Oral composition

Abstract

To provide an oral composition exhibiting an excellent diet effect.SOLUTION: The oral composition contains (A) 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid or a salt thereof, and (B) at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of Sasa veitchii, moringa, Peucedanum japonicum, kale, mugwort, mulberry, microalgae, barley, Angelica keiskei, and sweet potato.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to oral compositions comprising 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid or a salt thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] 3-Hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid (HMB) is a metabolic product of the essential amino acid leucine and is known to promote muscle synthesis and inhibit muscle breakdown. However, because the amount of HMB produced in the body is very small, attempts have been made to ingest HMB as a supplement.

[0003] Regarding such supplements, a tablet containing calcium 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyrate (HMBCa) and crystalline cellulose has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, the use of crystalline cellulose improves tableting properties, resulting in a tablet with a smooth surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-218158 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As mentioned above, although HMB has been studied, there has been little research into the effects of HMB in combination with other ingredients.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an oral composition that exhibits excellent diet effects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] As a result of intensive research to solve the above problems, the present inventors have found that a combination of HMB or a salt thereof with a specific ingredient exhibits an excellent diet effect, leading to the completion of the present invention.Furthermore, they have found that the diet effect is even more pronounced when combined with an animal-derived protein than when HMB or a salt thereof is combined with at least one specific ingredient, leading to the completion of the present invention.

[0008] That is, the present invention is as follows. [1] An oral composition characterized by containing (A) 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid or a salt thereof and (B) at least one material selected from the group consisting of bracken, moringa, longevity grass, kale, mugwort, mulberry, microalgae, barley, angelica tree leaf, and sweet potato. [2] The oral composition according to [1], further comprising (C) an animal-derived protein. [3] The oral composition according to [1] or [2], characterized in that it is for dieting. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, an oral composition can be provided that combines HMB or a salt thereof with at least one specific ingredient to provide a synergistically superior dietary effect compared to when each ingredient is used alone.Furthermore, by combining HMB or a salt thereof with at least one specific ingredient and adding animal-derived protein, an oral composition can be provided that provides an even more superior dietary effect. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows the results of the myoblast-stimulating activity of HMBCa or kale alone, and the combination of HMBCa and kale. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 shows the results of the myoblast-activating activity of HMBCa or Chomeisou alone, and of the combination of HMBCa and Chomeisou. [Figure 3]FIG. 1 shows the results of the myoblast-stimulating activity of HMBCa or mulberry leaves alone, and the combination of HMBCa and mulberry leaves. [Figure 4] This figure shows the results of the myoblast activating activity of HMBCa, bracken grass or milk protein alone, the combination of HMBCa and bracken grass, and the combination of HMBCa, bracken grass and milk protein. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 shows the results of the myoblast-stimulating activity of HMBCa or barley stover alone, and the combination of HMBCa and barley stover. [Figure 6] This figure shows the results of the myoblast-stimulating activity of HMBCa or sweet potato stems and leaves alone, and the combination of HMBCa and sweet potato stems and leaves. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 shows the results of the myoblast-stimulating activity of HMBCa or Moringa alone, and the combination of HMBCa and Moringa. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 shows the results of myoblast-activating activity of HMBCa or Angelica keiskei alone, and the combination of HMBCa and Angelica keiskei. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 shows the results of the myoblast-stimulating activity of HMBCa or spirulina alone, and the combination of HMBCa and spirulina. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The oral composition of the present invention is characterized by containing (A) 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid (HMB) or a salt thereof, and (B) at least one material selected from the group consisting of kumazasa (Japanese bamboo grass), moringa (moringa), choumeisou (long-lived grass), kale, mugwort (artemisia princeps), mulberry (mulberry), microalgae, barley, angelica tree (keiskei leaf), and sweet potato. It is also characterized by containing (C) an animal-derived protein in addition to (A) and (B).

[0012] (B) may be used alone or in combination of two or more. When two or more types of (B) are used in combination, it is preferable to combine specific materials that have a high synergistic effect with HMB or a salt thereof.

[0013] By combining HMB or a salt thereof with at least one specific ingredient, the oral composition of the present invention has a synergistically superior myoblast-activating effect compared to when each ingredient is used alone, and can promote myoblast proliferation.

[0014] After proliferation, myoblasts become skeletal muscle (muscle). In other words, promoting myoblast proliferation directly leads to muscle growth. Skeletal muscle (muscle) is a tissue that burns fat and consumes energy. Proliferating myoblasts and increasing muscle mass allows the body to burn more fat, consume more energy, and promote metabolism. This promotion of metabolism reduces fat in the body, such as visceral fat and subcutaneous fat, or inhibits fat accumulation.

[0015] Therefore, by using the above-mentioned materials (B) or (B and (C) together with (A) HMB or a salt thereof, myoblasts are activated, myoblasts proliferate, muscle mass is increased, brown adipocytes are increased, and metabolism is promoted, thereby achieving a diet effect. That is, the oral composition of the present invention can be used as an oral composition for dieting. Furthermore, the oral composition of the present invention can be used for muscle mass enhancement, brown adipocyte increase, metabolism promotion, anti-obesity, slimming, weight loss, body fat reduction, body fat reduction, body fat accumulation suppression, visceral fat reduction, visceral fat accumulation suppression, subcutaneous fat reduction, or subcutaneous fat accumulation suppression.

