Method for coating the pharynx or oral cavity with mineral-containing aqueous composition

Abstract

To safely and conveniently prevent infection by viruses or bacteria in everyday life by allowing reduction or prevention of adhesion of viruses or bacteria to cells in the pharynx or oral cavity.SOLUTION: A method for coating the pharynx or oral cavity with a mineral-containing aqueous composition, the method being characterized in that, among metal ions present in the mineral-containing aqueous composition, a potassium ion is contained in the greatest amount.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for coating the pharynx or the inside of the oral cavity with a mineral-containing water composition, characterized in that potassium ions are present in the highest content of metal ions in the mineral-containing water composition, and to a mineral-containing water composition for preventing viral or bacterial infection, characterized in that potassium ions are present in the highest content of metal ions in the mineral-containing water composition. [Background technology]

[0002] Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, demand for products designed to prevent viral and bacterial infections easily and safely even at home has rapidly increased.

[0003] It has been known that strongly alkaline mineral-containing water exhibits a preventive effect against viruses and bacteria. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that strongly alkaline mineral functional water with a pH of 12 or higher exhibits a preventive effect against unicellular organisms and viruses. Non-Patent Document 1 discloses that strongly alkaline electrolyzed ionized water is effective for inactivating viruses such as coronaviruses and gram-negative bacteria. Non-Patent Document 2 discloses that electrolyzed reduced water with a high pH has an antiviral effect against coronaviruses. However, these mineral-containing waters are not suitable for drinking because they are strongly alkaline, and no mineral-containing water is known to date that can prevent viral or bacterial infections when taken orally as drinking water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] WO2016 / 043213 [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 575 (2021) 36-41 [Non-patent document 2] Drug Discoveries & Therapeutics. 2021; 15(5):268-272 [Non-patent document 3] Ikuo Abe, Manufacturing Method of Activated Carbon, Carbon Lecture Series, 2006, No. 225, 373-381 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention aims to prevent viral or bacterial infections in a simple and safe manner in daily life by reducing or preventing the attachment of viruses or bacteria to cells in the body, particularly in the pharynx or oral cavity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present inventors have now discovered coconut shell activated carbon as a natural material from which minerals can be eluted using pure water, and have conducted extensive research into the mineral components of water compositions to which mineral concentrates obtained using this carbon have been added. As a result, they have made the surprising discovery that water compositions containing a specific concentration of potassium ions have significant buffering capacity in the pH range from weakly alkaline to weakly acidic, are safe, tasty, and beneficial to human health, and that orally ingesting such mineral-containing water compositions coats the pharynx or oral cavity with the mineral-containing water composition, thereby significantly reducing or preventing the attachment of viruses or bacteria to cells in the pharynx or oral cavity, thereby making it possible to prevent viral or bacterial infections.

[0008] That is, the gist of the present invention is as follows. [1] A method for coating the pharynx or oral cavity with a mineral-containing water composition, said method optionally comprising orally ingesting said mineral-containing water composition, characterized in that among the metal ions present in said mineral-containing water composition, potassium ions are present in the highest content (however, said method does not include medical procedures). [2] The method according to 1, wherein the concentration of the potassium ions is 10 ppm to 600 ppm. [3] The method according to 1, wherein the concentration of the potassium ions is 20 ppm to 200 ppm. [4] The method according to 1, wherein the mineral-containing water composition has a weakly alkaline pH. [5] The method according to 4, wherein the pH is 7.5 to 10.5. [6] The method according to 1, characterized in that the mineral-containing water composition has buffering capacity. [7] The method according to 6, characterized in that the buffer capacity of the mineral-containing water composition is 1.5 or more when 100 g of sodium hydroxide solution adjusted to pH 9.2 is titrated with 0.1 M hydrochloric acid, the amount of liquid required to change the pH from 9.2 to 3.0 is (A) mL, and the mineral-containing water composition is titrated with 0.1 M hydrochloric acid, the amount of liquid required to change the pH from 9.2 to 3.0 is (B) mL, and the ratio (B) / (A) is defined as the buffer capacity. [8] The method according to 1, wherein the mineral-containing water composition further contains chloride ions, calcium ions, magnesium ions, sodium ions, iron ions, zinc ions, silicon ions, and / or sulfate ions. [9] The method according to 1, wherein the chloride ion content in the mineral-containing water composition is 50% or less of the potassium ion content.

[10] The method described in 1, wherein the calcium ion content in the mineral-containing water composition is 30% or less of the potassium ion content.

[11] The method according to 1, wherein the content of magnesium ions in the mineral-containing water composition is 15% or less of the content of potassium ions.

[12] The method according to 1, wherein the content of sodium in the mineral-containing water composition is 5 to 45% of the content of potassium ions.

[13] The method according to 1, wherein the mineral-containing water composition comprises an activated carbon extract of a plant-derived material.

[14] The method according to 13, wherein the plant-derived material is selected from coconut, palm, almond, walnut, or plum shells; wood selected from sawdust, charcoal, resin, or lignin; comb ash; bamboo; food waste selected from bagasse, rice husks, coffee beans, or blackstrap molasses; or a combination thereof.

[15] The method of claim 1, wherein the mineral-containing water composition comprises potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, disodium hydrogen phosphate, trisodium phosphate, and / or calcium hydroxide.

[16] A mineral-containing water composition for preventing viral or bacterial infection, characterized in that potassium ions are contained in the highest content among the metal ions present in the mineral-containing water composition.

[17] The mineral-containing water composition according to 16, wherein the potassium ion concentration is 10 ppm to 600 ppm.

[18] The mineral-containing water composition according to 16, wherein the concentration of the potassium ions is 20 ppm to 200 ppm.

[19] The mineral-containing water composition according to 16, wherein the mineral-containing water composition has a weakly alkaline pH.

[20] The mineral-containing water composition according to 19, wherein the pH is 7.5 to 10.5.

[21] The mineral-containing water composition according to 16, characterized in that the mineral-containing water composition has buffering capacity.

[22] The mineral-containing water composition according to 6, characterized in that the buffer capacity of the mineral-containing water composition is 1.5 or more when 100 g of sodium hydroxide solution adjusted to pH 9.2 is titrated with 0.1 M hydrochloric acid, the amount of liquid required to change the pH from 9.2 to 3.0 is (A) mL, and the mineral-containing water composition is titrated with 0.1 M hydrochloric acid, the amount of liquid required to change the pH from 9.2 to 3.0 is (B) mL.

[23] The mineral-containing water composition according to 21, wherein the mineral-containing water composition is drinkable as drinking water.

[24] The mineral-containing water composition described in 16, wherein the prevention of viral or bacterial infection is achieved by orally ingesting the mineral-containing water composition, thereby reducing or preventing adhesion of viruses or bacteria to cells in the pharynx or oral cavity.

[25] The mineral-containing water composition described in 16, wherein the virus is a coronavirus or an influenza virus.

[26] The mineral-containing water composition described in 16, wherein the bacteria are periodontal bacteria.

[27] The mineral-containing water composition according to 16, wherein the mineral-containing water composition further contains chloride ions, calcium ions, magnesium ions, sodium ions, iron ions, zinc ions, silicon ions, and / or sulfate ions.

[28] The mineral-containing water composition according to 1, wherein the chloride ion content in the mineral-containing water composition is 50% or less of the potassium ion content.

[29] The mineral-containing water composition according to 16, wherein the calcium ion content in the mineral-containing water composition is 30% or less of the potassium ion content.

[30] The mineral-containing water composition according to 16, wherein the content of magnesium ions in the mineral-containing water composition is 15% or less of the content of potassium ions.

[31] The mineral-containing water composition according to 16, wherein the content of sodium in the mineral-containing water composition is 5 to 45% of the content of potassium ions.

[32] The mineral-containing water composition according to 16, wherein the mineral-containing water composition contains an activated carbon extract of a plant-derived material.

[33] The mineral-containing water composition according to 30, wherein the plant-derived raw material is selected from the group consisting of coconut, palm, almond, walnut, and plum shells; wood selected from sawdust, charcoal, resin, and lignin; nest ash; bamboo; food waste selected from bagasse, rice husks, coffee beans, and blackstrap molasses; or a combination thereof.

[34] The mineral-containing water composition according to 16, wherein the mineral-containing water composition contains potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, disodium hydrogen phosphate, trisodium phosphate, and / or calcium hydroxide.

