Oral composition

Abstract

To provide an oral composition that achieves improvement of oral moisture both immediately after use and over a sustained period.SOLUTION: An oral composition contains at least one substance (X) selected from the group consisting of a compound (X1) having two or more hydroxy groups included in an oxoacid group and a salt thereof, and a cellulose substance (Y), where the oxoacid group is a group having a structure in which a hydroxy group and an oxo group are bonded to one central atom being a carbon atom or a phosphorus atom, and where the substance (X) has a molecular weight of 20000 or less.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an oral composition. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, dry mouth has become a problem. When dry mouth occurs, the amount of saliva secreted decreases, causing abnormalities in the quality of saliva, and can cause thirst, dry mouth, pain, and discomfort. It can also cause a sticky, unpleasant feeling in the mouth, difficulty in speaking, and bad breath. When the condition worsens, changes in the oral flora can lead to dental caries, periodontal disease, various infectious diseases, and other problems that affect not only oral function but also overall health.

[0003] Known methods for alleviating dry mouth include spraying artificial saliva and moistening the oral cavity with oral moisturizers, etc. These methods only provide temporary relief from dry mouth, but do not provide a fundamental solution. Methods for promoting saliva secretion and relieving dry mouth have also been studied. For example, Patent Document 1 studies an oral composition containing polyglutamic acid and / or its salt and an extract of Aspalathus linearis. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6841222 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The oral composition described in Patent Document 1 promotes saliva secretion immediately after use and improves the symptoms of dry mouth, but the effect does not last long enough, and improvements are needed.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an oral composition that can improve the moistness of the oral cavity not only immediately after use but also continuously. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present inventors have conducted extensive research to solve the above problems and have arrived at the present invention. Specifically, the present invention provides an oral composition comprising at least one substance (X) selected from the group consisting of compounds (X1) having two or more hydroxy groups contained in an oxo acid group and salts thereof, and celluloses (Y), wherein the oxo acid group has a structure in which a hydroxy group and an oxo group are bonded to a carbon or phosphorus atom as a central atom, and the molecular weight of the substance (X) is 20,000 or less. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an oral composition that can improve the moistness of the oral cavity not only immediately after use but also continuously. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The oral composition of the present invention contains at least one substance (X) selected from the group consisting of compounds (X1) having two or more hydroxy groups contained in an oxo acid group and salts thereof, and celluloses (Y), wherein the oxo acid group has a structure in which a hydroxy group and an oxo group are bonded to a carbon or phosphorus atom as a central atom, and the molecular weight of the substance (X) is 20,000 or less.

[0010] [Substance (X)] The oral composition of the present invention comprises a substance (X). The substance (X) is at least one selected from the group consisting of compounds (X1) having two or more hydroxy groups contained in an oxo acid group and salts thereof, and has a molecular weight of 20,000 or less (excluding celluloses). As the substance (X), the compound (X1) may be used singly or in combination of two or more kinds. The salt of the compound (X1) may also be used singly or in combination of two or more kinds. Furthermore, one or more kinds of the compound (X1) and one or more kinds of the salt of the compound (X1) may also be used.

[0011] The compound (X1) has two or more hydroxy groups contained in the oxo acid group, and the compound (X1) may have two or more oxo acid groups. In the present invention, the oxo acid group is a group having a structure in which a hydroxy group (-OH) and an oxo group (=O) are bonded to a carbon atom or a phosphorus atom as a central atom. Two or more hydroxy groups and two or more oxo groups may be contained in one oxo acid group.

[0012] For example, triphosphate (tripolyphosphate) [ka] The oxo acid groups contained in this molecule are of two types: -P(=O)(OH)2 at both ends of the molecule and -P(=O)(OH)- in the center, and the oxo acid groups at both ends contain two hydroxy groups.

[0013] Examples of the compound (X1) include polyphosphoric acids (pyrophosphoric acid, tripolyphosphoric acid, trimetaphosphoric acid, tetrapolyphosphoric acid, hexametaphosphoric acid, polyphosphoric acids having a degree of polymerization of, for example, 10 to 130, etc.) and organic acids (citric acid, malic acid, glutamic acid, tartaric acid, etc.).

