Composition for anti-obesity, body fat reduction, or fat metabolism promotion

Abstract

The present invention provides a composition for anti-obesity, body fat reduction or fat metabolism promotion, which contains (A) butyric acid bacteria, (B) trehalose, and (C) one or more substances selected from the group consisting of pueraria flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger. It is preferable that the composition for anti-obesity, body fat reduction, or fat metabolism promotion contains flower of kudzuvine as an active ingredient (C) and contains at least one substance selected from the group consisting of lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and ginger. Preferably, the composition further contains (D) pepper. It is preferable that the composition further contains (E) synanthrin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition for preventing obesity, reducing body fat or promoting fat metabolism. Background Art

[0002] Obesity is closely related to the consumption of body fat, and fat consumption specifically includes the following mechanisms.

[0003] When fat mobilization hormones such as norepinephrine are secreted, hormone-sensitive lipase, which is a lipolytic enzyme, is activated in white fat cells distributed in the subcutaneous or visceral areas, and triglycerides (neutral fat) accumulated in white fat cells are decomposed into glycerol and free fatty acids and released into the blood. The free fatty acids released into the blood are taken into the mitochondria of brown fat cells distributed near the clavicle, around the chest, shoulders, etc., in addition to the liver and muscles, and are consumed in the form of heat. In this way, white fat cells assume the function of accumulating excess energy in the body in the form of fat, while brown fat cells assume the function of burning fat and generating heat.

[0004] On the other hand, various anti-obesity agents are known in the past. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a composition for improving and / or preventing obesity, which uses catechin as an active ingredient and exerts a brown adipocyte differentiation promoting effect and an uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression promoting effect. In addition, Patent Document 2 describes an anti-obesity agent using an extract of the rhizome of Alpinia zerumbet as an active ingredient.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-065672

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-020341 Summary of the invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] However, the fat metabolism promoting effect of conventional anti-obesity agents is not necessarily sufficient, and there is room for functional improvement when used for various purposes such as anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promotion.

[0011] Means for solving problems

[0012] The present invention provides the following contents.

[0013] [1] A composition for anti-obesity, body fat reduction or fat metabolism promotion, comprising:

[0014] (A) Butyric acid bacteria,

[0015] (B) trehalose, and

[0016] (C) one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger.

[0017] [2] The anti-obesity, body fat reduction or fat metabolism promoting composition according to [1], wherein in (C), kudzu flower is used as an active ingredient and the composition contains one or more selected from lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger.

[0018] [3] The anti-obesity, body fat reduction or fat metabolism promoting composition according to [1] or [2], further comprising (D) pepper.

[0019] [4] The composition for anti-obesity, body fat reduction or fat metabolism promotion according to any one of [1] to [3], further comprising (E) inulin.

[0020] [5] A composition for activating brown adipocytes, comprising kudzu flower as an active ingredient and butyric acid bacteria, trehalose, and one or more selected from lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and ginger.

[0021] [6] A composition for promoting UCP1 expression, comprising kudzu flower as an active ingredient and containing butyric acid bacteria, trehalose, and one or more selected from lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and ginger.

[0022] [7] An anti-obesity composition, a body fat reduction composition, or a fat metabolism promoting composition that acts by activating heat generation from brown fat, comprising:

[0023] (A) Butyric acid bacteria,

[0024] (B) trehalose, and

[0025] (C) one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger.

[0026] [8] A method for achieving anti-obesity, or reducing body fat or promoting fat metabolism in an individual, wherein the individual ingests the following composition, wherein the composition contains:

[0027] (A) Butyric acid bacteria,

[0028] (B) trehalose, and

[0029] (C) one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger. Examples of the individual include mammals such as humans.

[0030] [9] The method according to [8], wherein the composition further comprises kudzu flower as an active ingredient in the above-mentioned (C) and at least one selected from lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger.

[0031]

[10] The method according to [8] or [9], wherein the composition further contains (D) pepper.

[0032]

[11] The method according to any one of [8] to

[10] , wherein the composition further contains (E) inulin.

[0033]

[12] A method for activating brown adipocytes in an individual, comprising:

[0034] (A) Butyric acid bacteria,

[0035] (B) trehalose, and

[0036] (C) one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger.

[0037]

[13] A method for reducing abdominal fat by causing an individual to easily consume fat during energy metabolism during daily activities, wherein the individual is allowed to ingest the following food, wherein the food contains:

[0038] (A) Butyric acid bacteria,

[0039] (B) trehalose, and

[0040] (C) one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger.

[0041]

[14] A method for promoting UCP1 expression in an individual, comprising allowing the individual to ingest the following composition, wherein the composition comprises:

[0042] (A) Butyric acid bacteria,

[0043] (B) trehalose, and

[0044] (C) one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger.

[0045]

[15] The method according to any one of [8] to

[14] , wherein the method excludes treatment of humans.

[0046]

[16] The method according to any one of [8] to

[14] , which is used for cosmetic purposes.

[0047]

[17] The use of the following (A) to (C) for the manufacture of an anti-obesity agent, a body fat reducing agent or a fat metabolism promoting agent:

[0048] (A) Butyric acid bacteria,

[0049] (B) trehalose, and

[0050] (C) one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger.

[0051]

[18] The use according to

[17] , wherein in the above (C), kudzu flower is used, and one or more selected from lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger are used.

[0052]

[19] The use according to

[17] or

[18] , wherein (D) pepper is further used.

