Green juice for inhibiting increase of blood glucose level, green juice for antioxidation, green juice for controlling intestinal function, green juice for promoting collagen absorption, green juice for promoting calcium absorption, and green juice for inhibiting increase of blood cholesterol level

Abstract

To provide daily usable dry powders of Hordeum vulgare stems and leaves which have an inhibiting action of the increase of blood glucose level, an antioxidation action, a controlling action of intestinal function, a promoting action of collagen absorption, a promoting action of calcium absorption, and an inhibiting action the increase of blood cholesterol.SOLUTION: A green juice for inhibiting increase of blood glucose level, green juice for antioxidation, green juice for controlling intestinal function, green juice for promoting collagen absorption, green juice for promoting calcium absorption, and green juice for inhibiting increase of blood cholesterol level of the invention contain an active ingredient at least one kind of dry powders selected from the group consisting of a specific kind of Hordeum vulgare.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to green juice for suppressing an increase in blood sugar level, green juice for antioxidant properties, green juice for intestinal regulation, green juice for promoting collagen absorption, green juice for promoting calcium absorption, and green juice for suppressing an increase in blood cholesterol level. [Background technology]

[0002] [1. Suppression of blood sugar rise] Obesity is known to cause various diseases, one of which is diabetes. In an obese state, fat cells become enlarged, and insulin sensitivity is reduced at the cellular level not only in fat cells but also in insulin target cells such as muscle cells. As a result, glucose tolerance deteriorates, and diabetes ultimately develops.

[0003] Diabetes can be treated by administering insulin, but this requires regular insulin injections, which not only places a burden on patients, but also requires a high level of self-management ability.

[0004] As an alternative to insulin injections, oral antidiabetic drugs are available. Examples of oral antidiabetic drugs include sulfonylureas that promote insulin secretion, insulin sensitizers that act on tissues and cells to lower blood glucose levels, and α-glucosidase inhibitors that inhibit the breakdown of carbohydrates in the intestinal tract. However, these drugs cause side effects such as excessively lowering blood glucose levels and causing hypoglycemia.

[0005] The above-mentioned diabetes treatment methods are effective for severe diabetes patients, even though they cause pain and side effects due to the invasive method. However, they are far from effective for mild diabetes patients and those who are not yet diabetic but are concerned about rising blood sugar levels.

[0006] Ingredients and compositions useful for preventing and treating diabetes early have been reported. For example, the present applicant has proposed that ingesting barley leaf powder has the effect of suppressing the rise in blood glucose level after a meal (Non-Patent Document 1). However, Non-Patent Document 1 merely describes that barley leaf powder has the effect of suppressing the rise in blood glucose level, and it was necessary to search for a barley variety that would achieve a better effect.

[0007] [2. Antioxidant effect] While oxygen is essential for living organisms, it is known that it can cause damage to living organisms when present as reactive oxygen species. Examples of reactive oxygen species include highly reactive oxygen species such as superoxide radical (O2·), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and OH radical (·OH); singlet oxygen ( 1 In addition to excited molecular species such as O2), these include oxidized species of unsaturated lipids such as unsaturated fatty acid peroxy radicals (LOO·), unsaturated fatty acid radicals (L·), unsaturated fatty acid hydroperoxides (LOOH), and unsaturated fatty acid alkoxy radicals (LO·).

[0008] Living organisms have various mechanisms for eliminating reactive oxygen species. One of these is a mechanism that captures reactive oxygen species in the body using superoxide dismutase (SOD) and other enzymes. However, under physical or chemical environmental conditions that increase the production of reactive oxygen species, such as aging and exogenous stress, the mechanisms for eliminating reactive oxygen species may not function adequately. As a result, protein or DNA breakage, lipid peroxidation, and other problems occur in the organism, causing various disorders and diseases.

[0009] Therefore, it is known to use substances with antioxidant properties that mitigate the effects of active oxygen in the body, such as by suppressing or eliminating the generation of active oxygen. For example, the present applicant has proposed a health food containing barley leaf powder and honey with enhanced SOD activity (Patent Document 1). However, this invention requires honey in addition to barley leaves, which creates problems such as limitations on the ingredients that can be blended and high manufacturing costs, so it was necessary to search for a barley variety that has high antioxidant properties even when barley stems and leaves are used alone.

[0010] [3. Regulating the intestines] In recent years, the number of people suffering from constipation due to changes in dietary habits, unbalanced diet, stress, etc. is increasing. Constipation occurs when stool remains in the intestine for a long time. Severe constipation can cause an increase in harmful bacteria in the intestine and an increase in the absorption of harmful substances, which may lead to colon cancer. Therefore, the development of substances that have an effect of improving constipation and compositions that have an intestinal regulating effect obtained by combining such substances is being promoted.

[0011] For example, the present applicant has proposed a laxative that contains as an active ingredient barley leaf powder containing 30% by mass or more of water-insoluble components (Patent Document 2). However, Patent Document 2 merely describes that barley leaf powder has a laxative effect, and it was necessary to search for a barley variety that would provide a better effect.

[0012] [4. Collagen absorption promotion effect] Collagen is used as an ingredient in foods, beverages, and cosmetics, and has been the subject of much research. When ingesting collagen for beauty purposes, in particular, it is necessary to efficiently absorb the ingested collagen into the body.

[0013] For example, the present applicant has proposed a composition for promoting collagen absorption that contains young barley leaves (Patent Document 3). However, Patent Document 3 merely describes that young barley leaves have an effect of promoting collagen absorption, and it was necessary to search for a barley variety that would provide a better effect.

[0014] [5. Promotes calcium absorption] Calcium is the main mineral that forms bones and teeth, and is a divalent cation that also plays an important role in the body. For example, calcium absorbed in the intestine and into the bloodstream is used in bone formation, which creates new bones. Meanwhile, bone resorption occurs in bones, which resorbs old bones. In a healthy state, bone metabolism is balanced between bone resorption and bone formation. However, abnormalities in bone metabolism, such as a decrease in calcium intake, can lead to a decrease in bone mass and bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis and fractures.

[0015] In addition, some calcium in the body exists at a certain concentration in cells other than bones and teeth and in the blood, where it plays an important role in nerve and muscle excitation, blood clotting, etc. Therefore, if there is a calcium deficiency in the blood, diseases based on abnormalities in the nerves, muscles, blood, etc., and bone-related diseases caused by advanced bone resorption can occur.

[0016] Calcium ingested from food is absorbed in the intestinal tract via two pathways: active transport through the action of activated vitamin D and passive transport dependent on the concentration of soluble calcium, and is then used for bone formation via the blood.

[0017] Activated vitamin D3 preparations containing calcitriol, alphacalcidol, eldecalcitol, etc. as active ingredients are known to improve active transport by the action of activated vitamin D. The use of such activated vitamin D3 preparations promotes calcium absorption from the intestinal tract.

[0018] For example, the present applicant has proposed a calcium absorption enhancer containing barley leaf powder, lactose, and sugar alcohol (Patent Document 4). However, this invention requires lactose and sugar alcohol in addition to barley leaves, which creates problems such as limitations on the ingredients to be blended and high manufacturing costs, so it was necessary to search for a barley variety that has a high calcium absorption-enhancing effect even when barley stems and leaves are used alone.

[0019] [6. Suppression of increase in blood cholesterol] Cholesterol is an organic compound classified as a steroid, and its molecular formula is C 27 H 46 O and its CAS Registry Number is 57-88-5. Cholesterol itself is a biomolecule that contributes to the production of cell membranes, the synthesis of vitamin D, and the production of adrenal cortical hormones and bile acids, and is considered to be a type of lipid that plays an important role in physiological phenomena in the body.

[0020] On the other hand, cholesterol forms complexes with lipoproteins, and is often viewed as problematic depending on the type of lipoprotein and its behavior in the blood after the complex is formed. That is, the complex of high-density lipoprotein and cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) plays a role in transporting excess cholesterol out of cells, so it is generally called "good cholesterol." However, the complex of low-density lipoprotein and cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) plays a role in transporting cholesterol in the blood, and if it increases excessively in the blood, it will adhere to the inner walls of blood vessels, causing arteriosclerosis and increasing the risk of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and cerebral infarction. Therefore, LDL cholesterol is generally called "bad cholesterol."

[0021] In addition, while excess cholesterol is processed by the liver, if there is too much cholesterol, it can crystallize when it is excreted from the liver, and form stones in the gallbladder or bile duct, which can lead to cholelithiasis.

[0022] Therefore, if there is a lot of excess cholesterol in the blood, it will have various adverse effects in the body, either by itself or as LDL cholesterol. Therefore, in order to lower cholesterol in the blood, drugs that inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that plays an important role in the biosynthesis of cholesterol, are used. Statins such as atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and pitavastatin are known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

[0023] For example, the present applicant has proposed an anti-cholesterol composition containing a material derived from young barley leaves (Patent Document 5). However, Patent Document 5 merely describes that young barley leaves are effective in anti-cholesterol effects, and it was necessary to search for barley varieties that would provide better effects.

[0024] On the other hand, popular barley varieties change based on standards such as yield and pest resistance, which causes problems such as difficulty in obtaining seeds and difficulty in ensuring a stable supply of barley stems and leaves. Furthermore, there are a huge number of known barley varieties, more than 30,000 varieties (Non-Patent Document 2), and it was not easy to find a specific barley variety that could solve the above problems. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0025] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-153239 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2010-47605 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2011-115046 A [Patent Document 4] JP 2002-142721 A [Patent Document 5] JP 2001-314170 A [Non-patent literature]

[0026] [Non-Patent Document 1] Tomoyasu Kamiya et al., Applied Pharmacology, 2013, Vol. 85, No. 1-2, pp. 1-6 [Non-Patent Document 2] Search results for the scientific name of barley, "Hordeum vulgare," in the Germplasm Resources Information Network, a genetic resource database under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Agriculture. <https: / / npgsweb.ars-grin.gov / gringlobal / view2.aspx?dv=web_taxonomyspecies_view_accessionlist¶ms=:taxonomyid=19333> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0027] [1. Suppression of blood sugar rise] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a green juice for suppressing an increase in blood sugar level, and an agent for suppressing an increase in blood sugar level, which contain a substance that exhibits a more excellent effect of suppressing an increase in blood sugar level compared to conventional substances that have the effect of suppressing an increase in blood sugar level.

[0028] [2. Antioxidant effect] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an antioxidant green juice and an antioxidant that contain a substance that exhibits a more excellent antioxidant effect than conventional substances having antioxidant effect.

[0029] [3. Regulating the intestines] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a green juice for intestinal regulation and an intestinal regulator that contain a substance that exhibits a more excellent effect of improving bowel movements than conventional substances that have the effect of improving bowel movements.

[0030] [4. Collagen absorption promotion effect] The present invention aims to provide a collagen absorption promoting green juice and a collagen absorption promoter which contain a substance exhibiting a more excellent collagen absorption promoting effect than conventional substances which promote collagen absorbability.

[0031] [5. Promotes calcium absorption] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a calcium absorption-promoting green juice and a calcium absorption promoter that contain a substance that exhibits a more excellent calcium absorption-promoting effect than conventional substances having calcium absorption-promoting effect.

[0032] [6. Suppression of increase in blood cholesterol] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a green juice for suppressing an increase in blood cholesterol, and an agent for suppressing an increase in blood cholesterol, which contain a substance that exhibits a more excellent effect of suppressing an increase in blood cholesterol than conventional substances having the effect of suppressing an increase in blood cholesterol. [Means for solving the problem]

[0033] [1. Suppression of blood sugar rise] In order to solve the above problems, the applicant has conducted extensive research into various substances and has surprisingly found that, when orally administered, dry powder of the stems and leaves of at least one type of barley selected from the group consisting of Shunrai, Fiber Snow, and Silky Snow (hereinafter also referred to as "specific variety 1") has a superior effect of suppressing blood glucose elevation compared to dry powder of the stems and leaves of Ichibanboshi. The present invention was completed based on this finding.

[0034] [2. Antioxidant effect] In order to solve the above problems, the applicant has conducted extensive research into various substances and has surprisingly found that a dry powder of the stems and leaves of at least one type of barley selected from the group consisting of Fiber Snow, Silky Snow, Shunrai, Ichibanboshi, and Harushizuku (hereinafter also referred to as "specific variety 2") has exceptionally superior antioxidant indexes such as SOD and ORAC values ​​compared to a dry powder of the stems and leaves of Nishinohoshi, a type of barley.The present invention has been completed based on such findings and success.

[0035] [3. Regulating the intestines] In order to solve the above problems, the applicant has conducted extensive research into various substances and has surprisingly found that a dry powder of the stems and leaves of at least one type of barley selected from the group consisting of Shunrai, Fiber Snow, and Silky Snow (hereinafter also referred to as "specific variety 3") not only improves bowel movements, but also improves the intestinal environment and exhibits excellent intestinal regulating effects, as compared to a dry powder of the stems and leaves of Ichibanboshi, a type of barley.The present invention has been completed based on such findings.

