Composition for improving physiological functions

Abstract

To provide a composition useful for improving physiological functions.SOLUTION: Provided is a composition for improving physiological functions, comprising an ester of a fatty acid and a trivalent alcohol. Physiological function improvement includes, for example, cognitive function improvement. The trivalent alcohol includes, for example, glycerin.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition for improving physiological functions. [Background technology]

[0002] Docosahexaenoic acid (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "DHA") is an ω3-series polyunsaturated fatty acid with 22 carbon atoms and 6 unsaturated bonds, and is an essential fatty acid contained in fish oil, etc. DHA is expected to have various physiologically active functions such as improving memory and learning ability, anticancer effects, and cholesterol lowering effects (Non-Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] Kazuyoshi Yazawa, Haruo Kageyama, Review: Biological Activity of Docosahexaenoic Acid, Oil Chemistry, 1991, Vol. 40, No. 10, p974-978 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] DHA is known to be contained in large amounts in fish oil as a type of fatty acid that constitutes lipids. Fish oil contains various components other than DHA, and the types and compositions of these components vary depending on the type of fish oil. The object of the present invention is to provide a composition that is effective for improving physiological functions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention relates to the following exemplary items. [1] A composition for improving physiological functions, comprising an ester of a fatty acid and a trihydric alcohol. [2] The composition described in [1], wherein the improving physiological function is at least one selected from the group consisting of improving cognitive function, improving brain function, improving concentration, improving sleep, reducing fatigue, relieving stress, improving mental disorders, and improving mood disorders. [3] The composition described in [1] or [2], wherein the trihydric alcohol is glycerin. [4] The composition described in [1] or [2], wherein the fatty acid is an unsaturated fatty acid. [5] The composition described in [4], wherein the unsaturated fatty acid is at least one selected from the group consisting of hexadecenoic acid, octadecenoic acid, eicosenoic acid, docosenoic acid, tetracosenoic acid, octadecadienoic acid, octadecatrienoic acid, octadecatetraenoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid. [6] A composition for promoting GLP-1 secretion, comprising docosahexaenoic acid monoglyceride. [7] An oil or fat comprising the composition described in [1], [2] or [6]. [8] A food, beverage or pharmaceutical product comprising the composition described in [1], [2] or [6]. [9] Use of the composition described in [1] or [2] for improving physiological function. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, a novel composition for improving physiological functions is provided. Also, according to the present invention, a novel composition for promoting GLP-1 secretion is provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] The chromatograms obtained by HPLC analysis of 1-DHA glycerol and 2-DHA glycerol are shown. [Diagram 2] Chromatograms obtained by HPLC analysis of fish oil 1 and fish oil 2 are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] The following describes preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the following preferred embodiments and can be freely modified within the scope of the present invention.

[0009] [Composition for improving physiological functions] The composition for improving physiological function of this embodiment (hereinafter also referred to as "the composition 1") contains an ester of a fatty acid and a trihydric alcohol (hereinafter also referred to as "the ester").

[0010] <Improvement of physiological functions> The composition 1 is for improving a physiological function, which may be, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of improving cognitive function, improving brain function, enhancing concentration, improving sleep, reducing fatigue, relieving stress, improving mental disorders, and improving mood disorders.

[0011] (improvement of cognitive function) The composition 1 can be used to improve cognitive function. In this specification, "improving cognitive function" includes maintaining cognitive function, improving cognitive function, and preventing cognitive function decline. In this specification, "cognitive function" may be, for example, memory, cognitive ability, learning ability, thinking ability, language ability, judgment, calculation ability, or emotional ability. For example, the composition 1 may be used to maintain or improve one or more of memory, cognitive ability, learning ability, thinking ability, language ability, judgment, calculation ability, and emotional ability. Alternatively, the composition 1 may be used to prevent decline in one or more of memory, cognitive ability, learning ability, thinking ability, language ability, judgment, calculation ability, and emotional ability. The composition 1 is particularly suitable for improving cognitive function related to memory. The composition 1 is particularly suitable for improving cognitive function related to short-term memory. Short-term memory is, for example, 5 days, 3 days, 24 hours, 12 hours, 6 hours, or 3 hours.

[0012] In this specification, "improvement of cognitive function" includes improvement and prevention of aphasia, agnosia, apraxia, or executive dysfunction. That is, the present composition 1 may be used for improvement or prevention of aphasia, agnosia, apraxia, or executive dysfunction.

