Sleep inducing tea

Abstract

To provide a food and drink which is safe and secure for a consumer, is easy to ingest (drink), and has an excellent sleep inducing effect.SOLUTION: A sleep inducing tea is a mixture of an active ingredient substance with a tea leaf, the active ingredient substance being obtained as a solid phase by subjecting a petal of a plant belonging to the genus Prunus of the family Rosaceae to solid-liquid separation in a vessel at 48°C or less being maintained. The sleep inducing tea functions as a sleep inducing agent by being drunk as a decoction. The solid-liquid separation is performed in the vessel also at a pressure of 20 kPa or less being maintained. The sleep inducing tea contains the active ingredient substance at a proportion of 2 mass% or more based on the sleep inducing tea as a whole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sleep-inducing tea containing a solid component obtained by solid-liquid separation of the petals of a plant belonging to the genus Prunus in the family Rosaceae. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a medicinal composition for improving sleep, which is characterized by containing a flavor component obtained from a plant of the Rosaceae family and an antihistamine. However, the flavor components are dried powders, extract powders, essential oils, etc., and are completely different from the solid components (solid substances) obtained by solid-liquid separation of "plants of the Rosaceae family."

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a sleep-improving agent that contains hotrienol as an active ingredient and further contains aromatic components derived from black teas. However, the "aroma components derived from black tea" are components extracted from black tea using an extraction medium, and are completely different from the solid components (solid substances) obtained by simply separating black tea into solid and liquid forms.

[0004] Patent Document 3 describes a circadian rhythm regulator containing an extract from the flowers of a plant of the genus Zanthoxylum in the family Rutaceae as an active ingredient, and cites sleep disorders as being caused by disruption of circadian rhythm. However, in Patent Document 3, the raw material is a plant of the genus Zanthoxylum in the family Rutaceae, not a plant of the genus Prunus in the family Rosaceae, and in addition, the active ingredient is a component extracted using an extraction medium, and is completely different from the solid component (solid substance) obtained by simply separating the flowers into solid and liquid.

[0005] Meanwhile, various methods are known for extracting and separating components contained in plants from the plants, such as a method using steam distillation to extract and separate the upper layer (oil phase) that is separated into two layers; a direct extraction method in which the plant is directly immersed in water and heated, and then separated from the two layers; a solvent extraction method in which an organic solvent is used for extraction; a squeezing method in which an oily component is added and then extracted by squeezing; and a supercritical extraction method in which a supercritical fluid is used for extraction.

[0006] In addition, according to Patent Document 4 and the like, a method for extracting aroma components is also known in which direct extraction is performed at low temperature and reduced pressure. However, the raw material plant in Patent Document 4 is Citrus depressa, and the liquid extract containing aromatic components is used. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-272388 A [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2020 / 059808 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2021-014420 [Patent Document 4] JP 2013-203911 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned background technology, and an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and provide food and beverages that are safe and secure for consumers, easy to ingest (drink), and have excellent sleep-inducing effects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] As a result of extensive research into solving the above problems, the inventors discovered that by using a specific part of a specific plant and employing a specific method, a sleep-inducing effect can be obtained as a solid component rather than as a liquid or gas, and thus completed the present invention. Furthermore, the inventors have discovered that by making the compound extremely easy to ingest without reducing its sleep-inducing effect, the sleep-inducing effect can be easily obtained easily and without resistance, and have thus completed the present invention.

[0010] In other words, the present invention provides a sleep-inducing tea characterized by being prepared by mixing tea leaves with active ingredient substances obtained as a solid side by solid-liquid separation of petals of a plant belonging to the genus Prunus of the family Rosaceae while maintaining the temperature at 45°C or less in a container, and by brewing and drinking the tea, which functions as a sleep-inducing agent.

[0011] The present invention also provides the sleep-inducing tea, wherein the solid-liquid separation is carried out by stirring and crushing the petals with a stirring blade in the container, applying heat from the outside while the petals are crushed and stirred, and reducing the pressure so that the temperature of the petals is 5°C or higher and 45°C or lower.

[0012] The present invention also provides the sleep-inducing tea as described above, wherein the solid-liquid separation is carried out by placing only the petals of a plant of the genus Prunus of the family Rosaceae in the container, without adding any liquid or solid from the outside.

[0013] The present invention also provides the sleep-inducing tea, wherein the tea leaves are green tea, black tea, rooibos tea, herbal tea, oolong tea, barley tea, or roasted green tea.

[0014] The present invention also provides the sleep-inducing tea, wherein the tea leaves are green tea, and the green tea is stem tea. That is, the present invention provides the sleep-inducing tea, in which the green tea "sencha, gyokuro, or bancha" is a kukicha.