[35] A method for preventing viral or bacterial infection, comprising orally ingesting the mineral-containing water composition described in any one of 16 to 34. [Effects of the invention]

[0009] The present invention reduces or prevents the attachment of viruses or bacteria to cells in the pharynx or oral cavity, thereby preventing viral infection. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows the buffer capacity of water compositions containing various concentrations of concentrated mineral extracts from coconut shell activated carbon, as well as controls (KOH and commercially available alkaline ionized water). [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows the buffer capacity of water compositions containing a concentrated mineral extract derived from coconut shell activated carbon, adjusted to a final potassium concentration of 100 ppm, and controls (purified water and commercially available alkaline ionized water). [Figure 3] This shows the amount of virus that colonized cultured cells (Vero cells) sensitized with coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2: Omicron strain) after treatment with each test material. [Figure 4]The figure shows the amount of virus that colonized cultured cells (MDCK cells) sensitized with influenza virus (swine influenza virus: H1N1 IOWA strain) after treatment with each test material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention relates to a mineral-containing water composition for preventing viral or bacterial infection, characterized in that among the metal ions present in the mineral-containing water composition, potassium ions are contained in the highest content.

[0012] Viruses cannot replicate on their own; they can only replicate after infecting the cells of another organism. The first step in viral infection is attachment to the cell surface of the organism's pharynx or oral cavity. When a virus contacts a host cell, proteins on the virus's surface target and attach to a molecule exposed on the host cell's surface. The virus then invades the cell, where it actually replicates. While the mechanism of entry varies depending on the virus, viral infection can have various effects on the host organism at the cellular and individual levels. In many cases, viruses act as pathogens, causing damage to the host. Viral infection is also known to cause various viral infections not only at the cellular level but also at the individual level of multicellular organisms.

[0013] Bacteria are a type of microorganism that belong to the prokaryotic organisms, which are composed of a single cell without a nucleus. There is an extremely wide variety of types of bacteria, but some bacteria are known as pathogenic bacteria, which cause infectious diseases in humans and animals by adsorbing to the surface of cells in the pharynx or oral cavity of an organism and then invading the interior of the cells.

[0014] By continuously orally ingesting the mineral-containing water composition of the present invention, for example, as drinking water, the mineral-containing water composition of the present invention remains in the pharynx and / or oral cavity, coating the mucous membranes. "Coating" in this invention means that the presence of the mineral-containing water composition of the present invention inhibits viruses and bacteria from binding to cells in the pharynx or oral cavity. This results in the mouth and throat being covered with a veil of weakly alkaline, highly buffering water, reducing or preventing the attachment of viruses or bacteria to cells in the pharynx or oral cavity, where viruses and bacteria grow. This allows for convenient and safe prevention of viral or bacterial infections in daily life, such as at home, without relying on medical intervention by a doctor. For example, one possible mechanism for the reduction or prevention of virus attachment to cells in the pharynx or oral cavity is that the (weakly alkaline, highly buffering) mineral-containing water composition of the present invention changes the charge state of the virus binding site (spike protein) or the receptor protein or amino acid of the binding cell itself, resulting in a change in three-dimensional structure.

[0015] The type of virus is not particularly limited as long as it adheres to cells in the pharynx or oral cavity, but is typically a virus associated with respiratory symptoms, such as coronavirus, influenza virus, rhinovirus, or respiratory syncytial virus, preferably coronavirus or influenza virus. Coronaviruses include, for example, HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43, HCoV-NL63, HCoV-HKU1, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Influenza viruses include, for example, influenza A, influenza B, influenza C, and influenza D.

[0016] The type of bacteria is not particularly limited as long as it is a pathogenic bacterium that adheres to cells in the pharynx or oral cavity, but is typically periodontal pathogens. Periodontal pathogens are bacteria that cause periodontal disease, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola.

[0017] Potassium is one of the minerals necessary for living organisms. Most of it is present intracellularly, interacting with sodium, which is abundant in extracellular fluid, to play an important role in maintaining cellular osmotic pressure and retaining intracellular water. In addition to maintaining cellular osmotic pressure together with sodium, potassium also plays a role in maintaining acid-base balance, transmitting nerve impulses, regulating cardiac and muscular function, and regulating intracellular enzyme reactions. Potassium also inhibits reabsorption of sodium in the kidney and promotes its excretion in urine, thereby lowering blood pressure. While potassium is thus an extremely important mineral component for humans, excessive potassium ions can cause unpleasant flavors such as bitterness and astringency. Therefore, the potassium ion concentration in the mineral-containing water composition of the present invention is preferably 600 ppm or less.In this case, the upper limit of the potassium ion concentration is 595 ppm or less, 590 ppm or less, 585 ppm or less, 580 ppm or less, 575 ppm or less, 570 ppm or less, 565 ppm or less, 560 ppm or less, 555 ppm or less, 550 ppm or less, 545 ppm or less, 540 ppm or less, 535 ppm or less, 530 ppm or less, 525 ppm or less, 520 ppm or less, 515 ppm or less, 510 ppm or less, 505 ppm or less, 500ppm or less, 495ppm or less, 490ppm or less, 485ppm or less, 480ppm or less, 475ppm or less, 470ppm or less, 465ppm or less, 460ppm or less, 455ppm or less 40 0ppm or less, 395ppm or less, 390ppm or less, 385ppm or less, 380ppm or less, 375ppm or less, 370ppm or less, 365ppm or less, 360ppm or less, 355ppm or less, 350pp m or less, 345ppm or less, 340ppm or less, 335ppm or less, 330ppm or less, 325ppm or less, 320ppm or less, 315ppm or less, 310ppm or less, 305ppm or less, 300ppm or less, It may be 295 ppm or less, 290 ppm or less, 285 ppm or less, 280 ppm or less, 275 ppm or less, 270 ppm or less, 265 ppm or less, 260 ppm or less, 255 ppm or less, 250 ppm or less, 245 ppm or less, 240 ppm or less, 235 ppm or less, 230 ppm or less, 225 ppm or less, 220 ppm or less, 215 ppm or less, 210 ppm or less, 205 ppm or less, or 200 ppm or less.

[0018] The lower limit of the potassium concentration in the mineral-containing water composition of the present invention is 5 ppm or more, 10 ppm or more, 15 ppm or more, 20 ppm or more, 25 ppm or more, 30 ppm or more, 35 ppm or more, 45 ppm or more, or 50 ppm or more, and the upper limit of the potassium ion concentration is 600 ppm or less, 595 ppm or less, 590 ppm or less, 585 ppm or less, 580 ppm or less, 575 ppm or less, 570 ppm or less, 565 ppm or less, 560 ppm or less, 555 ppm or less, 55 0ppm or less, 545ppm or less, 540ppm or less, 535ppm or less, 530ppm or less, 525ppm or less, 520ppm or less, 515ppm or less, 510ppm or less, 505ppm or less, 500ppm or less, 495ppm or less, 4 90ppm or less, 485ppm or less, 480ppm or less, 475ppm or less, 470ppm or less, 465ppm or less, 460ppm or less, 455ppm or less, 450ppm or less, 445ppm or less, 440ppm or less, 435ppm or less, 4 30ppm or less, 425ppm or less, 420ppm or less, 415ppm or less, 410ppm or less, 405ppm or less, 400ppm or less, 395ppm or less, 390ppm or less, 385ppm or less, 380ppm or less, 375ppm or less, 370ppm or less, 365ppm or less, 360ppm or less, 355ppm or less, 350ppm or less, 345ppm or less, 340ppm or less, 335ppm or less, 330ppm or less, 325ppm or less, 320ppm or less, 315ppm or less, It may be 310 ppm or less, 305 ppm or less, 300 ppm or less, 295 ppm or less, 290 ppm or less, 285 ppm or less, 280 ppm or less, 275 ppm or less, 270 ppm or less, 265 ppm or less, 260 ppm or less, 255 ppm or less, 250 ppm or less, 245 ppm or less, 240 ppm or less, 235 ppm or less, 230 ppm or less, 225 ppm or less, 220 ppm or less, 215 ppm or less, 210 ppm or less, 205 ppm or less, or 200 ppm or less.