[0053]

[20] The use according to any one of

[17] to

[19] , further comprising (E) inulin.

[0054]

[21] Use of the following (A) to (C) for producing a brown adipocyte activating agent:

[0055] (A) Butyric acid bacteria,

[0056] (B) trehalose, and

[0057] (C) one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger.

[0058]

[22] Use of the following (A) to (C) for producing an expression promoter of UCP1:

[0059] (A) Butyric acid bacteria,

[0060] (B) trehalose, and

[0061] (C) one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger.

[0062]

[23] Use of the following (A) to (C) for the manufacture of a preparation for anti-obesity, body fat reduction or fat metabolism promotion by activating heat generation in brown adipose tissue:

[0063] (A) Butyric acid bacteria,

[0064] (B) trehalose, and

[0065] (C) one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger.

[0066]

[24] A food with a functional claim, comprising:

[0067] (A) Butyric acid bacteria,

[0068] (B) trehalose, and

[0069] (C) one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger.

[0070]

[25] The functional food according to

[24] , which means that it has the function of reducing abdominal fat by making it easier to consume fat during energy metabolism during daily activities.

[0071] Effects of the Invention

[0072] The composition of the present invention is excellent in the effect of promoting fat metabolism, and is useful as a composition for anti-obesity, body fat reduction, or fat metabolism promotion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] First, preferred embodiments of the composition of the present invention will be described. It should be noted that in the present specification, "composition" and "preparation" have the same meaning.

[0074] <A. Butyric acid bacteria>

[0075] Butyric acid bacteria are known as benign bacteria that produce butyric acid. They play an important role in maintaining the intestine as weakly acidic by producing butyric acid from dietary fiber as feed, and supplying butyric acid as an energy source to the large intestine mucosal epithelial cells. The present inventors have found that butyric acid bacteria and trehalose do not have an effect of promoting UCP1 gene expression by themselves, but when combined with one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger, an excellent effect of promoting UCP1 gene expression can be obtained.

[0076] Butyric acid bacteria is a general term for bacteria that produce butyric acid, and bacteria such as the genus Clostridium, the genus Anaerostipes, the genus Butyrivibrio, the genus Butyricicoccus, the genus Coprococcus, the genus Eubacterium, the genus Faecalibacterium, the genus Fusobacterium, and the genus Roseburia are known.

[0077] In the present invention, it is a gram-positive bacillus and has spore-forming ability. From the perspective of high probiotic effect, preferably Clostridium. As Clostridium bacteria, Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium acetobutyricum, Clostridium multifermentus, Clostridium bifermentans, Clostridium pasteurianum, Clostridium toanum, Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium tetanomorphum, Clostridium flavum, Clostridium tertium, etc. can be cited. In the present invention, from the perspective of anti-obesity, body fat reduction or fat metabolism promotion effect, preferably Clostridium bacteria, especially preferably Clostridium butyricum.

[0078] As the butyric acid bacteria used in the present invention, for example, processed butyric acid bacteria can be used. The processed butyric acid bacteria may be an extract obtained by extracting butyric acid bacteria, or a crushed product obtained by crushing butyric acid bacteria. In addition, the processed butyric acid bacteria may be a butyric acid bacteria powder obtained by adding excipients such as lactose to dried butyric acid bacteria. Such butyric acid bacteria powder is commercially available as a butyric acid bacteria preparation. Butyric acid bacteria may be live bacteria or dead bacteria. From the perspective of improving anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promotion effects, live bacteria are particularly preferred.

[0079] The content of butyric acid bacteria in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited. From the perspective of improving anti-obesity, body fat reduction and fat metabolism promoting effects, the butyric acid bacteria processed product in the composition is preferably 0.0001 to 50% by mass, more preferably 0.001 to 50% by mass, further preferably 0.1 to 50% by mass, particularly preferably 0.5 to 40% by mass, and most preferably 1 to 35% by mass. It should be noted that the content in this specification refers to the content converted to dry mass (regarding mass ratio, etc., the same applies to other than butyric acid bacteria).

[0080] The present invention, in addition to butyric acid bacteria, also contains trehalose, and one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger. In the composition containing butyric acid bacteria, by combining trehalose and one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger, the anti-obesity, body fat reduction and fat metabolism promoting effects can be significantly improved. In the composition of the present invention, the proportion of butyric acid bacteria in the total amount of butyric acid bacteria, trehalose, and one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger is not particularly limited. From the perspective of improving the anti-obesity, body fat reduction and fat metabolism promoting effects in the present invention, it is preferably 0.01% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less, more preferably 1% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less, further preferably 3% by mass or more and 35% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 5% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less. It should be noted that the amounts of butyric acid bacteria, kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger can be the amounts of their processed products (hereinafter, the same applies to the ratio of the amount of butyric acid bacteria to the amount of trehalose, the ratio of the amount of each component to the total amount of butyric acid bacteria and trehalose, and the ratio of kudzu flower to at least one selected from lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger).

[0081] In the present invention, by including the following B and C components in the composition containing butyric acid bacteria, excellent anti-obesity, body fat reduction and fat metabolism promotion effects can be obtained. It is particularly preferred to include component D in addition to the following B and C components. From the perspective of being able to obtain significant anti-obesity, body fat reduction and fat metabolism promotion effects, it is particularly preferred to include component E in addition to the following B, C and D components.

