Expression promoter for melanin synthesis gene and / or melanin transport gene, Anti-white hair composition, and treatment method

Abstract

To provide a new expression promoter for promoting the expression of melanin synthesis gene and / or melanin transport gene, and a scalp or skin treating method using the expression promoter.SOLUTION: An expression promoter for melanin synthesis gene and / or melanin transport gene contains at least one selected from Coix seed extract and Thymus Serphyllum extract. There is also provided a scalp or skin treating method using the expression promoter.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an agent for promoting the expression of a melanin synthesis gene and / or a melanin transport gene, an anti-hair graying composition, and a treatment method. [Background technology]

[0002] Melanin is present in hair and skin and plays a role in preventing damage to living tissues by ultraviolet rays. Melanin is also a colored pigment and is involved in the color tone of hair and skin.

[0003] Research has been conducted to prevent gray hair and improve hair color by promoting melanin production and increasing the amount of melanin newly produced in hair follicles. Research has also been conducted to promote melanin production by melanin-producing cells present in the epidermis and improve skin color for the purpose of skin tanning, etc.

[0004] As an example of such research, a melanocyte activator containing an extract of a plant of the genus Catonotus in the Asteraceae family as its active ingredient has been proposed, which exerts cyclic AMP induction and tyrosinase activity promotion effects in melanocytes, thereby providing an agent with excellent melanocyte activating properties that can be used as a hair graying prevention agent, tanning agent, etc. (Patent Document 1).

[0005] Another example, different from Patent Document 1, focuses on the mechanism of melanin production in the body and promotes melanin production by promoting the expression of genes related to melanin production in melanin-producing cells such as melanocytes. For example, Patent Document 2 proposes an agent for preventing and improving hair color changes, in which an extract of kudzu root or the like enhances the expression of genes related to melanin synthesis, melanosome formation, and melanosome transport in hair, thereby preventing and improving hair color changes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-114700 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-38790 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Conventional techniques for promoting melanin production include those proposed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, but there are currently few reports on promoting the expression of melanin-related genes. In light of this background, there is a demand for the proposal of a new technique for promoting the expression of melanin-related genes, as well as a demand for the proposal of a new anti-hair graying composition that focuses on promoting the expression of melanin-related genes.

[0008] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a new expression promoter that promotes the expression of melanin synthesis genes and / or melanin transport genes, and to provide a method for treating the scalp or skin other than the scalp using the expression promoter. Another object of the present invention is to provide a new anti-hair-graying composition and a method for treating the scalp using the anti-hair-graying composition. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] Based on the above-mentioned problems, the present inventors have conducted extensive research into components capable of promoting the expression of melanin synthesis genes and / or melanin transport genes in melanocytes, and have discovered that cinchona extract, coix seed extract, and wild thyme extract are capable of promoting the expression of melanin synthesis genes and / or melanin transport genes in melanocytes. Based on this discovery, the present inventors have found that cinchona extract, coix seed extract, and wild thyme extract can be used as an expression promoter for melanin synthesis genes and / or melanin transport genes.

[0010] That is, the expression promoter of the melanin synthesis gene and / or melanin transport gene of the present invention comprises one or more selected from cinchona extract, coix seed extract, and wild thyme extract.

[0011] The expression promoter of the present invention is preferable when used for anti-graying purposes, since it can improve and prevent graying.

[0012] The anti-hair graying composition of the present invention contains the expression promoter of the present invention.

[0013] The method for treating the scalp or skin excluding the scalp of the present invention involves applying to the scalp or skin excluding the scalp an expression promoter of melanin synthesis genes and / or melanin transport genes containing one or more selected from the cinchona extract, coix seed extract, and wild thyme extract of the present invention.

[0014] The scalp treatment method of the present invention involves applying to the scalp an anti-hair graying composition containing the expression promoter of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The expression promoter of the melanin synthesis gene and / or melanin transport gene according to the present invention can provide a novel expression promoter of the melanin synthesis gene and / or melanin transport gene, as well as a method for treating the scalp or skin other than the scalp using the expression promoter.

[0016] The anti-hair-graying composition according to the present invention can provide a new anti-hair-graying composition and a scalp treatment method using the anti-hair-graying composition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention will be described below based on an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the present embodiment").

[0018] (1) Expression promoter of melanin synthesis gene and / or melanin transport gene The expression promoter of the melanin synthesis gene and / or melanin transport gene of this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "the expression promoter of this embodiment") contains one or more selected from cinchona extract, coix seed extract, and wild thyme extract. The term "and / or" means either one or both (hereinafter, the same meaning is used).

[0019] The expression promoter of this embodiment can promote the expression of melanin synthesis genes and / or melanin transport genes. Promotion of the expression of melanin synthesis genes and / or melanin transport genes by the expression promoter of this embodiment further improves the function of melanin synthesis and transport in melanocytes present in hair roots or skin, thereby making it possible to increase the amount of melanin in hair or skin.