[0019] The potassium ion concentration in the mineral-containing water composition of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is within the range between the above-mentioned upper and lower limits, but is typically 10 ppm to 600 ppm, for example, 10 to 100 ppm, 10 to 90 ppm, 10 to 80 ppm, 10 to 70 ppm, 10 to 60 ppm, 10 to 50 ppm, 10 to 40 ppm, 10 to 30 ppm, 10 to 20 ppm, 20 to 100 ppm, 20 to 90 ppm, 20 to 80 ppm, 20 to 70 ppm, 20 to 60 ppm, 20 to 50 ppm, 20 to 40 ppm, 20 to 30 ppm, 30 to 100 ppm, 30~90ppm, 30~80ppm, 30~70ppm, 30~60ppm, 30~50ppm, 30~40ppm, 40~100ppm, 40~90ppm, 40~80ppm, 40~70ppm, 40~60ppm, 40~50ppm, 50~100ppm, 50~90p pm, 50~80ppm, 50~70ppm, 50~60ppm, 60~100ppm, 60~90ppm, 60~80ppm, 60~70ppm, 70~100ppm, 70~90ppm, 70~80ppm, 80~100ppm, 80~90ppm, 90~100ppm, 5 0~200ppm, 50~190ppm, 50~180ppm, 50~170ppm, 50~160ppm, 50~150ppm, 50~140ppm, 50~130ppm, 50~120ppm, 50~110ppm, 50~100ppm, 50~90ppm, 50~80ppm m, 50~70ppm, 50~60ppm, 60~200ppm, 60~190ppm, 60~180ppm, 60~170ppm, 60~160ppm, 60~150ppm, 60~140ppm, 60~130ppm, 60~120ppm, 60~110ppm, 60~10 0ppm, 60~90ppm, 60~80ppm, 60~70ppm, 70~200ppm, 70~190ppm, 70~180ppm, 70~170ppm, 70~160ppm, 70~150ppm, 70~140ppm, 70~130ppm, 70~120ppm, 70~ 110ppm, 70~100ppm, 70~90ppm, 70~80ppm, 80~200ppm, 80~190ppm, 80~180ppm, 80~170ppm, 80~160ppm, 80~150ppm, 80~140ppm, 80~130ppm, 80~120ppm,80~110ppm, 80~100ppm, 80~90ppm, 90~200ppm, 90~190ppm, 90~180ppm, 90~170ppm, 90~160ppm, 90~150ppm, 90~14 0ppm, 90~130ppm, 90~120ppm, 90~110ppm, 90~100ppm, 100~200ppm, 100~190ppm, 100~180ppm, 100~170ppm, 100~1 60ppm, 100~150ppm, 100~140ppm, 100~130ppm, 100~120ppm, 100~110ppm, 110~200ppm, 110~190ppm, 110~180ppm, 110~170ppm, 110~160ppm, 110~150ppm, 110~140ppm, 110~130ppm, 110~120ppm, 120~200ppm, 120~190ppm, 120~18 0ppm, 120~170ppm, 120~160ppm, 120~150ppm, 120~140ppm, 120~130ppm, 130~200ppm, 130~190ppm, 130~180ppm, 1 30~170ppm, 130~160ppm, 130~150ppm, 130~140ppm, 140~200ppm, 140~190ppm, 140~180ppm, 140~170ppm, 140~160 ppm, 140 to 150 ppm, 150 to 200 ppm, 150 to 190 ppm, 150 to 180 ppm, 150 to 170 ppm, 150 to 160 ppm, 160 to 200 ppm, 160 to 190 ppm, 160 to 180 ppm, 160 to 170 ppm, 170 to 200 ppm, 170 to 190 ppm, 170 to 180 ppm, 180 to 200 ppm, 180 to 190 ppm, or 190 to 200 ppm.

[0020] The mineral-containing water composition of the present invention preferably has a weakly alkaline pH, for example, 7.5 to 10.5, 7.5 to 10.0, 7.5 to 9.5, 7.5 to 9.0, 7.5 to 8.5, 7.5 to 8.0, 8.0 to 10.5, 8.0 to 10.0, 8.0 to 9.5, 8.0 to 9.0, 8.0 to 8.5, 8.5 to 10.5, 8.5 to 10.0, 8.5 to 9.5, 8.5 to 9.0, 9.0 to 10.5, 9.0 to 10.0, 9.0 to 9.5, 9.5 to 10.5, 9.5 to 10.0, or 10.0 to 10.5. The mineral-containing water composition of the present invention also has buffering capacity, preferably significant buffering capacity in the weakly alkaline to weakly acidic pH range. For example, when 100 g of sodium hydroxide solution adjusted to pH 9.2 is titrated with 0.1 M hydrochloric acid, the amount of liquid required to change the pH from 9.2 to 3.0 is (A) mL, and when the mineral-containing water composition of the present invention is titrated with 0.1 M hydrochloric acid, the amount of liquid required to change the pH from 9.2 to 3.0 is (B) mL. In this case, the ratio (B) / (A) is used as the buffer capacity. The mineral-containing water composition of the present invention has a buffer capacity of, for example, 1.5 or more, 1.6 or more, 1.7 or more, 1.8 or more. , 1.9 or more, 2.0 or more, 2.1 or more, 2.2 or more, 2.3 or more, 2.4 or more, 2.5 or more, 2.6 or more, 2.7 or more, 2.8 or more, 2.9 or more, 3.0 or more, 3.5 or more, 4.0 or more, 4.5 or more, 5.0 or more, 5.5 or more, 6.0 or more, 6.5 or more, 7.0 or more, 7.5 or more, 8.0 or more, 8.5 or more, 9.0 or more, 9.5 or more, 10.0 or more, 10.5 or more, 11.0 or more, or 11.5 or more.

[0021] The mineral-containing water composition of the present invention has a mellow flavor with little unpleasant taste, is safe and delicious, and can be taken orally as drinking water that is beneficial to human health.

[0022] The mineral-containing compositions of the present invention may further comprise chloride ions, calcium ions, magnesium ions, sodium ions, iron ions, zinc ions, silicon ions, and / or sulfate ions.

[0023] Naturally occurring water contains a certain amount of chloride ions, most of which are derived from geology or seawater. Chloride ions present at 250 to 400 mg / L or more may impart a salty taste to sensitive taste-seekers, impairing the taste. Therefore, the chloride ion content in the mineral-containing water composition of the present invention is preferably as low as possible. The chloride ion content in the mineral-containing water composition of the present invention may be, for example, 50% or less, 49% or less, 48% or less, 47% or less, 46% or less, 45% or less, 44% or less, 43% or less, 42% or less, 41% or less, 40% or less, 39% or less, 38% or less, 37% or less, 36% or less, 35% or less, 34% or less, 33% or less, 32% or less, 31% or less, 30% or less, 2% or less, or 3% or less of the potassium ion concentration. It may be 9% or less, 28% or less, 27% or less, 26% or less, 25% or less, 24% or less, 23% or less, 22% or less, 21% or less, 20% or less, 19% or less, 18% or less, 17% or less, 16% or less, 15% or less, 14% or less, 13% or less, 12% or less, 11% or less, 10% or less, 9% or less, 8% or less, 7% or less, 6% or less, 5% or less, 4% or less, 3% or less, 2% or less, or 1% or less.

[0024] Calcium, together with phosphorus, is known to form the skeleton as hydroxyapatite and to be involved in muscle contraction. Magnesium is known to be involved in bone and tooth formation, as well as in many enzymatic reactions and energy production. The content of calcium and magnesium ions in water is known to affect its taste. Water with a hardness index (a measure of the total calcium and magnesium content of minerals) below a certain level is considered soft, while water with a high hardness is considered hard. Generally, mineral water produced in Japan is soft, while water produced in Europe is generally hard. According to WHO standards, water with a hardness index (mg / L), calculated as the amount of these salts converted to calcium carbonate, is considered soft with a hardness of 0-60, hard with a hardness of 120-180, and very hard with a hardness of 180 or above. Generally, water with a moderate hardness (10-100 mg / L) is considered palatable; water with a high magnesium content, in particular, tastes bitter and difficult to drink. Furthermore, excessively high hardness is undesirable because it not only affects the taste of the water but also irritates the stomach and intestines, causing diarrhea, etc. The calcium ion content in the mineral-containing water composition of the present invention may be, for example, 30% or less, 29% or less, 28% or less, 27% or less, 26% or less, 25% or less, 24% or less, 23% or less, 22% or less, 21% or less, 20% or less, 19% or less, 18% or less, 17% or less, 16% or less, 15% or less, 14% or less, 13% or less, 12% or less, 11% or less, 10% or less, 9% or less, 8% or less, 7% or less, 6% or less, 5% or less, 4% or less, 3% or less, 2% or less, or 1% or less of the potassium ion concentration. Furthermore, the magnesium ion content in the mineral-containing water composition of the present invention may be, for example, 15% or less, 14% or less, 13% or less, 12% or less, 11% or less, 10% or less, 9% or less, 8% or less, 7% or less, 6% or less, 5% or less, 4% or less, 3% or less, 2% or less, or 1% or less of the potassium ion concentration.