[0016] In this specification, diet refers to bodily conditions and changes such as anti-obesity, slimming, or weight loss, and further includes muscle building, metabolism promotion, body fat reduction, inhibition of body fat accumulation, visceral fat reduction, inhibition of visceral fat accumulation, reduction of subcutaneous fat or inhibition of subcutaneous fat accumulation, improvement of metabolic syndrome, etc. Furthermore, the bodily conditions and changes resulting from the diet effect also lead to the maintenance and / or improvement of body shape, which also leads to beauty effects.

[0017] As used herein, body fat refers to the combination of visceral fat and subcutaneous fat. Anti-obesity, as used herein, is not particularly limited as long as it is defined in the relevant technical field, and includes not only improving obesity but also preventing obesity. Slimming, as used herein, refers to a lean or toned body, or achieving such a body. Muscle building, as used herein, is not particularly limited as long as it is defined in the relevant technical field, and refers, for example, to an increase in the cells and proteins that form muscle, or an increase in the weight, cross-sectional area, or density of muscle tissue. Metabolic enhancement, as used herein, is not particularly limited as long as it is defined in the relevant technical field, and refers to promoting the acquisition of energy by breaking down substances, or promoting the synthesis of substances using energy, for example, promoting fat burning, cellular respiration, or protein synthesis.

[0018] Therefore, in this specification, diet effects refer to anti-obesity effects, slimming effects, weight reduction effects, muscle strengthening effects, metabolism promotion effects, body fat reduction effects, body fat accumulation inhibition effects, visceral fat reduction effects, visceral fat accumulation inhibition effects, subcutaneous fat reduction effects or subcutaneous fat accumulation inhibition effects, etc.

[0019] When the oral composition of the present invention is used as an oral composition for dieting, its effects include anti-obesity, slimming, weight reduction, muscle mass increase, metabolism promotion, body fat reduction, inhibition of body fat accumulation, visceral fat reduction, inhibition of visceral fat accumulation, subcutaneous fat reduction and inhibition of subcutaneous fat accumulation.

[0020] [(A) 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid or its salt] 3-Hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid (HMB) is a metabolic product of the essential amino acid leucine and is synthesized in the human body. In the present invention, HMB or a salt thereof can be used. HMB salts are not particularly limited, but include calcium salt, sodium salt, potassium salt, and magnesium salt, and calcium salt (HMBCa) is preferred from the viewpoint of diet effects. HMB or a salt thereof in the oral composition of the present invention can be synthesized by a known method or a commercially available product. There is no limitation on commercially available products as long as they are applicable to foods.

[0021] The content of (A) 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid or a salt thereof is not particularly limited as long as it is an amount that can be confirmed to have a diet effect when combined with (B), but it is, for example, 0.01 to 99% by mass, preferably 0.05 to 98% by mass, and more preferably 0.1 to 97% by mass of the total amount of the composition.

[0022] [(B) Specific materials] The oral composition of the present invention uses HMB or a salt thereof together with at least one ingredient (specific ingredient) selected from the group consisting of kumazasa (bamboo grass), moringa (moringa), chou-meisou (long-lived grass), kale, mugwort (artemisia princeps), mulberry (mulberry), microalgae, barley, angelica tree (keiskei leaf), and sweet potato. The specific ingredient is described in detail below.

[0023] (Kumazasa) Kumazasa is a plant of the genus Sasa in the family Poaceae. While the species of Kumazasa is not particularly limited, examples include Sasa veitchii, Sasa kurilensis, Sasamorpha borealis, Sasa senanensis, Sasa palmata, and Sasa niponica, with Sasa veitchii and Sasa senanensis being preferred. While the parts of Kumazasa that can be used are not particularly limited, examples include flowers, seeds, fruits, leaves, stems, and roots. From the perspective of achieving excellent diet effects when used in combination with (A) or (A) and (C), it is preferred to use one or more species selected from leaves and stems (hereinafter referred to as stems and leaves).

[0024] Various processed Kumazasa materials can be used as the Kumazasa in the oral composition of the present invention, and the form of processing is not particularly limited as long as it is processed using the processing method of the usual materials used in oral compositions.Examples of processed products include pulverized material or its dried powder (hereinafter also referred to as "pulverized powder"), squeezed juice or its dried powder (hereinafter also referred to as "juice powder"), extracts or its dried powder (hereinafter also referred to as "extract powder"), granules, paste, etc.

[0025] The method for pulverizing Kumazasa into powder can be any conventional method for pulverizing plants. One such method is a combination of drying and pulverizing Kumazasa. Either the drying or pulverizing process can be performed first, but from the perspective of exerting a diet effect, it is preferable to perform the drying process first. This method can also be combined with one or more processes selected from blanching, sterilization, etc., as necessary, to produce a pulverized product.

[0026] The drying process is not particularly limited, but examples include drying the Kumazasa to a moisture content of 10% or less, preferably 7% or less. Drying methods can be used, such as hot air drying, high-pressure steam drying, electromagnetic wave drying, far-infrared drying, and freeze-drying, which are known to those skilled in the art. Heat drying is performed at a temperature and for a time that does not discolor the Kumazasa. For example, the drying temperature is in the range of 40°C to 140°C, and for several to several tens of hours. From the perspective of exerting a diet effect, low-temperature drying is preferably performed at a temperature of approximately 40°C to 70°C, and high-temperature drying is preferably performed at a temperature of approximately 70°C to 110°C. The drying process may be performed once or twice or more times. For example, low-temperature drying using far-infrared rays at approximately 40°C to 70°C for several to several tens of hours may be followed by high-temperature drying at approximately 80°C to 100°C for several to several tens of hours.