[0020] (melanin synthesis gene) The melanin synthesis gene in the expression promoter of this embodiment refers to a gene involved in melanin synthesis in cells. Examples of melanin synthesis genes include the TYR gene, DCT gene, TYRP1 gene, Pmel17 gene, and preproendothelin1 gene. Therefore, the expression promoter of this embodiment can be an expression promoter of one or more melanin synthesis genes selected from, for example, the TYR gene, the DCT gene, the TYRP1 gene, the Pmel17 gene, and the preproendothelin1 gene.

[0021] The TYR gene encodes tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in the production of melanin pigment in cells. The DCT gene encodes dopachrome tautomerase, an enzyme involved in the production of melanin pigment in cells. The TYRP1 gene encodes tyrosinase-related protein 1, which plays a role in supporting the activity of tyrosinase and is involved in melanin pigment production.

[0022] If the expression level of the TYR gene, DCT gene, or TYRP1 gene increases in melanocytes present in the hair root, tyrosinase, dopachrome tautomerase, or tyrosinase-related protein 1, which promote melanin pigment production within the cells, will increase, promoting the production of melanin pigment in melanocytes and increasing the amount of melanin supplied to the hair shaft, which is thought to contribute to a decrease in hair brightness. Furthermore, if the expression level of the TYR gene, DCT gene, or TYRP1 gene increases in melanocytes present in the skin, the levels of tyrosinase, dopachrome tautomerase, or tyrosinase-related protein 1, which promote melanin production within the cells, will increase, promoting the production of melanin in melanocytes and increasing the amount of melanin supplied to the skin, which is thought to contribute to a decrease in skin brightness.

[0023] The Pmel17 gene encodes Pmel17, a glycoprotein that constitutes the fibers in which melanin pigment is deposited in melanosomes and is involved in melanosome maturation.

[0024] If the expression level of the Pmel17 gene increases in melanocytes present in the hair root, the increase in Pmel17 will promote melanosome maturation and increase the amount of melanin stored in melanosomes, which is thought to increase the amount of melanin supplied to the hair shaft and contribute to a decrease in hair brightness. Furthermore, if the expression level of the Pmel17 gene increases in melanocytes in the skin, the increase in Pmel17 will promote melanosome maturation and increase the amount of melanin pigment stored in melanosomes, which is thought to increase the amount of melanin supplied to the skin and contribute to a decrease in skin brightness.

[0025] The preproendothelin1 gene encodes preproendothelin1. Preproendothelin1 is a protein that serves as a precursor to endothelin-1. It is converted into big endothelin by intracellular enzymes, and then becomes endothelin-1. Endothelin-1 is known to stimulate melanocyte proliferation.

[0026] If the expression level of the preproendothelin1 gene increases in keratinocytes present in the hair root, the amount of preproendothelin1 increases, which in turn promotes the proliferation of melanocytes and increases the amount of melanin supplied to the hair shaft, which is thought to contribute to a decrease in hair brightness. Furthermore, if the expression level of the preproendothelin1 gene increases in keratinocytes in the skin, the amount of preproendothelin1 increases, which in turn promotes the proliferation of melanocytes and increases the amount of melanin supplied to the skin, which is thought to contribute to a decrease in skin brightness.

[0027] The expression promoter of this embodiment can promote the expression of one or more melanin synthesis genes selected from the group consisting of the TYR gene, the DCT gene, the TYRP1 gene, the Pmel17 gene, and the preproendothelin1 gene. Therefore, the expression promoter of this embodiment is believed to improve melanin synthesis in melanocytes at the hair root, thereby contributing to a decrease in hair brightness, thereby suppressing changes in hair color tone and the occurrence of gray hair. Similarly, the expression promoter of this embodiment is believed to improve melanin synthesis in melanocytes in the skin, thereby contributing to a decrease in skin brightness.

[0028] (melanin transporter gene) The melanin transport gene in the expression promoter of this embodiment refers to a gene involved in the transport of melanin in cells. Examples of melanin transport genes include the Rab27A gene, the MYO5A gene, and the MLPH gene. Therefore, the expression promoter of this embodiment can be an expression promoter of one or more melanin transport genes selected from, for example, the Rab27A gene, the MYO5A gene, and the MLPH gene.

[0029] The Rab27A gene encodes Rab27A, a small G protein that transports melanosomes in melanocytes. The MYO5A gene encodes myosin Va, an actin-dependent motor protein. The MLPH gene encodes melanophilin, an effector protein of Rab proteins, which promotes melanosome transport by forming a ternary complex with melanophilin, Rab27A, and myosin Va.

[0030] If the expression level of the Rab27A gene, MYO5A gene, or MLPH gene increases in melanocytes present in the hair root, Rab27A, myosin Va, or melanophilin will increase, which will promote the transport of melanosomes in melanocytes, increasing the amount of melanin supplied to the hair shaft and contributing to a decrease in hair brightness. Furthermore, if the expression level of the Rab27A gene, MYO5A gene, or MLPH gene increases in melanocytes present in the skin, Rab27A, myosin Va, or melanophilin will increase, which will promote the transport of melanosomes in melanocytes, thereby increasing the amount of melanin supplied to the skin and contributing to a decrease in skin brightness.