[0014] The total mass ratio of the oxo acid groups and hydroxy groups not contained in the oxo acid groups contained in the compound (X1) is preferably 45 mass % or more, more preferably 55 mass % or more, based on the molecular weight of the compound (X1). For example, malic acid has a molecular weight of 134.09. [ka] In the case of malic acid, it has two carboxyl groups (formula weight 45.0) which are oxoacid groups and one hydroxyl group (formula weight 17.0) which is not included in the oxoacid groups, so the ratio of the total mass of these groups based on the molecular weight of malic acid is [(45.0×2+17.0×1) / 134.09]×100=80(mass%) is. In the case of citrate, free citric acid has three carboxyl groups (formula weight 45.0) which are oxoacid groups and one hydroxyl group (formula weight 17.0) which is not included in the oxoacid group, so the ratio of the total mass of these groups is calculated based on the molecular weight of citric acid (192.12). [(45.0×3+17.0×1) / 192.12]×100=79(mass%) is. Sodium hexametaphosphate (NaPO3) n ], the free acid [(HPO3) n ] has n oxo acid groups -P(=O)(OH)-, so the total mass ratio of oxo acid groups is calculated based on the molecular weight of the free acid (80.0 x n). [(64.0×n) / (80.0×n)]×100=80(mass%) is. For sodium polyphosphate with a degree of polymerization of n, the free acid is: [ka] has (n-2) oxo acid groups -P(=O)(OH)- and two oxo acid groups -P(=O)(OH)2-, the total mass ratio of the oxo acid groups is n O 3n+1 H n+2 ) based on the molecular weight of [(64.0×n+34.0) / (80.0×n+18.0)]×100(mass%) is. The compound (X1) has an oxo acid group as an essential group, but the hydroxy group not contained in the oxo acid group is not essential and may be optionally contained.

[0015] The salt of compound (X1) is not particularly limited and examples thereof include inorganic acid salts such as hydrochloride, sulfate, nitrate, and phosphate; organic acid salts such as acetate, citrate, maleate, malate, oxalate, lactate, succinate, fumarate, and propionate; alkali metal salts such as sodium salt and potassium salt; alkaline earth metal salts such as calcium salt and magnesium salt; ammonium salt; salts with organic bases such as triethylamine, triethanolamine, and pyridine; and amino acid salts with basic or acidic amino acids such as arginine and glutamic acid. Among these, alkali metal salts are preferred, and sodium salts are more preferred.

[0016] The substance (X) is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of polyphosphoric acids, organic acids, and salts thereof, and more preferably pyrophosphoric acid, tripolyphosphoric acid, trimetaphosphoric acid, tetrapolyphosphoric acid, hexametaphosphoric acid, polyphosphoric acids having a degree of polymerization of 10 to 130, citric acid, malic acid, glutamic acid, tartaric acid, and alkali metal salts thereof.

[0017] The molecular weight of the substance (X) is 20,000 or less, preferably 100 to 15,000, and more preferably 120 to 14,000. When the oral composition contains a plurality of compounds as the substance (X), the molecular weight of each compound is 20,000 or less. The molecular weight of the substance (X) can be calculated from the structural formula.

[0018] [Cellulose (Y)] The oral composition of the present invention contains a cellulose (Y) together with a substance (X). Note that the substance (X) does not fall under the category of the cellulose (Y). Hereinafter, the cellulose (Y) may be referred to as "component (Y)."

[0019] The celluloses (Y) include cellulose, cellulose derivatives and salts thereof. A cellulose derivative refers to a polymer compound in which some of the hydroxyl groups of cellulose are modified with substituents. Examples of cellulose derivatives include alkyl celluloses (methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, etc.), hydroxyalkyl celluloses (hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, etc.), hydroxyalkyl alkyl celluloses (hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, etc.), and carboxyalkyl celluloses (carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl ethyl cellulose, etc.). Examples of salts of cellulose or cellulose derivatives include alkali metal salts such as sodium salts and potassium salts; and alkaline earth metal salts such as calcium salts and magnesium salts. The cellulose (Y) may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Preferred cellulose (Y) is hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, methylcellulose or sodium carboxymethylcellulose.

[0020] The viscosity of a 2% aqueous solution of component (Y) at 20°C is preferably 10 to 100,000 mPa·s, and more preferably 400 to 20,000 mPa·s. The viscosity is a value measured in accordance with the viscosity measurement method 2 using a single cylindrical rotational viscometer.

[0021] [Compound (Z)] The oral composition of the present invention may further contain the following compound (Z) as a component other than substance (X) and component (Y). Note that neither substance (X) nor component (Y) falls under compound (Z). Hereinafter, compound (Z) may be referred to as component (Z).