[0027] The crushing process is not particularly limited, but examples include crushing Kumazasa by any method commonly used by those skilled in the art, such as by hand or using crushing equipment or tools such as a crusher, mill, blender, or stone mill. The crushed Kumazasa is sieved as needed, and it is preferable to use the material that passes through a 200 mesh sieve as the crushed Kumazasa powder, with the proportion of particles below 200 mesh being preferably 90% by mass or more. The crushing process may be carried out once or twice or more times, and examples include coarse crushing by hand or the like, followed by fine crushing using a crusher or the like to crush the material more finely.

[0028] Solvents used for extracting Kumazasa include organic solvents such as water, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, 1,3-butylene glycol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, and hexane; acidic aqueous solutions such as acetic acid, citric acid, and aqueous solutions of these; and mixed solvents of these. The temperature of the extraction solvent can be set appropriately between room temperature and the boiling point depending on the solvent used. In the present invention, Kumazasa is preferably in the form of a crushed product or crushed powder, an extract, or an extracted powder, more preferably a crushed product or crushed powder. From the viewpoint of exhibiting an excellent diet effect when used in combination with (A) or (A) and (C), crushed stems and leaves or crushed powder are most preferred.

[0029] The content of Kumazasa is not particularly limited as long as it is an amount that has a diet effect when combined with (A), but for example, it is 0.001 to 50 mass% of the total amount of the composition, preferably 0.01 to 30 mass%, and more preferably 0.1 to 10 mass%.

[0030] (Moringa) Moringa is a deciduous tree growing to a height of about 10 m, commonly found in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Thailand, the Arabian Peninsula, and tropical to subtropical regions of India. Moringa, also known as Moringa oleifera, belongs to the Moringaceae family, the Moringa genus, and its scientific name is Moringa oleifera Lam. Moringa may be used in any form, including, but not limited to, flowers, seeds, fruits, leaves, stems, and roots. The use of stems and leaves is preferred, as it exhibits a superior diet effect when used in combination with (A) or (A) and (C).

[0031] In the present invention, various processed moringa products can be used, and the processing form is not particularly limited as long as it is processed using a processing method for materials commonly used in oral compositions. For example, the same processing form and processing method as for Kumazasa can be selected. The processing form is preferably a crushed product or crushed powder, a squeezed product or squeezed powder, or an extract or extract powder, with crushed product or crushed powder being particularly preferred. In the present invention, it is most preferable to use crushed product or crushed powder of stems and leaves, from the viewpoint of exerting an excellent diet effect when used in combination with (A) or (A) and (C).

[0032] The content of moringa is not particularly limited as long as it is an amount that can achieve a diet effect when combined with (A), but it is, for example, 0.0001 to 50% of the total amount of the composition, preferably 0.001 to 30%, and more preferably 0.01 to 10%.

[0033] (long life grass) Chou-mei-sou is a perennial plant also known as Peucedanum japonicum, belonging to the Apiaceae family, and its scientific name is Peucedanum japonicum. The parts of the plant that can be used include, but are not limited to, flowers, seeds, fruits, leaves, stems, and roots. From the viewpoint of achieving a superior diet effect when used in combination with (A) or (A) and (C), it is preferable to use the stems and leaves.

[0034] In the present invention, various processed products of Chou-mei-sou can be used, and the processing form is not particularly limited as long as it is processed using the processing method of the usual materials used in oral compositions. For example, the same processing form and processing method as those for Kumazasa can be selected. As the processing form, crushed material or crushed powder, squeezed material or squeezed powder, extract or extract powder are preferred, and crushed material or crushed powder is particularly preferred. In the present invention, it is most preferable to use crushed material or crushed powder of stems and leaves from the viewpoint of exerting an excellent diet effect when used in combination with (A) or (A) and (C).

[0035] The content of Chou-mei-sou is not particularly limited as long as it is an amount that can be recognized as having a diet effect when combined with (A) or (A) and (C), but it is, for example, 0.0001 to 50% by mass, preferably 0.001 to 30% by mass, and more preferably 0.01 to 10% by mass of the total amount of the composition.

[0036] (Kale) Kale is a plant of the Brassicaceae family, and its scientific name is Brassica oleracea var. acephala. The variety of kale is not particularly limited, and various types of kale can be used, such as kitchen kale, tree kale, bush kale, marrow kale, collard greens, and green-leaf kale. The parts of the plant that can be used are not particularly limited, and include flowers, seeds, fruits, leaves, stems, and roots. From the viewpoint of achieving an excellent diet effect when used in combination with (A) or (A) and (C), it is preferable to use stems and leaves.

[0037] In the present invention, various processed kale products can be used, and the processing form is not particularly limited as long as it is processed using a processing method for materials commonly used in oral compositions. For example, the same processing form and processing method as for Kumazasa can be selected. As processing forms, crushed material or crushed powder, squeezed material or squeezed powder, extract or extract powder are preferred, with crushed material or crushed powder being particularly preferred. In the present invention, it is most preferable to use crushed material or crushed powder of stems and leaves, from the viewpoint of exerting an excellent diet effect when used in combination with (A) or (A) and (C).

[0038] The amount of kale contained is not particularly limited as long as it is an amount that can be recognized as having a diet effect when combined with (A) or (A) and (C), but it is, for example, 0.0001 to 90% by mass, preferably 0.001 to 70% by mass, and more preferably 0.01 to 50% by mass of the total amount of the composition.

