Food composition for improving opening degrees of eyes, acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, and muscular contraction improver

Abstract

To solve the problem that opening degrees of eyes are lowered by asthenopia and blue light emitted from an electronic device, which largely affects an impression given to others, and to provide a new food composition for improving an opening degree of eyes.SOLUTION: A food composition for improving an opening degree of eyes contains an extract of black currant and / or Maqui Berry.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a food composition for improving eye opening, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, and an agent for improving muscle contraction. [Background technology]

[0002] The eyes are a good indicator of health and mood, and play an important role in the impression one makes on others. In particular, the palpebral fissure width (the distance from the edge of the upper eyelid to the edge of the lower eyelid, the maximum vertical length of the eye when open) greatly influences the impression one makes on others (Non-Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] Cosmetology Research Report Vol.27 185-188(2019) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is known that reduced eye opening can greatly affect the impression people make of you, but until now there has been no technology to improve this. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel food composition for improving the opening of eyes. Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel agent for improving muscle contraction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] As a result of intensive research, the present inventors have newly discovered that black currant extract and / or maqui berry extract have the effect of inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, and further discovered that said effect can improve muscle contraction. Based on the above findings, the present inventors have discovered that black currant extract and / or maqui berry extract can improve muscle contraction around the eyes and improve eye opening, thereby completing the present invention. That is, the present invention which solves the above problems is: A food composition for improving eye opening, comprising an extract of black currant and / or maqui berry.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the food composition is intended to improve reduced eye opening caused by blue light.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the eye opening is the degree of opening of the eyelids.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the food composition is a capsule or a tablet.

[0009] The present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, provides an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor comprising an extract of black currant and / or maqui berry.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor is for inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity increased due to blue light.

[0011] The present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, provides a muscle contraction improving agent comprising an extract of black currant and / or maqui berry.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the muscle contraction improving agent is for improving the decrease in muscle contraction caused by blue light.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the muscle contraction improving agent is for improving decreased muscle contraction of muscles related to eye opening.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the muscle is one or more muscles selected from the group consisting of the levator palpebrae superioris, the orbicularis oculi muscle, the extraocular muscles, the Muller's muscle, and the ciliary muscle.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the muscle contraction improving agent is for improving sagging eyelids and firmness around the eyes. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, a novel food composition for improving eye opening, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, and a muscle contraction improver can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows the results of Test Example 1, a cell test exposed to blue light. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 shows Test Example 2, the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of black currant extract. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 shows Test Example 2, the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of maqui berry extract. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing Test Example 3, a decrease in eye opening degree due to aging. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 shows the results of a questionnaire about "difficulty focusing" before and after ingestion of a food composition containing the present invention (Test Example 4). [Figure 6] FIG. 13 shows the results of a questionnaire on "eyelid heaviness" before and after ingestion of a food composition containing the food composition of the present invention (Test Example 4). [Figure 7] FIG. 13 shows the results of a questionnaire about "difficulty in opening eyes" before and after ingestion of a food composition containing the food composition of the present invention (Test Example 4). [Figure 8] FIG. 13 shows the results of a questionnaire on “blurred / fuzzy vision” before and after ingestion of a food composition containing the food composition of the present invention (Test Example 4). [Figure 9] FIG. 1 shows the results of a questionnaire about "dry eyes" before and after ingestion of a food composition containing the present invention (Test Example 4). [Figure 10] FIG. 13 shows the results of a questionnaire about "bloodshot eyes" before and after ingestion of a food composition containing the food composition of the present invention (Test Example 4). [Figure 11]FIG. 13 shows the results of a questionnaire about "stiffness in the neck and shoulders due to eye fatigue (eye strain)" before and after ingestion of a food composition containing the food composition of the present invention (Test Example 4). [Figure 12] FIG. 13 shows the results of a questionnaire about "headache caused by eye fatigue (eye strain)" before and after ingestion of a preparation containing the food composition of the present invention (Test Example 4). [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows the results of a questionnaire regarding "feeling of fatigue or lethargy due to eye strain" before and after ingestion of a food composition containing the food composition of the present invention (Test Example 4). [Figure 14] FIG. 13 shows the results of a questionnaire about "dark circles and dullness under the eyes" before and after ingestion of a food composition containing the food composition of the present invention (Test Example 4). [Figure 15] FIG. 13 shows the results of a questionnaire on "sagging upper eyelids" before and after ingestion of a food composition containing the food composition of the present invention (Test Example 4). [Figure 16] FIG. 13 shows the results of a questionnaire about "cloudiness (yellowing) of the whites of the eyes" before and after ingestion of a food composition containing the food composition of the present invention (Test Example 4). [Figure 17] FIG. 13 shows the results of a questionnaire about "lack of firmness around the eyes" before and after ingestion of a preparation containing the food composition of the present invention (Test Example 4). [Figure 18] FIG. 13 shows the results of a questionnaire about "how eye or eye area problems affect your daily life or work" before and after ingestion of a food composition containing the food composition of the present invention (Test Example 4). [Figure 19] FIG. 13 shows the results of a questionnaire survey on "dull eyes in the evening, for example after straining the eyes for a long time" before and after ingestion of a food composition containing the food composition of the present invention (Test Example 4). [Figure 20] FIG. 13 shows the results of Test Example 4, measurement of focus adjustment ability before and after ingestion of a food composition containing the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 4 shows the results of measuring shoulder muscle hardness before and after ingestion of a food composition containing the present invention (Test Example 4). [Figure 22] FIG. 4 shows test example 4, the results of measuring temple muscle hardness before and after ingestion of a preparation containing the food composition of the present invention. [Diagram 23] Test Example 4: Photographs (face) before and after ingestion of a food composition of the present invention. [Figure 24] Test Example 4: Photographs (eyes) before and after ingestion of a food composition containing the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] <1> Food composition for improving eye opening The present invention relates to a food composition for improving eye opening, comprising an extract of black currant and / or maqui berry. The food composition of the present invention preferably comprises extracts of both black currant and maqui berry.