[0025] Sodium maintains extracellular fluid volume and circulating blood volume in the body while retaining water, thereby regulating blood pressure. It is known that ingesting a certain amount of sodium ions is effective for hydrating the body, and is particularly effective in preventing heatstroke. However, excessive sodium intake increases the amount of fluid, which can lead to elevated blood pressure and swelling. Furthermore, as the sodium ion content increases, a salty taste and slimy sensation may develop, potentially impairing the refreshing feeling of the beverage. The sodium ion concentration in the mineral-containing water composition of the present invention may be, for example, 10 to 50%, 10 to 45%, 10 to 40%, 10 to 35%, 10 to 30%, 10 to 25%, 10 to 20%, 10 to 15%, 15 to 50%, 15 to 45%, 15 to 40%, 15 to 35%, 15 to 30%, 15 to 25%, 15 to 20%, 20 to 30%, 30 to 40%, 30 to 5 ... It may be 50%, 20-45%, 20-40%, 20-35%, 20-30%, 20-25%, 25-50%, 25-45%, 25-40%, 25-35%, 25-30%, 30-50%, 30-45%, 30-40%, 30-35%, 35-50%, 35-45%, 35-40%, 40-50%, 40-45%, or 45-50%.

[0026] The mineral-containing water composition of the present invention is substantially free of organic matter. A typical indicator of the amount of organic matter contained in water is total organic carbon (TOC). TOC can be determined by oxidizing organic carbon contained in a water sample to carbon dioxide and measuring the amount of carbon dioxide. The TOC of the mineral-containing water composition of the present invention may be, for example, 3.0 mg / L or less, 2.9 mg / L or less, 2.8 mg / L or less, 2.7 mg / L or less, 2.6 mg / L or less, 2.5 mg / L or less, 2.4 mg / L or less, 2.3 mg / L or less, 2.2 mg / L or less, 2.1 mg / L or less, 2.0 mg / L or less, 1.9 mg / L or less, 1.8 mg / L or less, 1.7 mg / L or less, 1.6 mg / L or less, or 1.5 mg / L or less.

[0027] The mineral-containing water composition of the present invention may contain an extract or concentrate of activated carbon made from plant-derived raw materials. Activated carbon is a porous material composed mostly of carbon, as well as oxygen, hydrogen, calcium, and other elements. Its large surface area per volume allows it to adsorb many substances, and it has been widely produced industrially since the early 20th century. Activated carbon is generally produced by generating nanometer-order micropores (activation) within the raw carbon material. Activated carbon production methods can be broadly divided into gas activation, in which the raw material is carbonized and then activated at high temperatures using an activation gas such as steam or carbon dioxide, and chemical activation, in which a chemical such as zinc chloride or phosphoric acid is added to the raw material and then heated in an inert gas atmosphere to simultaneously carbonize and activate it (Non-Patent Document 3). The activated carbon used in the present invention can be produced by either the gas activation method or the chemical activation method using plant-derived raw materials as the carbon source. Because the activated carbon used in the present invention is used as a source for extracting mineral components, it is preferable that the activated carbon not be washed with a strong acid such as hydrochloric acid.

[0028] The raw material for the activated carbon used in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a plant-derived raw material, and examples thereof include fruit shells (coconut, palm, almond, walnut, plum), wood (sawdust, charcoal, resin, lignin), nest ash (carbonized sawdust), bamboo, food residues (bagasse, rice husks, coffee beans, blackstrap molasses), waste (pulp mill effluent, construction waste), etc. Typically, it is selected from coconut shell, sawdust, bamboo, or a combination thereof, and preferably coconut shell. Coconut shell refers to the shell found inside the fruit of a coconut or palm.

[0029] The shape of the activated carbon used in the present invention is not particularly limited, but examples include powdered activated carbon, granular activated carbon (crushed carbon, granular carbon, molded carbon), fibrous activated carbon, and special molded activated carbon.

[0030] The step of extracting minerals from plant-derived activated carbon using an aqueous solvent is achieved by contacting the plant-derived activated carbon with an aqueous solvent to elute the minerals present in the plant-derived activated carbon. Such a step is not particularly limited as long as it can elute the minerals present in the plant-derived activated carbon. For example, it can be performed by immersing the plant-derived activated carbon in an aqueous solvent or by passing the aqueous solvent through a column packed with the plant-derived activated carbon. When immersing the plant-derived activated carbon in an aqueous solvent, the aqueous solvent may be stirred to increase the extraction efficiency. Furthermore, the method for producing a mineral extract may further include a step of centrifuging and / or filtering the resulting extract to remove impurities after extracting minerals from the plant-derived activated carbon using an aqueous solvent.

[0031] The aqueous solvent used in the process of extracting minerals from plant-derived activated carbon using an aqueous solvent basically refers to anything other than an HCl solution. A typical solvent is an aqueous solvent, and pure water is particularly preferred. Pure water refers to highly pure water that contains little or no impurities such as salts, residual chlorine, insoluble particles, organic matter, and non-electrolytic gases. Depending on the method used to remove impurities, pure water includes RO water (water passed through a reverse osmosis membrane), deionized water (water from which ions have been removed using ion exchange resins, etc.), and distilled water (water distilled in a distiller). Because pure water does not contain mineral components, it does not have the effect of replenishing minerals.

[0032] The extraction temperature is not particularly limited as long as minerals can be extracted from activated carbon made from plant-derived raw materials using an aqueous solvent. The step of extracting minerals from activated carbon made from plant-derived raw materials using an aqueous solvent can be carried out at a temperature of 5°C or higher, 10°C or higher, 15°C or higher, 20°C or higher, 25°C or higher, 30°C or higher, 35°C or higher, 40°C or higher, 45°C or higher, 50°C or higher, 55°C or higher, 60°C or higher, 65°C or higher, 70°C or higher, 75°C or higher, 80°C or higher, 85°C or higher, 90°C or higher, or 95°C or higher, for example, 5 to 95°C, 5 to 90°C, 5 to 85°C, 5 to 80°C, 5 to 75°C, 5 to 70°C, 5 to 6 5℃, 5-60℃, 5-55℃, 5-50℃, 5-45℃, 5-40℃, 5-35℃, 5-30℃, 5-25℃, 5-20℃, 5-15℃, 5-10℃, 10-95℃, 10-90℃, 10-85℃, 10-80℃, 10-75℃, 10-70℃, 10-65℃, 10-60℃ , 10~55℃, 10~50℃, 10~45℃, 10~40℃, 10~35℃, 10~30℃, 10~25℃, 10~20℃, 10~15℃, 15~95℃, 15~90℃, 15~85℃, 15~80℃, 15~75℃, 15~70℃, 15~65℃, 15~60℃, 15~55 °C, 15-50°C, 15-45°C, 15-40°C, 15-35°C, 15-30°C, 15-25°C, 15-20°C, 20-95°C, 20-90°C, 20-85°C, 20-80°C, 20-75°C, 20-70°C, 20-65°C, 20-60°C, 20-55°C, 20-50°C, 20- 45℃, 20-40℃, 20-35℃, 20-30℃, 20-25℃, 25-95℃, 25-90℃, 25-85℃, 25-80℃, 25-75℃, 25-70℃, 25-65℃, 25-60℃, 25-55℃, 25-50℃, 25-45℃, 25-40℃, 25-35℃, 25 ~30℃, 30~95℃, 30~90℃, 30~85℃, 30~80℃, 30~75℃, 30~70℃, 30~65℃, 30~60℃, 30~55℃, 30~50℃, 30~45℃, 30~40℃, 30~35℃, 35~95℃, 35~90℃, 35~85℃, 35~80℃, 3 5~75℃, 35~70℃, 35~65℃, 35~60℃, 35~55℃, 35~50℃, 35~45℃, 35~40℃, 40~95℃, 40~90℃, 40~85℃, 40~80℃, 40~75℃, 40~70℃, 40~65℃, 40~60℃, 40~55℃, 40~50℃,40-45℃, 45-95℃, 45-90℃, 45-85℃, 45-80℃, 45-75℃, 45-70℃, 45-65℃, 45-60℃, 45-55℃, 45-50℃, 50-95℃, 50-90℃, 50-85℃, 50-80℃, 50-75℃, 50-70℃, 50-65℃, 50-60℃, 50-55℃, 55-95℃, 55-90℃, 55-85℃, 55-80℃, 55-75℃, 55-70℃, 55-65℃, 55-60℃, 60-95 °C, 60 to 90°C, 60 to 85°C, 60 to 80°C, 60 to 75°C, 60 to 70°C, 60 to 65°C, 65 to 95°C, 65 to 90°C, 65 to 85°C, 65 to 80°C, 65 to 75°C, 65 to 70°C, 70 to 95°C, 70 to 90°C, 70 to 85°C, 70 to 80°C, 70 to 75°C, 75 to 95°C, 75 to 90°C, 75 to 85°C, 75 to 80°C, 80 to 95°C, 80 to 90°C, 80 to 85°C, 85 to 95°C, 85 to 90°C, or 90 to 95°C.