[0015] The present invention also provides the sleep-inducing tea, wherein the tea leaves are such that when 10 g of the tea leaves are immersed in 500 mL of hot water at 90°C for 30 seconds, only 2 mg or less of caffeine is extracted from the tea leaves.

[0016] The present invention also provides the sleep-inducing tea, which contains the active ingredient substance in an amount of 2 mass % or more based on the total mass of the sleep-inducing tea. In other words, the present invention provides the sleep-inducing tea, wherein the solid component obtained after solid-liquid separation is contained in an amount of 2 mass% or more relative to the entire sleep-inducing tea. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, the above problems and issues are resolved, and it is possible to obtain a "solid containing an active ingredient" that was difficult to obtain by other conventional extraction methods.

[0018] The active ingredient of the present invention (which may be a mixed substance) has not been identified by name or chemical formula, but unlike those obtained by conventional extraction methods, it is not a so-called "extraction" but rather a solid substance separated from solid-liquid. Thus, the active ingredient of the present invention is likely to be a solid having a novel composition (mixture of substances).

[0019] Furthermore, the "solid obtained by solid-liquid separation" in the present invention does not substantially contain volatile components and components that are liquid at room temperature, because they become gaseous (i.e., cooled liquid) and are removed when the solid-liquid separation is performed under reduced pressure. Therefore, from this point of view, the above-mentioned "solid" in the present invention is highly likely to be a solid having a novel composition (mixture of substances).

[0020] Furthermore, since it exerts a sleep-inducing effect when boiled in hot water and drunk or ingested, the active ingredient in the "solid obtained by solid-liquid separation" should be soluble in water of 70°C or higher. Solvent extraction and water extraction usually involve heating, so "substances that are soluble in water above 70°C" are extracted with the organic solvent or water (hot water) and do not exist (remain) in the extraction residue. On the other hand, the "solid obtained by solid-liquid separation" in the present invention contains substantially all of the "substances other than volatile substances (substances with low vapor pressure)", and therefore also contains "substances soluble in water at 70°C or higher". In other words, unlike ordinary extraction methods, the "solid" in the present invention contains water-soluble substances with high boiling points, and it is highly likely that these substances dissolve in the tea when it is brewed with hot water, resulting in the sleep-inducing effect. Therefore, from this point of view, it can be considered that the active ingredient of the present invention is a solid having a novel composition (mixture of substances), and that the active ingredient dissolves when boiled in hot water and exerts its effects when drunk.

[0021] In addition, when the petals of a plant belonging to the genus Prunus in the family Rosaceae are simply (freeze) dried and pulverized, they contain "substances with high vapor pressure." From this point of view, the "solid component" in the present invention is different in composition from the conventional "simple dried product of plant parts."

[0022] The active ingredient of the sleep-inducing tea of ​​the present invention, "a solid obtained by solid-liquid separation of the petals of a plant of the genus Prunus of the family Rosaceae," contains high concentrations of plant-derived ingredients because the solid-liquid separation does not require the use of an extraction solvent such as water or an organic solvent. Furthermore, since the "solid obtained by solid-liquid separation" can be free from substances derived from the extraction solvent, it can be composed only of naturally occurring components, including water, making it extremely safe and capable of being provided with peace of mind, and it has no odor of the extraction solvent.

[0023] In addition, the "solid containing the active ingredient" obtained by solid-liquid separation using the specific method of the present invention closely resembles tea leaves in shape, appearance, etc., and therefore can be mixed with ordinary tea leaves to form a single mass. Therefore, the sleep-inducing tea of ​​the present invention is difficult to distinguish from tea leaves that are usually brewed and drunk, and can be brewed in the same way as regular tea and drunk (ingested) with peace of mind. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the entire solid-liquid separation apparatus used in the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a vessel 100, a cooler 200, a (liquid) recovery vessel 400, a solid outlet 140, etc., which are provided in a solid-liquid separation apparatus used in the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing one embodiment of a crushing / mixing machine 110 provided in a vessel 100 provided in a solid-liquid separation apparatus used in the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a graph showing improvement in ISES (ICU sleep evaluation scale) before and after ingesting the sleep-inducing tea of ​​the present invention in Evaluation Example 1. [Diagram 5] 1 is a graph showing improvement in AIS (Athens Insomnia Scale) before and after ingesting the sleep-inducing tea of ​​the present invention in evaluation example 2. [Figure 6] 1 is a bar graph showing the results of a sensory evaluation by subjects in evaluation example 3 of the sleep-inducing tea of ​​the present invention in terms of color, aroma, ease of drinking, and aftertaste. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The present invention will be described below, however, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments below and can be modified as desired within the scope of the technical concept.