[0082] <B. Trehalose>

[0083] Trehalose is a kind of deoxy sugar, also known as 6-deoxy-galactose, which is a hexose and is classified as a monosaccharide. As trehalose, D-trehalose and L-trehalose are known, but L-trehalose is preferably used in the present invention. In the present invention, by containing trehalose as a combination with component A and component C, excellent anti-obesity, body fat reduction and fat metabolism promotion effects can be obtained.

[0084] The content of trehalose in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited. From the perspective of enhancing anti-obesity, body fat reduction and metabolic promotion effects, the content of trehalose in the composition of the present invention is preferably 0.05 to 30% by mass, more preferably 0.2 to 25% by mass, further preferably 0.3 to 20% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.4 to 15% by mass.

[0085] The mass ratio of trehalose to butyric acid bacteria in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited. From the perspective of improving the anti-obesity, body fat reduction and fat metabolism promoting effects, the mass ratio of trehalose to butyric acid bacteria is preferably butyric acid bacteria: trehalose is 1: 0.0001 to 50, more preferably 1: 0.002 to 10, further preferably 1: 0.01 to 3, and particularly preferably 1: 0.05 to 0.8.

[0086] <C. Kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger>

[0087] From the perspective of more effectively promoting the expression of UCP1 and enhancing the anti-obesity, body fat reduction and fat metabolism promoting effects, the composition of the present invention preferably contains one or more selected from (C1) kudzu flower, (C2) lactic acid bacteria, (C3) yeast and (C4) ginger. In particular, in the above (C), the combination of (C1) kudzu flower and one or more selected from (C2) lactic acid bacteria, (C3) yeast and (C4) ginger is preferred because it can effectively increase the expression of UCP1.

[0088] When (C1) kudzu flower and at least one selected from (C2) lactic acid bacteria, (C3) yeast and (C4) ginger are used in combination, the content ratio of the two is, based on 100 parts by mass of (C1) kudzu flower, the total amount of one or more selected from (C2) lactic acid bacteria, (C3) yeast and (C4) ginger is preferably 0.01 to 400 parts by mass, more preferably 0.01 to 100 parts by mass, further preferably 2 to 80 parts by mass, and particularly preferably 5 to 70 parts by mass.

[0089] <C1. Kudzu flowers>

[0090] Pueraria is a vine-like perennial herb of the genus Pueraria in the family Leguminosae. As the pueraria flowers in the composition of the present invention, flowers collected in any process from flower buds to fully opened flowers can be used, and flowers collected in each process can also be mixed and used. There is no particular limitation on the type of pueraria, and examples thereof include sweet pueraria thomsonii, wild pueraria lobata, mountain pueraria thunbergiana, etc. From the perspective of anti-obesity, body fat reduction and fat metabolism promotion, sweet pueraria thomsonii is preferred.

[0091] As the kudzu flower in the composition of the present invention, a kudzu flower processed product can be used. As the kudzu flower processed product, it can be either an extract or a crushed product. When using a kudzu flower extract, as the extraction solvent, for example, ethanol (including hydrous ethanol), water, polar organic solvents other than ethanol (for example, methanol, propanol, butanol, isopropanol, acetone, diethyl ether, etc.) or non-polar solvents (hexane, cyclohexane, propane, etc.) can be mentioned, among which ethanol, water, and hydrous ethanol are particularly preferred. The extract can be powdered by spray drying or concentrating to dryness, or it can be a kudzu flower extract obtained by granulating by adding excipients such as dextrin during spray drying or concentrating to dryness. When using a kudzu flower crushed product, for example, a dry crushed powder obtained by drying and crushing the kudzu flower can be mentioned. From the viewpoint of anti-obesity, body fat reduction and fat metabolism promotion effects, hot water extract is particularly preferred.

[0092] The content of kudzu flower in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited. From the perspective of enhancing anti-obesity, body fat reduction and fat metabolism promotion effects, the kudzu flower processed product in the composition of the present invention is preferably 0.1 to 80 mass %, more preferably 1 to 60 mass %, further preferably 5 to 60 mass %, and particularly preferably 10 to 45 mass %.

[0093] In addition, the mass ratio of kudzu flower to butyric acid bacteria and trehalose in the present invention is not particularly limited. From the perspective of improving anti-obesity, body fat reduction and fat metabolism promotion effects, the mass ratio of the total amount of kudzu flower to butyric acid bacteria and trehalose is more preferably (butyric acid bacteria + trehalose): kudzu flower 1:0.1-20, further preferably 1:0.2-15, and particularly preferably 1:0.5-10.

[0094] <C2. Lactic acid bacteria>

[0095] Examples of the lactic acid bacteria used in the present invention include lactic acid bacteria that produce lactic acid as a metabolite and have been orally ingested in animals such as humans, such as Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, Staphylococcus, Tetragenococcus, and Bacillus.

[0096] Examples of the genus Bifidobacterium include Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, and Bifidobacterium mongoliense.

[0097] Examples of the genus Lactobacillus include Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus delbruvecki, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus curvatus, Lactobacillus halivaticus, Lactobacillus pentosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus salivari ... salivarius), Lactobacillus sporogenes, Lactobacillus sakei, Lactobacillus fructivorans, Lactobacillus hilgardii, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus fermentum.

[0098] Examples of the genus Enterococcus include Enterococcus faecalis (sometimes also called Streptococcus faecalis), Enterococcus faesium (sometimes also called Streptococcus faesium), Streptococcus thermophilus, and Lactococcus lactis (sometimes also called Streptococcus lactis).

