Method for producing mineral-enriched plant body, mineral-enriched plant body cultivation device, mineral-enriched plant body cultivation kit, composition for suppressing increase in blood glucose level of onion, and anticancer composition

Abstract

To provide a method for producing a mineral-reinforced plant body, by which the mineral content of the plant body can efficiently be increased and a load on the environment can be suppressed.SOLUTION: The method for cultivating the plant includes cultivating a plant body 1 in which roots are spread on a medium 2 in a container 11 having an introduction part 13 for introducing water 3 to the inside at the lower part. The container 11 is installed such that the introduction portion 13 is in contact with the water 3 outside the container 11. A solid metal 12 is arranged at a position higher than water 3 with which the introducing part 13 in the root region of the plant body 1 comes into contact.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a mineral-enriched plant, a cultivation device for a mineral-enriched plant, a cultivation kit for a mineral-enriched plant, a composition for suppressing an increase in blood sugar level in onions, and an anti-cancer composition. [Background technology]

[0002] It has been reported that more than 30% of the world's population suffers from deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals. The primary cause of this is hunger in developing countries. Even in Japan, a country often described as living in an age of overabundance, "hidden hunger" caused by the Westernization of diets, the declining nutritional value of vegetables, and changes in average life expectancy is causing serious vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (2020 edition) recommends a daily zinc intake of 11 mg for men aged 18-74, 10 mg for men aged 75 and over, and 8 mg for women. However, the average actual intake is 9.2 mg / day, making men particularly vulnerable to zinc deficiency. Furthermore, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, people with chronic inflammation such as bedsores, and athletes are thought to require higher levels of zinc than normal. According to Non-Patent Document 1, iron and zinc are particularly vulnerable to deficiencies in Japanese people, and their association with various diseases is attracting attention.

[0003] It is believed that missing minerals can be replenished through mineral-rich diets. Zinc is found in many seafood, including oysters, meat, and nuts. Compared to these, vegetables do not contain much zinc. As a measure to improve the insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals through vegetables, the development and cultivation of mineral- and vitamin-enriched agricultural crops has been carried out, mainly through breeding techniques centered on biofortification (biological nutritional enhancement). For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method for cultivating seeds, tissues, or cells of plants such as onions, for 10 -9 ~10 -1 A method for producing a plant containing high concentrations of trace elements by growing the plant in a medium supplemented with one or more trace elements at a concentration of M is disclosed.

[0004] Non-Patent Document 2 discloses that adding zinc to the nutrient solution in hydroponic cultivation of basil resulted in zinc absorption by the basil and also increased levels of plant components such as polyphenols. Non-Patent Document 3 discloses that when zinc was added to the nutrient solution in hydroponic cultivation and lettuce and Japanese mustard spinach were grown, zinc absorption was observed in the plant bodies and an increase in zinc in organs was observed in animal experiments. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 02-503985 [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] Miho Kogirima, 7 others, “Ratio of low serum zinc levels in elderly Japanese people living in the central part of Japan”, European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2007, volume 61, 375-381 [Non-patent document 2] Michele Ciriello, et al., “Zinc biofortification of hydroponically grown basil: Stress physiological responses and impact on antioxidant secondary metabolites of genotypic variants”, Frontiers in Plant Science, 2022, 13: 1049004 [Non-patent document 3] Atsushi Ogawa and 2 others, “Establishment of a cultivation method for leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa) and komatsuna (Brassica rapa var. perviridis) with high zinc content for patients with deficiency zinc and evaluation of its effectiveness”, J Sci Food Agric., 2020, 101(8): 3202-3207 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The consumption of onions in Japan is as much as one ton per day. If the zinc content of onions consumed on a daily basis can be increased, zinc deficiency can be effectively eliminated. Furthermore, it is expected that the tertiary functions of zinc-enriched onions will also be improved. -9 ~10 -3 Onions have been grown in media supplemented with germanium chloride at concentrations of M, but zinc has not been studied.

