Oral composition

Abstract

To provide, regarding a kudzu (arrowroot) flower-containing oral composition, a kudzu flower-containing oral composition that has improved umami taste, and the oral composition that has improved stability.SOLUTION: As a result of intensive studies to solve the problem, the present inventor has found that the taste or stability of a kudzu flower-containing oral composition can be improved by combining a kudzu flower with a particular compound, leading to the present invention.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an oral composition containing kudzu flower and a specific compound. [Background technology]

[0002] Kudzu is a large vine plant of the legume family, and kudzu starch extracted from its roots has long been used as an ingredient in Japanese sweets. Its roots and flowers, called kudzu root and kudzu flower, respectively, are used as ingredients in traditional Chinese medicines, such as antipyretics, analgesics, antispasmodics, and medicines for symptoms such as sweating. Kudzu flower, in particular, is known to have various effects, including antidiabetic effects, hepatocyte activation, and inhibitory effects on the concentration of alcohol metabolites (Patent Documents 1 to 3). Because kudzu flower is thus a beneficial plant for maintaining or improving health, there is a need for further development of oral compositions containing kudzu flower. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-290876 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2006-265236 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2006-131610 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, because kudzu flower has a unique taste, continuous oral ingestion is difficult. Furthermore, there has been insufficient research into methods for suppressing the decomposition of the components contained in kudzu flower and maintaining its stability, so there is concern that the components of kudzu flower may decay during storage. Therefore, there is a need for improvements in the taste and stability of oral compositions containing kudzu flower.

[0005] The present invention has been made with the aim of improving the taste and stability of an oral composition containing kudzu flower. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a result of extensive research to solve the above problems, the inventors discovered that by combining kudzu flower with a specific compound, the taste or stability of an oral composition containing kudzu flower can be improved, leading to the present invention.

[0007] The present inventors also discovered that a superior anti-obesity effect can be exerted by combining pueraria flowers with a specific compound, leading to the present invention.

[0008] That is, the present invention is as follows. The outline of the present invention is as follows. <1> An oral composition comprising kudzu flower and one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of (A) to (D). (A) one or more polyphenols selected from anthocyanins and quercetin (B) one or more amino acids selected from glutamic acid, histidine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, cysteine, and glycine (C) Nucleotides (D) Inulin <2> An oral composition comprising kudzu flower and two or more compounds selected from the group consisting of (A) to (D). (A) one or more polyphenols selected from anthocyanins and quercetin (B) one or more amino acids selected from glutamic acid, histidine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, cysteine, and glycine (C) Nucleotides (D) Inulin <3> An oral composition comprising kudzu flower, one or more compounds selected from (A), and one or more compounds selected from (B) to (D). (A) one or more polyphenols selected from anthocyanins and quercetin (B) one or more amino acids selected from glutamic acid, histidine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, cysteine, and glycine (C) Nucleotides (D) Inulin <4> An oral composition comprising kudzu flower, one or more compounds selected from (B), and one or more compounds selected from (C) and (D). (B) one or more amino acids selected from glutamic acid, histidine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, cysteine, and glycine (C) Nucleotides (D) Inulin <5> An oral composition comprising kudzu flower, one or more compounds selected from (B), and (C). (B) one or more amino acids selected from glutamic acid, histidine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, cysteine, and glycine (C) Nucleotides <6> (C) The nucleotide is at least one of inosinic acid, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and ribonucleic acid (RNA). <1> ~ <5> The oral composition according to any one of the preceding claims. <7> An anti-obesity composition comprising kudzu flower and one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of (A) to (D). (A) one or more polyphenols selected from anthocyanins and quercetin (B) one or more amino acids selected from glutamic acid, histidine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, cysteine, and glycine (C) Nucleotides (D) Inulin <8> (C) The nucleotide is at least one of inosinic acid, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and ribonucleic acid (RNA). <7> The anti-obesity composition according to claim 1. <9> A body fat-reducing composition comprising kudzu flower and one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of (A) to (D). (A) one or more polyphenols selected from anthocyanins and quercetin (B) one or more amino acids selected from glutamic acid, histidine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, cysteine, and glycine (C) Nucleotides (D) Inulin <10> (C) The nucleotide is at least one of inosinic acid, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and ribonucleic acid (RNA). <9> The body fat reducing composition according to claim 1. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, an oral composition containing kudzu flower and a specific compound can be provided, which has improved taste, such as deliciousness, sweetness, and umami. Furthermore, according to the present invention, an oral composition containing kudzu flower can be provided, which has improved storage stability. Furthermore, according to the present invention, an oral composition having excellent anti-obesity effects can be provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention will be described in detail below.