[0031] The expression promoter of this embodiment can promote the expression of one or more melanin transport genes selected from the group consisting of the Rab27A gene, the MYO5A gene, and the MLPH gene. Therefore, the expression promoter of this embodiment is believed to promote melanosome transport in melanocytes, thereby increasing the amount of melanin supplied to the hair shaft, thereby contributing to a decrease in hair brightness and suppressing changes in hair color tone and the occurrence of gray hair. Similarly, the expression promoter of this embodiment is believed to promote melanosome transport in skin melanocytes, thereby contributing to a decrease in skin brightness.

[0032] (Cinchona extract) The cinchona extract of the expression promoter of this embodiment is an extract obtained by extracting from a plant of the genus Cinchona in the family Rubiaceae (for example, Cinchona (scientific name: Cinchona Succirubra)). Examples of parts from which the cinchona extract is extracted include the bark.

[0033] The extract includes an extract obtained from a plant of the genus Cinchona in the family Rubiaceae using an extraction solvent, as well as processed products of the extract (for example, a diluted extract, a concentrated extract, or a dried extract). A known method may be used to extract the extract. The extraction temperature during the extraction procedure may be appropriately set depending on the extraction solvent used, and may be set at any temperature within the range of, for example, -4°C to 100°C. Examples of the extraction solvent include water, an organic solvent, or a mixture thereof. Examples of the organic solvent include lower aliphatic alcohols having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, such as methanol, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol; and polyhydric alcohols having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, such as 1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol, and glycerin. When an organic solvent is used as the extraction solvent, one or more organic solvents may be used.

[0034] The cinchona extract used in the expression promoter of this embodiment may be one obtained using the extraction method described above, or may be a commercially available product, such as Cinchona Extract BG and Cinchona Extract-J, both manufactured by Maruzen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

[0035] The upper limit of the amount of cinchona extract in the expression promoter of this embodiment (if the cinchona extract contains an extraction solvent or dilution solvent, this amount excludes these; the same applies below to the amount of cinchona extract) is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of further promoting the expression of melanin synthesis genes and / or melanin transport genes. Furthermore, the lower limit of the amount of cinchona extract in the expression promoter of this embodiment is, for example, 1.5% by mass or less.

[0036] (Yokuinin extract) The coix seed extract of the expression promoter of this embodiment is an extract obtained by extracting from the seeds of Job's tears (scientific name: Coix lachryma-jobi Ma-yuen) of the genus Job's tears of the family Poaceae. Examples of parts from which the extract is obtained include seeds and seed coats with the seed coat removed.

[0037] The extract includes an extract obtained from the seeds of Job's tears (Coix lacryma-jobi) belonging to the genus Job's tears of the family Poaceae using an extraction solvent, and processed products of the extract (for example, a diluted extract, a concentrated extract, or a dried extract). A known method may be used to extract the extract. The extraction temperature during the extraction procedure may be appropriately set depending on the extraction solvent used, and may be set at any temperature within the range of, for example, -4°C to 100°C. Examples of the extraction solvent include water, an organic solvent, or a mixture thereof. Examples of the organic solvent include lower aliphatic alcohols having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, such as methanol, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol; and polyhydric alcohols having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, such as 1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol, and glycerin. When an organic solvent is used as the extraction solvent, one or more organic solvents may be used.

[0038] The coix seed extract used in the expression promoter of this embodiment may be one obtained using the extraction method described above, or may be a commercially available product, such as Coix Seed Extract BG, Coix Seed Extract-J, or Coix Seed Extract LA, all manufactured by Maruzen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

[0039] The upper limit of the amount of coix seed extract in the expression promoter of this embodiment (if the coix seed extract contains an extraction solvent or dilution solvent, this amount excludes these; the same applies below to the amount of coix seed extract) is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of further promoting the expression of melanin synthesis genes and / or melanin transport genes.The lower limit of the amount of coix seed extract in the expression promoter of this embodiment is, for example, 1.5% by mass or less.

[0040] (Wild thyme extract) The wild thyme extract of the expression promoter of this embodiment is an extract obtained by extracting wild thyme (scientific name: Thymus Serphyllum) of the Lamiaceae family, including the genus Thymus. Examples of parts from which the extract can be obtained include leaves, stems, flowers, above-ground parts, and the whole plant.

[0041] The extract includes an extract obtained from wild thyme of the genus Thymus in the family Lamiaceae using an extraction solvent, as well as processed products of the extract (e.g., diluted, concentrated, or dried extract). A known method may be used to extract the extract. The extraction temperature during the extraction procedure may be appropriately set depending on the extraction solvent used, and may be set at any temperature within the range of, for example, -4°C to 100°C. Examples of the extraction solvent include water, organic solvents, and mixtures thereof. Examples of organic solvents include lower aliphatic alcohols having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, such as methanol, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol; and polyhydric alcohols having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, such as 1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol, and glycerin. When an organic solvent is used as the extraction solvent, one or more organic solvents may be used.

