[0362] After treatment C3, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments C1 to C3, for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times (1 cycle), and the supernatant is recovered. The supernatant recovered in treatment C3 is combined with the supernatant recovered in treatment C4 and used in the next treatment. Treatment C4 may be omitted as appropriate.

[0363] Treatment C5: Activated carbon treatment

[0364] After treatment C4 (after treatment C3 when treatment C4 is omitted), the obtained supernatant is treated with activated carbon.

[0365] The activated carbon treatment can be performed, for example, by contacting the supernatant with activated carbon. The contact of the supernatant with activated carbon can be performed, for example, by shaking and mixing the mixture of the supernatant and activated carbon. The concentration of activated carbon in the mixture of the supernatant and activated carbon is, for example, 0.01 to 1 w / v%, preferably 0.05 to 0.2 w / v%.

[0366] The conditions for shaking mixing are as follows, for example.

[0367] Temperature: for example 4 to 80°C, preferably 30 to 50°C

[0368] Oscillation speed: for example, 10 to 500 rpm, preferably 100 to 200 rpm

[0369] Time: For example, 5 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0370] Processing C6: Filtration

[0371] After treatment of C5, the mixture is filtered and the filtrate is recovered.

[0372] Examples of the filtration include natural filtration and suction filtration.

[0373] When filtering using filter paper, it is preferred to wash the filter paper used in the filtration with ethanol, and the recovered filtrate (ethanol used in the washing) is used in the next step together with the previously recovered filtrate. As ethanol, for example, 40 to 99.8 volume %, preferably 95 to 99.5 volume % ethanol can be used. The amount of ethanol used is, for example, 1 to 10 mL, preferably 4 to 6 mL.

[0374] Treatment C7: Precipitation

[0375] After treatment of C6, water is added to the recovered filtrate.

[0376] As water, for example, purified water (for example, Milli-Q water) can be used. The amount of water added is, for example, 0.1 to 10 times, preferably 0.5 to 2 times the volume of the filtrate. Free ceramide is precipitated by the addition of water.

[0377] Process C8: Centrifugal separation

[0378] After treatment of C7, the mixture was centrifuged.

[0379] The conditions for centrifugal separation are as follows, for example.

[0380] Temperature: for example 1 to 40°C, preferably 2 to 5°C

[0381] Rotation speed: for example, 100 to 15000 rpm, preferably 4000 to 6000 rpm

[0382] Time: For example, 1 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0383] Treatment C9: Recovery of Sediment

[0384] After treating C8, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was recovered.

[0385] Processing C10: Hexane Cleaning

[0386] After treatment of C9, the recovered precipitate was washed with hexane.

[0387] The amount of hexane used is, for example, 0.1 to 5 mL, preferably 1 to 2 mL, per 1 g of the precipitate. Hexane washing can be performed, for example, by stirring a mixture of the precipitate and hexane. The stirring can be performed, for example, using a vortex mixer. The stirring time is, for example, 0.1 to 5 minutes, preferably 1 to 2 minutes.

[0388] Treatment C11: Centrifugal separation

[0389] After treatment of C10, the mixture was centrifuged.

[0390] The conditions for centrifugal separation are as follows, for example.

[0391] Temperature: for example 1 to 40°C, preferably 2 to 5°C

[0392] Rotation speed: for example, 100 to 20,000 rpm, preferably 12,000 to 16,000 rpm

[0393] Time: For example, 5 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0394] Treatment C12: Recovery of precipitate

[0395] After treating C11, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was recovered.

[0396] Processing C13: Processing the repetition of C10 to C12

[0397] After treatment C12, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments C10 to C12, for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times (1 cycle), to recover the precipitate. Treatment C13 may be omitted as appropriate.

[0398] Process C14: Drying

[0399] After treatment C13 (after treatment C12 when treatment C13 is omitted), the recovered precipitate is dried.

[0400] The precipitate can be dried, for example, by drying under reduced pressure.

[0401] The dried product obtained in treatment C14 is an example of a composition derived from cocoa according to the second embodiment. Based on the dry mass of the dried product, the amount of free ceramide derived from cocoa is preferably 5.0% by mass or more, more preferably 15.0% by mass or more, and even more preferably 25.0% by mass or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be 99.0% by mass or less, 70.0% by mass or less, or 40.0% by mass or less. These upper limits may be combined with any of the above lower limits.

[0402] <Method 4>

[0403] Method 4 is an improved method of Method 1. Method 4 includes the following treatments.

[0404] Treatment D1: Water cleaning

[0405] The dried product is washed with water or the dried product is crushed.

[0406] Treatment D1 can be performed in the same manner as Treatment A1. The description regarding Treatment A1 also applies to Treatment D1 unless otherwise specified. The amount of water used is, for example, 1 to 10 mL, preferably 3 to 5 mL, per 1 g of the dried product or the dry and pulverized product.

[0407] Treatment D2: Centrifugation

[0408] After treatment D1, the mixture was centrifuged.

[0409] Treatment D2 can be performed in the same manner as Treatment A2. The description regarding Treatment A2 also applies to Treatment D2.

[0410] Treatment D3: Recovery of sediment

[0411] After treatment D2, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was recovered.

[0412] Processing D4: Processing D1 to D3 repetitions

[0413] After treatment D3, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments D1 to D3, for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times (1 cycle), to recover the precipitate. Treatment D4 may be omitted as appropriate.

[0414] Treatment D5: Ethanol Cleaning

[0415] After treatment D4 (after treatment D3 when treatment D4 is omitted), the recovered precipitate is washed with ethanol.

[0416] Treatment D5 can be performed in the same manner as Treatment A5. The description regarding Treatment A5 also applies to Treatment D5 unless otherwise specified. The amount of ethanol used is, for example, 1 to 10 mL, preferably 3 to 5 mL, per 1 g of the precipitate.

[0417] Treatment D6: Centrifugation

[0418] After treatment D5, the mixture was centrifuged.

[0419] Treatment D6 can be performed in the same manner as Treatment A6. The description regarding Treatment A6 also applies to Treatment D6.

[0420] Treatment D7: Recovery of sediment

[0421] After treatment D6, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was recovered.

[0422] Processing D8: Repeat of processing D5 to D7

[0423] After treatment D7, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments D5 to D7, for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times (1 cycle), to recover the precipitate. Treatment D8 may be omitted as appropriate.

[0424] Treatment D9: Drying under reduced pressure

[0425] After treatment D8 (after treatment D7 when treatment D8 is omitted), the recovered precipitate is dried.

[0426] Treatment D10: Activated carbon treatment

[0427] After treatment of D9, the resulting dried product was treated with activated carbon.

[0428] Treatment D10 can be performed in the same manner as treatment A10. The description related to treatment A10 also applies to treatment D10 except for cases specified otherwise. The amount of ethanol used is, for example, 1 to 20 mL, preferably 5 to 10 mL, per 1 g of the dry product. The concentration of activated carbon in the mixture of ethanol, the dry product, and activated carbon is, for example, 0.01 to 1 w / v%, preferably 0.05 to 0.2 w / v%.

[0429] Process D11: Filtration

[0430] After treatment of D10, the mixture was filtered, and the filtrate and the residue were recovered.

[0431] Examples of the filtration include natural filtration and suction filtration.

[0432] Process D12: Extraction

[0433] The residue obtained in D11 was extracted with ethanol, the obtained extract was filtered, and the filtrate was recovered.

[0434] The extraction treatment can be carried out, for example, by contacting the residue with ethanol. As ethanol, for example, 40 to 99.8 volume %, preferably 95 to 99.5 volume % ethanol can be used. The amount of ethanol used is, for example, 1 to 100 mL, preferably 10 to 40 mL per 1 g of the residue. As filtration, natural filtration, suction filtration, etc. can be cited.

[0435] Treatment D13: Drying under reduced pressure

[0436] The filtrate recovered in treatment D11 was combined with the filtrate recovered in treatment D12 and dried.

[0437] The filtrate can be dried, for example, by drying under reduced pressure.

[0438] The dried product obtained in treatment D13 is an example of a composition derived from cocoa according to the second embodiment. Based on the dry mass of the dried product, the amount of free ceramide derived from cocoa is preferably 2.8% by mass or more, more preferably 3.5% by mass or more, and even more preferably 4.2% by mass or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be 99.0% by mass or less, 70.0% by mass or less, or 40.0% by mass or less. These upper limits may be combined with any of the above lower limits.

[0439] <Method 5>

[0440] Method 5 is an improved method of Method 3. Method 5 includes the following processing.

[0441] Treatment E1: Redissolution

[0442] The dried product or the dried and pulverized product is redissolved in ethanol.

[0443] Treatment E1 can be carried out in the same manner as Treatment C1. The description regarding Treatment C1 also applies to Treatment E1 unless otherwise specified. The amount of ethanol used is, for example, 1 to 20 mL, preferably 3 to 8 mL, per 1 g of the dried product or the dry and pulverized product.

[0444] Treatment E2: Centrifugation

[0445] After treatment of E1, the mixture was centrifuged.

[0446] Treatment E2 is performed in the same manner as Treatment C2. The description regarding Treatment C2 also applies to Treatment E2.

[0447] Treatment E3: Recovery of sediment

[0448] After treatment E2, the supernatant and precipitate were separated and recovered.

[0449] Processing E4: Processing the duplication of E1 to E3

[0450] After treatment E3, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments E1 to E3, for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times (1 cycle), and the supernatant is recovered. The supernatant recovered in treatment E3 is combined with the supernatant recovered in treatment E4 and used in the next treatment. Treatment E4 may be omitted as appropriate.

[0451] Treatment E5: Activated carbon treatment

[0452] After treatment E4 (after treatment E3 when treatment E4 is omitted), the obtained supernatant is treated with activated carbon.

[0453] Treatment E5 is carried out in the same manner as Treatment C5. The description regarding Treatment C5 also applies to Treatment E5.

[0454] Process E6: Filtering

[0455] After treatment of E5, the mixture was filtered and the filtrate was recovered.

[0456] Treatment E6 is performed in the same manner as Treatment C6. The description regarding Treatment C6 also applies to Treatment E6.

[0457] Treatment E7: Precipitation

[0458] After treatment E6, water was added to the recovered filtrate.

[0459] Treatment E7 is carried out in the same manner as Treatment C7. The description regarding Treatment C7 also applies to Treatment E7.

[0460] Treatment E8: Centrifugation

[0461] After treatment of E7, the mixture was centrifuged.

[0462] Treatment E8 is performed in the same manner as Treatment C8. The description regarding Treatment C8 also applies to Treatment E8.

[0463] Treatment E9: Recovery of sediment

[0464] After treatment E8, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was recovered.

[0465] Treatment E10: Drying under reduced pressure

[0466] After treatment of C9, the recovered precipitate is dried.

[0467] The precipitate can be dried, for example, by drying under reduced pressure.

[0468] Treatment E11: Hexane cleaning

[0469] After the treatment of E10, the obtained dried product was washed with hexane.

[0470] Treatment E11 may be performed two or more times (for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times). Treatment E11 may be performed in the same manner as Treatment C10. The description regarding Treatment C10 also applies to Treatment E11.

[0471] Processing E12: Centrifugation

[0472] After treatment of E11, the mixture was centrifuged.

[0473] Treatment E12 is performed in the same manner as Treatment C11. The description regarding Treatment C11 also applies to Treatment E12.

[0474] Treatment E13: Recovery of sediment

[0475] After treatment E12, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was recovered.

[0476] Process E14: Drying under reduced pressure

[0477] After treatment E13, the recovered precipitate was dried.

[0478] The precipitate can be dried, for example, by drying under reduced pressure.

[0479] The dried product obtained in process E14 is an example of a cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment. Based on the dry mass of the dried product, the amount of free ceramide derived from cocoa is preferably 13% by mass or more, more preferably 14% by mass or more, and even more preferably 15% by mass or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be 99.0% by mass or less, 70.0% by mass or less, or 40.0% by mass or less. These upper limits may be combined with any of the above lower limits.

[0480] <Third embodiment>

[0481] In the cacao-derived composition according to the third embodiment, the cacao-derived component includes a cacao shell extract, and the cacao shell extract includes free ceramide. In the third embodiment, the free ceramide contained in the cacao shell extract may be referred to as "free ceramide derived from cacao".

[0482] In the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment, the cocoa shell extract may contain one free ceramide or two or more free ceramides. The cocoa shell extract may contain one or more free ceramides selected from ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP. The description related to ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP in the first embodiment (see features A and B) also applies to the third embodiment.

[0483] In the cacao-derived composition according to the third embodiment, the cacao shell extract may contain glucosylceramide. The description regarding the glucosylceramide in the first embodiment (see feature C) also applies to the third embodiment.

[0484] The cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment has a moisturizing effect, a skin quality improving effect, and a hair quality improving effect.

[0485] The moisturizing effect is exerted, for example, by the inhibitory effect of transepidermal water evaporation. However, the moisturizing effect is not limited to the moisturizing effect exerted by the inhibitory effect of transepidermal water evaporation. The skin quality improvement effect is exerted, for example, by the moisturizing effect. However, the skin quality improvement effect is not limited to the skin quality improvement effect exerted by the moisturizing effect. The skin as the object can be the skin of any part of the body, for example, the skin of the face, head, neck, back, shoulders, chest, abdomen, hands, feet, etc. can be listed. Skin quality improvement includes prevention, treatment or improvement of dry skin, rough skin, sagging, dullness, formation of spots or wrinkles, reduction of skin softness or elasticity, reduction of skin barrier function, etc., caused by the reduction of skin moisturizing function (including aging symptoms). The hair quality improvement effect is exerted, for example, by the moisturizing effect. However, the hair quality improvement effect is not limited to the hair quality improvement effect exerted by the moisturizing effect. The hair as the object can be the hair grown in any part of the body, for example, hair, eyebrows, armpit hair, beard, body hair, etc. can be listed. Improving hair quality includes preventing, treating or improving symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by a decrease in the moisturizing function of hair, such as dry hair, rough hair, and decreased softness or elasticity of hair.