[0013] Composition 1 may also be used to improve the cognitive function of a subject (particularly a human) who has or may have a disease accompanied by cognitive decline. The disease may be, for example, a neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease, cerebrovascular dementia, memory disorder, Pick's disease, diffuse Lewy body disease, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or other brain disease such as cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, chronic subdural hematoma, brain tumor, encephalitis, or normal pressure hydrocephalus; an infectious disease such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease; Lewy body dementia; frontotemporal dementia; Parkinson's disease accompanied by dementia; or a psychiatric disease. In the above, Alzheimer's disease (AD) includes suspected AD and AD in the preclinical stage, and the disease accompanied by cognitive decline includes prodromal Alzheimer's dementia, mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's dementia (MCI due to AD), or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Among the diseases listed above, preferred diseases for which cognitive function can be improved by composition 1 include prodromal Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease (MCI due to AD), and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), from the viewpoint that cognitive function can be easily improved by improving diet with foods and beverages containing composition 1.

[0014] Composition 1 is expected to alleviate the above-mentioned diseases. In this specification, "alleviation of a disease" means, for example, improvement of a symptom or disease, prevention or delay of the worsening of a symptom or disease, reversal, prevention or delay of the progression of a symptom or disease, or cure of a symptom or disease. In addition, in this specification, "prevention of a disease" means, for example, prevention or delay of the onset of a symptom or disease, or reduction of the risk of onset or manifestation of a disease or symptom.

[0015] The present composition 1 can be used to improve a specific physiological function as exemplified above. The present composition 1 can be used for any of subjects with a specific physiological function decrease, subjects without a specific physiological function decrease, subjects with a disease accompanied by a specific physiological function decrease, and subjects without a disease accompanied by a specific physiological function decrease.

[0016] <Fatty acids> The fatty acid constituting the present ester is preferably an unsaturated fatty acid, more preferably a polyunsaturated fatty acid. The number of carbon atoms of the fatty acid constituting the present ester is preferably 12 or more, more preferably 16 or more, and even more preferably 20 or more. The fatty acid constituting the present ester is, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of hexadecenoic acid, octadecenoic acid, eicosenoic acid, docosenoic acid, tetracosenoic acid, octadecadienoic acid, octadecatrienoic acid, octadecatetraenoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The fatty acid constituting the present ester preferably contains at least one of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

[0017] <Trihydric alcohol> Examples of the trihydric alcohol that constitutes the present ester include glycerin and trimethylolpropane.

[0018] <This ester> The present ester is not limited as long as it is an ester of a fatty acid and a trihydric alcohol. When the trihydric alcohol is glycerin, the glyceride may be any of monoglycerides, diglycerides, and triglycerides, and an example thereof is a glyceride containing at least one of EPA and DHA.

[0019] The ester may be prepared by extraction from fats and oils, may be prepared by synthesis, or may be a commercially available product.The fats and oils used as the raw material for extraction are not particularly limited, but may be, for example, marine animal fats and oils, specifically, squid fat, krill oil, bonito oil, pacific saury oil, cod liver oil, tuna oil, etc.When the ester is a glyceride containing at least one of EPA and DHA, the fats and oils used as the raw material for extraction should contain at least one of EPA and DHA, and may be one containing EPA and DHA, for example, fish oil (containing 60% DHA and 5% EPA).

[0020] The present composition 1 may contain DHA monoglyceride as the present ester. DHA monoglyceride includes 1-docosahexaenoic acid glycerol (hereinafter also referred to as "1-DHA glycerol") in which DHA is ester-bonded to the α-position of glycerin, and 2-docosahexaenoic acid glycerol (hereinafter also referred to as "2-DHA glycerol") in which DHA is ester-bonded to the β-position of glycerin. The present composition 1 may contain 1-DHA glycerol, may contain 2-DHA glycerol, or may contain both 1-DHA glycerol and 2-DHA glycerol.

[0021] DHA monoglyceride may be prepared by extraction from fats and oils, may be prepared by synthesis, or may be a commercially available product. The fats and oils used as the raw material for extraction are not particularly limited as long as they contain DHA monoglyceride, and examples thereof include marine animal fats and oils, specifically squid oil, krill oil, bonito oil, pacific saury oil, cod liver oil, tuna oil, etc.