[0011] [Kuzuhana] Kudzu flowers are the inflorescences of the kudzu plant. Kudzu plants are commonly known as climbing perennial plants of the genus Pueraria in the family Fabaceae, and are known to be distributed in Japan, China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and other regions. Examples of kudzu plants include Pueraria thomsonii, Pueraria lobata, and Pueraria thunbergiana. Any species of kudzu plant may be used in the present invention, without particular limitations. However, Pueraria thomsonii is preferred from the viewpoints of improved taste, stability, and anti-obesity effects. The kudzu flowers used as the raw material for the kudzu flower processed product of the present invention may be harvested at any flowering stage. However, from the viewpoints of improved taste, stability, and anti-obesity effects, kudzu flowers harvested at the bud stage before full bloom are preferred.

[0012] The kudzu flower used in the present invention is not particularly limited. Examples of kudzu flower include fresh kudzu flowers and processed kudzu flower products obtained by processing kudzu flowers. Among these, processed kudzu flower products are particularly preferred. In the present application, the processed kudzu flower product refers to a product obtained by subjecting kudzu flowers to at least one of drying, crushing, and extraction treatments. The processed kudzu flower product used in the present application is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoints of improving taste, improving stability, and anti-obesity effects, kudzu flower extract or dried kudzu flower powder is preferred, and kudzu flower extract is particularly preferred.

[0013] In this application, the term "dried kudzu flower product" refers to a substance obtained by drying kudzu flowers, a dried powder obtained by drying and then crushing kudzu flowers (dried kudzu flower powder), etc., and does not include the kudzu flower extract described below. Furthermore, in this application, the term "kudzu flower extract" refers to the juice of kudzu flowers, an extract extracted from kudzu flowers, a concentrate obtained by concentrating this juice or extract, a dried powder (extract powder) obtained by drying this juice or extract, etc.

[0014] Below, we will explain how to prepare processed kudzu flowers, such as dried kudzu flowers, kudzu flower powder (dried powder and extract powder), and kudzu flower extract.

[0015] Dried kudzu flowers are obtained by drying kudzu flowers, and examples include those obtained by drying kudzu flowers themselves and crushing kudzu flowers themselves. The method for drying kudzu flowers to obtain dried kudzu flowers is not particularly limited, but for example, kudzu flowers collected at the bud stage before they fully open can be dried by sun drying, hot air drying, or the like to obtain dried kudzu flowers. The degree of drying may be such that the moisture content of the kudzu flowers is sufficiently reduced, and preferably, for example, the moisture content is reduced to 10% by mass or less. If necessary, the dried kudzu flowers can be pulverized to form a powder.

[0016] When obtaining a powder of dried kudzu flowers, examples of the powdering method include, but are not limited to, methods commonly used by those skilled in the art, such as pulverizing or powdering the dried kudzu flowers using a ball mill, hammer mill, roller mill, etc. The order of drying and powdering can also be reversed, and the kudzu flowers before drying can be pre-pulverized using a mass colloider, slicer, comitrol, etc., and the pulverized material can then be dried to obtain a powder of dried kudzu flowers.

[0017] The kudzu flower extract is not particularly limited as long as it is an extract of components contained in kudzu flowers, and examples thereof include the juice obtained by squeezing kudzu flowers and an extract obtained by extracting kudzu flowers with a solvent. The kudzu flower extract may also be a solvent-diluted product of the squeezed juice or extract, a concentrate, or a dried product, or may be in a solid form such as a liquid, paste, powder, granules, granules, pellets, or tablet. In either case, the kudzu flower extract may be alone, or, in the case of a liquid or paste form, it may be mixed with a solvent or the like. In the case of a solid form, it may be mixed with an excipient, or may be molded together with an excipient or binder.