[0036] [4. Collagen absorption promotion effect] In order to solve the above problems, the applicant has conducted extensive research into various substances and has surprisingly found that a dry powder of at least one type of barley stem and leaf selected from the group consisting of Fiber Snow, Silky Snow, Shunrai, Ichibanboshi, and Harushizuku (hereinafter also referred to as "specific variety 4") exhibits a significantly superior collagen absorption promoting effect compared to one that does not contain dry powder of barley stem and leaf, or one that contains dry powder of stem and leaf of Nishinohoshi, a type of barley, regardless of the organism from which the ingested collagen is derived.The present invention was completed based on this finding.

[0037] [5. Promotes calcium absorption] In order to solve the above problems, the applicant has conducted extensive research into various substances and has surprisingly found that a dry powder of at least one type of barley stem and leaf selected from the group consisting of Harushizuku, Shunrai, Fibersnow, Ichibanboshi, and Silkysnow (hereinafter also referred to as "specific variety 5") exhibits an exceptionally superior calcium absorption promoting effect compared to those that do not contain dry powder of barley stem and leaf, or those that contain dry powder of stem and leaf of Nishinohoshi, a barley variety. The present invention has been completed based on such successful examples and findings.

[0038] [6. Suppression of increase in blood cholesterol] In order to solve the above problems, the applicant has conducted extensive research into various substances and has surprisingly found that a dry powder of at least one type of barley stem and leaf selected from the group consisting of Harushizuku, Shunrai, Fibersnow, Ichibanboshi, and Silkysnow (hereinafter also referred to as "specific variety 6") exhibits an exceptionally superior effect of suppressing the increase in blood cholesterol levels compared to those that do not contain dry powder of barley stem and leaf, or those that contain dry powder of stem and leaf of Nishinohoshi, a barley variety.The present invention has been completed based on such successful examples and findings.

[0039] The gist of the present invention is as follows. [1] A green juice for suppressing blood sugar rise, which contains dried powder of at least one type of barley stalk and / or leaf selected from the group consisting of Shunrai, Fiber Snow, and Silky Snow. [2] A green juice for suppressing blood sugar level elevation, containing as an active ingredient dried powder of at least one type of barley stalk and / or leaf selected from the group consisting of Shunrai, Fiber Snow, and Silky Snow. [3] A blood sugar level rise inhibitor containing dried powder of at least one type of barley stem and / or leaf selected from the group consisting of Shunrai, Fiber Snow, and Silky Snow. [4] An antioxidant green juice containing dried powder of at least one type of barley stem and / or leaf selected from the group consisting of Fiber Snow, Silky Snow, Shunrai, Ichibanboshi, and Haru Shizuku. [5] An antioxidant green juice containing as an active ingredient dried powder of the stems and / or leaves of at least one type of barley selected from the group consisting of Fiber Snow, Silky Snow, Shunrai, Ichibanboshi, and Haru Shizuku. [6] An antioxidant comprising dried powder of at least one type of barley stem and / or leaf selected from the group consisting of Fiber Snow, Silky Snow, Shunrai, Ichibanboshi, and Haru Shizuku. [7] A green juice for intestinal regulation containing dried powder of at least one type of barley stalk and / or leaf selected from the group consisting of Shunrai, Fiber Snow, and Silky Snow. [8] A green juice for intestinal regulation containing as an active ingredient dried powder of the stems and / or leaves of at least one type of barley selected from the group consisting of Shunrai, Fiber Snow, and Silky Snow. [9] An intestinal regulator containing dried powder of at least one type of barley stem and / or leaf selected from the group consisting of Shunrai, Fiber Snow, and Silky Snow.

[10] A green juice for promoting collagen absorption, comprising the stems and / or leaves of at least one type of barley selected from the group consisting of Fiber Snow, Silky Snow, Shunrai, Ichibanboshi, and Haru Shizuku.

[11] A green juice for promoting collagen absorption, comprising as an active ingredient dried powder of the stems and / or leaves of at least one type of barley selected from the group consisting of Fiber Snow, Silky Snow, Shunrai, Ichibanboshi, and Haru Shizuku.

[12] A collagen absorption promoter comprising a dried powder of at least one type of barley stem and / or leaf selected from the group consisting of Fiber Snow, Silky Snow, Shunrai, Ichibanboshi and Haru Shizuku.

[13] A green juice for promoting calcium absorption, comprising dried powder of at least one type of barley stalk and / or leaf selected from the group consisting of Haru Shizuku, Shunrai, Fiber Snow, Ichiban Boshi and Silky Snow.

[14] A green juice for promoting calcium absorption, containing as an active ingredient dried powder of the stems and / or leaves of at least one type of barley selected from the group consisting of Haru Shizuku, Shunrai, Fiber Snow, Ichiban Boshi, and Silky Snow.

[15] A calcium absorption promoter comprising dried powder of at least one type of barley stem and / or leaf selected from the group consisting of Haru Shizuku, Shunrai, Fiber Snow, Ichiban Boshi and Silky Snow.

[16] Aojiru (green juice) for suppressing an increase in blood cholesterol, comprising dried powder of the stems and / or leaves of at least one type of barley selected from the group consisting of Haru Shizuku, Shunrai, Fiber Snow, Ichiban Boshi and Silky Snow.

[17] Aojiru (green juice) for suppressing an increase in blood cholesterol, comprising as an active ingredient a dried powder of the stems and / or leaves of at least one type of barley selected from the group consisting of Haru Shizuku, Shunrai, Fiber Snow, Ichiban Boshi, and Silky Snow.

[18] A blood cholesterol elevation inhibitor comprising dried powder of the stems and / or leaves of at least one type of barley selected from the group consisting of Haru Shizuku, Shunrai, Fiber Snow, Ichiban Boshi and Silky Snow. Effect of the Invention

[0040] [1. Suppression of blood sugar rise] According to the present invention 1, by containing a dry powder of the stems and leaves of specific variety 1 barley, it is possible to suppress a rapid rise in blood glucose level after a meal, and it is also expected to lower blood glucose level during fasting. Furthermore, since the present invention 1 can also exhibit an effect of suppressing an increase in blood glucose level by oral administration, the present invention 1 can be used in a daily manner. Note that "the present invention 1" refers to a composition that contains a dry powder of the stems and leaves of specific variety 1 barley and has an effect of suppressing an increase in blood glucose level, and includes green juice for suppressing an increase in blood glucose level, and an agent for suppressing an increase in blood glucose level.

[0041] The present invention 1 is most suitable for use before or in parallel with antidiabetic drugs for diabetic patients or those at risk of developing diabetes. Furthermore, the present invention 1 is expected to prevent and treat lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and obesity-related diseases, such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, arteriosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, gout, high body fat percentage, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, fatty liver, cardiovascular disease, and hyperuricemia.

[0042] [2. Antioxidant effect] According to the present invention 2, by containing a dry powder of the stalks and leaves of barley of specific variety 2, it is possible to provide a composition that has excellent antioxidant activity and can be used continuously. Furthermore, since the composition of the present invention 2 can also exhibit antioxidant activity when administered orally, the present invention 2 can be used in a daily manner. Note that "the present invention 2" refers to a composition that contains a dry powder of the stalks and leaves of barley of specific variety 2 and has antioxidant activity, and includes antioxidant green juice and antioxidants.

[0043] [3. Regulating the intestines] According to the present invention 3, by containing a dry powder of the stems and leaves of specific variety 3 barley, it is expected to have an intestinal regulating effect, such as an increase in feces volume, improvement of bowel movements such as shortening the time it takes for ingested materials to pass through the intestines, and an increase in the intestinal mucosa, which in turn increases or activates the beneficial bacteria that inhabit the intestines, and an improvement in the intestinal environment such as an increase in the volume of feces. Furthermore, since the present invention 3 can also exhibit an intestinal regulating effect by oral administration, the present invention 3 can be used in a daily manner. Note that "the present invention 3" refers to a composition that contains a dry powder of the stems and leaves of specific variety 3 barley and has an intestinal regulating effect, and includes green juice for intestinal regulation and intestinal regulators.

[0044] Invention 3 is expected to have various effects such as amelioration of constipation, immunostimulation, inhibition of harmful microbial metabolic products and harmful enzymes, prevention of lifestyle-related diseases, and amelioration of allergic constitutions.

[0045] [4. Collagen absorption promotion effect] According to invention 4, by containing a dry powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 4, collagen can be efficiently absorbed into the body. Furthermore, since the composition of invention 4 can also exhibit a collagen absorption promoting effect when administered orally, the antioxidant green juice of the present invention can be used in a daily manner. Note that "invention 4" refers to a composition that contains a dry powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 4 and has a collagen absorption promoting effect, and includes green juice for promoting collagen absorption and collagen absorption promoters.

[0046] Invention 4 is also excellent in terms of palatability, such as color and flavor, due to the blended dry powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 4. Invention 4 is expected to have various effects, such as beauty, formation of bone and cartilage tissues, and treatment and prevention of joint diseases, through its collagen absorption promoting effect.

[0047] The composition of invention 4 is an industrially extremely useful composition that combines safety and palatability, has a collagen absorption-promoting effect, and is expected to be provided to consumers in various forms.

[0048] [5. Promotes calcium absorption] According to Invention 5, by containing a dry powder of barley stems and leaves of Specific Variety 5, calcium absorption into the body can be efficiently promoted. Furthermore, since the composition of Invention 5 can also exhibit a calcium absorption promoting effect when administered orally, Invention 5 can be used in a daily manner. Note that "Invention 5" refers to a composition that contains a dry powder of barley stems and leaves of Specific Variety 5 and has a calcium absorption promoting effect, and includes calcium absorption promoting green juice and calcium absorption promoters.

[0049] The present invention 5 is expected to prevent or treat diseases associated with calcium deficiency, such as bone-related diseases, neurological diseases, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and overeating.

[0050] [6. Suppression of increase in blood cholesterol] According to invention 6, the composition contains a dry powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 6, thereby making it possible to efficiently suppress an increase in blood cholesterol. Furthermore, since the composition of invention 6 can also exhibit an effect of suppressing an increase in blood cholesterol by oral administration, the green juice for suppressing an increase in blood cholesterol of the present invention can be used in a daily manner. Note that "invention 6" refers to a composition that contains a dry powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 6 and has an effect of suppressing an increase in blood cholesterol, and includes green juice for suppressing an increase in blood cholesterol and an inhibitor of an increase in blood cholesterol.

[0051] The present invention 6 is expected to prevent or treat diseases caused by increased blood cholesterol, such as dyslipidemia (hyperlipidemia), hyper LDL cholesterolemia, hypo HDL cholesterolemia, arteriosclerosis, cerebral infarction, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, intermittent claudication, cholelithiasis, and nephrotic syndrome. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0052] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the suppression rates (%) of an increase in blood glucose level in Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example 1. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the measurement results of ORAC values ​​(μmol TE / g) in Comparative Example 1 and Examples 1 to 5. [Diagram 3] 3 is a diagram showing the measurement results of the dry feces weight (g) in the control, Comparative Example 1, and Examples 1 to 3. The values ​​represent average values. [Figure 4] 4 is a graph showing the change over time in blood Hyp concentration in the control group, the example group, and the comparative group. Values ​​represent average values. [Diagram 5] 5 is a graph showing the AUC of blood Hyp concentration in the control group, the example group, and the comparative group. Values ​​represent average values. [Figure 6] 6 is a graph showing the change in blood calcium concentration over time in the control group and the test group using the test substance. The values ​​show the average values. [Figure 7] 7 is a graph showing the AUC of blood calcium concentration in the control group and the test group using the test substance, where the values ​​and bars represent the mean value ± standard deviation. [Figure 8] 8 is a graph showing the blood cholesterol levels in the control group and the test group using the test substance. The values ​​and bars represent the average value ± standard deviation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053] The present invention will be described in detail below.

[0054] [1. Dried barley stems and / or leaves powder] It is known that there are more than 30,000 varieties of barley. In the present invention, dry powder of barley stalks and / or leaves of at least one variety selected from Fiber Snow, Silky Snow, Shunrai, Ichibanboshi, and Harushizuku (hereinafter also referred to as "specific varieties") is used. In this specification, "stems and / or leaves" may be referred to as stems and leaves. The stems and leaves may be a part of the leaves or stems, or the entirety of the leaves or stems.

[0055] The specific barley varieties are generally used, for example, for polishing barley, specifically as ingredients for barley miso, barley tea, shochu, beer, etc. In the present invention, one of these varieties can be used alone, or two or more can be used in combination. The dried powder of barley stems and leaves is barley leaves, stems, or both, and the leaves and stems may each be a part or the whole.

[0056] The barley stalks and leaves of the particular variety are preferably harvested before maturity, i.e., between the start of tillering and the start of heading. The barley stalks and leaves are preferably processed immediately after harvest. If time is required before processing, the barley stalks and leaves are stored by storage means commonly used by those skilled in the art, such as low temperature storage, to prevent deterioration of the barley stalks and leaves.

[0057] As the barley stalks and leaves of a specific variety used in the present invention, various processed products obtained from the stalks and leaves, i.e., processed products of a specific variety of barley, can be used. Examples of such processed products include dried powder of stalks and leaves, crushed stalks and leaves and dried powder thereof (hereinafter, the dried powder of the crushed product is also referred to as "crushed powder"), shredded stalks and leaves and dried powder thereof (hereinafter, the dried powder of the shredded product is also referred to as "shredded powder"), squeezed juice of stalks and leaves and dried powder thereof (hereinafter, the dried powder of the squeezed juice is also referred to as "squeezed juice powder"), extract of stalks and leaves and dried powder thereof (hereinafter, the dried powder of the extract is also referred to as "extract powder").