[0026] [Sleep induction tea] The present invention provides a sleep-inducing tea which is obtained by mixing tea leaves with an active ingredient obtained as a solid side by solid-liquid separation of petals of a plant belonging to the genus Prunus of the family Rosaceae while maintaining the temperature at 45°C or less in a container, and which functions as a sleep-inducing agent when brewed and drunk. Here, "sleep-inducing tea" refers to tea that has sleep-inducing properties.

[0027] <Raw materials> The above-mentioned plant belonging to the genus Prunus of the family Rosaceae (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "Prunus genus plants") is not particularly limited, but is preferably one or more plants selected from the group consisting of cherry blossom, plum, loquat, almond, peach, plum, prune and nectarine in terms of excellent sleep-inducing activity, etc.

[0028] Among them, cherry blossoms are particularly preferable from the above-mentioned viewpoints, and examples of the cherry blossoms include Somei-yoshino, Sekiyama, Yaezakura, Kawazuzakura, Weeping cherry, Edohiganzakura, Oshimazakura, Kanhizakura, Seiyomizakura, Yokozakura, and Shuzenjikanzakura.

[0029] The petals of a plant of the genus Prunus in the family Rosaceae used for solid-liquid separation may be either undried (fresh) or somewhat dried, but it is preferable to use undried (substantially fresh) petals, since the resulting "petal-derived solid" is not altered. Hereinafter, "petals of plants belonging to the genus Prunus of the family Rosaceae" may be abbreviated to simply "petals".

[0030] Here, the shape of the petals to be subjected to the specific solid-liquid separation method, i.e., the shape before being crushed and stirred, is not particularly limited as long as it is a shape that is easy to put into a container and is suitable for the container, and although calyxes, stamens, pistils, and other parts near the petals may be present, it is preferable to remove them.

[0031] It is preferable to place only the petals in the container and perform specific solid-liquid separation without adding any liquids or solids from the outside, for the following reasons: there is no need to add any substances; there is no possibility that substances added from the outside will remain in the solid components, all of the solid components are derived from natural products, and the solid components are safe and secure to drink; there is no possibility that substances added from the outside will promote the decomposition or deterioration of the solid components.

[0032] <Specific solid-liquid separation method> The active ingredient of the sleep-inducing tea of ​​the present invention, "the solid substance or component obtained when the petals of a plant belonging to the genus Prunus of the family Rosaceae are separated into solid and liquid," can be prepared by performing solid-liquid separation in container 100 while maintaining the temperature at 48°C or lower. In this specification, the above-mentioned contents in parentheses may be abbreviated simply as “solid-side ingredients.” The solid-side ingredients are the active ingredients in the sleep-inducing tea of ​​the present invention. Furthermore, hereinafter, the term "specific solid-liquid separation" or "specific solid-liquid separation method" may be used to refer to "solid-liquid separation while maintaining a temperature of 48°C or lower in the container" as well as the (more particularly) preferred range of solid-liquid separation described below.

[0033] As described above, the specific solid-liquid separation method is completely different from extraction methods such as steam distillation, direct extraction, solvent extraction, squeezing, and supercritical extraction, and the solid components obtained are also different from the components (substances) of the extraction residue in such extraction methods. At least, the component composition including the "content ratio of the substance" is completely different. For example, the "extraction residue" obtained by conventional extraction methods does not contain substances that dissolve in the extraction medium, such as organic solvents or water, but the "solid components" of the present invention contain such substances. Conversely, the "extraction residue" produced by conventional extraction methods contains low-boiling point substances (high vapor pressure substances), but the "solid components" do not contain large amounts of these substances. That is, the "solid components" include substances that have a relatively high boiling point (low vapor pressure) and are soluble in organic solvents, water, and the like.

[0034] The solid component, which is the active ingredient of the sleep-inducing tea of ​​the present invention, is preferably obtained by a specific solid-liquid separation method in which petals of a plant of the genus Prunus are crushed and stirred with a stirring blade in a container 100, heat is applied from the outside while the petals are crushed and stirred, and the pressure is reduced so that the temperature of the petals becomes 5°C to 45°C. In other words, the "specific solid-liquid separation method" is preferably a method in which the petals are crushed and stirred with a stirring blade in the container 100, heat is applied from the outside while the petals are crushed and stirred, and the pressure is reduced so that the temperature of the petals becomes 5°C or higher and 45°C or lower, thereby performing solid-liquid separation.

[0035] This specific solid-liquid separation method does not substantially use extraction media or additives such as organic solvents, water, water vapor, liquid carbon dioxide, liquid ammonia, etc., and instead performs direct solid-liquid separation under reduced pressure at a temperature between 5°C and 45°C, which is preferable in the following respects: a substance with a sleep-inducing effect can be obtained; no extraction media or additives can remain, and a solid component consisting only of natural ingredients can be produced; no odor of solvents or additives remains; the active ingredients (solid component) do not decompose thermally; and only the cell water and low-boiling point components contained in the petals are removed.