[0019] Blackcurrant is the fruit of a plant that belongs to the Ribes nigrum genus of the Ribes family.

[0020] Maqui berry is the fruit of a plant classified in the Aristotelia genus of the Aristotelia family. In the present invention, an extract of this fruit is used.

[0021] Examples of black currant extracts and maqui berry extracts include extracts obtained by extraction from wild or cultivated plants, raw materials sold as raw materials for herbal medicines, etc., and commercially available extracts. When extracting an extract from the above-mentioned raw material, the extraction operation is preferably carried out by crushing or chopping the fruit of the plant to improve the extraction efficiency.

[0022] Suitable examples of extraction solvents used in the production of black currant extract and maqui berry extract include one or more selected from polar solvents such as water, alcohols such as ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, butanol, etc., polyhydric alcohols such as 1,3-butylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, polypropylene glycol, etc., ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, etc., and ethers such as diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, etc. In particular, it is preferable to use ethanol or an aqueous solution thereof as the extraction solvent, for example, it is preferable to use water, or ethanol or an aqueous solution thereof. Specific examples of the extraction method for the above extract include a method in which 1 to 30 parts by weight of a solvent is added to 1 part by weight of the part of the plant body or the like used for extraction or its dried matter, followed by immersion for several days at room temperature or several hours at a temperature near the boiling point, and then cooling to room temperature, after which insoluble matter and / or the solvent are removed as desired, and fractionation and purification is performed by column chromatography or the like, but the extraction method is not limited to this.

[0023] In the food composition of the present invention, the extract of black currant and / or maqui berry has an effect of improving muscle contraction as described below, and therefore the food composition of the present invention can be used to improve muscle contraction around the eyes and to improve the degree of eye opening. Here, in the present invention, the degree of opening of the eyes refers to the degree of the size of the part of the eyes that is open, and can also be rephrased as the impression of the degree of the apparent size from others. In the present invention, the degree of eyelid opening refers to the degree of lifting of the upper eyelid, and preferably includes the strength of levator muscle function, palpebral fissure width, vertical width of the eye, and pupil visibility. In the present invention, improvement means prevention of a decrease, enhancement, and improvement of an already decreased state.