[0039] (Mugwort) Artemisia princeps is a perennial plant of the Asteraceae family, and its scientific name is Artemisia princeps. The parts of Artemisia princeps used in the present invention are not particularly limited, but include flowers, seeds, fruits, leaves, stems, and roots. From the viewpoint of exerting an excellent diet effect when used in combination with (A) or (A) and (C), it is preferable to use stems and leaves.

[0040] In the present invention, various processed mugwort products can be used, and the processing form is not particularly limited as long as it is processed using a processing method for materials commonly used in oral compositions. For example, the same processing form and processing method as for Kumazasa can be selected. As the processing form, crushed material or crushed powder, squeezed material or squeezed powder, extract or extract powder are preferred, and crushed material or crushed powder is particularly preferred. In the present invention, it is most preferable to use crushed material or crushed powder of stems and leaves, from the viewpoint of exerting an excellent diet effect when used in combination with (A) or (A) and (C).

[0041] The content of mugwort is not particularly limited as long as it is an amount that can be recognized as having a diet effect when combined with (A) or (A) and (C), but it is, for example, 0.0001 to 50% by mass, preferably 0.001 to 30% by mass, and more preferably 0.01 to 10% by mass of the total amount of the composition.

[0042] (mulberry) Mulberry is a plant of the genus Morus in the family Moraceae, and its scientific name is Morus bombycis Koidz. The parts of mulberry used in the present invention are not particularly limited, but include flowers, seeds, fruits, leaves, stems, and roots. From the viewpoint of exerting an excellent diet effect when used in combination with (A) or (A) and (C), it is preferable to use stems and leaves.

[0043] In the present invention, various processed mulberry products can be used, and the processing form is not particularly limited as long as it is processed using the processing method of the usual material used in oral compositions. For example, the same processing form and processing method as those for Kumazasa can be selected. As the processing form, crushed material or crushed powder, squeezed material or squeezed powder, extract or extract powder are preferred, and crushed material or crushed powder is particularly preferred. In the present invention, it is most preferable to use crushed material or crushed powder of stems and leaves from the viewpoint of exerting an excellent diet effect when used in combination with (A) or (A) and (C).

[0044] The content of mulberry is not particularly limited as long as it is an amount that can be recognized as having a diet effect when combined with (A) or (A) and (C), but it is, for example, 0.0001 to 50% by mass, preferably 0.001 to 30% by mass, and more preferably 0.01 to 10% by mass of the total amount of the composition.

[0045] (microalgae) The microalgae used in the present invention are unicellular algae with a body length of several μm to several hundred μm, and are so small that individual algae cannot be distinguished by the naked eye. Microalgae are not particularly limited, but examples include green algae such as Spirulina, Euglena, Chlorella, Dunaliella, and Botryococcus. Spirulina, Euglena, and Chlorella are preferred, and Spirulina is particularly preferred from the viewpoint of exhibiting an excellent diet effect when used in combination with (A) or (A) and (C).

[0046] In the present invention, various processed microalgae can be used, and the processing form is not particularly limited as long as it is processed using the processing method of the usual materials used in oral compositions. In addition to dry powder, the same processing form and processing method as for Kumazasa can be selected. Among these, dry powder, pulverized product or pulverized powder, squeezed product or squeezed powder, extract or extract powder are preferred, and dry powder, pulverized product or pulverized powder are particularly preferred. In the present invention, it is most preferable to use dry powder, pulverized product, or pulverized powder of Spirulina, from the viewpoint of exerting an excellent diet effect when used in combination with (A) or (A) and (C).

[0047] The content of microalgae is not particularly limited as long as it is an amount that can be seen to have a diet effect when combined with (A) or (A) and (C), but it is, for example, 0.001 to 50% by mass, preferably 0.01 to 30% by mass, and more preferably 0.01 to 10% by mass, of the total amount of the composition.

[0048] (barley) Barley is a plant of the grass family, and its scientific name is Hordeum vulgare. Examples of barley that can be used include two-row barley, six-row barley, and naked barley, and these can be used alone or in combination with two or more types. The parts of barley used in the present invention are not particularly limited, but include flowers, seeds, fruits, leaves, stems, and roots. From the perspective of achieving an excellent diet effect when used in combination with (A) or (A) and (C), it is preferable to use stems and leaves.

[0049] In the present invention, various processed barley products can be used, and the processing form is not particularly limited as long as it is processed using a processing method for materials commonly used in oral compositions. For example, the same processing form and processing method as for Kumazasa can be selected. The processing form is preferably a pulverized product or pulverized powder, a squeezed product or pulverized powder, or an extract or extract powder, with pulverized product or pulverized powder being particularly preferred. In the present invention, it is most preferable to use pulverized product or pulverized powder of stems and leaves, as this provides an excellent diet effect when used in combination with (A) or (A) and (C).

[0050] The barley content is not particularly limited as long as it is an amount that is effective in reducing weight when combined with (A) or (A) and (C), but is, for example, 0.0001 to 90% by mass, preferably 0.001 to 70% by mass, and more preferably 0.01 to 50% by mass, of the total amount of the composition.

[0051] (Ashitaba) Angelica keiskei is a plant of the Apiaceae family, and its scientific name is Angelica keiskei. The parts of Angelica keiskei that can be used in the present invention are not particularly limited, but include flowers, seeds, fruits, leaves, stems, and roots. From the viewpoint of achieving a superior diet effect when used in combination with (A) or (A) and (C), it is preferable to use stems and leaves.

