Method for producing aloe extract

Abstract

To develop a more efficient method for producing aloe extract.SOLUTION: The present invention provides a method for producing aloe extract, the method including the following steps: a step for obtaining an extract from dried aloe mesophyll through the supercritical fluid extraction technique; and a step for carrying out oil-water separation on the extract obtained in the aforementioned step, and obtaining the resultant oil phase as an aloe extract.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing an aloe extract. [Background technology]

[0002] Aloe is a type of succulent plant that includes Aloe vera (Aloe barbadenisis Miller) and Aloe arborescens Miller var. natalensis Berger, and is empirically known to have various efficacies. In recent years, the functionality of aloe has attracted attention, and its use in functional foods, supplements, medicines, cosmetics, etc. has been considered.

[0003] Aloe is also known to contain trace amounts of phytosterols. The phytosterols contained in aloe have been found to have antihyperglycemic effects (Patent Document 1). Various techniques are being developed to produce aloe extracts in which phytosterols, which are functional components contained in aloe, are concentrated, and to purify phytosterols.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for producing an aloe vera extract containing phytosterols contained in natural aloe vera by supercritical fluid extraction from powdered aloe vera gel prepared by drying the gel part not including the leaf skin of aloe vera. This method makes it possible to concentrate the phytosterols contained in aloe and remove anthraquinones, but there has been a demand for an improvement in the amount of phytosterols extracted. In other words, there has been a demand for the development of a more efficient method for producing an aloe extract. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2007 / 060911 Brochure Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, an objective of the present invention is to develop a more efficient method for producing aloe extract. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present inventors have conducted extensive research with the aim of obtaining a more efficient method for producing an aloe extract than conventional methods. As a result, they have found that in the method for producing an aloe extract, after obtaining an extract from dried aloe gel by supercritical fluid extraction, the extract is subjected to oil-water separation, whereby aloin, which is an anthraquinone, can be effectively removed while phytosterols can be efficiently concentrated in the oil phase. The present invention has been completed based on this finding.

[0008] That is, the gist of the present invention is as follows. [1] A method for producing an aloe extract, comprising the steps of: Obtaining an extract from the dried aloe gel by supercritical fluid extraction; and A process of subjecting the extract obtained in the above process to oil-water separation to obtain the oil phase as an aloe extract. [2] The method according to [1], wherein the step of obtaining an extract by the supercritical fluid extraction method satisfies the following conditions a) to c): a) The extraction solvent is carbon dioxide gas; b) The extraction temperature is 50 to 100°C; and c) The extraction pressure is 10-60MPa. [3] The method according to [1] or [2], further comprising a step of drying the aloe gel to obtain the dried aloe gel. [4] An aloe extract comprising: An aloe extract having a plant sterol content of 0.3 mass% or more and an aloin content of 0.0005 mass% or less relative to the total amount of the aloe extract. [5] The aloe extract described in [4], wherein the plant sterol is one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of aloe vera compounds and cyclolanostane compounds. [6] A composition containing an aloe extract, A composition, having a plant sterol content of 0.001% by mass or more and an aloin content of 0.0005% by mass or less relative to the total amount of the composition. [7] A composition containing the aloe extract described in [4] or [5]. [8] A food, beverage, medicine, or cosmetic product containing the aloe extract described in [4] or [5], or the composition described in [6] or [7]. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, a more efficient method for producing an aloe extract is provided, which improves the amount of plant sterol extracted. Furthermore, according to the method for producing an aloe extract of the present invention, the amount of aloin contamination can be extremely reduced. Furthermore, the manufacturing method provided by the present invention provides an aloe extract that is high in plant sterol content and low in aloin contamination. Furthermore, compositions, foods and beverages, medicines, cosmetics, etc., containing such an aloe extract are provided. When developing functional foods using plants such as aloe, the content of the active ingredients of aloe as well as the content of non-active ingredients must be taken into consideration when considering the intake amount required to ensure functionality. In other words, the present invention makes it possible to provide materials suitable for developing functional foods using aloe, and is believed to promote the use of aloe in foods, etc. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the following preferred embodiments, and can be freely modified within the scope of the present invention. In addition, percentages (%) in this specification are mass % unless otherwise specified.

[0011] <Method of producing aloe extract> One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for producing an aloe extract, the method comprising the steps of: Obtaining an extract from dried aloe gel by supercritical fluid extraction (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "supercritical fluid extract"); A process of subjecting the extract obtained in the above process to oil-water separation to obtain the oil phase as an aloe extract.

[0012] In the present specification, the term "supercritical fluid extract" refers to an extract containing phytosterols extracted from dried aloe gel by supercritical fluid extraction. In the present specification, the term "aloe extract" refers to an extract containing phytosterols obtained as an oil phase by oil-water separation of a supercritical fluid extract, and can be used as a raw material for producing phytosterols by extraction and purification, and for producing a composition containing high amounts of phytosterols. In the "aloe extract", phytosterols are concentrated and the contamination of anthraquinones such as aloin is reduced compared to the "supercritical fluid extract". In the present specification, the term "aloe extract" refers to all forms, such as liquid, solid (dried matter and powder), and semi-solid.

