Composition for improving feeling of fatigue

Abstract

To provide, in the field of foodstuffs, a composition effective for improving fatigue by using a component with a history of human consumption.SOLUTION: Provided is a composition for improving the feeling of fatigue, a composition for improving endurance, a composition for improving energy production, a composition for removing active oxygen species, or a composition for an exerciser, each containing Terminalia catappa L. and / or an extract thereof.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition for alleviating fatigue. The present invention also relates to a composition for improving endurance, improving energy production, removing reactive oxygen species, and for athletes. [Background technology]

[0002] In modern times, people feel mental and physical fatigue due to various social activities such as schoolwork and work. Fatigue, whether physical or mental, can lead to various mental fatigue states such as lethargy, which can lead to a decline in performance.

[0003] In general, getting enough sleep and rest is effective in alleviating fatigue, and taking nutritional supplements as needed can be an appropriate way to deal with fatigue.

[0004] Energy drinks and supplements are sold not only as pharmaceutical and quasi-drug nutritional supplements but also as general food products, with the aim of providing nutritional support and strengthening the body during times of physical fatigue.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes the use of imidazole dipeptides and / or salts thereof to improve fatigue. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-173442 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Ingredients that can be ingested in the food and beverage sector and are effective in alleviating fatigue are useful as everyday countermeasures against fatigue, and although development of various ingredients is underway, it is still not sufficient.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a composition that is effective against fatigue and can be ingested in the food and beverage sector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the present inventors conducted extensive research and discovered that momotamana (also known as kobateishi; Terminalia catappa L.), which is commonly eaten in the food industry, has an effect of improving fatigue, leading to the completion of the present invention.

[0010] That is, the present invention provides the compositions listed below.

[0011] [1] A composition for improving fatigue, comprising an effective amount of Terminalia catappa L. and / or an extract thereof.

[0012] [2] A composition for improving endurance, comprising an effective amount of Terminalia catappa L. and / or its extract.

[0013] [3] A composition for improving energy production, comprising an effective amount of Terminalia catappa L. and / or an extract thereof.

[0014] [4] A composition for removing reactive oxygen species, comprising an effective amount of Terminalia catappa L. and / or an extract thereof.

[0015] [5] A composition for athletes containing an effective amount of Terminalia catappa L. and / or an extract thereof.

[0016] [6] The composition according to [1], wherein the improvement in fatigue is improvement in fatigue during exercise.

[0017] [7] The composition described in [2], wherein the improvement in endurance is an increase in speed, distance, or time when walking or running.

[0018] [8] The composition according to any one of [1] to [4], which is used for a person who exercises at an exercise intensity of 3 METs or more.

[0019] [9] A method for improving fatigue, improving endurance, improving energy production, or removing reactive oxygen species, comprising the step of administering momotamana (Terminalia catappa L.) and / or an extract thereof to a subject in need thereof.

[0020]

[10] A composition containing an effective amount of Terminalia catappa L. and / or an extract thereof for use in alleviating fatigue, improving endurance, improving energy production, or removing reactive oxygen species.

[0021]

[11] Use of Terminalia catappa L. and / or an extract thereof in the manufacture of a composition for improving fatigue, improving endurance, improving energy production, or removing reactive oxygen species.

[0022]

[12] Use of a composition containing an effective amount of Terminalia catappa L. and / or an extract thereof in alleviating fatigue, improving endurance, improving energy production, or removing reactive oxygen species. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, fatigue can be effectively alleviated by using momotamana (Terminalia catappa L.), which has been eaten in the food industry. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a graph showing the results of maximum running speed in the exercise ability evaluation of Test Example 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the results of maximum running time in the exercise ability evaluation of Test Example 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a graph showing the results of the running distance in the athletic ability evaluation of Test Example 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the results of maximum running time in the exercise ability evaluation of Test Example 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the results of the running distance in the athletic ability evaluation of Test Example 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a graph showing the measurement results of glucose metabolism at rest in the exercise capacity evaluation of Test Example 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a graph showing the measurement results of the respiratory exchange ratio in the exercise capacity evaluation of Test Example 2. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a graph showing the results of body weight measurements in the exercise capacity evaluation of Test Example 2. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a graph showing the results of measuring food intake in the exercise capacity evaluation of Test Example 2. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the measurement results of the oxygen radical absorbance capacity measurement in Test Example 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] [Composition for improving fatigue] In one embodiment, the composition for improving fatigue of the present invention contains Momordica charantia (Terminalia catappa L.).