[0018] When pudding flower extract is obtained in the form of an extract, it can be obtained by a commonly known solvent extraction method using the plant. For example, pudding flower extract can be obtained by adding a solvent to pudding flowers and appropriately heating or stirring. Alternatively, pudding flower extract consisting of liquid components from which solids (residues) have been removed can be obtained using commonly known solid-liquid separation methods such as centrifugation or filtration. As the raw material for pudding flower extract, pudding flowers can be used either before or after drying, but from the viewpoint of extraction efficiency, dried pudding flowers are preferred.

[0019] Examples of solvents used to obtain the kudzu flower extract include water, hot water, organic solvents, and aqueous organic solvents. The organic solvent is not particularly limited as long as it is an organic solvent commonly used in extraction treatments, and examples include methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, n-butanol, acetone, hexane, cyclohexane, propylene glycol, ethyl methyl ketone, glycerin, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, dichloromethane, edible oils and fats, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, and 1,1,2-trichloroethene. Among the above solvents, water, hot water, and polar organic solvents are preferred because they can efficiently extract tectorigenins. Water, hot water, ethanol, n-butanol, methanol, acetone, propylene glycol, or ethyl acetate is more preferred, and water, hot water, or ethanol is even more preferred.

[0020] When obtaining kudzu flower extract, extraction can be performed without heating, but heating is preferred from the perspective of extraction efficiency. Examples of heated extraction methods include heated extraction methods such as heated reflux and supercritical extraction, and in some cases, heating under pressure can be used. The extraction temperature for heated extraction is not particularly limited as long as it is below the boiling point of the solvent used. The extraction temperature varies depending on the solvent used, but is generally between 4°C and 150°C. To prevent the solvent used for extraction from volatilizing, the lower limit of the heating temperature should be set to, for example, 30°C or higher, preferably 50°C or higher, and the upper limit should be set to, for example, 150°C or lower, preferably 130°C or lower.

[0021] The extraction time may be set appropriately depending on the extraction temperature, etc., as long as it is long enough to sufficiently extract soluble components such as tectorigenins from the kudzu flower. It may be set, for example, from several minutes to several tens of hours, and may be set to 30 minutes to 48 hours depending on the heating and stirring conditions. When extraction is performed without heating or at temperatures below 50°C, the extraction time may be set to, for example, 6 hours to 48 hours, and when heating is performed at 50°C or higher, the extraction time may be set to, for example, 30 minutes to 24 hours. The extraction time, i.e., the time from the start to the end of extraction, depends on various conditions. For example, the concentration of soluble components may be measured over time, and the end of extraction may be determined by the time at which the concentration reaches a maximum plateau.

[0022] The kudzu flower extract may be obtained by concentrating or drying the extract solution after extraction, for example, by vacuum concentration or freeze-drying, in order to remove the organic solvent.

[0023] The kudzu flower extract may be made into an extract with a high content of tectorigenins using a column or concentrator containing synthetic adsorbents such as Diaion HP20, Sepabise SP825L, Amberlite XAD4, or MCIgel CHP20P, or dextran resins such as Sephadex LH-20.

[0024] Kudzu flowers contain tectorigenins, which are flavonoids with various physiological activities. In the present invention, tectorigenins refer to tectorigenin, tectoridin, tectorigenin 7-O-xylosylglucoside (TGXG), or a mixture thereof.

[0025] The amount of tectorigenins in the composition of the present invention can be measured by HPLC. For example, YMC-Pack ODS AM12S05-2546WT (φ4.6 × 250 mm) manufactured by YMC Co., Ltd. is used, and the mobile phase is a mixture of acetonitrile / water / acetic acid (mobile phase A volume ratio = 15:85:0.1, mobile phase B volume ratio = 35:65:0.1), with a column temperature of 35°C and a flow rate of 1.0 ml / min. The gradient conditions can be as follows:

[0026] [Table 1]

[0027] The content of kudzu flower in the oral composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoints of improving taste, stability, and anti-obesity effects, it is preferably 0.001 wt% or more, more preferably 0.005 wt% or more, even more preferably 0.008 wt% or more, and particularly preferably 0.01 wt% or more, based on the total amount of the oral composition of the present invention. There is no particular upper limit to the content, but from the viewpoints of improving taste, stability, and anti-obesity effects, it is preferably 99.5 wt% or less, more preferably 99 wt% or less, even more preferably 95 wt% or less, and particularly preferably 90 wt% or less. When the oral composition is in the form of a tea bag, the content refers to the content in the extract.