[0058] A conventionally known method can be used to pulverize barley stems and leaves and dry powder the pulverized product. As such a method, a method in which a drying treatment and a pulverization treatment are combined for barley stems and leaves can be used. Either the drying treatment or the pulverization treatment may be performed first, but it is preferable to perform the drying treatment first. For the dry powdering, this method may be further combined with one or more treatments selected from a blanching treatment, a sterilization treatment, etc., as necessary. Furthermore, the number of times of the pulverization treatment may be one or a combination of two or more treatments, but it is preferable to combine a coarse pulverization treatment with a fine pulverization treatment for more fine pulverization.

[0059] Blanching is a treatment for maintaining the vivid green color of the stems and leaves, and examples of the blanching method include hot water treatment and steaming.

[0060] Examples of hot water treatment include a method in which barley stems and leaves are treated for 60 to 180 seconds, preferably 90 to 120 seconds, in hot water or steam at 80 to 100° C., preferably 90 to 100° C. In the hot water treatment, a carbonate such as magnesium carbonate or a bicarbonate such as sodium bicarbonate is preferably used, and dissolving a bicarbonate in hot water can make the green color of the barley stems and leaves more vivid.

[0061] The steaming treatment is preferably an intermittent steaming treatment in which the barley stalks and leaves are repeatedly steamed with steam and cooled under normal or increased pressure. In the intermittent steaming treatment, the steaming treatment with steam is carried out for, for example, 20 to 40 seconds, preferably 30 seconds. The cooling treatment after the steaming treatment is preferably carried out immediately, and the method is not particularly limited, but immersion in cold water, refrigeration, cooling with cold air, evaporative cooling with hot air, evaporative cooling combining hot air and cold air, etc. are used. Among these, evaporative cooling combining hot air and cold air is preferred. Such a cooling treatment is carried out so that the product temperature of the barley stalks and leaves is preferably 60°C or less, more preferably 50°C or less, and even more preferably 40°C or less. In order to produce powder of barley stalks and leaves rich in nutritional components such as vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll, it is preferable to repeat the intermittent steaming treatment 2 to 5 times.

[0062] The sterilization treatment is not particularly limited as long as it is a treatment generally known to those skilled in the art, but it can be said to be a treatment that physically or chemically kills microorganisms using, for example, temperature, pressure, electromagnetic waves, chemicals, etc. When blanching is performed in addition to drying and crushing, it is preferable that the blanching is performed before the drying. When sterilization is performed in addition to drying and crushing, it is preferable that the sterilization is performed after the drying, or before or after the crushing.

[0063] The drying treatment is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a treatment in which the barley stems and leaves are dried so that their moisture content is 10% or less, preferably 5% or less. The drying treatment may be carried out by any method known to those skilled in the art, such as hot air drying, high-pressure steam drying, electromagnetic wave drying, freeze-drying, etc. Drying by heating may be carried out at a temperature and for a time such that the stems and leaves do not discolor due to heating, for example, at 40°C to 140°C, preferably 80°C to 130°C.

[0064] The grinding treatment is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a treatment in which the plant body is ground by any method commonly used by those skilled in the art using grinding equipment or tools such as a crusher, mill, blender, or stone mill. The ground barley stems and leaves are sieved as necessary, and it is preferable to use, for example, those that pass through a 30 to 250 mesh as barley stem and leaf powder. By making the particle size smaller than 250 mesh, the barley stem and leaf powder becomes easier to handle during further processing, and by making the particle size larger than 30 mesh, it becomes easier to uniformly mix the barley stem and leaf powder with other materials.

[0065] Specific examples of methods for producing the pulverized powder include a method in which barley stems and leaves are cut, then blanched, then dried to a moisture content of 10% by mass or less, preferably 5% by mass or less, and then pulverized (see JP 2004-000210 A). Other examples include a method in which barley stems and leaves are cut, then blanched, then rolled, then dried, and pulverized (see JP 2002-065204 A and JP 3428956 A); a method in which barley stems and leaves are dried, coarsely pulverized, heated at 110° C. or higher, and then finely pulverized (see JP 2003-033151 A and JP 3277181 A).

[0066] The method for shredding barley stems and leaves is not particularly limited, but may be any method that is commonly used by those skilled in the art when shredding a plant body, such as slicing, crushing, or chopping. As an example of shredding, the barley stems and leaves may be slurried. Slurrying is performed by subjecting the barley stems and leaves to a mixer, juicer, blender, mass colloider, or the like, and turning the barley stems and leaves into a mushy gruel (a suspension of liquid and solid). By slurried in this way, the stems and leaves are shredded so that 80% or more by mass of the shredded pieces have an average diameter of preferably 1 mm or less, more preferably 0.5 mm or less, even more preferably 0.1 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.05 mm or less, and the shredded pieces become fluid. The shredded material can be freeze-dried, hot air dried, or the like, to a dry powder (shredded powder).

[0067] The method for obtaining the squeezed juice of barley stems and leaves is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a method of squeezing barley stems and leaves or shredded barley stems and leaves, and a method of centrifuging or filtering shredded barley stems and leaves. Specific examples of methods for producing squeezed juice include a method in which the juice is squeezed by mechanical crushing means such as a mixer or juicer, and if necessary, the crude solid content is removed by means of sieving, filtration, or the like to obtain the squeezed juice. More specifically, methods described in JP-A-08-245408, JP-A-09-047252, JP-A-05-7471, JP-A-04-341153, and the like can be mentioned, and those skilled in the art can appropriately select and carry out these known methods. The squeezed juice may be concentrated as necessary, or may be subjected to a process such as freeze-drying, hot air drying, or spray drying to obtain a dry powder (squeezed juice powder).

[0068] The method for obtaining an extract of barley stems and leaves is not particularly limited, but examples include a method in which an extraction solvent commonly used by those skilled in the art, such as ethanol, water, or aqueous ethanol, is added to barley stems and leaves or shredded material thereof, and the mixture is stirred or heated as necessary to perform extraction. The extract may be concentrated as necessary, or may be made into a dry powder (extract powder) by processing such as freeze-drying, hot air drying, or spray drying.

[0069] The properties of the dry powder of barley stems and leaves are not particularly limited, but for example, the angle of repose is preferably 20° to 80°, more preferably 30° to 70°, even more preferably 40° to 60°, and even more preferably 45° to 55°. The angle of repose can be measured using an angle of repose meter (AS ONE, ASK-01) by dropping about 50 g of sample from a height of 12 cm onto the center of a petri dish with a radius of 4.3 cm, measuring the height of the sample piled up in a mountain shape, and then calculating the angle of repose from the radius of the petri dish and the height of the piled up sample using the following formula. Angle of repose = tan-1 (b / a) × 180 ÷ π (where a = radius of the dish, b = height of the piled sample).

[0070] The dry powder of the stems and leaves of the specific variety of barley used in the present invention may contain water-insoluble dietary fiber. The water-insoluble dietary fiber contained in the dry powder is preferably 20% by mass or more, more preferably 30% by mass or more, and more preferably 20 to 80% by mass, more preferably 30 to 70% by mass, and more preferably 35 to 60% by mass, calculated on a dry mass basis.

[0071] [2. Suppression of blood sugar rise] The present invention relates to a green juice for suppressing an increase in blood sugar level, which contains dried powder of barley stems and leaves, and an agent for suppressing an increase in blood sugar level (Invention 1).

[0072] Invention 1 contains at least a dry powder of barley stems and leaves of one or more of Shunrai, Fiber Snow, and Silky Snow (specific variety 1) as a substance having an effect of suppressing an increase in blood sugar level.

[0073] Invention 1 contains dried powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 1, which not only has the effect of suppressing blood sugar level elevation, but also has a beautiful appearance due to its vivid color and a good flavor.

[0074] By containing the above-mentioned dry powder of barley stems and leaves, the present invention 1 can exhibit an early blood glucose lowering effect in addition to the blood glucose rise suppression effect. However, among these effects, the present invention 1 may at least exhibit the blood glucose rise suppression effect. The blood glucose rise suppression effect can be evaluated by the blood glucose rise suppression rate described in the examples described later. The blood glucose rise suppression rate exhibited by the present invention 1 is, for example, about 35% or more, preferably about 40% or more, and more preferably about 45% or more. The present invention 1 can be used in various forms aimed at obtaining the effect. For example, it may be used for various purposes without adding special processing. It is to be noted that the present invention 1 is expected to alleviate or reduce not only the effect of blood glucose rise components such as sugar used simultaneously, but also the effect of blood glucose rise components used before or after the use of the present invention 1.

[0075] The content of the dry powder of barley stems and leaves in the solid content of the present invention 1 is, in terms of dry mass, preferably 0.1% by mass or more as a lower limit, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 10% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 20% by mass or more, and the upper limit is preferably 99.9% by mass or less, more preferably 90% by mass or less, and even more preferably 80% by mass or less. In order to fully exert the blood glucose level rise suppression effect, the content of the dry powder of barley stems and leaves is preferably 0.1% by mass. Furthermore, when the present invention 1 contains a large amount of blood glucose level increasing components such as sugar, the amount of the dry powder of barley stems and leaves used can be increased, and when the present invention 1 further contains other blood glucose level rise suppression components different from the dry powder of barley stems and leaves used can be reduced.

[0076] The daily usage amount of present invention 1 is not particularly limited and may be appropriately set depending on the mode of use, the content of use by the user, blood sugar level, etc., but is, for example, 1 to 6000 mg / kg, preferably 1 to 4000 mg / kg, more preferably 10 to 3000 mg / kg, and even more preferably 10 to 2000 mg / kg, of the user's body weight, calculated as the mass of dry powder of barley stems and leaves. The single usage amount of present invention 1 is also not particularly limited and, for example, is 0.5 to 3000 mg / kg, preferably 1 to 2000 mg / kg, and more preferably 5 to 1000 mg / kg, of the user's body weight, calculated as the mass of dry powder of barley stems and leaves.

[0077] The amount of invention 1 used at one time may be, for example, 0.01 to 30 g, preferably 0.05 to 20 g, more preferably 0.1 to 10 g, and particularly preferably 0.3 to 7 g, calculated as the mass of dry powder of barley stems and leaves. Similarly, the amount of invention 1 used per day may be, for example, 0.01 to 100 g, preferably 0.05 to 70 g, more preferably 0.5 to 50 g, and particularly preferably 1 to 30 g, calculated as the mass of dry powder of barley stems and leaves.

[0078] The present invention 1 may contain only the dry powder of barley stems and leaves, or may contain other ingredients in addition to the dry powder of barley stems and leaves. Examples of other ingredients include various excipients, binders, lubricants, stabilizers, diluents, fillers, thickeners, emulsifiers, colorants, flavors, additives, etc. The content of other ingredients can be appropriately selected depending on the usage form of the present invention 1.

[0079] The present invention 1 can be utilized in various forms for the purpose of obtaining an effect of suppressing an increase in blood glucose level. For example, the present invention 1 can be made into a composition for oral or parenteral administration.

[0080] The form of the present invention is not particularly limited and can be any form. Examples of forms for oral use include forms suitable for oral use, specifically, powder, granules, tablets, rods, plates, blocks, solids, rounds, liquids, candies, pastes, creams, capsules such as hard capsules and soft capsules, caplets, tablets, gels, jellies, gummies, wafers, biscuits, cookies, cakes, chewables, syrups, sticks, and the like.

[0081] The packaging form of the present invention 1 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the dosage form, etc., and examples thereof include blister packs such as PTPs; strip packaging; heat seals; aluminum pouches; film packaging using plastics, synthetic resins, etc.; glass containers such as vials; and plastic containers such as ampoules.

[0082] The present invention 1 is preferably in a powder form (powder, granules, or other powder form) and in a form in which the mixture mixed with water is orally administered, since this prevents spoilage and is suitable for long-term storage. Also, when the present invention 1 is in a solid form such as a powder or tablet, it can be mixed with water to form a liquid and orally administered, as described above, but it may also be orally administered in solid form according to the user's preference.

[0083] Invention 1 is preferably a green juice for suppressing an increase in blood sugar level that contains a dry powder of the stalks and leaves of barley of Specific Variety 1, and is particularly preferably a green juice for suppressing an increase in blood sugar level that contains as an active ingredient a dry powder of the stalks and leaves of barley of Specific Variety 1. The green juice for suppressing an increase in blood sugar level is preferably in a powder form (a powder, granules, or other powder form).

[0084] Since the present invention 1 has an effect of suppressing an increase in blood glucose level and an effect of quickly lowering blood glucose level, the use of the present invention is useful for maintaining the health of diabetic patients, those with high blood glucose levels or obesity, and those at risk of such conditions, and is particularly useful for maintaining the health of diabetic patients, those with fasting blood glucose levels of 100 mg / dl or more, and obese people. Obesity as used herein refers to a state in which a BMI (Body Mass Index) is 25 or more, or a state in which the waist circumference (the circumference passing through the navel) is 85 cm or more for men, and 90 cm or more for women.

