Agent for improving swallowing function

Abstract

To provide a swallowing function-improving agent which contains components different from those of conventional agents and does not remarkably deteriorate the taste and flavor of food and drink.SOLUTION: The agent for improving swallowing function contains at least one kind selected from the group consisting of an extract of Crataegus, an extract of Ginkgo, an extract of Arctium and an extract of Cordyceps sinensis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an agent for improving swallowing function. [Background technology]

[0002] Swallowing is the process by which food and drink are transported from the mouth to the pharynx, down the esophagus, and into the cardia of the stomach. In recent years, the number of patients with swallowing disorders has increased due to factors such as cerebrovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and aging, and this has become a serious problem. Patients with swallowing disorders are at risk of having their eating ability restricted, leading to malnutrition, and of accidentally getting saliva or food and drink into their trachea, which can cause aspiration pneumonia.

[0003] Therefore, currently, swallowing aids and liquid diets are used to support eating and taking medication, but these are not fundamental measures to improve swallowing function.

[0004] Improvement of swallowing function is associated with the promotion of secretion of substance P in saliva. Substance P is a neuropeptide consisting of 11 amino acid residues present in the body of mammals. Since the concentration of substance P in saliva is known to correlate with swallowing function measured by swallowing endoscopy, swallowing function can be evaluated by measuring the concentration of substance P in saliva.

[0005] A known example of an agent for improving swallowing function is capsaicin, the spicy component of chili peppers, which promotes the secretion of substance P and improves swallowing function (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2004 / 058301 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] When using capsaicin to improve swallowing function, as described in Patent Document 1, there are problems with the use of capsaicin, such as the fact that capsaicin is toxic when ingested in large amounts, that it may cause coughing, that it may worsen digestive disorders, and that there is concern that it may worsen symptoms in patients with rectal and anal disorders, particularly hemorrhoids.More than anything, it significantly impairs the taste and aroma of food and drink, taking away the pleasure and satisfaction of eating.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an agent for improving swallowing function that contains ingredients different from conventional ones and does not significantly impair the taste and aroma of food and drink. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] As a result of extensive research to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present inventors discovered that at least one selected from the group consisting of extracts of the genus Crataegus, extracts of the genus Ginkgo, extracts of the genus Burdock, and extracts of Cordyceps sinensis has the effect of improving swallowing function, and thus completed the present invention.

[0010] That is, the present invention has been able to solve the above problems by the means shown below. [1] A swallowing function improving agent comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of an extract of the genus Crataegus, an extract of the genus Ginkgo, an extract of the genus Burdock, and an extract of Cordyceps sinensis. [2] The swallowing function improving agent according to [1] above, which has a substance P secretion promoting effect. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] It is possible to provide a swallowing function improver that contains ingredients different from conventional ones, does not significantly impair the taste and aroma of food and drink, promotes the secretion of substance P in saliva, and can improve swallowing function. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a graph showing the results obtained in Test Example 1, in which the ratio of the amount of substance P secreted by each sample was evaluated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention will be described in detail below, but these are examples of preferred embodiments and the present invention is not limited to these details. The "to" in a numerical range means that the range includes the numerical values ​​before and after it. For example, "0% by mass to 100% by mass" means a range of 0% by mass or more and 100% by mass or less.

[0014] A swallowing function improvement agent according to one aspect of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as the present embodiment) contains at least one selected from the group consisting of an extract of the genus Crataegus, an extract of the genus Ginkgo, an extract of the genus Burdock, and an extract of Cordyceps sinensis.

[0015] As mentioned above, it is known that the concentration of substance P in saliva correlates with swallowing function measured by swallowing endoscopy. Specifically, substance P is secreted in response to the stimulus of swallowing food and drink, triggering the swallowing reflex. The synthesis of substance P is promoted by dopamine produced in the brain, but a deficiency of substance P due to aging, cerebrovascular disease, etc. can reduce the swallowing reflex, resulting in dysphagia and aspiration pneumonia. The mechanism of the swallowing function improving effect of the swallowing function improving agent of this embodiment is due to the secretion-promoting action of substance P.