[0022] Furthermore, the present composition 1 may contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) as a fatty acid constituting the present ester. An example of the present ester is an ester in which EPA is bound to at least one of the α-position, β-position, and γ-position of glycerin.

[0023] <Target of administration> The subject to which the composition 1 is administered is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include mammals such as humans, cows, horses, pigs, sheep, dogs, rabbits, mice, and rats, and birds such as chickens. The subject to which the composition 1 is administered may be livestock, poultry, pet animals, laboratory animals, etc. The composition 1 may be an oral composition or a parenteral composition.

[0024] <Dosage form> The oral composition may be, for example, a food or drink, a medicine, or a quasi-drug. Food or drink includes food, beverage, and feed. Food or drink includes special purpose food, health functional food (specified health food, nutritional functional food, functional food), dietary supplement, and supplement. The dosage form of the oral composition is not particularly limited, and may be a tablet, capsule, granule, powder, fine granule, chewable tablet, pill, lozenge, sublingual tablet, ointment, cream, emulsion, suspension, jelly, syrup, liquid, etc.

[0025] The parenteral composition may be a pharmaceutical, a quasi-drug, or a cosmetic. The topical preparation may be, for example, directly applied or attached to the skin, and may be a liquid, cream, emulsion, lotion, ointment, gel, aerosol, pack, microneedle patch, poultice, etc. The injection may be, for example, administered intravenously, subcutaneously, or intramuscularly.

[0026] <Food and beverages> One embodiment of the present composition 1 is a food or drink (hereinafter, also referred to as "the present food or drink 1"). That is, the present food or drink 1 provides a food or drink for improving cognitive function. The present food or drink 1 can effectively exert an effect of improving cognitive function.

[0027] Examples of the present food and drink 1 include beverages such as soft drinks or milk drinks, or concentrated concentrates of the beverages and powders used to prepare the beverages; dairy products such as processed milk and fermented milk; infant formulas; enteral nutrition; and functional foods. Examples of foods include fresh foods and processed foods, such as fish fillets and sashimi, and processed foods such as fish that have been cooked by boiling, grilling, steaming, etc., and include fish fillets, sashimi, boiled fish, grilled fish, steamed fish, and other cooked fish whose EPA and DHA contents and distribution ratios are suitable for improving cognitive function.

[0028] Examples of the present food and drink 1 include beverages such as carbonated drinks, nutritional drinks, or fruit drinks, or concentrated concentrates of the beverages and powders used to prepare the beverages; frozen desserts such as ice cream, ice sherbet, and shaved ice; noodles such as soba, udon, vermicelli, gyoza wrappers, shumai wrappers, Chinese noodles, and instant noodles; confectioneries such as candy, gum, chocolate, tablet confectioneries, snacks, biscuits, jellies, jams, creams, and baked goods; processed seafood or livestock foods such as kamaboko, ham, and sausages; oils and fats and oil-processed foods such as salad oil, tempura oil, margarine, mayonnaise, shortening, whipped cream, and dressings; seasonings such as sauces and sauces; and cooked foods such as soups, stews, salads, side dishes, pickles, and bread. The food and drink composition may be, for example, a liquid or tablet supplement.

[0029] These foods and beverages may be produced by methods known to those skilled in the art. In the production methods of these foods and beverages, the time and method for adding DHA monoglyceride may be appropriately selected by those skilled in the art.

[0030] <Food and drink labeling> The food and beverage product 1 can be provided or sold as a food and beverage product labeled with a health use claim for improving cognitive function or a health use claim relating to an effect achieved as a result of improving cognitive function.

[0031] The act of "labeling" includes all acts for informing consumers of the above-mentioned uses, and any expression that can recall or infer the above-mentioned uses, regardless of the purpose of the labeling, the content of the labeling, and the object or medium on which it is displayed, falls under the act of "labeling" of the present food and drink 1. The present food and drink 1 may be labeled, for example, "for maintaining memory," "for maintaining learning ability," or "for improving cognitive function."

[0032] It is preferable that the "labeling" be done in an expression that allows consumers to directly recognize the above-mentioned uses.Specific examples include the act of transferring, delivering, displaying for the purpose of transferring or delivering, or importing food and beverage products or product packaging on which the above-mentioned uses are written, displaying or distributing advertisements, price lists, or transaction documents related to the products and writing the above-mentioned uses in information containing the above-mentioned uses and providing them by electromagnetic means (such as the Internet), etc.