[0024] The food composition of the present invention has an effect of improving muscle contraction that is reduced due to blue light, as described below, and can therefore be used to improve the degree to which eyes are open that is reduced due to blue light. The present invention can be preferably used to improve reduced eye opening caused by blue light emitted from electronic devices such as personal computers and smartphones. Here, blue light refers to blue light having a wavelength of 380 nm to 495 nm, which is a part of visible light.

[0025] It is also known that the degree to which the eyes open decreases due to aging. The food composition of the present invention can be preferably used to improve the degree to which eyes open, which has decreased due to aging.

[0026] In addition, the food composition of the present invention can improve the vertical width of the eyes of the consumer by improving the degree of eye opening, and therefore can improve the impression and beauty of the eyes of the consumer that they give to others.

[0027] The food composition of the present invention may contain acceptable optional ingredients. In addition to general food ingredients, suitable examples of such optional ingredients include seasoning ingredients, coloring ingredients, odor-correcting ingredients such as flavors, thickeners, emulsifiers / dispersants, preservatives, stabilizers, various vitamins, excipients, binders, disintegrants, etc. The composition of the present invention can be produced by processing these ingredients according to conventional methods.

[0028] The form of the food composition of the present invention is not particularly limited. Examples of the form include solid preparations such as beverages (drink preparations), granules, powders, tablets, capsules, etc. Preferred are beverages, tablets, and capsules. Preferably, the composition may be in the form of a food product having the purpose of promoting health, such as a food product with functional claims, a food product with nutrient function claims, a nutritional supplement, or a health food product.

[0029] The content (dry weight) of blackcurrant extract per one serving of the food composition of the present invention is usually 0.1 mg or more, preferably 1 mg or more, preferably 10 mg or more, preferably 15 mg or more, more preferably 30 mg or more, and usually 200 mg or less, preferably 150 mg or less, more preferably 100 mg or less, even more preferably 60 mg or less, even more preferably 50 mg or less, even more preferably 45 mg or less, even more preferably 40 mg or less, and particularly preferably 35 mg or less.

[0030] The content (dry weight) of maqui berry extract per one serving of the food composition is usually 0.1 mg or more, preferably 1 mg or more, preferably 10 mg or more, preferably 15 mg or more, more preferably 30 mg or more, and usually 200 mg or less, preferably 150 mg or less, more preferably 100 mg or less, even more preferably 60 mg or less, even more preferably 50 mg or less, even more preferably 45 mg or less, even more preferably 40 mg or less, and particularly preferably 35 mg or less.

[0031] When the food composition is in the form of a composite extract of blackcurrant extract and maqui berry extract (hereinafter simply referred to as composite extract), the total content (dry weight) of the composite extract per one serving of the food composition is usually 0.1 mg or more, preferably 1 mg or more, preferably 10 mg or more, preferably 15 mg or more, more preferably 30 mg or more. Also, the total content (dry weight) of the composite extract per one serving of the food composition is usually 200 mg or less, preferably 150 mg or less, more preferably 100 mg or less, even more preferably 60 mg or less, even more preferably 50 mg or less, even more preferably 45 mg or less, even more preferably 40 mg or less, and particularly preferably 35 mg or less.

[0032] For example, in the case of granules or powders, the content per packet is preferably as described above, and in the case of tablets or capsules, the content per 1 to 3 tablets is preferably as described above.

[0033] When the product is in a form containing a composite extract, the ratio (dry weight) of blackcurrant extract to maqui berry extract is preferably 4:1 to 1:4, and more preferably 2:1 to 1:1.

[0034] The intake amount of the food composition of the present invention is such that the daily intake (dry weight) of each extract is normally 0.1 mg or more, preferably 1 mg or more, preferably 10 mg or more, preferably 15 mg or more, more preferably 30 mg or more, and normally 200 mg or less, preferably 150 mg or less, preferably 100 mg or less, preferably 90 mg or less, preferably 60 mg or less, preferably 50 mg or less, more preferably 45 mg or less. When the composition contains a composite extract, the intake amount (dry weight) of the composite extract is, depending on the dosage form, 0.1 mg or more, preferably 1 mg or more, preferably 10 mg or more, preferably 15 mg or more, more preferably 30 mg or more, and is usually 200 mg or less, preferably 150 mg or less, preferably 100 mg or less, preferably 90 mg or less, preferably 50 mg or less, more preferably 45 mg or less.