[0099] Examples of the genus Leuconostoc include Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Leuconostoc oenos.

[0100] Examples of the genus Pediococcus include Pediococcus acidilactici and Pediococcus pentosaceus.

[0101] Examples of the genus Staphylococcus include Staphylococcus carnosus and Staphylococcus xylosus.

[0102] Examples of the genus Tetragenococcus include Tetragenococcus halophilus.

[0103] Examples of the genus Bacillus include Bacillus coagulans (also called Weizmannia coagulans) and Bacillus mesentericus.

[0104] In particular, Bacillus coagulans, Enterococcus faecalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Enterococcus faesium, and Lactobacillus acidophilus are preferred, at least one selected from Enterococcus faecalis and Bacillus coagulans is more preferred, and Bacillus coagulans is most preferred. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0105] In the present invention, from the viewpoint of enhancing the anti-obesity, body fat reduction and fat metabolism promoting effects, the lactic acid bacteria are preferably spore-forming bacteria, and particularly preferably bacteria of the genus Bacillus.

[0106] As the lactic acid bacteria of the present invention, for example, processed lactic acid bacteria can be used. It can be an extract obtained by extracting lactic acid bacteria, or it can be a crushed product obtained by crushing lactic acid bacteria. As for the extract and crushed product, for example, they can be obtained by the same processing method as that exemplified by the extract or crushed product of butyric acid bacteria. In addition, as the lactic acid bacteria crushed product, lactic acid bacteria powder obtained by adding excipients such as lactose to the lactic acid bacteria after drying and crushing can be used as a processed lactic acid bacteria product. The lactic acid bacteria can be live bacteria or dead bacteria. From the perspective of improving the anti-obesity, body fat reduction and fat metabolism promoting effects, live bacteria are particularly preferred.

[0107] The content of lactic acid bacteria in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited. From the perspective of enhancing the anti-obesity, body fat reduction and fat metabolism promoting effects, the content of processed lactic acid bacteria in the composition of the present invention is preferably 0.0001 to 60% by mass, more preferably 0.001 to 40% by mass, further preferably 0.01 to 30% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.1 to 10% by mass.

[0108] In addition, the mass ratio of lactic acid bacteria to butyric acid bacteria and trehalose in the present invention is not particularly limited. From the perspective of improving anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promotion effects, the mass ratio of the total amount of lactic acid bacteria to butyric acid bacteria and trehalose is preferably (butyric acid bacteria + trehalose): lactic acid bacteria is 1:0.001 to 10, more preferably 1:0.01 to 5, and particularly preferably 1:0.1 to 2.

[0109] <C3. Yeast>

[0110] The yeast used in the present invention is not particularly limited, and for example, processed yeast can be used. As the processed yeast, a yeast powder obtained by pulverizing the yeast and then adding an excipient such as dextrin can be used, or an extract obtained by extracting the yeast can be used. The extract and pulverized product can be obtained, for example, by the same processing method as that exemplified by the extract or pulverized product of butyric acid bacteria. The processed yeast used in the present invention preferably contains yeast cell walls from the perspective of enhancing the anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promoting effects. Yeast cell walls refer to insoluble cell walls from yeast cells obtained as an insoluble fraction after separation during the autolysis process of yeast or during the hydrolysis process. For example, it refers to a thickening polysaccharide obtained by removing water or intracellular components soluble in polar solvents from yeast by enzyme treatment, and the insoluble cell walls generally account for 20 to 25% by mass of the dry mass of the entire yeast cells.

[0111] As the yeast cell wall, for example, there can be cited a substance obtained from the extraction residue obtained by removing the soluble intracellular components in the cell by self-digestion (autolysis) of live yeast, enzyme treatment with the addition of protease, nuclease, esterase, glucanase, lipase, etc., or any one of them. In addition, in order to quickly carry out the above-mentioned enzyme treatment, for example, the cell wall can be physically destroyed by a homogenizer to obtain a bacterial residue, and the yeast cell wall can be obtained by applying a washing treatment, pH, temperature or pressure adjustment treatment, etc. The yeast cell wall obtained is preferably treated with an acid such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, etc. The yeast cell wall fraction is further removed by removing the soluble components. The yeast used can be, for example, baker's yeast, beer yeast, alcohol yeast, sake yeast, etc., which are commonly used in the food industry. From the viewpoint of the ease of obtaining the raw materials, for example, baker's yeast, beer yeast, Torula yeast are preferably used, and beer yeast is particularly preferably used. They can be used alone or in any combination of two or more. Preferably, the yeast cell originates from the genus Saccharomyces, more preferably Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Alternatively, for example, the yeast cell also includes a yeast cell originating from the genus Kluyveromyces, the genus Candida, or the genus Torula.

[0112] When the composition of the present invention is a tablet having a coating, a composition having yeast cell walls in the coating is particularly preferred from the viewpoint of obtaining effects such as enhanced anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promotion effects, and reduced adhesion between tablets.

[0113] The content of yeast in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited. From the perspective of enhancing the anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promoting effects, the yeast processed product in the composition of the present invention is preferably 0.001 to 60% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 20% by mass, further preferably 0.2 to 20% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.4 to 10% by mass.

[0114] In addition, the mass ratio of yeast to butyric acid bacteria and trehalose in the present invention is not particularly limited. From the perspective of improving anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promotion effects, the mass ratio of the total amount of yeast to butyric acid bacteria and trehalose is more preferably (butyric acid bacteria + trehalose): yeast 1:0.01-5, further preferably 1:0.02-3, and particularly preferably 1:0.05-2.