[0028] In the oral composition of the present invention, the amount of kudzu flower to be ingested is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoints of improving taste, enhancing stability, and anti-obesity effects, the daily intake of kudzu flower is preferably 1 mg / day or more, more preferably 5 mg / day or more, even more preferably 10 mg / day or more, and particularly preferably 20 mg / day or more. There is no particular upper limit to the intake amount, but from the viewpoints of improving taste, enhancing stability, and anti-obesity effects, it is preferably 50 g / day or less, more preferably 40 g / day or less, even more preferably 30 g / day or less, and particularly preferably 20 g / day or less. 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 is the above-mentioned amount.

[0029] [Specific compounds] In the present invention, the kudzu flower is combined with at least one compound selected from the group consisting of (A) to (D) (hereinafter referred to as "specific compound"). The specific compound will be described in detail below.

[0030] The specific compounds used in the composition of the present invention are at least one compound selected from the group consisting of: (A) one or more polyphenols selected from anthocyanins and quercetin; (B) one or more amino acids selected from glutamic acid, histidine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, cysteine, and glycine; (C) nucleotides; and (D) inulin.

[0031] The compounds (A) to (D) contained together with kudzu flower may be used singly (for example, one of the compounds (A)) or in combination of two or more (for example, two of the compounds (A), or the compounds (A) and (B)). In the present invention, from the viewpoints of improving taste, enhancing stability, and anti-obesity effects, it is preferable to contain two or more compounds selected from (A) to (D), more preferably to contain one or more compounds selected from (A) and one or more compounds selected from (B) to (D), or to contain one or more compounds selected from (B) and one or more compounds selected from (C) and (D), and particularly preferably to contain one or more compounds selected from (A) and one or more compounds selected from (B) and (C), or to contain one or more compounds selected from (B) and one or more compounds selected from (C).

[0032] (A. Polyphenols) The polyphenol used in the present invention is one or more selected from anthocyanin and quercetin. Anthocyanin is a glycoside of anthocyanidin. Quercetin is a flavonol. In the present invention, quercetin is a concept that encompasses glycosides. The anthocyanin or quercetin used in the present invention may be synthesized or may be contained in plants. When the polyphenol used in the present invention is derived from a plant, it is preferably derived from a source other than kudzu flowers.

[0033] (B. Amino Acids) The amino acids used in the present invention are one or more selected from glutamic acid, histidine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, cysteine, and glycine. The term "amino acid" as used herein refers to free amino acids and does not include proteinogenic amino acids. The amino acids used in the present invention may be synthetic or may be contained in plants or animals. When the amino acids used in the present invention are derived from plants, they are preferably derived from sources other than kudzu flowers.

[0034] (C. Nucleotides) The term "nucleotide" as used herein encompasses both nucleotides, which are nucleoside phosphate esters, and polynucleotides (nucleic acids), which are nucleotide conjugates. Examples of nucleoside phosphate esters include tasty nucleotides such as inosinic acid (IMP) and guanylic acid (GMP), ribonucleotides such as adenylic acid (AMP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and deoxynucleotides such as dAMP, dADP, and dATP. Nucleic acids include deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). From the viewpoints of improving taste, stability, and anti-obesity effects, tasty nucleotides and nucleic acids are preferred as nucleotides used in the present invention, with inosinic acid, guanylic acid, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and ribonucleic acid (RNA) being more preferred, and inosinic acid, DNA, and RNA being particularly preferred. The nucleotides used in the present invention may be synthetic or may be found in plants or animals. When the nucleotides used in the present invention are derived from plants, they are preferably derived from sources other than kudzu flowers.