[0085] Chronic hyperglycemia, such as fasting blood glucose levels of 100 mg / dl or more, leads to decreased insulin sensitivity, leading to further hyperglycemia. In addition, obesity leads to hypertrophy of fat cells, and not only fat cells but also insulin target cells such as muscle cells experience decreased insulin sensitivity at the cellular level. As a result, diabetes develops. Furthermore, obesity and decreased insulin sensitivity lead to dyslipidemia and hypertension, which are said to be the three major lifestyle-related diseases along with diabetes. Obesity and decreased insulin sensitivity increase neutral fats, inactivate lipolytic enzymes, and cause liver dysfunction, leading to the development of dyslipidemia. Furthermore, obesity and decreased insulin sensitivity increase circulating blood volume and cause glucose metabolism to become abnormal, leading to the development of hypertension. In addition, the condition in which two or more symptoms of these three major lifestyle-related diseases have developed is called metabolic syndrome, and it is known that abnormal lipid metabolism causes arteriosclerosis. In view of the above, Invention 1 is expected to prevent and treat, through its effect of suppressing an increase in blood glucose level and its effect of quickly lowering blood glucose level, not only diabetes and obesity, but also dyslipidemia, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and arteriosclerosis, as well as lifestyle-related diseases related to these, such as hyperlipidemia, gout, high body fat percentage, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, fatty liver, cardiovascular disease, and hyperuricemia. Thus, another aspect of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating the above-mentioned diseases caused by an increase in blood glucose level, which contains a dry powder of the stems and leaves of specific variety 1 barley.

[0086] Furthermore, in addition to the blood sugar level rise inhibitory effect of conventional dried powder of barley stems and leaves, Invention 1 contains a large amount of vitamins, minerals, etc. derived from the dried powder of barley stems and leaves of Specific Variety 1, and therefore exerts secondary effects based on these and contributes to maintaining the health of the user.

[0087] [3. Antioxidant effect] The present invention relates to an antioxidant green juice containing dried powder of barley stems and leaves, and an antioxidant (Invention 2).

[0088] Invention 2 contains at least dried powder of barley stems and leaves of one or more of the following varieties: Fiber Snow, Silky Snow, Shunrai, Ichibanboshi, and Harushizuku (specific variety 2) as a substance having an antioxidant effect.

[0089] Invention 2 contains dried powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 2, and thus not only has antioxidant properties, but also has a beautiful appearance due to its vivid color and a good flavor.

[0090] Invention 2 exhibits antioxidant activity by containing the above-mentioned dry powder of barley stems and leaves. That is, Invention 2 can alleviate, reduce or eliminate the oxidizing properties of coexisting oxidizing substances. However, the antioxidant activity exhibited by Invention 2 is not bound by any inference, and Invention 2 may act in an enhancing manner on other substances exhibiting antioxidant activity. In addition, Invention 2 may not only attenuate the oxidizing properties of coexisting oxidizing substances, but also attenuate the oxidizing properties of oxidizing substances present before or after the use of Invention 2. The degree of antioxidant activity exhibited by Invention 2, i.e., antioxidant capacity, can be confirmed by examining the SOD activity value, the ORAC value, or both.

[0091] SOD activity is determined by the O2 present in the reaction system. - The amount of diformazan produced by the reaction of NO2-TB with O2 - Based on the phenomenon that diformazan is reduced by being dismutated to H2O2 and O2 by superoxide dismutase (SOD) derived from the test sample, the degree of this reduction in diformazan is calculated as the inhibition rate (%).

[0092] The ORAC value is used to evaluate the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) by the following procedure. That is, the process of decomposition of the labeling substance fluorescein by peroxy radicals generated by the radical generator AAPH (2,2'-Azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride) is followed by measuring the fluorescence intensity of fluorescein over time, and then a graph is created with the time after the start of measurement on the X-axis and the fluorescence intensity of fluorescein at that time on the Y-axis, and the area under the curve (AUC) surrounded by the fluorescence intensity axis, the time axis, and the graph locus is calculated. The net AUC, which is the AUC in the presence of the test sample minus the AUC in the absence of the test sample, increases in proportion to the antioxidant capacity of the test sample. Based on the net AUC of the standard substance Trolox, the ORAC value of the test sample is calculated relatively as Trolox equivalent per 1 g of sample (μmol TE / g).

[0093] For the methods of measuring the SOD activity value and the ORAC value, reference can be made to the methods described in "3. Measurement of SOD-like activity and the results" and "4. Measurement of ORAC value and the results" in the Examples below, respectively.

[0094] The content of the dry powder of barley stems and leaves in the solid content of the present invention 2 is, in terms of dry mass, preferably 0.1% by mass or more as a lower limit, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 1% by mass or more, still more preferably 10% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 20% by mass or more, and preferably 99.9% by mass or less as an upper limit, more preferably 90% by mass or less, and even more preferably 80% by mass or less. In order to fully exert the antioxidant effect, the content of the dry powder of barley stems and leaves is preferably 0.1% by mass.

[0095] The daily usage amount of present invention 2 is not particularly limited and may be appropriately set depending on the mode of use and the content of use by the user, but is, for example, 1 to 6000 mg / kg, preferably 1 to 4000 mg / kg, more preferably 10 to 3000 mg / kg, and even more preferably 10 to 2000 mg / kg, based on the weight of the user, calculated as the mass of dry powder of barley stems and leaves. The usage amount of present invention 2 is also not particularly limited and may be, for example, 0.5 to 3000 mg / kg, preferably 1 to 2000 mg / kg, and more preferably 5 to 1000 mg / kg, based on the weight of the user, calculated as the mass of dry powder of barley stems and leaves.

[0096] The amount of present invention 2 used per time can be, for example, 0.01 to 30 g, preferably 0.05 to 20 g, more preferably 0.1 to 10 g, and particularly preferably 0.3 to 7 g, calculated as the mass of dry powder of barley stems and leaves. Similarly, the amount of present invention 2 used per day can be, for example, 0.01 to 100 g, preferably 0.05 to 70 g, more preferably 0.5 to 50 g, and particularly preferably 1 to 30 g, calculated as the mass of dry powder of barley stems and leaves.

[0097] The present invention 2 may contain only the dry powder of barley stems and leaves, or may contain other ingredients in addition to the dry powder of barley stems and leaves. Examples of other ingredients include various excipients, binders, lubricants, stabilizers, diluents, bulking agents, thickeners, emulsifiers, colorants, flavors, additives, etc. The content of other ingredients can be appropriately selected depending on the usage form of the present invention 2.

[0098] The present invention 2 can be used in various forms for the purpose of obtaining an antioxidant effect. The present invention 2 can be, for example, a composition for oral or parenteral use.

[0099] The form of the present invention 2 is not particularly limited and may be any form. Examples of forms for oral use include forms suitable for oral use, specifically, powder, granules, tablets, rods, plates, blocks, solids, rounds, liquids, candies, pastes, creams, capsules such as hard capsules and soft capsules, caplets, tablets, gels, jellies, gummies, wafers, biscuits, cookies, cakes, chewables, syrups, sticks, and the like.

[0100] The packaging form of the present invention 2 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the dosage form, etc., and examples thereof include blister packs such as PTPs; strip packaging; heat seals; aluminum pouches; film packaging using plastics, synthetic resins, etc.; glass containers such as vials; and plastic containers such as ampoules.

[0101] The present invention 2 is preferably in a powder form (powder, granules, or other powder form) and in a form in which the mixture mixed with water is orally administered, since this prevents spoilage and is suitable for long-term storage. Also, when the present invention 2 is in a solid form such as a powder or tablet, it can be mixed with water to form a liquid and orally administered, as described above, but it may also be orally administered in solid form according to the user's preference.

[0102] The present invention 2 is preferably an antioxidant green juice containing a dry powder of the stalks and leaves of barley of specific variety 2, and particularly preferably an antioxidant green juice containing as an active ingredient a dry powder of the stalks and leaves of barley of specific variety 2. The antioxidant green juice is preferably in powder form (in the form of powder, granules, or other powder).

[0103] Since the present invention 2 has an antioxidant effect, its use is useful for maintaining the health of individuals who are in physical or chemical environmental conditions that increase the production of active oxygen, such as aging and exogenous stress. Therefore, another aspect of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating diseases caused by active oxygen, which contains a dry powder of the barley stems and leaves of specific variety 2.

[0104] Furthermore, in addition to the antioxidant effect of conventional dried powder of barley stems and leaves, Invention 2 contains a large amount of vitamins, minerals, etc. derived from the dried powder of barley stems and leaves of Specific Variety 2, and therefore use of this invention is useful for maintaining health.

[0105] [4. Regulating the intestines] The present invention relates to a green juice for intestinal regulation and an intestinal regulator (Invention 3) which contain dried powder of barley stems and leaves.

[0106] Invention 3 contains at least a dry powder of barley stems and leaves of one or more of Shunrai, Fiber Snow, and Silky Snow (specific variety 3) as a substance having an intestinal regulating effect.

[0107] Invention 3 contains dried powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 3, and thus not only has an intestinal regulating effect, but also has a beautiful appearance due to its bright color and a good flavor.

[0108] In invention 3, the content of the dry powder of barley stems and leaves is not particularly limited as long as it can solve the problems of the present invention, but for example, it is 0.1 wt% to 100 wt%, preferably 5 wt% to 90 wt%, more preferably 8 wt% to 80 wt%, and even more preferably 10 wt% to 70 wt%, calculated as the dry mass of the dry powder of barley stems and leaves. If the content of the dry powder of barley stems and leaves is less than 5 wt%, the desired intestinal regulating effect may not be obtained.

[0109] The dry powder of barley stems and leaves used in the present invention 3 has an excellent intestinal regulation effect. Although the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to any speculation, for example, by using the dry powder of barley stems and leaves, the total feces amount (dry feces amount) increases, and further the water content in the feces increases, forming feces suitable for defecation, which has a water retention effect, thereby increasing the amount of wet feces and making excretion smoother, thereby improving bowel movements. In addition, the weight of cecal tissue and the weight of cecal contents increase, promoting intestinal fermentation, which tends to increase the short-chain fatty acids in the cecal contents and decrease the pH of the cecal contents. The short-chain fatty acids produced by intestinal fermentation suppress the proliferation of cancer cells, and a decrease in intestinal pH suppresses infection by pathogenic bacteria, thereby improving the intestinal environment.

[0110] Furthermore, by improving bowel movements, the proliferation of bad bacteria in the intestines caused by constipation can be inhibited, and the intestinal environment can be maintained and improved normally. If the intestinal environment is improved, the beneficial bacteria in the intestines can activate intestinal movement, improving bowel movements. In this way, when the present invention 3 is used, the bowel movement improving effect and the intestinal environment improving effect are exerted interactively, and as a result, the intestinal regulation effect can be achieved. In addition, the water retention effect and smooth excretion are also effective in preventing hemorrhoids, for example. Therefore, another aspect of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating diseases caused by bowel movement disorders, containing a dry powder of the stems and leaves of specific variety 3 barley.

[0111] Since the present invention 3 has a laxative effect and an intestinal environment improving effect, it can be used in various forms for the purpose of obtaining such effects. For example, the present invention 3 may be used for various purposes without adding any special treatment. The amount of the dry powder of barley stems and leaves contained in the present invention 3 is not particularly limited, and is appropriately set depending on, for example, the form of use of the intestinal regulator.

[0112] The content of the dry powder of barley stems and leaves in the solid content of the present invention 3 is, in terms of dry mass, preferably 0.1% by mass or more as a lower limit, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 1% by mass or more, still more preferably 10% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 20% by mass or more, and preferably 99.9% by mass or less as an upper limit, more preferably 90% by mass or less, and even more preferably 80% by mass or less. In order to fully exert the intestinal regulating effect, the content of the dry powder of barley stems and leaves is preferably 0.1% by mass.

[0113] The daily usage amount of the present invention 3 is not particularly limited and may be appropriately set depending on the mode of use and the content of use by the user, but is, for example, 1 to 6000 mg / kg, preferably 1 to 4000 mg / kg, more preferably 10 to 3000 mg / kg, and even more preferably 10 to 2000 mg / kg, based on the weight of the user, calculated as the mass of dry powder of barley stems and leaves. The usage amount of the present invention 3 is also not particularly limited and may be, for example, 0.5 to 3000 mg / kg, preferably 1 to 2000 mg / kg, and more preferably 5 to 1000 mg / kg, based on the weight of the user, calculated as the mass of dry powder of barley stems and leaves.

[0114] The amount of present invention 3 used at one time may be, for example, 0.01 to 30 g, preferably 0.05 to 20 g, more preferably 0.1 to 10 g, and particularly preferably 0.3 to 7 g, calculated as the mass of dry powder of barley stems and leaves. Similarly, the amount of present invention 3 used per day may be, for example, 0.01 to 100 g, preferably 0.05 to 70 g, more preferably 0.5 to 50 g, and particularly preferably 1 to 30 g, calculated as the mass of dry powder of barley stems and leaves.

[0115] The present invention 3 may contain only the dry powder of barley stems and leaves, or may contain other ingredients in addition to the dry powder of barley stems and leaves. Examples of other ingredients include various excipients, binders, lubricants, stabilizers, diluents, fillers, thickeners, emulsifiers, colorants, flavors, additives, etc. The content of other ingredients can be appropriately selected depending on the usage form of the present invention 3.

[0116] The present invention 3 can be used in various forms for the purpose of obtaining an intestinal regulating effect. The present invention 3 can be, for example, a composition for oral or parenteral use.