[0486] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment preferably has at least one of the characteristics A and B, more preferably has at least the characteristic A of the characteristics A and B, and more preferably has both the characteristics A and B. The descriptions of the characteristics A and B are as described above.

[0487] The cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment may have feature C or feature D. The descriptions regarding feature C and feature D are as described above.

[0488] In the cacao-derived composition according to the third embodiment, the cacao husk extract is preferably obtained by a method including the following steps.

[0489] (a) a step of separating ground cacao beans into a cacao bean endosperm component and a cacao shell component by air separation to obtain the cacao shell component as a first cacao-derived raw material;

[0490] (b) a step of selecting, if necessary, a material that does not pass 16 mesh from the first cocoa-derived raw material to obtain a second cocoa-derived raw material; and

[0491] (c) subjecting the first cacao-derived raw material or the second cacao-derived raw material to an extraction treatment using an extraction solvent to obtain a cacao husk extract. This can increase the amount of free ceramide contained in the cacao husk extract.

[0492] Hereinafter, each step will be described.

[0493] Process (a)

[0494] Step (a) is a step of air-selecting ground cacao beans to separate them into a cacao bean endosperm component and a cacao shell component, thereby obtaining the cacao shell component as a first cacao-derived raw material.

[0495] The ground cocoa beans can be obtained by grinding the cocoa beans. The grinding can be performed using a grinder, for example. The ground cocoa beans contain cocoa bean shells and cocoa bean endosperm. The ground cocoa beans may also contain cocoa bean germs.

[0496] Air separation of ground cocoa beans is a process of selecting and separating the cocoa bean endosperm and the cocoa bean shell by utilizing the difference in shape between the two. Air separation of ground cocoa beans can be performed by a conventional method using a known air separation machine (referred to as an air separation device).

[0497] By air separation of the ground cacao beans, the ground cacao beans can be separated into a cacao bean endosperm component and a cacao shell component, and the separated cacao shell component can be obtained as a first cacao-derived raw material.

[0498] The cocoa shell fraction is a fraction containing more cocoa shells than the cocoa endosperm fraction. The cocoa shell fraction may contain cocoa germ in addition to cocoa shells.

[0499] The amount of cocoa bean endosperm in the cocoa bean shell fraction (the first cocoa-derived raw material) is preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 15% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10% by mass or less, based on the mass of the cocoa bean shell fraction (the first cocoa-derived raw material). The lower limit may be 0% by mass or more. The lower limit may be, for example, 1% by mass or more, 3% by mass or more, or 5% by mass or more. Each of these lower limits may be combined with any of the upper limits described above.

[0500] Free ceramide is contained in a larger amount in cacao shells than in cacao bean endosperm. Therefore, in step (c), by performing the extraction treatment using the first cacao-derived raw material as the extraction raw material, the amount of free ceramide contained in the cacao shell extract can be increased.

[0501] Process (b)

[0502] Step (b) is a step of selecting, if necessary, materials having a size not exceeding 16 mesh from the first cocoa-derived raw material to obtain a second cocoa-derived raw material.

[0503] Step (b) is an optional step and may or may not be performed, but is preferably performed. By performing step (b), the amount of free ceramide contained in the cacao husk extract can be further increased.

[0504] The screening of the raw material that does not pass the 16-mesh size from the first cocoa-derived raw material can be performed by screening the first cocoa-derived raw material using a 16-mesh sieve or a sieve with a mesh larger than 16 mesh. The raw material that does not pass the 16-mesh size can be obtained as an oversize component. In the 16-mesh sieve, the mesh size varies depending on the wire diameter, for example, 0.888 to 1.388 mm (quoted from a commercial catalog of 16-mesh metal wire meshes). In the 16-mesh sieve, the weaving method is, for example, plain weave, the wire diameter φ is, for example, 0.20 to 0.70 mm, and the opening rate is, for example, 31.25 to 76.39% (all quoted from a commercial catalog of 16-mesh metal wire meshes). As a sieve with a mesh larger than 16 mesh, for example, a sieve of 12 to 14 mesh can be used.

[0505] The raw material that has not passed the 16-mesh screening is the second cocoa-derived raw material. The second cocoa-derived raw material includes cocoa bean shells.

[0506] By screening the raw material that does not pass the size of 16 mesh from the first cocoa-derived raw material, it is possible to remove the small particle size component from the first cocoa-derived raw material. Most of the cocoa bean endosperm mixed into the first cocoa-derived raw material is contained in the small particle size component. Therefore, by screening the raw material that does not pass the size of 16 mesh from the first cocoa-derived raw material, it is possible to remove the cocoa bean endosperm mixed into the first cocoa-derived raw material, and the amount of free ceramide contained in the second cocoa-derived raw material can be increased. Therefore, in step (c), by using the second cocoa-derived raw material as an extraction raw material for extraction treatment, the amount of free ceramide contained in the cocoa bean shell extract can be increased.

[0507] The mass percentage of the amount of free ceramide contained in the second cocoa-derived raw material relative to the amount of free ceramide contained in the first cocoa-derived raw material is, for example, 105 mass% or more, preferably 115 mass% or more, and more preferably 125 mass% or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be 300 mass% or less, 200 mass% or less, or 150 mass% or less. These upper limits may be combined with any of the above lower limits.

[0508] The “amount of free ceramide contained in the first cocoa-derived raw material” refers to the amount of one type of free ceramide when the first cocoa-derived raw material contains one type of free ceramide, and refers to the total amount of the two or more types of free ceramides when the first cocoa-derived raw material contains two or more types of free ceramides.

[0509] The “amount of free ceramide contained in the second cocoa-derived raw material” refers to the amount of one type of free ceramide when the second cocoa-derived raw material contains one type of free ceramide, and refers to the total amount of the two or more types of free ceramides when the second cocoa-derived raw material contains two or more types of free ceramides.

[0510] The amount of free ceramide can be determined by analyzing the composition derived from cocoa using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). HPLC analysis can be performed according to the conditions and steps described in the examples. When a sample containing two or more free ceramides is subjected to HPLC analysis according to the conditions and steps described in the examples, the peaks of the two or more free ceramides overlap and are detected as one peak. The amount obtained based on the peak area of ​​the detected peak and the standard curve prepared using ceramide AP as a standard for the standard curve is taken as the total amount of the two or more free ceramides. That is, the total amount of the two or more free ceramides is obtained as a ceramide AP equivalent (converted to the amount of ceramide AP). The standard curve is prepared by using ceramide AP (Hydroxyphytoceramide_C24:0) (Avanti) as a standard for the standard curve and the peak area when it is provided for HPLC analysis at a specified concentration.

[0511] From the viewpoint of further increasing the amount of free ceramide contained in the second cocoa-derived raw material, in step (b), it is preferred to select a material having a size not passing 14 mesh from the first cocoa-derived raw material, and it is preferred to select a material having a size not passing 12 mesh from the first cocoa-derived raw material.

[0512] The screening of the raw material that does not pass the size of 14 mesh from the first cocoa-derived raw material can be performed by screening the first cocoa-derived raw material using a 14-mesh sieve or a sieve with a mesh larger than 14 mesh. The raw material that does not pass the size of 14 mesh can be obtained as an oversize component. In the 14-mesh sieve, the mesh varies according to the wire diameter, for example, 0.914 to 1.594 mm (quoted from a commercial catalog of 14-mesh metal wire mesh). In the 14-mesh sieve, the weaving method is, for example, plain weave, the wire diameter φ is, for example, 0.22 to 0.90 mm, and the opening rate is, for example, 25.40 to 77.22% (all quoted from a commercial catalog of 14-mesh metal wire mesh). As a sieve with a mesh larger than 14 mesh, for example, a sieve of 10 to 12 mesh can be used.

[0513] The screening of the raw material that does not pass the 12-mesh size from the first cocoa-derived raw material can be performed by screening the first cocoa-derived raw material using a 12-mesh sieve or a sieve with a mesh larger than 12 mesh. The raw material that does not pass the 12-mesh size can be obtained as an oversize component. In the 12-mesh sieve, the mesh size varies depending on the wire diameter, for example, 1.217 to 1.867 mm (quoted from a commercial catalog of 12-mesh metal wire meshes). In the 12-mesh sieve, the weaving method is, for example, plain weave, the wire diameter φ is, for example, 0.25 to 0.90 mm, and the opening rate is, for example, 33.04 to 77.77% (all quoted from a commercial catalog of 12-mesh metal wire meshes). As a sieve with a mesh larger than 12 mesh, for example, a sieve of 8 to 10 mesh can be used.

[0514] Process (c)

[0515] Step (c) is a step of subjecting the first cacao-derived raw material or the second cacao-derived raw material to an extraction treatment using an extraction solvent to obtain a cacao husk extract.

[0516] By using the first cocoa-derived raw material as the extraction raw material for the extraction process, the amount of free ceramide contained in the cocoa bean shell extract can be increased. By using the second cocoa-derived raw material as the extraction raw material for the extraction process, the amount of free ceramide contained in the cocoa bean shell extract can be increased.

[0517] The description about the extraction treatment using the extraction solvent is as described above.

[0518] In step (c), it is preferred that the first cocoa-derived raw material or the second cocoa-derived raw material is extracted with an extraction solvent, and then the obtained extract is purified to obtain a cocoa shell extract. The extract obtained by extracting the first cocoa-derived raw material or the second cocoa-derived raw material with an extraction solvent (i.e., the extract to be purified) may be in any form such as an extract, a diluted solution, a concentrated solution, or a dried product. Purification is preferably performed by the above-mentioned method 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.

[0519] The step (c) can be performed, for example, as follows.

[0520] Extraction

[0521] The first cacao-derived raw material or the second cacao-derived raw material is subjected to an extraction treatment using an extraction solvent to obtain an extract. The description of the extraction treatment using an extraction solvent is as described above.

[0522] Acquisition of dry matter

[0523] The extract is dried to obtain a dried product. Before drying, the extract may be concentrated. The concentration of the extract may be performed, for example, using an evaporator. The drying of the extract may be performed, for example, by drying under reduced pressure.

[0524] The obtained dried product is preferably freeze-pulverized to obtain a dried and pulverized product. By freeze-pulverizing the dried product, the dried product can be homogenized. The freeze-pulverization can be performed in the presence of liquid nitrogen.

[0525] Purification of dried or dried powdered products

[0526] The dried product or the dry-pulverized product (preferably the dry-pulverized product) is purified.

[0527] The purification of the dried product or the dry-pulverized product (preferably the dry-pulverized product) is preferably carried out by the above-mentioned method 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.

[0528] Moisturizer

[0529] The present invention relates to a moisturizer containing a cocoa-derived composition. The description related to the cocoa-derived composition is as described above.

[0530] In one embodiment, the moisturizing agent contains the cacao-derived composition according to the first embodiment. The description of the cacao-derived composition according to the first embodiment is as described above.

[0531] In another embodiment, the moisturizing agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment. The description of the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is as described above.

[0532] In still another embodiment, the moisturizing agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment. The description of the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is as described above.

[0533] The moisturizing agent can be applied to the skin and / or hair of the object for use, and the moisturizing effect of the composition derived from cocoa can be exerted. Therefore, the moisturizing agent is useful for moisturizing the skin and / or the hair. The object is preferably a mammal, more preferably a human. The skin as the object can be the skin of any part of the body of the object, for example, the skin of the face, head, neck, back, shoulder, chest, abdomen, hands, feet, etc. can be listed. The hair as the object can be the hair grown on any part of the body of the object, for example, hair, eyebrows, armpit hair, beard, body hair, etc. can be listed.

[0534] The moisturizing agent may be composed of a composition derived from cocoa, or may be a substance obtained by formulating the composition derived from cocoa. The composition derived from cocoa may use pharmaceutically acceptable additives and be formulated into liquid, suspension, emulsion, lotion, gel, cream, tablet, pill, powder, granule, capsule and other dosage forms according to conventional methods. The additive may be selected from, for example, excipients, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, stabilizers, flavoring / smell correctors, emulsifiers and the like.

[0535] Moisturizers can be applied to the skin and / or hair as ointments, external liquids, patches, etc., or can be used in combination with other compositions (e.g., skin cosmetics, pharmaceutical compositions, food compositions, etc.).

[0536] The moisturizer may contain the cocoa-derived composition as the sole moisturizing ingredient, or may contain other moisturizing ingredients.

[0537] The amount of the cocoa-derived composition added can be appropriately adjusted according to the dosage form of the moisturizer. The amount of the cocoa-derived composition added is, for example, 0.01 to 100% by mass, preferably 0.1 to 99% by mass, based on the mass of the moisturizer.

[0538] In the case where the moisturizing agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment, the amount of ceramide AP derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment is based on the mass of the moisturizing agent, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, further preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and further preferably 0.1% by mass or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, for example, it may be 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. These upper limits may be arbitrarily combined with the above lower limits, respectively.

[0539] In the case where the moisturizing agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is based on the mass of the moisturizing agent, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, further preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and further preferably 0.1% by mass or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, for example, it may be 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. These upper limits may be arbitrarily combined with the above lower limits, respectively.

[0540] When the moisturizing agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is based on the mass of the moisturizing agent, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, further preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and further preferably 0.1% by mass or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, for example, it may be 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. These upper limits may be arbitrarily combined with the above lower limits, respectively.