[0022] Compound (Z) is xanthan gum, sodium poly-γ-glutamate (having a number average molecular weight of more than 20,000), polyalkylene glycol (e.g., polyethylene glycol such as PEG20000), or glycerin. Compound (Z) may be used singly or in combination of two or more. Xanthan gum is preferred as compound (Z). Note that the molecular weight of xanthan gum is approximately 2,000,000, and therefore it does not fall under the category of substance (X). The oral composition of the present invention preferably contains at least one compound (Z) selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, sodium poly-γ-glutamate, polyalkylene glycol, and glycerin.

[0023] When the oral composition of the present invention contains component (Z), the content of component (Z) is preferably 0.01 to 3 wt %, more preferably 0.1 to 3 wt %, based on the weight of the oral composition.

[0024] [Other ingredients] The oral composition of the present invention may contain other components (additives) in addition to the above-mentioned substance (X), component (Y) and component (Z).

[0025] Examples of the additives include lubricants such as wax, antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, antifoaming agents, preservatives, fragrances, and solvents [water, organic solvents (ethanol, etc.)].

[0026] When the additive contains the following bactericidal components, the total weight of the bactericidal components is preferably 2% by weight or less relative to the total weight of the substance (X), from the viewpoint of the sustainability of the effect of improving oral cavity moistness. The antiseptic component is at least one selected from the group consisting of β-glycyrrhetinic acid, isopropylmethylphenol, cetylpyridinium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, alkyldiaminoethylglycine chloride solution, chlorhexidine hydrochloride, triclosan, hinokitiol, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, and sodium lauryl sulfate.

[0027] When the oral composition contains a solvent, the content thereof is not particularly limited, and is preferably 5 to 99 wt % relative to the total weight of the oral composition, for example. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of the sustainability of the effect of improving oral moisture, the content of water in the oral composition is preferably 5 to 99% by weight, more preferably 30 to 99% by weight, based on the total weight of the oral composition. When the oral composition contains water, it is preferable that the appearance of the oral composition after being produced by the method described below and left to stand at 25°C for 10 minutes is visually uniform (not separated into two or more phases).

[0028] Furthermore, when the oral care composition of the present invention is used as a food product, it may contain a component that serves as a base material for the food product. The base material can be selected appropriately depending on the form of the oral care food product. For example, if the oral care food product is a candy, it may contain starch syrup or the like as a base material. Examples of the form of the oral care food product include candy, gummy candy, chewing gum, chocolate, tablet confectionery (such as chewing soft candy), and jelly (solid at 25°C).

[0029] [Oral composition] The content (weight proportion) of the substance (X) in the oral composition is preferably 0.01 to 5 wt %, more preferably 0.1 to 4 wt %, based on the weight of the oral composition. From the viewpoint of increasing saliva secretion, the content of the substance (X) preferably has a lower limit of 0.01 wt %, more preferably 0.1 wt %, based on the weight of the oral cavity composition. From the viewpoint of the durability of the effect of improving oral moisture, the content of the substance (X) is preferably at most 5% by weight, more preferably at most 4% by weight, based on the weight of the oral composition. By including the substance (X) in the above range, it is possible to preferably impart the effects of increasing the amount of saliva secreted immediately after use and continuously improving the moistness of the oral cavity.

[0030] The content (weight proportion) of component (Y) in the oral composition is preferably 0.01 to 5 wt %, more preferably 0.1 to 5 wt %, and even more preferably 0.2 to 4 wt %, based on the weight of the oral composition. From the viewpoint of increasing saliva secretion, the content of component (Y) is preferably such that the lower limit is 0.01 wt %, more preferably 0.1 wt %, and even more preferably 0.2 wt %, based on the weight of the oral composition. From the viewpoint of the durability of the effect of improving oral moisture, the content of component (Y) is preferably at most 5% by weight, more preferably at most 4% by weight, based on the weight of the oral composition. By including component (Y) in the above range, it is possible to suitably impart the effect of increasing the amount of saliva secreted while continuously improving the degree of moistness in the oral cavity.

[0031] The oral composition of the present invention preferably has an aqueous solution containing 1% by weight of non-volatile components of the oral composition, the pH of which is 6 to 8. The "non-volatile components" refer to the residues remaining after a sample is placed in an uncovered glass petri dish and dried by heating at 130°C for 45 minutes in a circulating air dryer. An aqueous solution containing 1% by weight of the nonvolatile components of the oral composition can be obtained by diluting the composition with water (e.g., ion-exchanged water) so that the concentration of the nonvolatile components becomes 1% by weight. By setting the pH of the 1% by weight aqueous solution to 6 to 8, the effect of maintaining oral moisture can be improved. The pH of the aqueous solution is preferably 6.1 to 7.9.