[0117] The form of the present invention 3 is not particularly limited and may be any form. Examples of forms for oral use include forms suitable for oral use, specifically, powder, granules, tablets, rods, plates, blocks, solids, rounds, liquids, candies, pastes, creams, capsules such as hard capsules and soft capsules, caplets, tablets, gels, jellies, gummies, wafers, biscuits, cookies, cakes, chewables, syrups, sticks, and the like.

[0118] The packaging form of the present invention 3 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the dosage form, etc., and examples thereof include blister packs such as PTPs; strip packaging; heat seals; aluminum pouches; film packaging using plastics, synthetic resins, etc.; glass containers such as vials; and plastic containers such as ampoules.

[0119] The present invention 3 is preferably in a powder form (powder, granules, or other powder form) and in a form in which the mixture mixed with water is orally administered, since this prevents spoilage and is suitable for long-term storage. Also, when the present invention 3 is in a solid form such as a powder or tablet, it can be mixed with water to form a liquid and orally administered, as described above, but it may also be orally administered in solid form according to the user's preference.

[0120] Invention 3 is preferably a green juice for intestinal regulation containing dry powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 3, and is particularly preferably a green juice for intestinal regulation containing as an active ingredient dry powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 3. In addition, the green juice for intestinal regulation is preferably in powder form (in the form of powder, granules, or other powder).

[0121] Invention 3 not only has the intestinal regulating effect of conventional dried powder of barley stems and leaves, but also contains a large amount of vitamins, minerals, etc. derived from the dried powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 3, so using this product is extremely useful for maintaining health.

[0122] [5. Collagen absorption promotion effect] The present invention relates to a collagen absorption promoting green juice containing dried powder of barley stems and leaves, and a collagen absorption promoter (Invention 4).

[0123] Invention 4 contains at least dry powder of barley stems and leaves of one or more types of barley, selected from Fiber Snow, Silky Snow, Shunrai, Ichibanboshi, and Harushizuku (specific variety 4), as a substance having a collagen absorption promoting effect.

[0124] Invention 4 contains dried powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 4, and thus not only has the effect of promoting collagen absorption, but also has a beautiful appearance due to its vivid color and a good flavor.

[0125] In invention 4, the content of the dry powder of barley stems and leaves is not particularly limited as long as the problems of the present invention can be solved, but for example, it is 0.1 wt% to 100 wt%, preferably 1 wt% to 90 wt%, more preferably 3 wt% to 85 wt%, and even more preferably 5 wt% to 80 wt%, calculated as the dry mass of the dry powder of barley stems and leaves. If the content of the dry powder of barley stems and leaves in specific variety 4 is less than 1 wt%, the desired collagen absorption promoting effect may not be obtained.

[0126] The dry powder of the stalks and leaves of barley of Specific Variety 4 used in the present invention 4 has an excellent collagen absorption-promoting effect. For example, by using the dry powder of the stalks and leaves of barley of Specific Variety 4, the amount of collagen absorbed by the body when used in combination can be increased, and the physiological activity of the collagen can be enhanced.

[0127] Since the present invention 4 has a collagen absorption promoting effect, it can be used in various forms for the purpose of obtaining such an effect. The present invention 4 may be used for various purposes without applying any special treatment.

[0128] The content of the dry powder of barley stems and leaves in the solid content of invention 4 is, in terms of dry mass, preferably 0.1% by mass or more as a lower limit, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 1% by mass or more, still more preferably 10% by mass or more, particularly preferably 20% by mass or more, and preferably 99.9% by mass or less as an upper limit, more preferably 90% by mass or less, and even more preferably 80% by mass or less. In order to fully exert the collagen absorption promoting effect, the content of the dry powder of barley stems and leaves is preferably 0.1% by mass.

[0129] The daily usage amount of the present invention 4 is not particularly limited and may be appropriately set depending on the mode of use and the content of use by the user, but is, for example, 1 to 6000 mg / kg, preferably 1 to 4000 mg / kg, more preferably 10 to 3000 mg / kg, and even more preferably 10 to 2000 mg / kg, calculated as the mass of dry powder of barley stems and leaves based on the body weight of the user. The usage amount of the present invention 4 is also not particularly limited and may be, for example, 0.5 to 3000 mg / kg, preferably 1 to 2000 mg / kg, and more preferably 5 to 1000 mg / kg, calculated as the mass of dry powder of barley stems and leaves based on the body weight of the user.

[0130] The amount of invention 4 used per time can be, for example, 0.01 to 30 g, preferably 0.05 to 20 g, more preferably 0.1 to 10 g, and particularly preferably 0.3 to 7 g, calculated as the mass of dry powder of barley stems and leaves. Similarly, the amount of invention 4 used per day can be, for example, 0.01 to 100 g, preferably 0.05 to 70 g, more preferably 0.5 to 50 g, and particularly preferably 1 to 30 g, calculated as the mass of dry powder of barley stems and leaves.

[0131] Invention 4 may contain only the dry powder of barley stems and leaves, or may contain other ingredients in addition to the dry powder of barley stems and leaves. Examples of other ingredients include various excipients, binders, lubricants, stabilizers, diluents, bulking agents, thickeners, emulsifiers, colorants, flavors, additives, etc. The content of other ingredients can be appropriately selected depending on the usage form of Invention 4.

[0132] The present invention 4 can be utilized in various forms for the purpose of obtaining a collagen absorption promoting effect. The present invention 4 can be, for example, a composition for oral or parenteral use.

[0133] The form of the present invention 4 is not particularly limited and may be any form. Examples of forms for oral use include forms suitable for oral use, specifically, powder, granules, tablets, rods, plates, blocks, solids, rounds, liquids, candies, pastes, creams, capsules such as hard capsules and soft capsules, caplets, tablets, gels, jellies, gummies, wafers, biscuits, cookies, cakes, chewables, syrups, sticks, and the like.

[0134] The packaging form of the present invention 4 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the dosage form, etc., and examples thereof include blister packs such as PTPs; strip packaging; heat seals; aluminum pouches; film packaging using plastics, synthetic resins, etc.; glass containers such as vials; and plastic containers such as ampoules.

[0135] The present invention 4 is preferably in a powder form (powder, granules, or other powder form) and in a form in which the mixture mixed with water is orally administered, since this prevents spoilage and is suitable for long-term storage. Also, when the present invention 4 is in a solid form such as a powder or tablet, it can be mixed with water to form a liquid and orally administered, as described above, but it may also be orally administered in solid form according to the user's preference.

[0136] Invention 4 is preferably a collagen absorption-promoting green juice containing dry powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 4, and particularly preferably a collagen absorption-promoting green juice containing, as an active ingredient, dry powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 4. In addition, the collagen absorption-promoting green juice is preferably in powder form (in the form of powder, granules, or other powder).

[0137] In order to fully exert the physiological activity of collagen, it is preferable that invention 4 contains collagen together with the dry powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 4. The collagen is not particularly limited in terms of the species of origin, the part thereof, the molecular weight, etc., and examples thereof include mammal-derived collagen obtained from the tails and limbs of cows, pigs, etc.; avian-derived collagen obtained from the combs of chickens, etc.; and fish-derived collagen obtained from the fins, skin, scales, etc. of tuna, shark, cod, flounder, plaice, sea bream, tilapia, salmon, catfish, sea bass, eel, etc. Collagen can be obtained, for example, by enzymatically decomposing gelatin obtained by heating and extracting a raw material derived from mammals, birds, or fish, etc., by a known method.

[0138] The average molecular weight of collagen is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 500 to 100,000 or less, and preferably 1,000 to 50,000. When the collagen is a commercially available product, the average molecular weight of collagen may be determined according to the product information provided by the supplier. The concentration and amount of collagen to be blended in the present invention 4 are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set according to, for example, the form of the composition and the desired bioactive effect of collagen. The standard amount of collagen to be used per day for an adult is, for example, 0.01 g to 100 g, and preferably 0.1 g to 50 g.

[0139] Collagen may be used in combination with present invention 4. In this case, "combined use" refers to use for the purpose of using collagen simultaneously with present invention 4, or before or after present invention 4. Therefore, a kit containing present invention 4 and collagen is useful as a kit for use in cosmetics, formation of bone and cartilage tissues, treatment and prevention of joint diseases, etc. Another aspect of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition for use in cosmetics, formation of bone and cartilage tissues, treatment and prevention of joint diseases, containing a dry powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 4. In particular, a kit containing present invention 4 and a collagen component is useful as a kit for use in treatment and prevention of the above diseases, etc.

[0140] Invention 4 not only has the collagen absorption-promoting effect of conventional dried powder of barley stems and leaves, but also contains a large amount of vitamins, minerals, etc. derived from the dried powder of barley stems and leaves of Specific Variety 4, so that use of this product is useful for maintaining health.

[0141] [6. Promotes calcium absorption] The present invention relates to a calcium absorption enhancing green juice containing dried powder of barley stems and leaves, and a calcium absorption enhancer (Invention 5).

[0142] Invention 5 contains at least a dry powder of barley stems and leaves of one or more types of barley, selected from Fiber Snow, Silky Snow, Shunrai, Ichibanboshi, and Harushizuku (specific variety 5), as the substance having the calcium absorption promoting effect of the present invention.

[0143] The calcium absorption promoting effect is not particularly limited as long as it has the meaning as is commonly known, but for example, refers to an effect of increasing or improving calcium absorption in the body, specifically, an effect of increasing or maintaining calcium concentration in the blood, or of suppressing or alleviating a decrease in calcium concentration in the blood.

[0144] Invention 5 contains dried powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 5, and thus not only has a calcium absorption-promoting effect, but also has a beautiful appearance due to its vivid color and a good flavor.

[0145] The present invention 5 can exhibit a calcium absorption promoting effect by containing a dry powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 5. The degree of calcium absorption promoting effect is not particularly limited, and can be evaluated, for example, by measuring and comparing blood calcium concentrations as described in the Examples below. The calcium absorption promoting effect exhibited by the present invention 5 is, for example, a calcium absorption promoting effect to the extent that the change in blood calcium concentration (=[blood calcium concentration 2, 3 or 5 hours after administration]-[blood calcium concentration immediately before administration]) 2, 3 or 5 hours after administration to a user of 200 mg-calcium / kg, measured using the MXB method, the measurement principle of which is that calcium binds to MXB under alkaline conditions to produce a blue color, is greater than the change in blood calcium concentration when the same amount of dry powder of Nishinohoshi stems and leaves is used as the dry powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 5 contained in the present invention 5.

[0146] Specifically, the calcium absorption promoting effect shown by the present invention 5 is, for example, that the blood calcium concentration change amount 2 hours after administration is 1.8mg / dL or more, preferably 2.0mg / dL or more, more preferably 2.2mg / dL or more, and even more preferably 2.3mg / dL or more; similarly, the blood calcium concentration change amount 3 hours after administration is 2.4mg / dL or more, preferably 2.5mg / dL or more, more preferably 2.6mg / dL or more, and even more preferably 2.7mg / dL or more; or similarly, the blood calcium concentration change amount 5 hours after administration is 1.2mg / dL or more, preferably 1.3mg / dL or more, more preferably 1.4mg / dL or more, and even more preferably 1.5mg / dL or more. It is preferable that the blood calcium concentration is maintained at 8.0 to 10.0mg / mL by using the present invention 5.

[0147] The calcium absorption promoting effect of Invention 5 can be expressed, for example, by AUC (area under the blood concentration-time curve) calculated based on the blood calcium concentration at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 5 hours after administration of 200 mg calcium / kg to a user, measured by the MXB method. The calcium absorption promoting effect of Invention 5, in terms of AUC, is a calcium absorption promoting effect that is greater than the AUC of the blood calcium concentration when the same amount of dry powder of Nishinohoshi stems and leaves as that of dry powder of barley stems and leaves of Specific Variety 5 contained in Invention 5 is used, and specifically, is 8.1 mg / dL·hr, preferably 8.5 mg / dL·hr, more preferably 9.0 mg / dL·hr, and even more preferably 9.5 mg / dL·hr.

[0148] The present invention 5 can be used in various forms for the purpose of obtaining a calcium absorption promoting effect. For example, it may be used for various purposes without adding any special treatment. It is expected that the present invention 5 will promote not only calcium absorption by calcium components such as calcium or calcium-containing substances used simultaneously, but also calcium absorption by calcium components used before or after the use of the present invention 5.

[0149] The content of the dry powder of barley stems and leaves in the solid content of Invention 5 is, in terms of dry mass, preferably 0.1% by mass or more as a lower limit, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 1% by mass or more, still more preferably 10% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 20% by mass or more, and preferably 99.9% by mass or less as an upper limit, more preferably 90% by mass or less, and even more preferably 80% by mass or less. In order to fully exert the calcium absorption promoting effect, the content of the dry powder of barley stems and leaves is preferably 0.1% by mass.

[0150] The daily usage amount of the present invention 5 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately set depending on the mode of use and the usage content of the user, but is, for example, 1 to 6000 mg / kg, preferably 1 to 4000 mg / kg, more preferably 10 to 3000 mg / kg, and even more preferably 10 to 2000 mg / kg, based on the weight of the user, calculated as the mass of dry powder of barley stems and leaves. The single usage amount of the present invention 5 is also not particularly limited and, for example, is 0.5 to 3000 mg / kg, preferably 1 to 2000 mg / kg, and more preferably 5 to 1000 mg / kg, based on the weight of the user, calculated as the mass of dry powder of barley stems and leaves.