[0035] (D. Inulin) Inulin is a fructan consisting of β-D-2,1-linked fructofuranose residues. The inulin used in the present invention may be synthetic or may be contained in plants. When using plants, the type, part, or processing method of the plant is not particularly limited. When the inulin used in the present invention is derived from a plant, it is preferably derived from a source other than kudzu flowers.

[0036] [Oral composition] In the oral composition of the present invention, the content of the compounds (A) to (D) is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoints of improving taste, improving stability, and anti-obesity effect, it is preferably 0.00001 wt% or more, more preferably 0.00003 wt% or more, even more preferably 0.00005 wt% or more, and particularly preferably 0.0001 wt% or more, relative to the total amount of the oral composition of the present invention. The upper limit of the content is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoints of improving taste, improving stability, and anti-obesity effect, it is preferably 99.5 wt% or less, more preferably 99 wt% or less, even more preferably 95 wt% or less, and particularly preferably 90 wt% or less.

[0037] In the oral composition of the present invention, the weight ratio of pueraria flower to compounds (A) to (D) contained in the oral composition is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoints of improving taste, enhancing stability, and anti-obesity effects, it is preferable that the composition contain 100 parts by weight or less of compounds (A) to (D) per part by weight of pueraria flower, more preferably 10 parts by weight or less, even more preferably 5 parts by weight or less, and particularly preferably 2 parts by weight or less. Furthermore, from the viewpoints of improving taste, enhancing stability, and anti-obesity effects, it is preferable that the composition contain 0.00001 parts by weight or more of compounds (A) to (D) per part by weight of pueraria flower, more preferably 0.0001 parts by weight or more, even more preferably 0.0005 parts by weight or more, and particularly preferably 0.001 parts by weight or more.

[0038] In the oral composition of the present invention, the total content of pueraria flower and compounds (A) to (D) is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoints of improving taste, enhancing stability, and anti-obesity effects, it is preferably 0.001 wt% or more, more preferably 0.005 wt% or more, even more preferably 0.008 wt% or more, and particularly preferably 0.01 wt% or more, relative to the total amount of the oral composition of the present invention. The upper limit of the content is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoints of improving taste, enhancing stability, and anti-obesity effects, it is preferably 99.5 wt% or less, more preferably 99 wt% or less, even more preferably 95 wt% or less, and particularly preferably 90 wt% or less.

[0039] In the oral composition of the present invention, the total intake of pueraria flower and compounds (A) to (D) is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoints of improved taste, enhanced stability, and anti-obesity effects, the total daily intake of pueraria flower and compounds (A) to (D) is preferably 1 mg / day or more, more preferably 5 mg / day or more, even more preferably 10 mg / day or more, and particularly preferably 20 mg / day or more. There is no particular upper limit to the intake amount, but from the viewpoints of improved taste, enhanced stability, and anti-obesity effects, it is preferably 50 g / day or less, more preferably 40 g / day or less, even more preferably 30 g / day or less, and particularly preferably 20 g / day or less. 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 multiple containers so that the daily intake is the above-mentioned intake amount.

[0040] In the present invention, the intake amount of the oral composition is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoints of improving taste, improving stability, and anti-obesity effect, the daily intake amount of the oral composition is preferably 0.01 g / day or more, more preferably 0.1 g / day or more, even more preferably 0.5 g / day or more, and particularly preferably 1 g / day or more. The upper limit of the intake amount is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoints of improving taste, improving stability, and anti-obesity effect, it is preferably 100 g / day or less, more preferably 50 g / day or less, even more preferably 30 g / day or less, and particularly preferably 20 g / day or less.

[0041] The oral composition of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is in a form that can be taken orally, and may be any of a pharmaceutical product (including quasi-drugs), a so-called health food, a food for specified health uses, or a food with functional claims, but is preferably a food, more preferably a food for specified health uses or a food with functional claims, and particularly preferably a food with functional claims.

[0042] The oral composition of the present invention may contain other commonly used ingredients in addition to the pueraria flower and the compounds (A) to (D). Examples of other ingredients include various excipients, binders, glossing agents, lubricants, stabilizers, diluents, bulking agents, thickeners, emulsifiers, antioxidants, pH adjusters, colorants, flavorings, and additives. The content of ingredients other than the pueraria flower and the compounds (A) to (D) can be adjusted depending on the dosage form of the present invention.