[0013] ≪Supercritical fluid extraction process≫ The method for producing the aloe extract of the present invention is to extract aloe extract from dried aloe gel by supercritical fluid extraction. The method includes a step of obtaining an extract from dried aloe gel (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "supercritical fluid extraction step"). The supercritical fluid extraction step is a step of obtaining an extract by subjecting dried aloe gel to an extraction treatment using a supercritical fluid extraction method.

[0014] <Dried aloe leaf pulp> In the present specification, "aloe gel" refers to the gel of a plant belonging to the genus Aloe in the family Liliaceae. Examples of plants belonging to the genus Aloe include, but are not limited to, Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller), Aloe arborescens Miller var. natalensis Berger, and Aloe ferox Miller. Among them, Aloe vera and Aloe arborescens are preferably used.

[0015] When an Aloe leaf is sliced ​​horizontally, the outer epidermis wall, covered with a thick cuticle, is revealed. Below the epidermis is the mesophyll, which is differentiated into chloroplast cells and cells with thin cell walls known as parenchyma. The parenchyma cells store a clear, mucus-like jelly. Vascular bundles with inner bundle sheath cells contain a yellow sap with laxative properties and are sandwiched between two larger cells. Thus, Aloe has two main sources of liquid: yellow sap (exudate) and clear gel (mucus). The clear gel (mucus) is called Aloe mesophyll (Aloe gel). Thus, the Aloe leaf can be divided into three parts: (A) yellow sap, (B) Aloe mesophyll, and (C) the leaf skin, which consists of the integument, tip, base, and spines. The "aloe gel" in the present invention includes (B) aloe gel (aloe gel). The aloe gel used in the present invention may contain (A) yellow sap and (C) leaf skin in addition to the above (B) aloe gel, but preferably does not contain (A) yellow sap or (C) leaf skin.

[0016] Aloe gel can be prepared by a conventional method, for example, by peeling the skin from aloe leaves, washing to remove the yellow juice, and recovering the aloe gel. Commercially available aloe gel may also be used.

[0017] The aloe gel collected in the previous step or commercially available aloe gel is dried to remove water, and dried aloe gel is prepared. The aloe gel can be dried by a conventional method, for example, a hot air dryer or a freeze dryer, but is not limited thereto. The aloe gel from which water has been removed becomes a coarse powder. Commercially available dried aloe gel may also be used.

[0018] In one aspect of the present invention, the method for producing an aloe extract of the present invention further comprises a step of drying the aloe gel to obtain dried aloe gel.

[0019] <Plant sterols> The plant sterol is preferably one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of phenol compounds and cyclolanostane compounds described below. The plant sterol is more preferably aloesterol (registered trademark of Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd.). Aloesterol is a collective term for five plant sterols (4-methylcholest-7-en-3-ol, 4-methylergost-7-en-3-ol, 4-methylstigmast-7-en-3-ol, 9,19-cyclolanostan-3-ol, and 24-methylene-9,19-cyclolanostan-3-ol) contained in the mesophyll of Aloe vera.

[0020] The polyphenol compound is represented by the following general formula (1).

[0021] [ka]

[0022] In general formula (1), R1 is a linear or branched alkyl group having 5 to 16 carbon atoms, or an alkenyl group containing one or two double bonds. The alkyl or alkenyl group may be a substituted alkyl or alkenyl group in which one or two hydrogen atoms have been replaced by a hydroxyl group and / or a carbonyl group. R2 and R3 are each independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. Here, the alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms is preferably a methyl group, an ethyl group, or the like, and more preferably a methyl group. The alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms may be a substituted alkyl group in which at least one hydrogen atom is substituted with a hydroxyl group and / or a carbonyl group, and specific examples thereof include groups represented by the following formulas:

[0023] -CH2-OH -CH2-COOH -CH2-CH2-OH -CH2-CH2-COOH -CH(OH)-CH3 -CH(COOH)-CH3

[0024] Also, R4 is a group that forms C=O together with the carbon atoms that constitute the ring, a hydroxy group, or -OCOCH3.

[0025] In the general formula (1), R1 is preferably any one of the groups represented by the following formulae:

[0026] -CH2-CH2-CH(-CH2-CH3)-CH(CH3)2 -CH2-CH2-CH=C(CH3)2 -CH2-CH=C(CH3)-CH(CH3)2 -CH2-CH2-C(=CH-CH3)-CH(CH3)2 -CH2-CH2-C(Ra)=C(CH3)Rb (wherein Ra and Rb are independently a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, or a methyl group). -CH2-CH2-CH(Rc)-CH(CH3)Rd (wherein Rc and Rd are independently a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, or a methyl group).

[0027] In addition, in the general formula (1), it is preferable that one of R2 and R3 is a hydrogen atom and the other is a methyl group, and R4 is preferably a hydroxy group.

