Allergy improvement agent

Abstract

To provide a low-cost, highly effective allergy improvement agent that does not require long-term continuous intake and has no side effects.SOLUTION: Provided is an allergy improvement agent for preventing or improving symptoms of hay fever or the like. The allergy improvement agent containing, as an active ingredient, seeds of Fagaceae, Lithocarpus, Lithocarpus edulis that has long been eaten by humans can prevent or improve symptoms of hay fever (sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes), as well as other allergies, such as itchy eyes, coughing, rhinitis, and hives.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an allergy-improving agent for preventing or ameliorating symptoms of allergies such as hay fever, and in particular to an allergy-improving agent for preventing or ameliorating symptoms of allergies such as hay fever, the active ingredient of which is naturally derived chinquapin nuts. [Background technology]

[0002] Hay fever has become such a serious problem in Japan that it is said to affect more than 25% of the population. Hay fever is a type I allergic disease caused by contact of plant pollen with the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, etc., and is characterized by a series of symptoms, including paroxysmal, recurring sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes. Hay fever generally involves both nasal and ocular symptoms, but it can also involve only either nasal or ocular symptoms. There is no particular limit to the plants that cause hay fever.

[0003] Measures to combat hay fever include physical measures such as using masks, hay fever glasses or goggles, and air purifiers to remove indoor pollen; pharmaceutical measures using antihistamines such as fexofenadine and loratadine; and biological measures such as desensitization therapy (allergen immunotherapy), in which the body develops a tolerance to pollen by administering small amounts of gradually increasing amounts of pollen allergens to the body, and certain probiotics such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, which regulate the immune system.

[0004] As a physical measure, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-274102 discloses a method for manufacturing a sheet-like substrate, which comprises a microfiber nonwoven fabric or woven fabric layer having an average fiber diameter of 1 μm to 100 μm, and a nanofiber nonwoven fabric layer having an average fiber diameter of 1 nm to 1000 nm, preferably 100 nm to 800 nm, laminated on the nonwoven fabric or woven fabric layer, and the nanofiber nonwoven fabric layer has a basis weight of 0.005 g / m to 0.500 g / m. 2 A pollen prevention mask characterized by the following has been disclosed (Patent Document 1).

[0005] As a pharmaceutical measure, for example, JP-A No. 2023-549381 discloses an orally dispersible powder composition containing an antihistamine active compound and a synergistic three-component mixture of sodium citrate, citric acid, and sucralose (Patent Document 2).

[0006] As a biological measure, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-037613 discloses that a composition containing one or more lactic acid bacteria selected from the group consisting of lactic acid bacteria belonging to Enterococcus hirae, lactic acid bacteria belonging to Lactobacillus johnsonii, lactic acid bacteria belonging to Lactobacillus acidophilus, and lactic acid bacteria belonging to rimosyl Lactobacillus reuteri, and / or a processed product of lactic acid bacteria belonging to Enterococcus hirae, a processed product of lactic acid bacteria belonging to Lactobacillus johnsonii, a processed product of lactic acid bacteria belonging to Lactobacillus acidophilus, and a processed product of lactic acid bacteria belonging to rimosyl Lactobacillus reuteri, can prevent the onset of allergies (Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-274102 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2023-549381 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-037613 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The above-mentioned hay fever countermeasures have been improved and have proven to be somewhat effective. However, effective countermeasures such as air purifiers, high-quality masks, and immunotherapy are expensive. Immunotherapy, in particular, is a specialized treatment and often expensive. Furthermore, these countermeasures are not temporary but must be implemented continuously. Dietary therapy and immunotherapy in particular require long-term commitment, but do not have immediate effects, making it difficult to maintain motivation to continue. Furthermore, drug therapy carries the risk of side effects. For example, antihistamines can cause drowsiness, and long-term use of steroid nasal sprays raises concerns about their effects on the nasal mucosa. Therefore, there is a need for simple, effective hay fever treatments without side effects.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a low-cost, highly effective allergy-relieving agent that does not require long-term continuous intake and is free from side effects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, the inventors searched for a material that is derived from natural products, is highly safe, and has excellent effects in preventing and improving allergies. Surprisingly, they discovered that taking the seeds of a certain type of chestnut tree can improve allergic symptoms and solve the above problems.