[0541] The “amount of ceramide AP” refers to the amount of one ceramide AP when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains one ceramide AP, and refers to the total amount of the two or more ceramide APs when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains two or more ceramide APs. The amount of ceramide AP can be measured by LC-MS / MS analysis. LC-MS / MS analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0542] The "amount of free ceramide" refers to the amount of one free ceramide when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains one free ceramide, and refers to the total amount of the two or more free ceramides when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains two or more free ceramides. The amount of free ceramide can be measured by HPLC analysis. HPLC analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0543] Skin Improver

[0544] The present invention relates to a skin quality improving agent containing a cocoa-derived composition. The cocoa-derived composition is as described above.

[0545] In one embodiment, the skin quality improving agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment. The description of the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment is as described above.

[0546] In another embodiment, a skin quality improving agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment. The description of the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is as described above.

[0547] In still another embodiment, a skin quality improving agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment. The description of the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is as described above.

[0548] The skin quality improver can be applied to the skin of the object for use, and the skin quality improvement effect of the composition derived from cocoa can be exerted. Therefore, the skin quality improver is useful for skin quality improvement purposes. The object is preferably a mammal, more preferably a human. The skin as the object can be the skin of any part of the body of the object, for example, the skin of the face, head, neck, back, shoulder, chest, abdomen, hands, feet, etc. can be listed. Skin quality improvement purposes include prevention, treatment or improvement of dry skin, rough skin, sagging, dullness, formation of spots or wrinkles, reduction of skin softness or elasticity, reduction of skin barrier function, etc., due to the reduction of the moisturizing function of the skin caused by symptoms (including aging symptoms).

[0549] The skin quality improving agent may be composed of a composition derived from cocoa, or may be a substance obtained by formulating the composition derived from cocoa. The composition derived from cocoa may use pharmaceutically acceptable additives and be formulated into liquid, suspension, emulsion, lotion, gel, cream, tablet, pill, powder, granule, capsule and other dosage forms according to conventional methods. The additive may be selected from, for example, excipients, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, stabilizers, flavoring / smell correctors, emulsifiers and the like.

[0550] The skin quality improving agent can be applied to the skin as an ointment, external liquid, patch, etc., or can be used in combination with other compositions (eg, skin cosmetics, pharmaceutical compositions, food compositions, etc.).

[0551] The skin quality improving agent may contain the cocoa-derived composition as the sole skin quality improving ingredient, or may contain other skin quality improving ingredients.

[0552] The amount of the cocoa-derived composition added can be appropriately adjusted according to the dosage form of the skin quality improving agent. The amount of the cocoa-derived composition added is, for example, 0.01 to 100% by mass, preferably 0.1 to 99% by mass, based on the mass of the skin quality improving agent.

[0553] In the case where the skin quality improvement agent contains the cocoa-derived composition involved in the first embodiment, the amount of ceramide AP derived from the cocoa-derived composition involved in the first embodiment is based on the mass of the skin quality improvement agent, for example, 0.001 mass% or more, preferably 0.01 mass% or more, more preferably 0.03 mass% or more, further preferably 0.05 mass% or more, and further preferably 0.1 mass% or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, for example, it may be 10.0 mass% or less, 5.0 mass% or less, or 1.0 mass% or less. These upper limits can be arbitrarily combined with the above lower limits, respectively.

[0554] In the case where the skin quality improvement agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is based on the mass of the skin quality improvement agent, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, further preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and further preferably 0.1% by mass or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, for example, it may be 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. These upper limits may be arbitrarily combined with the above lower limits, respectively.

[0555] In the case where the skin quality improvement agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is based on the mass of the skin quality improvement agent, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, further preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and further preferably 0.1% by mass or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, for example, it may be 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. These upper limits may be arbitrarily combined with the above lower limits, respectively.

[0556] The “amount of ceramide AP” refers to the amount of one ceramide AP when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains one ceramide AP, and refers to the total amount of the two or more ceramide APs when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains two or more ceramide APs. The amount of ceramide AP can be measured by LC-MS / MS analysis. LC-MS / MS analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0557] The "amount of free ceramide" refers to the amount of one free ceramide when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains one free ceramide, and refers to the total amount of the two or more free ceramides when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains two or more free ceramides. The amount of free ceramide can be measured by HPLC analysis. HPLC analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0558] Hair Improver

[0559] The present invention relates to a hair quality improving agent containing a cocoa-derived composition. The cocoa-derived composition is as described above.

[0560] In one embodiment, the hair quality improving agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment. The description of the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment is as described above.

[0561] In another embodiment, a hair quality improving agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment. The description of the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is as described above.

[0562] In still another embodiment, a hair quality improving agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment. The description of the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is as described above.

[0563] The hair quality improver can be applied to the hair of the subject and used, and the hair quality improving effect of the composition derived from cocoa can be exerted. Therefore, the hair quality improver is useful for hair quality improvement purposes. The subject is preferably a mammal, more preferably a human. The hair as the subject can be hair grown on any part of the subject's body, for example, head hair, eyebrows, armpit hair, beard, body hair, etc. Hair quality improvement includes preventing, treating or improving symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by a decrease in the moisturizing function of the hair, such as dryness of the hair, roughness of the hair, and a decrease in the softness or elasticity of the hair.

[0564] The hair quality improving agent may be composed of a cocoa-derived composition, or may be a substance obtained by formulating the cocoa-derived composition. The cocoa-derived composition may be formulated into a liquid, suspension, emulsion, lotion, gel, cream, tablet, pill, powder, granule, capsule, or the like using pharmaceutically acceptable additives according to conventional methods. The additive may be selected from, for example, excipients, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, stabilizers, flavoring / smell correctors, emulsifiers, and the like.

[0565] The hair quality improving agent can be applied to the hair as an ointment, external liquid, patch, etc., or can be used in combination with other compositions (for example, hair cosmetics, pharmaceutical compositions, food compositions, etc.).

[0566] The hair quality improving agent may contain the cocoa-derived composition as the sole hair quality improving ingredient, or may contain other hair quality improving ingredients.

[0567] The amount of the cocoa-derived composition added can be appropriately adjusted according to the dosage form of the hair quality improver. The amount of the cocoa-derived composition added is, for example, 0.01 to 100% by mass, preferably 0.1 to 99% by mass, based on the mass of the hair quality improver.

[0568] When the hair quality improving agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment, the amount of ceramide AP derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment is, based on the mass of the hair quality improving agent, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, further preferably 0.05% by mass or more, further preferably 0.1% by mass or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. These upper limits may be arbitrarily combined with the above lower limits, respectively.

[0569] When the hair quality improving agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is, based on the mass of the hair quality improving agent, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, further preferably 0.05% by mass or more, further preferably 0.1% by mass or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. These upper limits may be arbitrarily combined with the above lower limits, respectively.

[0570] When the hair quality improving agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is, based on the mass of the hair quality improving agent, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, further preferably 0.05% by mass or more, further preferably 0.1% by mass or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. These upper limits may be arbitrarily combined with the above lower limits, respectively.

[0571] The “amount of ceramide AP” refers to the amount of one ceramide AP when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains one ceramide AP, and refers to the total amount of the two or more ceramide APs when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains two or more ceramide APs. The amount of ceramide AP can be measured by LC-MS / MS analysis. LC-MS / MS analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0572] The "amount of free ceramide" refers to the amount of one free ceramide when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains one free ceramide, and refers to the total amount of the two or more free ceramides when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains two or more free ceramides. The amount of free ceramide can be measured by HPLC analysis. HPLC analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0573] 《Skin cosmetics》

[0574] The present invention relates to a skin cosmetic containing a cocoa-derived composition. The cocoa-derived composition is as described above.

[0575] In one embodiment, the skin cosmetic contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment. The cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment is as described above.

[0576] In another embodiment, the skin cosmetic contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment. The cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is as described above.

[0577] In still another embodiment, the skin cosmetic contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment. The cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is as described above.

[0578] The composition derived from cocoa can be directly mixed in skin cosmetics, or it can be mixed in skin cosmetics after being formulated into the form of a moisturizing agent and / or a skin quality improver. Skin cosmetics can be applied to the skin of the object for use, and can exert moisturizing and / or skin quality improvement effects through the moisturizing effect and / or skin quality improvement effect of the composition derived from cocoa. Therefore, skin cosmetics are useful for moisturizing purposes and / or skin quality improvement purposes of the skin. The object is preferably a mammal, more preferably a human. The skin as the object can be the skin of any part of the body of the object, for example, the skin of the face, head, neck, back, shoulder, chest, abdomen, hands, feet, etc. can be listed. Skin quality improvement purposes include preventing, treating or improving dry skin, rough skin, sagging, dullness, the formation of spots or wrinkles, the reduction of skin softness or elasticity, the reduction of skin barrier function, etc., due to the reduction of the moisturizing function of the skin. Symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by the reduction of the moisturizing function of the skin.

[0579] Examples of skin cosmetics include lotions, cosmetic liquids, creams, emulsions, sunscreens, cleansers, shaving preparations, facial rinses, facial masks, cosmetic oils, body rinses, and foundations.

[0580] The cosmetics for skin are, for example, cosmetics for scalp. Examples of cosmetics for scalp include hair styling agents, hair care agents, scalp agents, hair dyes, shampoos, hair rinses, and conditioners.

[0581] The amount of the cocoa-derived composition added can be appropriately adjusted depending on the type of the skin cosmetic. The amount of the cocoa-derived composition added is, for example, 0.01 to 100% by mass, preferably 0.1 to 99% by mass, based on the mass of the skin cosmetic.

[0582] When the skin cosmetic contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment, the amount of ceramide AP derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment is, based on the mass of the skin cosmetic, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, further preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and further preferably 0.1% by mass or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. These upper limits may be arbitrarily combined with the above lower limits, respectively.

[0583] In the case where the skin cosmetic contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is based on the mass of the skin cosmetic, for example, 0.001 mass% or more, preferably 0.01 mass% or more, more preferably 0.03 mass% or more, further preferably 0.05 mass% or more, and further preferably 0.1 mass% or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, for example, it may be 10.0 mass% or less, 5.0 mass% or less, or 1.0 mass% or less. These upper limits may be arbitrarily combined with the above lower limits, respectively.

[0584] When the skin cosmetic contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is based on the mass of the skin cosmetic, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, further preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and further preferably 0.1% by mass or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, for example, it may be 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. These upper limits may be arbitrarily combined with the above lower limits, respectively.

[0585] The “amount of ceramide AP” refers to the amount of one ceramide AP when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains one ceramide AP, and refers to the total amount of the two or more ceramide APs when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains two or more ceramide APs. The amount of ceramide AP can be measured by LC-MS / MS analysis. LC-MS / MS analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0586] The "amount of free ceramide" refers to the amount of one free ceramide when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains one free ceramide, and refers to the total amount of the two or more free ceramides when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains two or more free ceramides. The amount of free ceramide can be measured by HPLC analysis. HPLC analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0587] Skin cosmetics can be produced using a cocoa-derived composition and a common raw material for skin cosmetics. Examples of the base ingredients for skin cosmetics include ethanol, polyols, water, hydrocarbons, higher fatty acids, higher alcohols, oils, waxes, ethers, esters, silicones, and the like. In addition, surfactants, moisturizing ingredients, barrier function improving ingredients, antioxidant ingredients, whitening ingredients, antibacterial ingredients, stabilizers, fragrances, colorants, preservatives, and the like can also be used.

[0588] The skin cosmetic may contain the cocoa-derived composition as the sole moisturizing ingredient or the sole skin quality improving ingredient, or may contain other moisturizing ingredients and / or other skin quality improving ingredients.

[0589] The skin cosmetics can be produced by a common method for producing skin cosmetics. The method for producing skin cosmetics may include steps such as mixing of raw materials, heating, dissolving, drying, and filling.

[0590] 《Hair cosmetics》

[0591] The present invention relates to a hair cosmetic containing a cocoa-derived composition. The cocoa-derived composition is as described above.

[0592] In one embodiment, the hair cosmetic contains the cacao-derived composition according to the first embodiment. The cacao-derived composition according to the first embodiment is as described above.

[0593] In another embodiment, the hair cosmetic contains the cacao-derived composition according to the second embodiment. The cacao-derived composition according to the second embodiment is as described above.

[0594] In still another embodiment, the hair cosmetic contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment. The cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is as described above.

[0595] The composition derived from cocoa can be directly mixed into the cosmetics for hair, or it can be mixed into the cosmetics for hair after being formulated into the form of a moisturizing agent and / or a hair quality improver. The cosmetics for hair can be applied to the hair of the subject for use, and can exert a moisturizing effect and / or a hair quality improving effect through the moisturizing effect and / or the hair quality improving effect of the composition derived from cocoa. Therefore, the cosmetics for hair are useful for moisturizing hair and / or improving hair quality. The subject is preferably a mammal, more preferably a human. The hair as the subject can be the hair growing on any part of the subject's body, for example, the head, eyebrows, armpit hair, beard, body hair, etc. can be listed. Hair quality improvement includes preventing, treating or improving symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by the reduction of the moisturizing function of the hair, such as dryness of the hair, roughness of the hair, and reduction of the softness or elasticity of the hair.

[0596] Examples of the hair cosmetics include lotions, cosmetic liquids, creams, emulsions, sunscreens, cleansers, shaving preparations, facial cleansers, facial masks, cosmetic oils, body washes, and foundations.

[0597] The cosmetics for hair are, for example, cosmetics for hair. Examples of the cosmetics for hair include hair styling agents, hair care agents, hair dyes, shampoos, hair washes, and hair conditioners.