[0032] The pH can be measured using a pH meter (in accordance with JIS Z 8802:2011) at 25° C. The pH may be adjusted by the type and blending ratio of compound (X1), or by adding a component other than compound (X1).

[0033] The oral composition of the present invention can be produced by blending the components and mixing them uniformly at room temperature or, if necessary, by heating (for example, at 30 to 70° C.) The order and method of blending the components are not particularly limited.

[0034] [How to use] The oral composition of the present invention can be used by applying it to the oral mucosa (tongue, gums, gingiva, etc.) with a finger, or by holding it in the oral cavity for a predetermined period of time and allowing it to adhere to the oral mucosa. By using a solvent or the like appropriate for the intended use, the oral composition of the present invention can also be used as a medicine, quasi-drug, cosmetic, food, etc. When used for these purposes, specifically, it can be used as toothpaste, mouthwash, oral gel, oral care food, supplement, etc. When using the oral composition of the present invention, the pH of the oral composition may be adjusted appropriately so that the pH of the oral composition is within the range of 6 to 8. If the pH of the oral composition is less than 6 or more than 8, the pH can be adjusted to be within the range of 6 to 8, for example, by diluting it with water or adding an acid or a base.

[0035] [Action and effect] The effects of the oral composition of the present invention will be explained. By adhering the oral composition to the oral mucosa, substance (X) is released from the composition, promoting saliva secretion and improving oral moisture. Furthermore, continuous use of the oral composition maintains the saliva secretion-promoting effect. As a result, the present invention can provide an oral composition that can improve oral moisture not only immediately after use but also continuously.

[0036] This specification discloses the following items [1] to [3]. [1] A method for producing a cellulose-based polymer comprising: (X) at least one substance selected from the group consisting of a compound (X1) having two or more hydroxy groups contained in an oxo acid group and a salt thereof; and (Y) a cellulose compound; The oxo acid group is a group having a structure in which a carbon atom or a phosphorus atom is used as a central atom and a hydroxy group and an oxo group are bonded to the central atom, An oral composition, wherein the substance (X) has a molecular weight of 20,000 or less. [2] The oral composition according to [1], further comprising at least one compound (Z) selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, sodium poly-γ-glutamate, polyalkylene glycol, and glycerin. [3] The oral composition according to [1] or [2], wherein the weight proportion of the substance (X) is 0.01 to 5% by weight based on the weight of the oral composition. [Example]

[0037] The present invention will be further described below with reference to examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Unless otherwise specified, parts mean parts by weight and % means % by weight.

[0038] <Explanation of each ingredient> The raw materials corresponding to the components used in the examples and comparative examples are as follows: [Substance (X)] (X-1): Sodium pyrophosphate (tetrasodium diphosphate) (molecular weight: 265.90, ratio of total mass of oxo acid groups to molecular weight of diphosphate: 91% by mass) (X-2): Sodium tripolyphosphate [manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., molecular weight: 367.86, ratio of total mass of oxo acid groups to molecular weight of triphosphate: 88% by mass] (X-3): Sodium trimetaphosphate (molecular weight: 305.89, ratio of total mass of oxo acid groups to the molecular weight of trimetaphosphate: 80% by mass) (X-4): Sodium tetrapolyphosphate (molecular weight: 469.83, ratio of the total mass of oxo acid groups to the molecular weight of tetrapolyphosphate: 86% by mass) (X-5): Sodium hexametaphosphate (a mixture of compounds with molecular weights of 1019.6 to 2345.1, (NaPO3) n , n:10~23) (X-6): Sodium polyphosphate with an average degree of phosphate polymerization of 130 (molecular weight: 13317) (manufactured by Regenetis Co., Ltd.) (X-7): Citric acid monohydrate [manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., molecular weight: 210.14, ratio of the total mass of oxo acid groups and hydroxy groups not contained in oxo acid groups to the molecular weight of citric acid: 79% by mass] (X-8): Sodium citrate [manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., molecular weight: 258.06, ratio of the total mass of oxo acid groups and hydroxy groups not contained in oxo acid groups to the molecular weight of citric acid: 79% by mass] (X-9): Malic acid [manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., molecular weight: 134.09, ratio of the total mass of oxo acid groups and hydroxy groups not contained in oxo acid groups to the molecular weight of malic acid: 80% by mass] (X-10): glutamic acid [manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., molecular weight: 147.13, ratio of total mass of oxoacid groups to the molecular weight of glutamic acid: 61% by mass] Component (Y) (Y-1): Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 60SH [Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., degree of methoxy group substitution: 1.9, number of hydroxypropyl group substitution moles: 0.25, viscosity of 2% aqueous solution at 20°C: 4,000 mPa s] (Y-2): Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 65SH [Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., degree of methoxy group substitution: 1.8, number of hydroxypropyl group substitution moles: 0.15, viscosity of 2% aqueous solution at 20°C: 4,000 mPa s] (Y-3): Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 90SH [Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., degree of methoxy group substitution: 1.4, number of hydroxypropyl group substitution moles: 0.2, viscosity of 2% aqueous solution at 20°C: 4,000 mPa s] (Y-4): Methylcellulose [Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., degree of methoxy group substitution: 1.8, viscosity of 2% aqueous solution at 20°C: 4,000 mPa·s] (Y-5): Sodium carboxymethylcellulose [Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., weight-average molecular weight 200,000] [Component (Z)] (Z-1): Xanthan gum [Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.] (Z-2): Poly-γ-sodium glutamate [number average molecular weight 1,000,000, manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.] (Z-3): PEG20000 [manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.] (Z-4): Glycerin [Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.]