[0011] The present invention has been made based on such findings, and provides an allergy-improving agent for preventing allergies or improving symptoms, which contains seeds of a plant of the genus Lithocarpus in the family Fagaceae as an active ingredient. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The allergy-relieving agent of the present invention is highly effective in preventing or ameliorating allergic symptoms such as itchy eyes, cough, rhinitis, and hives associated with hay fever and allergies other than hay fever, without causing any side effects. Its effectiveness persists throughout the entire hay fever season with approximately one week of administration, without the need for long-term continuous intake. Furthermore, since it is made from chestnuts, which have been eaten throughout human history, there is no need to worry about side effects. Furthermore, the raw material, edulis quince, is widely distributed throughout Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa, making it easy to obtain and inexpensive. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The allergy-relieving agent of this embodiment contains seeds of a plant of the genus Lithocarpus in the family Fagaceae as an active ingredient.

[0014] In this embodiment, the allergy is at least one selected from the group consisting of hay fever and other allergic conditions such as itchy eyes, cough, rhinitis, and hives. Hay fever is an immune response to pollen from plants such as cedar that enters the nasal cavity, causing symptoms such as a runny nose, and is also called seasonal allergic rhinitis. The mechanism by which hay fever occurs is thought to be as follows: allergens adhere to the mucous membranes in the nasal cavity, antibodies are produced in the body and bind to cells called mast cells, and then the allergens re-enter the body, causing allergic reactions such as a runny nose due to the release of allergens from the mast cells.

[0015] Specific symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy, bloodshot, watery eyes, itchy throat, cough, sore throat, itchy ears, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, headache, itchy skin or rash (especially on the face and neck), and decreased sense of smell.

[0016] Recently, some people suffer from symptoms almost all year round, such as hay fever coexisting with other allergic rhinitis or hay fever caused by reactions to pollen from multiple different plants. The allergy-relieving agent of the present invention can prevent or improve such hay fever symptoms. It is also effective against itchy eyes, cough, rhinitis, and hives associated with allergies other than hay fever.

[0017] The fruits (nuts) of plants of the genus Lithocarpus in the family Fagaceae are composed of, from the outside in, the pericarp that forms the outermost layer, the seed coat that covers the seed, and the seed that makes up the majority of the fruit (nut), but it is the seed that is used as the active ingredient in this embodiment. It is preferable to remove the pericarp and seed coat before processing.

[0018] Seeds of plants of the genus Lithocarpus in the Fagaceae family contain less tannins than other acorns, and therefore have a less harsh taste. Therefore, although raw seeds can be used in this embodiment, heating (roasting) the seeds before use enhances the flavor and makes them easier to ingest.

[0019] There are two species of plants in the genus Lithocarpus of the Fagaceae family: Lithocarpus edulis and Lithocarpus glaber. In this embodiment, seeds of either plant can be used, or a mixture of the two can be used.

[0020] In addition, the seeds of Castanopsis sieboldii or Castanopsis cuspidata, which belong to the Castanopsis genus of the Fagaceae family, can also be used as an active ingredient of the allergy-relieving agent. In this embodiment, Castanopsis edulis, Castanopsis sieboldii, Castanopsis cuspidata, Castanopsis cuspidata, and Castanopsis cuspidata may be collectively referred to as "chestnuts."

[0021] In this embodiment, the pollinosis alleviating agent can be in the form of a liquid, gel, paste, solid, powder, or granule. In addition, when preparing it into these forms, other raw materials can be used as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

[0022] Other ingredients include, for example, probiotics such as lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria; prebiotics such as oligosaccharides (galactooligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, soybean oligosaccharides, lactoferrin oligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharides, isomaltulose oligosaccharides, raffinose, lactulose, coffee bean mannooligosaccharides, gluconic acid, etc.) and some dietary fibers (polydextrose, inulin, etc.); and at least one selected from the group consisting of polyphenols, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, citric acid, and zinc, or foods containing these.

[0023] Next, a method for producing the pollinosis alleviating agent according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The method for producing the pollinosis alleviating agent according to this embodiment includes a washing step, a soaking step, a drying step, a peel removing step, a heating step, a pulverizing step, and a post-treatment step.

[0024] The washing process is a process of washing the collected fruits (nuts) of plants of the genus Lithocarpus (hereinafter referred to as "chestnuts") of the family Fagaceae. Chestnuts can be collected directly from the trees, but because plants of the genus Lithocarpus reach heights of 10 to 15 meters, it is more efficient to collect fallen chestnuts. Since fallen chestnuts contain dirt and dust, these are removed by washing them with water. In addition, to prevent contamination by insects, it is preferable to select chestnuts with clean surfaces that are free of insect oviposition holes and cracks.