[0598] The amount of the cocoa-derived composition added can be appropriately adjusted depending on the type of the hair cosmetic. The amount of the cocoa-derived composition added is 0.01 to 100% by mass, preferably 0.1 to 99% by mass, based on the mass of the hair cosmetic.

[0599] When the hair cosmetic contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment, the amount of ceramide AP derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment is, based on the mass of the hair cosmetic, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, further preferably 0.05% by mass or more, further preferably 0.1% by mass or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. These upper limits may be arbitrarily combined with the above-mentioned lower limits, respectively.

[0600] When the hair cosmetic contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is, based on the mass of the hair cosmetic, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, further preferably 0.05% by mass or more, further preferably 0.1% by mass or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. These upper limits may be arbitrarily combined with the above-mentioned lower limits, respectively.

[0601] When the hair cosmetic contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is, based on the mass of the hair cosmetic, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, further preferably 0.05% by mass or more, further preferably 0.1% by mass or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. These upper limits may be arbitrarily combined with the above-mentioned lower limits, respectively.

[0602] The “amount of ceramide AP” refers to the amount of one ceramide AP when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains one ceramide AP, and refers to the total amount of the two or more ceramide APs when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains two or more ceramide APs. The amount of ceramide AP can be measured by LC-MS / MS analysis. LC-MS / MS analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0603] The "amount of free ceramide" refers to the amount of one free ceramide when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains one free ceramide, and refers to the total amount of the two or more free ceramides when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains two or more free ceramides. The amount of free ceramide can be measured by HPLC analysis. HPLC analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0604] Hair cosmetics can be produced using a cocoa-derived composition and a raw material for a general hair cosmetic. Examples of the base components of hair cosmetics include ethanol, polyols, water, hydrocarbons, higher fatty acids, higher alcohols, oils and fats, waxes, ethers, esters, silicones, and the like. In addition, components such as surfactants, moisturizing components, barrier function improving components, antioxidant components, whitening components, antibacterial components, stabilizers, fragrances, colorants, and preservatives can also be used.

[0605] The hair cosmetic may contain the cocoa-derived composition as the sole moisturizing component or the sole hair quality improving component, or may contain other moisturizing components and / or other hair quality improving components.

[0606] The hair cosmetics can be produced by a common method for producing hair cosmetics. The method for producing hair cosmetics may include steps such as mixing of raw materials, heating, dissolving, drying, and filling.

[0607] 《Pharmaceutical Composition》

[0608] The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing a cocoa-derived composition. The description of the cocoa-derived composition is as described above.

[0609] In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment. The description of the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment is as described above.

[0610] In another embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment. The description of the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is as described above.

[0611] In still another embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment. The description of the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is as described above.

[0612] The composition derived from cocoa can be directly compounded into the pharmaceutical composition, or it can be compounded into the pharmaceutical composition after being formulated into one or more forms of moisturizing agents, skin quality improvers and hair quality improvers. The pharmaceutical composition can be applied to the skin and / or hair of the object for use, and through one or more of the moisturizing effects, skin quality improvement effects and hair quality improvement effects of the composition derived from cocoa, it can exert one or more of the moisturizing effects, skin quality improvement effects and hair quality improvement effects. Therefore, the pharmaceutical composition is useful for one or more of the moisturizing uses of the skin, the skin quality improvement uses and the hair quality improvement uses. The object is preferably a mammal, more preferably a human. The skin as the object can be the skin of any part of the body of the object, for example, the skin of the face, head, neck, back, shoulders, chest, abdomen, hands, feet, etc. can be listed. Skin quality improvement uses include preventing, treating or improving dry skin, rough skin, sagging, dullness, the formation of spots or wrinkles, the reduction of skin softness or elasticity, the reduction of skin barrier function, etc., caused by the reduction of the moisturizing function of the skin (including aging symptoms). The hair to be treated may be hair grown on any part of the subject's body, and examples thereof include head hair, eyebrows, armpit hair, beard, body hair, etc. Hair quality improvement includes prevention, treatment or improvement of symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by a decrease in the moisturizing function of the hair, such as dry hair, rough hair, and a decrease in the softness or elasticity of the hair.

[0613] The pharmaceutical composition may be composed of a composition derived from cocoa, or may be a substance obtained by formulating a composition derived from cocoa. The composition derived from cocoa may be formulated into a dosage form such as a liquid, a suspension, an emulsion, an emulsion, a gel, a cream, a tablet, a pill, a powder, a granule, or a capsule using pharmaceutically acceptable additives according to conventional methods. The additive may be selected from, for example, an excipient, a binder, a disintegrant, a lubricant, a stabilizer, a flavoring / smell corrector, an emulsifier, and the like.

[0614] The pharmaceutical composition can be applied to the skin and / or hair as an ointment, an external liquid, a patch, etc., for example.

[0615] The pharmaceutical composition may contain the cocoa-derived composition as the sole moisturizing ingredient, the sole skin quality improving ingredient, or the sole hair quality improving ingredient, or may contain one or more of other moisturizing ingredients, other skin quality improving ingredients, and other hair quality improving ingredients.

[0616] The amount of the cocoa-derived composition added can be appropriately adjusted according to the dosage form of the pharmaceutical composition. The amount of the cocoa-derived composition added is, for example, 0.01 to 100% by mass, preferably 0.1 to 99% by mass, based on the mass of the pharmaceutical composition.

[0617] In the case where the pharmaceutical composition contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment, the amount of ceramide AP derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment is based on the mass of the pharmaceutical composition, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, further preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and further preferably 0.1% by mass or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, for example, it may be 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. These upper limits may be arbitrarily combined with the above lower limits, respectively.

[0618] In the case where the pharmaceutical composition contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is based on the mass of the pharmaceutical composition, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, further preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and further preferably 0.1% by mass or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, for example, it may be 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. These upper limits may be arbitrarily combined with the above lower limits, respectively.

[0619] In the case where the pharmaceutical composition contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is based on the mass of the pharmaceutical composition, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, further preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and further preferably 0.1% by mass or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, for example, it may be 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. These upper limits may be arbitrarily combined with the above lower limits, respectively.

[0620] The “amount of ceramide AP” refers to the amount of one ceramide AP when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains one ceramide AP, and refers to the total amount of the two or more ceramide APs when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains two or more ceramide APs. The amount of ceramide AP can be measured by LC-MS / MS analysis. LC-MS / MS analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0621] The "amount of free ceramide" refers to the amount of one free ceramide when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains one free ceramide, and refers to the total amount of the two or more free ceramides when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains two or more free ceramides. The amount of free ceramide can be measured by HPLC analysis. HPLC analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0622] Food composition

[0623] The present invention relates to a food composition containing a cocoa-derived composition. The description of the cocoa-derived composition is as described above.

[0624] In one embodiment, the food composition contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment. The description of the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment is as described above.

[0625] In another embodiment, a food composition contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment. The cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is as described above.

[0626] In still another embodiment, the food composition contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment. The cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is as described above.

[0627] The composition derived from cocoa can be directly mixed in the food composition, or it can be mixed in the food composition after being formulated into one or more forms of moisturizing agents, skin quality improvers and hair quality improvers. The food composition can exert one or more of moisturizing effects, skin quality improvement effects and hair quality improvement effects through one or more of the moisturizing effects, skin quality improvement effects and hair quality improvement effects of the composition derived from cocoa. Therefore, the food composition is useful for one or more of the moisturizing uses, skin quality improvement uses and hair quality improvement uses of the skin. The object of administration of the food composition is preferably a mammal, more preferably a human. As the skin of the object, for example, the skin of the face, head, neck, back, shoulder, chest, abdomen, hands, feet, etc. can be listed. Skin quality improvement uses include preventing, treating or improving dry skin, rough skin, sagging, dullness, the formation of spots or wrinkles, the reduction of skin softness or elasticity, the reduction of skin barrier function, etc., caused by the reduction of the moisturizing function of the skin (including aging symptoms). The hair to be treated may be hair growing in any part of the body, for example, head hair, eyebrows, armpit hair, beard, body hair, etc. Improving hair quality includes preventing, treating or improving symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by a decrease in the moisturizing function of hair, such as dry hair, rough hair, and a decrease in the softness or elasticity of hair.

[0628] As food compositions, for example, processed foods, snacks, beverages, health foods, etc. can be cited. Food compositions widely include general foods, health foods (functional food and beverages), health functional foods (specific health foods, nutritional functional foods), quasi-drugs, pharmaceuticals, etc. that are taken orally. The food composition is preferably a food composition that can indicate the effects of the composition derived from cocoa in the food composition or its packaging, and more preferably a health functional food (specific health foods, functionally labeled foods, nutritional functional foods), quasi-drugs, or pharmaceuticals.

[0629] The food composition may contain the cocoa-derived composition as the sole moisturizing ingredient, the sole skin quality improving ingredient, or the sole hair quality improving ingredient, or may contain one or more of other moisturizing ingredients, other skin quality improving ingredients, and other hair quality improving ingredients.

[0630] The amount of the cocoa-derived composition added can be appropriately adjusted depending on the type of the food composition. The amount of the cocoa-derived composition added is, for example, 0.01 to 100% by mass, preferably 0.1 to 99% by mass, based on the mass of the food composition.

[0631] When the food composition contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment, the amount of ceramide AP derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment is preferably 0.0006% by mass or more, more preferably 0.0012% by mass or more, and further preferably 0.0018% by mass or more, based on the mass of the food composition. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be 10% by mass or less, 5% by mass or less, or 1% by mass or less. These upper limits may be arbitrarily combined with the above lower limits, respectively.

[0632] When the food composition contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is preferably 0.0006% by mass or more, more preferably 0.0012% by mass or more, and further preferably 0.0018% by mass or more, based on the mass of the food composition. The upper limit is not particularly limited, for example, it may be 10% by mass or less, 5% by mass or less, or 1% by mass or less. These upper limits may be arbitrarily combined with the above lower limits, respectively.

[0633] When the food composition contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is preferably 0.0006% by mass or more, more preferably 0.0012% by mass or more, and further preferably 0.0018% by mass or more, based on the mass of the food composition. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be 10% by mass or less, 5% by mass or less, or 1% by mass or less. These upper limits may be arbitrarily combined with the above lower limits, respectively.

[0634] The “amount of ceramide AP” refers to the amount of one ceramide AP when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains one ceramide AP, and refers to the total amount of the two or more ceramide APs when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains two or more ceramide APs. The amount of ceramide AP can be measured by LC-MS / MS analysis. LC-MS / MS analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0635] The "amount of free ceramide" refers to the amount of one free ceramide when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains one free ceramide, and refers to the total amount of the two or more free ceramides when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains two or more free ceramides. The amount of free ceramide can be measured by HPLC analysis. HPLC analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0636] The food composition can be produced using raw materials of a cocoa-derived composition and a common food composition.

[0637] The food composition can be produced by a common method for producing a food composition, which may include steps such as mixing, heating, dissolving, drying, and filling of raw materials.

[0638] The moisturizer, skin quality improver, hair quality improver, skin cosmetic, hair cosmetic, pharmaceutical composition or food composition is not particularly limited to applicable subjects, but is suitable for people who are concerned about skin aging (sagging, wrinkles, dullness, rough skin, etc.) and / or hair decline (dry hair, rough hair, reduced softness or elasticity of hair, etc.) due to aging. For example, it is suitable for women over 20 years old, over 30 years old, over 40 years old, over 50 years old or over 60 years old.

[0639] Example

[0640] [Example 1] Preparation and component analysis of cocoa shell extract

[0641] (1) Preparation of cocoa shell extract

[0642] Cocoa shell extracts 1A and 1B were obtained by the following method.

[0643] [Cocoa Bean Shell Extract 1A]

[0644] The cocoa shells were ground with a grinder. 8.0 mL of 99% by volume ethanol was added to 0.2 g of the ground cocoa shells, and an extraction treatment was performed at room temperature (about 25° C.) for 16 hours while shaking at 150 rpm. The extracted product was centrifuged at 15000 rpm for 30 minutes at 25° C., and cocoa shell extract 1A was obtained from the obtained supernatant.

[0645] [Cocoa bean shell extract 1B]

[0646] The cocoa shells were ground with a grinder. 4 L of 99.5% by volume ethanol was added to 100 g of the ground cocoa shells, and the mixture was subjected to extraction for 24 hours while being stirred with a hot plate stirrer (set temperature 37° C.). The extracted product was filtered with filter paper (manufactured by ADVANTEC, No. 2), and then concentrated to 1 L with an evaporator to obtain cocoa shell extract 1B.

[0647] (2) Component analysis of cocoa bean shell extract

[0648] The components of the cocoa husk extracts 1A and 1B were analyzed by the following method.

[0649] [Composition Analysis of Cocoa Shell Extract 1A]

[0650] After mixing 0.76 mL of 99% by volume ethanol and 0.2 mL of 0.2 M hydrochloric acid with 0.04 mL of cocoa shell extract 1A, the mixture was centrifuged at 20,000 rpm at 4°C for 30 minutes. The obtained supernatant was further centrifuged at 20,000 rpm at 4°C for 30 minutes to prepare an analysis sample.

[0651] [Composition analysis of cocoa bean shell extract 1B]

[0652] 0.7 g of the dried solid of cacao husk extract 1B was immersed in 500.0 mL of 99% by volume ethanol for re-extraction. The re-extraction was performed at room temperature (about 25° C.) for 24 hours. 55.7 μL of the cacao husk extract obtained by the re-extraction, 744 μL of 99% by volume ethanol and 200 μL of 0.2 M hydrochloric acid were mixed, and the mixture was centrifuged at 15000 rpm for 20 minutes at 4° C. The supernatant obtained was further centrifuged at 15000 rpm for 20 minutes at 4° C., and the supernatant obtained was used as an analysis sample.