[0008] Furthermore, when metals such as zinc are added to the nutrient solution as in Non-Patent Documents 2 and 3, there is a concern that excess metals may leak into the external environment. Non-Patent Documents 2 and 3 do not mention how to treat the nutrient solution containing zinc.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a method for producing a mineral-enriched plant, a cultivation device for the mineral-enriched plant, and a cultivation kit for the mineral-enriched plant, which can efficiently increase the mineral content of the plant while reducing the burden on the environment. Another aim of the present invention is to provide a composition for suppressing blood sugar elevation and an anti-cancer composition using onions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present inventors have made repeated improvements to methods for increasing the mineral content in plants, and have completed the present invention. Furthermore, the present inventors have conducted extensive research on zinc-enriched onions and their tertiary functions, and have discovered that the onions have excellent effects of suppressing blood sugar levels and anti-cancer effects, leading to the completion of the present invention.

[0011] The method for producing a mineral-enriched plant body according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: The method includes cultivating a plant body having roots in a medium in a container having an introduction portion at the bottom for introducing a liquid therein; The container comprises: The introduction portion is disposed so as to contact the liquid outside the container, A solid metal is placed in the root zone of the plant body at a position higher than the liquid that the introduction portion comes into contact with.

[0012] The plant body is Onion, broccoli, or cabbage, This may also be the case.

[0013] The solid metal is containing zinc or iron, This may also be the case.

[0014] The plant body is It is an onion, The solid metal is Zinc is This may also be the case.

[0015] A cultivation device for mineral-enriched plants according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: a container having a bottom portion for introducing a liquid thereinto and for holding a medium for the plant to be planted to take root; a solid metal disposed in the root zone of the plant body at a position higher than the liquid with which the introduction portion comes into contact; Equipped with.

[0016] A cultivation kit for a mineral-enriched plant body according to a third aspect of the present invention includes: a container having a bottom portion for introducing a liquid thereinto and for holding a medium for the plant to be planted to take root; a solid metal disposed in a root zone of the plant body at a position higher than the liquid with which the introduction portion comes into contact; Equipped with.

[0017] A composition for suppressing an increase in blood glucose level according to a fourth aspect of the present invention comprises: It contains onion leaf sheaths or leaf sheath extracts as an active ingredient, which contain 12.0 μg or more of zinc per gram of dry weight of the leaf sheaths.

[0018] The anti-cancer composition according to the fifth aspect of the present invention comprises: It contains onion leaf sheaths or leaf sheath extracts as an active ingredient, which contain 12.0 μg or more of zinc per gram of dry weight of the leaf sheaths. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently increase the mineral content in a plant body while reducing the burden on the environment. According to the present invention, there are provided a composition for suppressing an increase in blood sugar level, an anti-cancer composition, and a composition for suppressing an increase in blood sugar level, which utilizes onion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a cultivation device for mineral-enriched plants according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an image of a slice of zinc-enriched onion in Test Example 2. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) absorption spectra in Test Example 3. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the amount of zinc in cells treated with a sample prepared from zinc-enriched onions in Test Example 4. [Figure 5]1A is a graph showing the relative intracellular zinc levels of human colon cancer cells HCT116 treated with quercetin, zinc, or co-addition of quercetin and zinc in Test Example 4. FIG. 1B is a graph showing the relative intracellular zinc levels of human liver cancer cells HepG2 treated with quercetin, zinc, or co-addition of quercetin and zinc in Test Example 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 1A is a graph showing the apoptosis induction rate in HCT116 treated with a sample prepared from zinc-enriched onions in Test Example 5. FIG. 1B is a graph showing the apoptosis induction rate in HepG2 treated with a sample prepared from zinc-enriched onions in Test Example 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 1A is a graph showing the apoptosis induction rate in HCT116 treated with a sample prepared from another zinc-enriched onion in Test Example 5. FIG. 1B is a graph showing the apoptosis induction rate in HepG2 treated with a sample prepared from another zinc-enriched onion in Test Example 5. [Figure 8] 1A is a graph showing the apoptosis induction rate of HCT116 treated with quercetin or co-addition of quercetin and zinc in Test Example 5. FIG. 1B is a graph showing the DNA fragmentation rate of HCT116 treated with quercetin, zinc, or co-addition of quercetin and zinc in Test Example 5. [Figure 9] 1A is a graph showing the apoptosis induction rate of HepG2 treated with quercetin or co-addition of quercetin and zinc in Test Example 5. FIG. 1B is a graph showing the DNA fragmentation rate of HepG2 treated with quercetin, zinc, or co-addition of quercetin and zinc in Test Example 5. [Figure 10] 1A is a graph showing the change over time in the amount of food intake of silkworms in Test Example 6. FIG. 1B is a graph showing the change over time in the body weight of silkworms in Test Example 6. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the glucose concentration in the hemolymph of silkworms in Test Example 6. [Figure 12] 1A is a graph showing the quercetin content of Keru Tama (trademark) in Example 2. FIG. 1B is a graph showing the quercetin content of Aka Tama Salad in Example 2. [Figure 13]1A is a graph showing the relative values ​​of zinc concentration in broccoli sprouts in Test Example 3. FIG. 1B is a graph showing the relative values ​​of iron concentration in broccoli sprouts in Test Example 3. [Figure 14] 1A is a graph showing the relative values ​​of zinc concentration in red cabbage sprouts in Test Example 3. FIG. 1B is a graph showing the relative values ​​of iron concentration in red cabbage sprouts in Test Example 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the terms "have," "include," or "contain" also include the meaning of "consisting of" or "consisting of." Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and drawings.