[0016] The extracts of the genus Crataegus, the genus Ginkgo, the genus Burdock, and the Cordyceps sinensis contained in the swallowing function improving agent of this embodiment can promote the secretion of substance P without significantly impairing the taste or aroma of food or drink, thereby contributing to the improvement of swallowing function. Furthermore, these extracts are all naturally derived, highly safe, and easily available.

[0017] An agent containing at least one selected from the group consisting of an extract of the genus Crataegus, an extract of the genus Ginkgo, an extract of the genus Burdock, and an extract of Cordyceps sinensis can also be said to be a substance P secretagogue.

[0018] Examples of Crataegus extracts include those extracted from the flowers, leaves, or fruit of plants belonging to the Crataegus genus of the Rosaceae family, such as Crataegus laevigata (Poir.) DC. (Crataegus oxyacantha auct. non L.) (Rosaceae)) or Crataegus monogyna Jacq. (Rosaceae), and those extracted from the fruit of Crataegus cuneata Siebold & Zucc. (Rosaceae). Specific examples include Crataegus Extract and Crataegus Fruit Extract.

[0019] Hawthorn extract can be obtained, for example, according to the method described in the Quasi-drug Raw Materials Standards 2021 (Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Licensing Division, Pharmaceutical and Food Safety Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare). Specifically, the hawthorn extract can be obtained by extracting the flowers, leaves, or fruits of hawthorn or hawthorn tree with water, ethanol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, or a mixture thereof. Among these, an extract obtained by extracting hawthorn fruit with a 1,3-butylene glycol solution is preferred.

[0020] Hawthorn extract can be obtained, for example, according to the method described in the above-mentioned quasi-drug raw material standards. Specifically, it can be obtained by extracting hawthorn fruit with water, ethanol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, or a mixture thereof.

[0021] Commercially available extracts of the genus Crataegus may be used, such as "Falcorex Hawthorn B" manufactured by Ichimaru Pharcos Co., Ltd., "Ecofarm Hawthorn B" manufactured by Ichimaru Pharcos Co., Ltd., and "Ecofarm Hawthorn E" manufactured by Ichimaru Pharcos Co., Ltd.

[0022] An example of an extract of the genus Ginkgo is Ginkgo Extract obtained in accordance with the method described in the above-mentioned quasi-drug raw material standards. Specifically, it is an extract obtained by extracting ginkgo biloba L. (Ginkgoaceae) leaves with water, ethanol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, or a mixture thereof. Among these, a solution of 50 vol % ethanol extract of ginkgo leaves dissolved in 50 vol % 1,3-butylene glycol solution is preferred.

[0023] Commercially available extracts of the Ginkgo genus may be used, such as "Ginkgo Leaf Extract BG" manufactured by Maruzen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., "Falcorex Ginkgo" manufactured by Ichimaru Pharcos Co., Ltd., and "Ginkgo Extract BG-50" manufactured by Koei Kogyo Co., Ltd.

[0024] An example of an extract of the genus Burdock is Burdock Root Extract, which can be obtained in accordance with the method described in the above-mentioned Standards for Quasi-drug Raw Materials. Specifically, it is an extract obtained by extracting the roots of burdock (Arctium lappa L. (Compositae)) with water, ethanol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, or a mixture thereof. Among these, an extract from burdock root in a 50 vol % 1,3-butylene glycol solution is preferred.

[0025] Commercially available extracts of the genus Larch may be used, such as "Lago lappa Extract BG" manufactured by Maruzen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., "Falcorex Lago lappa B" manufactured by Ichimaru Pharcos Co., Ltd., and "Lago lappa Extract" manufactured by Koei Kogyo Co., Ltd.

[0026] An example of a Cordyceps extract is Chinese Caterpillar Fungus Extract, which can be obtained in accordance with the method described in the above-mentioned quasi-drug raw material standards. Specifically, an extract obtained by extracting a complex of the fruiting body of Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) GHSung, JMSung, Hywel-Jones & Spatafora (Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc.) (Ophiocordycipitaceae) and its host larvae, such as Thitarodes armoricanus (Oberthuer, 1909) (Hepialus armoricanus Oberthuer) (Hepialidae), with an ethanol solution is exemplified. When quantifying Cordyceps extract, mannitol (CH 14 O6:182.17) contains 0.06-0.21%. Among these, an extract obtained by extracting a complex of the fruiting body of the toadflax plant and the larvae of its host, an insect of the Hepialidae family, Hepialus armoricanus Oberthuer, with an ethanol solution is preferred. In this specification, the "ue" in "Oberthuer" is officially a "u" with an umlaut symbol.