[0028] The preferred phenol compounds include 4-methylcholest-7-en-3-ol, 4-methylergost-7-en-3-ol and 4-methylstigmast-7-en-3-ol, each of which has a structure represented by the following formula:

[0029] [ka]

[0030] [ka]

[0031] [ka]

[0032] The cyclolanostane compound is represented by the following general formula (2).

[0033] [ka]

[0034] In general formula (2), R5 is a linear or branched alkyl group having 6 to 8 carbon atoms, or an alkenyl group containing one or two double bonds. The alkyl or alkenyl group may be a substituted alkyl or alkenyl group in which one or two hydrogen atoms have been replaced by a hydroxyl group and / or a carbonyl group. R6 and R7 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and R8 is a group that forms C=O together with the carbon atoms that constitute the ring, or any of the following groups:

[0035] [ka]

[0036] In the general formula (2), R5 is preferably any one of the groups represented by the following formulae:

[0037] -CH2-CH2-CH2-CH(CH3)2 -CH2-CH2-CHRe-C(CH3)2Rf (wherein Re is a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, or a methyl group, and Rf is a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group). -CH2-CH2-CH(CH2-CH3)-CH(CH3)2 -CH2-CH2-CHRg-C(CH3)=CH2 (wherein Rg is a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, or a methyl group). -CH2-CH2-C(=O)-C(CH3)=CH2 -CH2-CH2-C(=CH2)-CH(CH3)2 -CH2-CH2-CH=C(CH3)2 -CH2-CH=C(CH3)-CH(CH3)2 -CH2-CH2-C(=CH-CH3)-CH(CH3)2

[0038] In addition, in the general formula (2), it is preferable that one of R6 and R7 is a hydrogen atom and the other is a methyl group, and R8 is preferably a hydroxy group.

[0039] The cyclolanostane compound preferably includes 9,19-cyclolanostane-3-ol and 24-methylene-9,19-cyclolanostane-3-ol, each of which has a structure represented by the following formula:

[0040] [ka]

[0041] [ka]

[0042] ≪Supercritical fluid extraction≫ The supercritical fluid extraction method can be carried out, for example, as follows, but is not limited to this.

[0043] The extraction solvent used in the supercritical fluid extraction is not particularly limited, but is preferably a solvent capable of extracting, for example, butyric acid, 2,4-heptadienal, and 2-ethylhexanol, particularly 2,4-heptadienal. For example, carbon dioxide gas, supercritical propane, supercritical ethylene, supercritical 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, etc. can be used. When the aloe extract produced by the method for producing an aloe extract of the present invention is used as an ingredient in foods, beverages, medicines, cosmetics, feed, etc., it is preferable to use carbon dioxide gas as the extraction solvent from the viewpoint of emphasizing safety.

[0044] Butyric acid is a colorless liquid with an unpleasant sour odor like spoiled butter. 2,4-heptadienal is a colorless liquid with a stimulating, green fragrance and a grassy odor. 2-Ethylhexanol is a colorless liquid with a rose-like floral fragrance, and the amount is preferably adjusted. This can result in an unpleasant odor.

[0045] The extraction temperature may be changed depending on the type of extraction solvent and other conditions, but from the viewpoint of improving the amount of plant sterol extracted, furthermore, from the viewpoint of sufficiently extracting the odor components unique to aloe, and from the viewpoint of obtaining physical properties suitable for crushing described later, the extraction temperature may be, for example, 50°C or higher, 60°C or higher, 70°C or higher, or 75°C or higher, and may be 100°C or lower, 90°C or lower, 85°C or lower, or 80°C or lower, or may be any combination thereof that is not contradictory. Specifically, the extraction temperature may be, for example, in the range of 50°C to 100°C, 60°C to 90°C, 70°C to 85°C, or 75°C to 80°C.

[0046] The extraction pressure may be changed depending on the type of extraction solvent and other conditions, but from the viewpoint of increasing the amount of plant sterol extracted, furthermore from the viewpoint of sufficiently extracting the odor components unique to aloe, or from the viewpoint of obtaining physical properties suitable for crushing described later, the extraction pressure may be, for example, 10 MPa or more, 15 MPa or more, 20 MPa or more, 25 MPa or more, 30 MPa or more, 35 MPa or more, or 40 MPa or more, or 60 MPa or less, 55 MPa or less, 50 MPa or less, or 45 MPa or less, or any combination thereof that does not contradict. Specifically, the extraction pressure may be, for example, in any range of 10 MPa to 60 MPa, 15 MPa to 60 MPa, 20 MPa to 55 MPa, 25 MPa to 55 MPa, 30 MPa to 50 MPa, 35 MPa to 50 MPa, or 40 MPa to 45 MPa.