[0022] [Embodiment 1: Method for manufacturing a mineral-enhanced plant body, cultivation device for a mineral-enhanced plant body, and cultivation kit for a mineral-enhanced plant body] A method for producing (cultivating) a mineral-enriched plant according to this embodiment will be described. This method for producing a mineral-enriched plant can increase the mineral content, such as zinc, in the plant. The method for producing a mineral-enriched plant according to this embodiment includes cultivating a plant whose roots are spread in a medium in a container. A solid metal is disposed in the root zone of the plant. The solid metal contains a mineral metal that increases the content in the plant compared to when the solid metal is not disposed. Examples of the metal include zinc, calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, molybdenum, chromium, cobalt, and nickel. Preferably, the solid metal contains zinc. The shape of the solid metal is not particularly limited as long as it is solid, and it may be rod-shaped, granular, or plate-shaped. Preferably, the solid metal has a shape that allows it to be easily separated from the medium and recovered when the plant is harvested. The method for producing a mineral-enriched plant also includes allowing the metal dissolved from the solid metal by root acid secreted from the plant's roots to be absorbed by the plant's roots.

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a cultivation apparatus 10 for mineral-enriched plants that can be used in the manufacturing method for mineral-enriched plants according to this embodiment. The cultivation apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The cultivation apparatus 10 includes a container 11 that holds a medium 2 into which a plant 1 to be planted will take root, and a solid metal 12 that is arranged in the root zone of the plant 1. The solid metal 12 is a plate that is thick enough to be bendable, and is arranged along the inner wall of the container 11. Note that the arrangement of the solid metal 12 is arbitrary as long as it is in contact with or near the roots of the plant 1. The solid metal 12 may be rod-shaped, and be inserted into the medium 2 to be arranged in the root zone of the plant 1.