[0033] The content of the display is preferably a display approved by the government, etc. (for example, a display approved based on various systems established by the government and made in a manner based on such approval, etc.) In addition, it is preferable that such a display content is affixed to promotional materials at the point of sale, such as packaging, containers, catalogs, pamphlets, and POP (Point of Purchase Advertising), as well as other documents, etc.

[0034] In addition, "labeling" includes, for example, labeling indicating that the product is a health food, functional food, enteral nutritional food, special purpose food, health functional food, food for specified health uses, nutritional functional food, and medical drug. More specific examples of labeling include labeling approved by the Consumer Affairs Agency, such as labeling approved under the Food for Specified Health Uses system or a similar system. Examples of labeling approved by the Consumer Affairs Agency include labeling as a food for specified health uses, labeling as a conditional food for specified health uses, labeling that affects the structure or function of the body, and labeling that reduces the risk of disease. More specifically, typical examples include labeling as a food for specified health uses (especially labeling of health uses) and similar labels as specified in the Enforcement Regulations of the Health Promotion Act (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare Ordinance No. 86 of April 30, 2003) and labeling similar thereto.

[0035] <Composition> Those skilled in the art may appropriately select the content of DHA monoglyceride contained in the present food or drink 1. The content of DHA monoglyceride contained in the present food or drink 1 may be in the range of, for example, 0.01 to 70 mass%, 0.02 to 40 mass%, 0.05 to 10 mass%, or 0.2 to 2 mass% relative to the total mass of the food or drink.

[0036] The present food and beverage 1 may contain an ester of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and a trihydric alcohol as a fatty acid, and the content of such an ester containing EPA may be in the range of 1 to 20 mass%, preferably 1 to 10 mass%, and more preferably 2 to 6 mass%, relative to the total mass of the food and beverage.

[0037] Furthermore, the present food and drink 1 may contain both DHA monoglyceride and an ester of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) as a fatty acid with a trihydric alcohol.

[0038] The intake period of the present food and drink 1 may be appropriately determined depending on the target symptom or disease. For example, the present food and drink 1 may be continuously taken for, for example, 2 weeks or more, 4 weeks or more, or 2 months or more. The intake of the present food and drink 1 may be terminated, for example, 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year after the start of intake. The present food and drink 1 may be continuously taken, for example, during any period between 0 and 100 years of age. The present food and drink 1 may be taken, for example, every day, or at a predetermined interval, for example, every other day or every third day. When the present food and drink 1 is taken, the intake amount of DHA monoglyceride may be 0.01 to 100 mg / kg body weight, 0.1 to 50 mg / kg body weight, or 1 to 30 mg / kg body weight.

[0039] <Pharmaceutical Composition> One embodiment of the present composition 1 is a pharmaceutical composition (hereinafter, also referred to as "the present pharmaceutical composition 1"). That is, the present pharmaceutical composition 1 provides a pharmaceutical composition for improving cognitive function. The present pharmaceutical composition 1 can effectively exert an effect of improving cognitive function.

[0040] The pharmaceutical composition 1 may be administered orally or parenterally, and may be formulated into a desired dosage form depending on the administration method. For example, in the case of oral administration, it may be formulated into solid preparations such as powders, granules, tablets, and capsules; or liquid preparations such as solutions, syrups, suspensions, and emulsions. In addition, in the case of parenteral administration, it may be administered, for example, via a gastrostomy, nasal administration, intravenous injection, intramuscular injection, subcutaneous injection, or intrathecal injection.

[0041] In addition, when the pharmaceutical composition 1 is formulated, various ingredients such as excipients, pH adjusters, colorants, and flavoring agents that are usually used in formulations may be included in the pharmaceutical composition 1. In addition, the pharmaceutical composition 1 may contain medicinal ingredients used to improve cognitive function that are known or will be discovered in the future, so long as the effects of the pharmaceutical composition 1 are not impaired. The pharmaceutical composition 1 can be formulated by a known method as appropriate depending on the dosage form. When the pharmaceutical composition 1 is formulated, a pharmaceutical carrier may be appropriately added to the pharmaceutical composition.

[0042] In addition, formulation can be carried out by a known method according to the dosage form. When formulating, only the active ingredient DHA glycerol may be formulated, or a formulation carrier may be added as appropriate.