[0025] The soaking process involves soaking the washed chinquapin nuts in water to remove insects (such as weevil larvae) hiding inside the nuts. The soaking time is preferably 1 to 2 hours. The water temperature can be room temperature. Anything floating on the water is removed.

[0026] The drying step is intended to dry the shiitake mushrooms to facilitate the peel removal step described below. When shiitake mushrooms are dried, the skin cracks due to a sudden drop in moisture. Therefore, cracks are intentionally created in the skin during the drying step to facilitate removal of the skin. The drying method is not particularly limited, but examples include natural drying (sun drying), hot air drying, and forced air drying. The drying time is preferably 4 to 6 hours.

[0027] The pericarp removal process involves heating the pericarp and seed coat of the shiitake nuts for 2-3 minutes in a microwave or frying pan, then removing the pericarp and seed coat and extracting the seeds. Because the pericarp of shiitake nuts is hard, a nutcracker or similar tool is used to crack the pericarp and extract the seeds. After removing the pericarp and seed coat, the shiitake nuts' seeds are sorted as needed.

[0028] The heating step is a step of heating the obtained chinquapin seeds to gelatinize (gelatinize) the starch in the seeds. There are no particular limitations on the heating method, but the heating time is preferably 2 to 3 minutes.

[0029] The post-treatment step is a step of processing the heat-treated cinnamon seeds according to the dosage form of the allergy alleviating agent. The pollinosis allergy alleviating agent of this embodiment is prepared in a liquid, gel, paste, solid, powder or granular form depending on the purpose.

[0030] The allergy ameliorating agent of this embodiment can be effective when administered orally. The dosage and administration method of the allergy ameliorating agent of this embodiment is, for example, orally taking about 5 to 50 g of the allergy ameliorating agent of this embodiment per day for 1 to 30 days, preferably 14 to 90 days. For the purpose of preventing hay fever, the agent may be taken daily without a set period of administration. [Example]

[0031] 1. Preparation of allergy relief agent The allergy-relieving agent was prepared as follows. Harvested edelweiss (chestnut) seeds were washed with water to remove soil and debris. They were then soaked in water for 30 minutes, and any chestnuts floating on the water were removed, along with any insects. After soaking, the seeds were drained and sun-dried for 8 hours, after which they were heated in a microwave oven or a frying pan for 2 minutes and 30 seconds to gelatinize (gelatinize) the starch in the chestnut seeds. The pericarp was then removed using a nutcracker to obtain the chestnut seeds. After selecting clean seeds free of insect damage, the seeds were split, and only the unrotten parts were extracted and sun-dried for 8 hours. The sun-dried chestnut seeds were then placed in a mill mixer (CGOLDENWALL High-Speed ​​Multi-Function Grinder) and crushed for 2-3 minutes to produce a powder.

[0032] 2. Examination of the allergy improvement effect (1) Test method The allergy-improving agent obtained by heat treatment and gelatinization (gelatinization) above was designated Sample 1, and Sample 1 was further powdered to become Sample 2, and the allergy-improving effect on allergies such as hay fever was investigated as follows: Patients aged 18 to 70 years (total of 10 people) who suffered from hay fever were used as subjects, and they were asked to take Sample 1 or Sample 2 for a certain period of time.

[0033] (2) Results Tables 1 to 10 show the symptoms of hay fever (sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy eyes, etc.) for each subject before and after taking the allergy ...

[0034] It was also found to be effective in reducing or eliminating symptoms associated with hay fever, such as insomnia, hives, fatigue, and headaches.

[0035] [Table 1]

[0036] [Table 2]

[0037] [Table 3]

[0038] [Table 4]

[0039] [Table 5]

[0040] [Table 6]

[0041] [Table 7]

[0042] [Table 8]

[0043] [Table 9]

[0044] [Table 10]

Claims

1. An allergy improving agent for preventing or improving symptoms of allergy, The active ingredient is the seeds of a plant in the genus Lithocarpus of the Fagaceae family. Allergy relief agent.

2. 2. The allergy-ameliorating agent according to claim 1, wherein the plant of the genus Lithocarpus in the family Fagaceae is Lithocarpus edulis.

3. 3. The allergy-relieving agent according to claim 1, wherein the dosage form of the allergy-relieving agent is liquid, gel, paste, solid, powder, or granule.

4. 3. The allergy-ameliorating agent according to claim 1, wherein the allergy is at least one selected from the group consisting of hay fever, itchy eyes, cough, rhinitis, and hives.

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