[0024] Plant 1 can be any plant capable of rooting in medium 2 and expanding its root zone into medium 2. Grass plants are known to efficiently uptake iron by secreting high-affinity metal chelators and reabsorbing them using specific transporters (see Reference A: Atsushi Yamagata et al., “Uptake mechanism of iron-phytosiderophore from the soil based on the structure of yellow stripe transporter,” Nature Communications, 2022, 13:7180). Additionally, corn and sorghum, which are grasses, are known to easily uptake iron from soil, while marigold, soybean, and sunflower are known to easily uptake nickel, zinc, cadmium, and manganese from soil (see Reference B: Takashi Ishiyama et al., “Analysis of the Forms of Toxic Heavy Metals in Soil and Their Transfer to Plants,” Saitama Prefectural International Center for Environmental Science Bulletin (2012, No. 13), 131). Examples of plant 1 include onion, broccoli, cabbage, mitsuba, radish sprouts, komatsuna, cucumber, eggplant, okra, mizuna, bok choy, tomato, kale, grasses, corn, sorghum, marigold, soybean, and sunflower. Plant 1 is onion, broccoli, or cabbage. Preferably, plant 1 is an onion. Medium 2 is any medium that allows plant 1 to take root and retains a certain amount of moisture. Medium 2 is preferably soil or a porous medium, such as hydroballs or gravel.

[0025] The cultivation apparatus 10 can be used for any cultivation method, such as soil cultivation, but is preferably used for hydroponic cultivation, as shown in FIG. 1. For hydroponic cultivation, the cultivation apparatus 10 is installed in a hydroponic cultivation means 20, as shown in FIG. 1. The hydroponic cultivation means 20 includes a hydroponic cultivation bed 21, a water supply means 22, a drainage means 23, and a shading cover 24. The hydroponic cultivation bed 21 is box-shaped and serves as a channel through which water 3 flows. The water supply means 22 supplies water 3 to the root zone of the plant 1 supported on the medium 2. The water supply means 22 may be any means for supplying water 3 to the root zone of the plant 1 via the hydroponic cultivation bed 21, such as a supply port connected to a source of water 3. For example, the water supply means 22 may supply water 3 to the root zone of the plant 1 by pouring water 3 over the hydroponic cultivation bed 21. The drainage means 23 drains the water 3 supplied to the hydroponic cultivation bed 21. The drainage means 23 is, for example, a drainage tube for adjusting the water depth. The shading cover 24 blocks sunlight, thereby preventing excessive evaporation of the water 3 and protecting the root zone of the plant 1 from sunlight and the like.

[0026] In detail, the container 11 has an introduction part 13 at the bottom for introducing water (liquid) 3 into the inside. The introduction part 13 may be any configuration that allows the water 3 that comes into contact with it to permeate or flow into the inside of the container 11, and in this case, it is a through-hole provided on the bottom surface of the container 11. The container 11 is placed so that the introduction part 13 comes into contact with the water 3 outside the container 11. The solid metal 12 is placed at a position higher than the water 3 that the introduction part 13 comes into contact with in the root zone of the plant body 1. In this way, the solid metal 12 does not come into direct contact with the water 3 at the height of the introduction part 13.

[0027] The water 3 may be a nutrient solution obtained by adding liquid fertilizer or the like to water, or it may be reclaimed water. Reclaimed water is treated sewage water (purified water) purified by the activated sludge process used to purify urban sewage, domestic wastewater, and organic industrial wastewater and release it into the environment, and is released immediately before being discharged into rivers or the sea. Reclaimed water is preferable because it contains low concentrations of nutrients necessary for the growth of the plant 1, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

[0028] According to the cultivation device 10, the root acid secreted from the roots of the plant 1 dissolves the metal from the solid metal 12, allowing the plant 1 to absorb the metal through its roots in an amount that does not inhibit the growth of the plant 1. This increases the metal content in the plant 1. Furthermore, in the cultivation device 10, the container 11 is installed so that the introduction section 13 at the bottom of the container 11 comes into contact with the water 3 outside the container 11, and the solid metal 12 is positioned higher than the water 3 with which the introduction section 13 comes into contact. This allows the water 3 to be supplied from the bottom of the container 11 to the top of the container 11 by capillary action, and the water 3 introduced from the introduction section 13 and the solid metal 12 do not come into direct contact at the height of the introduction section 13. As described above, the water 3 moves from the bottom of the container 11 to the top of the container 11 by capillary action, preventing the metal from flowing out of the introduction section 13 into the external water 3, thereby reducing the burden on the external environment.