[0026] [Terminalia catappa L.] Momordica charantia is a semi-deciduous tree of the genus Momordica in the family Combretaceae. Momordica charantia is one of approximately three species of plants in the family Combretaceae found in Japan, and is planted as a roadside tree or park tree in the Ryukyu Islands and the Ogasawara Islands, for example.

[0027] Momotamana leaves are large, growing to 20-25cm in length, and fall off after turning red. In Japan, white flowers bloom from May to July, followed by green to red fruits. Oil can be extracted from momotamana fruits, and the kernels inside the fruit can sometimes be roasted and eaten. Momotamana leaves are used as a dye, and the extract can also be consumed as tea.

[0028] The part of Momordica charantia used is not particularly limited, and may be the whole plant, or may be leaves, fruits, flowers, branches, trunks, roots, seeds, or a mixture of at least two or more of them. The part of Momordica charantia used preferably includes at least one selected from the group consisting of leaves, fruits, and flowers, more preferably includes leaves and / or fruits, and even more preferably includes leaves.

[0029] Momotama may be used fresh or dried (e.g., freeze-dried). When extracted, it may be processed into, for example, a crushed or powdered form in order to improve extraction efficiency.

[0030] The momotamana may be crushed or pulverized in the form of chips, powder, granules, or paste, and among these, it is preferable to use the powder.

[0031] The method for processing the plant into a crushed or pulverized material can be any known method and is not particularly limited. For example, the plant may be crushed or pulverized by any method commonly used by those skilled in the art using equipment or tools such as a crusher, mill, blender, mixer, or stone mill.

[0032] Before crushing or pulverizing, the plant body may be dried. The drying method may be any known method, and is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include freeze-drying, drying under reduced pressure, air drying, and heat drying.

[0033] When using an extract of Momordica charantia, the method is not particularly limited and can be any conventional extraction method used for extracting plant materials. Examples of extraction methods include, but are not limited to, solvent extraction, steam distillation, compression (direct, high temperature, or low temperature), and supercritical fluid extraction. A combination of these extraction methods may also be used, such as crushing followed by solvent extraction.

[0034] The extraction solvent is not particularly limited as long as it is a solvent commonly used for extracting plant materials. The extraction solvent may be, for example, an organic solvent, an aqueous solvent, or a mixture of an organic solvent and an aqueous solvent, but is preferably an aqueous solvent or a mixture of an organic solvent and an aqueous solvent, and more preferably an aqueous solvent.

[0035] Examples of organic solvents include alcohol, acetone, benzene, esters, ethyl acetate, hexane, chloroform, and diethyl ether, with alcohol being preferred. The alcohol is not particularly limited as long as it is a common solvent used in extracting plant materials, and examples include monohydric alcohols having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, such as ethanol, methanol, propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and butyl alcohol, and polyhydric alcohols having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, such as 1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, and glycerin.

[0036] The aqueous solvent is not particularly limited as long as it contains water, and examples thereof include water, physiological saline, and buffer solutions. Examples of buffer solutions include phosphate buffer solutions, sodium phosphate buffer solutions, sodium carbonate buffer solutions, citrate buffer solutions, citrate phosphate buffer solutions, acetate buffer solutions, and Tris buffer solutions. Preferred aqueous solvents are water and / or physiological saline solutions. The pH of the aqueous solvent is not particularly limited.

[0037] Of these extraction solvents, from the viewpoint of significantly achieving the effects of the present invention, at least one selected from the group consisting of water, ethanol, 1,3-butylene glycol, and propylene glycol is preferred, water and / or ethanol is more preferred, and water or aqueous ethanol is even more preferred.

[0038] When a mixture of an organic solvent and an aqueous solvent is used as the extraction solvent, the content of the aqueous solvent in the total amount of the extraction solvent is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include 30% by mass or more, 40% by mass or more, 50% by mass or more, 60% by mass or more, 70% by mass or more, 80% by mass or more, 90% by mass or more, 95% by mass or more, etc. In addition, the content of the aqueous solvent in the total amount of the extraction solvent may be, for example, 95% by mass or less, 90% by mass or less, 80% by mass or less, 70% by mass or less, 60% by mass or less, etc. The content of the aqueous solvent in the total amount of the extraction solvent may be, for example, 30 to 95 mass%, 40 to 95 mass%, 50 to 95 mass%, 30 to 90 mass%, 40 to 90 mass%, 50 to 90 mass%, 30 to 80 mass%, 40 to 80 mass%, 50 to 80 mass%, 30 to 70 mass%, 40 to 70 mass%, 50 to 70 mass%, 30 to 60 mass%, 40 to 60 mass%, 50 to 60 mass%, and the like.