[0036] <<While stirring and crushing, apply heat from outside and reduce pressure to separate solid and liquid>> The specific solid-liquid separation method includes a step of crushing and stirring a plant belonging to the genus Cherry with an impeller, and then applying heat from the outside while the plant is crushed and stirred, thereby performing solid-liquid separation by reducing the pressure.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of an apparatus used in the specific solid-liquid separation method. The vessel 100 is composed of a lower semi-cylindrical portion 101 that houses an agitating blade, and an upper rectangular portion 102 formed on the lower semi-cylindrical portion 101. Around the lower semi-cylindrical portion 101, there is a steam chamber 121 that adds heat to the inside of the vessel 100. At the center of the bottommost portion of the lower semi-cylindrical portion 101, a solid outlet 140 for taking out solid components (active components) after solid-liquid separation is provided.

[0038] The container 100 is provided with an exhaust port for the sucked steam, and a pipe leading to the cooler 200 is connected to this exhaust port. An inlet 103 for inserting petals is provided at the top of the upper rectangular portion 102, and a lid for closing the inlet 103 is provided.

[0039] When using the specific solid-liquid separation method, it is preferable to crush and stir the petals in a container with a stirring blade, and perform solid-liquid separation while crushing and stirring. By performing solid-liquid separation in this manner, solid-liquid separation becomes possible immediately from the fresh crushed surface that is created, and it is possible to prevent the active ingredient (solid ingredient) from being degraded by thermal decomposition, oxidation, etc.

[0040] For example, Figure 3 is an oblique view showing the configuration inside the container, in which the rotating blade body 112 is rotated by a motor provided outside the container 100, and is configured in a structure without a central axis by left and right end plates that are rotatably supported on the end walls of the container 100, and the rotating blade body 112 having an "L" shape with both ends fixed between the tips of the left and right end plates.

[0041] A plurality of fixed blades 111 are fixed to the inner surface of the lower semi-cylindrical portion 101, and the fixed blades 111 and the rotary blade 113 are capable of cutting the petals. In FIG. 3, the fixed blade 111 and the movable blade are arranged at circumferentially offset positions so that meshing occurs sequentially with a time lag, thereby preventing an instantaneous increase in the power of the drive motor of the rotating blade body 112.

[0042] The specific solid-liquid separation method is carried out, for example, as follows. The petals are put into the container. The stirring blade is then rotated in the direction of arrow R in Fig. 2, and the petals in the container are crushed into small pieces between the movable blade and the fixed blade 111 while being stirred.

[0043] Simultaneously with the above stirring and crushing, heat is applied from the outside by supplying heating steam into the steam chamber 121. The heat applied to the container 100 is transferred to the petals, and solid-liquid separation is promoted by the petals being stirred by the "L"-shaped rotating blade body 112. This solid-liquid separation is further promoted by the petals being crushed into smaller pieces by the movable blade and fixed blade 111. At that time, the temperature and amount of the heating steam sent into the steam chamber 121 is adjusted to bring the temperature of the petals themselves into a preferred range described below.

[0044] By using a pressure reducer such as an ejector or a vacuum pump to suck out the gas inside the container through the piping, the water and other substances contained in the petals inside the container begin to evaporate. At that time, the amount of suction and the suction power of the pressure reducer are adjusted so that the pressure (degree of reduced pressure) during solid-liquid separation is within a preferred range described below. The “vapor of the components contained in the petals” and the “vapor of water which is the main component of the cell water” (water vapor) in the container are sucked through piping and liquefied in the cooler 200 . The pressure reducer is preferably an ejector because of its large exhaust capacity.

[0045] As mentioned above, the temperature of the petals inside the container is raised by heat conduction from the outside, but the petals inside the container are cooled by the heat of evaporation caused by the reduced pressure of the "low boiling point substances such as water" contained in the petals.

[0046] <<Temperature and pressure for specific solid-liquid separation>> When a specific solid-liquid separation method is used, the temperature of the solid-liquid separation is not particularly limited, but it is essential that the petals themselves are 48°C or less, preferably 47°C or less, more preferably 5°C or more and 45°C or less, even more preferably 10°C or more and 40°C or less, and particularly preferably 15°C or more and 36°C or less.

[0047] When the lower limit is within the above range, the solid-liquid separation time can be shortened, so that decomposition and loss of the active ingredient is suppressed, and there is no unnecessary time loss, which is economical. Also, the active ingredient can be sufficiently separated into solid and liquid. If solid-liquid separation is performed while crushing and stirring, solid-liquid separation can be performed quickly when a fresh crushed surface is created. However, if the lower limit of the temperature is as above, the effect is further enhanced by the shortening of the solid-liquid separation time. On the other hand, when the upper limit is within the above range, the active ingredient can be subjected to solid-liquid separation while preventing the active ingredient from being denatured or decomposed by heat.