[0047] The extraction time can be appropriately selected depending on the type of extraction solvent and other conditions. From the viewpoint of improving extraction efficiency and energy costs, the extraction time may be, for example, 30 seconds or more, 30 minutes or more, or 60 minutes or more, and may be 7 hours or less, 5 hours or less, or 120 minutes or less, or any combination thereof that is not contradictory.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the method for producing an aloe extract of the present invention, the step of obtaining an extract by supercritical fluid extraction satisfies the following conditions a) to c): a) The extraction solvent is carbon dioxide gas; b) The extraction temperature is 50 to 100°C; and c) The extraction pressure is 10-60MPa.

[0049] In the supercritical fluid extraction, an entrainer such as ethanol can be used in order to sufficiently extract the odorous components unique to aloe.

[0050] Regarding the supercritical fluid extraction method, conditions other than the specific conditions of the present invention described above can be referenced to known supercritical fluid extraction methods described in, for example, WO 2007 / 060911.

[0051] <Oil / water separation process> The method for producing an aloe extract of the present invention includes a step of subjecting a supercritical fluid extract to oil-water separation to obtain the oil phase as an aloe extract (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as an "oil-water separation step"). A supercritical fluid extract is usually a mixture containing water and oil. The oil-water separation step is a step of subjecting the supercritical fluid extract to an oil-water separation treatment to remove the water (aqueous phase) in the supercritical fluid extract and obtain the oil (oil phase) as an aloe extract.

[0052] ≪Oil-water separation≫ The method for oil-water separation is not particularly limited as long as it can separate the water (aqueous phase) and the oil (oil phase) in the supercritical fluid extract. For example, the supercritical fluid extract can be mixed with oils and fats that are liquid at room temperature, and then the mixture is subjected to static separation, centrifugation, or the like to separate the mixture into an aqueous phase and an oil phase based on the difference in specific gravity, and the oil phase can be recovered. It is also possible to separate the oil and the fat by settling and then centrifuging the mixture. The mixing of the supercritical fluid extract and the oil and the subsequent oil-water separation operation may be carried out multiple times. When the mixing is carried out multiple times, it is preferable to carry out the mixing multiple times about 2 to 5 times from the viewpoint of workability. In addition, for example, oil-water separation can also be performed by a method in which the supercritical fluid extract and fats and oils that are liquid, semi-solid, or solid at room temperature are heated and melted, and then cooled and separated to separate the water and solidified oil (this embodiment can be called "solid-liquid separation"). That is, after mixing and dissolving the heated fats and oils with the supercritical extract, or mixing and dissolving the fats and oils with the supercritical extract, the mixture is cooled to a temperature at least below the temperature at which the fats and oils solidify (in one embodiment, the freezing point or melting point of the fats and oils), and thus the mixture is separated into a liquid water phase and a solid oil phase, and the liquid water phase can be easily removed from the solid oil phase. The heat-melting and cooling of the fats and oils and the subsequent oil-water separation operation may be performed multiple times. When the operation is performed multiple times, it is preferable to perform the operation 2 to 5 times from the viewpoint of workability.

[0053] The fats and oils used for oil-water separation are not particularly limited as long as they can dissolve the oil in the supercritical fluid extract and can be separated from water. As the fats and oils, both solid fats that are semi-solid to solid at room temperature and liquid oils that are liquid at room temperature can be used. Preferably, the fats and oils are usable for food and the like. For example, animal oils, vegetable oils, etc. are mentioned, and from the viewpoint of operability, it is preferable that the freezing point or melting point is -10°C or more and 30°C or less. Specifically, for example, rapeseed oil, corn oil, safflower oil, rice oil, fish oil, MCT, etc. can be mentioned, and MCT is preferable. MCT is a medium chain fatty acid triglyceride having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. It is preferably a medium chain fatty acid triglyceride having 8 to 10 carbon atoms. The fats and oils can be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. As the fats and oils, commercially available products can be used.

[0054] The amount of fat or oil added to the supercritical fluid extract may vary depending on the water content of the supercritical fluid extract, the type of fat or oil, etc.; however, from the viewpoint of reducing the water content in the extract and improving separation efficiency, it is preferable to add the fat or oil so that the ratio (mass (g) of supercritical fluid extract):mass (g) of fat or oil is, for example, 5,000:900-100:80, or 3000:900-100:60.

[0055] The temperature in the oil-aqueous separation step may be changed depending on the water content in the supercritical fluid extract, the type of oil, etc., but from the viewpoint of reducing the viscosity of the oil and improving separation efficiency and from the viewpoint of energy costs, the temperature may be, for example, 50°C or more, 70°C or more, or 80°C or more, or 100°C or less, 95°C or less, or 90°C or less, or any compatible combination thereof. In the embodiment in which the aqueous phase and the oil phase are separated by solid-liquid separation, the supercritical fluid extract and the oil are mixed at the above-mentioned temperature, and after dissolving the extract, separation can be carried out at room temperature or at a temperature near the melting point of the oil or less in order to improve separation efficiency, etc. As a method for solid-liquid separation, for example, a method such as filtration can be used.