[0043] When a pharmaceutical carrier is added, the content of DHA glycerol, which is an active ingredient of the pharmaceutical composition 1, may be appropriately selected according to the dosage form. The content of DHA glycerol, which is an active ingredient of the pharmaceutical composition 1, may be, for example, in the range of 0.01 to 70% by mass, 0.02 to 40% by mass, 0.05 to 10% by mass, or 0.2 to 2% by mass, based on the total mass of the pharmaceutical composition 1.

[0044] The administration period of the pharmaceutical composition 1 may be appropriately determined according to the target symptom or disease. For example, the pharmaceutical composition 1 may be continuously ingested for 2 weeks or more, 4 weeks or more, or 2 months or more. The intake of the pharmaceutical composition 1 may be terminated, for example, 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year after the start of intake. The pharmaceutical composition 1 may be ingested, for example, every day, or at a predetermined interval, for example, every other day or every third day. When the pharmaceutical composition 1 is ingested, the intake amount of DHA glycerol may be, for example, 0.01 to 100 mg / kg body weight, preferably 0.1 to 50 mg / kg body weight, or 1 to 30 mg / kg body weight per day.

[0045] As the pharmaceutical carrier, various organic or inorganic carriers or bases can be used depending on the dosage form. Examples of ingredients used to formulate the pharmaceutical composition 1 include excipients, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, stabilizers, and flavoring agents.

[0046] Examples of excipients include sugar derivatives such as lactose, sucrose, glucose, mannitol, and sorbitol; starch derivatives such as corn starch, potato starch, α-starch, dextrin, and carboxymethyl starch; cellulose derivatives such as crystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and calcium carboxymethyl cellulose; gum arabic; dextran; pullulan; silicate derivatives such as light anhydrous silicic acid, synthetic aluminum silicate, and magnesium aluminometasilicate; phosphate derivatives such as calcium phosphate; carbonate derivatives such as calcium carbonate; and sulfate derivatives such as calcium sulfate.

[0047] Examples of binders include gelatin, polyvinylpyrrolidone, macrogol, and the like, in addition to the above-mentioned excipients.

[0048] Examples of disintegrants include the above-mentioned excipients, as well as chemically modified starch or cellulose derivatives such as croscarmellose sodium, sodium carboxymethyl starch, and crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone.

[0049] Examples of lubricants include talc; stearic acid; metal stearates such as calcium stearate and magnesium stearate; colloidal silica; waxes such as pea gum and geranium stearate; boric acid; glycol; carboxylic acids such as fumaric acid and adipic acid; sodium carboxylates such as sodium benzoate; sulfates such as sodium sulfate; leucine; lauryl sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate and magnesium lauryl sulfate; silicic acids such as silicic anhydride and silicic acid hydrate; starch derivatives, and the like.

[0050] Examples of the stabilizer include paraoxybenzoic acid esters such as methylparaben and propylparaben; alcohols such as chlorobutanol, benzyl alcohol, and phenylethyl alcohol; benzalkonium chloride; acetic anhydride; and sorbic acid.

[0051] Examples of the flavor and odor correcting agent include sweeteners, acidulants, fragrances, and the like.

[0052] [Composition for promoting GLP-1 secretion] The composition for promoting GLP-1 secretion of the present embodiment (hereinafter, also referred to as "this composition 2") contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) monoglyceride.

[0053] <Promoting GLP-1 secretion> This composition 2 is for promoting GLP-1 secretion. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is mainly secreted from L cells present in the lower part of the small intestine and the colon. GLP-1 increases insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells and suppresses glucagon secretion from pancreatic α cells along with an increase in blood glucose level, and acts to lower blood glucose. This composition 2 has an effect of promoting GLP-1 secretion, and it is expected to exhibit an effect of improving blood glucose level through promoting insulin secretion and suppressing glucagon secretion, which are the actions of GLP-1. In this specification, "promoting GLP-1 secretion" includes any of promoting an increase in blood GLP-1 concentration associated with in vivo GLP-1 secretion occurring after a meal, maintaining the increased GLP-1 concentration, or suppressing a decrease in the increased GLP-1 concentration, that is, stabilizing the blood GLP-1 concentration.

[0054] <DHA monoglyceride> This composition 2 contains DHA monoglyceride (docosahexaenoic acid monoglyceride). The DHA monoglyceride contained in this composition 2 may be 1-DHA glycerol, 2-DHA glycerol, or both.