[0033] The extraction time is not particularly limited as long as minerals can be extracted from activated carbon made from plant-derived raw materials using an aqueous solvent. The step of extracting minerals from activated carbon made from plant-derived raw materials using an aqueous solvent can be carried out for 5 minutes or more, 10 minutes or more, 15 minutes or more, 20 minutes or more, 25 minutes or more, 30 minutes or more, 35 minutes or more, 40 minutes or more, 45 minutes or more, 50 minutes or more, 55 minutes or more, 60 minutes or more, 65 minutes or more, 70 minutes or more, 75 minutes or more, or 80 minutes or more, and can be, for example, 5 to 80 minutes, 5 to 75 minutes, 5 to 70 minutes, 5 to 65 minutes, 5 to 60 minutes, 5 to 55 minutes, 5 to 50 minutes, 5 to 45 minutes, 5 to 40 minutes, 5 to 30 minutes, or 5 to 60 minutes. 5 minutes, 5-30 minutes, 5-25 minutes, 5-20 minutes, 5-15 minutes, 5-10 minutes, 10-80 minutes, 10-75 minutes, 10-70 minutes, 10-65 minutes, 10-60 minutes, 10-55 minutes, 10-50 minutes, 10-45 minutes, 10-40 minutes, 10-35 minutes, 10-30 minutes, 10-25 minutes, 10-20 minutes, 10-15 minutes, 15-80 minutes, 15-75 minutes, 15-70 minutes, 15-65 minutes, 15-60 minutes, 15-55 minutes, 15-50 minutes, 15-45 minutes, 15-40 minutes, 15-35 minutes, 15-30 minutes, 15-25 minutes, 15-20 minutes, 20-80 minutes, 20-75 minutes, 20-70 minutes, 20-65 minutes , 20~60 minutes, 20~55 minutes, 20~50 minutes, 20~45 minutes, 20~40 minutes, 20~35 minutes, 20~30 minutes, 20~25 minutes, 25~80 minutes, 25~75 minutes, 25~70 minutes, 25~65 minutes, 25~60 minutes, 25~55 minutes, 25~50 minutes, 25~45 minutes, 25~40 minutes, 25~3 5 minutes, 25-30 minutes, 30-80 minutes, 30-75 minutes, 30-70 minutes, 30-65 minutes, 30-60 minutes, 30-55 minutes, 30-50 minutes, 30-45 minutes, 30-40 minutes, 30-35 minutes, 35-80 minutes, 35-75 minutes, 35-70 minutes, 35-65 minutes, 35-60 minutes, 35-55 minutes, 35- 50 minutes, 35-45 minutes, 35-40 minutes, 40-80 minutes, 40-75 minutes, 40-70 minutes, 40-65 minutes, 40-60 minutes, 40-55 minutes, 40-50 minutes, 40-45 minutes, 45-80 minutes, 45-75 minutes, 45-70 minutes, 45-65 minutes, 45-60 minutes, 45-55 minutes, 45-50 minutes, 5 0-80 minutes, 50-75 minutes, 50-70 minutes, 50-65 minutes, 50-60 minutes, 50-55 minutes, 55-80 minutes, 55-75 minutes, 55-70 minutes, 55-65 minutes, 55-60 minutes, 60-80 minutes, 60-75 minutes, 60-70 minutes, 60-65 minutes, 65-80 minutes, 65-75 minutes, 65-70 minutes,It lasts for 70-80 minutes, 70-75 minutes, or 75-80 minutes.

[0034] The mineral extract thus obtained can be concentrated to obtain a mineral concentrate composition.

[0035] The step of concentrating the mineral extract can be carried out by methods well known in the art, such as boiling concentration, vacuum concentration, freeze concentration, membrane concentration, ultrasonic atomization separation, etc. By concentrating the mineral extract, a mineral concentrate composition containing a high concentration of desired minerals, such as potassium, can be obtained without significantly changing the composition of the mineral extract.

[0036] After the step of concentrating the mineral extract, the obtained mineral concentrate liquid composition is preferably stored in a refrigerator and filtered while cold. The cooling temperature is typically adjusted to 0 to 15° C., preferably 3 to 10° C., 3 to 9° C., 3 to 8° C., 3 to 7° C., or 3 to 6° C. Furthermore, it is preferable to adjust the pH of the mineral concentrate liquid composition before such refrigerated storage and cold filtration. The mineral concentrate liquid composition is adjusted to have a pH of, for example, 7.5 to 10.5, 7.5 to 10.0, 7.5 to 9.5, 7.5 to 9.0, 7.5 to 8.5, 7.5 to 8.0, 8.0 to 10.5, 8.0 to 10.0, 8.0 to 9.5, 8.0 to 9.0, 8.0 to 8.5, 8.5 to 10.5, 8.5 to 10.0, 8.5 to 9.5, 8.5 to 9.0, 9.0 to 10.5, 9.0 to 10.0, 9.0 to 9.5, 9.5 to 10.5, 9.5 to 10.0, or 10.0 to 10.5. By carrying out such treatment, a mineral concentrate liquid composition with high transparency and significantly reduced suspended matter and sediment can be obtained.

[0037] The mineral-containing water composition of the present invention can be produced by adding the mineral extract or mineral concentrate composition thus obtained to an aqueous solvent, such as pure water, distilled water, purified water, or tap water. Therefore, the mineral-containing water composition of the present invention may contain the activated carbon extract of the above-mentioned plant-derived material.

[0038] The mineral-containing water composition of the present invention can also be prepared by adding an alkaline potassium salt to an aqueous solvent, preferably pure water. Examples of alkaline potassium salts include potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, or a combination thereof. The mineral-containing water composition of the present invention may also further contain an alkaline sodium salt or an alkaline calcium salt. Examples of alkaline sodium salts include sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, disodium hydrogen phosphate, trisodium phosphate, or a combination thereof. Examples of alkaline calcium salts include calcium hydroxide.

[0039] By orally ingesting the mineral-containing water composition of the present invention, for example, as drinking water, the mineral-containing water composition of the present invention can be retained in the oral cavity and / or pharynx, coating their surfaces. This allows the mouth and throat to be covered with a veil of weakly alkaline, highly buffering water, reducing or preventing the attachment of viruses or bacteria to cells in the pharynx or oral cavity where they grow, thereby preventing infection with viruses (e.g., coronaviruses or influenza viruses) or bacteria (e.g., periodontal bacteria). Therefore, in a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for preventing viral or bacterial infection, which comprises orally ingesting the mineral-containing water composition of the present invention.

[0040] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples and can be practiced with appropriate modifications. [Example]

[0041] <Example 1: Preparation of mineral extract from coconut shell activated carbon> A 1-L Erlenmeyer flask was charged with 30 g of coconut shell activated carbon ("Taiko CW Type," unwashed, manufactured by Futamura Chemical Co., Ltd.) and 400 g of distilled water heated to 90°C. The mixture was stirred with a stirrer at 100 rpm for 15 minutes while heating at 90°C. The resulting suspension was filtered under suction through a polyester 500 mesh (25 μm), and the resulting filtrate was centrifuged at 3,000 rpm for 10 minutes. The supernatant after centrifugation was filtered under suction through filter paper to obtain a mineral extract.

[0042] Example 2: Comparison of activated carbons A mineral extract was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the coconut shell activated carbon was changed to Kuraray Coal (registered trademark) GG (unwashed product, manufactured by Kuraray Co., Ltd.).

[0043] <Example 3-6: Comparison of extraction times> Mineral extracts were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the extraction time was changed to 10, 20, 40, and 80 minutes.

[0044] <Examples 7-9: Comparison of distilled water volume and extraction time> Mineral extracts were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the distilled water was changed to 130, 200, and 400 g and the extraction time was changed to 5 minutes.

[0045] <Examples 10-12: Comparison of extraction temperature and extraction time> A mineral extract was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the extraction temperature was changed to 30, 60, or 90°C and the extraction time was changed to 5 minutes.

[0046] The mineral extracts prepared in Examples 1-12 were analyzed according to the following methods. <ICP analysis of metals> An ICP optical emission spectrometer, iCAP6500Duo (manufactured by Thermo Fisher Scientific), was used. A four-point calibration curve of 0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg / L was prepared by diluting the ICP general-purpose mixture XSTC-622B. The sample was diluted with dilute nitric acid so that it fell within the calibration curve range, and then ICP measurement was performed.

[0047] <Cl- ,SO4 2- IC analysis of An ion chromatograph system: ICS-5000K (manufactured by Nippon Dionex Co., Ltd.) was used. The columns used were Dionex Ion Pac AG20 and Dionex Ion Pac AS20. The eluent was a potassium hydroxide solution of 5 mmol / L from 0 to 11 minutes, 13 mmol / L from 13 to 18 minutes, and 45 mmol / L from 20 to 30 minutes, with a flow rate of 0.25 mL / min. Anion mixed standard solution 1 (Cl - 20mg / L, SO4 2- Dilute 100mg / L of 7 ion species (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) and - Five calibration curves of 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 1.0 mg / L were used for SO4 2- A five-point calibration curve was created at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 5.0 mg / L. The sample was diluted to fall within the calibration curve range, and 25 μL was injected to measure the IC.