[0029] In this embodiment, introduction part 13 is a through-hole provided in the bottom surface of container 11, but is not limited to this. Introduction part 13 may be a water supply string introduced into container 11 from the bottom surface of container 11, or the lower side surface of container 11 may be formed with a fine mesh, and this mesh may serve as introduction part 13.

[0030] In another aspect of the present embodiment, a cultivation kit for a mineral-enriched plant is provided. The cultivation kit for a mineral-enriched plant includes a container 11 that holds a medium 2 into which a plant 1 to be planted will take root, and a solid metal 12 that is placed in the root zone of the plant 1. The cultivation kit for a mineral-enriched plant can be used, for example, in the above-mentioned method for producing a mineral-enriched plant. The cultivation kit for a mineral-enriched plant may further include the medium 2 and seeds, seedlings, or stalks of the plant 1.

[0031] Note that the solid metal 12 is not limited to one type of metal, but may contain multiple types of metals, thereby strengthening multiple types of minerals.

[0032] [Embodiment 2: Composition for suppressing blood glucose level increase and anti-cancer composition] The composition according to this embodiment contains, as an active ingredient, onion leaf sheaths or leaf sheath extracts having a zinc content of 12.0 μg or more per gram of dry weight of the leaf sheaths. For example, the zinc content per gram of dry weight of the leaf sheaths is equal to or greater than the following lower limit and equal to or less than the following upper limit. The lower limit values ​​are, for example, 12.0 μg, 14.5 μg, 14.6 μg, 14.7 μg, 14.8 μg, 14.9 μg, 15.0 μg, 15.1 μg, 15.2 μg, 15.3 μg, 15.4 μg, 15.5 μg, 15.6 μg, 15.7 μg, 15.8 μg, 15.9 μg, or 16.0 μg. The upper limit is, for example, 25.0 μg, 30.0 μg, 40.0 μg, 50.0 μg, 60.0 μg, 70.0 μg, 80.0 μg, 90.0 μg, 100.0 μg, 130.0-150.0 μg, 200.0 μg, 250.0 μg, 260.0 μg, 270.0 μg, 280.0 μg, 300.0 μg, 350.0 μg, 360.0 μg, 370.0 μg, 380.0 μg, 390.0 μg, or 395.0 μg. Preferably, the zinc content per gram of dry weight of leaf sheath is 14.5 μg or more. The zinc content in onions can be determined by known methods as described above.

[0033] The variety of onion used in this embodiment is not particularly limited. Examples of onion varieties include Neo Earth, Keltama (trademark), Akatama Salad, Charm, Takanishiki, Hakata Kogane, Hakata Kogane EX, Century 2, Top Gold 320, Haru Ichiban, Super Linear, Sonic, Aichi Shirowase, Soyuz 3, Lambda, Keltama Ruby, OP Yellow, F1 Mega Onion, OK Yellow, Aichi Red, Aton, Hikurakko, Tsuritama, Beni, Momiji 3, Power, and Hiromaru.

[0034] Next, a method for producing onions having a zinc content of 12.0 μg or more per gram of dry weight of leaf sheath will be described. This onion production method is similar to known onion production methods, except that a larger amount of zinc is supplied to onion seeds or seedlings than in conventional onion production methods. In one example of the production method, a culture solution containing a high concentration of zinc is supplied to onion seeds sown in culture soil placed in a container or seedlings planted in the culture soil. The culture solution may be sprayed on the culture soil or may be supplied to the culture soil from the bottom of the container via a water supply string or the like. While conventional onion production methods use a culture solution containing 1 μmol / L of zinc, in the onion production method of this embodiment, a culture solution containing zinc at a concentration higher than 5 μmol / L is supplied to onion seeds or seedlings. Known components other than zinc in the culture solution, such as fertilizers used in onion cultivation, can be used.