[0115] <C4.Ginger>

[0116] Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a perennial herb of the Zingiberaceae family, and its rhizome is a plant native to tropical Asia that is used as a spice for food or as a Chinese herbal medicine. As ingredients contained in ginger, gingerol and shogaol are known. Gingerol is known to improve blood flow and dilate blood vessels at the end of the body, and shogaol is known to have the effect of stimulating the gastrointestinal wall to increase blood flow and generate heat deep in the body.

[0117] As the ginger used in the present invention, processed ginger can be used. As the processed ginger, for example, it can be an extract or a crushed product. In the case of using a ginger extract, as the extraction solvent, for example, ethanol (including hydrous ethanol), water, polar organic solvents other than ethanol (such as methanol, propanol, butanol, isopropanol, acetone, diethyl ether, etc.) or non-polar solvents (hexane, cyclohexane, propane, etc.) can be mentioned, among which ethanol, water, and hydrous ethanol are particularly preferred. The extract can be powdered by spray drying or concentrating to dryness, or it can be a ginger extract obtained by granulating by adding excipients such as dextrin during spray drying or concentrating to dryness. In the case of using a crushed ginger, for example, a crushed powder obtained by drying and crushing ginger can be mentioned. From the perspective of improving the anti-obesity, body fat reduction and fat metabolism promoting effects, it is preferred to use crushed ginger powder.

[0118] The content of ginger in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited. From the perspective of enhancing the anti-obesity, body fat reduction and fat metabolism promoting effects, the ginger processed product in the composition is preferably 0.1 to 60% by mass, more preferably 0.5 to 30% by mass, and particularly preferably 1 to 20% by mass.

[0119] In addition, the mass ratio of ginger to butyric acid bacteria and trehalose in the present invention is not particularly limited. From the perspective of improving anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promotion, the content of butyric acid bacteria is preferably greater than the content of ginger. As the mass ratio of the total amount of ginger to butyric acid bacteria and trehalose, preferably (butyric acid bacteria + trehalose): ginger is 1: 0.01 to 10, more preferably 1: 0.05 to 5, and particularly preferably 1: 0.1 to 3.

[0120] <D.Pepper>

[0121] The composition of the present invention preferably contains pepper in addition to components A to C. Pepper (Piper nigrum) is a perennial herb of the genus Piper in the family Piperaceae, and its fruit is used as a food ingredient as a spice. Pepper is native to tropical Asia and is cultivated in various places. As a component contained in pepper, piperine is known. Piperine is known to have anticancer, antioxidant, and antidiarrheal effects.

[0122] As the pepper used in the present invention, processed pepper can be used. As the processed pepper, for example, it can be an extract or a crushed product. In the case of using a pepper extract, as the extraction solvent, for example, ethanol (including hydrous ethanol), water, polar organic solvents other than ethanol (for example, methanol, propanol, butanol, isopropanol, acetone, diethyl ether, etc.) or non-polar solvents (hexane, cyclohexane, propane, etc.) can be cited, among which ethanol, water, and hydrous ethanol are particularly preferred. The extract can be powdered by spray drying or concentrating to dryness, or it can be a pepper extract obtained by granulating by adding excipients such as dextrin during spray drying or concentrating to dryness. In the case of using a crushed pepper, for example, a dry crushed powder obtained by drying and crushing pepper can be cited. As pepper, from the perspective of improving the anti-obesity, body fat reduction and fat metabolism promoting effects, it is preferred to use an extract of pepper, and it is particularly preferred to use an extract of at least one polar solvent selected from water, ethanol and hydrous ethanol.

[0123] The content of pepper in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited. From the perspective of improving anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promotion effects, the content of pepper processed material in the composition is preferably 0.01 to 30% by mass, more preferably 0.05 to 20% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.1 to 15% by mass.

[0124] In addition, the mass ratio of pepper to the total amount of butyric acid bacteria and trehalose in the present invention is not particularly limited. From the perspective of improving anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promotion effects, the mass ratio of pepper to butyric acid bacteria and trehalose is more preferably butyric acid bacteria + trehalose: pepper is 1: 0.0001 to 5, further preferably 1: 0.001 to 4, and particularly preferably 1: 0.01 to 2.

[0125] <E.Inulin>

[0126] The composition of the present invention preferably contains inulin in addition to components A to D. Inulin is a water-soluble dietary fiber that has the effect of inhibiting the absorption of sugar and the rise in blood sugar levels, and is believed to be effective in preventing diabetes. In addition, it is also known to have the effect of regulating the intestinal environment by increasing benign bacteria and promoting the discharge of waste.

[0127] The content of inulin in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited. From the perspective of enhancing the anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promoting effects, the content of inulin in the composition is preferably 0.0005 to 20% by mass, more preferably 0.001 to 15% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.007 to 12% by mass.

[0128] In addition, the mass ratio of inulin to butyric acid bacteria and trehalose in the present invention is not particularly limited. From the perspective of improving anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promotion effects, the mass ratio of the total amount of inulin to butyric acid bacteria and trehalose is preferably (butyric acid bacteria + trehalose): inulin is 1: 0.00001 to 0.8, more preferably 1: 0.00005 to 0.6, and particularly preferably 1: 0.0001 to 0.5.