[0048] The results are shown in the table below. [Table 1]

[0049] The significant high potassium concentration remained unchanged even when the activated carbon, extraction time, volume of extraction liquid relative to activated carbon, and extraction temperature were changed. Furthermore, while a significant amount of chloride ions was extracted when HCl was used (data not shown), the chloride ion concentration was low in all examples. Furthermore, heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, etc.) were not detected in any of the above examples (data not shown).

[0050] <Example 13: Preparation of concentrated solution> A 1-L Erlenmeyer flask was charged with 174 g of coconut shell activated carbon ("Taiko CW Type," unwashed, manufactured by Futamura Chemical Co., Ltd.) and 753 g of distilled water heated to 30°C. The mixture was stirred with a stirrer at 100 rpm for 5 minutes while heating at 30°C. The resulting suspension was filtered with a polyester 500 mesh (25 μm) filter, and the resulting filtrate was centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes. The supernatant after centrifugation was filtered with filter paper under suction to obtain a mineral extract. This procedure was repeated two more times. The three mineral extracts obtained were mixed and concentrated 62-fold using an evaporator to obtain the concentrated mineral extract shown below.

[0051] The mineral extract and concentrated mineral extract prepared in Example 13 were diluted 62 times and analyzed according to the above method. The results are shown in the table below.

[0052] [Table 2]

[0053] Even after undergoing the enrichment conditions, the characteristics of high potassium concentration and low concentrations of sodium and chloride ions remained unchanged.

[0054] Example 14: Preparation of concentrated mineral extract from coconut shell activated carbon A 1-L Erlenmeyer flask was charged with 200 g of coconut shell activated carbon ("Taiko CW Type," unwashed, manufactured by Futamura Chemical Co., Ltd.) and 1,500 g of distilled water heated to 90°C. The mixture was stirred with a stirrer at 100 rpm for 15 minutes while heating at 90°C. The resulting suspension was filtered with a polyester 500 mesh (25 μm) suction filter, and the resulting filtrate was centrifuged at 3,000 rpm for 10 minutes. The supernatant after centrifugation was filtered with filter paper under suction to obtain a mineral extract. The resulting mineral extract was concentrated 14-fold using an evaporator to obtain the concentrated mineral extract shown below. [Table 3]

[0055] <Example 15: Buffer capacity evaluation-I> (1) Creating an evaluation sample The concentrated mineral extract obtained in Example 14 was added to ultrapure water (MilliQ water) so that the potassium concentrations were as shown below to prepare evaluation samples. [Table 4]

[0056] (2) pH measurement In addition to the extracts obtained above, the following samples were prepared as comparative examples. 1 ml of 0.1 N HCl was added to 100 ml of each sample while stirring with a stirrer, and the pH was measured. KOH Commercially available alkaline ionized water (Na: 8.0 mg / l, K: 1.6 mg / l, Ca: 13 mg / l, Mg: 6.4 mg / l, pH: 8.8-9.4) 100 g of sodium hydroxide solution adjusted to pH 9.2 was titrated with 0.1 M hydrochloric acid, and the amount of liquid required to change the pH from 9.2 to 3.0 was (A) mL. The mineral-containing water composition was also titrated with 0.1 M hydrochloric acid, and the amount of liquid required to change the pH from 9.2 to 3.0 was (B) mL. The ratio (B) / (A) was defined as the buffer capacity. As shown in Figure 1, it was found that water to which a concentrated mineral extract derived from coconut shell activated carbon was added had excellent buffering capacity.

[0057] <Example 16: Buffer capacity evaluation-II> (1) Preparation of comparative examples and evaluation samples As comparative examples, purified water (tap water treated with a water purifier manufactured by Water Stand) and the same commercially available alkaline ionized water as in Example 15 were prepared. In addition, the concentrated mineral extract obtained in Example 14 was added to the purified water (same as above) so that the potassium concentration was 100 ppm, to prepare evaluation samples. (2) pH measurement The buffer capacity of the samples obtained above was evaluated in the same manner as in Example 15. That is, 1 ml of 0.1 N HCl was added to 100 ml of each sample while stirring with a stirrer, and the pH was measured. As shown in Figure 2, it was found that purified tap water to which concentrated mineral extract derived from coconut shell activated carbon was added had superior buffering capacity compared to purified water and alkaline ionized water.

[0058] Example 17: Preparation of concentrated mineral extract from coconut shell activated carbon =Pilot Scale= 180 L of pure water was passed through 40 kg of coconut shell activated carbon ("Taiko", unwashed with hydrochloric acid, manufactured by Futamura Chemical Co., Ltd.), and the resulting suspension was clarified by sieving and centrifuging to obtain a mineral extract. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure 92 times using a centrifugal thin-film vacuum evaporator, and the resulting concentrate was clarified by centrifugation and filter paper. Each of these was filled into 1 L vinyl pouches and heat-treated at 85°C for 30 minutes to obtain a mineral-enriched extract. The potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium ion concentrations of the resulting mineral-enriched extract were analyzed using ICP atomic emission spectroscopy, chloride ion concentration using ion chromatography, and TOC using a total organic carbon meter.

[0059] Example 18: Preparation of concentrated mineral extract from coconut shell activated carbon =Lab Small Scale= 200 g of coconut shell activated carbon (Granular Shirasagi, unwashed with hydrochloric acid, manufactured by Osaka Gas Chemicals Co., Ltd.) and 910 g of distilled water were mixed and stirred at 100 rpm for 20 minutes with a stirrer while heating at 30°C. The resulting suspension was suction-filtered through a filter (Toyo Roshi Co., Ltd., ADVANTEC quantitative filter paper No. 5C, φ55 mm). The resulting filtrate was further suction-filtered through a filter (MERCKOmnipore PTFE Membrane, 5.0 μm, φ47 mm) to obtain a mineral extract. This process was repeated several times until a sufficient amount of mineral extract was obtained. After mixing the entire mineral extract, it was concentrated 50 times under reduced pressure using a rotary evaporator. The resulting concentrate was then filtered through a filter (Toyo Roshi Co., Ltd., ADVANTEC 25ASO20AN, 0.2 μm) to obtain a concentrated mineral extract. Hydrochloric acid was added to this mineral concentrate to adjust the pH to approximately 9.5, and the solution was divided into 10 mL aliquots and filled into vials. The solution was then refrigerated for two days. It was then cold-filtered through a filter paper (Toyo Roshi Co., Ltd., ADVANTEC 25ASO20AN 0.2 μm) and heat-treated at 80°C for 30 minutes to obtain a mineral-enriched extract. The potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium ion concentrations of the resulting mineral-enriched extract were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), and the chloride and sulfate ion concentrations were analyzed by ion chromatography (IC).

[0060] Example 19: Preparation of concentrated mineral extract from coconut shell activated carbon =Lab Large Scale= 800 g of coconut shell activated carbon (Granular Shirasagi, unwashed with hydrochloric acid, manufactured by Osaka Gas Chemicals Co., Ltd.) and 3660 g of distilled water were added and stirred for 15 minutes while heating at 30°C. The resulting suspension was suction-filtered through filter paper (Toyo Roshi Co., Ltd. ADVANTEC A080A090C) to obtain a mineral extract. This process was repeated multiple times until a sufficient amount of mineral extract was obtained. After mixing the entire mineral extract, it was concentrated under reduced pressure 60 times using a rotary evaporator. The resulting concentrate was filtered through filter paper (Toyo Roshi Co., Ltd. ADVANTEC A080A090C) to obtain a concentrated mineral extract. This was then dispensed into 10 mL aliquots in vials and stored refrigerated for 2 days. It was then cold-filtered through filter paper (Toyo Roshi Co., Ltd. ADVANTEC A080A090C). Hydrochloric acid was added to this to adjust the pH to approximately 9.5, and then the solution was diluted with purified water to adjust the potassium ion concentration to approximately 100,000 ppm. This was then heat-treated at 80°C for 30 minutes to obtain a mineral-enriched extract. The potassium ion concentration, sodium ion concentration, calcium ion concentration, magnesium ion concentration, and sulfate ion concentration of the obtained mineral-enriched extract were analyzed using ion chromatography (IC), the chloride ion concentration was analyzed using ion chromatography, and the TOC was analyzed using a total organic carbon meter.