[0048] When the specific solid-liquid separation method is used, the degree of vacuum for the solid-liquid separation is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to carry out the solid-liquid separation while maintaining a pressure of 20 kPa or less. It is more preferably 15 kPa or less, further preferably 10 kPa or less, and particularly preferably 5 kPa or less.

[0049] When the pressure is within the above range, solid-liquid separation of the active ingredient is possible in a short time at a low temperature, so that denaturation and decomposition of the active ingredient due to heat can be prevented, and the active ingredient can be sufficiently separated into solid and liquid. In addition, since the solid-liquid separation time can be shortened, decomposition and loss of the active ingredient are suppressed, and there is no unnecessary time loss, making it economical. When the temperature and pressure are within the above ranges, it is easy to balance the heating of the petals due to heat conduction from the outside and the cooling of the petals due to the heat of evaporation, particularly of water, and solid-liquid separation can be carried out efficiently.

[0050] When crushing and stirring the petals to separate them into solid and liquid form, the solid and liquid separation can be completed quickly as soon as a fresh crushed surface is created. However, if the pressure is low, as in the above values, the solid-liquid separation speed is fast, which has a synergistic effect in suppressing the decomposition and loss of active ingredients.

[0051] <Tea leaves> The sleep-inducing tea of ​​the present invention is prepared by mixing tea leaves with active ingredient substances (solid-side components) obtained as the solid side after solid-liquid separation.

[0052] The tea of ​​the tea leaves to be mixed with the active ingredient (solid component) is not particularly limited, but is preferably green tea, black tea, rooibos tea, herbal tea, oolong tea, barley tea, or roasted green tea, for the following reasons: it is a commonly enjoyed drink; it contains little or no caffeine (it is possible to reduce the amount of caffeine); the shape of the tea leaves is very similar to that of the active ingredient (solid component) so that they become like a single tea leaf; it is suitable as a bulking agent (diluent) for the active ingredient (solid component); and it promotes or does not interfere with (suppress) the induction of sleep.

[0053] When the tea leaves are green tea, the green tea is preferably sencha, gyokuro, bancha, kabusecha, or gyokuryokucha from the above-mentioned points, and is particularly preferably sencha, gyokuro, or bancha. From another perspective, it is preferable that the tea leaves are kukicha, and when the tea leaves are green tea, it is more preferable that the green tea is kukicha. In other words, it is more preferable that the "sencha, gyokuro, or bancha" is kukicha. Kukicha contains little or no caffeine, so it does not suppress the sleep-inducing effects.

[0054] In order not to inhibit the sleep-inducing effect, it is preferable that the above-mentioned tea leaves be ones from which only 2 mg or less of caffeine is extracted when 10 g of the tea leaves are immersed in 500 mL of 90°C hot water for 30 seconds, 1.5 mg or less is more preferable, and 1.0 mg or less is particularly preferable.

[0055] <Mixing ratio of solid ingredients (active ingredients) to tea leaves (% by mass)> In the sleep-inducing tea of ​​the present invention, the active ingredient substance (i.e., the solid component) is preferably contained in an amount of 2% by mass or more relative to the entire sleep-inducing tea, more preferably 4% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less, even more preferably 6% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 8% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less.

[0056] If the lower limit is as stated above, the sleep-inducing effect of the active ingredient (solid-side ingredient) is suitably exhibited. On the other hand, if the upper limit is as stated above, there are effects such as the flavor of the tea being well maintained, the tea being drinkable without any difference from normal tea, and no increase in costs.

[0057] The two can be "mixed" using a normal mixer such as a V-type mixer, a mixing blade type mixer, a shaking mixer, etc. The drinker can also mix them by hand in a small container.

[0058] <Other ingredients> Furthermore, the sleep-inducing tea of ​​the present invention may contain "other ingredients" in addition to the active ingredient "solid components obtained by solid-liquid separation of the petals of a plant belonging to the genus Prunus of the family Rosaceae."

[0059] The "other ingredients" in the sleep-inducing tea are not particularly limited and can be selected appropriately according to the purpose within a range that does not impair the effects of the present invention. Examples include ingredients contained in various food ingredients. Furthermore, the content of the "other components" is not particularly limited and can be appropriately adjusted depending on the purpose.

[0060] <How to brew and consume tea> The sleep-inducing tea of ​​the present invention is characterized in that it functions as a sleep-inducing agent when brewed and drunk. After brewing, the tea leaves etc. may be removed by filtration, decanting, etc. (or may not be consumed), or may be consumed together with the liquid (tea). The temperature of the water is usually the same as that for brewing tea. You can brew the tea in a teapot, use a tea bag, or boil it in water and then strain it using a filter cloth. The "solid component" and / or "said tea leaves" can also be powdered and brewed for drinking. In this case, filtration or decanting is not required. EXAMPLES

[0061] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to examples, comparative examples and evaluation examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples as long as it does not depart from the gist of the invention.