[0056] In the embodiment in which separation into an aqueous phase and an oil phase is performed based on the difference in specific gravity, when static separation is performed, the static separation time can be changed depending on the water content in the supercritical fluid extract, the type of oil or fat, etc., but from the viewpoint of reducing the water content in the supercritical fluid extract and improving productivity, the static separation time may be, for example, 0.5 hours or more, 1 hour or more, or 5 hours or more, or may be 100 hours or less, 50 hours or less, or 30 hours or less, or may be within a range of any compatible combination thereof.

[0057] In the embodiment in which the aqueous phase and the oil phase are separated based on the difference in specific gravity, when centrifugation is performed, the centrifugal force can be changed depending on the water content in the supercritical fluid extract, the type of oil, etc., but from the viewpoint of reducing the water content in the oil and improving productivity and from the viewpoint of economy, the centrifugal force may be, for example, 500 G or more, 1,000 G or more, or 2,000 G or more, or 20,000 G or less, or 10,000 G or less, or any combination thereof that does not contradict each other. Centrifugation From the viewpoint of reducing the water content in the supercritical fluid extract and improving productivity, the time for carrying out the above step may be, for example, 1 minute or more, 2 minutes or more, or 5 minutes or more, and may be 60 minutes or less, 30 minutes or less, or 20 minutes or less, or any combination thereof that does not contradict each other.

[0058] After the supercritical fluid extraction step and the oil-water separation step in the method for producing an aloe extract of the present invention are performed, the oil phase can be used as a raw material for various foods, etc., but if desired, further steps such as a pulverization step, a purification step, etc. may be performed. Furthermore, the oil phase obtained in the oil-water separation step may be diluted or dissolved, or emulsified to form an emulsion, and the emulsion may be powdered by a drying method such as spray drying, vacuum drying, or freeze drying.

[0059] <Aloe extract> One aspect of the present invention is an aloe extract comprising: The present invention relates to an aloe extract (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "the aloe extract of the present invention") having a plant sterol content of 0.3 mass% or more and an aloin content of 0.0005 mass% or less relative to the total amount of the aloe extract. The matters described above in relation to the method for producing the aloe extract of the present invention are all applicable to the description of the aloe extract of the present invention. The aloe extract of the present invention is produced, for example, by the method for producing an aloe extract of the present invention. The aloe extract of the present invention contains more phytosterols and has reduced contamination with anthraquinones such as aloin (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "anthraquinone compounds", but the same meaning is used) compared to aloe extracts obtained by conventional methods for producing aloe extracts. The aloe extract may contain anthraquinones such as aloin, aloenin, and aloe-emodin to a practically acceptable extent, but since these compounds have a moderating effect, it is preferable that the content is low.

[0060] The content of phytosterols in the aloe extract of the present invention may vary depending on the aloe raw material used, the various conditions in the production method, etc., but may be, for example, 0.1% by mass or more, 0.3% by mass or more, or 0.5% by mass or more in the aloe extract. There is no particular upper limit, but, for example, the content of phytosterols in the aloe extract may be 50.0% by mass or less, 10.0% by mass or less, 2.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. Specifically, the content of phytosterols may be, for example, in the range of 0.1% by mass to 50.0% by mass, 0.3% by mass to 10.0% by mass, or 0.3% by mass to 2.0% by mass.

[0061] The aloin content in the aloe extract of the present invention may vary depending on the aloe raw material used, the various conditions in the production method, etc., but may be, for example, below the detection limit, 0.0005% by mass or less, 0.0001% by mass or less, or completely absent (0% by mass) in the aloe extract detected by a detection method using a normal detection device (for example, the detection method described in the Examples below). Specifically, the aloin content may be, for example, in any of the ranges of 0% by mass to below the detection limit, 0% by mass to 0.0005% by mass, or 0% by mass to 0.0001% by mass.

[0062] In one embodiment, the aloe extract of the present invention contains 0.001% by mass or less of aloenin and 0.0005% by mass or less of aloe-emodin, respectively, or no aloenin (0% by mass).

[0063] <Composition> Another aspect of the present invention relates to a composition containing an aloe extract, the composition having a plant sterol content of 0.0001% by mass or more and an aloin content of 0.0005% by mass or less based on the total amount of the composition (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "composition of the present invention"). do. The content of plant sterols in the composition of the present invention relative to the total amount of the composition is not particularly limited, and varies depending on the purpose of incorporation and the type, form, and purpose of the food, drink, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic to be incorporated, and cannot be generally determined, but for liquid and semi-solid compositions, it may be, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, or 0.005% by mass or more, and 50.0% by mass or less, 20.0% by mass or less, 10.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less, or any combination thereof that does not contradict. Also, for solid (dried matter and powder thereof) compositions, it may be, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, or 0.005% by mass or more, and 50.0% by mass or less, 20.0% by mass or less, 10.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less, or any combination thereof that does not contradict. The aloin content in the composition of the present invention relative to the total amount of the composition may vary depending on the aloe raw material used and the various conditions of the manufacturing method, but may be, for example, 0.001% by mass or less, 0.0001% by mass or less, 0.0005% by mass or less, 0.0001% by mass or less, or none at all. The aloe extract contained in the composition of the present invention is produced, for example, by the method for producing an aloe extract of the present invention. That is, in another aspect, the composition of the present invention is a composition containing the aloe extract of the present invention. The ranges of the plant sterol content, the aloin content, and the aloenin and aloe-emodin contents in the aloe extract contained in the composition of the present invention are the same as those described above for the aloe extract of the present invention. The above-mentioned items explained regarding the method for producing the aloe extract of the present invention and the aloe extract of the present invention are all applicable to the explanation of the composition of the present invention.