[0061] Example 20: Preparation of concentrated mineral extract from coconut shell activated carbon =Pilot Scale= A 2500L conical tank was charged with 360 kg of coconut shell activated carbon (Granular Shirasagi, unwashed, manufactured by Osaka Gas Chemicals) and 1620 kg of 35°C pure water and stirred for 15 minutes. The resulting suspension was clarified using a vibrating sieve, centrifuged, and filtered through a paper filter to obtain a mineral extract. The solution was concentrated under reduced pressure 60 times using a centrifugal thin-film vacuum evaporator, and the resulting concentrate was filtered through a paper filter to obtain a concentrated mineral extract. The solution was filled into a drum and stored refrigerated for two days, after which it was cold filtered through a paper filter. Hydrochloric acid was added to the solution to adjust the pH to approximately 9.5, and the solution was further diluted with pure water to a potassium ion concentration of approximately 100,000 ppm. This solution was then heat-treated at 130°C for 30 seconds to obtain a concentrated mineral extract. The potassium ion concentration, sodium ion concentration, calcium ion concentration, magnesium ion concentration, and sulfate ion of the obtained mineral concentrated extract were analyzed by ion chromatography (IC), the chloride ion concentration by ion chromatography, and the TOC by combustion oxidation-infrared TOC analysis.

[0062] The results of Examples 17-20 are shown in Table 5. In terms of the components of the mineral extract, Example 17 yielded a mineral extract with a potassium concentration of 60,994 ppm, a chloride ion concentration of 3,030 ppm, and a pH of 11.1; Example 18 yielded a mineral extract with a potassium concentration of 87,500 ppm, a chloride ion concentration of 32,890 ppm, and a pH of 9.50; Example 19 yielded a mineral extract with a potassium concentration of 100,000 ppm, a chloride ion concentration of 13,132 ppm, and a pH of 9.51; and Example 20 yielded a mineral extract with a potassium concentration of 111,747 ppm, a chloride ion concentration of 8,545 ppm, and a pH of 9.48. [Table 5]

[0063] Example 21: Testing the effect of test materials on inhibiting coronavirus attachment to cells (1) Test materials The following test materials were prepared: Test material A: Purified water (control material) (pH: 6.62) Test material B1: Purified water + concentrated mineral extract (potassium concentration: 10 ppm, pH: 7.28) Test material B2: Purified water + concentrated mineral extract (potassium concentration: 40 ppm, pH: 8.01) Test material B3: Purified water + concentrated mineral extract (potassium concentration: 70 ppm, pH: 9.30) Test material B4: Purified water + concentrated mineral extract (potassium concentration: 100 ppm, pH: 9.48) Test material C: Potassium chloride (potassium concentration: 50 ppm, pH: 6.10) Test material D1: Sodium hydroxide (pH: 10.14) Test material D2: Sodium hydroxide (pH: 7.58)

[0064] Test materials B1 to B4 were prepared by appropriately diluting the concentrated mineral extract of Example 20 with purified water so that the potassium concentration reached the desired concentration.

[0065] (2) Test microorganisms SARS-CoV-2 (new coronavirus, field Omicron strain) was used as the test microorganism. SARS-CoV-2 is a human isolate, isolated from human saliva using Vero cells, and then the amplification of the SARS-CoV-2 gene was confirmed using real-time PCR (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Notification Law) and the L452R(-) and G339A(+) mutations were confirmed. The virus stock solution (culture supernatant) was diluted 10 times with phosphate buffer to serve as the stock solution, and the virus was serially diluted from the stock solution to 100,000 times (1.2 × 10 6 ~1.2 × 10 PFU / 0.05 mL) was used. Vero cells (a cell line derived from the kidney epithelium of African green monkeys) were used as cultured cells.

[0066] (3) Establishment of wards Each district was set up according to Table 6. [Table 6]

[0067] (4) Test procedure A. Preliminary Exam Prior to the test, the effects of the test materials on cultured cells (cytotoxicity) were investigated. 0.5 mL of each test material was inoculated onto the monolayer cells, and the normal state of the cells after culture was confirmed. As a result, no cytotoxicity was observed.

[0068] B. Main Test Vero cells were cultured in 6-well plates (inner diameter 3.5 mm) until a monolayer was formed. After removing most of the supernatant, 0.5 mL of purified water was inoculated into each well (control group) or 0.5 mL of the test material (test group) and mixed thoroughly. 0.05 mL of the adjusted virus solution was then added to each well and allowed to stand in the dark for the designated period of time (sensitization period). After the sensitization period, the supernatant was removed from each well, washed with 3 mL of PBS, and then 3 mL of 2% FBS-supplemented agar medium was added. After the above treatment, the wells were incubated at 37°C in 5% carbon dioxide for 2 days, fixed with formalin, and stained with crystal violet. The number of plaques formed was counted to determine the amount of virus that was fixed. The virus attachment inhibition dilution factor was determined from the results, and the virus attachment inhibition rate was calculated from the difference in the amount of virus that was fixed between groups.

[0069] (5) Results The results of the SARS-CoV-2 (Omicron strain) virus attachment inhibitory effect test are shown in Table 7. The titer of the virus stock solution used in the test was 1.0 × 10 5 The test results showed that plaques formed in wells at all virus dilution ratios in the test plots, but there were slight differences in the amount of virus that settled, and the virus adhesion inhibition rates for each material calculated from the number of plaques were 76, 76, 80, 93, 70, 56, and 76%, starting from test plot 1.

[0070] [Table 7]

[0071] Example 22: Test of the inhibitory effect of test materials on influenza virus attachment to cells (1) Test materials The following test materials were prepared in the same manner as in Example 21. Test material A: Purified water (pH 6.64) Test material B2: Purified water + concentrated mineral extract (potassium concentration: 40 ppm, pH: 8.07) Test material B4: Purified water + concentrated mineral extract (potassium concentration: 100 ppm, pH: 9.42)

[0072] (2) Test microorganisms Influenza virus (swine influenza virus: H1N1 IOWA strain) was used as the test microorganism. MDCK cells (a cell line derived from canine kidney) were used as cultured cells.

[0073] (3) Establishment of wards Each district was set up according to Table 8. [Table 8]

[0074] (4) Test procedure A. Preliminary Exam Prior to the test, the effects of the test materials on cultured cells (cytotoxicity) were investigated. 0.5 mL of each test material was inoculated onto the monolayer cells, and the normal state of the cells after culture was confirmed. As a result, no cytotoxicity was observed.

[0075] B. Main Test MDCK cells were cultured in 6-well plates (inner diameter 3.5 mm) until a monolayer was formed. After removing most of the supernatant, 0.5 mL of purified water was inoculated into each well (control group) or 0.5 mL of the test material (test group) and mixed thoroughly. 0.05 mL of the adjusted virus solution was then added to each well and allowed to stand in the dark for the designated period of time (sensitization period). After the sensitization period, the supernatant was removed from each well, washed with 3 mL of PBS, and then 3 mL of 2% FBS-supplemented agar medium was added. After the above treatment, the wells were incubated at 37°C in 5% carbon dioxide for 2 days, fixed with formalin, and stained with crystal violet. The number of plaques formed was counted to determine the amount of virus that was fixed. The virus attachment inhibition dilution factor was determined from the results, and the virus attachment inhibition rate was calculated from the difference in the amount of virus that was fixed between groups.

[0076] (5) Results The results of the influenza virus attachment inhibitory effect test are shown in Table 9. The titer of the virus stock solution used in the test was 3.0 x 10 5 The test results showed that plaques formed in wells at all virus dilution ratios for the test materials, but there were differences in the amount of virus that settled, and the virus adhesion inhibition rate for each material calculated from the number of plaques was 53% for test material B2 and 72% for test material B4.

[0077] [Table 9]

[0078] <Example 23: Test of the bactericidal effect of test materials on microorganisms> (1) Test materials The following test materials were prepared in the same manner as in Example 21. Test material A: Purified water Test material B: Purified water + concentrated mineral extract (potassium concentration: 60 ppm)

[0079] (2) Test microorganisms Porphyromonas gingivalis (ATCC33277) was used as the test microorganism. The above microorganisms were pre-cultured in blood medium and then diluted with sterile purified water for approximately 10 min. 6 The test bacterial solution was prepared to a concentration of cfu / mL.

[0080] (3) Establishment of wards Test materials A and B were set as the control and test groups, respectively, and 0.1 mL of test bacteria solution was added to 10 L of test material. The sensitization times were 2, 6, and 24 hours after the start of the test.

[0081] (4) Test procedure A. Microbiological testing method (measurement of bacterial count in test solution) The test solution was diluted appropriately with sterile saline and cultured on blood agar medium. The culture was carried out under anaerobic conditions at 35°C for 7 days, and the number of colonies that grew after the culture was counted to determine the bacterial count.