[0042] The wild thyme extract used in the expression promoter of this embodiment may be one obtained using the extraction method described above, or may be a commercially available product, such as Wild Thyme Extract BG, Wild Thyme Extract, or Wild Thyme Extract LA, all manufactured by Maruzen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

[0043] The upper limit of the amount of wild thyme extract in the expression promoter of this embodiment (if the wild thyme extract contains an extraction solvent or dilution solvent, this amount excludes these; the same applies below to the amount of wild thyme extract) is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of further promoting the expression of melanin synthesis genes and / or melanin transport genes. Furthermore, the lower limit of the amount of wild thyme extract in the expression promoter of this embodiment is, for example, 0.7% by mass or less.

[0044] The expression promoter of this embodiment may or may not contain any other optional components in addition to one or more components selected from cinchona extract, coix seed extract, and wild thyme extract. For example, the expression promoter of this embodiment may consist of one or more components selected from cinchona extract, coix seed extract, and wild thyme extract.

[0045] (optional ingredient) The expression promoter of this embodiment may contain optional ingredients in addition to the cinchona extract, coix seed extract, and wild thyme extract, such as anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, alcohols, polyhydric alcohols, sugars, ester oils, fats and oils, fatty acids, hydrocarbons, waxes, silicones, polymeric compounds, amino acids, animal and plant extracts (excluding cinchona extract, coix seed extract, and wild thyme extract), microbial-derived substances, inorganic compounds, fragrances, preservatives, sequestering agents, ultraviolet absorbers, and water.

[0046] (Application) The expression promoter of this embodiment can be used on the scalp or skin other than the scalp. The product form of the expression promoter is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include product forms that are commonly used as cosmetics and quasi-drugs.

[0047] The expression promoter of this embodiment may be used for anti-graying purposes. Furthermore, as an anti-graying agent, it may be used to suppress the increase in gray hair due to aging. The term "anti-graying" refers to use in suppressing the occurrence of gray hair on the scalp (including use in preventing gray hair and use in improving gray hair).

[0048] (Dosage form) The dosage form of the expression promoter of this embodiment is not particularly limited, and examples include liquid, emulsion, lotion, cream, wax, gel, solid, foam, mist, and powder.

[0049] (Manufacturing method) The method for producing the expression enhancer of this embodiment is not particularly limited, and it can be produced by adopting a known method for producing cosmetics or quasi-drugs.

[0050] (How to use) The method of using the expression promoter of this embodiment is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately determined depending on the target of application, product form, dosage form, etc.

[0051] (Composition for scalp and / or skin containing the expression promoter of this embodiment) The expression promoter of this embodiment can be used as a compounding component of a composition for scalp and / or skin. Therefore, the composition for scalp and / or skin may contain the expression promoter of this embodiment as a compounding component. Furthermore, when used as a scalp composition, the composition for scalp and / or skin may be used for anti-graying purposes.

[0052] When the expression promoter of this embodiment is used as a compounding component of the composition for scalp and / or skin, the compounding amount of the expression promoter may be set appropriately. For example, if the expression promoter of this embodiment contains cinchona extract, the expression promoter can be formulated so that the amount of cinchona extract in the scalp and / or skin composition (if the cinchona extract contains an extraction solvent or dilution solvent, the amount excluding these) is in the range of 0.01% by mass or more and 1.5% by mass or less. Furthermore, for example, when the expression promoter of this embodiment contains coix seed extract, the expression promoter can be formulated so that the amount of coix seed extract in the composition for scalp and / or skin (if the coix seed extract contains an extraction solvent or dilution solvent, the amount excluding these) is in the range of 0.01% by mass or more and 1.5% by mass or less. Furthermore, for example, when the expression promoter of this embodiment contains wild thyme extract, the expression promoter can be blended so that the amount of wild thyme extract in the scalp and / or skin composition (if the wild thyme extract contains an extraction solvent or dilution solvent, the amount excluding these) is in the range of 0.01% by mass or more and 0.7% by mass or less.

[0053] (Product form) Examples of product forms of the scalp and / or skin composition containing the expression promoter of this embodiment include scalp or hair cosmetics such as hair tonic, hair cream, shampoo, rinse, conditioner, and hair styling products; and skin cosmetics such as lotion, emulsion, cream, beauty serum, cosmetic oil, lip balm, hand cream, facial cleanser, and cleansing products.

[0054] (Dosage form) The formulation of the scalp and / or skin composition containing the expression promoter of this embodiment is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, liquid, emulsion, lotion, cream, wax, gel, solid, foam, mist, or powder.

[0055] (Manufacturing method) The method for producing the composition for scalp and / or skin containing the expression promoter of this embodiment is not particularly limited, and it can be produced by adopting a known method for producing cosmetics or quasi-drugs.

[0056] (How to use) The method of use of the scalp and / or skin composition containing the expression promoter of this embodiment is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately determined depending on the target of application, product form, dosage form, etc.

[0057] (Method for treating scalp or skin other than scalp) The method for treating the scalp or skin excluding the scalp using the expression promoter of this embodiment can employ any known scalp or skin treatment method other than using the expression promoter of this embodiment. Note that this method for treating the scalp or skin excluding the scalp is a non-therapeutic method for cosmetic purposes. Furthermore, the method for treating the scalp or skin excluding the scalp using a scalp and / or skin composition containing the expression promoter of this embodiment is the same as the method for treating the scalp or skin excluding the scalp using the expression promoter of this embodiment described above. The term "skin excluding scalp" means skin other than the scalp.