[0653] The centrifuged supernatants obtained from the cocoa bean shell extracts 1A and 1B were subjected to LC-ESI-MS / MS (Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry) and analyzed according to the method of Yumoto et al. (Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry (2021) 85, 205-210). That is, as ESI-MS / MS, Agilent 6460 with Agilent 1200 separation module was used, and as a high performance liquid chromatography column, TSKgel ODS-120A column (2.1 mm id×25 cm, manufactured by Tosoh Corporation, registered trademark) was used, and glucosylceramide and free ceramide were separated according to the LC-MS / MS conditions in Table B below, and detected in ESI-positive ion mode. Used to detect the m / z [M+H] of the precursor ion of glucosylceramide and free ceramide +, m / z of product ions, and collision energy (CE) (eV) are shown in Table C below. The amounts of glucosylceramide and free ceramide detected were determined using glucosylceramide purchased from Nagara Science Co., Ltd., ceramide purchased from Cayman Chemical, and free ceramide generated from glucosylceramide by imiglucerase (manufactured by Sanofi), a human glucocerebrosidase, as standards.

[0654] <LC-MS / MS analysis conditions>

[0655] Column temperature: 40°C

[0656] Flow rate: 0.2mL / min

[0657] Mobile phase: Mobile phase A 0.1 volume % formic acid in water, Mobile phase B 0.1 volume % formic acid in methanol

[0658] ·gradient:

[0659] [Table B]

[0660] Time (minutes) Mobile phase A (%) Mobile phase B (%) 0 10 90 30 2 98 50 2 98 50.1 0 100 60 0 100

[0661] [Table C]

[0662]

[0663] The analysis was performed using the following analysis software, and the measurement results were analyzed by creating a chromatogram using the following qualitative software and obtaining a quantitative value using the following quantitative software.

[0664] Analysis software: Agilent Data Acquisition

[0665] Qualitative software: Agilent Qualitative Analysis

[0666] Quantitative software: Agilent QQQ Quantitative Analysis (Quant-My-Way)

[0667] The analysis results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0668] In Tables 1 and 2, "μg / g" indicates the content (μg) of the target component per 1 g of the cocoa shell extract.

[0669] In Tables 1 and 2, "*1" indicates the amount of glucosylceramide or free ceramide calculated based on the value of the standard 8Z body of the same molecular weight, "*2" indicates the amount of glucosylceramide or free ceramide calculated based on the value of the standard t18:1(8Z)-C24h:0-GluCer or t18:1(8Z)-C24h:0-Cer, and "*3" indicates the amount of free ceramide calculated based on the value of the standard t18:0-C24h:0-Cer.

[0670] In Tables C, 1 and 2, the abbreviations are described using "d18:2(4E,8Z)-C16h:0-GluCer" and "t18:1(8Z)-C22h:0-Cer" as examples.

[0671] In "d18:2(4E,8Z)-C16h:0-GluCer", the first part "d18:2(4E,8Z)" is information related to the sphingoid base, "d" indicates that the number of hydroxyl groups of the sphingoid base is 2, "18" indicates that the number of carbon atoms of the sphingoid base is 18, "2" indicates that the number of carbon-carbon double bonds of the sphingoid base is 2, and "(4E,8Z)" indicates that the EZ configuration of the double bonds of carbon atoms at positions 4 and 8 of the sphingoid base is 4E and 8Z. In "d18:2(4E,8Z)-C16h:0-GluCer", the middle part "C16h:0" is information related to the fatty acid, "C16" indicates that the number of carbon atoms of the fatty acid is 16, "h" indicates that the number of hydroxyl groups of the fatty acid is 1, and "0" indicates that the number of carbon-carbon double bonds of the fatty acid is 0. The absence of "h" indicates that the number of hydroxyl groups of the fatty acid is 0. In "d18:2(4E,8Z)-C16h:0-GluCer", "GluCer" in the latter part represents glucosylceramide.

[0672] In "t18:1(8Z)-C22h:0-Cer", the first part "t18:1(8Z)" is information related to sphingoid base, "t" indicates that the number of hydroxyl groups of the sphingoid base is 3, "18" indicates that the number of carbon atoms of the sphingoid base is 18, "1" indicates that the number of carbon-carbon double bonds of the sphingoid base is 1, and "(8Z)" indicates that the EZ configuration of the double bond at the carbon position 8 of the sphingoid base is 8Z. In "t18:1(8Z)-C22h:0-Cer", the middle part "C22h:0" is information related to fatty acid, "C22" indicates that the number of carbon atoms of the fatty acid is 22, "h" indicates that the number of hydroxyl groups of the fatty acid is 1, and "0" indicates that the number of carbon-carbon double bonds of the fatty acid is 0. The absence of "h" indicates that the number of hydroxyl groups of the fatty acid is 0. In "t18:1(8Z)-C22h:0-Cer", "Cer" in the latter part indicates free ceramide.

[0673] The number of hydroxyl groups of the sphingoid base constituting glucosylceramide also includes hydroxyl groups glycosidically bonded to glucose.

[0674] [Table 1]

[0675] Table 1 Types and contents of glucosylceramide

[0676]

[0677] [Table 2]

[0678] Table 2 Types and contents of free ceramides

[0679]

[0680] As shown in Tables 1 and 2, the total content of glucosylceramide was 447.44 μg / g (analysis value associated with extract 1A) and 372.35 μg / g (analysis value associated with extract 1B), the total content of free ceramide was 1409.01 μg / g (analysis value associated with extract 1A) and 836.92 μg / g (analysis value associated with extract 1B), the total content of glucosylceramide and the total content of free ceramide was 1856.45 μg / g (analysis value associated with extract 1A) and 1209.26 μg / g (analysis value associated with extract 1B), and the total content of ceramide AP in the total content of free ceramide was 828.70 μg / g (analysis value associated with extract 1A) and 480.29 μg / g (analysis value associated with extract 1B).

[0681] [Example 2]

[0682] (1) Preparation of cocoa bean germ extract

[0683] The cocoa bean germs were ground with a grinder. 8.0 mL of 99% by volume ethanol was added to 0.1 g of the ground cocoa bean germs, and the mixture was shaken at 150 rpm and subjected to extraction at room temperature (about 25° C.) for 16 hours. The extracted product was centrifuged at 15000 rpm for 30 minutes at 25° C., and the cocoa bean germ extract was obtained from the obtained supernatant.

[0684] (2) Composition analysis of cocoa bean germ extract

[0685] 0.3 mL of 99% by volume ethanol and 0.1 mL of 0.2 M hydrochloric acid were mixed with 0.1 mL of the cocoa bean germ extract obtained in (1) above, and then centrifuged. The centrifugation was performed in the same manner as the centrifugation of extract 1A in (2) of Example 1. The obtained centrifugation supernatant was analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS / MS) in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0686] The analysis results are shown in Tables 3 and 4. The explanations regarding Tables 1 and 2 also apply to Tables 3 and 4.

[0687] [Table 3]

[0688] Table 3 Types and contents of glucosylceramide

[0689]

[0690] [Table 4]

[0691] Table 4 Types and contents of free ceramides

[0692]

[0693] [Example 3]

[0694] (1) Preparation of cocoa bean endosperm extract

[0695] A cacao bean endosperm extract was obtained in the same manner as in Example 2 (1) except that 0.2 g of cacao bean endosperm was used instead of 0.1 g of cacao bean germ.

[0696] (2) Composition analysis of cocoa bean endosperm extract

[0697] The components of the cacao bean endosperm extract were analyzed in the same manner as in Example 2 (2), except that the cacao bean endosperm extract obtained in (1) above was used instead of the cacao bean germ extract.

[0698] The analysis results are shown in Tables 5 and 6. The comments related to Tables 1 and 2 also apply to Tables 5 and 6.

[0699] [Table 5]

[0700] Table 5 Types and contents of glucosylceramide

[0701]

[0702] [Table 6]

[0703] Table 6 Types and contents of free ceramides

[0704]

[0705] [Example 4]

[0706] (1) Preparation of cocoa pod shell extract

[0707] A cocoa husk extract was obtained in the same manner as in Example 2 (1) except that 0.2 g of freeze-dried cocoa husk was used instead of 0.1 g of cocoa bean germ.

[0708] (2) Composition analysis of cocoa pod shell extract

[0709] 0.35 mL of 99% by volume ethanol and 0.1 mL of 0.2 M hydrochloric acid were mixed with 0.05 mL of the cocoa pod husk extract obtained in (1) above, and then centrifuged. The centrifugation was performed in the same manner as the centrifugation of extract 1A in (2) of Example 1. The obtained centrifugation supernatant was analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS / MS) in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0710] The analysis results are shown in Tables 7 and 8. The descriptions regarding Tables 1 and 2 also apply to Tables 7 and 8.

[0711] [Table 7]

[0712] Table 7 Types and contents of glucosylceramide

[0713]

[0714] [Table 8]

[0715] Table 8 Types and contents of free ceramides

[0716]

[0717] [Example 5]

[0718] (1) Preparation of cocoa pulp extract

[0719] 7.5 mL of 99% by volume ethanol was added to 0.5 g of freeze-dried cocoa pulp, and the mixture was shaken at 150 rpm for 16 hours at room temperature (about 25° C.). The extracted product was centrifuged at 15,000 rpm for 30 minutes at 25° C., and a cocoa pulp extract was obtained from the obtained supernatant.

[0720] (2) Composition analysis of cocoa pulp extract

[0721] The components of the cocoa pulp extract were analyzed in the same manner as in Example 2 (2), except that the cocoa pulp extract obtained in (1) above was used instead of the cocoa bean germ extract.

[0722] The analysis results are shown in Tables 9 and 10. The comments related to Tables 1 and 2 also apply to Tables 9 and 10.

[0723] [Table 9]

[0724] Table 9 Types and contents of glucosylceramide

[0725]

[0726] [Table 10]

[0727] Table 10 Types and contents of free ceramides

[0728]

[0729] [Example 6] Preparation of skin cosmetics blended with cocoa shell extract

[0730] (1) Preparation of cocoa shell extract

[0731] The cocoa shell extract was obtained by the following method.

[0732] The cocoa shells were ground with a grinder. 4 L of 99.5% by volume ethanol was added to 100 g of the ground cocoa shells, and the mixture was subjected to extraction for 24 hours while being stirred with a hot plate stirrer (set temperature 37° C.). The extracted product was filtered with filter paper (manufactured by ADVANTEC, No. 2), and then concentrated to 1 L with an evaporator to obtain a cocoa shell extract.

[0733] The component analysis of the cocoa bean shell extract obtained in the above (1) was carried out in the same manner as in (2) of Example 1. The results showed that the total content of glucosylceramide was 372.35 μg / g, the total content of free ceramide was 836.92 μg / g, the total content of glucosylceramide and the total content of free ceramide was 1209.26 μg / g, and the total content of ceramide AP in the total content of free ceramide was 480.29 μg / g.

[0734] (2) Preparation of skin cosmetics

[0735] The following skin cosmetics were prepared.

[0736] A: A skin cosmetic obtained by blending the cacao shell extract obtained in (1) above with 0.1% by mass of the total content of free ceramide and glucosylceramide.

[0737] B: A skin cosmetic obtained by blending the cacao shell extract obtained in (1) above with a total content of free ceramide and glucosylceramide of 0.2% by mass

[0738] C: Skin cosmetics without the cacao shell extract obtained in (1) above

[0739] The components of skin cosmetics A to C are shown in Table 11.

[0740] [Table 11]

[0741] Table 11 Components of skin cosmetics A to C

[0742] raw material A B C Cocoa Shell Extract 89.29g 178.57g - Emulsifier 0.80g 0.80g 0.80g Purified water 9.19g 9.18g 9.20g

[0743] The preparation methods of skin cosmetics A to C are as follows.

[0744] Purified water was poured into a beaker and heated with a hot plate stirrer (set temperature: 90°C to 130°C) while stirring.

[0745] The cocoa husk extract obtained in (1) above and an emulsifier (UNIOX HC-60, produced by NOF Corporation) were placed in separate beakers and heated with a hot plate stirrer (set temperature: 90°C to 130°C) while stirring. The ethanol in the cocoa husk extract was volatilized by this heating step. After the product temperature rose to about 80°C, heated purified water was added little by little while stirring.

[0746] After the addition of the heated purified water, the mixture was cooled to room temperature (about 25° C.) while being stirred, and purified water was added so that the total mass became 10.0 g.

[0747] [Example 7] Evaluation of moisturizing effect

[0748] The skin cosmetics A to C prepared in Example 6 were designated as samples A to C, respectively, and purified water was designated as sample D, and the moisturizing effect was evaluated. The evaluation method is as follows.

[0749] Samples A to D were dripped 10 μL each onto a paper disk (manufactured by ADVANTEC) with a diameter of 8 mm and a thickness of 0.7 mm. The paper disk after dripping was placed in a laboratory at a temperature of 25°C and a humidity of 40%, and the weight after 0 to 8 minutes was measured once every 1 minute. The weight at 0 minutes was taken as 100%, and the moisture residual rate of each sample was calculated. The results are shown in Table 12.

[0750] [Table 12]

[0751] Table 12 Residual moisture rate of each sample (%)

[0752] 0 minutes 1 minute later 2 minutes later 3 minutes later 4 minutes later 5 minutes later 6 minutes later 7 minutes later 8 minutes later Sample A 100 99.0 96.9 88.7 83.5 82.5 78.4 73.2 68.0 Sample B 100 97.9 95.8 90.5 88.4 83.2 76.8 74.7 71.6 Sample C 100 99.0 92.9 88.8 80.6 79.6 73.5 64.3 63.3 Sample D 100 92.0 86.0 78.0 70.0 69.0 61.0 58.0 53.0

[0753] The residual moisture ratio of the skin cosmetics containing the cocoa husk extract (samples A and B) was higher than that of the skin cosmetics not containing the cocoa husk extract (sample C) and purified water (sample D). This result confirmed that the cocoa husk extract has a moisturizing effect.