[0062] Example 1 <Petals of a plant belonging to the genus Prunus in the family Rosaceae are separated into solid and liquid to obtain the solid components> 1.0 kg of cherry blossom (Somei-Yoshino) petals were placed as they were in the container 100 shown in Figs. 1 to 3 and subjected to solid-liquid separation. The solid-liquid separation conditions were as follows: (1) Petal temperature: 10~37℃ (2) Temperature setting inside the container: 30 to 40°C (3) Pressure inside the container: 5.0 kPa (4) Rotation speed of the stirring blade (movable blade): 4 rpm (revolutions / minute)

[0063] After the solid-liquid separation was completed, 200 g of the “solid component” was taken out from the solid outlet 140 and obtained.

[0064] Example 2 <Petals of a plant belonging to the genus Prunus in the family Rosaceae are separated into solid and liquid to obtain the solid components> 1.0 kg of cherry blossom (Somei-Yoshino) petals were placed as they were in the container 100 shown in Figs. 1 to 3 and subjected to solid-liquid separation. The solid-liquid separation conditions were as follows. (1) Petal temperature: 10~30℃ (2) Temperature setting inside the container: 40 to 45°C (3) Pressure inside the container: 3.0 kPa (4) Rotation speed of the stirring blade (movable blade): 6 rpm (revolutions / minute)

[0065] After the solid-liquid separation was completed, 200 g of the “solid component” was taken out from the solid outlet 140 and obtained.

[0066] Comparative Example 1 <The petals of a plant belonging to the genus Prunus in the family Rosaceae are subjected to solvent extraction to obtain an extraction residue> 0.3 kg of cherry blossom (Somei-Yoshino) petals were extracted with a solvent of ethanol / water = 50 / 50 (mass ratio) at the boiling point of the solvent, and the remaining extraction residue was dried at 25°C to obtain a "solid".

[0067] Comparative Example 2 <Freeze-dry petals from a plant belonging to the genus Prunus in the family Rosaceae to obtain a solid> 0.3 kg of cherry blossom (Somei-Yoshino) petals were freeze-dried in a conventional manner to obtain a "solid."

[0068] Example 3 A sleep-inducing tea was prepared by mixing 10 parts by mass of the "solid component" obtained in Examples 1 and 2 with 90 parts by mass of green tea leaves, such as Sencha tea. The solid component, which is an active ingredient, was contained at 10% by mass relative to the entire sleep-inducing tea. The sencha leaves contained 2 mg of caffeine per 10 g of tea leaves.

[0069] Example 4 In Example 3, a sleep induction tea was prepared in the same manner as in Example 3, except that 90 parts by mass of the leaves of sencha were replaced with 90 parts by mass of the leaves of gyokuro or bancha, which are green teas, black tea, rooibos tea, herbal tea, oolong tea, mugicha, or houjicha.

[0070] The leaves of the gyokuro contained 16 mg of caffeine per 10 g of tea leaves. The leaves of the black tea contained 3 mg of caffeine per 10 g of tea leaves. The oolong tea and the houjicha contained 2 mg of caffeine per 10 g of tea leaves. The other tea leaves contained only 1 mg or less of caffeine per 10 g of tea leaves.

[0071] Example 5 In Example 3, a sleep induction tea was prepared in the same manner as in Example 3, except that 90 parts by mass of the leaves of sencha were replaced with 90 parts by mass of the stem tea of sencha. The stem tea contained less than 0.1 mg (below the measurement limit) of caffeine per 10 g of tea leaves.

[0072] Comparative Example 3 <Only sencha> A sleep induction tea was prepared using only the "leaves of sencha, which is a green tea" used in Example 3 without containing (mixing) the "solid-side solid" in the present invention.

[0073] Evaluation Example 1 <Sleep evaluation by ISES> Using the "solid-side component" obtained in Example 1, a sleep induction tea was prepared as described in Example 3. That is, 10 parts by mass of the "solid-side component" and 90 parts by mass of the leaves of sencha were mixed to prepare a sleep induction tea.

[0074] The sleep induction tea obtained above was brewed in a teapot with hot water at 90°C, and five subjects were each given 100 mL to drink three times. The next day, a sleep evaluation was performed using ISES. Also, for the same five subjects, a sleep evaluation was performed using ISES for their normal state when they were not drinking the sleep induction tea.