[0039] The extraction temperature is not particularly limited, but examples include -50°C to 100°C, 0°C to 100°C, 5°C to 90°C, 10°C to 80°C, 15°C to 70°C, 15°C to 60°C, 15°C to 50°C, 15°C to 40°C, and 15°C to 30°C.

[0040] From the viewpoint of improving extraction efficiency, extraction is preferably performed while stirring, shaking, or applying ultrasound. The extraction time can be appropriately determined depending on the part to be used, such as leaves, fruits, flowers, branches, stems, roots, or seeds. The extraction time can also be appropriately determined depending on the state of the momotamana, i.e., whether it is raw or dried, or whether it is crushed or pulverized, or the processed state thereof. The extraction time is usually 1 minute to 72 hours, preferably 1 hour to 48 hours, and most preferably 12 hours to 36 hours.

[0041] For example, the extract of Momordica charantia refers to an extract obtained by immersing Momordica charantia or its pulverized product in water and / or an organic solvent and filtering the residue, or the extract obtained by removing the solvent from the extract, or a fine powder of these, or the extract or the solvent-removed product dissolved, dispersed, or diluted with an appropriate solvent, and commercially available products can also be used. As an example of another extraction method, Momordica charantia extract can also be extracted after processing Momordica charantia leaves, such as by steaming them. Furthermore, the branches associated with the leaves may be removed, or they may be used as they are.

[0042] The content of the Momordica charantia plant or an extract thereof is adjusted appropriately depending on the type and amount of other ingredients, dosage form, etc., and is not limited to, and may be, for example, 0.01% by mass or more, 0.05% by mass or more, 0.1% by mass or more, 0.5% by mass or more, 1% by mass or more, 10% by mass or more, 20% by mass or more, 30% by mass or more, 40% by mass or more, 50% by mass or more, 60% by mass or more, 70% by mass or more, etc. Furthermore, the content of the Momordica charantia plant or an extract thereof may be, for example, 100% by mass or less, and examples thereof include 90% by mass or less, 80% by mass or less, 70% by mass or less, 60% by mass or less, 50% by mass or less, 40% by mass or less, 30% by mass or less, 20% by mass or less, 10% by mass or less, etc., based on the total amount of the composition. The content of the Momordica charantia plant or its extract may be, for example, 0.01 to 100 mass%, 0.1 to 100 mass%, 1 to 100 mass%, 5 to 100 mass%, 10 to 100 mass%, 20 to 100 mass%, 30 to 100 mass%, 40 to 100 mass%, 50 to 100 mass%, 0.01 to 90 mass%, 0.1 to 90 mass%, 1 to 90 mass%, 5 to 90 mass%, or Mass%, 10-90 mass%, 20-90 mass%, 30-90 mass%, 40-90 mass%, 50-90 mass%, 0.01-80 mass%, 0.1-80 mass%, 1-80 mass%, 5-80 Mass%, 10-80 mass%, 20-80 mass%, 30-80 mass%, 40-80 mass%, 50-80 mass%, 0.01-70 mass%, 0.1-70 mass%, 1-70 mass%, 5-70 quality Amount%, 10-70% by mass, 20-70% by mass, 30-70% by mass, 40-70% by mass, 50-70% by mass, 0.01-60% by mass, 0.1-60% by mass, 1-60% by mass, 5-60 quality Amount%, 10-60% by mass, 20-60% by mass, 30-60% by mass, 40-60% by mass, 0.01-50% by mass, 0.1-50% by mass, 1-50% by mass, 5-50% by mass, 10-50% by mass %, 20-50 mass%, 30-50 mass%, 0.01-40 mass%, 0.1-40 mass%, 1-40 mass%, 5-40 mass%, 10-40 mass%, 20-40 mass%, 0.01-30 Examples include mass%, 0.1 to 30 mass%, 1 to 30 mass%, 5 to 30 mass%, 10 to 30 mass%, 0.01 to 20 mass%, 0.1 to 20 mass%, 1 to 20 mass%, 5 to 20 mass%, and the like.

[0043] [Application] The composition for improving fatigue of the present invention is suitable for use in improving fatigue-related conditions, symptoms, and diseases. In this specification, fatigue refers to a state in which activity capacity is reduced due to overload on the mind and body. Fatigue includes physical fatigue caused by physical load and mental fatigue caused by mental load, and the composition of the present invention is effective for both types of fatigue, but is preferably used for physical fatigue.