[0055] As the DHA monoglyceride, those obtained by extraction from fats and oils, those prepared by synthesis, or commercially available products may be used. The fats and oils serving as the extraction raw material are not particularly limited as long as they contain DHA monoglyceride. Examples include marine animal fats and oils, specifically, squid oil, sardine oil, bonito oil, saury oil, cod liver oil, tuna oil, and the like.

[0056] <Aspect> One embodiment of the present composition 2 includes a food or drink (hereinafter also referred to as "the present food or drink 2") and a pharmaceutical composition (hereinafter also referred to as "the present pharmaceutical composition 2").

[0057] The present food and drink 2 provides a food and drink for promoting GLP-1 secretion. The present food and drink 2 can effectively exert a GLP-1 secretion promoting effect. Specific examples of the present food and drink 2 are the same as those described for the present food and drink 1. The present food and drink 2 can be provided or sold as a food and drink labeled with a health use relating to the effect due to the health use of promoting GLP-1 secretion, for example. The act of "labeling" is the same as that described for the present food and drink 1. Examples of labeling for the present food and drink 2 include "improves insulin resistance" and "helps lower blood sugar levels."

[0058] The present pharmaceutical composition 2 provides a pharmaceutical composition for promoting GLP-1 secretion. The present pharmaceutical composition 2 can effectively exert a GLP-1 secretion promoting effect.

[0059] The present food and beverage 2 and the present pharmaceutical composition 2 differ from the present food and beverage 1 and the present pharmaceutical composition 1, which are used to improve cognitive function, in that the present food and beverage 2 and the present pharmaceutical composition 2 are used to promote GLP-1 secretion, but apart from this use, for example, the specific dosage form, composition, formulation method, administration subjects, administration method, etc. are the same as the present food and beverage 1 and the present pharmaceutical composition 1, and therefore repeated explanation will be omitted.

[0060] The present invention also provides the following methods and products. [1] A method for using a composition containing an ester of a fatty acid and a trihydric alcohol for improving physiological functions. [2] A method for using an ester of a fatty acid and a trihydric alcohol for producing a composition for improving physiological functions. [3] An ester of a fatty acid and a trihydric alcohol used to improve physiological function. [4] A method of improving physiological function by administering an ester of a fatty acid and a trihydric alcohol. [5] A method of using a composition containing DHA monoglyceride for promoting GLP-1 secretion. [6] A method of using DHA monoglyceride for producing a composition for promoting GLP-1 secretion. [7] DHA monoglyceride, used to promote GLP-1 secretion. [8] A method of promoting GLP-1 secretion by adding DHA monoglyceride. EXAMPLES

[0061] [Test 1] (1) Preparation In this study, 11-week-old male ddY mice were used. After one week of preparatory rearing on general solid feed, they were switched to a high-fat diet and reared for one week. They were divided into Group 1 (n=12) and Group 2 (n=12). The mice were reared under a 12-hour light-dark cycle and a room temperature of 23±1°C. General solid feed was laboratory animal feed MF (Oriental Yeast Co., Ltd.), and high-fat feed was D12492 (Research Diet Co., Ltd.), and the mice were reared under constant feeding and water conditions.

[0062] The administration conditions for each group are shown in Table 1. Mice in each group were bred under the same conditions, except that the test substances shown in Table 1 were administered to the mice for three days at the doses shown in Table 1. The test substances were orally administered once a day via stomach tube. Fish oil 1 (containing 56% DHA and 0.8% EPA) was used as a control, and fish oil 2 (containing 60% DHA and 5% EPA) was used as a sample.

[0063] [Table 1]

[0064] (2) Novel object recognition test After administering the test substance for three days, a novel object recognition test (ORT) was performed to evaluate cognitive function. This test consists of three steps. First, trial 1 was performed the day after habituation. In this step, the mouse was placed in an open field (50 cm × 50 cm) containing two identical objects and allowed to freely explore until the total exploration time reached 20 seconds. After another hour, one of the two identical objects was replaced with a new object and placed in the open field again. This step was performed as trial 2. Similarly, the mouse was allowed to freely explore until the total exploration time reached 20 seconds. The exploration time to the novel object in trial 2 was calculated as a percentage of the total exploration time to evaluate cognitive function, and the results were calculated as the mean ± standard error (sem).