[0052] In the present invention, various processed products of Angelica keiskei can be used, and the processing form is not particularly limited as long as it is processed using a processing method for materials commonly used in oral compositions. For example, the same processing form and processing method as those for Kumazasa can be selected. As processing forms, crushed material or crushed powder, squeezed material or squeezed powder, extract or extract powder are preferred, with crushed material or crushed powder being particularly preferred. In the present invention, it is most preferable to use crushed material or crushed powder of stems and leaves, from the viewpoint of exerting an excellent diet effect when used in combination with (A) or (A) and (C).

[0053] The content of Houttuynia cordata is not particularly limited as long as it is an amount that has a diet effect when combined with (A) or (A) and (C), but it is, for example, 0.0001 to 50% by mass, preferably 0.001 to 30% by mass, and more preferably 0.01 to 10% by mass of the total amount of the composition.

[0054] (sweet potato) Sweet potato refers to a plant belonging to the Convolvulaceae family, and its scientific name is Ipomoea batatas. Sweet potato is not particularly limited as long as it is commonly called sweet potato. The variety of sweet potato is not particularly limited, and examples include Suio, Joy White, Koganesengan, Shiroyutaka, Satsuma Starch, and Ayamurasaki. Among these, Suio, which has a high polyphenol content, is preferred. The parts of the sweet potato used in the present invention are not particularly limited, but include flowers, seeds, fruits, leaves, stems, and roots. Stems and leaves are preferably used from the viewpoint of achieving excellent diet effects when used in combination with (A) or (A) and (C).

[0055] In the present invention, various processed sweet potatoes can be used, and the processing form is not particularly limited as long as it is processed using a processing method for materials commonly used in oral compositions. For example, the same processing form and processing method as for Kumazasa can be selected. As processing forms, crushed material or crushed powder, squeezed material or squeezed powder, extract or extract powder are preferred, with crushed material or crushed powder being particularly preferred. In the present invention, it is most preferable to use crushed material or crushed powder of stems and leaves, from the viewpoint of exerting an excellent diet effect when used in combination with (A) or (A) and (C).

[0056] The sweet potato content is not particularly limited as long as it is an amount that has a diet effect when combined with (A) or (A) and (C), but is, for example, 0.0001 to 50% by mass, preferably 0.001 to 30% by mass, and more preferably 0.01 to 10% by mass, of the total amount of the composition.

[0057] [(C) Animal-derived proteins] The oral composition of the present invention preferably contains (A) 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid (HMB) or a salt thereof, (B) a specific ingredient, and (C) an animal-derived protein. The animal-derived protein is not particularly limited as long as it has a diet effect when combined with (A) and (B). However, a protein containing a balanced amount of essential amino acids necessary for protein synthesis in the body, particularly muscle building, is preferred. Examples include proteins derived from meats such as beef, pork, chicken, horse meat, and lamb; milk proteins such as whey and casein; and egg proteins such as egg white and egg yolk. In particular, from the perspective of exerting an excellent diet effect when combined with (A) and (B), it is preferable to contain a mammal-derived protein, and milk protein is more preferred.

[0058] The content of the animal-derived protein is not particularly limited as long as it is an amount that can be seen to have a diet effect when combined with (A) and (B), but it is, for example, 0.00001 to 50% by mass, preferably 0.0001 to 40% by mass, and more preferably 0.001 to 30% by mass, relative to the total amount of the composition.

[0059] The oral composition of the present invention can be used, for example, as a pharmaceutical product (including quasi-drugs), a so-called health food such as a functional food whose efficacy has been approved by a designated organization, such as a food for specified health uses, a food with nutrient function claims, or a food with functional claims, or as a general food, a food additive, or a feed.

[0060] The oral composition of the present invention can be used as a diet composition for weight loss. Such a diet composition is not particularly limited as long as it contains (A) HMB or a salt thereof and (B) a specific ingredient and can be distinguished from other products in terms of its use in weight loss. For example, the scope of the present invention includes products that display on the product itself, packaging, instructions, or promotional materials that the product has a diet function (including anti-obesity, reduction or inhibition of body fat accumulation, reduction or inhibition of visceral fat accumulation, reduction or inhibition of subcutaneous fat accumulation, improvement of metabolic syndrome, weight loss, weight loss, etc.). The diet composition of the present invention is not limited to products that display the combination of ingredients of the present invention ((A) HMB or a salt thereof, (B) the specific ingredient, and (C) an animal-derived protein) as the active ingredient on the product packaging, etc. For example, the active ingredient may not be specified, and it may display only (A) HMB or a salt thereof as the active ingredient, only (B) the specific ingredient as the active ingredient, or only (C) an animal-derived protein as the active ingredient.

[0061] Specifically, the diet composition of the present invention includes so-called health foods such as pharmaceuticals (including quasi-drugs), foods for specified health uses, foods with functional claims, foods with nutrient function claims, and other foods that make general health claims. Examples of so-called health foods include those labeled as "for those concerned about body fat," "for those who are a little obese," "for those concerned about weight (BMI)," "for reducing weight and abdominal fat (visceral fat and subcutaneous fat)," "for reducing waist circumference," and "for those who want to achieve their ideal body shape."