[0044] In the examples (test examples) described below, when healthy mice were made to suffer physical fatigue by running on a treadmill, it was confirmed that by ingesting a composition containing Momordica charantia and / or its extract, the sense of fatigue was improved and athletic ability was improved in terms of maximum running speed, maximum running time, and running distance.

[0045] Therefore, by taking a composition containing Momordica charantia, for example, before or after physical stress, or while undergoing stress, it is possible to improve fatigue caused by the stress.

[0046] When the physical load is exercise, for example, ingesting a composition containing Momotamauna before, during, or after exercise can improve fatigue during exercise, improve exercise endurance in terms of speed, distance, and duration of exercise, prevent or improve palpitations, shortness of breath, and other symptoms that may occur during exercise, or prevent or improve muscle discomfort such as muscle pain that may be caused by exercise.

[0047] The exercise may be, but is not limited to, walking or running, and by ingesting a composition containing Momotamauna before, during, or after walking or running, it is possible to improve the speed, distance, or time when walking or running, prevent or improve palpitations, shortness of breath, and other symptoms that may occur when walking or running, or prevent or improve muscle discomfort such as muscle pain that may be caused by walking or running.

[0048] As mentioned above, compositions containing Momotamauna can be suitably used by exercisers. The exercise is preferably one with an intensity of 3 METs or more. In the "2006 Exercise Guidelines for Health Promotion," formulated by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in July 2006 to prevent lifestyle-related diseases among the public, "METs" are used as a unit to express the intensity of physical activity as a number of times greater than that at rest. One MET is equivalent to sitting at rest, and moderate or greater exercise or daily activities are equivalent to 3 METs.

[0049] The exerciser is not limited to, but includes, for example, a person who performs exercise or daily activities of 3 METs or more.

[0050] Exercises with a blood oxygen level of 3 METs or more include, for example, light to moderate weight training, walking, gymnastics, golf, and light cycling. Exercises with a blood oxygen level of 4 METs or more include, for example, fast walking, water walking, table tennis, aqua aerobics, and badminton. Exercises with a blood oxygen level of 5 METs or more include, for example, baseball and moderate cycling. Exercises with a blood oxygen level of 6 METs or more include, for example, high-intensity weight training, jogging, basketball, light swimming, and aerobics. Exercises with a blood oxygen level of 7 METs or more include, for example, jogging, soccer, tennis, swimming, and skating. Exercises with a blood oxygen level of 8 METs or more include, for example, cycling, running, and moderate swimming. Exercises with a blood oxygen level of 10 METs or more include, for example, marathons and competitive swimming.

[0051] Examples of activities of 3 METs or more include ordinary walking (shopping, walking, etc.), cleaning the house (vacuuming, mopping, laundry, cleaning the bath, etc.), and caring for children. Examples of activities of 4 METs or more include commuting, caring for the elderly or disabled, playing with children, light farm work, planting and weeding, etc. Examples of activities of 5 METs or more include active playing with children (e.g., running around together), transportation and moving work (moving and carrying furniture), and moderate farm work.

[0052] Examples of exercise intensity include 3 to 10 METs, 4 to 10 METs, 5 to 10 METs, 6 to 10 METs, 7 to 10 METs, 3 to 8 METs, 4 to 8 METs, 5 to 8 METs, 6 to 8 METs, and 7 to 8 METs.

[0053] The exerciser may be a person who is not confident in his or her exercise endurance, for example, a person who wants to start or continue the exercise exemplified above.

[0054] Furthermore, in the Examples (Test Examples) described below, it was confirmed that glucose metabolism at rest was enhanced when healthy mice were given a composition containing Momordica charantia. Therefore, even when at rest or during light exercise such as walking, taking a composition containing Momordica charantia can improve energy production and energy metabolism.

[0055] Furthermore, in the Examples (Test Examples) described below, although not limited thereto, healthy mice may be made to voluntarily perform mild exercise on a daily basis. Such mild exercise may correspond to daily exercise at an exercise intensity of about 3 METs. Therefore, the present invention can be used, for example, in combination with daily exercise at an exercise intensity of about 3 METs.

[0056] In one embodiment, the composition of the present invention may be suitably used by people who regularly engage in exercise such as light or moderate weight training, walking, gymnastics, golf, or light cycling.

[0057] In another embodiment, the composition of the present invention may be suitably used by people who regularly perform daily activities such as walking (shopping, walking, etc.), cleaning the house (housework such as vacuuming, mopping, doing laundry, cleaning the bath, etc.), and caring for children, without being limited thereto.