[0151] The amount of Invention 5 used at one time may be, for example, 0.01 to 30 g, preferably 0.05 to 20 g, more preferably 0.1 to 10 g, and particularly preferably 0.3 to 7 g, calculated as the mass of dry powder of barley stems and leaves. Similarly, the amount of Invention 5 used per day may be, for example, 0.01 to 100 g, preferably 0.05 to 70 g, more preferably 0.5 to 50 g, and particularly preferably 1 to 30 g, calculated as the mass of dry powder of barley stems and leaves.

[0152] Invention 5 may contain only the dry powder of barley stems and leaves, or may contain other ingredients in addition to the dry powder of barley stems and leaves. Examples of other ingredients include various excipients, binders, lubricants, stabilizers, diluents, fillers, thickeners, emulsifiers, colorants, flavors, additives, etc. The content of other ingredients can be appropriately selected depending on the usage form of Invention 5.

[0153] The present invention 5 can be utilized in various forms for the purpose of obtaining a calcium absorption promoting effect. For example, the present invention 5 can be made into a composition for oral or parenteral administration.

[0154] The form of the present invention 5 is not particularly limited and may be any form. Examples of forms for oral use include forms suitable for oral use, specifically, powder, granules, tablets, rods, plates, blocks, solids, rounds, liquids, candies, pastes, creams, capsules such as hard capsules and soft capsules, caplets, tablets, gels, jellies, gummies, wafers, biscuits, cookies, cakes, chewables, syrups, sticks, and the like.

[0155] The packaging form of the present invention 5 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the dosage form, etc., and examples thereof include blister packs such as PTPs; strip packaging; heat seals; aluminum pouches; film packaging using plastics, synthetic resins, etc.; glass containers such as vials; and plastic containers such as ampoules.

[0156] The present invention 5 is preferably in a powder form (powder, granules, or other powder form) and in a form in which the mixture mixed with water is orally administered, since this prevents spoilage and is suitable for long-term storage. Also, when the present invention 5 is in a solid form such as a powder or tablet, it can be mixed with water to form a liquid and orally administered, as described above, but it may also be orally administered in solid form according to the user's preference.

[0157] Invention 5 is preferably a calcium absorption-promoting green juice containing dry powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 5, and is particularly preferably a calcium absorption-promoting green juice containing, as an active ingredient, dry powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 5. In addition, the calcium absorption-promoting green juice is preferably in powder form (in the form of powder, granules, or other powder).

[0158] The present invention 5 is preferably used in combination with a calcium component. In this case, "combined use" refers to using the calcium component for the purpose of ingesting calcium at the same time as the present invention 5, or before or after the use.

[0159] The calcium component is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include calcium and its salts, natural and synthetic calcium-containing substances, calcium preparations, calcium supplements, etc. Natural calcium-containing substances include, but are not limited to, bones of mammals, birds, fish, etc., shellfish shells, crustacean skin, egg shells, etc. The amount of calcium component used is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set, for example, taking into consideration the degree of calcium deficiency of the user. The amount of calcium component used per day is, for example, 200 to 2,000 mg per calcium, and preferably 400 to 1,500 mg.

[0160] Since the present invention 5 has a calcium absorption promoting effect, the use of this invention is useful for maintaining the health of those who suffer from calcium deficiency or calcium deficiency diseases and those at risk of such diseases, and is particularly useful for maintaining the health of those suffering from bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis and rickets, hypocalcemia, neurological diseases, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, overeating, and the like, and middle-aged and elderly people aged 40 or older in their prime, middle age, and senior years.

[0161] Another aspect of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating calcium deficiency diseases such as osteoporosis, rickets, hypocalcemia, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and overeating, which contains dry powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 5. In particular, a kit containing present invention 5 and a calcium component is useful as a kit for the purpose of preventing and treating the above-mentioned calcium deficiency diseases.

[0162] Furthermore, in addition to the calcium absorption-promoting effect of conventional dried powder of barley stems and leaves, Invention 5 contains a large amount of vitamins, minerals, etc. derived from the dried powder of barley stems and leaves of Specific Variety 5, and therefore exerts secondary effects based on these and contributes to maintaining the health of the user.

[0163] [7. Suppression of increase in blood cholesterol] The present invention relates to a green juice for suppressing an increase in blood cholesterol level, which contains dried powder of barley stems and leaves, and an agent for suppressing an increase in blood cholesterol level (Invention 6).

[0164] Invention 6 contains at least a dry powder of barley stems and leaves of one or more types of barley, selected from Fiber Snow, Silky Snow, Shunrai, Ichibanboshi, and Harushizuku (specific variety 6), as a substance having an effect of suppressing an increase in blood cholesterol.

[0165] The effect of inhibiting an increase in blood cholesterol is not particularly limited as long as it has the meaning as is commonly known, but it refers, for example, to an effect of reducing, inhibiting or alleviating the increase in cholesterol concentration in the blood, or an effect of maintaining or reducing cholesterol concentration in the blood.

[0166] Invention 6 contains a dried powder of the stems and leaves of a specific variety of barley, which not only has the effect of suppressing an increase in blood cholesterol, but also has a beautiful appearance due to its vivid color and a good flavor.

[0167] The present invention 6 can exhibit an inhibitory effect on blood cholesterol elevation by containing the dry powder of the barley stems and leaves of the specific variety 6. The degree of the inhibitory effect on blood cholesterol elevation is not particularly limited, and can be evaluated, for example, by measuring and comparing blood cholesterol concentrations as described in the Examples below. The inhibitory effect on blood cholesterol elevation exhibited by the present invention 6 is, for example, an inhibitory effect on blood cholesterol elevation to the extent that the fasting blood cholesterol concentration measured using the cholesterol oxidase-DAOS method, the measurement principle of which is that cholesterol esters are decomposed into free cholesterol and fatty acids by the action of cholesterol esterase, and then the cholesterol produced is oxidized together with existing free cholesterol by the action of cholesterol oxidase to produce hydrogen peroxide at the same time, and then the hydrogen peroxide produced is oxidatively condensed quantitatively with DAOS and 4-aminoantipyrine by the action of peroxidase to produce a blue pigment, is higher than the blood cholesterol concentration when the same amount of the dry powder of the barley stems and leaves of the specific variety 6 contained in the present invention 6 is used as the dry powder of the stems and leaves of Nishinohoshi.

[0168] Specifically, the blood cholesterol increase suppressing effect shown by Invention 6 is, for example, an effect of suppressing an increase in blood cholesterol to such an extent that the fasting blood cholesterol concentration or blood total cholesterol concentration is 90% or less, preferably 87% or less, compared to the case where a dry powder of Nishinohoshi stems and leaves is used. By using Invention 6, it is preferable that the blood cholesterol concentration is maintained at 130 to 200 mg / dL, and the blood total cholesterol concentration is maintained at less than 220 mg / dL.

[0169] The present invention 6 can be used in various forms for the purpose of obtaining an inhibitory effect on blood cholesterol elevation. For example, it may be used for various purposes without adding any special treatment. It is expected that the present invention 6 can alleviate or reduce not only the effects of blood cholesterol-elevating ingredients such as fats used simultaneously, but also the effects of blood cholesterol-elevating ingredients used before or after the use of the present invention 6.

[0170] The content of the dry powder of barley stems and leaves in the solid content of the present invention 6 is, in terms of dry mass, preferably 0.1% by mass or more as a lower limit, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 10% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 20% by mass or more, and the upper limit is preferably 99.9% by mass or less, more preferably 90% by mass or less, and even more preferably 80% by mass or less. In order to fully exert the blood cholesterol elevation suppressing effect, the content of the dry powder of barley stems and leaves is preferably 0.1% by mass. Note that when the present invention 6 contains a large amount of a blood cholesterol increasing component, the amount of the dry powder of barley stems and leaves used can be increased, and when the present invention 6 further contains another blood cholesterol elevation suppressing component different from the dry powder of barley stems and leaves, the amount of the dry powder of barley stems and leaves used can be reduced.

[0171] The daily usage amount of the present invention 6 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately set depending on the mode of use and the content of use by the user, but is, for example, 1 to 6000 mg / kg, preferably 1 to 4000 mg / kg, more preferably 10 to 3000 mg / kg, and even more preferably 10 to 2000 mg / kg, based on the weight of the user, calculated as the mass of dry powder of barley stems and leaves. The usage amount of the present invention 6 is also not particularly limited and is, for example, 0.5 to 3000 mg / kg, preferably 1 to 2000 mg / kg, and more preferably 5 to 1000 mg / kg, based on the weight of the user, calculated as the mass of dry powder of barley stems and leaves.

[0172] The amount of invention 6 used at one time may be, for example, 0.01 to 30 g, preferably 0.05 to 20 g, more preferably 0.1 to 10 g, and particularly preferably 0.3 to 7 g, calculated as the mass of dry powder of barley stems and leaves. Similarly, the amount of invention 6 used per day may be, for example, 0.01 to 100 g, preferably 0.05 to 70 g, more preferably 0.5 to 50 g, and particularly preferably 1 to 30 g, calculated as the mass of dry powder of barley stems and leaves.

[0173] The present invention 6 may contain only the dry powder of barley stems and leaves, or may contain other ingredients in addition to the dry powder of barley stems and leaves. Examples of other ingredients include various excipients, binders, lubricants, stabilizers, diluents, fillers, thickeners, emulsifiers, colorants, flavors, additives, etc. The content of other ingredients can be appropriately selected depending on the usage form of the present invention 6.

[0174] The present invention 6 can be utilized in various forms for the purpose of obtaining an inhibitory effect on blood cholesterol elevation. For example, the present invention 6 can be made into a composition for oral or parenteral administration.

[0175] The form of the present invention 6 is not particularly limited and may be any form. Examples of forms for oral use include forms suitable for oral use, specifically, powder, granules, tablets, rods, plates, blocks, solids, rounds, liquids, candies, pastes, creams, capsules such as hard capsules and soft capsules, caplets, tablets, gels, jellies, gummies, wafers, biscuits, cookies, cakes, chewables, syrups, sticks, and the like.

[0176] The packaging form of the present invention 6 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the dosage form, etc., and examples thereof include blister packs such as PTPs; strip packaging; heat seals; aluminum pouches; film packaging using plastics, synthetic resins, etc.; glass containers such as vials; and plastic containers such as ampoules.

[0177] The present invention 6 is preferably in a powder form (powder, granules, or other powder form) and in a form in which the mixture mixed with water is orally administered, since this prevents spoilage and is suitable for long-term storage. Also, when the present invention 6 is in a solid form such as a powder or tablet, it can be mixed with water to form a liquid and orally administered, as described above, but it may also be orally administered in solid form according to the user's preference.

[0178] Invention 6 is preferably a green juice for suppressing an increase in blood cholesterol that contains a dry powder of the stalks and leaves of barley of specific variety 6, and is particularly preferably a green juice for suppressing an increase in blood cholesterol that contains as an active ingredient a dry powder of the stalks and leaves of barley of specific variety 6. In addition, the green juice for suppressing an increase in blood cholesterol is preferably in a powder form (a powder, granules, or other powder form).

[0179] Since the present invention 6 has an inhibitory effect on the increase in blood cholesterol, the use of the present invention 6 is useful for maintaining the health of patients suffering from diseases caused by the increase in blood cholesterol and those at risk of such diseases, and is particularly useful for maintaining the health of patients suffering from diseases such as dyslipidemia (hyperlipidemia), high LDL cholesterolemia, low HDL cholesterolemia, arteriosclerosis, cerebral infarction, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, intermittent claudication, cholelithiasis, and nephrotic syndrome, those with a total blood cholesterol concentration of 220 mg / dl or more, obese individuals, and middle-aged and elderly individuals aged 40 years or older. Another aspect of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating the above-mentioned diseases caused by the increase in blood cholesterol, which contains a dry powder of the stems and leaves of barley of specific variety 6. Note that, as used herein, obesity refers to a state in which the BMI (Body Mass Index) is 25 or more, or a state in which the abdominal circumference (waist circumference passing through the navel) is 85 cm or more for men and 90 cm or more for women.

[0180] Furthermore, in addition to the blood cholesterol-increase inhibitory effect of conventional dried powder of barley stalks and leaves, Invention 6 contains a large amount of vitamins, minerals, etc. derived from the dried powder of barley stalks and leaves of Specific Variety 6, and therefore exerts secondary effects based on these and contributes to maintaining the health of the user.

[0181] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples, and the present invention can take various forms as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved. EXAMPLES

[0182] [1. Suppression of blood sugar rise] It has been demonstrated, as described below, that the dried powder of the stems and leaves of Shunrai, Fiber Snow, and Silky Snow exhibits an exceptionally significant effect of suppressing the rise in blood sugar levels.

[0183] 1. Test substance Shunrai, Fiber Snow and Silky Snow were used as Examples 1 to 3. Ichibanboshi was used as Comparative Example 1.