[0064] The amount of the aloe extract of the present invention in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited and varies depending on the purpose of the incorporation and the type, form, and purpose of the food, drink, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic to be incorporated, and cannot be generally determined; however, it may be, for example, 0.1 mass% or more, 0.5 mass% or more, or 1.0 mass% or more, and may be 15.0 mass% or less, 10.0 mass% or less, or 5.0 mass% or less, or any combination thereof that is not contradictory.

[0065] One embodiment of the composition of the present invention is, for example, an oily composition obtained by diluting and dissolving the aloe extract of the present invention with fats and oils. For this oily composition, fats and oils that can be used for food and the like can be used for dilution and dissolution. Examples include animal oils and vegetable oils, and specific examples include rapeseed oil, corn oil, safflower oil, rice oil, fish oil, MCT, and the like, with MCT being preferred. The amount of these used can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose of use, etc. Another embodiment of the composition of the present invention is, for example, an emulsion composition obtained by emulsifying the aloe extract of the present invention. The emulsion composition may contain, as necessary, vegetable oils and fats such as soybean oil, rapeseed oil, coconut oil, rice oil, corn oil, palm oil, safflower oil, olive oil, etc.; medium-chain fatty acid triglycerides composed of fatty acids having 6 to 12 carbon atoms as the main components (e.g., caprylic acid, capric acid, etc.) and glycerin, animal oils and fats such as beef tallow, lard, chicken fat, fish oil, etc.; fatty acid monoglycerides, fatty acid diglycerides, fatty acid triglycerides, propylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, (poly)glycerin fatty acid esters, lecithin, modified starch, sol, etc. Emulsifiers such as vitamin fatty acid esters, quillaja extract, gum arabic, tragacanth gum, guar gum, karaya gum, xanthan gum, pectin, alginic acid and its salts, carrageenan, gelatin, casein, etc.; pH adjusters; sugars such as sugar, starch syrup, etc.; polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin, sorbitol, propylene glycol, etc.; organic acids such as citric acid, malic acid, etc.; salts such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, etc.; sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB); resins such as rosin, dammar, elemi, etc.; antioxidants such as extracted tocopherol, rosemary extract, etc. It is also possible to appropriately mix in the emulsion composition of the present invention with other additives such as antioxidants, pigments such as β-carotene and paprika pigments, and triturating agents such as dextrin and maltodextrin. The amounts of these additives used can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose of use. Water can also be added to the emulsion composition of the present invention to dissolve the emulsifiers.

[0066] The composition of the present invention can be produced according to a conventional method for producing a composition, except that it contains the aloe extract of the present invention. For example, in one preferred embodiment of the method for producing the emulsion composition of the present invention, the emulsion composition of the present invention can be obtained by mixing a mixture of an aloe extract and fats and oils with water, adjusting the pH of the emulsion composition as desired, and performing a mixing process using a homomixer, a colloid mill, a high-pressure homogenizer, or the like. The emulsion composition may also be powdered by a drying method such as spray drying, vacuum drying, or freeze drying. The emulsion composition thus dried or powdered is also included in the emulsion composition of the present specification.

[0067] <Food, beverages, medicines or cosmetics> One aspect of the present invention relates to a food, beverage, drug, or cosmetic (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "the food, beverage, drug, or cosmetic of the present invention") containing the aloe extract and / or composition of the present invention (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "the aloe extract, etc. of the present invention"). The matters explained in the above-mentioned method for producing the aloe extract of the present invention, the aloe extract of the present invention, and the composition of the present invention are all applicable to the explanation of the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic product of the present invention. The food and drink of the present invention can be produced using the aloe extract of the present invention as an active ingredient as is, or in combination with the food and drink. The food and drink of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the effect of the aloe extract. The food and drink can be in any form, such as solid, liquid, or semi-solid. Such foods include health foods, supplements, enteral nutritional foods, special purpose foods, health functional foods (specified health foods, functional foods, nutritional functional foods), etc. The food and drink of the present invention uses an aloe extract that contains more plant sterols and has reduced aloin contamination compared to aloe extracts obtained by conventional manufacturing methods. As a result, it can be suitably applied to, for example, health foods, supplements, enteral nutritional foods, special purpose foods, health functional foods (specified health foods, functional foods, nutritional functional foods), etc. The food and drink of the present invention can be produced based on known food production methods, except that the food and drink contains the aloe extract or composition of the present invention. The content of the aloe extract or composition of the present invention in a food product is not particularly limited as long as the effect of plant sterols can be obtained, but the amount of plant sterol may be 0.001% by mass or more, or 0.003% by mass or more, or 50.0% by mass or less, or 20.0% by mass or less, or any combination thereof that is not contradictory.