[0058] The frequency of the exercises and daily activities exemplified above is, for example, preferably once or more per week, more preferably twice or more, even more preferably three times or more, even more preferably four times or more, and even more preferably five times or more.

[0059] The duration of the exercises and daily activities exemplified above can be adjusted as appropriate, but is preferably 10 minutes to 3 hours, more preferably 15 minutes to 3 hours, even more preferably 30 minutes to 3 hours, and even more preferably 1 hour to 3 hours.

[0060] In one embodiment, the composition of the present invention is suitable for removing reactive oxygen species (ROS), although this is not intended to be limiting. In this specification, reactive oxygen species refers to oxygen molecules converted into more reactive compounds, such as superoxide anion radical, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, and singlet oxygen, which act as oxidizing agents in vivo.

[0061] In the Examples (Test Examples) described below, it has been confirmed by the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) method that the composition of the present invention has a significantly higher reactive oxygen species scavenging activity than ginger and Chinese chives, which are known to have such activity.

[0062] The composition of the present invention can be added to or mixed with pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, foods, beverages, pet foods, and feeds. Alternatively, it can be used as is as pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, foods, beverages, pet foods, and feeds. Furthermore, the composition of the present invention can be used as foods and beverages that explicitly or implicitly claim to have functions such as endurance improvement, energy production improvement, and reactive oxygen species removal, i.e., health foods, functional foods, foods for patients, and foods for specified health uses. Even if the above functions are not explicitly or implicitly claimed, the composition can be used as so-called doctor's supplements recommended or suggested by doctors in internal medicine, orthopedic surgery, veterinary clinics, and other facilities in hospitals and / or clinics. When the above functions are explicitly stated, they may be explicitly stated as reducing temporary fatigue in daily life (exercise, daily activities, etc.), reducing transient physical fatigue caused by daily life or exercise, or reducing fatigue caused by exercise in daily life (e.g., exercise intensity of 3 METs or more), but are not limited thereto.

[0063] When the above functionality is not clearly stated, the composition of the present invention can be used with a label such as, for example, "supports vitality," "thinks about daily vitality," "people who want to immerse themselves in sports, work, etc.," "as a source of stamina," "people who want to spend each day full of power and youthfulness," "people who want to maintain vitality," "supports training," "people who want to live an active life every day," "people who want to improve athletic performance," "people who want to work hard for long periods of time," "people who want to obtain constant energy," "people seeking the best endurance," "people who want to surpass their limits," "people seeking the best condition," "people who want to recover after working hard and gain the strength to fight," "people who want to get through hard days," "people who are tired from work or study," "people who find overtime difficult," "people who cannot enjoy their exercise hobby," "people who are tired from housework or childcare," "people who spend all their time sleeping on weekends," "people who feel unable to join in with their children's play," "people who want to reduce palpitations, alertness, and shortness of breath when exercising, walking, or running," or a similar label.

[0064] The dosage form of the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, and includes oral and parenteral preparations, with oral preparations being preferred. Examples of the oral preparations include solid or powder preparations such as fine granules, granules, tablets, capsules, and pills, as well as liquid preparations such as suspensions, emulsions, syrups, and extracts. Examples of parenteral preparations include topical preparations and poultices.

[0065] The composition of the present invention may consist of the Momordica charantia plant or an extract thereof, or may contain the Momordica charantia plant or an extract thereof.

[0066] When the composition of the present invention is an oral preparation, it may contain other additives, such as excipients, binders, disintegrants, emulsifiers, lubricants, flow enhancers, diluents, preservatives, colorants, flavorings, corrigents, stabilizers, humectants, antiseptics, antioxidants, or suspending agents. Examples of additives include, but are not limited to, gelatin, sodium alginate, starch, corn starch, sucrose, lactose, glucose, mannitol, carboxymethylcellulose, dextrin, polyvinylpyrrolidone, crystalline cellulose, soybean lecithin, sucrose, fatty acid esters, talc, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, magnesium silicate, anhydrous silicic acid, and synthetic aluminum silicate.

[0067] The composition of the present invention can be administered to humans, but may also be administered to animals other than humans, including pets such as dogs, cats, horses, ponies, donkeys, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits, monkeys, hamsters, guinea pigs, ferrets, squirrels, and birds; livestock such as cows, chickens, and pigs; laboratory animals such as mice and rats; and animals kept in ranches, zoos, and the like (horses, sheep, goats, monkeys, elephants, lions, cheetahs, and the like). Although not limited thereto, humans and horses are preferred. Among horses, thoroughbred racehorses are preferred. This is because racehorses run at full speed in races, and therefore high athletic performance, such as maximum running speed, maximum running time, and running distance, is required.