[0027] As the cordyceps extract, commercially available products may be used, for example, "Cordyceps Extract" manufactured by Maruzen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

[0028] The content of Crataegus extract, Ginkgo extract, Burdock extract and Cordyceps extract relative to the total amount of the swallowing function improvement agent of this embodiment is preferably 0.001 to 2000 μg / mL, more preferably 0.01 to 200 μg / mL, even more preferably 0.05 to 100 μg / mL, and particularly preferably 0.1 to 50 μg / mL, from the viewpoints of the swallowing function improvement effect, usability such as flavor, and formulation stability.

[0029] As described above, the extracts of the genus Crataegus, the genus Ginkgo, the genus Burdock, and the Cordyceps sinensis can be preferably obtained in accordance with the methods described in the quasi-drug raw material standards, but extracts extracted by conventional methods can also be used.

[0030] That is, in the swallowing function improving agent according to an embodiment of the present invention, the extraction method for the Crataegus extract, Ginkgo extract, Burdock extract and Cordyceps extract is not particularly limited, and conventionally known methods can be used. For example, any part of the genera Crataegus, Ginkgo, and Burdock and Cordyceps can be used as is or cut, crushed, or the like, and then subjected to squeezing, solvent extraction, water distillation, steam distillation, or the like to obtain an extract.

[0031] As the solvent extraction method, any method known in the art may be used, and for example, conventionally known extraction methods such as water (including warm water and hot water) extraction, alcohol extraction, supercritical extraction, microwave extraction, and compression extraction can be used.

[0032] When solvent extraction is performed, examples of the solvent include water; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and 1,3-butylene glycol; ketones such as acetone; ethers such as diethyl ether and dioxane; nitriles such as acetonitrile; esters such as ethyl acetate; hexane, xylene, benzene, and chloroform. The solvent for the solvent extraction is preferably water, alcohols, ketones, hexane, etc., more preferably water, alcohols, and ketones. These solvents may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0033] The obtained extract may be used as is or may be dried before use. Furthermore, if necessary, the obtained extract may be subjected to purification, concentration, and the like. Examples of purification treatments include filtration, or adsorption, decolorization, and separation using ion exchange resins or activated carbon columns. Examples of concentration treatments include conventional methods using an evaporator, etc. These extracts may be further dried by freeze-drying or the like, or may be powdered by a conventional method. The extracts thus obtained may be dissolved in water, ethanol, or the like, as needed, before use.

[0034] The swallowing function improving agent according to this embodiment can be used for humans or animals, and is particularly preferably administered to patients with swallowing disorders.

[0035] The swallowing function improving agent according to this embodiment can be used as a food or drink, an oral composition, an oral medication, or the like.

[0036] The swallowing function improving agent according to this embodiment may consist only of a Crataegus extract, a Ginkgo extract, a Burdock extract, and a Cordyceps extract, or may further contain materials that can be used in foods and beverages, oral compositions, internal medicines, etc. Materials that can be used in foods and beverages, oral compositions, internal medicines, etc. are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, oils and fats, sweeteners, minerals, vitamins, flavorings, excipients, binders, lubricants, disintegrants, emulsifiers, surfactants, solubilizers, suspending agents, etc.

[0037] The shape of the swallowing function improvement agent according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited, and may be any of a solid (powder, granules, etc.), liquid (solution, suspension, etc.), gel, paste, cream, ointment, etc., but a liquid is preferable because it can be administered uniformly and easily throughout the oral cavity.

[0038] The food and drink may be provided in the form of, for example, energy drinks, sweets such as candy, soft candy, chewing gum, soda pop, gummy candy, or supplements. Oral compositions can be in the form of, for example, mouthwash, mouth spray, gargle (gargle agent), toothpastes such as liquid toothpaste and toothpaste, gels, ointments, lozenges, sublingual tablets, films, etc. Oral medications may be provided in the form of powders, pills, granules, tablets, capsules, etc.