[0065] The above novel object recognition test (ORT) was conducted with reference to the following paper. Nagai A, Mizushige T, Matsumura S et al. (2019) Orally administered milk-derived tripeptide improved cognitive decline in mice fed a high-fat diet. FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, 14095-14102, 33(12)

[0066] The results of Test 1 are shown in Table 2. Group 2 (fish oil 2 (containing 60% DHA and 5% EPA)) showed a significant increase in exploration time to the novel object compared to Group 1 (control group).

[0067] [Table 2]

[0068] (3) Analysis of fish oil 1 and 2 The 1-DHA glycerol and 2-DHA glycerol contents were analyzed for fish oils 1 and 2. Specifically, 1-DHA glycerol (manufactured by NU-CHECK-PREP, standard product), 2-DHA glycerol (chemically synthesized and purified), fish oil 1, and fish oil 2 were analyzed by HPLC analysis, and the 1-DHA glycerol and 2-DHA glycerol contents in fish oils 1 and 2 were analyzed.

[0069] [HPLC analysis conditions] Column: 5C 18 -AR-II (COSMOSIL) ·Mobile phase: <Mobile phase A> 0.1% TFA solution <Mobile phase B>MeCN <Mobile phase gradient conditions> 5%B (0-5 minutes) → 95%B (5-30 minutes) → 100%B (30-35 minutes) <Flow rate>1mL / min Column temperature: 22℃ Sample injection volume: 100 μL (5 mg / mL) Detector: UV detector (product name: MD-1510, manufactured by JASCO Corporation)

[0070] Figure 1 shows chromatograms obtained by analyzing 1-DHA glycerol and 2-DHA glycerol under the above-mentioned HPLC analysis conditions at an elution time of about 20 minutes. Figure 2 shows chromatograms obtained by analyzing fish oil 1 and fish oil 2 under the above-mentioned HPLC analysis conditions at an elution time of about 20 minutes.

[0071] From the chromatograms shown in Figures 1 and 2, no peaks for 1-DHA glycerol or 2-DHA glycerol were observed in fish oil 1. On the other hand, peaks for 1-DHA glycerol and 2-DHA glycerol were observed in fish oil 2, and the respective contents were calculated as follows.

[0072] [Fish oil 2 content] 1-DHA glycerol: 51.9μg / mg 2-DHA glycerol: 12.0μg / mg

[0073] [Test 2] (1) Preparation In this study, 11-week-old male ddY mice were used. After one week of preparatory rearing on general solid feed, they were switched to a high-fat diet and reared for one week. They were divided into group 1 (n=9) and group 2 (n=10). The mice were reared under a 12-hour light-dark cycle and a room temperature of 23±1°C. General solid feed was laboratory animal feed MF (Oriental Yeast Co., Ltd.), and high-fat feed was D12492 (Research Diet Co., Ltd.), and the mice were reared under constant feeding and water conditions.

[0074] The administration conditions for each group are shown in Table 3. Mice in each group were bred under the same conditions, except that the test substance shown in Table 3 was administered to them for three days at the doses shown in Table 3. The test substance was orally administered once a day via stomach tube. Physiological saline was used as a control, and fish oil 2 (containing 60% DHA and 5% EPA) was used as a sample.

[0075] [Table 3]

[0076] (2) Novel object recognition test After administering the test substance for 3 days, a novel object recognition test (ORT) was conducted to evaluate cognitive function in the same manner as in Test 1 above. Table 4 shows the results of Test 2. Group 2 (fish oil 2 (containing 60% DHA and 5% EPA)) showed a significant increase in exploration time to the novel object compared to Group 1 (control group). In other words, it was confirmed that fish oil 2 has an effect of improving cognitive function.

[0077] [Table 4]

[0078] [Test 3] (1) Preparation In this study, 11-week-old male ddY mice were used. After one week of preparatory rearing on general solid feed, they were switched to a high-fat diet and reared for one week. They were divided into group 1 (n=8) and group 2 (n=9). The mice were reared under a 12-hour light-dark cycle and a room temperature of 23±1°C. General solid feed was laboratory animal feed MF (Oriental Yeast Co., Ltd.), and high-fat feed was D12492 (Research Diet Co., Ltd.), and the mice were reared under constant feeding and water conditions.