[0058] (2) Anti-graying composition The anti-hair-graying composition of the present embodiment contains the expression promoter of the present embodiment (an expression promoter of a melanin synthesis gene and / or a melanin transport gene containing one or more selected from cinchona extract, coix seed extract, and wild thyme extract) described above in (1) Expression promoter of a melanin synthesis gene and / or a melanin transport gene. The anti-hair-graying composition of the present embodiment may also contain optional ingredients in addition to the expression promoter of the present embodiment. The term "anti-graying" refers to use in suppressing the occurrence of gray hair on the scalp (including use in preventing gray hair and use in improving gray hair).

[0059] (Cinchona extract) When the anti-hair-graying composition of this embodiment contains cinchona extract as the expression promoter of this embodiment, the lower limit of the amount of cinchona extract (if the cinchona extract contains an extraction solvent or dilution solvent, this amount excludes these; the same applies hereinafter regarding the amount of cinchona extract) is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of further promoting the expression of melanin synthesis genes and / or melanin transport genes. Furthermore, the upper limit of the amount of cinchona extract is preferably 1.5% by mass or less, and more preferably 1.0% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of further improving the storage stability of the cinchona extract when incorporated into the anti-hair-graying composition.

[0060] (Yokuinin extract) When the anti-hair-graying composition of this embodiment contains coix seed extract as the expression promoter of this embodiment, the lower limit of the amount of coix seed extract (if the coix seed extract contains an extraction solvent or dilution solvent, this amount excludes these; the same applies hereinafter regarding the amount of coix seed extract) is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of further promoting the expression of melanin synthesis genes and / or melanin transport genes. Furthermore, the upper limit of the amount of coix seed extract is preferably 1.5% by mass or less, and more preferably 1.0% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of further improving the storage stability of the coix seed extract when incorporated into the anti-hair-graying composition.

[0061] (Wild thyme extract) When the anti-hair-graying composition of this embodiment contains a wild thyme extract as the expression promoter of this embodiment, the lower limit of the amount of wild thyme extract to be added (if the wild thyme extract contains an extraction solvent or dilution solvent, this amount excludes these; the same applies hereinafter regarding the amount of wild thyme extract to be added) is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of further promoting the expression of melanin synthesis genes and / or melanin transport genes. Furthermore, the upper limit of the amount of wild thyme extract to be added is preferably 0.7% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.5% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of further improving the storage stability of the wild thyme extract when added to the anti-hair-graying composition.

[0062] (optional ingredient) The anti-hair graying composition of this embodiment may contain optional ingredients, such as anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, alcohols, polyhydric alcohols, sugars, ester oils, fats and oils, fatty acids, hydrocarbons, waxes, silicones, polymeric compounds, amino acids, animal and plant extracts (excluding cinchona extract, coix seed extract, and wild thyme extract), substances derived from microorganisms, inorganic compounds, fragrances, preservatives, sequestering agents, ultraviolet absorbers, and water.

[0063] (Product form) Examples of product forms of the anti-hair-graying composition of this embodiment include cosmetics for the scalp and / or hair, such as an anti-hair-graying hair growth agent, an anti-hair-graying hair tonic, an anti-hair-graying hair lotion, an anti-hair-graying hair cream, an anti-hair-graying hair shampoo, an anti-hair-graying hair rinse, an anti-hair-graying conditioner, an anti-hair-graying hair treatment, and an anti-hair-graying hair styling product.

[0064] (Dosage form) The formulation of the anti-hair graying composition of the present embodiment is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include liquid, emulsion, lotion, cream, wax, gel, solid, foam, mist, and powder.

[0065] (Manufacturing method) The method for producing the anti-hair graying composition of the present embodiment is not particularly limited, and the composition can be produced by employing a known method for producing cosmetics for the scalp and / or hair.

[0066] (How to use) The method of using the anti-hair graying composition of the present embodiment is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately determined depending on the target of application, dosage form, etc.

[0067] (Method of treating scalp using anti-graying composition) The scalp treatment method using the anti-hair graying composition of this embodiment may be any known scalp treatment method other than using the anti-hair graying composition of this embodiment. Note that this scalp treatment method is a non-therapeutic method for cosmetic purposes. [Example]

[0068] The present invention will be described in detail below based on examples, but the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the descriptions in these examples.

[0069] (Evaluation of expression promoters) Using the expression promoter according to this embodiment, the expression levels of the following melanin synthesis genes and melanin transport genes were evaluated.