[0039] <Examples 1 to 23 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5: Production and Evaluation of Gel Compositions> The oral compositions of Examples 1 to 7, Examples 9 to 23 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 were prepared by mixing substance (X), component (Y), component (Z) and purified water in the proportions shown in Tables 1-1 to 1-3. For Example 8, substance (X), component (Y) and purified water were used in the proportions shown in Table 1-1, and 5 parts by weight of 1N hydrochloric acid were further added and mixed to prepare an oral composition. Each oral composition was evaluated as follows, and the results are shown in Tables 1-1 to 1-3. (1) pH An aqueous solution containing 1% by weight of each oral composition was prepared, and the pH was measured.

[0040] (2) Evaluation of the effect of improving oral moisture when used as a topical agent The oral compositions were administered to subjects in a manner that more closely resembles actual use. Five panel members were selected as subjects, and 0.5 g of each oral composition was applied to the oral mucosa of each subject twice a day, morning and evening, for two weeks. The moisture content of the oral mucosa was measured immediately before application (day 1), immediately after 2 weeks of use (28 uses), and 6 hours after 2 weeks of use (28 uses). The moisture content of the oral mucosa was evaluated using the value of the Oral Moisture Checker Mucus (MCM) [manufactured by Life Co., Ltd.]. The measurement site of the MCM was the center of the dorsum of the tongue, approximately 10 mm from the tip of the tongue, and the probe was set at 200 g / cm 2 The probe was applied at 12 μm thickness. A 12 μm thick sensor cover was used in all cases to prevent direct contact of the probe with the oral mucosa. Measurements were performed three times and the average value was calculated. A higher moisture content indicates better oral moisturization, and if the moisture content is higher than on the first day, oral moisturization has improved.

[0041] (3) Evaluation of saliva secretion when used as an ointment The amount of saliva secreted was evaluated by the amount of stimulated saliva. After applying 1 g of each oral composition to the oral mucosa, saliva was collected at 10-second intervals, and the total amount of saliva secreted over 10 minutes was measured. Measurements were performed three times, and the average value was calculated as a relative value with Comparative Example 1 set to 100%.

[0042] (4) Evaluation of the oral moistening effect when used as a toothpaste Five panelists were selected as test subjects, and 1 g of each oral composition was applied to the teeth and gums using a toothbrush, brushed for 1 minute, and then spat out. This procedure was repeated twice a day (morning and evening, 12 hours apart) for 2 weeks, and the results were evaluated in the same manner as in "(2) Evaluation of the effect of improving oral moisture when used as a liniment."

[0043] (5) Evaluation of saliva secretion when used as a toothpaste 1 g of each oral composition was applied to the teeth and gums using a toothbrush, brushed for 1 minute, and then spat out. After that, saliva was collected at 10-second intervals and the total mass of saliva secreted over 10 minutes was measured. Measurements were performed three times, and the average value was calculated as a relative value with Comparative Example 1 set as 100%.