[0129] [3. Composition of the present invention]

[0130] <Dosage form, etc.>

[0131] The composition of the present invention can also be used for any purpose of oral and parenteral administration. As parenteral preparations, for example, preparations administered by direct administration to the stomach using a catheter, etc. can be cited. However, the composition of the present invention is preferably oral from the perspective of being able to easily obtain the effect of the present invention of promoting energy metabolism.

[0132] When used as an oral preparation, as its form, for example, tablets, capsules, powders, granules, liquids, granules, rods, plates, blocks, solids, pills, pastes, ointments, capsules, gels, chewable tablets, rods, etc. can be cited. Among them, tablets, capsules, powders, granules, and liquids are preferred, and tablets, capsules, powders, and granules are more preferred. In addition, as a specific example of an oral composition, a food composition can include food.

[0133] When the composition of the present invention is orally ingested, the total intake of the butyric acid bacteria, trehalose, and one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger is preferably about 30 mg or more and 1000 mg or less per day for adults, and more preferably 50 mg or more and 500 mg or less, from the perspective of anti-obesity, body fat reduction or fat metabolism promotion effects, and from the perspective of easy and continuous oral ingestion in daily life.

[0134] As the utilization mode of the composition of the present invention, specifically, there can be mentioned pharmaceuticals (including quasi-drugs), general foods, nutritional functional foods, specific health foods with efficacy indications approved by specific institutions, so-called health foods such as functional indication foods. Foods indicating efficacy are sometimes collectively referred to as "functional foods". As the utilization mode of the composition of the present invention, functional indication foods are particularly preferred.

[0135] <Composition for anti-obesity, body fat reduction or fat metabolism promotion>

[0136] As shown in the examples described below, since the composition of the present invention has a brown adipocyte activation effect such as hyperexpression of UCP1, it can also be used as a composition for brown adipocyte activation, an anti-obesity composition that acts by activating the neural activity of brown adipose tissue, a composition for reducing body fat, or a composition for promoting fat metabolism. Brown adipocyte activation includes not only the activation of the action of UCP1 protein, but also the promotion of heat generation in brown adipose tissue and the activation of sympathetic nerves in brown adipose tissue. For example, in Chemistry and Biology Vol.50, No.1, 2012, p23-29, it is recorded that "the heat generation of brown fat caused by UCP1 is directly controlled by the sympathetic nerves, which helps to increase and maintain the body temperature when waking up from hibernation, anesthesia and hypothermia, and cold exposure. That is, when physiological stimuli such as cold exposure are applied, the activity of the sympathetic nerves densely distributed in the brown fat is hyperactive, and fatty acids are freed through a series of reactions such as norepinephrine → β-adrenergic receptor → hormone-sensitive lipase, and the fatty acids are oxidatively decomposed to become substrates for heat generation, while activating UCP1 and causing fever (Figure 1). ". Since the sympathetic nerve-β receptor system also promotes the decomposition of neutral fat in white fat cells, free fatty acids are dissipated as heat under the action of brown fat UCP1, thereby reducing the overall body fat of the individual. The composition for activating brown fat cells can be used for various purposes such as promoting fat burning (fat consumption), promoting heat generation, promoting energy metabolism, promoting fat consumption, and reducing fat. Brown adipose tissue is distributed near the clavicle, around the chest, shoulders, etc. Through the present invention, it is expected that the fat around the waist can be reduced.

[0137] In addition, the composition of the present invention promotes the expression of UCP1, and can therefore be used as a composition for promoting the expression of UCP1. The UCP1 gene is a gene encoding the molecule uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), and is sometimes also recorded as Ucp1. In brown adipocytes, UCP1 is specifically expressed in the mitochondria of the cell. UCP1 has the activity of uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria, and when it is activated, the energy generated by the oxidative decomposition of fatty acids and glucose is directly converted into heat and dissipated without synthesizing ATP. In this way, UCP1 has the effect of converting free fatty acids into heat, so by promoting the expression of UCP1, the consumption of fatty acids in brown adipocytes can be promoted, and obesity can be inhibited or eliminated. In particular, as shown in the examples described later, the composition of the present invention is effective for anti-obesity, fat reduction in the abdomen, etc., body fat decomposition, promotion of energy metabolism, and promotion of fat consumption because it promotes the expression of UCP1 in brown adipose tissue (brown adipocytes).

[0138] In this specification, fat metabolism refers to promoting the expression of UCP1 in brown adipocytes, thereby promoting the consumption of fatty acids in brown adipocytes. In the present invention, by promoting the expression of UCP1, the effect of promoting the decomposition of fatty acids in brown adipocytes is particularly excellent, and thus it is effective for anti-obesity, weight loss, and promotion of fat metabolism.