[0068] The composition of the present invention may be a pharmaceutical product, a quasi-drug, a food (food or drink), a pet food, a feed, or the like.

[0069] The food and drink products include food and beverages. Specific examples of the food include freshly prepared foods such as salads; cooked foods such as steaks, pizzas, and hamburgers; stir-fried foods such as stir-fried vegetables; vegetables such as tomatoes, bell peppers, celery, bitter melon, carrots, potatoes, and asparagus, and cooked foods made from these vegetables; confectioneries such as cookies, bread, biscuits, hardtack, cakes, rice crackers, yokan, puddings, jellies, ice creams, chewing gum, crackers, chips, chocolates, and candies; noodles such as udon, pasta, and soba; fish paste products such as kamaboko, ham, and fish sausages; dairy products such as cheese, cream, and butter; condiments such as miso, soy sauce, dressing, ketchup, mayonnaise, soup base, noodle soup, curry powder, mirin, and roux; soy foods such as tofu; processed agricultural and marine products such as furikake, tsukudani, and cereals; and konjac.

[0070] Examples of beverages include coffee beverages; cocoa beverages; vegetable juices obtained from the above-mentioned vegetables; fruit juice beverages such as grapefruit juice, orange juice, grape juice, and lemon juice; tea beverages such as green tea, black tea, green tea, and oolong tea; alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine (red wine, white wine, sparkling wine, etc.), sake, plum wine, happoshu, whiskey, brandy, shochu, rum, gin, and liqueurs; dairy beverages; soy milk beverages; liquid diets; and sports drinks.

[0071] These foods or beverages may contain food additives and food ingredients, such as, but not limited to, antioxidants, flavorings, acidulants, colorings, emulsifiers, preservatives, seasonings, sweeteners, spices, pH adjusters, stabilizers, vegetable oils, animal oils, sugars and sugar alcohols, vitamins, organic acids, fruit juice extracts, vegetable extracts, grains, beans, vegetables, meat, and seafood, either alone or in combination of two or more.

[0072] Tablets can be prepared by mixing a powdered active ingredient with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier (such as an excipient) and compressing the mixture, and confectionery tablets such as candy can be prepared by pouring the mixture into a mold. Tablets can also be sugar-coated to form sugar-coated tablets. Furthermore, tablets can be single-layer tablets or layered tablets such as double-layer tablets.

[0073] Powdered granules such as granules may be prepared by various granulation methods (extrusion granulation, milling granulation, dry compaction granulation, fluidized bed granulation, tumbling granulation, high-speed stirring granulation, etc.), and tablets can be prepared by an appropriate combination of the above-mentioned granulation methods and tableting methods (wet tableting, direct tableting), etc.

[0074] Capsules can be prepared by filling a capsule (soft or hard capsule) with powder (powder, granules, etc.) by a conventional method.

[0075] A liquid preparation can be prepared by dissolving or dispersing each component in an aqueous medium (purified water, purified water containing ethanol, etc.) which is a carrier component, filtering or sterilizing the solution as necessary, filling the solution into a predetermined container, and sterilizing the solution. The preferred dosage form of a solid preparation is a capsule or tablet, and soft capsules (soft capsules) are more preferred.

[0076] Soft capsules are preferred by users because they have a smooth surface and are easy to swallow. Common methods for manufacturing soft capsules include the flat plate method, the rotary method, and the seamless method.

[0077] In the rotary method (punching method), a sheet-like capsule shell sandwiches the flowing filling material and forms a capsule shape along the holes in a rotating cylindrical mold. On the other hand, in the seamless method (dropping method), the capsule shell composition and the filling material are simultaneously ejected from multiple concentric nozzles to form a seamless capsule shape.

[0078] The base material for the soft capsule shell is not particularly limited, but may be starch, pullulan, cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, gelatin, succinated gelatin, etc., with starch, gelatin, and succinated gelatin being preferred, and gelatin and succinated gelatin being more preferred. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0079] The daily oral intake or administration amount of the Momordica charantia plant or its extract for an adult can be determined appropriately based on the individual's condition, body weight, sex, age, activity of the material, intake or administration route, intake or administration schedule, formulation form, and other factors. The daily oral intake or administration amount of the Momordica charantia plant or its extract for an adult is, for example, preferably 0.1 mg or more, more preferably 1 mg or more, even more preferably 10 mg or more, particularly preferably 20 mg or more, and most preferably 30 mg or more. It may also be 100 mg or more, 200 mg or more. The daily oral intake or administration amount of the Momordica charantia plant or its extract for an adult is, for example, preferably 2000 mg or less, more preferably 1500 mg or less, even more preferably 1000 mg or less, and particularly preferably 500 mg or less. The daily oral intake or administration amount of the Momordica charantia plant or its extract for an adult is, for example, preferably 0.1 to 2000 mg, more preferably 1 to 1500 mg, even more preferably 10 to 1000 mg, even more preferably 20 to 500 mg, and even more preferably 30 to 500 mg.