[0035] The concentration of the extract in the food composition of the present invention can be determined based on the above-mentioned recommended daily intake amount, depending on the form of the food composition.

[0036] For example, the number of times of intake per day can be three or less, more preferably two or less, and particularly preferably once, so that the total intake amount of each extract per day falls within the above numerical range.

[0037] When the food composition of the present invention is in the form of a tablet or capsule, the number of tablets to be taken at one time can be determined so that the total intake of each extract per day falls within the above-mentioned numerical range. Furthermore, the content of each extract contained in one tablet can be determined according to the number of tablets to be taken.

[0038] When the food composition of the present invention is in the form of a solid preparation, the content is typically at least 1% by mass, at least 3% by mass, at least 4% by mass, at least 5% by mass, or at least 7% by mass, and typically at most 30% by mass, at most 25% by mass, at most 20% by mass, at most 15% by mass, at most 10% by mass, at most 9% by mass, or at most 8% by mass, relative to the total food. In addition, when the food is in a form containing a complex extract, the total intake amount of the complex extract per serving is typically 1% by mass or more, 3% by mass or more, 4% by mass or more, 5% by mass or more, or 7% by mass or more of the total food, and typically 35% by mass or less, 30% by mass or less, 25% by mass or less, 20% by mass or less, 15% by mass or less, 10% by mass or less, 9% by mass or less, or 8% by mass or less. When the food composition of the present invention is in the form of a beverage, the content of each extract is preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by mass, and usually 50% by mass or less, preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or less, based on the total beverage. The same applies to the composite extract.

[0039] <2> Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors The present invention is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor comprising an extract of black currant and / or maqui berry.

[0040] In muscles, there is a joint between peripheral nerves and muscle fibers called the neuromuscular junction. At this neuromuscular junction, when the transmitter substance acetylcholine released from the nerve side is received by the acetylcholine receptor on the muscle side, muscle contraction occurs. The component that breaks down this acetylcholine is called acetylcholinesterase. Here, as described above, the present inventors have discovered that extracts of black currant and / or maqui berry have the effect of inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. Therefore, the agents of the present invention can be used to inhibit acetylcholinesterase. Furthermore, as described in detail in the Examples, blue light increases the amount of acetylcholinesterase produced in cells. The agent of the present invention can be used to inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity increased due to blue light.

[0041] It is also known that the production of acetylcholinesterase increases with aging. The agent of the present invention can be used to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, which increases due to aging.

[0042] The acetylcholinesterase inhibitor embodiment of the present invention is preferably in a form to be taken orally, for example, as a food product, an oral medicine, or the like. When the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor of the present invention is used as a food composition or an oral pharmaceutical, it can be in the form of a drink preparation, granules, powder, capsules, tablets, or the like. For further explanation, see above. <1> The description in the previous section can be used as reference.

[0043] <3> Muscle contraction improver The present invention is a muscle contraction improving agent comprising an extract of black currant and / or maqui berry.

[0044] When the production of acetylcholinesterase increases, the acetylcholine is broken down, preventing normal muscle contraction and leaving the muscles relaxed. As described above, the extract of black currant and / or maqui berry, which is the active ingredient of the agent of the present invention, inhibits acetylcholinesterase, thereby enabling the agent of the present invention to normally transmit signals related to muscle contraction and improve muscle contraction.

[0045] The muscle contraction improving agent of the present invention can be used to improve muscle contraction of muscles throughout the body. Preferably, it can be used to improve muscle contraction of the muscles of the face and shoulders, and more preferably, it can be used to improve muscle contraction of the muscles of the temples and shoulders beside the spine. Furthermore, the muscle contraction improving agent of the present invention can be used to improve the decrease in muscle contraction caused by blue light.

[0046] Furthermore, the muscle contraction improving agent of the present invention can be preferably used to improve decreased muscle contraction of muscles related to eye opening. Preferably, it can be used to improve muscle contraction of muscles present around the eye, more preferably, of both voluntary muscles (striated muscles) and involuntary muscles (smooth muscles) present around the eye. Voluntary muscles (striated muscles) around the eye include the levator palpebrae superioris, orbicularis oculi, and extraocular muscles, while involuntary muscles (smooth muscles) include the Muller's muscle and the ciliary muscle.