[0062] The oral composition of the present invention can also be used as a muscle-building composition. Such a muscle-building composition is not particularly limited, as long as it contains (A) HMB or a salt thereof and (B) a specific ingredient and can be distinguished from other products in that it is used for muscle building. For example, the scope of the present invention includes products that, on the product itself, packaging, instructions, or promotional materials, display the following functions: muscle building, increased muscle synthesis, suppressed muscle breakdown, inhibited, maintained, or increased muscle mass (muscle weight, cross-sectional area, and muscle density), inhibited, maintained, or increased muscle quality, inhibited, maintained, or increased muscle strength (power and endurance), inhibited, maintained, or increased exercise performance, inhibited, maintained, or increased metabolism (basal metabolism, resting metabolism, and exercise metabolism), inhibited, maintained, or increased lean body mass, prevented or improved muscle fatigue, improved metabolism through muscle building, prevented or improved locomotive syndrome, and prevented or improved sarcopenia. The muscle-building composition of the present invention is not limited to those labeled on the product packaging, etc., with the combination of ingredients of the present invention ((A) HMB or a salt thereof, (B) the specific material, and (C) the animal-derived protein) as the active ingredient for muscle building. For example, the active ingredient may not be specified, or it may be those labeled with only (A) HMB or a salt thereof as the active ingredient, or it may be those labeled with only (B) the specific material, or it may be those labeled with only (C) the animal-derived protein as the active ingredient.

[0063] Specifically, the muscle-building composition of the present invention can be used in pharmaceuticals (including quasi-drugs) and so-called health foods. Examples of so-called health foods include those labeled with claims such as "supports muscle-building ability," "suppresses muscle breakdown," "increases muscle strength," "suppresses, maintains, improves, or enhances the decline in walking ability," "improves metabolism through muscle building," "suppresses metabolic decline," "prevents or recovers from muscle fatigue," "suppresses or maintains the decline in balance ability," "shapes up," "muscular," "slim and muscular," "beautiful body," "prevents becoming bedridden," "prevents becoming bedridden," "prevents falls," "improves metabolism through muscle building," and "maintains muscle mass and strength." The subjects who can ingest the oral composition of the present invention are not particularly limited as long as they are people who need muscle building, but preferred examples include people who want to shape up, athletes, and elderly people with weak legs and hips.

[0064] The dieting, muscle-building, and metabolism-promoting effects of the oral composition of the present invention can be achieved by ingesting the composition of the present invention in daily life, but even better effects can be achieved by combining it with exercise. The exercise referred to here refers to one or more of aerobic exercise or resistance exercise (strength training, weight training). In particular, when obtaining the muscle-building effects of the oral composition of the present invention, there are no particular restrictions on the type of exercise to be combined with the oral composition of the present invention, but it is preferable to perform one or more of aerobic exercise or resistance exercise, and resistance exercise is particularly preferred. Furthermore, when exercising, the amount of exercise should be at least 10 minutes per day, preferably at least 20 minutes, and more preferably at least 30 minutes.

[0065] Examples of the form of the composition of the present invention include tablets, capsules, powders, granules, liquids, particles, rods, plates, blocks, solids, rounds, pastes, creams, caplets, gels, chewable tablets, sticks, etc. Among these, tablets, capsules, powders, granules, rounds, and chewable tablets are preferred, and powders and granules are more preferred.

[0066] When the composition of the present invention is made into a powder or granular composition, one or more of an appropriate excipient, disintegrant, fluidizer, or other additive may be added. In particular, the use of an excipient can further enhance storage stability. An excipient is added to improve the handling or molding of the composition or to facilitate administration. The excipients that can be used in the present invention are not particularly limited, and examples include starch or its derivatives such as starch, pregelatinized starch, partially pregelatinized starch, and starch hydrolysates, crystalline cellulose, powdered cellulose, sugar alcohol, lactose, brewer's yeast, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, refined sucrose, light anhydrous silicic acid, calcium silicate, titanium oxide, precipitated calcium carbonate, reduced maltose, and maltose. These may be used alone or in combination. In the present invention, from the viewpoints of moldability and storage stability, preferred excipients include hydroxypropyl cellulose, powdered cellulose, pregelatinized starch, partially pregelatinized starch, sugar alcohol, reduced maltose, and maltose. Disintegrants that can be used in the present invention are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include crospovidone, carmellose, carmellose calcium, croscarmellose sodium, crystalline cellulose, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, partially pregelatinized starch, and pregelatinized starch. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. A fluidizer is used to improve the fluidity of mixed powders or granules. The fluidizers that can be used in the present invention are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include silicon dioxide, aluminum silicate, magnesium aluminosilicate, calcium phosphate, magnesium carbonate, and magnesium oxide. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. In the present invention, from the viewpoints of moldability and storage stability, preferred fluidizers are silicon dioxide and magnesium carbonate. In the present invention, commercially available excipients, disintegrants, and fluidizing agents can all be used.

[0067] The content of (A) HMB or a salt thereof, (B) the specific material, and (C) the animal-derived protein (components of the present invention) in the composition of the present invention may be appropriately determined within a range that achieves their effects.

[0068] Specifically, when the oral composition of the present invention is a tablet, pill, or capsule-shaped supplement or pharmaceutical, the components of the present invention are preferably contained in an amount of 5 to 99% by weight, more preferably 8 to 98% by weight, and particularly preferably 10 to 97% by weight, calculated on a dry weight basis. Furthermore, when the oral composition of the present invention is a chewable tablet-shaped supplement or pharmaceutical, the components of the present invention are preferably contained in an amount of 0.1 to 70% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 60% by weight, and particularly preferably 1 to 50% by weight, calculated on a dry weight basis. In the case of powdered or granular supplements or pharmaceuticals, the components of the present invention are preferably contained in an amount of 0.1 to 90% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 80% by weight, and particularly preferably 1 to 70% by weight, calculated on a dry weight basis. In the case of liquid supplements or pharmaceuticals, the components of the present invention are preferably contained in an amount of 5 to 99% by weight, more preferably 8 to 98% by weight, and particularly preferably 10 to 97% by weight, calculated on a dry weight basis.