[0044] [Table 1-1]

[0045] [Table 1-2]

[0046] [Table 1-3]

[0047] <Examples 24 to 42 and Comparative Examples 6 to 10: Production and Evaluation of Liquid Compositions> Oral compositions (mouthwashes) of Examples 24 to 42 and Comparative Examples 6 to 10 were prepared by mixing substance (X), component (Y), component (Z), ethanol and purified water in the proportions shown in Tables 2-1 to 2-3. Each oral composition was evaluated as follows, and the results are shown in Tables 2-1 to 2-3. (1) pH An aqueous solution containing 1% by weight of each oral composition was prepared, and the pH was measured.

[0048] (2) Evaluation of the effect of improving oral moisture Five panelists were selected as test subjects, and 20 mL of each oral composition was used by rinsing for 30 seconds and then spitting it out. The composition was used three times a day, morning, noon, and night, to rinse the oral cavity. This procedure was repeated for two weeks, and the moisture content of the oral mucosa was measured three times each, immediately before use (day 1), immediately after two weeks of use (42 uses), and six hours after two weeks of use (42 uses), using the same method as in "(2) Evaluation of the effect of improving oral moisture when used as a liniment" in Examples 1 to 23, and the average value was calculated.

[0049] (3) Evaluation of saliva secretion volume The amount of saliva secreted was evaluated by the amount of stimulated saliva. 2 mL of each oral composition was added to water to prepare 20 mL of diluted solution. 20 mL of the resulting diluted solution was held in the mouth for 30 seconds and then spat out. Saliva was collected at 10-second intervals, and the total mass of saliva secreted over 10 minutes was measured. Measurements were performed three times, and the average value was calculated as a relative value with Comparative Example 6 set to 100%.

[0050] [Table 2-1]

[0051] [Table 2-2]

[0052] [Table 2-3]

[0053] <Examples 43 to 61 and Comparative Examples 11 to 15: Production and Evaluation of Oral Care Food> Reduced maltose syrup (Marumi Co., Ltd.) was heated in a microwave oven to 140-150°C. After cooling to 120°C, substances (X), (Y), and (Z) were added and mixed at room temperature to achieve the concentrations (wt%) shown in Tables 3-1 to 3-3. After dissolution, the mixture was allowed to cool and solidify at room temperature to produce candy (oral care food) weighing approximately 3 g each. Each oral care food was evaluated as follows, and the results are shown in Tables 3-1 to 3-3. (1) pH An aqueous solution containing 1% by weight of each candy was prepared and the pH was measured.

[0054] (2) Evaluation of the effect of improving oral moisture Five panelists were selected as subjects and asked to ingest each oral care food (oral composition), and the effect of improving oral moisture before and after ingestion was evaluated. From the morning of the first day of the test (Day 1), the volunteers were asked to ingest approximately 3 g (1 piece) of candy three times a day after each meal until the morning of Day 5. Using the same method as in "(2) Evaluation of the effect of improving oral moisture when used as a liniment" in Examples 1 to 23, the moisture content of the oral mucosa was measured three times each: immediately before ingestion (Day 1), immediately after the last ingestion (Day 5), and 6 hours after the last ingestion, and the average value was calculated.

[0055] (3) Evaluation of saliva secretion volume The amount of saliva secreted was evaluated by the amount of stimulated saliva. 1 g of each oral care food (oral composition) was held in the mouth, and saliva was collected at 10-second intervals, and the total amount of saliva secreted over 10 minutes was measured. The measurement was performed three times, and the average value was calculated as a relative value with Comparative Example 11 set as 100%.

[0056] [Table 3-1]

[0057] [Table 3-2]

[0058] [Table 3-3]

[0059] As shown in Tables 1-1 to 1-3, 2-1 to 2-3, and 3-1 to 3-3, the oral compositions of Examples 1 to 61 containing substance (X) and component (Y) were found to be able to increase saliva secretion and / or sustainably improve oral cavity moistness compared to the comparative examples. These results demonstrate that the present invention can provide an oral composition that can sustainably improve oral cavity moistness, not just immediately after use.

Claims

1. The present invention comprises at least one substance (X) selected from the group consisting of a compound (X1) having two or more hydroxy groups contained in an oxo acid group and a salt thereof, and a cellulose (Y), The oxo acid group is a group having a structure in which a carbon atom or a phosphorus atom is used as a central atom and a hydroxy group and an oxo group are bonded to the central atom, An oral composition, wherein the molecular weight of the substance (X) is 20,000 or less.

2. 2. The oral composition according to claim 1, further comprising at least one compound (Z) selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, sodium poly-γ-glutamate, polyalkylene glycol, and glycerin.

3. 3. The oral composition according to claim 1, wherein the weight proportion of the substance (X) is 0.01 to 5% by weight based on the weight of the oral composition.

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