[0047] The muscle contraction improving agent of the present invention can be used to improve sagging eyelids, preferably sagging upper eyelids. The agent of the present invention can also be used to improve firmness around the eyes, preferably the upper and lower eyelids.

[0048] Furthermore, as described in detail in the Examples, the muscle contraction improving agent of the present invention can improve muscle contraction, thereby improving difficulty in focusing, heavy eyelids, difficulty in opening eyes, blurred vision, blurred vision, dry eyes, bloodshot eyes, stiff neck and shoulders caused by eye strain, headaches caused by eye strain, fatigue and lethargy caused by eye strain, dull upper eyelids, dark circles and dullness under the eyes, cloudy whites of the eyes (yellowing), eye strain, etc. The muscle contraction improving agent of the present invention can also be used as an agent for these purposes. For further explanation, please refer to the above items. <1> and <2> The explanation above can be used. EXAMPLES

[0049] (Test Example 1) Blue light exposure cell test A test was carried out to confirm the production of intracellular acetylcholinesterase by blue light irradiation. In Test Example 1, the following human myoblast cells were used. Manufacturer: Lonza Catalog number: CC-2580 Growth medium: SkGM-2 Differentiation medium: DMEM-F12 medium supplemented with 2% Horse Serum The cells were incubated in a T-75 flask using SkGM-2 and cultured in a CO2 incubator (5% CO2, 37°C, humidified). The medium was changed every 1-2 days until the cells reached approximately 60% confluence. When the cells reached approximately 60% confluence, they were harvested and used for subsequent tests. The cell passage method was as follows. After washing the cells with PBS (- / -), the cells are detached using a detachment solution and SkGM-2 is added to neutralize the trypsin. Next, the cell suspension is collected in a 15 mL centrifuge tube and centrifuged (room temperature, 180 x g, 5 min). The supernatant is removed, new SkGM-2 is added, the cells are stirred, and the number of cells is counted using a cell counting board. The cells are suspended at the desired cell density using SkGM-2 and seeded in the incubator to be used in the test. The day after seeding, the differentiation medium is replaced and the cells are cultured for 4 days. After confirming that differentiation has occurred, the cells were used in the test.

[0050] The blue light irradiator used was an LED irradiator (KTL-100). Using a filter, cells were irradiated with light in the wavelength range of 425-495 nm. The irradiation dose was 0 J / cm. 2 and 8 J / cm 2 It was. The measurement kit used was the Amplite acetylcholinesterase activity quantification kit.

[0051] The differentiation medium was replaced with phenol red-free HBSS, and after blue light irradiation, the differentiation medium was replaced. Two hours after irradiation, the cell lysate was collected and the amount of acetylcholinesterase was measured using an acetylcholinesterase kit.

[0052] (result) The results are shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 shows the results at an irradiation intensity of 0 J / cm 2 The data shows the results of measurements taken in a group that was shielded from blue light under the same conditions when exposed to 8 J of blue light. The graph shows the results for a group that was shielded from blue light under the same conditions when exposed to 0 J / cm 2 The relative amount of acetylcholinesterase produced is shown, with the amount of acetylcholinesterase at 100%. Error bars indicate standard error. The results showed that the blue light irradiation promoted the production of acetylcholinesterase in the cells (n=8).

[0053] (Test Example 2) The acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of black currant extract and maqui berry extract was confirmed by the following procedure. In the experiment, black currant extract powder manufactured by Sunsho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and maqui berry extract powder manufactured by Sunsho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. were used as test substances. 1. 10 μL of the test substance, which had been previously prepared using the buffer provided with the kit so that the final DMSO concentration was 1 w / v%, was added to a 96-well black plate. 2. 50 μL of acetylcholinesterase substrate, acetylcholine, adjusted with the buffer provided with the kit was added. 3. Acetylcholinesterase (enzyme) was adjusted with the buffer provided with the kit (SensoLyte (registered trademark) 520 Acetylcholinesterase Assay Kit Fluorimetric-1 kit), and 40 μL of the solution was added. 4. Incubate at 26°C for 60 minutes. 5. Fluorescence Em / Ex=490 / 520 nm was detected using a plate reader. Prior to the measurements, an inhibitory activity evaluation was performed using the positive control provided with the kit to confirm that the test system was working properly.