[0043] The oral composition of the present invention may be in the form of, for example, a tablet, capsule, powder, granule, liquid, rod, plate, block, solid, round, paste, cream, caplet, gel, chewable, or stick. Among these dosage forms, powder, granule, tablet, and capsule forms are preferred from the viewpoints of manufacturability and ease of ingestion, with powder, granule, and tablet forms being particularly preferred. Because the oral composition of the present invention is characterized by the ease with which the tectorigenins contained in kudzu flower are easily dissolved or extracted in water, it is particularly preferred to use it in the form of a powdered drink (meaning a powder or granule that is prepared by adding water, hot water, milk, or the like and stirring it for drinking) or a tea bag (meaning a powdered or granular oral composition of the present invention is filled into a nonwoven fabric and extracted with water or hot water for consumption). Tablet, powdered drink, and tea bag forms are also preferred from the viewpoint of convenient consumption during meals, etc.

[0044] The packaging form of the oral composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, and can be suitably selected from blister packs such as PTP, strip packaging, heat seal, aluminum packaging such as aluminum pouches, film packaging using plastic or synthetic resin, glass containers such as vials, plastic containers such as ampoules, PET bottles, aluminum cans, steel cans, etc., but from the viewpoint of the storage stability of kudzu flower, aluminum packaging is particularly preferred.

[0045] [Anti-obesity composition] The oral composition of the present invention can also be used as an anti-obesity composition. Ingested fat is absorbed into the body by being incorporated into particles called micelles, but the oral composition of the present invention has the effect of disrupting micelles. Therefore, the oral composition of the present invention inhibits fat absorption and suppresses the accumulation of body fat, thereby exhibiting excellent anti-obesity effects.

[0046] When the oral composition of the present invention is used as an anti-obesity composition, it need only be distinguishable from other products in that it is used to alleviate obesity. For example, the scope of the anti-obesity composition of the present invention includes products that display on the product itself, packaging, instructions, or promotional materials (advertising media) that the product has a function related to alleviating obesity, such as a body fat reduction function. The anti-obesity composition of the present invention is not limited to products that display kudzu flower or compounds (A) to (D) as the active ingredient on the product packaging, etc. For example, the active ingredient may not be specified. Furthermore, even general foods that are manufactured and sold with a suggestion of anti-obesity use are included in the scope of the anti-obesity composition of the present invention.

[0047] Specifically, for example, "reduce body fat," "promote body fat reduction," "suppress increase in body fat," "support gradual reduction of body fat," "reduce body fat percentage," "help reduce body fat percentage," "reduce fat on the body," "for those with high body fat," "for those concerned about body fat," "reduce BMI," "help improve BMI," "help reduce a decrease in BMI," "help improve a high BMI," "for those with a high BMI," "reduce abdominal fat (visceral fat)," "for those concerned about abdominal fat," "reduce fat around the abdomen," "for those concerned about visceral fat," "help reduce visceral fat (belly fat) and BMI in those who are overweight," "reduce waist circumference "," "helps reduce waist circumference," "supports gradual reduction in waist size," "reduces weight," "helps reduce weight," "promotes weight loss," "supports gradual weight loss," "for those who are overweight," "for those concerned about their weight," "helps reduce weight and body fat in those who are overweight," "increases the ability to break down and consume fat," "further increases the ability to break down and consume fat," "increases fat metabolism," "makes fat easier to consume," "promotes the burning of body fat during exercise," "reduces triglycerides," "suppresses fat absorption," "supports slimming," "diet," and the like are included within the scope of the anti-obesity composition of the present invention. [Example]

[0048] 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.

[0049] <Sensory test> In order to evaluate the taste of an oral composition containing kudzu flower, the following test was carried out.

[0050] [Test method] 100 mL of beverages (Examples 1-9 and Comparative Examples 1-3) were prepared to have the contents shown in Table 2. The kudzu flower extract used was obtained by hot water extraction of dried powder of kudzu flowers (Pueraria thomsonii, part: petals) harvested at the bud stage. The DNA used was derived from salmon milt, the RNA from yeast, and a commercially available synthetic inulin.