[0039] The oral composition is suitable for use as a mouthwash or liquid toothpaste, in which an appropriate amount is placed in the oral cavity so that the entire composition can be sufficiently distributed throughout the oral cavity. To prepare a mouthwash, for example, the composition may be prepared by a conventional method using water, ethanol, or the like as a solvent. Furthermore, liquid dentifrices may also be used that contain abrasives such as calcium hydrogen phosphate, aluminum hydroxide, silicic anhydride, and calcium carbonate, as needed.

[0040] Furthermore, the swallowing function improving agent according to the embodiment of the present invention may contain other optional ingredients as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. Other optional ingredients that may be contained include, for example, fluorides such as sodium fluoride and sodium monofluorophosphate; anti-inflammatory agents such as azulene, azulene sulfonate, glycyrrhizinic acid or its salts, β-glycyrrhetinic acid, dihydrocholesterol, epidihydrocholesterol, dl-α-tocopherol acetate, dl-α-tocopherol nicotinate, ε-aminocaproic acid, tranexamic acid, allantoin or its derivatives, ascorbic acid or its salts, and lysozyme chloride; cetylpyridinium chloride, benzethonium chloride, and salts. Quaternary ammonium salts such as benzalkonium chloride, dequalinium chloride, alkyldimethylammonium chloride, alkyltrimethylammonium chloride, methylbenzethonium chloride, and lauroylcholaminoformylmethylpyridinium chloride; disinfectants such as triclosan, isopropylmethylphenol, thymol, alkyldiaminoethylglycine or its salt, chlorhexidine gluconate, chlorhexidine hydrochloride, and sodium chlorite; phosphates, polyphosphates, methoxyethylene maleic anhydride copolymers, zinc chloride, and organic zinc acids. Anti-tartar agents such as edetate; astringents such as hinokitiol, allantoin chlorohydroxyaluminum, allantoin dihydroxyaluminum, and sodium chloride; enzymes such as protease, dextranase, amylase, mutanase, and lysozyme; humectants such as glycerin, sorbitol, and polyethylene glycol; foaming agents such as sodium lauryl sulfate; peppermint oil, spearmint oil, peppermint oil, thyme oil, rosemary oil, ginger oil, lime oil, cassia oil, cardamom oil, lavender oil, cinnamon oil, and clove oil. Natural essential oils such as lemon oil and eucalyptus oil; flavoring ingredients such as l-menthol, l-carvone, carvacrol, eugenol, anethole, 1,8-cineole, thymol, vanillin, pinene, 3-l-menthoxypropane-1,2-diol, and methyl salicylate, as well as mixtures of these, natural flavors, compound flavors, and synthetic flavors; plant extracts such as witch hazel, birch, and fennel; sweeteners such as saccharin, saccharin sodium, trehalose, sucralose, xylitol, erythritol, sorbitol, maltitol, and stevia;Coloring agents such as Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Blue No. 201, Yellow No. 202(1), Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 4, Yellow No. 203, Green No. 3, Green No. 201, Red No. 3, Red No. 102, Red No. 104, and Red No. 105; preservatives such as parahydroxybenzoic acid esters, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and phenoxyethanol; sodium phosphates such as monosodium phosphate and disodium phosphate, citric acid, sodium citrate, glucono-δ-lactone, sodium gluconate, sodium acetate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium hydroxide. pH adjusters such as sodium or their hydrates; nonionic surfactants such as POE hydrogenated castor oil, POE-POP block polymer, POE-POP alkyl ether, POE alkyl ether, POE alkyl phenyl ether, POE fatty acid ester, POE higher alcohol ether, POE-POP fatty acid ester, POE sorbitan fatty acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid ester, glycerin fatty acid ester, polyglycerin fatty acid ester, propylene glycol fatty acid ester; anionic surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium myristyl sulfate, POE alkyl ether sulfate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium myristoyl sarcosinate, alkyl ether carboxylate, alkyl phosphate, POE alkyl ether phosphate, N-acyltaurate, POE alkyl ether phosphoric acid / phosphate, sulfonate; cationic surfactants such as alkyltrimethylammonium chloride, dialkyldimethylammonium chloride, POE alkylamine / fatty acid amide; 2-alkyl-N-carboxymethyl-N-hydroxyethyl iodide amphoteric surfactants such as midazolinium betaine, coconut oil fatty acid amidopropyl betaine, and sodium lauryldiaminoethylglycinate; cell-activating ingredients such as N-acetylglucosamine, γ-aminobutyric acid, acetylglucosamine, aminobutyric acid, allantoin, chlorella extract, white birch extract, white birch bark extract, taiso extract, Centella asiatica extract, corn extract, jujube fruit extract, Job's tears seed extract, retinol palmitate, Belamcanda chinensis extract, bilberry leaf extract, yuzu seed extract, coix seed extract, and retinol;Vitamins such as fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K, and water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, biotin, and vitamin C; amino acids such as valine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, lysine (lysine), phenylalanine, tryptophan, threonine (threonine), histidine, arginine, glycine, alanine, serine, tyrosine, cysteine, asparagine, glutamine, proline, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid;