[0054] (result) The results for black currant extract are shown in FIG. 2, and the results for maqui berry extract are shown in FIG. As shown in Figure 2, the 50% inhibitory concentration of acetylcholinesterase for the black currant extract was 12 μg / mL, and as shown in Figure 3, the 50% inhibitory concentration of acetylcholinesterase for the maqui berry extract was 20 μg / mL. The results confirmed the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of black currant extract and maqui berry extract.

[0055] (Consideration) It is believed that the black currant extract and maqui berry extract inhibit acetylcholinesterase, thereby allowing signals related to muscle contraction to be transmitted normally and improving muscle contraction. It is also believed that the extract improves the contraction of muscles related to the degree of eye opening, thereby improving the degree of eye opening. In addition, taking into account the results of Test Example 1, it can be considered that there is an effect of inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity that increases due to blue light. Furthermore, due to the above effects, it can be considered that the black currant extract and the maqui berry extract can improve the decrease in muscle contraction caused by blue light, and can improve the degree of eye opening by improving the decrease in muscle contraction around the eyes caused by blue light.

[0056] (Test Example 3) An experiment was conducted to confirm whether the degree of eye opening decreases with age. In the experiment, hair and ears were removed from facial images (frontal, straight face) of the subjects (272 women aged 18 to 82, average age 49.1 years) to create analysis images with the same size and position of the face. In the analyzed images, the subjects' palpebral fissure width (the distance from the edge of the upper eyelid to the edge of the lower eyelid, the maximum vertical length of the eye when open) was measured. The measurement results for the subject's right and left eyes are shown in Figure 4. The results showed that the subject's palpebral fissure width decreased with aging. (Consideration) From the above results, it can be inferred that acetylcholinesterase increases due to aging, and muscle contraction decreases. Furthermore, it can be inferred that aging reduces muscle contraction of the muscles related to eye opening, and the degree to which the subjects' eyes are opened decreases. Combined with the results of Test Examples 1 and 2, it can be considered that black currant extract and maqui berry extract can inhibit the increase in acetylcholinesterase caused by aging, improve the decrease in muscle contraction caused by aging, and the decrease in eye opening caused by aging.

[0057] (Test Example 4) An ingestion test was conducted on the food composition (capsule) of the present invention containing black currant extract and maqui berry extract. The compositions of the agents used are as follows: Blackcurrant extract (dry weight): 30 mg (7.8% by weight) ·Maki Berry (dry weight): 15mg (3.9% by mass) Other ingredients: 340mg (88.3% by weight)

[0058] In the test, 25 subjects (ages 24 to 65, mean age 41.64±12.33, 23 women and 2 men) took one tablet containing the food composition of the present invention once a day for 12 weeks. Afterwards, participants were asked to complete a questionnaire to evaluate symptoms such as "eye fatigue due to eye strain," "shoulder stiffness due to eye strain," "ability to adjust focus," "ease of opening eyes," "dullness around the eyes," and "cloudiness of the whites of the eyes." In addition, of the 25 people who took the supplement for 12 weeks, 23 people had their focus adjustment ability measured, had muscle hardness in the shoulders and temples measured, and were photographed, and a comparative test was conducted before and after intake.