[0035] The onion leaf sheath extract according to this embodiment contains various components contained in the leaf sheath. The method for extracting components from the leaf sheath is not particularly limited, and any known method may be employed. For example, the leaf sheath extract can be obtained by drying harvested onion leaf sheaths, pulverizing them, and mixing the resulting powder with an extraction solvent such as ethanol. To remove as much water as possible during the drying of the leaf sheaths, the dried leaf sheaths may be freeze-dried and then pulverized. The amount of extraction solvent used may be adjusted appropriately depending on the volume or weight of the leaf sheath powder. For example, extraction may be performed with an extraction solvent in an amount 2 to 50 times, 3 to 20 times, 4 to 18 times, 5 to 15 times, or 7 to 12 times the weight of the leaf sheath powder. After extraction, the leaf sheath extract may be concentrated or purified by known methods. Preferably, the leaf sheath extract is an ethanol extract.

[0036] The composition according to this embodiment is produced by a known method and contains, as an active ingredient, 0.0001 to 99.9 mass%, 0.0001 to 99.8 mass%, 0.0001 to 99.7 mass%, 0.001 to 99.6 mass%, 0.01 to 99.5 mass%, 0.1 to 99 mass%, 0.5 to 60 mass%, 1 to 50 mass%, or 1 to 20 mass% of the onion leaf sheath or leaf sheath extract.

[0037] As shown in Test Example 5 below, the composition according to this embodiment can induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Therefore, the composition is effective in treating or preventing cancer. Furthermore, as shown in Test Example 6 below, the composition according to this embodiment suppresses an increase in blood glucose level caused by the ingestion of sugars, etc.

[0038] The composition according to this embodiment has at least an effect of suppressing an increase in blood glucose level and an anti-cancer effect, and therefore, for example, the composition can be used as a composition for suppressing an increase in blood glucose level and an anti-cancer composition.

[0039] The composition according to the present embodiment may be, for example, an oral composition or pharmaceutical composition such as a supplement, a food composition, a food or drink, a functional food, or a food additive. The form of the supplement is not particularly limited and may be any form such as a tablet, powder, granules, capsule, sugar-coated tablet, film, lozenge, chewable tablet, solution, emulsion, suspension, etc. The supplement may contain any component typically used in supplements.

[0040] The term "functional food" refers to food or beverages taken for the purpose of maintaining health, and includes foods with health claims, foods with specified health uses, foods with functional claims, foods with nutrient functions, health foods, and nutritional supplements. Functional foods are preferably foods with specified health uses or foods with nutrient functions. When commercializing a functional food, various additives used in foods, specifically colorants, preservatives, thickening agents, antioxidants, bleaching agents, antibacterial and antifungal agents, acidulants, sweeteners, seasonings, emulsifiers, strengthening agents, manufacturing agents, and flavorings, may be added to the oral composition.

[0041] Functional foods may be either foods or beverages, and are not particularly limited as long as they can be taken orally. Examples of functional foods include beverages, confectioneries, processed grain products, paste products, dairy products, and seasonings. Examples of beverages include nutritional drinks, soft drinks, black tea, and green tea. Examples of confectioneries include candy, cookies, tablet candy, chewing gum, and jelly. Examples of processed grain products include noodles, bread, cooked rice, and biscuits. Examples of paste products include sausages, ham, and kamaboko. Examples of dairy products include butter and yogurt.

[0042] The oral composition may be added to food as a food additive. In this case, the food additive may be in the form of a paste, gel, powder, liquid, suspension, emulsion, granule, or the like, so as to be easily added to food. The oral composition may contain water, vitamins, minerals, organic acids, organic bases, fruit juice, flavors, functional ingredients, food additives, and the like. The oral composition can be produced by known methods.

[0043] The oral composition may be divided and stored in one or more containers so that the daily intake amount is the above-mentioned intake amount, and in this case, preferably, one container contains one day's worth of the oral composition.

[0044] The oral composition contains the onion leaf sheath or leaf sheath extract and is provided in a form that can be distinguished from other products in that it is used for the above-mentioned purposes. For example, the oral composition may be provided in at least one of its packaging, instructions, and promotional materials, indicating that it has the above-mentioned various effects.