[0069] The intake amount of the oral composition of the present invention is not particularly limited. However, from the viewpoint of more significantly exhibiting the effects of the present invention, the daily intake amount of (A) HMB or a salt thereof for an adult is preferably 0.1 mg / day or more, more preferably 1 mg / day or more, and even more preferably 10 mg / day or more. The upper limit is, for example, 10,000 mg / day, preferably 8,000 mg / day, and more preferably 5,000 mg / day. Furthermore, the daily intake amount of (B) the specific material for an adult is preferably 10 mg / day or more, more preferably 100 mg / day or more, and even more preferably 500 mg / day or more. The upper limit is, for example, 10,000 mg / day, preferably 5,000 mg / day, and more preferably 3,000 mg / day. The oral composition of the present invention may be appropriately designed so that the daily intake amount is the above-mentioned intake amount, and may be taken in one dose or in multiple doses. For example, in the case of tablets, capsules, pills, or chewable tablets, the oral composition of the present invention can be taken 1 to 4 times per day, so that the total amount can be ingested. The oral composition of the present invention can be stored as a daily dose in a single container or divided into, for example, 2 to 3 containers so that the daily intake amount is the above-mentioned amount.

[0070] The blending mass ratio of (A) HMB or a salt thereof and (B) the specific material is preferably in the range of 1:0.00001-9000, more preferably 1:0.01-100, and even more preferably 1:0.1-50, calculated on a dry mass basis.

[0071] The blending mass ratio of (A) HMB or a salt thereof, (B) the specific material, and (C) the animal-derived protein is preferably in the range of 1:0.00001-9000:0.000001-5000, more preferably in the range of 1:0.01-100:0.0001-10, and even more preferably in the range of 1:0.1-50:0.001-1, calculated on a dry mass basis.

[0072] The composition of the present invention can be produced by known methods, if necessary, by adding other ingredients besides the ingredients of the present invention. Examples of other ingredients besides the ingredients of the present invention include vitamins such as water-soluble vitamins (vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, B13, B15, B17, biotin, choline, folic acid, inositol, PABA, vitamin C, and vitamin P) and oil-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K); minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron; sulfur-containing compounds found in taurine and garlic; flavanoids or flavonoids such as hesperidin and quercetin; peptides; amino acids; animal fats and oils; vegetable fats and oils; and ground products or extracts of animals and plants.

[0073] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples, and the present invention can take various forms as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved. [Example]

[0074] The myoblast-activating effect of a combination of (A) HMB or its salt with other ingredients ((B) specific materials or (C) animal-derived proteins) was evaluated as follows.

[0075] [1. Myoblast activation] (1) Test substance HMBCa (a commercially available reagent) was used as HMB or its salt. - Commercially available crushed bamboo leaves were used as the bamboo grass. Moringa extract was prepared from crushed moringa stems and leaves (commercially available). As the Chomeisou plant, finely ground powder of the stems and leaves of Chomeisou plant (commercially available product) was used. For the kale, crushed kale stems and leaves (manufactured by Toyo Shinyaku Co., Ltd.) were used. - As mugwort, crushed mugwort stem and leaf powder (manufactured by Toyo Shinyaku Co., Ltd.) was used. -Mulberry powder used was crushed mulberry stems and leaves (commercially available). Dried and crushed spirulina powder (commercially available) was used as the microalgae. The barley used was ground barley stem and leaf powder (manufactured by Toyo Shinyaku Co., Ltd.). - As for the Angelica keiskei, crushed stem and leaf powder (commercially available) was used. - As sweet potato, crushed sweet potato stems and leaves powder (manufactured by Toyo Shinyaku Co., Ltd.) was used. As the animal-derived protein, milk-derived protein (commercially available) was used.

[0076] (2)Cell culture In a 37°C, 5% CO2 incubator, a 75cm 2 The mouse skeletal muscle-derived myoblast cell line C2C12 was cultured in a flask.

[0077] After culturing, cells were suspended by trypsinization and cultured at 75 cm 2 After harvesting the cells from the flask and counting the number, they were seeded into each well of a collagen-coated 96-well plate at a cell density of 5,000 cells / well. The seeded 96-well plate was pre-cultured for 24 hours in a 37°C, 5% CO2 incubator.

[0078] The test groups shown in Tables 1 and 2 were established. The values in Table 1 represent the concentration (μg / ml) of each test substance contained in the medium during cell culture. The test substance was adjusted to 10 mg / ml with 10% FBS-DMEM, vortexed for 1 hour, centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 1 minute, and the supernatant was filter-sterilized and then diluted with 10% FBS-DMEM to the desired concentrations listed in Tables 1 and 2. A control condition was 10% FBS-DMEM without any test substance.

[0079] After pre-culture, the medium in the wells was removed, and 200 μL of 10 vol% FBS-DMEM medium containing the prepared test substance was added to each well, followed by incubation in a 37°C, 5% CO2 incubator for approximately 24 hours.

[0080] [Table 1]

[0081] [Table 2]

[0082] (3) Cell activation activity measurement After incubation, the medium was removed and each well was washed once with 250 μL / well of PBS, followed by the addition of 150 μL / well of Cell Counting Kit-8 (Dojindo Laboratories) solution diluted 30-fold with serum-free DMEM.