[0075] Specifically, five adult women aged 50 years or older (ages 79, 69, 69, 65, and 50) were asked to fill out the "Self-Sleep Assessment Sheet Based on the ICU ISES (Sleep Evaluation Scale)" shown in Table 1 below before and after drinking the sleep-inducing tea. The scores of No. 1 to 6 in Table 1 were totaled to calculate the average score for the five participants. Each question was scored 1, 2, or 3 points, so the lowest total score (worst score) was 6 points and the highest total score (best score) was 18 points. For statistical analysis, the Wilcoxon signed rank test was performed using SPSS software.

[0076] [Table 1]

[0077] The results are shown in Figure 4. The horizontal axis in Figure 4, "Before," represents the average total score of the five participants on the "ISES Sleep Self-Evaluation Sheet" (Table 1) before drinking the sleep-inducing tea, and "After" represents the average total score of the five participants after drinking the tea.

[0078] As can be seen from Figure 4, the total score for the sleep-related questions was higher "after drinking" compared to "before drinking." This demonstrates that drinking the sleep-inducing tea of ​​Example 1 of the present invention improves sleep.

[0079] Evaluation example 2 <Sleep assessment using the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS)> A sleep-inducing tea was prepared as described in Example 3 using the "solid components" obtained in Example 1. That is, 10 parts by mass of the "solid components" and 90 parts by mass of sencha leaves were mixed to prepare a sleep-inducing tea.

[0080] The sleep-inducing tea obtained above was brewed in a teapot with 90°C hot water, and five subjects were asked to drink 100 mL of the tea three times a day for one month. After one month, sleep was evaluated using the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). The same five participants were also given a sleep assessment using the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) during their normal sleep state, when they were not drinking the sleep-inducing tea.

[0081] Specifically, five adult women aged 50 or older (aged 79, 69, 69, 65, and 50) were asked to fill out the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) (self-assessment of insomnia) shown in Table 2 below before and after drinking the sleep-inducing tea. The scores for questions 1 to 8 in Table 2 were totaled to calculate the average score for the five participants. Since each question received 0, 1, 2, or 3 points, the lowest total score (best score) was 0 points and the highest total score (worst score) was 24 points. For statistical analysis, the Wilcoxon signed rank test was performed using SPSS software.

[0082] [Table 2]

[0083] The results are shown in Figure 5. The horizontal axis in Figure 5, "Before," represents the average total score of the five subjects on the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) (Table 2) before drinking the sleep-inducing tea, and "After" represents the average total score of the five subjects after drinking the tea.

[0084] As can be seen from Figure 5, the total score for the sleep-related questions was lower "after drinking" compared to "before drinking." This demonstrates that drinking the sleep-inducing tea of ​​Example 1 of the present invention improves sleep.

[0085] Evaluation example 3 <Survey results regarding drinking sensation after drinking> A sleep-inducing tea was prepared as described in Example 3 using the "solid components" obtained in Example 1. That is, 10 parts by mass of the "solid components" and 90 parts by mass of sencha leaves were mixed to prepare a sleep-inducing tea.

[0086] The sleep-inducing tea obtained above was brewed in a teapot with 90°C hot water, and 5 subjects similar to those in Evaluation Example 1 were asked to drink 100 mL of the tea. They then answered a questionnaire about the tea's flavor, such as color, aroma, drinkability, and aftertaste, and were given a score based on the following criteria to calculate a "total score."

[0087] <<Judgment criteria>> 5. Highly preferred 4. Preferred 3. Normal 2. Not desirable 1. Very unfavourable

[0088] The results are shown in Figure 6. All items were scored at 4 points or higher. It was found that the infusion of the sleep-inducing tea of ​​the present invention was excellent in terms of color, aroma, ease of drinking, and pleasant aftertaste.

[0089] Evaluation example 4 <Subject comments> The comments given to the subjects in the questionnaire were as follows: 1: The tea had a good taste and aroma. 2: As soon as I drank it, I felt warm and relaxed. 3: I brewed it in a pot, enjoyed a cup, and slept well. 4: I didn't take Depas (anti-anxiety drug, muscle relaxant, sleep inducer) or rhinitis medicine during this time. This tea was better than the rhinitis medicine. The number of times I had to blow my nose in the morning was greatly reduced. 5: I had some trouble sleeping, but even though I wasn't using Depas, I got sleepy within 30 minutes of drinking this tea. Some days I had a light sleep, but it was amazing to be able to sleep without using medicine. 6: It was very easy to drink, but it could do with a little more cherry blossom scent.

[0090] Evaluation Example 5 <Changing solid-liquid separation conditions> Using the "solid-side component" obtained in Example 1, instead of the sleep-inducing tea prepared in Example 3, using the "solid-side component" obtained in Example 2, when evaluating the sleep-inducing tea prepared in Example 3, evaluation results almost the same as those of Evaluation Examples 1 to 4 were obtained. It was found that even when the solid-liquid separation conditions were changed within a certain range, there was a sleep-inducing effect of the present invention.