[0139] As far as the composition of the present invention is contained and used for anti-obesity, body fat reduction or fat metabolism promotion, the anti-obesity, body fat reduction or fat metabolism promotion composition of the present invention can be distinguished from other products as a product, without particular limitation, for example, the product that indicates the function of anti-obesity, body fat reduction or fat metabolism promotion in any one of the main body, packaging, instructions, and propaganda (advertising media) of the product of the present invention is included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, even if it is a general food, the food that implies the use and manufactures and sells is also included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the food that is recorded in the homepage as the personal feelings of the person who has taken it and is sold, etc., is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the paper that shows the anti-obesity effect, body fat reduction effect or fat metabolism promotion effect played by a specific ingredient is used as a functional scientific basis, and the functional expression food that claims anti-obesity, body fat reduction or fat metabolism promotion is also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0140] For example, expressions that appeal to subjects who are concerned about body fat, such as "people who are concerned about obesity", "people who are concerned about waist circumference", "people who are concerned about weight", "people who are concerned about abdominal fat (visceral fat and subcutaneous fat, etc.)", etc., or expressions that are useful for helping to reduce body fat, such as "helps to lose weight", "helps to reduce abdominal fat (visceral fat and subcutaneous fat, etc.)", "helps to reduce waist circumference", "supports obesity elimination", "supports weight loss", "makes it easier to consume fat", "makes it easier to burn fat", "helps to consume fat", "helps to burn fat", "promotes the decomposition of fat", "makes the decomposition of fat easier", "helps to decompose fat", etc., are included in the scope of the present invention. More specifically, for example, in addition to expressions such as "countermeasures for belly fat", "comprehensive reduction of body weight, waist circumference, and fat", simultaneous reduction of "weight", "waist circumference", and "belly fat", "no increase in fat (inhibition of fat synthesis)", "decomposition of fat", "burning of fat", "no production of fat (inhibition of fat differentiation)", "recommended for slightly obese people who want to reduce waist size", etc., functionally expressed foods such as "isoflavones from kudzu flower are reported to have the function of helping to reduce the body weight, belly fat (visceral fat and subcutaneous fat) or waist circumference of slightly obese people" and "food suitable for people with high BMI, slightly obese people who are concerned about belly fat, waist circumference and body fat" when kudzu flower is used as an active ingredient are also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0141] The present invention provides a method for achieving anti-obesity, reducing body fat or promoting fat metabolism in an individual by having the individual ingest the composition; a method for activating brown fat cells in an individual by having the individual ingest the composition; a method for reducing abdominal fat by having the individual ingest the composition so that the individual easily consumes fat in energy metabolism during daily activities; a method for promoting the expression of UCP1 in an individual by having the individual ingest the composition, etc. As the individual, mammals such as humans, cats, and dogs are suitable, and humans are preferred. The method of the present invention may be a method of treating a human being except for beauty treatments, such as cosmetic treatments.

[0142] Example

[0143] (Examples 1 to 12, Comparative Examples 1 to 11)

[0144] (UCP1 gene expression promotion test)

[0145] (Test substance)

[0146] As (A) butyric acid bacteria, a dry powder of live bacteria of Clostridium butyricum was used. The butyric acid bacteria described below are processed products obtained by drying and processing live bacteria of Clostridium butyricum.

[0147] As (B) trehalose, L-trehalose was used.

[0148] As the kudzu flower (C1), a kudzu flower extract (hot water extract of kudzu flower) was used. The kudzu flower extract described below is a kudzu flower processed product (dried powder) obtained by extracting kudzu flowers with hot water and processing them.

[0149] As the (C2) lactic acid bacteria, a dry powder of live bacteria of Bacillus coagulans was used. The lactic acid bacteria described below are processed products obtained by drying and processing live bacteria of Bacillus coagulans.

[0150] As the yeast cell wall (C3), a commercially available yeast cell wall preparation for food coating (solid content 8.5 mass %, yeast content 96 mass %) was used (hereinafter, the same applies to Production Examples 1 to 3).

[0151] Ginger (C4) was ground into powder. The ginger described below is a processed ginger product (dried powder) obtained by drying and grinding ginger.

[0152] As (D) pepper, a pepper extract (a hydrous ethanol extract of pepper) was used. The pepper described below is a processed pepper (dried powder) obtained by extracting pepper fruits with hydrous ethanol and processing the extracted fruits.

[0153] As (E) inulin, a synthetic product was used.

[0154] As the tea extract (F), a green tea extract (dry powder) containing 70% by mass of catechins was used.

[0155] Regarding the amount of plants and bacteria in the test substances, the numerical values ​​in the following table are the amounts calculated based on the above-mentioned processed plant products. The unit of the composition in Table 1 is mass %.

[0156] (1) A proliferation medium was used as a proliferation medium, a differentiation induction medium was used as a differentiation induction medium, and an adipocyte maintenance medium was used as a differentiation maintenance medium. All three of the above culture media used the culture medium of the brown adipocyte culture kit F-8 (rat) (manufactured by COSMO-Bio, derived from interscapular brown adipose tissue). It should be noted that brown adipocytes derived from interscapular brown adipose tissue are commonly used in studying the function of brown adipocytes related to fat burning.

[0157] (2) A differentiation induction medium containing the test substances was prepared as follows. For tea extract, ginger powder, and pepper extract, each test substance was dissolved in DMSO, diluted with a differentiation induction medium, and prepared so that the final DMSO concentration reached 0.5 vol%, and the mixture was filter-sterilized. Other test substances were dissolved and diluted in a differentiation induction medium containing 0.5 vol% DMSO, and the mixture was filter-sterilized. All test substances were prepared to 0.001 μg / mL and mixed in the ratios shown in the following table.

[0158] (3) A differentiation maintenance medium containing the test substance is also prepared in the same manner as above.

[0159] (4) Rat brown adipocytes (manufactured by COSMO-Bio) were cultured in a proliferation medium at a concentration of 1.0 × 10 4 The cells were inoculated into a collagen-coated 96-well plate in the manner of cells / well and cultured in a 37°C, 5% CO2 incubator until the cell density reached about 90%.

[0160] (5) After removing the medium, 100 μL / well of a differentiation induction medium containing the test substance was added and cultured in a 37°C, 5 vol% CO 2 incubator for 72 hours to induce differentiation into brown adipocytes.