[0070] (Examples 1 to 3, Comparative Example 1) The test samples used in Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example 1 were prepared by mixing the following components in a conventional manner. Note that "BG" is an abbreviation for 1,3-butylene glycol (the same applies in the following descriptions). Example 1: Cinchona extract obtained by ethanol extraction 2% by mass (dry solids), ethanol 25% by mass, BG 25% by mass, water 48% by mass. Example 2: Coix seed extract obtained by ethanol extraction 2% by mass (dry solid content), ethanol 25% by mass, BG 25% by mass, water 48% by mass. Example 3: Wild thyme extract obtained by BG extraction 2% by mass (dry solids), ethanol 25% by mass, BG 25% by mass, water 48% by mass Comparative Example 1: Lily extract obtained by BG extraction 2% by mass (dry solids), ethanol 25% by mass, BG 25% by mass, water 48% by mass

[0071] The extracts in the test samples used in Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example 1 were obtained by the following procedures. The "Cinchona extract obtained by ethanol extraction" in the composition of Example 1 was prepared by adding 500 mL of aqueous ethanol as an extraction solvent to 100 g of crushed cinchona bark, stirring the mixture, and then filtering it through filter paper to obtain an extract. A freeze-dried product was obtained from this extract using a conventional method. The "Coix seed extract obtained by ethanol extraction" in the composition of Example 2 was prepared by adding 1000 mL of aqueous ethanol as an extraction solvent to 100 g of crushed Job's tears seeds, stirring the mixture, and then filtering through filter paper to obtain an extract. A freeze-dried product was obtained from this extract by a conventional method. The "wild thyme extract obtained by BG extraction" in the composition of Example 3 was prepared by adding 500 mL of 1,3-butylene glycol as an extraction solvent to 100 g of roughly crushed wild thyme aerial parts, stirring the mixture, and then filtering through filter paper to obtain an extract. A freeze-dried product was obtained from this extract using a conventional method. The "lily extract obtained by BG extraction" in the composition of Comparative Example 1 was prepared by adding 500 mL of 1,3-butylene glycol as an extraction solvent to 100 g of crushed lily bulbs, stirring the mixture, and then filtering through filter paper to obtain an extract. A freeze-dried product was obtained from this extract using a conventional method.

[0072] (Evaluation of gene expression levels) The expression levels of melanin synthesis genes and melanin transport genes were evaluated according to the procedures [1] to [4] below.

[0073] [1] Normal human epidermal melanocyte cells were cultured in a low-serum liquid medium for normal human epidermal melanocyte growth (Kurabo) at 5.0 × 10 4 The culture medium was adjusted to a concentration of 1000 cells / mL, and 1 mL of the medium was seeded into each well of a 24-well plate, followed by culturing at 37°C under 5% CO2 for 24 hours. [2] After 24 hours had passed since the start of the culture, the test samples of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example 1 were added to the culture medium of each well so that the ppm concentration in the culture solution was 50 ppm (Examples 1 and 2), 25 ppm (Example 3), or 100 ppm (Comparative Example 1). Additionally, as a control for Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example 1, an aqueous solution of 25% ethanol, 25% BG, and 50% water was added to the culture medium of a separate well so that the concentration was 25 ppm (Standard 1), 50 ppm (Standard 2), or 100 ppm (Standard 3). After the addition of each test sample, the culture was incubated at 37°C under 5% CO2 for 24 hours. Standard Sample 2 was used as the control for Examples 1 and 2, Standard Sample 1 for Example 3, and Standard Sample 3 for Comparative Example 1. [3] 24 hours after sample addition, each well was washed with D-PBS(-), and cells treated with each sample were harvested using a trypsin / EDTA solution (0.025% trypsin by mass, 0.01% EDTA by mass). Total RNA was extracted from the harvested cells using the Maxwell RSC simplyRNA Cells Kit (Promega). [4] The extracted total RNA was reverse transcribed into cDNA using the GoScript Reverse Transcription System (Promega). The resulting cDNA was used to measure the expression levels of the following mRNAs by real-time PCR (Roche LightCycler 96): TYR, DCT, TYRP1, Pmel17, preproendothelin1, Rab27A, MYO5A, and MLPH, as well as the housekeeping gene β-Actin, as an internal standard. In Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example 1, the expression levels of the TYR gene, DCT gene, TYRP1 gene, Pmel17 gene, preproendothelin1 gene, Rab27A gene, MYO5A gene, and MLPH gene were calculated by determining the ratio of the expression level of each gene when the expression level of the β-Actin gene was set to 1, and then using the following calculation formula. Expression level (%) = (expression level (A): expression level of each gene (β-Actin ratio) when any of the test samples of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example 1 was added) / (expression level (B): expression level of each gene (β-Actin ratio) when any of the control standards 1 to 3 was added) × 100