[0091] Evaluation Example 6 <Change in tea leaves to be mixed> Using the "solid-side component" obtained in Example 1, instead of the sleep-inducing tea prepared in Example 3, using the "solid-side component" obtained in Example 1, when evaluating the sleep-inducing teas prepared in Examples 4 and 5, evaluation results almost the same as those of Evaluation Examples 1 to 4 were obtained. It was found that even when the type of tea leaves to be mixed and used was changed, the sleep-inducing effect of the present invention was the same as that of sencha (Examples 3, 4, 5).

[0092] In particular, it was found that even in the tea leaves containing relatively much caffeine in Examples 3 and 4, there was a sleep-inducing effect of the present invention. Also, for the rooibos tea, herbal tea, barley tea, and roasted green tea in Example 4, effects equivalent to or higher than those of sencha were recognized. Also, in Example 5, when the stem tea of sencha was mixed and used together, since the stem tea does not contain caffeine, the sleep-inducing effect of the present invention was further enhanced.

[0093] Evaluation Example 7 <Evaluation of solids (extraction residues) obtained by other extraction methods> Using the "solids" obtained in Comparative Example 1 (solvent extraction) and Comparative Example 2 (simply crushing the flower petals), in the same manner as in Example 3, 10 parts by mass of the "solids" and 90 parts by mass of the leaves of sencha, which is green tea, were mixed to prepare tea.

[0094] When evaluated in the same manner as in Evaluation Examples 1 and 2, no sleep-inducing effect was recognized. In the solid obtained in Comparative Example 1 (solvent extraction), the active ingredients that are released when boiled in hot water were transferred to the extraction solvent, and therefore it is believed that no sleep-inducing effect was observed. The solid obtained in Comparative Example 2 (simply crushing the petals) contains a substance with a high vapor pressure (low boiling point), which is thought to inhibit the sleep-inducing effect. [Industrial Applicability]

[0095] The sleep-inducing tea of ​​the present invention has excellent sleep-inducing and sleep-inducing effects, and is therefore widely used in the fields of food and beverage manufacturing, health food manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, nursing care, and food and beverage provision. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 100 containers 101 Lower semi-cylindrical part 102 Upper rectangular section 103 Inlet 104 Inlet lid 110 Crushing and mixing machine 111 Fixed blade 112a Rotary blade body 112b Rotary blade body 113a Rotary blade 113b Rotary blade 114a Rotary blade groove 114b Rotary blade groove 120 Heating unit (steam chamber 121 + steam supply device 122) 121 Steam Room 122 Steam supply device 130 Gas outlet 131 Gas piping 140 Solids outlet 200 cooler 300 Pressure reducing device 301 Water ejector 302 Water Circulation Pump 303 Water Tank 400 Liquid collection container 405 Liquid Extraction Valve

Claims

1. The method comprises subjecting petals of a plant of the genus Prunus of the family Rosaceae to solid-liquid separation in a container while maintaining the temperature at 48°C or less, and mixing the solid side of the active ingredient substance with tea leaves, This sleep-inducing tea is characterized by functioning as a sleep-inducing agent when boiled and drunk.

2. 2. The sleep-inducing tea of ​​claim 1, wherein the solid-liquid separation is carried out by stirring and crushing the petals with a stirring blade in the container, applying heat from the outside while the petals are being crushed and stirred, and reducing the pressure so that the temperature of the petals is 5°C or higher and 45°C or lower.

3. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the solid-liquid separation is carried out while maintaining a pressure of 20 kPa or less inside the container.

4. 2. The sleep-inducing tea according to claim 1, wherein the solid-liquid separation is carried out by placing only petals of a plant belonging to the genus Prunus of the family Rosaceae in the container, without adding any liquid or solid from outside.

5. 2. The sleep-inducing tea according to claim 1, wherein the plant of the genus Prunus in the family Rosaceae is cherry blossom.

6. 2. The sleep-inducing tea according to claim 1, wherein the tea leaves are green tea, black tea, rooibos tea, herbal tea, oolong tea, barley tea, or roasted green tea.

7. 7. The sleep-inducing tea according to claim 6, wherein the tea leaves are green tea, and the green tea is sencha, gyokuro, or bancha.

8. 7. The sleep-inducing tea according to claim 6, wherein the tea leaves are green tea, and the green tea is kukicha.

9. 2. The sleep-inducing tea according to claim 1, wherein the tea leaves are tea leaves from which only 2 mg or less of caffeine is extracted when 10 g of the tea leaves are immersed in 500 mL of hot water at 90° C. for 30 seconds.

10. 2. The sleep-inducing tea according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is contained in an amount of 2% by mass or more based on the total amount of the sleep-inducing tea.

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