[0082] B. Test Method The test material and control material were placed in a sterilized test tube, and 0.1 mL of test bacteria solution was added to 10 mL of material and mixed well. Following the test settings, the number of remaining viable bacteria was measured immediately after mixing and after reacting at room temperature for a certain period of time according to the microbiological testing method.

[0083] (5) Results The test results are shown in Table 10. [Table 10]

[0084] Comparing the control and test areas, 24 hours after the start of the test, the control area had a 4.0 x 10 5 CFU / mL (54.5% reduction), while the test group had 8.0 × 10 4 The CFU / mL (90.9% reduction) confirmed a significant bactericidal effect in the test area.

[0085] Example 24: Test of the effect of test materials on inhibiting bacterial adhesion to cells (1) Test materials The following test materials were prepared in the same manner as in Example 21. Test material A: Purified water (pH: 7.74) Test material B2: Purified water + concentrated mineral extract (potassium concentration: 40 ppm, pH: 9.17) Test material B3: Purified water + concentrated mineral extract (potassium concentration: 70 ppm, pH: 9.34) Test material B4: Purified water + concentrated mineral extract (potassium concentration: 100 ppm, pH: 9.54)

[0086] (2) Test microorganisms Porphyromonas gingivalis (ATCC33277) was used as the test microorganism. The above microorganisms were pre-cultured in blood medium and then diluted with sterile purified water for approximately 10 min. 6 The test bacterial solution was prepared to a concentration of cfu / 0.05 mL.

[0087] (3) Establishment of wards Each district was set up according to Table 11. [Table 11]

[0088] (4) Test procedure Vero cells were cultured in 6-well plates (3.5 mm inner diameter) until a monolayer was formed. After removing most of the supernatant, 0.5 mL of purified water was inoculated into each well for the control group, and 0.5 mL of the test material was inoculated into each well for the test group. Then, 0.5 mL of test material A was inoculated into each well for the control group, test materials B2-B4 were inoculated into each well for the test group, and a commercially available iodine preparation was inoculated into each well for the positive control group. 0.05 mL of the test bacteria at the adjusted concentration was then added to each well and allowed to stand in the dark for the specified period of time to serve as the sensitization period. After the sensitization period, the supernatant was removed from each well, washed with 3 mL of PBS, and the remaining attached bacteria, including the cells, were detached with a cell scraper and suspended in 1 mL of phosphate buffer. 0.1 mL of the culture was then cultured on blood agar medium (anaerobic incubation at 35°C for 5 days). After the above treatment, the colonies grown on the agar medium were counted to obtain the number of test bacteria. The test bacteria adhesion inhibitory dilution ratio was confirmed from the results, and the adhesion inhibition rate was calculated from the difference in the amount of colonized test bacteria between the groups.

[0089] (5) Results The results of the test for the inhibitory effect on adhesion of Porphyromonas gingivalis are shown in Table 12. The titer of the test bacterial solution used in the test was 2.0 x 10 6 The PFU / 0.05 mL. [Table 12]

[0090] As a result of the test, test bacteria were detected in wells of the control material and test material up to 1000-fold dilution, but not in the positive control material. Regarding the amount of colonized test bacteria, there was a difference of 31.2% for test materials B2 and B3, and 62.5% for test material B4. Thus, the test group was confirmed to have a concentration-dependent effect in preventing the adhesion of periodontal disease bacteria.

Claims

1. A method for coating the pharynx or oral cavity with a mineral-containing water composition, characterized in that potassium ions are contained in the highest content of metal ions present in the mineral-containing water composition.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the concentration of potassium ions is from 10 ppm to 600 ppm.

3. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the concentration of potassium ions is from 20 ppm to 200 ppm.

4. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the mineral-containing water composition has a slightly alkaline pH.

5. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the pH is from 7.5 to 10.

5.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mineral-containing water composition has a buffering capacity.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the buffer capacity of the mineral-containing water composition is 1.5 or more when the ratio (B) / (A) is defined as the buffer capacity when 100 g of sodium hydroxide solution adjusted to pH 9.2 is titrated with 0.1 M hydrochloric acid, and the amount of liquid required to change the pH from 9.2 to 3.0 is (A) mL, and the mineral-containing water composition is titrated with 0.1 M hydrochloric acid, and the amount of liquid required to change the pH from 9.2 to 3.0 is (B) mL.

8. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the mineral-containing water composition further comprises chloride ions, calcium ions, magnesium ions, sodium ions, iron ions, zinc ions, silicon ions, and / or sulfate ions.

9. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the content of chloride ions in the mineral-containing water composition is 50% or less of the content of potassium ions.

10. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the content of calcium ions in the mineral-containing water composition is 30% or less of the content of potassium ions.

11. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the content of magnesium ions in the mineral-containing water composition is 15% or less of the content of potassium ions.

12. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the content of sodium in the mineral-containing water composition is 5 to 45% of the content of potassium ions.

13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mineral-containing water composition comprises an activated carbon extract of plant-derived material.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the plant-derived material is selected from coconut, palm, almond, walnut, or plum fruit shells; wood selected from sawdust, charcoal, resin, or lignin; comb ash; bamboo; food waste selected from bagasse, rice husks, coffee beans, or molasses; or combinations thereof.

15. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the mineral-containing water composition comprises potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, disodium hydrogen phosphate, trisodium phosphate, and / or calcium hydroxide.

16. A mineral-containing water composition for preventing viral or bacterial infection, characterized in that potassium ions are contained in the highest content among the metal ions present in the mineral-containing water composition.

17. 17. The mineral-containing water composition according to claim 16, wherein the concentration of the potassium ions is 10 ppm to 600 ppm.

18. 17. The mineral-containing water composition according to claim 16, wherein the concentration of potassium ions is 20 ppm to 200 ppm.

19. 17. The mineral-containing water composition of claim 16, wherein the mineral-containing water composition has a slightly alkaline pH.

20. 20. The mineral-containing water composition according to claim 19, wherein the pH is 7.5 to 10.

5.

21. 17. The mineral-containing water composition according to claim 16, wherein the mineral-containing water composition has a buffering capacity.

22. The mineral-containing water composition according to claim 21, characterized in that the buffer capacity of the mineral-containing water composition is 1.5 or more when the ratio (B) / (A) is defined as the buffer capacity when 100 g of sodium hydroxide solution adjusted to pH 9.2 is titrated with 0.1 M hydrochloric acid, the amount of liquid required to change the pH from 9.2 to 3.0 is (A) mL, and the mineral-containing water composition is titrated with 0.1 M hydrochloric acid, the amount of liquid required to change the pH from 9.2 to 3.0 is (B) mL.

23. 17. The mineral-containing water composition according to claim 16, wherein the mineral-containing water composition is drinkable as drinking water.

24. The mineral-containing water composition according to claim 16, wherein the prevention of viral or bacterial infection is achieved by orally ingesting the mineral-containing water composition, thereby reducing or preventing the attachment of viruses or bacteria to cells in the pharynx or oral cavity.

25. The mineral-containing water composition according to claim 16, wherein the virus is a coronavirus or an influenza virus.

26. The mineral-containing water composition according to claim 16, wherein the bacteria are periodontal pathogens.

27. 17. The mineral-containing water composition of claim 16, wherein the mineral-containing water composition further comprises chloride ions, calcium ions, magnesium ions, sodium ions, iron ions, zinc ions, silicon ions, and / or sulfate ions.

28. 17. The mineral-containing water composition according to claim 16, wherein the content of chloride ions in the mineral-containing water composition is 50% or less of the content of potassium ions.

29. 17. The mineral-containing water composition according to claim 16, wherein the content of calcium ions in the mineral-containing water composition is 30% or less of the content of potassium ions.

30. 17. The mineral-containing water composition according to claim 16, wherein the content of magnesium ions in the mineral-containing water composition is 15% or less of the content of potassium ions.

31. 17. The mineral-containing water composition according to claim 16, wherein the content of sodium in the mineral-containing water composition is 5 to 45% of the content of potassium ions.

32. 17. The mineral-containing water composition of claim 16, wherein the mineral-containing water composition comprises an activated carbon extract of a plant-derived material.

33. 31. The mineral-containing water composition of claim 30, wherein the plant-derived material is selected from coconut, palm, almond, walnut, or plum fruit shells; wood selected from sawdust, charcoal, resin, or lignin; bee ash; bamboo; food waste selected from bagasse, rice husks, coffee beans, or blackstrap molasses; or combinations thereof.

34. 17. The mineral-containing water composition of claim 16, wherein the mineral-containing water composition comprises potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, disodium hydrogen phosphate, trisodium phosphate, and / or calcium hydroxide.

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