[0041] The swallowing function improving agent according to this embodiment is preferably administered by gargling, orally, orally, or the like.

[0042] Furthermore, the timing of administration of the swallowing function improving agent of this embodiment is not particularly limited and can be selected appropriately depending on the purpose, and examples include administration at the same time as a meal, aside from a meal, or before a meal. Since the swallowing function improving effect is exerted during a meal, it is preferably administered 2 hours to immediately before a meal, and more preferably 5 to 30 minutes before a meal.

[0043] The swallowing function improving agent according to this embodiment is preferably administered so that the total amount (solid content equivalent) of at least one selected from the group consisting of Crataegus extract, Ginkgo extract, Burdock extract and Cordyceps extract is preferably 0.0025 μg / kg (body weight) to 2.5 mg / kg (body weight), more preferably 0.025 μg / kg (body weight) to 250 μg / kg (body weight), even more preferably 0.05 μg / kg (body weight) to 100 μg / kg (body weight), particularly preferably 0.1 μg / kg (body weight) to 50 μg / kg (body weight), and particularly preferably 0.25 μg / kg (body weight) to 25 μg / kg (body weight). This is to obtain a sufficient swallowing function improving effect without impairing the flavor and other usability.

[0044] When the swallowing function improving agent according to this embodiment is used in animals, it can be used as feed, an oral composition, an oral drug, or the like.

[0045] Feed includes companion animal feed such as dog food and cat food, livestock feed, and poultry feed. "Feed" includes anything that animals ingest orally for nutritional purposes. More specifically, when classified by nutrient content, it encompasses roughage, concentrated feed, inorganic feed, and special feed. When classified by official standards, it encompasses compound feed, mixed feed, and single feed. When classified by feeding method, it encompasses all feeds that are fed directly, mixed with other feeds, or added to drinking water to supplement nutrients. [Example]

[0046] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples in any way.

[0047] <Test Example 1: Verification of the secretion-promoting effect of plant extracts on substance P> In Test Example 1, the effect of promoting the secretion of substance P (also referred to herein as "SP") by a swallowing function improver containing various plant extracts obtained in accordance with the method described in the Quasi-drug Raw Materials Standards 2021 (Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Licensing Division, Pharmaceutical and Food Safety Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) was evaluated. The plant extracts used in the test and their product names are listed below.

[0048] (Plant extract) <Example> Hawthorn extract (product name: Falcorex Hawthorn B, manufactured by Ichimaru Pharcos Co., Ltd.) Ginkgo extract (product name: Ginkgo biloba extract BG / manufactured by Maruzen Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.) Burdock extract (product name: Burdock extract BG / manufactured by Maruzen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) Cordyceps extract (product name: Cordyceps extract liquid / manufactured by Maruzen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) <Comparative Example> Blank (distilled water) Lithospermum Root Extract (Product Name: Lithospermum Liquid (BG) / Ichimaru Pharcos Co., Ltd.) Scutellaria root extract (product name: Scutellaria root extract BG-JC / manufactured by Maruzen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.)

[0049] (Sample preparation) The above-mentioned plant extracts were each diluted with distilled water to a solid-based concentration of 15 μg / mL, and the resulting solution was used as a test sample.

[0050] (subject) The subjects were three healthy men and women in their 20s and 30s.