[0059] The survey was conducted on the following items. Responses to the survey were made on a 10-point scale, with 1 representing "not feeling at all" and 10 representing "strongly feeling." Do you feel it is difficult to focus? Do you feel a sense of heaviness in your eyelids? Do you feel difficulty opening your eyes? Do you experience blurred or blurred vision? Do you experience dry eyes? Do you experience "bloodshot eyes"? Do you experience stiffness in your neck and shoulders due to tired eyes (eye strain)? Do you suffer from "headaches caused by eye strain (eyestrain)"? Do you experience fatigue or lethargy due to eye strain? Do you experience dark circles or dullness under your eyes? Do you feel any sagging of the upper eyelids? Do you feel like the whites of your eyes are cloudy (yellowing)? Do you feel a lack of firmness around your eyes? Do you feel that problems with your eyes or eye area are affecting your personal or professional life? Do you feel a dull feeling in your eyes in the evening, for example after straining your eyes? (The dull feeling coming from the eyes is defined as a state in which eye problems are transmitted to the whole body and have a negative effect, such as "My eyes and whole body are tired, and my thinking tends to stop," or "I feel like I have an aura of tiredness coming from my eyes, such as severe dark circles under my eyes or my eyes not opening wide.")

[0060] To measure focusing ability, nine Chinese characters were displayed, with the characters getting smaller from right to left, and the time it took to read the characters displayed from right to left was measured. The muscle hardness of the shoulders and temples was measured using the muscle hardness meter TDM-NA1. For photography, we used a single-lens reflex camera (Nikon D7100, 60mm, F2.8D) to take pictures of the area around the eyes. We also recorded videos of subjects with their eyes closed, open, and wide open, and of them blinking.

[0061] (result) The results of the questionnaire before and after ingestion of the agent containing the food composition of the present invention are shown in Figures 5 to 19. In each graph, the numbers on the vertical axis represent the evaluation value on a 10-point scale, with 1 meaning "I don't feel at all" and 10 meaning "I feel strongly" about the survey. For each questionnaire item, the number of subjects who answered "it felt less noticeable" significantly increased 4 weeks after intake and 12 weeks after intake compared to before intake. In addition, when photographs were taken of the area around the eyes, it was found that the intake had improved the dullness around the eyes of the subjects.

[0062] The measurement results of focus adjustment are shown in Figure 20. The results were analyzed for subjects who were able to read the kanji to the end. By taking the agent of the present invention, the time it took to read the characters was shortened, and the number of subjects whose focus adjustment ability improved significantly increased.

[0063] The results of measuring muscle hardness in the shoulders and temples are shown in Figures 21 and 22. By taking the agent containing the food composition of the present invention, the number of subjects whose shoulder and temple muscles relaxed increased.

[0064] The photographic results regarding eye opening are shown in Figures 23 and 24. As shown in Figure 22, before intake, there were wrinkles on the forehead and the mouth was tense when the eyes were opened wide, but after 4 weeks of intake, there were no wrinkles on the forehead and the eyes were opened wide without tenseness in the face. From the above results, it is considered that ingesting the food composition of the present invention improved eye muscle contraction. Figure 23 shows the degree of eye opening when the eyes are opened wide. After 12 weeks of intake, the vertical width of the eyes when opened wide increased compared to before intake. In addition, the area of ​​the white of the eyes increased, and the eyes were opened wider. From the above results, it is considered that by ingesting the food composition of the present invention, the relative impression is that the eyes become larger and the degree to which the eyes are open is improved. [Industrial Applicability]

[0065] The present invention can be used in health foods and the like.

Claims

1. A food composition for improving eye opening, comprising an extract of black currant and / or maqui berry.

2. The food composition according to claim 1, which is for improving reduced eye opening caused by blue light.

3. The food composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the eye opening is the degree of opening of the eyelids.

4. 3. The food composition according to claim 1 or 2, which is a capsule or tablet.

5. An acetylcholinesterase inhibitor comprising an extract of black currant and / or maqui berry.

6. The acetylcholinesterase inhibitor according to claim 5, which is for inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity increased due to blue light.

7. A muscle contraction improving agent comprising an extract of black currant and / or maqui berry.

8. The muscle contraction improver according to claim 7, which is for improving decreased muscle contraction caused by blue light.

9. The muscle contraction improver according to claim 7 or 8, which is intended to improve decreased muscle contraction of muscles related to eye opening.

10. The muscle contraction improving agent according to claim 9, characterized in that the muscle is one or more muscles selected from the group consisting of the levator palpebrae superioris, orbicularis oculi, extraocular muscles, Muller's muscle, and ciliary muscle.

11. The muscle contraction improving agent according to claim 7, for improving sagging eyelids and firmness around the eyes.

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