[0083] After the addition, the plate was placed in a 37°C, 5% CO2 incubator to allow for adequate color development, and the absorbance at 450 nm of each well was measured. Based on the obtained data, the cell activating activity relative to the control (% of control) was calculated using the following formula. % of control=(Data sample-Data blank) / (Data control-Data blank)×100 Data sample: absorbance of Examples 1 to 10 and Comparative Examples 1 to 12 Data control: Control absorbance Data blank: Absorbance of wells with no cells

[0084] (4) Evaluation The cell activation activity of the control was set to 100%, and the difference (%) between the cell activation activity of Examples 1 to 10 and Comparative Examples 1 to 12 was calculated. The results are shown in Figures 1 to 9. A larger value indicates a higher cell activation activity, since the number of myoblasts increased compared to the control. Note that negative values for the difference between the cell activation activity of the control were expressed as 0.

[0085] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, a comparison of the Comparative Examples and Examples indicates that the myoblast-activating activity (%) of the combination of HMBCa and the specific material was significantly higher than that of HMBCa alone or the specific material alone, demonstrating that the myoblast-activating activity of a composition combining HMBCa and the specific material is significantly enhanced. That is, as shown in Tables 1 and 2, each Example is a combination of the corresponding Comparative Material. However, while the total amount of sample added in the Example and Comparative Example is the same, the cell-activating activity of the Comparative Example is not usually greater than that of the Comparative Example within the range of additive effect. However, the cell-activating activity of each Example was significantly higher than that of the Comparative Example, demonstrating a synergistic effect. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the combination of HMBCa, the specific material, and an animal-derived protein resulted in a significantly higher myoblast-activating activity than that of HMBCa alone, the specific material alone, or milk protein alone, and even higher than that of the combination of HMBCa and the specific material. Therefore, for the same reasons as above, it is clear that the myoblast-activating effect of the combination of HMBCa, the specific ingredient, and milk protein is a synergistic effect, not an additive effect obtained by simply adding up the effects of the comparative examples alone.Furthermore, it is clear that the myoblast-activating effect of the combination of HMBCa, the specific ingredient, and milk protein is a synergistic effect that cannot be achieved by the combination of HMBCa and the specific ingredient alone.

[0086] From the above results, it can be seen that products containing HMBCa and other ingredients exhibit excellent myoblast activation effects, which can be expected to increase or maintain muscle mass, improve metabolism by promoting energy production in the muscles, tighten the body (slim down), and prevent obesity by preventing a decline in basal metabolism due to muscle loss, thereby providing diet effects.

[0087] [Production Example 1] (Production of powdered composition) A powdered composition (3 g) consisting of the following ingredients was prepared. Dissolving the obtained powdered composition in 100 mL of water and taking it will provide excellent diet effects.

[0088] HMBCa 1% Crushed Kumazasa stems and leaves 1% Barley stem and leaf powder 30% Angelica keiskei (Heart Leaf) Powder 1% Maltose 20% Milk protein 1% Soy protein 10% Fragrance 3% Dextrin 20% Reduced maltose remainder

[0089] [Production Example 2] (Production of Powdered Composition) A powdered composition (3.5 g) consisting of the following ingredients was prepared. Dissolving the obtained powdered composition in 150 mL of water and taking it will provide excellent diet effects.

[0090] HMBCa 10% Barley stem and leaf juice powder 30% Kale stem and leaf powder 5% Moringa leaf powder 5% Chou-mei-sou stem and leaf powder 5% Lactic acid bacteria 1% Glucose 20% Dextrin 20% Reduced maltose remainder

[0091] [Production Example 3] (Production of tablet-shaped composition) A tablet composition (350 mg) consisting of the following ingredients was prepared. Taking six tablets of the resulting tablet composition per day will provide excellent diet effects.

[0092] HMBCa 75% 10% hydroethanol extract of Kumazasa stems and leaves Milk Protein 5% Pullulan 1% Reduced maltose remainder

[0093] [Production Example 4] (Production of Granular Composition) The following ingredients were mixed together to prepare a granular composition (3000 mg) in a conventional manner. Taking the resulting granular composition with water provides excellent diet effects.

[0094] HMBCa 50% Kudzu flower water extract 10% Artemisia leaf powder 2% Aspartame 0.1% Thiamine hydrochloride 0.33% Riboflavin 0.33% Vitamin B6 0.17% Cyanocobalamin 0.17% Fragrance 0.17% Reduced palatinose 6.67% Calcium stearate 3.33% Hydroxypropyl cellulose Remainder [Industrial Applicability]

[0095] According to the present invention, a composition containing (A) 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid or a salt thereof, which has a diet effect, and (B) at least one material selected from the group consisting of kumazasa, moringa, chomeiso, kale, mugwort, mulberry, microalgae, barley, angelica tree, and sweet potato, is obtained, and can be used as general food and beverages, specified health food and beverages, nutrient-functional food and beverages, health-functional food and beverages, special-purpose food and beverages, nutritional supplement food and beverages, health supplement food and beverages, supplements, beauty food and beverages, other health food and beverages, quasi-drugs, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals that are beneficial to those expecting diet effects, metabolism-promoting effects, and muscle-building effects.

Claims

1. An oral composition comprising (A) 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid or a salt thereof and (B) ground stems and leaves of at least one plant selected from the group consisting of barley, kale, Angelica keiskei, sweet potato, mugwort, and mulberry.

2. The oral composition according to claim 1, further comprising (C) an animal-derived protein.

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