[0051] (method) (1) The subject was placed in a relaxed state, and 10 mL of the sample was placed in the mouth. The subject gargled for 20 seconds and then spat out the sample. Approximately 1.5 to 2 mL of saliva was then collected from the subject over a period of 5 to 10 minutes by spat out into a 15 mL sterile polypropylene centrifuge tube. 1 mL of the collected saliva was immediately transferred to a 1.5 mL sterile polypropylene microtube, frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at -80°C. (2) The saliva samples obtained in (1) were thawed on ice, and the SP concentrations in the saliva samples were quantified using an ELISA kit (Parameter Substance P, manufactured by R&D SYSTEMS) according to the kit's protocol. (3) The SP secretion ratio was calculated from the values ​​obtained in (2) using the following formula: Furthermore, as a criterion, a mean value of 1.5 or more was considered to have a secretion-promoting effect. SP secretion ratio = (SP amount of each component) / (SP amount of blank)

[0052] The results are shown in Figure 1. It was shown that the intake of hawthorn extract, ginkgo extract, burdock extract, or cordyceps extract increased the amount of SP secreted compared to the intake of a blank. Since improvement in swallowing function is related to the promotion of SP secretion in saliva, it is thought that swallowing function will be improved by taking at least one of these extracts.

[0053] <Test Example 2: Sensory evaluation of plant extracts> In Test Example 2, the plant extract used in Test Example 1 and blank distilled water were used to carry out a sensory evaluation according to the following procedure. (Preparation of specimen) and (subjects) were the same as in Test Example 1.

[0054] (method) (1) The subjects used 10 mL of the sample and evaluated the fragrance based on the following criteria (A). (2) Then, 10 mL of the sample was placed in the mouth and the taste was evaluated based on the following criteria (B). (3) Finally, based on the above aroma and taste evaluation results, the following criteria (C) were used to evaluate whether the flavors were acceptable for use before meals.

[0055] (Evaluation criteria)

[0056] (A) Regarding the aroma, Blank distilled water was rated as 2: normal based on the following criteria. 4: Good / 3: Fair / 2: Average / 1: Fair / 0: Bad The average score of the evaluations by the subjects was calculated, and an average score of 2.5 or more was marked with a double circle, an average score of 1.5 or more but less than 2.5 was marked with a circle, and an average score of less than 1.5 was marked with an X. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0057] (B) Regarding taste, Blank distilled water was rated as 2: average based on the following criteria. 4: Good / 3: Fair / 2: Average / 1: Fair / 0: Bad The average score of the evaluations by the subjects was calculated, and an average score of 2.5 or more was marked with a double circle, an average score of 1.5 or more but less than 2.5 was marked with a circle, and an average score of less than 1.5 was marked with an X. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0058] (C) Whether the flavor is acceptable for use before meals was evaluated based on the following criteria. 4: I think so / 3: I think so somewhat / 2: I can't say / 1: I don't think so somewhat / 0: I don't think so The average score of the evaluations by the subjects was calculated, and an average score of 3.5 or more was marked with a double circle, 3.0 or more but less than 3.5 with a circle, and less than 3.0 with an X. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0059] [Table 1]

[0060] The plant extracts tested were generally not significantly different from the distilled water used for comparison, and were generally highly palatable. (B) In terms of taste, Lithospermum Root extract tended to be slightly inferior to the comparisons of distilled water and other plant extracts. Also, (C) in terms of whether it was acceptable as a flavor to use before meals, Hawthorn extract and Ginkgo extract tended to score highly, while Lithospermum Root extract tended to score poorly. From the above results, it was concluded that hawthorn extract and ginkgo extract were considered to have excellent flavor, burdock extract, cordyceps extract and scutellaria root extract were considered to have slightly excellent flavor, and Lithospermum root extract was considered to have an inferior flavor.

[0061] The results of Test Examples 1 and 2 confirmed that hawthorn extract, ginkgo extract, burdock extract, and cordyceps extract, which are thought to promote the secretion of substance P and contribute to improving swallowing function, have excellent taste, aroma, and an excellent impression as a flavor to be used before meals.

Claims

1. An agent for improving swallowing function, comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of an extract of the genus Crataegus, an extract of the genus Ginkgo, an extract of the genus Burdock, and an extract of Cordyceps sinensis.

2. The swallowing function improving agent according to claim 1, which has a substance P secretion promoting effect.

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