[0184] 2. Preparation of Test Samples The barley stalks and leaves of the above examples and comparative examples were used as test samples. They were pretreated by washing with water to remove adhering mud, etc., and cutting into pieces of about 5 to 10 cm in size. The pretreated stalks and leaves were blanched once with hot water at 90 to 100°C for 90 to 120 seconds, and then cooled with cold water. The obtained stalks and leaves were then dried in a dryer with hot air at 80°C to 130°C for 20 to 180 minutes until the moisture content was 5% by mass or less. The dried stalks and leaves were crushed to a size of about 1 mm using a mixer. The obtained barley stalks and leaves were crushed using a crusher so that 90% or more passed through a 200 mesh division, and crushed powder of stalks and leaves was obtained.

[0185] The obtained ground stems and leaves and sucrose were each suspended or dissolved in pure water at 200 mg / mL to prepare test samples, and a control sample was prepared by dissolving only sucrose in pure water at 200 mg / mL without using any ground stems and leaves.

[0186] 3. Test Procedure First, 7-week-old SD male rats (Kyudou Co., Ltd.) were fasted for more than 16 hours. After that, blood was collected from the tail vein of each rat, and the blood glucose level before administration (0 minutes) was measured using Glutest Ace R (Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho Co., Ltd.). The rats were divided into groups so that the blood glucose levels before administration (0 minutes) were as uniform as possible.

[0187] Next, each test sample or control sample was orally administered to each rat using a probe at 10 mL / kg body weight (approximately 0.4 g of test substance administered per individual), and blood glucose levels were measured 30 minutes after administration. Using the blood glucose levels before (0 minutes) and 30 minutes after administration of the control, the blood glucose rise inhibition rates (%) of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example 1 were calculated using the following formula. The results are shown in Figure 1. Blood glucose rise inhibition rate (%) = {1 - ([Blood glucose level 30 minutes after administration of the test sample] - [Blood glucose level before administration of the test sample (0 minutes)]) / ([Blood glucose level 30 minutes after administration of the control sample] - [Blood glucose level before administration of the control sample (0 minutes)])} x 100

[0188] 1 shows that the rats that ingested the crushed powder of stems and leaves of Shunrai, Fiber Snow, and Silky Snow in Examples 1 to 3 had a suppressed rapid rise in blood glucose level 30 minutes after administration, compared to the rats that ingested the crushed powder of stems and leaves of Ichibanboshi in Comparative Example 1. This shows that the crushed powder of stems and leaves of Shunrai, Fiber Snow, and Silky Snow is useful as a green juice for suppressing an increase in blood glucose level and as an agent for suppressing an increase in blood glucose level, and is expected to be particularly effective in preventing type 2 diabetes, which is characterized by insulin resistance.

[0189] [2. Antioxidant effect] It has been demonstrated, as follows, that the dried powder of barley stems and leaves of Fiber Snow, Silky Snow, Shunrai, Ichibanboshi and Harushizuku varieties exhibits particularly remarkable antioxidant activity.

[0190] 1. Test substance Fiber Snow, Silky Snow, Shunrai, Ichibanboshi and Haru Shizuku were used in Examples 1 to 5. Nishino Hoshi was used in Comparative Example 1.

[0191] 2. Preparation of Test Samples The barley stalks and leaves of the above examples and comparative examples were used as test samples. They were pretreated by washing with water to remove adhering mud, etc., and cutting into pieces of about 5 to 10 cm in size. The pretreated stalks and leaves were blanched once with hot water at 90 to 100°C for 90 to 120 seconds, and then cooled with cold water. The obtained stalks and leaves were then dried in a dryer with hot air at 80°C to 130°C for 20 to 180 minutes until the moisture content was 5% by mass or less. The dried stalks and leaves were crushed to a size of about 1 mm using a mixer. The obtained barley stalks and leaves were crushed using a crusher so that 90% or more passed through a 200 mesh division, and crushed powder of stalks and leaves was obtained.

[0192] The obtained ground stems and leaves were adjusted to 60 mg / mL with phosphate buffer (pH 7.2), vortexed at room temperature for 1 hour, and then centrifuged twice at 10,000 rpm for 1 minute. The resulting supernatant was used as the test sample.

[0193] 3. SOD-like activity measurement and results To evaluate the antioxidant capacity, a superoxide dismutase (SOD) kit (NBT reduction method, "SOD Test Wako", manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was used to measure the SOD activity (inhibition rate %) of each test sample according to the operating method described in the attached document of the kit. The test was repeated twice, and the average value was used as the measurement result. The measurement results of the SOD activity are shown in Table 1. [Table 1]

[0194] As shown in Table 1, compared to Comparative Example 2, which was made of Nishinohoshi variety, Examples 1 to 3, which were made of Fiber Snow, Silky Snow, and Shunrai varieties, had higher SOD activity values ​​and greater antioxidant effects.

[0195] 4. ORAC measurement and results In order to evaluate the antioxidant capacity from another perspective, the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of the test samples was measured as follows.

[0196] 75 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) was used as the assay buffer. The dilution buffer was prepared by mixing 10 mL of methanol-water-acetic acid (MWA) solution (methanol:water:acetic acid (volume ratio) = 90:9.5:0.5) with 90 mL of assay buffer. The fluorescein solution was prepared by dissolving sodium fluorescein in assay buffer to give a 110.7 nM solution. The Trolox solution was prepared by dissolving Trolox in assay buffer to give a 500 μM solution. The Trolox standard solution was prepared by diluting the Trolox solution with the dilution buffer. The AAPH solution was prepared by dissolving AAPH (2,2'-Azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride) in assay buffer to give a 31.7 mM solution.

[0197] The test sample was diluted with the assay buffer to prepare a diluted solution, the concentration of which was determined based on the results of a preliminary test.

[0198] The microplate reader was heated to 37°C. The fluorescence detection wavelengths were set to an excitation wavelength of 485±20 nm and a detection wavelength of 530±25 nm. 35 μL of the sample dilution solution, dilution buffer (blank), or Trolox standard solution was dispensed into each well of the 96-well plate.

[0199] 115 μL of the fluorescein solution was dispensed into each well, and the entire plate was shaken to mix. Each well was sealed and quickly transferred to a microplate reader that had been warmed to 37°C, and warmed in the plate reader for 10 minutes or more. The fluorescence intensity of each well of the plate was measured (f 0min The sealing was removed, 50 μL of AAPH solution was added to each well, and the solution was mixed by pipetting. Each well was sealed, and the microplate was quickly transferred to a microplate reader, and the time course of the fluorescence intensity was measured 45 times at 2-minute intervals (for a total of 90 minutes).

[0200] f 0min and the measured values ​​8 to 90 minutes after the start of measurement (f 8min , f10min , f 90min ) was used to calculate the ORAC value (μmol TE / L) of the sample using the following formula:

number

[0201] Moreover, the ORAC value (μmol TE / L) was converted to a value per 1 g of sample to obtain the ORAC value (μmol TE / g).

[0202] The ORAC values ​​(μmol TE / L) and ORAC values ​​(μmol TE / g) of the Comparative Examples and Examples, determined as described above, are shown in Table 2. The ORAC values ​​(μmol TE / g) are illustrated in FIG. [Table 2]

[0203] As shown in Table 2 and FIG. 2, compared to Comparative Example 1, which was made of Nishinohoshi variety, Examples 1 to 5, which were made of Fiber Snow, Silky Snow, Shunrai, Ichibanboshi, and Harushizuku varieties, had higher ORAC values ​​and were shown to have greater antioxidant effects.

[0204] [3. Regulating the intestines] It has been demonstrated as follows that the dried powder of the stems and leaves of Shunrai, Fiber Snow and Silky Snow has an effect of improving bowel movements and thereby exhibits a particularly remarkable effect of regulating the intestines.

[0205] 1. Test substance Shunrai, Fiber Snow and Silky Snow were used as Examples 1 to 3. Ichibanboshi was used as Comparative Example 1.

[0206] 2. Preparation of test diets Barley stalks and leaves from Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example 1 were used as test samples. They were pretreated by washing with water to remove adhering mud, etc., and cutting into pieces of about 5 to 10 cm in size. The pretreated stalks and leaves were blanched once with hot water at 90 to 100°C for 90 to 120 seconds, and then cooled with cold water. The obtained stalks and leaves were then dried in a dryer with hot air at 80°C to 130°C for 20 to 180 minutes until the moisture content was 5% by mass or less. The dried stalks and leaves were crushed to a size of about 1 mm using a mixer. The obtained barley stalks and leaves were crushed using a crusher so that 90% or more passed through a 200 mesh division, and crushed powder of barley stalks and leaves was obtained.

[0207] According to the composition shown in Table 3 below, each component of a fiber-free high-fat diet (NFHF) based on crushed barley stems and leaves and AIN-76 was mixed using a pestle and mortar to make each component uniform, to obtain a NFHF powder feed containing 10 wt% barley stems and leaves. Also, a NFHF powder feed was obtained that did not contain crushed barley stems and leaves.

[0208] [Table 3]

[0209] 3. Test animals Six-week-old male Wistar rats (Kyudou Co., Ltd.) were acclimated by freely consuming MF solid feed (Oriental Yeast Co., Ltd.) and water for five days. After acclimation, the 7-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into groups as shown in Table 4 below so that the average body weight was almost uniform, and the rats were raised by freely consuming each powdered feed, starting from the day of feeding, which was designated as day 0. However, when dividing the rats into groups, consideration was given to the number of feces before the start of the test (days -1 to 0) so that no significant difference was observed between the groups (priority: body weight value > number of feces).

[0210] [Table 4]

[0211] 4. Evaluation method and results Feces were collected from each group for one day before the start of the test (days -1 to 0), and on days 6 to 7, 13 to 14, 20 to 21, and 27 to 28 after the start of the test, and the number of pieces was measured on each measurement day. The obtained feces were dried at 100°C in an incubator for more than three days. The weight of the feces after drying was measured and recorded as the dry fecal weight. The dry fecal weight for each group is summarized in Figure 3.

[0212] As shown in Figure 3, the dry fecal weight was generally higher in the Example 1 to 3 groups and the Comparative Example 1 group than in the control group. Furthermore, surprisingly, the dry fecal weight was higher in the Example 1 to 3 groups than in the Comparative Example 1 group. Therefore, it was shown that the barley stover and leaves of Shunrai, Fiber Snow and Silky Snow have the effect of promoting an increase in fecal volume and improving bowel movements when used, and furthermore, that this effect is far superior to that shown by the barley stover and leaves of Ichibanboshi, which is a comparative example. From these results, it was found that the barley stover and leaves of Shunrai, Fiber Snow and Silky Snow have a remarkable intestinal regulating effect through the bowel movement improving effect in the subjects who used them.

[0213] [4. Collagen absorption promotion effect] It has been demonstrated, as described below, that the dried powder of the stems and leaves of Haru Shizuku, Shunrai, Fiber Snow, Ichiban Boshi and Silky Snow exhibits an exceptionally remarkable collagen absorption promoting effect.

[0214] 1. Test substance Haru Shizuku, Shunrai, Fiber Snow, Ichiban Boshi and Silky Snow were used in Examples 1 to 5. Nishino Hoshi was used in Comparative Example 1.

[0215] 2. Preparation of Test Samples Barley stalks and leaves from Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Example 1 were used as test samples. They were pretreated by washing with water to remove adhering mud, etc., and cutting into pieces of about 5 to 10 cm in size. The pretreated stalks and leaves were blanched once with hot water at 90 to 100°C for 90 to 120 seconds, and then cooled with cold water. The obtained stalks and leaves were then dried in a dryer with hot air at 80°C to 130°C for 20 to 180 minutes until the moisture content was 5% by mass or less. The dried stalks and leaves were crushed to a size of about 1 mm using a mixer. The obtained barley stalks and leaves were crushed using a crusher so that 90% or more passed through a 200 mesh division, and crushed powder of barley stalks and leaves was obtained.

[0216] According to the composition shown in Table 5 below, each component of a fiber-free high-fat diet (NFHF) based on ground barley stems and leaves and AIN-76 was mixed uniformly using a pestle and mortar to obtain a NFHF powder feed containing 10 wt% barley stems and leaves. A NFHF powder feed was also obtained that did not contain barley stems and leaves.

[0217] [Table 5]

[0218] 3. Collagen Solution Preparation A pig-derived collagen peptide with an average molecular weight of 2000 and a fish-derived collagen peptide with an average molecular weight of 2000 were mixed in a 1:1 ratio, and the mixture was passed through a sieve with an opening equivalent to 710 μm and dissolved in distilled water to prepare a collagen solution so that the collagen content in the test substance solution was 250 mg / mL.

[0219] 4. Test animals Six-week-old male Wistar rats (Kyudou Co., Ltd.) were acclimated by freely consuming MF solid feed (Oriental Yeast Co., Ltd.) and water for five days. After acclimation, the seven-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into groups as shown in Table 6 below so that the average body weights were almost uniform, and the rats were raised by freely consuming each powder feed, starting from the day of feeding, which was designated as day 0. However, when dividing the rats into groups, consideration was given to the number of feces before the start of the test (days -1 to 0) so that no significant difference was observed between the groups (priority: body weight value > number of feces).

[0220] [Table 6]

[0221] 5. Administration of collagen solution After 29 days or more had passed since the start of feeding, the test animals in each group, which had been fasted for 16 hours or more since the previous day, were forced to orally administer collagen solution at 20 mL / kg (5,000 g collagen / kg) using a probe.