[0161] (6) After removing the medium, 100 μL / well of a differentiation maintenance medium containing the test substance was added and cultured in a 37°C, 5 vol% CO 2 incubator for 72 hours.

[0162] (7) After the medium was removed, 100 μL / well of a differentiation maintenance medium containing the test substance was added, and the cells were further cultured in a 37° C., 5 vol % CO 2 incubator for 24 hours.

[0163] (8) After removing the culture medium from each well, use CellAmp TM RNA was recovered using Direct RNA Prep Kit for RT-PCR (Real Time) (manufactured by TaKaRa).

[0164] (9) Using the obtained RNA, One Step TB Green (registered trademark) PrimeScript TM Real-time PCR was carried out using RT-PCR Kit II (Perfect Real Time) (manufactured by TaKaRa).

[0165] The gene expression level of UCP1 was measured using primers for UCP1 (manufactured by QIAGEN, trade name: Rn_Ucp1_1_SG QuantiTect Primer Assay (QT00183967)).

[0166] In addition, as an endogenous control, the gene expression level of GAPDH was measured using primers for GAPDH (manufactured by QIAGEN, trade name: Rn_Gapd_1_SGQuantiTect Primer Assay (QT00199633)). The relative values ​​of the gene expression level of UCP1 are shown below, with the value of the control without adding the test substance being recorded as 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0167]

[0168] As described above, the gene expression level of UCP1 was measured, and the results confirmed that when all components A to C were contained (Examples 1 to 4), a superior UCP1 gene expression promoting effect was exerted compared to when components A to C were contained alone (Comparative Examples 1 to 6). It should be noted that even if kudzu flower is used alone as an active ingredient, it also exerts a UCP1 gene expression promoting effect (Comparative Example 3), but by containing butyric acid bacteria and trehalose, the UCP1 gene expression promoting effect of kudzu flower as an active ingredient is further improved (Example 1).

[0169] Furthermore, when a plurality of components C were contained in addition to components A and B (Examples 5 to 8), and when component D or component E was contained in addition to components A to C (Examples 9 to 12), particularly excellent UCP1 gene expression promoting effects were confirmed.

[0170] As described above, UCP1 has the effect of converting free fatty acids into heat. Therefore, it is considered that the composition of the present invention has excellent anti-obesity effect, body fat reducing effect, and fat metabolism promoting effect by promoting the expression of the UCP1 gene.

[0171] [Manufacturing Examples 1 to 17: Tablets]

[0172] After mixing the raw materials as described in Tables 2 and 3, tablets were produced using a rotary tablet press. Tablets were produced so as to have a tablet diameter of 8 mmφ, a tablet thickness of 4.5 mm, a mass of 300 mg, and a hardness of 5 kgf or more. For Preparation Examples 1 to 3, the obtained tablets were put into a coating machine, sprayed with the coating solution described in Table 4, and dried after spraying to obtain coated tablets. The yeast cell wall in the coating layer in the tablet was 1% by mass (dry mass) in the tablet.

[0173] The tablets described in Production Examples 1 to 17 all had good taste and flavor, and excellent anti-obesity effects, body fat reducing effects, and fat metabolism promoting effects were obtained by taking 5 to 6 tablets per day.

[0174] Table 2

[0175]

[0176] Unit: Mass%

[0177] Table 3

[0178]

[0179] Unit: Mass %

[0180] Table 4

[0181] (Coating liquid)

[0182]

[0183] Unit: Mass %

[0184] [Manufacturing Examples 18 to 31: Granular Powdered Beverages]

[0185] After mixing the raw materials as described in Tables 5 and 6, the granulator was used to perform fluidized bed granulation to produce the granular powdered beverages described in Production Examples 18 to 31. The produced powdered beverages were filled into aluminum bags in a manner of 3 g per bag. The obtained powdered beverages had good taste and flavor, and excellent anti-obesity effects, body fat reduction effects, and fat metabolism promotion effects were obtained by taking 3 g per time, twice a day.

[0186] Table 5

[0187]

[0188] Unit: Mass %

[0189] Table 6

[0190]

[0191] Unit: Mass %

[0192] Industrial availability

[0193] The composition of the present invention is excellent in anti-obesity effect, body fat reducing effect and fat metabolism promoting effect, and has high industrial applicability.

Claims

1. A composition for anti-obesity, body fat reduction or fat metabolism promotion, comprising: (A) Butyric acid bacteria, (B) trehalose, and (C) one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger.

2. The composition for anti-obesity, body fat reduction or fat metabolism promotion according to claim 1, wherein: The above-mentioned (C) contains kudzu flower and further contains one or more selected from lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger.

3. The anti-obesity, body fat reduction or fat metabolism promoting composition according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising (D) pepper. 4 . The composition for preventing obesity, reducing body fat or promoting fat metabolism according to claim 1 , further comprising (E) inulin.

5. The composition for anti-obesity, body fat reduction or fat metabolism promotion according to claim 1 or 2, which acts by promoting heat generation in brown adipose tissue.

6. The use of the following (A) to (C) for the manufacture of an anti-obesity agent, a body fat reducing agent or a fat metabolism promoting agent: (A) Butyric acid bacteria, (B) trehalose, and (C) one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger.

7. A food product with a functional claim indicating that it has a function of reducing abdominal fat by making it easier to consume fat during energy metabolism during daily activities, comprising: (A) Butyric acid bacteria, (B) trehalose, and (C) one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger.

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