[0074] The primers used to measure the expression level of each gene by real-time PCR are as follows: Primers used to measure the expression level of the TYR gene Forward: 5'-GGCCTCAATTTCCCTTCACA-3' (SEQ ID NO: 1) Reverse: 5'-CAGAGCACTGGCAGGTCCTAT-3' (SEQ ID NO: 2) Primers used to measure the expression level of the DCT gene Forward: 5'-GGTTCCTTTCTTCCCTCCAG-3' (SEQ ID NO: 3) Reverse: 5'-AACCAAAGCCACCAGTGTTC-3' (SEQ ID NO: 4) Primers used to measure the expression level of the TYRP1 gene Forward: 5'-CCGAAACACAGTGGAAGGTT-3' (SEQ ID NO: 5) Reverse: 5'-TCTGTGAAGGTGTGCAGGA-3' (SEQ ID NO: 6) Primers used to measure the expression level of the Pmel17 gene Forward: 5'-GGGCATCTTGCTGGTGTT-3' (SEQ ID NO: 7) Reverse: 5'-GAGAAGTCTTGCTTCATAAGTCTGC-3' (SEQ ID NO: 8) Primers used to measure the expression level of the preproendothelin1 gene Forward: 5'-TCTCTGCTGTTTGTGGCTTG-3' (SEQ ID NO: 9) Reverse: 5'-GAGCTCAGCGCCTAAGACTG-3' (SEQ ID NO: 10) Primers used to measure the expression level of the Rab27A gene Forward: 5'-TGGAGGACCAGAGAGTAGTGAAA-3' (SEQ ID NO: 11) Reverse: 5'-AGTTTCAAAGTAGGGGATTCCA-3' (SEQ ID NO: 12) Primers used to measure the expression level of the MYO5A gene Forward: 5'-GGGTTAAAACAAGCCAACAGG-3' (SEQ ID NO: 13) Reverse: 5'-TCATGGCTCCTCTTCTGTGA-3' (SEQ ID NO: 14) Primers used to measure the expression level of the MLPH gene Forward: 5'-GATGGAGAACCTGGCTCAGA-3' (SEQ ID NO: 15) Reverse: 5'-GGAGAGGAGGCGCTTTTT-3' (SEQ ID NO: 16) Primers used to measure the expression level of the β-Actin gene Forward: 5'-TGGCACCCAGCACAATGAA-3' (SEQ ID NO: 17) Reverse: 5'-CTAAGTCATAGTCCGCCTAGAAGCA-3' (SEQ ID NO: 18)

[0075] (Evaluation results) The results of the gene expression evaluation are shown in Table 1.

[0076] [Table 1]

[0077] From the results shown in Table 1, when the expression promoters of Examples 1 to 3 were added to the cells, the expression levels of the melanin synthesis genes TYR gene, DCT gene, TYRP1 gene, Pmel17 gene, and preproendothelin1 gene, as well as the melanin transport genes Rab27A gene, MYO5A gene, and MLPH gene all increased. Furthermore, when Comparative Example 1 was added to the cells, the expression levels of the above melanin synthesis genes and melanin transport genes all decreased. From these results, it can be understood that the expression promoters of Examples 1 to 3 can promote the expression levels of melanin synthesis genes and / or melanin transport genes.

[0078] (Prescription example) Formulation examples 1 to 11 of the expression promoter for the melanin synthesis gene and / or melanin transport gene according to this embodiment are shown below. These formulation examples can be produced and used by known production and usage methods. In addition, the names of cinchona extract, coix seed extract, and wild thyme extract in prescription examples 1 to 11 are all cosmetic names.

[0079] (Prescription Examples 1-5) Table 2 shows the expression promoters for melanin synthesis genes and / or melanin transport genes of Formulation Examples 1 to 5. The values in the table indicate mass %.

[0080] [Table 2]

[0081] (Prescription Example 6) Sodium polyoxyethylene lauryl ether sulfate (2E.O.) 8% by mass Sodium polyoxyethylene lauryl ether acetate (3E.O.) 4% by mass Sodium lauroyl aspartate 1% by mass Sodium cocoyl isethionate 0.5% by mass Isostearic acid amidopropyl dimethylaminoacetic acid betaine 3% by mass POE(60) tetraoleate sorbitol 0.3% by mass Coconut oil fatty acid N-methylethanolamide 2% by mass PCA isostearate PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil 1% by mass POE(7) coconut oil fatty acid glycerin 1% by mass Cationized cellulose 0.6% by mass Propylene glycol 1% by mass PPG-17 2% by mass Cinchona extract 2% by mass Coix seed extract 2% by mass Wild thyme extract 2% by mass Fragrance 0.3% by mass Purified water (amount that makes the total amount 100% by mass)

[0082] (Prescription Example 7) Behenyltrimethylammonium chloride 1% by mass Quaternium-91 1% by mass Myristate PPG-3 benzyl ether 0.5% by mass Isononyl isononanoate 0.3% by mass Rosehip oil 0.5% by mass Macadamia nut fatty acid ethyl ester 0.5% by mass Cetyl palmitate 0.4% by mass Stearyl alcohol 2% by mass Isopropanol 0.3% by mass Glycerin 0.1% by mass Candelilla wax 0.1% by mass Cetearamidoethyldiethonium Hydrolyzed Rice Protein 0.1% by mass Pyridoxine hydrochloride 0.1% by mass Calcium pantothenate 0.1% by mass Cinchona extract 2% by mass Coix seed extract 2% by mass Wild thyme extract 2% by mass Lactic acid 0.1% by mass Fragrance 0.3% by mass Purified water (amount that makes the total amount 100% by mass)

[0083] (Prescription Example 8) Hydrolyzed keratin 1% by mass Sodium dilauramidoglutamide lysine 0.4% by mass Polyoxyethylene coconut oil fatty acid sorbitan (20E.O.) 2% by mass 1,3-butylene glycol 5% by mass Diethoxyethyl succinate 0.05% by mass Cinchona extract 2% by mass Coix seed extract 2% by mass Wild thyme extract 2% by mass Lactic acid 0.02% by mass Preservatives 0.4% by mass Fragrance 0.2% by mass Purified water (amount that makes the total amount 100% by mass)