[0051] [Table 2]

[0052] The beverages of the Examples and Comparative Examples were consumed by four subjects, and evaluations were made regarding taste, etc. The evaluations were carried out according to the evaluation criteria described below, with Comparative Example 1 being the standard (0 points), and each Example and Comparative Example was scored, and an average score was calculated.

[0053] (Evaluation criteria) 3 points very good 2 points Good 1 point: Rather good 0 points No change -1 point: Rather bad -2 points Bad -3 points Very bad

[0054] [Test Results] The results of the sensory test are shown in Table 3.

[0055] [Table 3]

[0056] Beverages containing the specific compounds described in (B) to (D) in addition to kudzu flower (Examples 1-9) showed improved taste compared to a beverage containing only kudzu flower (Comparative Example 1). On the other hand, no improvement in taste was observed in a beverage containing glutamine, an amino acid (Comparative Example 2), or a beverage containing indigestible dextrin, a dietary fiber (Comparative Example 3). All oral compositions of the present invention were highly soluble in water.

[0057] <Stability test> In order to evaluate the stability of tectorigenins contained in kudzu flowers in solution, the following test was carried out.

[0058] [Test method] Dilutions of kudzu flower extract, anthocyanin, quercetin, and catechin were prepared, and the diluted solutions were then aliquoted to prepare 50% ethanol solutions containing kudzu flower extract, and any of anthocyanin, quercetin, and catechin in the amounts shown in Table 4. The kudzu flower extract used was the same as that used in the sensory test, the anthocyanin was derived from elderberry, and the quercetin was quercetin dihydrate.

[0059] [Table 4]

[0060] The stability of kudzu flowers was evaluated using tectorigenins as an index. Specifically, 10 mL of each prepared solution was dispensed into two polypropylene centrifuge tubes (15 mL capacity) and stored for 24 hours under the following conditions (a) or (b). After 24 hours, the amount of tectorigenins in each solution was measured. Based on the obtained measured values, the reduction rate of tectorigenins was calculated using the following formula (Formula 1). The results are shown in Table 5. (A) Dark room, 5-7℃ (refrigerated storage) (a) Near a window (exposed to sunlight), 20°C (stored at room temperature)

[0061]

number

[0062] [Table 5]

[0063] In the solutions containing anthocyanin or quercetin, which are the compound (A) of the present invention (Examples 10 and 11), the decrease in tectorigenins was suppressed compared to the solution containing no anthocyanin or quercetin (Comparative Example 4). On the other hand, the decrease rate in the solution containing catechin, a type of polyphenol (Comparative Example 5), was similar to that of Comparative Example 4.

[0064] <Anti-obesity test (micelle structure disruption test)> To evaluate the anti-obesity effect, the following test was carried out.

[0065] [Test method] (Preparation of control solutions and test substances) A 0.2 M Tris-HCl buffer solution (pH 7.0) was prepared as a control solution. Test substances were also prepared by adding each compound to 0.2 M Tris-HCl buffer solution (pH 7.0) at the concentrations listed in Tables 6-9. The same kudzu flower extract as used in the sensory tests was used. Elderberry-derived anthocyanins, quercetin dihydrate, yeast-derived RNA, and a commercially available synthetic inulin were used.

[0066] [Table 6]

[0067] [Table 7]

[0068] [Table 8]

[0069] [Table 9]

[0070] (Preparation of micellar emulsion) 2 mL of olive oil (Nacalai Tesques, Inc.) was mixed with 23 mL of ultrapure water and sodium cholate (Nacalai Tesques, Inc.), and then ultrasonically treated (VP-5S, Taitec Corporation) for 6 minutes to prepare an emulsion with an absorbance of 0.5 or greater at 500 nm. The sodium cholate concentration in the emulsion was adjusted to 0.2%. The absorbance at 500 nm is generally known to be an indicator of the amount of micelles formed (see, for example, Journal of the Japanese Society of Nutrition and Food Science, Vol. 60, No. 2 (2007), pp. 105-110). (Measurement of micelle destruction rate) The prepared emulsion was mixed with the control solution or test substance at a 1:1 ratio, adjusted to a final sodium cholate concentration of 0.1%, and then shaken (Bioshaker, BR-43F, Taitec Corporation) at 37°C for 120 minutes at 80 rpm. The mixture was diluted 100-fold with 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS, Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) solution before and after shaking, and the absorbance at 500 nm was measured. Based on the measured absorbance, the micelle destruction rate (%) was calculated using the following formula. The measured micelle destruction rates are shown in Tables 6-9.