[0222] 6. Evaluation Methodology Hydroxyproline (Hyp) accounts for approximately 11-14% of the amino acids that make up collagen, and is a substance that is used as an indicator of collagen absorbability because it is characteristically present in collagen. Therefore, blood Hyp concentration was measured as an indicator of collagen absorbability.

[0223] A certain amount of blood was collected from the vein over time before administration of the collagen solution (0 hours), and 1, 2, 3, and 6 hours after administration. After blood collection, the blood sample was left at room temperature for 30 minutes or more, and then centrifuged (8000 rpm, 20 minutes, 4°C) to collect serum. The serum was stored at -30°C until it was used to measure the blood Hyp concentration. The blood HyP concentration was measured using a commercially available kit (Hydroxyproline Assay Kit; Bio Vision). Figure 4 shows the change in blood Hyp concentration over time (= [measured value at each time] - [measured value at 0 hours]) and Figure 5 shows the AUC (area under the blood concentration-time curve) of the blood Hyp concentration.

[0224] 7. Evaluation results of collagen absorption promotion effect The blood Hyp concentration was higher in the test group using the test substance than in the control group in terms of both time course and AUC. Surprisingly, the example groups (Haru Shizuku, Shunrai, Fiber Snow, Ichibanboshi and Silky Snow) showed a tendency to have higher blood Hyp concentrations than the comparative group (Nishinohoshi). Therefore, it was shown that the dried powder of the stems and leaves of Haru Shizuku, Shunrai, Fiber Snow, Ichibanboshi and Silky Snow has the effect of increasing blood Hyp concentrations and promoting collagen absorption when ingested.

[0225] From the above results, it was clarified that Harushizuku, Shunrai, Fiber Snow, Ichibanboshi and Silky Snow have a collagen absorption promoting effect. In other words, the dried powders of barley stems and leaves of Harushizuku, Shunrai, Fiber Snow, Ichibanboshi and Silky Snow are useful materials for collagen absorption promoting green juice and collagen absorption promoters, and it was clarified that by ingesting such dried powders of barley stems and leaves in combination with collagen, collagen can be efficiently absorbed into the body, and an excellent beauty and health composition can be provided.

[0226] [5. Promotes calcium absorption] It was demonstrated as follows that dried powders of barley stems and leaves, such as Haru Shizuku, Shunrai, Fiber Snow, Ichiban Boshi and Silky Snow, exhibited a particularly remarkable calcium absorption promoting effect.

[0227] 1. Test substance Haru Shizuku, Shunrai, Fiber Snow, Ichiban Boshi and Silky Snow were used in Examples 1 to 5. Nishino Hoshi was used in Comparative Example 1.

[0228] 2. Preparation of Test Samples The barley stalks and leaves of the above examples and comparative examples were used as test samples. They were pretreated by washing with water to remove adhering mud, etc., and cutting into pieces of about 5 to 10 cm in size. The pretreated stalks and leaves were blanched once with hot water at 90 to 100°C for 90 to 120 seconds, and then cooled with cold water. The obtained stalks and leaves were then dried in a dryer with hot air at 80°C to 130°C for 20 to 180 minutes until the moisture content was 5% by mass or less. The dried stalks and leaves were crushed to a size of about 1 mm using a mixer. The obtained barley stalks and leaves were crushed using a crusher so that 90% or more passed through a 200 mesh division, and crushed barley stalks and leaves powder was obtained.

[0229] According to the composition shown in Table 7 below, each component of a no-fiber, high-fat diet (NFHF) based on ground barley stems and leaves and AIN-76 was mixed uniformly using a pestle and mortar to obtain a barley stem and leaf-containing NFHF powdered feed. Also, a NFHF powdered feed not containing barley stems and leaves was obtained.

[0230] [Table 7]

[0231] 3. Preparation of Calcium Solution A calcium solution was prepared by dissolving DL-calcium lactate pentahydrate (Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) in pure water as a solvent to give a calcium concentration of 20 mg / mL.

[0232] 4. Test animals Six-week-old male Wistar rats (Kyudou Co., Ltd.) were acclimated by freely consuming MF solid feed (Oriental Yeast Co., Ltd.) and water for 5 days. After acclimation, the 7-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into groups as shown in Table 8 below so that the average body weight was almost uniform, and the rats were raised by freely consuming each powder feed, starting from the day of feeding, which was designated as day 0. However, when dividing the rats into groups, consideration was given to the number of feces before the start of the test (days -1 to 0) so that no significant difference was observed between the groups (priority: body weight value > number of feces).

[0233] [Table 8]

[0234] 5. Calcium solution administration After 22 days or more had passed since the start of feeding, the test animals in each group, which had been fasted for 16 hours or more since the previous day, were forced to orally administer calcium solution at 10 mL / kg (200 mg Ca / kg) using a catheter.

[0235] 6. Evaluation Methodology A certain amount of blood was collected from a vein over time before administration of calcium solution (0 hours), and 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 5 hours after administration. After blood collection, the blood sample was left at room temperature for 30 minutes or more, and then centrifuged (8000 rpm, 20 minutes, 4°C) to collect serum. The serum was stored at -30°C until it was used to measure the calcium concentration. The blood calcium concentration was measured using the obtained serum with a commercially available kit, Calcium E-Test Wako (Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.). Figure 6 shows the change in blood calcium concentration over time (= [measured value at each time] - [measured value at 0 hours]), and Figure 7 shows the AUC (area under the blood calcium concentration-time curve) of blood calcium concentration.

[0236] 7. Evaluation results of calcium absorption promotion effect The blood calcium concentration was higher in the test group using the test substance than in the control group in terms of both time course and AUC. Surprisingly, the example groups (Haru Shizuku, Shunrai, Fiber Snow, Ichiban Boshi, and Silky Snow) showed a tendency to have higher blood calcium concentrations than the comparative group (Nishino Hoshi). Therefore, it was shown that the dried powders of the stems and leaves of Haru Shizuku, Shunrai, Fiber Snow, Ichiban Boshi, and Silky Snow have the effect of increasing blood calcium concentrations and promoting calcium absorbability when ingested.

[0237] From the above results, it was clarified that Harushizuku, Shunrai, Fiber Snow, Ichibanboshi and Silky Snow have a calcium absorption promoting effect. In other words, it was clarified that the dried powders of barley stems and leaves of Harushizuku, Shunrai, Fiber Snow, Ichibanboshi and Silky Snow are useful materials for calcium absorption promoting green juice and as a calcium absorption promoter, and that by ingesting such dried powders of barley stems and leaves in combination with calcium, calcium can be efficiently absorbed into the body via the blood.

[0238] [6. Suppression of increase in blood cholesterol] It has been demonstrated, as described below, that dried powders of barley stems and leaves, such as Haru Shizuku, Shunrai, Fiber Snow, Ichiban Boshi and Silky Snow, exhibit exceptionally significant inhibitory effects on the elevation of blood cholesterol.

[0239] 1. Test substance Haru Shizuku, Shunrai, Fiber Snow, Ichiban Boshi and Silky Snow were used in Examples 1 to 5. Nishino Hoshi was used in Comparative Example 1.

[0240] 2. Preparation of Test Samples The barley stalks and leaves of the above examples and comparative examples were used as test samples. They were pretreated by washing with water to remove adhering mud, etc., and cutting into pieces of about 5 to 10 cm in size. The pretreated stalks and leaves were blanched once with hot water at 90 to 100°C for 90 to 120 seconds, and then cooled with cold water. The obtained stalks and leaves were then dried in a dryer with hot air at 80°C to 130°C for 20 to 180 minutes until the moisture content was 5% by mass or less. The dried stalks and leaves were crushed to a size of about 1 mm using a mixer. The obtained barley stalks and leaves were crushed using a crusher so that 90% or more passed through a 200 mesh division, and crushed powder of barley stalks and leaves was obtained.

[0241] According to the composition shown in Table 9 below, each component of a fiber-free high-fat diet (NFHF) based on crushed barley stems and leaves and AIN-76 was mixed uniformly using a pestle and mortar to obtain a NFHF powder feed containing 10 wt% barley stems and leaves. Also, a NFHF powder feed not containing barley stems and leaves was obtained.

[0242] [Table 9]

[0243] 3. Test animals Six-week-old male Wistar rats (Kyudou Co., Ltd.) were acclimated by freely consuming MF solid feed (Oriental Yeast Co., Ltd.) and water for 5 days. After acclimation, the 7-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into groups as shown in Table 10 below so that the average body weight was almost uniform, and the rats were raised by freely consuming each powder feed for 28 days, starting from the day of feeding (day 0). However, when dividing the rats into groups, consideration was given to the number of feces before the start of the test (days -1 to 0) so that no significant difference was observed between the groups (priority: body weight value > number of feces).

[0244] [Table 10]

[0245] 4. Evaluation Methodology On the 29th day of feeding, a certain amount of blood was collected from the vein of rats that had been fasted overnight. After collection, the blood samples were left at room temperature for 30 minutes or more, and then centrifuged (8000 rpm, 20 minutes, 4°C) to collect serum. The serum was stored at -30°C until it was used to measure the cholesterol concentration. Using the obtained serum, the blood cholesterol concentration was measured as the total serum cholesterol amount using a commercially available kit, Cholesterol E-Test Wako (Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.). The measurement results are shown in Figure 8.

[0246] 5. Evaluation results of blood cholesterol increase suppression effect As shown in Figure 8, the blood cholesterol concentration was generally lower in the test groups using the test substances compared to the control group. Surprisingly, the example groups (Haru Shizuku, Shunrai, Fiber Snow, Ichiban Boshi, and Silky Snow) showed a tendency for blood cholesterol concentration to be lower compared to the comparative group (Nishino Hoshi). Therefore, it was shown that the stem and leaf powder of Haru Shizuku, Shunrai, Fiber Snow, Ichiban Boshi, and Silky Snow has the effect of lowering blood cholesterol concentration and thus suppressing the rise of blood cholesterol when ingested.

[0247] These results demonstrate that Harushizuku, Shunrai, Fiber Snow, Ichibanboshi and Silky Snow have the effect of suppressing an increase in blood cholesterol. In other words, it is clear that Harushizuku, Shunrai, Fiber Snow, Ichibanboshi and Silky Snow barley stems and leaves are useful materials for green juice that suppresses an increase in blood cholesterol and as a calcium absorption promoter. [Industrial Applicability]

[0248] Invention 1 contains a dried powder of barley stems and leaves of Specific Variety 1, and is expected to have an effect of suppressing an increase in blood glucose level and an effect of quickly lowering blood glucose level when used daily, and is useful for maintaining the health of people who are worried about an increase in blood glucose level. Invention 1 can therefore prevent or treat lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and obesity-related diseases, such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, arteriosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, gout, high body fat percentage, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, fatty liver, cardiovascular disease, and hyperuricemia, and therefore contributes to the national economy as a whole, by reducing medical expenses associated with these diseases and eliminating the decline in the labor force.

[0249] Invention 2 has an excellent antioxidant effect by containing dried powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 2, and exhibits the antioxidant effect when used continuously. Such antioxidant effect is expected to avoid disorders and diseases caused by active oxygen generated in the user's body, and continuous use due to the flavor and nutrients derived from the raw materials, so that it can simultaneously prevent oxidation and replenish nutrients, contributing to the health and welfare of human beings.

[0250] Invention 3 contains dried powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 3, and thus contains a substance that is safer than conventional substances having a bowel movement improving effect and exhibits an intestinal regulating effect, including an excellent bowel movement improving effect, and is expected to have various effects such as the treatment and prevention of bowel disorders.

[0251] Invention 4 contains dried powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 4, and thus contains a substance that exhibits a more excellent collagen absorption promoting effect than conventional substances that promote collagen absorbability. Through the collagen absorption promoting effect, various effects can be expected, such as beauty, formation of bone and cartilage tissue, and treatment and prevention of joint diseases.

[0252] Invention 5 contains dried powder of barley stems and leaves of Specific Variety 5, and is expected to promote calcium absorption when used daily, making it useful for maintaining the health of those suffering from or at risk of suffering from calcium deficiency diseases. Invention 5 is therefore expected to prevent or treat calcium deficiency diseases, such as bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis and rickets, hypocalcemia, neurological diseases, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and overeating, and will contribute to the national economy as a whole, by reducing medical expenses associated with these diseases and resolving labor force declines.

[0253] Invention 6 contains dried powder of barley stems and leaves of specific variety 6, and is expected to have an inhibitory effect on blood cholesterol elevation when used daily, making it useful for maintaining the health of people who are concerned about elevated blood cholesterol. Invention 6 can therefore prevent or treat diseases associated with elevated blood cholesterol, such as hyperlipidemia, arteriosclerosis, and nephrotic syndrome, and therefore contributes to the national economy as a whole by reducing medical expenses associated with these diseases and eliminating labor force declines.

[0254] The present invention can be used as specified health foods and beverages, nutrient functional foods and beverages, health functional foods and beverages, special purpose foods and beverages, nutritional supplement foods and beverages, health supplement foods and beverages, supplements, beauty foods and beverages, other health foods and beverages, medicinal quasi-drugs, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Claims

[Claim 1] An antioxidant composition containing fiber snow.

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