[0080] The oral intake or dosage per day for an adult may be divided into 1 to 6 capsules, 1 to 4 capsules, 1 to 3 capsules, or 1 to 2 capsules depending on the dosage form.

[0081] The composition of the present invention can be taken or administered once or several times a day, typically 1 to 6 times a day, 1 to 3 times a day, 1 to 2 times a day, or at any period and interval, but once a day is preferred. [Example]

[0082] Next, the present invention will be specifically explained by way of examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0083] [Test Example 1. Exercise Ability Evaluation Test 1] Four ICR mice (4-week-old, male, Shimizu Experimental Materials Co., Ltd.) were used in each of the following groups: a group receiving the Momotama-na (exercised, denoted "Ex K"), a group receiving the Momotama-na (non-exercised, denoted "Sed K"), a control group receiving the Momotama-na (exercised, denoted "Ex Con"), and a control group receiving the non-exercised group. The Momotama-na (exercised) and Momotama-na (non-exercised) groups were orally administered 500 mg / kg of Momotama-na extract (50% ethanol extract, Kanto Chemical Co., Ltd., special grade reagent) using a gastric tube for two weeks. This corresponds to a daily intake of approximately 30 g for a 60 kg human. The control groups receiving the exercise and non-exercised groups were orally administered 0.1% CMC (carboxymethylcellulose) solution instead of Momotama-na extract under the same conditions.

[0084] In the Momotama-na intake group (exercise) and the control group (exercise), ICR mice were allowed to continue spontaneous running exercise using a wheel (manufactured by Transboot) installed in their cages over the two-week administration period. This spontaneous running exercise corresponds to activities such as ordinary walking, shopping, housework, and caring for children in daily life. Furthermore, in terms of human exercise intensity, it corresponds to exercise of 3 METs or more in daily life (3 METs of exercise is, for example, light exercise such as walking, or daily housework). In the Momotama-na intake group (no exercise) and the control group (no exercise), no wheels were installed in their cages. The no-exercise group corresponds to a state in which the mice rarely exercise more than 3 METs in daily life.

[0085] After the two-week administration period, the ICR mice were run on a treadmill, with the running speed increased over time until they could no longer continue the exercise, and their exercise capacity was evaluated. The incline angle and exercise conditions used in the exercise capacity evaluation using the treadmill are shown in Table 1. The results of maximum running speed are shown in Figure 1, the results of maximum running time in Figure 2, and the results of running distance in Figure 3. The results of statistical evaluation using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test are also shown ( **** P<0.0001, *** P<0.001, ** P<0.01, * P<0.05).

[0086] [Table 1]

[0087] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, it was confirmed that the intake of Momordica charantia and / or its extract significantly improved the maximum running speed, maximum running time, and running distance. The above results confirmed that the intake of Momordica charantia and / or its extract improves fatigue during exercise and exercise endurance. It has been newly discovered that such an effect of improving athletic performance is particularly effective when performing light exercise or daily activities (exercise intensity of about 3 METs) or more on a daily basis, and the composition of the present invention is suitable for use by athletes, for example.

[0088] [Test Example 2. Exercise Ability Evaluation Test 2] The exercise capacity evaluation test was conducted again by reducing the intake amount of Momordica charantia extract used in Test Example 1. The exercise capacity evaluation test was conducted in the same manner as in Test Example 1 using four rats in each of the following groups: a high-dose Momordica charantia intake group (exercised, 500 mg / 10 mL / kg, designated "K High"), a low-dose Momordica charantia intake group (exercised, 200 mg / 10 mL / kg, designated "K Low"), a control group (exercised, designated "Ex Con"), and a control group (not exercised, designated "No Ex").

[0089] The results of maximum running time are shown in Figure 4, and the results of running distance are shown in Figure 5. The results of statistical evaluation using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test are also shown ( *** P<0.001, * P<0.05, +P<0.10).