[0071]

number

[0072] [Test Results] Examples 12 to 24, which contained kudzu flower and compounds (A) to (D), had significantly higher micelle destruction rates than the test substances containing only kudzu flower or Comparative Examples 6 to 22, which contained only compounds (A) to (D). The improved micelle destruction rate achieved by combining kudzu flower with compounds (A) to (D) compared to the use of each compound alone is an effect of the present invention. Furthermore, Examples 19, 20, and 23, which contained two compounds (A) to (D) in addition to kudzu flower, showed a significantly higher proportion of disrupted micelles than Examples 19 and 23, which contained only one compound (A) to (D).

[0073] Since the disruption of the micelle structure in vivo inhibits fat absorption, disruption of the micelle structure serves as an indicator of anti-obesity effects. The inclusion of compounds (A) to (D) in addition to kudzu flower significantly increases the rate of micelle disruption, making the oral composition of the present invention useful as an anti-obesity composition or a body fat-reducing composition.

[0074] (Manufacturing example) A production example of the present invention will be described below. [Manufacturing Example 1-18: Granular powdered beverage] As shown in Table 10, the ingredients were mixed and then fluidized bed granulation was performed using a granulator to produce the granular powdered beverage described in Production Example 1-18. The produced powdered beverage was filled into aluminum pouches so that each pouch contained 3 g. By filling the powdered beverage into an aluminum pouch, the kudzu flower can be stably stored. The powdered beverage described in Production Example 1-18 can be taken once a day at a dose of 3 g. The powdered beverage of Production Example 1-18 is easily dispersible in water or hot water, so it can be taken with just a little stirring. Furthermore, all of the powdered beverages of Production Examples 1-18 have excellent palatability and are also effective in anti-obesity. In particular, powdered beverages containing kudzu flower and two or more of the compounds (A) to (D) exhibit excellent anti-obesity effects.

[0075] [Table 10]

[0076] [Manufacturing Example 19-36: Tablets] As shown in Table 11, the raw materials were mixed and then tableted using a rotary tablet press to produce the tablets of Production Examples 19-36. The tablets were manufactured with a diameter of 8 mm, a thickness of 4.5 mm, a weight of 300 mg, and a hardness of 5 kgf or more. The tablets described in Production Examples 19-36 only require 5 to 6 tablets per day, and can be taken with water or the like. By packaging the tablets in an aluminum pouch, the kudzu flower can be stably stored. Furthermore, all of the tablets of Production Examples 19-36 have excellent palatability and are also effective in preventing obesity. In particular, tablets containing kudzu flower and two or more compounds (A) to (D) exhibit excellent anti-obesity effects.

[0077] [Table 11]

[0078] [Production Example 37-54: Tea Bags] As shown in Table 12, the ingredients were mixed and packed into nonwoven fabric so that each bag contained 2 g of tea. By packaging the tea bags in aluminum pouches, the kudzu flower can be stably preserved. The tea bags described in Production Examples 37-54 can be ingested by steeping in 150 mL of hot water for 1 minute. Furthermore, all of the tea bags in Production Examples 37-54 are highly palatable and effective in preventing obesity. In particular, tea bags containing two or more of the compounds (A) to (D) in addition to kudzu flower exhibit excellent anti-obesity effects.

[0079] [Table 12] [Industrial Applicability]

[0080] The oral composition of the present invention exhibits excellent palatability and the storage stability of the components contained in kudzu flowers, and is therefore highly useful industrially.

Claims

[Claim 1] An oral composition comprising kudzu flower and nucleotides.

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