[0754] [Example 8] Preparation of skin cosmetics blended with cocoa shell extract

[0755] (1) Preparation of cocoa shell extract

[0756] The cocoa shell extract was obtained by the following method.

[0757] The cocoa shells were ground with a grinder. 4 L of 99.5% by volume ethanol was added to 100 g of the ground cocoa shells, and the mixture was subjected to extraction for 24 hours while being stirred with a hot plate stirrer (set temperature 37° C.). The extracted product was filtered with filter paper (manufactured by ADVANTEC, No. 2), and then concentrated to 1 L with an evaporator to obtain a cocoa shell extract.

[0758] The component analysis of the cocoa bean shell extract obtained in the above (1) was carried out in the same manner as in (2) of Example 1. The results showed that the total content of glucosylceramide was 372.35 μg / g, the total content of free ceramide was 836.92 μg / g, the total content of glucosylceramide and the total content of free ceramide was 1209.26 μg / g, and the total content of ceramide AP in the total content of free ceramide was 480.29 μg / g.

[0759] (2) Preparation of skin cosmetics

[0760] The following skin cosmetics were prepared.

[0761] E: Skin cosmetics without the cacao shell extract obtained in (1) above

[0762] F: Skin cosmetics containing 0.1% by mass of a ceramide AP standard product (Avanti (registered trademark) Polar Lipids)

[0763] G: A skin cosmetic obtained by blending the cacao shell extract obtained in (1) above at a total content of 0.1% by mass of free ceramide and glucosylceramide

[0764] H: A skin cosmetic obtained by blending the cacao shell extract obtained in (1) above with a total content of free ceramide and glucosylceramide at 0.2% by mass

[0765] The components of skin cosmetics E to H are shown in Table 13.

[0766] [Table 13]

[0767] Table 13 Components of skin cosmetics E to H

[0768] raw material E F G H Cocoa Shell Extract - - 89.29g 178.57g Ceramide AP Standard - 0.003g - - Emulsifier 0.80g 0.24g 0.80g 0.80g Purified water 9.20g 2.78g 9.19g 9.18g

[0769] The preparation methods of skin cosmetics E to H are as follows.

[0770] Purified water was poured into a beaker and heated with a hot plate stirrer (set temperature: 90°C to 130°C) while stirring.

[0771] The cocoa husk extract obtained in (1) above and an emulsifier (UNIOX HC-60, produced by NOF Corporation) were placed in separate beakers and heated with a hot plate stirrer (set temperature: 90°C to 130°C) while stirring. The ethanol in the cocoa husk extract was volatilized by this heating step. After the product temperature rose to about 80°C, heated purified water was added little by little while stirring.

[0772] After the addition of the heated purified water, the mixture was cooled to room temperature (about 25° C.) while being stirred, and purified water was added so that the total mass became 10.0 g.

[0773] [Example 9] Evaluation of moisturizing effect

[0774] The skin cosmetics E to H prepared in Example 8 were designated as samples E to H, respectively, and the moisturizing effect was evaluated. It should be noted that all samples were used after passing through a sterilizing filter. Since the skin cosmetics E to H may precipitate after preparation, they were passed through a filter immediately after preparation (or after being heated and redissolved), and only the supernatant was supplied as a spiked sample (a sample added to the cells in step (3) described later).

[0775] The cell kit used in the evaluation was EPI-MODEL24 (manufactured by Japan Tissue Engineering Co., Ltd.).

[0776] The evaluation method is as follows.

[0777] <Pre-cultivation>

[0778] As pre-culture, only the culture medium was replaced on the day (pre-day 1) and the next day (pre-day 2) when the cell plate arrived.

[0779] <Real-time measurement>

[0780] The real-time measurement was performed after the pre-culture was completed (the day after pre-day 2) (the day after pre-day 2 was set as day 0). All the operations were performed on a 32°C plate. The method of the real-time measurement is as follows.

[0781] (1) Take out the cell plate from the CO2 incubator.

[0782] (2) TEWL (transepidermal water evaporation) was measured using Tewitro 24. The data after the numerical value stabilized for 30 minutes was used as the reference value before the immediate measurement and the time-dependent measurement.

[0783] (3) Add 25 μL of each sample to the cells and wait for 1 hour.

[0784] (4) Wait for 2 hours until the cells are dry.

[0785] (5) TEWL was measured using Tewitro 24. The data after the numerical value stabilized for 90 minutes was set as the real-time measured value.

[0786] (6) 80 μL of PBS was added to the cells, and the cells were removed by aspiration 5 times in total.

[0787] (7) Wait for 1 hour until the cells are dry.

[0788] (8) While waiting for step (7), replace the culture medium.

[0789] (9) Store in a CO2 incubator.

[0790] The results of the real-time measurements are shown in Table 14.

[0791] [Table 14]

[0792] Table 14 Results of real-time measurement

[0793]

[0794] <Measurement over time>

[0795] The time measurement was performed from day 1 to day 5 (one day, two days, three days, four days, and five days after day 0 (day 0) were designated as day 1 (day 1), day 2 (day 2), day 3 (day 3), day 4 (day 4), and day 5 (day 5)). All of this operation was performed on a 32°C plate. The method of the time measurement is as follows.

[0796] (1) Take out the cell plate from the CO2 incubator.

[0797] (2) TEWL was measured using Tewitro 24. The data after the numerical value was stabilized for 90 minutes was regarded as the value measured over time.

[0798] (3) Add 25 μL of each sample to the cells and wait for 1 hour.

[0799] (4) 80 μL of PBS was added to the cells, and the cells were removed by aspiration 5 times in total.

[0800] (5) Wait for 1 hour until the cells are dry.

[0801] (6) While waiting in step (5), replace the culture medium.

[0802] (7) Store in a CO2 incubator.

[0803] The results of the time-dependent measurement are shown in Table 15. The numerical values ​​in Table 15 are percentages (%) of the TEWL of each day relative to the TEWL of day 0.

[0804] [Table 15]

[0805] Table 15 Results of time-dependent measurement

[0806] Day 0 Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Sample E 100.00 67.72 60.88 59.84 52.93 48.77 Sample F 100.00 70.39 62.74 60.71 53.65 51.24 Sample G 100.00 58.05 52.71 52.94 50.38 47.88 Sample H 100.00 55.59 58.44 58.78 48.96 46.52

[0807] In both the immediate measurement and the time-dependent measurement, the cells to which the skin cosmetics containing the cocoa husk extract (samples G and H) were added showed a decrease in TEWL (transepidermal water evaporation) compared to the cells to which the skin cosmetics containing no cocoa husk extract (sample E) and the skin cosmetics containing the ceramide AP standard product (sample F) were added. This result confirmed that the cocoa husk extract has a moisturizing effect.

[0808] [Example 10] Preparation of scalp cosmetics containing cocoa shell extract

[0809] The same operation as in Example 1 (1) was performed to prepare a cocoa bean shell extract. The obtained cocoa bean shell extract was placed in a beaker and heated with a hot plate stirrer (set temperature: 90°C to 130°C) while stirring. Through this process, the ethanol in the cocoa bean shell extract was volatilized. Coconut oil, honey and jojoba oil were placed in a beaker and mixed well to prepare a scalp cosmetic. The components of the obtained scalp cosmetic are as follows.

[0810] [Table 16]

[0811] raw material Mixing amount Cocoa Shell Extract 776.00g Coconut milk 80.00g Honey 6.00g Jojoba Oil 1.00g

[0812] [Example 11] Preparation of a pharmaceutical composition containing cocoa shell extract

[0813] The same operation as in Example 1 (1) was performed to prepare a cocoa husk extract. The obtained cocoa husk extract was placed in a beaker and heated with a hot plate stirrer (set temperature: 90°C to 130°C) while stirring. This step allowed the ethanol in the cocoa husk extract to volatilize. Ingredients other than the cocoa husk extract were placed in a beaker and mixed thoroughly to prepare a pharmaceutical composition. The components of the obtained pharmaceutical composition are as follows.

[0814] [Table 17]

[0815] raw material Mixing amount Cocoa Shell Extract 89.29g Ethanol 75.00g water 19.49g glycerin 5.00g spices 0.50g

[0816] [Example 12] Preparation of food composition blended with cocoa shell extract

[0817] The same operation as in Example 1 (1) was performed to prepare a cocoa husk extract. The obtained cocoa husk extract was placed in a beaker and heated with a hot plate stirrer (set temperature: 90°C to 130°C) while stirring. This step allowed the ethanol in the cocoa husk extract to volatilize. Water was added little by little while stirring to prepare a food composition. The components of the obtained food composition are as follows.

[0818] [Table 18]

[0819] raw material Mixing amount Cocoa Shell Extract 89.29g water 10.00g

[0820] [Example 13]

[0821] (1) Preparation of dried and crushed material

[0822] 100 g of cocoa shells were ground with a grinder and sieved with a 16-mesh sieve to obtain cocoa shells that passed through 16 mesh (fractions below the 16-mesh sieve). The fractions below the 16-mesh sieve were stirred in 4 L of 99.5% by volume ethanol at 40°C for 24 hours, extracted, and then filtered (Advantec Filter Paper No. 2150 mmφ) to obtain a filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated with an evaporator (50°C, 100 rpm, 80-120 Torr) and dried under reduced pressure (80°C, 3 hours) to obtain 5.84 g of a brown colloid. The brown colloid was freeze-ground in a mortar in the presence of liquid nitrogen to obtain 5.31 g of a dry ground product.

[0823] (2) Purification of dried and crushed material

[0824] <Method 1>

[0825] The dried and pulverized product obtained in the above (1) is purified by method 1. Method 1 is carried out as follows.

[0826] Treatment A1: Water cleaning

[0827] To 2.0 g of the dried pulverized product, 6.7 mL of Milli-Q water was added, and the mixture was shaken (room temperature, 150 rpm, 15 minutes). Room temperature refers to 20°C ± 5°C (the same applies in this specification).

[0828] Process A2: Centrifugation

[0829] After treatment A1, the mixture was centrifuged (4°C, 3000 rpm, 15 minutes).

[0830] Treatment A3: Recovery of sediment

[0831] After treatment A2, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was recovered.

[0832] Processing A4: Processing the duplication of A1 to A3

[0833] After treatment A3, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments A1 to A3 twice (1 cycle) to recover the precipitate.

[0834] Treatment A5: Ethanol Cleaning

[0835] After treatment A4, 6.7 mL of 66% by volume ethanol was added to the recovered precipitate, and the mixture was shaken (normal temperature, 150 rpm, 15 minutes).

[0836] Process A6: Centrifugation

[0837] After treatment A5, the mixture was centrifuged (4°C, 3000 rpm, 15 minutes).

[0838] Treatment A7: Recovery of sediment

[0839] After treatment A6, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was recovered.

[0840] Processing A8: Processing the duplication of A5 to A7

[0841] After treatment A7, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments A5 to A7 twice (1 cycle) to recover the precipitate.

[0842] Process A9: Drying under reduced pressure

[0843] After treatment A8, the recovered precipitate was dried under reduced pressure (80° C., 2 h).

[0844] Treatment A10: Activated carbon treatment

[0845] After the treatment of A9, 6.7 mL of 99.5 volume % ethanol and 6.7 mg of activated carbon were added to the obtained dry product, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (40° C., 150 rpm, 15 minutes).

[0846] Processing A11: Filtering

[0847] After treating A10, the mixture was naturally filtered through filter paper and the filtrate was recovered.

[0848] Process A12: Drying under reduced pressure

[0849] After treatment A11, the obtained filtrate was dried under reduced pressure (80°C, 2 h), thereby obtaining a dried product (dry weight: 237.5 mg).

[0850] The free ceramide in the dried product obtained by treatment A12 was quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Specifically, 20 mg of the dried product obtained by treatment A12 was added with 2 mL of a mixture of chloroform and methanol (chloroform: methanol = 2: 1 (volume ratio)) to obtain a solution as a quantitative sample solution, and the quantitative sample solution was subjected to HPLC analysis, and the content of free ceramide was quantified by the standard curve. It should be noted that the standard curve was prepared by using free ceramide AP (Hydroxyphytoceramide_C24:0) (Avanti) as a standard for the standard curve and the peak area when it was subjected to HPLC analysis at a specified concentration.

[0851] The conditions for HPLC analysis are as follows.

[0852] ·Column: Agilent RX-SIL ZORBAX 5μm 4.6×250mm

[0853] Column temperature: 25°C

[0854] Apparatus: HPLC-ELSD (Agilent 1260 series)

[0855] Mobile phase A: Hexane: Isopropanol = 100:1 (volume ratio)

[0856] Mobile phase B: methanol: isopropanol = 4:6 (volume ratio)

[0857] ·gradient:

[0858] [Table D]

[0859] Time (minutes) Mobile phase A (%) Mobile phase B (%) 0 100 0 10 98.5 1.5 20 96 4 30 88.7 11.3 31 0 100 41 0 100 41.1 100 0 51 100 0

[0860] Flow rate: 1mL / min

[0861] Injection volume: 20μL

[0862] ·ELSD settings: Evaporator Temperature 40℃, Nebulizer Temperature 40℃, GasFlow Rate 1.6SLM

[0863] The quantitative sample solution usually contains more than two kinds of free ceramides. According to the above conditions and steps, when the quantitative sample solution containing more than two kinds of free ceramides is analyzed by HPLC, the peaks of the more than two kinds of free ceramides overlap and are detected as one peak. The amount obtained based on the peak area of ​​the detected peak and the standard curve made using ceramide AP as a standard curve standard is set as the total amount of the more than two kinds of free ceramides. That is, the total amount of the more than two kinds of free ceramides is obtained as a ceramide AP equivalent amount (converted to the amount of ceramide AP).