[0079] The administration conditions for each group are shown in Table 5. Each group of mice was bred under the same conditions, except that the test substance shown in Table 5 was administered to the mice for three days at the doses shown in Table 5. The test substance was orally administered once a day via stomach tube. Physiological saline was used as a control, and 2-DHA glycerol was used as a sample. The 2-DHA glycerol used was chemically synthesized and purified.

[0080] [Table 5]

[0081] (2) Novel object recognition test After administering the test substance for 3 days, a novel object recognition test (ORT) was performed to evaluate cognitive function in the same manner as in Test 1 above. Table 6 shows the results of Test 3. Group 2 (2-DHA glycerol administration group) showed a significant increase in the exploration time to the novel object compared to Group 1 (control group). In other words, it was confirmed that 2-DHA glycerol has an effect of improving cognitive function.

[0082] [Table 6]

[0083] [Test 4] (1) Preparation In this study, 11-week-old male ddY mice were used. After one week of preparatory rearing on general solid feed, they were switched to a high-fat diet and reared for one week. They were divided into group 1 (n=7) and group 2 (n=7). The mice were reared under a 12-hour light-dark cycle and a room temperature of 23±1°C. General solid feed was laboratory animal feed MF (Oriental Yeast Co., Ltd.), and high-fat feed was D12492 (Research Diet Co., Ltd.), and the mice were reared under constant feeding and water conditions.

[0084] The administration conditions for each group are shown in Table 7. Each group of mice was bred under the same conditions, except that the test substance shown in Table 7 was administered to the mice for three days at the doses shown in Table 7. The test substance was orally administered once a day via stomach tube. Physiological saline was used as a control, and 1-DHA glycerol was used as a sample. 1-DHA glycerol was a product of NU-CHECK-PREP.

[0085] [Table 7]

[0086] (2) Novel object recognition test After administering the test substance for 3 days, a novel object recognition test (ORT) was conducted to evaluate cognitive function in the same manner as in Test 1 above. The results of Test 4 are shown in Table 8. Group 2 (1-DHA glycerol administration group) showed a tendency to increase the exploration time to the novel object compared to Group 1 (control group).

[0087] [Table 8]

[0088] [Test 5] (1) Preparation A DHA monoglycerol sample and DMSO as a control were prepared. As the DHA monoglycerol sample, 2-DHA glycerol (chemically synthesized and purified) was dissolved in DMSO and diluted with HEPES buffer to prepare 2-DHA glycerol at 30 μM. As a control, DMSO was diluted with HEPES buffer.

[0089] (2) GLP-1 secretion test In this study, the intestinal secretory cell line STC-1 was used to examine the GLP-1 secretion ability. STC-1 was cultured in a 96-well plate at 3.3 × 10 4 After culturing at 37°C for 24 hours, DHA monoglycerol samples were added so that 2-DHA glycerol was at a final concentration of 30μM and DMSO was at a final concentration of 0.2%. After incubation at 37°C for 10 minutes, the supernatant was collected. The GLP-1 concentration in the supernatant was measured using Millipore's Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Total ELISA KIT. The control was also added to HEPES buffer so that the final concentration of DMSO was 0.2%, and the GLP-1 concentration was measured in the same manner. Table 9 shows the results of Test 5. The GLP-1 concentration was significantly higher in the DHA monoglycerol compared to the control.

[0090] [Table 9]

Claims

1. A composition for improving physiological functions, comprising an ester of a fatty acid and a trihydric alcohol.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the improving physiological function is at least one selected from the group consisting of improving cognitive function, improving brain function, improving concentration, improving sleep, reducing fatigue, relieving stress, improving mental disorders, and improving mood disorders.

3. 3. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the trihydric alcohol is glycerin.

4. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fatty acid is an unsaturated fatty acid.

5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the unsaturated fatty acid is at least one selected from the group consisting of hexadecenoic acid, octadecenoic acid, eicosenoic acid, docosenoic acid, tetracosenoic acid, octadecadienoic acid, octadecatrienoic acid, octadecatetraenoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid.

6. A composition for promoting GLP-1 secretion, comprising docosahexaenoic acid monoglyceride.

7. An oil or fat comprising the composition of claim 1, 2, or 6.

8. A food, drink or medicine comprising the composition according to claim 1 , 2 or 6 .

9. 3. Use of the composition according to claim 1 or 2 for improving physiological functions.

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