[0068] The pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention can be prepared by using the aloe extract of the present invention as an active ingredient as it is or by combining it with a pharmaceutical acceptable pharmaceutical carrier, and can be administered orally or parenterally to mammals, including humans. In the pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention, the cyclolanostane compound and / or the lophenol compound in the aloe extract can be made into a pharmaceutical acceptable salt. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include both metal salts (inorganic salts) and organic salts, and examples of such salts are listed in "Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 17th Edition, p. 1418, 1985". Specific examples of such salts include, but are not limited to, inorganic salts such as hydrochloride, sulfate, phosphate, diphosphate, and hydrobromide, and organic salts such as malate, maleate, fumarate, tartrate, succinate, citrate, acetate, lactate, methanesulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate, pamoate, salicylate, and stearate. They may also be salts with metals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and aluminum, and salts with amino acids such as lysine. Additionally, pharmaceuticals containing the cyclolanostane compounds and / or rhophenol compounds in the aloe extract or solvates such as hydrates of pharma- ceutical acceptable salts thereof are also included in the present invention.

[0069] The formulation of the pharmaceutical of the present invention is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose of treatment, and specific examples include tablets, pills, powders, liquids, suspensions, emulsions, granules, capsules, syrups, suppositories, injections, ointments, patches, eye drops, nasal drops, etc. In the formulation, additives such as usual excipients, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, stabilizers, flavorings, diluents, surfactants, and solvents for injections can be used as pharmaceutical carriers. In addition, the aloe extract of the present invention may be used in combination with other active ingredients as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

[0070] The amount of the aloe extract or composition of the present invention contained in the pharmaceutical product of the present invention is not particularly limited and may be selected as appropriate, but the amount of plant sterols in the pharmaceutical preparation may be, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, or 0.003% by mass or more, or 10.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less, or any compatible combination thereof.

[0071] The administration time of the pharmaceutical of the present invention is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected according to the treatment method for the target disease. In addition, the administration form is preferably determined according to the formulation form, the age, sex, other conditions, the severity of the patient's symptoms, etc. The dosage of the active ingredient of the pharmaceutical of the present invention is appropriately selected according to the method of use, the age, sex, severity of the disease, other conditions, etc., and can be set as a guide to an amount in which the amount of plant sterol is in the range of, for example, 0.001 to 50 mg / kg / day or 0.01 to 1 mg / kg / day. In addition, the dry mass of the aloe extract of the present invention can be set as a guide to an amount in the range of 0.1 to 1000 mg / kg / day or 1 to 100 mg / kg / day. The pharmaceutical of the present invention can be administered once a day or in multiple divided doses.

[0072] Since it has been found that plant sterols contained in aloe have an effect of improving ultraviolet resistance, etc., the aloe extract, etc. of the present invention can also be applied as a cosmetic. The aloe extract, etc. of the present invention can be used as an active ingredient as it is, or can be combined with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier to produce the cosmetic of the present invention. The content of the aloe extract or composition of the present invention in a cosmetic product is not particularly limited as long as the effect of plant sterol is obtained, but the amount of plant sterol may be 0.001% by mass or more, or 0.003% by mass or more, or 50.0% by mass or less, or 20.0% by mass or less, or any combination thereof that is not contradictory. The cosmetic product of the present invention is effective in preventing or improving skin conditions or diseases caused, for example, by exposure of the skin to ultraviolet light. Such symptoms include erythema, edema, actinic keratosis, solar dermatitis, photosensitivity, and photoaging.

[0073] "Cosmetics" includes cosmetics and quasi-drugs as defined by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, such as cosmetics for use on the skin, bath additives, and fragrances. Cosmetics can contain any commonly used ingredients as appropriate, and the form of the cosmetics is not particularly limited. Examples of the cosmetic product of the present invention include, but are not limited to, soap, synthetic cosmetic soap, liquid body cleanser (body soap), cleansing products such as facial cleanser, cleansing cream, cleansing lotion, lotion, milky lotion, beauty essence, lotion, packs such as liquid packs and paste packs, face powders such as powder face powder, water face powder, kneaded face powder, dusting powder, foundation, lipstick, blusher, cosmetics such as eyeliner, eye shadow, and other cosmetics for around the eyes, cosmetics such as sunscreen cosmetics, suntan cosmetics, and hair removal cosmetics, and shaving cosmetics such as shaving lotion and aftershave lotion. The cosmetic product of the present invention contains an effective amount of the above-mentioned plant sterol, and when used, It can exert an effect of improving ultraviolet resistance, etc. EXAMPLES

[0074] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples as long as it does not depart from the gist of the present invention.