[0084] (Prescription Example 9) O-[2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl]guar gum chloride 0.5% by mass Hydroxypropyl starch phosphate 5% by mass Cetyl alcohol 3% by mass Stearyl alcohol 0.8% by mass Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride 0.8% by mass Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide 1% by mass Stearyltrimethylammonium chloride 1% by mass Isopropanol 0.2% by mass Ethanol 0.4% by mass Isononyl isononanoate 0.5% by mass Cinchona extract 2% by mass Coix seed extract 2% by mass Wild thyme extract 2% by mass Preservatives 0.1% by mass Fragrance 0.2% by mass Purified water (amount that makes the total amount 100% by mass)

[0085] (Prescription Example 10) Cetyl alcohol 5% by mass Behenyltrimethylammonium chloride 3% by mass Behentrimonium methosulfate 0.1% by mass Isoalkyl (C10-40) amidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate 0.1% by mass 1,3-butylene glycol 3% by mass Isopropanol 0.7% by mass Castor oil 3% by mass Jojoba oil 3% by mass Shea butter 0.5% by mass Aminoethylaminopropylmethylsiloxane-dimethylsiloxane copolymer (amino-modified silicone) 3% by mass Aminopropyl phenyl trimethicone 3% by mass Methylphenylpolysiloxane 2% by mass Polypropylsilsesquioxane 0.3% by mass Phenylpropyldimethylsiloxysilicate 0.9% by mass Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane 4% by mass (Hydrolyzed silk / PG-propylmethylsilanediol) crosspolymer 0.2% by mass Hydrolyzed protein 0.2% by mass Cinchona extract 2% by mass Coix seed extract 2% by mass Wild thyme extract 2% by mass Preservatives 0.3% by mass Lactic acid 0.2% by mass Fragrance 0.4% by mass Purified water (amount that makes the total amount 100% by mass)

[0086] (Prescription Example 11) Polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (2E.O.) 1% by mass Polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (9E.O.) 1% by mass Polyoxyethylene cetyl ether (150E.O.) 1% by mass PEG-11 methyl ether dimethicone 0.5% by mass Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane 25.6% by mass Dimethylpolysiloxane 4.3% by mass Aminoethylaminopropylmethylsiloxane-dimethylsiloxane copolymer 0.9% by mass (Dimethicone / vinyl dimethicone) crosspolymer 0.2% by mass Hydroxyethyl cellulose 0.4% by mass Tamarind seed gum 1% by mass Stearyltrimethylammonium chloride 1% by mass Dipropylene glycol 2% by mass Ethanol 1% by mass Cinchona extract 2% by mass Coix seed extract 2% by mass Wild thyme extract 2% by mass Lactic acid appropriate amount Methyl parahydroxybenzoate 0.3% by mass Fragrance 0.4% by mass Purified water (amount that makes the total amount 100% by mass)

[0087] (Prescription Examples 1a to 11a) Formulation Examples 1a to 11a of compositions for scalp and / or skin are shown below. Formulation Examples 1a to 11a have the same compositions as Formulation Examples 1 to 11 above, respectively. In addition, Formulation Examples 1a to 11a are compositions for the scalp and / or skin in which an "expression promoter of melanin synthesis genes and / or melanin transport genes containing cinchona extract, coix seed extract, and wild thyme extract" and ingredients other than the expression promoter are blended, and the amounts of cinchona extract, coix seed extract, and wild thyme extract in each composition are each blended at a final concentration of 2% by mass. Formulation Examples 1a, 2a, 3a, 4a, and 5a: Anti-gray hair growth agent or skin composition Formulation Example 6a: Anti-gray hair shampoo Formulation Example 7a: Anti-gray wash-off hair treatment Formulation Examples 8a, 9a, and 10a: Three-component anti-gray hair treatments in which formulation examples 8a, 9a, and 10a are used as the first, second, and third agents, respectively. Formulation example 11a: Leave-in hair treatment for anti-gray hair

[0088] (Prescription Examples 1b-11b) Formulation Examples 1b to 11b of the anti-hair graying composition are shown below. Formulation Examples 1b to 11b have the same compositions as Formulation Examples 1 to 11 above, respectively. Formulation examples 1b, 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b: Anti-gray hair growth agent Formulation example 6b: Anti-gray hair shampoo Formulation example 7b: Anti-gray wash-off hair treatment Formulation Examples 8b, 9b, and 10b: Three-component anti-gray hair treatments in which formulation examples 8b, 9b, and 10b are used as the first, second, and third agents, respectively. Composition with the same composition as Formulation Example 11b: Leave-in hair treatment for anti-graying hair

Claims

1. An agent for promoting the expression of melanin synthesis genes and / or melanin transport genes, comprising wild thyme extract.

2. The expression promoter according to claim 1, which is used for anti-graying purposes.

3. An anti-hair graying composition containing the expression promoter according to claim 1.

4. A method for treating the scalp or skin excluding the scalp using the expression promoter described in claim 1.

5. A method for treating the scalp using the anti-graying composition according to claim 3.

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