[0090] After the two-week administration period, the exhaled gas and respiratory exchange ratio of each ICR mouse were measured using a mass spectrometer for biogas analysis (ARCO2000, manufactured by Arco Systems, Inc.). The results for exhaled gas are shown in Figure 6, and the results for respiratory exchange ratio are shown in Figure 7. The respiratory exchange ratio (Figure 7) was evaluated in the high-dose Momotama-na intake group (exercised, 500 mg / 10 mL / kg, denoted as "Ex K") and the control group (exercised, denoted as "Ex Con").

[0091] As shown in Figure 6, it was confirmed that the ingestion of Momordica charantia and / or its extract enhanced glucose metabolism at rest. In other words, it is presumed that the ingestion of Momordica charantia and / or its extract can improve energy production in daily life.

[0092] As shown in Figure 7, it was confirmed that the intake of Momordica charantia and / or its extract reduced the respiratory exchange ratio to around 0.85. A respiratory exchange ratio approaching 0.85 indicates that the body is exercising efficiently, and may also affect the calories burned through exercise.

[0093] After the two-week administration period, the body weight and food intake of each ICR mouse were evaluated. The results for body weight are shown in Figure 8, and the results for food intake are shown in Figure 9.

[0094] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, it was confirmed that intake of Momordica charantia and / or its extract resulted in a reduction in body weight. In the control group (exercised), daily food intake increased as a result of exercising on a wheel installed in the cage, and an increase in body weight was confirmed after the end of the administration period, but in the Momordica charantia intake group (exercised), daily food intake was suppressed and body weight decreased after the end of the administration period.

[0095] [Test Example 3. Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity Measurement Test] In addition to the Momordica charantia extract used in Test Example 1, ginger extract (a commercially available 50% ethanol extract of ginger) and Chinese chive extract (manufactured by O.P. Bio Co., Ltd.), which are known to have high antioxidant activity, were used to evaluate the reactive oxygen species removal activity using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity measurement method (ORAC method).

[0096] The ORAC method is an evaluation method developed by the National Institute on Aging in 1992. It uses fluorescein as a fluorescent probe and measures the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescein decomposed by the radical generator 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) over time. This change is used as an indicator to measure antioxidant power. The presence of antioxidants in this reaction system slows the rate of decrease in fluorescein fluorescence intensity. This slowdown in the rate of decrease in fluorescein fluorescence intensity in the presence of a standard substance allows the antioxidant power of a sample to be calculated in terms of the standard substance. Therefore, a high ORAC test result indicates high stability against oxidation.

[0097] To 0.3 mL of the above-mentioned Momordica charantia extract, ginger extract, or Chinese chive extract solution (pH 7.4), 1.8 mL of 48 nM fluorescein solution was added, followed by 0.9 mL of 43 mM AAPH (pH 7.4). After vortexing for 10 seconds, the fluorescence intensity (excitation wavelength: 485 nm, measurement wavelength: 520 nm) was measured using a spectrofluorometer (FlexStation 3, Molecular Devices).

[0098] The reactive oxygen species scavenging ability was calculated from the obtained fluorescence intensity (n=1). The results are shown in Figure 10. The reactive oxygen species scavenging ability is the antioxidant activity per 1 mg of sample, expressed as the equivalent amount of Trolox (a vitamin E derivative; an antioxidant used as an indicator), with a higher value indicating a stronger reactive oxygen species scavenging effect.

[0099] As shown in Figure 10, Momordica charantia extract exhibited a high reactive oxygen species scavenging activity that was approximately 150 times that of Trolox, an antioxidant used as an indicator. Furthermore, compared to ginger extract, which is known to have a high antioxidant activity, Momordica charantia extract exhibited a reactive oxygen species scavenging activity that was approximately 5 times greater. Furthermore, compared to Chinese chive extract, which is known to have a high antioxidant activity, Momordica charantia extract exhibited a reactive oxygen species scavenging activity that was approximately 7.5 times greater.

Claims

1. A composition for improving fatigue, comprising an effective amount of Terminalia catappa L. and / or an extract thereof.

2. A composition for improving endurance, comprising an effective amount of Terminalia catappa L. and / or an extract thereof.

3. A composition for improving energy production, comprising an effective amount of Terminalia catappa L. and / or an extract thereof.

4. A composition for removing reactive oxygen species, comprising an effective amount of Terminalia catappa L. and / or an extract thereof.

5. A composition for athletes containing an effective amount of Terminalia catappa L. and / or an extract thereof.

6. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the improvement in fatigue is improvement in fatigue during exercise.

7. 3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the improved endurance is an increase in speed, distance, or time when walking or running.

8. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is used for a person who exercises at an exercise intensity of 3 METs or more.

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