[0075] Example 1: Preparation of aloe extract (Supercritical fluid extraction) The leaf skin was removed from approximately 80 kg of aloe vera, and the mesophyll (transparent gel) was collected. The collected mesophyll was freeze-dried to prepare approximately 400 g of aloe vera mesophyll powder.

[0076] The prepared Aloe vera gel powder (80 g) was subjected to supercritical fluid extraction. The supercritical fluid extraction was carried out using a supercritical CO2 extraction device manufactured by ITEC Co., Ltd., with carbon dioxide gas as the extraction solvent, under the conditions of the extraction temperature and extraction pressure shown in Table 1 below, and an extraction time of 80 minutes, without using an entrainer, to produce an aloe extract.

[0077] The aloe extracts thus produced were analyzed for their aloesterol content (cyclolanostane compounds 9,19-cyclolanostan-3-ol and 24-methylene-9,19-cyclolanostan-3-ol, and aloe phenol compounds 4-methylcholest-7-en-3-ol, 4-methylergost-7-en-3-ol, and 4-methylstigmast-7-en-3-ol) using an LC / MS / MS (Agilent 6460; Agilent Technologies) and brassicasterol (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) as an internal standard. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0078] [Table 1]

[0079] As a result of examining the conditions of supercritical fluid extraction, it was found that extraction at higher temperatures and pressures resulted in higher extraction efficiency of aloesterol (aloesterol concentration, aloesterol content, and / or supercritical fluid extract yield).

[0080] (oil / water separation) A dissolving vessel containing about 2.4 kg of the aloe supercritical fluid extract obtained under the above extraction condition 4 and a weighed amount of ODO (edible oil and fat: medium-chain fatty acid triglyceride; manufactured by Nisshin Oillio Group Co., Ltd.) (900 g) for adjusting the concentration was heated to about 90°C (extract temperature) in a hot water bath, and the contents were uniformly dissolved while stirring with a stirrer (IKA LABORATECK RW20). After stirring for about 1 hour, if any undissolved matter was found in the heated dissolving solution, the entire dissolving vessel was subjected to ultrasonic treatment, and the contents were uniformly dissolved again while stirring. The mixture was left to stand at 10°C, and after it was confirmed that the oil phase of the aloe supercritical fluid extract containing aloesterol had solidified, the aqueous phase not containing aloesterol was removed. The aloin content was measured using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry for the aloe vera gel powder (raw material) and the oil and aqueous phases of the aloe supercritical fluid extract. The aloin analysis is as follows. Each sample was dissolved in methanol and measured by high performance liquid chromatography. A methanol solution of aloin (barbaloin) for measuring component content was used as the standard solution. The aloesterol content was measured using the LC / MS / MS method described above. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0081] [Table 2]

[0082] After the supercritical fluid extraction, the aloin was transferred to the aqueous phase and no aloin was left in the oil phase by oil-water separation. Aloesterol was also transferred to the oil phase (3.8mg / g).

[0083] From the above results, it was revealed that the method for producing aloe extract of the present invention increases the extraction efficiency of aloeesterol by extracting at higher temperatures and pressures, and furthermore, aloin can be effectively removed by separating oil and water.

[0084] Example 2: Preparation of emulsion composition 800g of the aloe extract obtained in Example 1 was heated to melt, and then 800g of glycerin fatty acid ester was added and dissolved, and then 6000g of water and 24000g of dextrin were further added and stirred to dissolve, to obtain a mixed emulsion composition. The content of plant sterol in the emulsion composition was 0.0096% by mass. The mixed liquid was heated to homogenize, cooled, and then freeze-dried to obtain 25kg of a powdered emulsion composition. [Industrial Applicability]

[0085] The present invention is useful in the fields of foods, health foods, functional foods, supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and the like.

Claims

1. 1. A method for producing an aloe extract, comprising the steps of: Obtaining an extract from the dried aloe gel by supercritical fluid extraction; and A process of subjecting the extract obtained in the above process to oil-water separation to obtain the oil phase as an aloe extract.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of obtaining an extract by the supercritical fluid extraction method satisfies the following conditions a) to c): a) the extraction solvent is carbon dioxide gas; b) the extraction temperature is 50-100°C; and c) The extraction pressure is 10 to 60 MPa.

3. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of drying the aloe gel to obtain the dried aloe gel.

4. 1. An aloe extract comprising: An aloe extract having a plant sterol content of 0.3 mass% or more and an aloin content of 0.0005 mass% or less relative to the total amount of the aloe extract.

5. 5. The aloe extract of claim 4, wherein the plant sterol is one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of rhofenol compounds and cyclolanostane compounds.

6. A composition comprising an aloe extract, A composition having a plant sterol content of 0.001 mass% or more and an aloin content of 0.0005 mass% or less relative to the total amount of the composition.

7. A composition comprising the aloe extract according to claim 4 or 5.

8. A food, drink, medicine, or cosmetic product comprising the aloe extract according to claim 4 or 5, or the composition according to claim 6 or 7.

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