[0864] The free ceramide in the dried product obtained by treatment A12 was quantified by HPLC analysis, and the total amount of free ceramide was 39.847 mg / g. It should be noted that "mg / g" refers to the content (mg) of the target component per 1 g of the dried product.

[0865] <Method 2>

[0866] The dried and pulverized product obtained in the above (1) is purified by method 2. Method 2 is carried out as follows.

[0867] Treatment B1: Water cleaning

[0868] To 2.0 g of the dry ground product was added 6.7 mL of Milli-Q water, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (normal temperature, 150 rpm, 15 minutes).

[0869] Process B2: Centrifugation

[0870] After treatment B1, the mixture was centrifuged (4°C, 3000 rpm, 15 minutes).

[0871] Treatment B3: Recovery of sediment

[0872] After treatment B2, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was recovered.

[0873] Processing B4: Processing the duplication of B1 to B3

[0874] After treatment B3, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments B1 to B3 twice (1 cycle) to recover the precipitate.

[0875] Treatment B5: Alkali treatment

[0876] After treatment B4, 6.7 mL of a 0.4 M NaOH aqueous solution was added to the recovered precipitate, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (37° C., 150 pm, 15 minutes).

[0877] Process B6: Centrifugation

[0878] After treatment B5, the mixture was centrifuged (15°C, 3000 rpm, 15 minutes).

[0879] Treatment B7: Recovery of sediment

[0880] After treatment B6, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was recovered.

[0881] Treatment B8: Water cleaning

[0882] After treatment B7, 6.7 mL of water was added to the recovered precipitate. After the addition of water, the mixture was mixed by inversion.

[0883] Process B9: Centrifugal separation

[0884] After treatment B8, the mixture was centrifuged (15°C, 3000 rpm, 15 minutes).

[0885] Treatment B10: Recovery of sediment

[0886] After treatment of B9, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was recovered.

[0887] Processing B11: Repeat of processing B8 to B10

[0888] After treatment B10, the recovered precipitate was subjected to treatments B8 to B10 twice (1 cycle) to recover the precipitate.

[0889] Treatment B12: Drying under reduced pressure

[0890] After treatment B11, the recovered precipitate was dried under reduced pressure (80° C., 2 h), thereby obtaining a dried product (dry weight: 65.7 mg).

[0891] The free ceramide in the dried product obtained by treatment B12 was quantified by HPLC analysis in the same manner as in method 1, and the total amount of free ceramide was 12.059 mg / g. It should be noted that "mg / g" refers to the content (mg) of the target component per 1 g of the dried product.

[0892] <Method 3>

[0893] The dried and pulverized product obtained in the above (1) is purified by method 3. Method 3 is carried out as follows.

[0894] Treatment C1: Redissolution

[0895] To 1.24 g of the dry ground product was added 6.5 mL of 99.5% by volume ethanol, and the mixture was subjected to ultrasonic treatment (30° C., 15 minutes), and then shaken and mixed (40° C., 150 rpm, 15 minutes).

[0896] Treatment C2: Centrifugation

[0897] After treatment C1, the mixture was centrifuged (normal temperature, 3000 rpm, 15 minutes).

[0898] Treatment C3: Recovery of sediment

[0899] After treatment C2, the supernatant and the precipitate were separated and recovered.

[0900] Processing C4: Processing the duplication of C1 to C3

[0901] After treatment C3, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments C1 to C3 twice (one cycle) to recover the supernatant. The supernatant recovered in treatment C3 and the supernatant recovered in treatment C4 are combined and used in the next treatment.

[0902] Treatment C5: Activated carbon treatment

[0903] After the treatment of C4, 18 mg of activated carbon was added to the obtained supernatant so that the activated carbon concentration became 0.1 w / v%, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (40° C., 150 rpm, 15 minutes).

[0904] Processing C6: Filtration

[0905] After treatment of C5, the mixture was filtered with filter paper, and the filtrate was recovered. The filter paper used for filtration was washed with 5 mL of 99.5% by volume ethanol, and the recovered filtrate (ethanol used for washing) was combined with the previously recovered filtrate and used in the next step.

[0906] Treatment C7: Precipitation

[0907] After the treatment of C6, Milli-Q water having the same volume as the filtrate (17.5 mL) was added to the recovered filtrate to precipitate free ceramide.

[0908] Process C8: Centrifugal separation

[0909] After treating C7, the mixture was centrifuged (4°C, 5000 rpm, 15 minutes).

[0910] Treatment C9: Recovery of Sediment

[0911] After treating C8, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was recovered.

[0912] Processing C10: Hexane Cleaning

[0913] After treating C9, 1.5 mL of hexane was added to the recovered precipitate, and the mixture was stirred with a vortex mixer for 1 minute.

[0914] Treatment C11: Centrifugal separation

[0915] After the C10 treatment, the mixture was centrifuged (4° C., 15,000 rpm, 15 minutes).

[0916] Treatment C12: Recovery of precipitate

[0917] After treating C11, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was recovered.

[0918] Processing C13: Processing the repetition of C10 to C12

[0919] After treatment C12, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments C10 to C12 once (1 cycle) to recover the precipitate.

[0920] Treatment C14: Drying under reduced pressure

[0921] After treatment C13, the recovered precipitate was dried under reduced pressure (80°C, 2 h), thereby obtaining a dried product (dry weight 9.1 mg).

[0922] The free ceramide in the dried product obtained by treatment C14 was quantified by HPLC analysis in the same manner as in method 1, and the total amount of free ceramide was 265.3 mg / g. It should be noted that "mg / g" refers to the content (mg) of the target component per 1 g of the dried product.

[0923] [Example 14]

[0924] (1) Preparation of dried and crushed material

[0925] 100 g of cocoa shells were ground with a grinder and sieved with a 14-mesh sieve to obtain cocoa shells that passed through 14 mesh (fraction under the 14-mesh sieve). The fraction under the 14-mesh sieve was stirred in 4 L of 99.5% by volume ethanol at 40°C for 20 hours, extracted and filtered (Advantec Filter Paper No. 2 150 mmφ) to obtain a filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated with an evaporator (50°C, 100 rpm, 30-120 Torr) and dried under reduced pressure (80°C, 3 hours) to obtain 9.22 g of a brown colloid. The brown colloid was freeze-ground in a mortar in the presence of liquid nitrogen to obtain 5.31 g of a dry ground product.

[0926] (2) Purification of dried and crushed material

[0927] <Method 4>

[0928] The dried and pulverized product obtained in the above (1) is purified by method 4. Method 4 is an improved method of method 1. Method 4 is carried out as follows.

[0929] Treatment D1: Water cleaning

[0930] To 2.5 g of the dry ground product was added 8.3 mL of Milli-Q water, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (normal temperature, 150 rpm, 15 minutes).

[0931] Treatment D2: Centrifugation

[0932] After treatment D1, the mixture was centrifuged (4°C, 3000 rpm, 15 minutes).

[0933] Treatment D3: Recovery of sediment

[0934] After treatment D2, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was recovered.

[0935] Processing D4: Processing D1 to D3 repetitions

[0936] After treatment D3, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments D1 to D3 twice (1 cycle) to recover the precipitate.

[0937] Treatment D5: Ethanol Cleaning

[0938] After treatment D4, 8.3 mL of 66% by volume ethanol was added to the recovered precipitate, and the mixture was shaken (normal temperature, 150 rpm, 15 minutes).

[0939] Treatment D6: Centrifugation

[0940] After treatment D5, the mixture was centrifuged (4°C, 3000 rpm, 15 minutes).

[0941] Treatment D7: Recovery of sediment

[0942] After treatment D6, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was recovered.

[0943] Processing D8: Repeat of processing D5 to D7

[0944] After treatment D7, the recovered precipitate was subjected to treatments D5 to D7 twice (1 cycle) to recover the precipitate.

[0945] Treatment D9: Drying under reduced pressure

[0946] After treatment D8, the recovered precipitate was dried under reduced pressure (80° C., 2 h).

[0947] Treatment D10: Activated carbon treatment

[0948] After the treatment of D9, 8.3 mL of 99.5 volume % ethanol and 8.3 mg of activated carbon were added to the obtained dry product, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (40° C., 150 rpm, 15 minutes).

[0949] Process D11: Filtration

[0950] After treating D10, the mixture was naturally filtered through filter paper, and the filtrate was recovered.

[0951] Process D12: Extraction

[0952] The residue on the filter paper obtained by treatment D11 was extracted with 30 times the amount of 99.5 volume % ethanol, and the obtained extract was filtered to recover the filtrate.

[0953] Treatment D13: Drying under reduced pressure

[0954] The filtrate recovered in treatment D11 and the filtrate recovered in treatment D12 were combined and dried under reduced pressure (80° C., 2 h) to obtain a dried product (dry weight: 277.8 mg).

[0955] The free ceramide in the dried product obtained by treatment D13 was quantified by HPLC analysis in the same manner as in method 1 of Example 13. The total amount of free ceramide was 28.298 mg / g. It should be noted that "mg / g" refers to the content (mg) of the target component per 1 g of the dried product.

[0956] <Method 5>

[0957] The dried and pulverized product obtained in the above (1) is purified by method 5. Method 5 is an improved method of method 3. Method 5 is carried out as follows.

[0958] Treatment E1: Redissolution

[0959] To 2.5 g of the dry ground product was added 13.2 mL of 99.5% by volume ethanol, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (40° C., 150 rpm, 15 minutes).

[0960] Treatment E2: Centrifugation

[0961] After treatment E1, the mixture was centrifuged (normal temperature, 3000 rpm, 15 minutes).

[0962] Treatment E3: Recovery of sediment

[0963] After treatment E2, the supernatant and precipitate were separated and recovered.

[0964] Processing E4: Processing the duplication of E1 to E3

[0965] After treatment E3, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments E1 to E3 twice (one cycle) to recover the supernatant. The supernatant recovered in treatment E3 is combined with the supernatant recovered in treatment E4 and used in the next treatment.

[0966] Treatment E5: Activated carbon treatment

[0967] After treatment E4, 40 mg of activated carbon was added to the obtained supernatant so that the activated carbon concentration became 0.1 w / v%, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (40° C., 150 rpm, 15 minutes).

[0968] Process E6: Filtering

[0969] After treatment E5, the mixture was filtered with filter paper, and the filtrate was recovered. The filter paper used for filtration was washed with 5 mL of 99.5% by volume ethanol, and the recovered filtrate (ethanol used for washing) was combined with the previously recovered filtrate and used in the next step.

[0970] Treatment E7: Precipitation

[0971] After treatment E6, the same volume of Milli-Q water (39 mL) as that of the filtrate was added to the recovered filtrate to precipitate free ceramide.

[0972] Treatment E8: Centrifugation

[0973] After the E7 treatment, the mixture was centrifuged (4°C, 5000 rpm, 15 minutes).

[0974] Treatment E9: Recovery of sediment

[0975] After treatment E8, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was recovered.

[0976] Treatment E10: Drying under reduced pressure

[0977] After treating C9, the recovered precipitate was dried under reduced pressure (80° C., 2 h).

[0978] Treatment E11: Hexane cleaning

[0979] After the treatment of E10, 1.0 mL of hexane was added to the obtained dry product, and the mixture was stirred for 1 minute using a vortex mixer. After stirring, 1.0 mL of hexane was added to the mixture, and the mixture was stirred for 1 minute using a vortex mixer.

[0980] Processing E12: Centrifugation

[0981] After the E11 treatment, the mixture was centrifuged (4°C, 15000 rpm, 15 minutes).

[0982] Treatment E13: Recovery of sediment

[0983] After treatment E12, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was recovered.

[0984] Process E14: Drying under reduced pressure

[0985] After treatment E13, the recovered precipitate was dried under reduced pressure (80° C., 2 h), thereby obtaining a dried product (dry weight: 11.1 mg).

[0986] The free ceramide in the dried product obtained by treatment E14 was quantified by HPLC analysis in the same manner as in method 1 of Example 13. The total amount of free ceramide was 142.7 mg / g. It should be noted that "mg / g" refers to the content (mg) of the target component per 1 g of the dried product.

[0987] [Example 15]

[0988] (1) Air separation of ground cocoa beans

[0989] The ground cocoa beans were separated into a cocoa bean endosperm component and a cocoa bean shell component by air separation using an air separator (a device called a winnow).

[0990] (2) Screening

[0991] The cocoa shell component obtained in the above (1) was subjected to sieving using a 10-mesh sieve to obtain a 10-mesh sieve upper component and a 10-mesh sieve lower component. The 10-mesh sieve lower component was subjected to sieving using a 12-mesh sieve to obtain a 12-mesh sieve upper component and a 12-mesh sieve lower component. The 12-mesh sieve lower component was subjected to sieving using a 16-mesh sieve to obtain a 16-mesh sieve upper component and a 16-mesh sieve lower component. The mass ratio (%) of each component relative to the total mass of the 10-mesh sieve upper component, the 12-mesh sieve upper component, the 16-mesh sieve upper component, and the 16-mesh sieve lower component was determined. In addition, the presence or absence of cocoa bean endosperm mixed in each component was confirmed by visual observation. The results are shown in Table 19.

[0992] [Table 19]

[0993] Table 19

[0994] Mass(g) Proportion(%) Whether cocoa bean endosperm is mixed Components on 10 mesh sieve 1463 28.1 none Components on 12 mesh sieve 1150 22.1 none 16N sieve fraction 785 15.1 none Components under 16 mesh sieve 1800 34.6 have

[0995] From the results shown in Table 19, it can be seen that most of the cocoa bean endosperm mixed with the cocoa shell component was contained in the component below the 16-mesh sieve.

[0996] (3) Component analysis

[0997] From the cocoa bean endosperm fraction obtained in the above (1), the cocoa bean shells mixed in the cocoa bean endosperm fraction were manually removed, and then the cocoa bean endosperm fraction was ground with a grinder. 4 L of 99% by volume ethanol was added to 100 g of the ground cocoa bean shell fraction, stirred at 40°C for 24 hours, and after extraction treatment, suction filtration (Advantec Filter Paper No.2 150 mmφ) was performed to obtain a filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated to 1 L using an evaporator (50°C, 40-120 Torr). The obtained concentrated solution is hereinafter referred to as the "ethanol extract". The free ceramide in the ethanol extract was quantified by HPLC analysis in the same manner as in Method 1 of Example 13. The result was that the total amount of free ceramide was 74.7 μg / g. It should be noted that "μg / g" refers to the content (μg) of the target component per 1g of the cocoa bean endosperm fraction after the cocoa bean shells are removed.

[0998] The 12-mesh sieve component obtained in (2) above was crushed with a grinder. 4 L of 99% by volume ethanol was added to 100 g of the crushed 12-mesh sieve component, stirred at 40°C for 24 hours, extracted and filtered (Advantec Filter Paper No.2 150 mmφ) to obtain a filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated to 1 L using an evaporator (50°C, 40-120 Torr). The obtained concentrate is hereinafter referred to as the "ethanol extract". The free ceramide in the ethanol extract was quantified by HPLC analysis in the same manner as in Method 1 of Example 13. The result was a total amount of free ceramide of 654.7 μg / g. It should be noted that "μg / g" refers to the content (μg) of the target component per 1 g of the 12-mesh sieve component.

[0999] The 16-mesh sieve component obtained in (2) above was crushed with a grinder. 4 L of 99% by volume ethanol was added to 100 g of the crushed 16-mesh sieve component, stirred at 40°C for 24 hours, extracted and filtered (Advantec Filter Paper No.2 150 mmφ) to obtain a filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated to 1 L using an evaporator (50°C, 40-120 Torr). The obtained concentrate is hereinafter referred to as the "ethanol extract". The free ceramide in the ethanol extract was quantified by HPLC analysis in the same manner as in Method 1 of Example 13. The result was a total amount of free ceramide of 234.4 μg / g. It should be noted that "μg / g" refers to the content (μg) of the target component per 1 g of the 16-mesh sieve component.

[1000] From the above results, it can be seen that the total amount of free ceramide in the cocoa shell component can be increased by removing the 16-mesh sieve fraction from the cocoa shell component obtained by air separation of the ground cocoa beans. The mass percentage of the total amount of free ceramide in the cocoa shell component after the 16-mesh sieve fraction is removed relative to the total amount of free ceramide in the cocoa shell component obtained by air separation of the ground cocoa beans is calculated to be 128.6% by mass. In this case, the total amount of free ceramide in the cocoa shell component can be increased by 28.6% by mass by removing the 16-mesh sieve fraction from the cocoa shell component obtained by air separation of the ground cocoa beans.

[1001] [Example 15] Evaluation of moisturizing effect

[1002] (1) Preparation of ethanol extract

[1003] The cocoa shells were crushed with a grinder. 4 L of 99% by volume ethanol was added to 100 g of the crushed cocoa shells, stirred at 40°C for 24 hours, and then subjected to extraction treatment and suction filtration (Advantec Filter Paper No. 2 150 mmφ) to obtain a filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated to 1 L using an evaporator (50°C, 40-120 Torr). The obtained concentrated solution is hereinafter referred to as the "ethanol extract".

[1004] The free ceramide in the ethanol extract was quantified by HPLC analysis in the same manner as in Method 1 of Example 13. The total amount of free ceramide was 23 μg / mL. It should be noted that “μg / mL” refers to the content (μg) of the target component per 1 mL of the ethanol extract.

[1005] (2) Preparation of purified ethanol extract

[1006] The ethanol extract was purified by Method 6. Method 6 was performed as follows.

[1007] Treatment F1: 20 mL of a mixed solution of hexane (Hex) and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) (Hex:IPA=1:9 (volume ratio)) was added to 300 mg of the ethanol extract, followed by ultrasonic treatment for 10 minutes to obtain a dispersion.

[1008] Treatment F2: The obtained dispersion was centrifuged at 1500 rpm for 10 minutes, and about 20 mL of the supernatant was collected.

[1009] Treatment F3: The obtained supernatant was placed in a water bath at 40°C and sparged with nitrogen gas to dryness.

[1010] Treatment F4: Add 2 mL of a mixture of solution A (Hex:IPA=100:1 (volume ratio)) and solution B (methanol (MeOH):IPA=4:6 (volume ratio)) (solution A:solution B=90:10 (volume ratio)) to the obtained dry solid, and disperse it using an oscillator at 60°C for 30 minutes.

[1011] Treatment F5: The obtained dispersion was filtered through a filter and the resultant was used as a sample for fractionation.

[1012] Treatment F6: Treatment F1 to Treatment F5 were performed four times (1 cycle) to obtain a four-fold amount of aliquot samples.

[1013] Treatment F7: The obtained fraction sample was subjected to HPLC to fractionate the ceramide AP fraction.

[1014] Treatment F8: The fractionation operation in treatment F7 was repeated 47 times to obtain 47 times the amount of ceramide AP fraction.

[1015] Treatment F9: 1 mL of a mixed solution of solution A and solution B (solution A:solution B=90:10 (volume ratio)) was added to the obtained ceramide AP fraction for washing, and dried under nitrogen at 40° C. The obtained dried product is hereinafter referred to as “purified ethanol extract”.

[1016] The free ceramide in the purified product of the ethanol extract was quantified by HPLC analysis. The quantification by HPLC analysis was performed in the same manner as in Method 1 of Example 13, except that 2 mL of a mixed solution of chloroform and methanol (chloroform: methanol = 2: 1 (volume ratio)) was added to 13.1 mg of the purified product of the ethanol extract as a quantitative sample solution. The result was that the total amount of free ceramide was 660 mg / g. It should be noted that "mg / g" refers to the content (mg) of the target component per 1 g of the purified product of the ethanol extract.

[1017] (3) Preparation of skin cosmetics

[1018] The following skin cosmetics were prepared.

[1019] 1: Skin cosmetics consisting only of bases

[1020] 2: A skin cosmetic in which the ethanol extract obtained in (1) above is blended into a base so that the total amount of free ceramide is 0.1% by mass

[1021] 3: A skin cosmetic in which the purified ethanol extract obtained in (2) above is blended into a base so that the total amount of free ceramide is 0.1% by mass

[1022] According to the formulations shown in Table 20, skin cosmetics 1 to 3 were prepared by the following method.

[1023] [Table 20]

[1024] Table 20 Formulations of skin cosmetics

[1025]

[1026] Preparation of Solution A

[1027] All the raw materials of liquid A were added, dispersed by vortexing, and then dissolved by stirring at 700 rpm for 5 minutes in a water bath at about 95° C. However, for the skin cosmetic 2, heating was performed until the ethanol in the ethanol extract evaporated.

[1028] Preparation of Solution B

[1029] All the raw materials of liquid B were added and completely dissolved in a water bath at about 75° C. While in a water bath at about 75° C., homogenization was performed using an ultrasonic homogenizer (SFX150HH, manufactured by BRANSON) (30 seconds×4 times).

[1030] Mixture of liquid A and liquid B

[1031] The prepared liquid B was added to the prepared liquid A, and stirred at 700 rpm for 5 minutes while in a water bath at about 95°C. The mixed solution of liquid A and liquid B was dispersed by vortexing, and then homogenized (30 seconds × 4 times) with an ultrasonic homogenizer (SFX150HH, made by BRANSON) while in a water bath at about 95°C. After returning to room temperature, water was added with purified water and the weight was combined (*1). However, for skin cosmetic 2, since the mass of the ethanol extract exceeded 5g before water addition, water addition was not performed (*2).

[1032] Sterilization and concentration calibration

[1033] The prepared samples were centrifuged at room temperature at 2000 g for 5 minutes (1000 g for 1 minute for skin cosmetic 3) to obtain a supernatant. The obtained supernatant was sterilized with a sterilizing filter. The results of measuring the ceramide concentration of the supernatant showed that the total amount of free ceramide in skin cosmetics 2 and 3 exceeded 0.1% by mass, so water was supplemented to 0.1% by mass.

[1034] (4) Evaluation of moisturizing effect

[1035] The skin cosmetics 1 to 3 were designated as samples 1 to 3, respectively, and the moisturizing effect was evaluated.

[1036] The cell kit used in the evaluation was EPI-MODEL24 (manufactured by Japan Tissue Engineering Co., Ltd.).

[1037] The evaluation method is as follows.

[1038] <Pre-cultivation>

[1039] As pre-culture, only the culture medium was replaced on the day the cell plate arrived (pre-day 1).

[1040] <Method>

[1041] Sample addition started on the day after the cell plate arrived (day 0) and continued until day 5.

[1042] The measurement was performed from day 1 to day 5 (one day, two days, three days, four days and five days after day 0 were designated as day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4 and day 5, respectively). All the operations were performed on a 32° C. plate. The method of the time-dependent measurement is as follows.

[1043] (1) Take out the cell plate from the CO2 incubator.

[1044] (2) TEWL was measured using Tewitro 24. The average value of data within 5 minutes after the value was stabilized for 25 to 30 minutes was set as the measured value.

[1045] (3) Add 40 μL of each sample to the cells, return the cell plate to the CO 2 incubator and wait for 1 hour.

[1046] (4) 750 μL of PBS was added to each cell, and the cells were removed by aspiration 5 times in total.

[1047] (5) Gently wipe the cell surface with a cotton swab (about 20 times / well) to absorb moisture.

[1048] (6) After the culture medium is replaced, store it in a CO2 incubator.

[1049] The measurement results are shown in Table 21. The numerical values ​​in Table 22 are percentages (%) of TEWL on each day relative to TEWL on day 1.

[1050] [Table 21]

[1051] Table 21 Measurement results

[1052] Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Sample 1 100.00 99.11 93.21 97.27 99.84 Sample 2 100.00 86.99 86.35 97.47 90.96 Sample 3 100.00 100.53 104.21 106.05 93.39

[1053] As for the test results for 5 days, the cells to which the ethanol extract or the purified ethanol extract was added (Samples 2 and 3) showed a decrease in TEWL (transepidermal water evaporation) compared to the cells to which the ethanol extract or any type of ethanol extract was added (Sample 1). This result confirmed that the ethanol extract and the purified ethanol extract had a moisturizing effect.

[1054] [Example 16] Preparation of skin cosmetics

[1055] A skin cosmetic was prepared by blending the purified product (dried product obtained by Treatment A12) obtained by Method 1 of Example 13. The blending amount of each component was as follows.

[1056] Purified product 5.0g

[1057] Emulsifier 0.8g

[1058] Purified water 91.9g

[1059] [Example 17] Preparation of scalp cosmetics

[1060] A scalp cosmetic was prepared by blending the purified product (dried product obtained by Treatment A12) obtained by Method 1 of Example 13. The blending amounts of the respective components were as follows.

[1061]

[1062] [Example 18] Preparation of pharmaceutical composition

[1063] A pharmaceutical composition was prepared by blending the purified product obtained by Method 1 of Example 13 (dried product obtained by Treatment A12). The blending amount of each component was as follows.

[1064]

[1065] [Example 19] Preparation of food composition

[1066] A food composition was prepared by blending the purified product (dried product obtained by Treatment A12) obtained by Method 1 of Example 13. The blending amount of each component was as follows.

[1067] Purified product 89.29g

[1068] Water 10.00g.

Claims

1. A cocoa-derived composition comprising free ceramides derived from cocoa, The amount of the free ceramide derived from cocoa is 1.2% by mass or more based on the mass of the cocoa-derived composition.

2. A moisturizer comprising the cocoa-derived composition according to claim 1.

3. The moisturizing agent according to claim 2, wherein The amount of the free ceramide derived from cocoa is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the moisturizing agent.

4. A skin quality improving agent comprising the cocoa-derived composition according to claim 1.

5. The skin quality improving agent according to claim 4, wherein The amount of the free ceramide derived from cocoa is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the skin quality improving agent.

6. A hair quality improving agent comprising the cocoa-derived composition according to claim 1.

7. The hair quality improving agent according to claim 6, wherein The amount of the free ceramide derived from cocoa is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the hair quality improving agent.

8. A skin cosmetic comprising the cocoa-derived composition according to claim 1.

9. The skin cosmetic according to claim 8, wherein The amount of the free ceramide derived from cocoa is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the skin cosmetic.

10. The skin cosmetic according to claim 8 or 9, wherein The skin cosmetic is a scalp cosmetic.

11. A hair cosmetic comprising the cocoa-derived composition according to claim 1.

12. The hair cosmetic according to claim 11, wherein The amount of the free ceramide derived from cocoa is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the hair cosmetic.

13. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the cocoa-derived composition according to claim 1.

14. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 13, wherein The amount of the free ceramide derived from cocoa is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the pharmaceutical composition.

15. A food composition comprising the cocoa-derived composition according to claim 1.

16. The food composition according to claim 15, wherein The amount of the free ceramide derived from cocoa is 0.0006% by mass or more based on the mass of the food composition.

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