[0045] When the composition according to the present embodiment is used as a pharmaceutical composition, the pharmaceutical composition may be in the form of, but is not limited to, a liquid, tablet, granule, fine granule, powder, tablet, or capsule. The pharmaceutical composition may also be an injection, oral preparation, rectal suppository, vaginal suppository, nasal absorbent, transdermal absorbent, pulmonary absorbent, or buccal absorbent. In addition to the onion leaf sheath or leaf sheath extract, the pharmaceutical composition preferably contains a pharmacologically acceptable carrier. The pharmacologically acceptable carrier may be any of various organic or inorganic carrier substances. The pharmacologically acceptable carrier may be, for example, an excipient, lubricant, binder, or disintegrant in a solid formulation, or a solvent, solubilizer, suspending agent, isotonicity agent, buffer, or soothing agent in a liquid formulation. Additives such as preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, and sweeteners may also be used as needed.

[0046] Examples of excipients include lactose, sucrose, D-mannitol, starch, crystalline cellulose, and light anhydrous silicic acid. Examples of lubricants include magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, talc, and colloidal silica. Examples of binders include crystalline cellulose, sucrose, D-mannitol, dextrin, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Examples of disintegrants include starch, carboxymethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose calcium, croscarmellose sodium, and carboxymethylstarch sodium.

[0047] Examples of solvents include water for injection, alcohol, propylene glycol, macrogol, etc. Examples of solubilizers include polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, D-mannitol, benzyl benzoate, ethanol, trisaminomethane, cholesterol, triethanolamine, sodium carbonate, sodium citrate, etc. Examples of suspending agents include surfactants and hydrophilic polymers, such as stearyltriethanolamine, sodium lauryl sulfate, laurylaminopropionic acid, lecithin, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, glycerin monostearate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, etc.

[0048] Examples of isotonic agents include sodium chloride, glycerin, and D-mannitol. Examples of buffers include phosphate, acetate, carbonate, and citrate buffer solutions. Examples of soothing agents include benzyl alcohol. Examples of preservatives include parahydroxybenzoates, chlorobutanol, benzyl alcohol, phenethyl alcohol, dehydroacetic acid, and sorbic acid. Examples of antioxidants include sulfites and ascorbic acid.

[0049] The composition of this embodiment can be administered to humans and non-human animals, preferably mammals, more specifically dogs, cats, cows, pigs, horses, sheep, deer, etc.

[0050] The dosage of the pharmaceutical composition of this embodiment is determined appropriately depending on the sex, age, weight, symptoms, etc. of the subject. The pharmaceutical composition is administered so that the onion leaf sheath or leaf sheath extract is in a therapeutically effective amount. An effective amount is the amount of onion leaf sheath or leaf sheath extract necessary to achieve the desired result, i.e., the amount necessary to delay, inhibit, prevent, reverse, or cure the condition being treated or treated. The pharmaceutical composition can be administered once a day or in divided doses more than once a day. The pharmaceutical composition may be administered at various administration frequencies, such as daily, every other day, once a week, once every two weeks, and once a month.

[0051] The cancers to which the anti-cancer composition according to the present embodiment can be applied are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include liver cancer, adrenal cancer, anal cancer, angiosarcoma, appendix cancer, bile duct cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, brain cancer (e.g., meningioma, glioblastoma, glioma), bronchial cancer, cervical cancer, craniopharyngioma, colorectal cancer (e.g., colon cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, colorectal adenocarcinoma), endothelial sarcoma, endometrial cancer, esophageal cancer, Ewing's sarcoma, eye cancer, gallbladder cancer, stomach cancer, and gastrointestinal stromal tumor. These include: germ cell cancer, head and neck cancer, oral cavity cancer, throat cancer, hematopoietic cancer (e.g., leukemia such as acute lymphocytic leukemia), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, lung cancer, leiomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma, neurofibroma, neuroendocrine cancer, osteosarcoma, ovarian cancer, papillary adenocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer, penile cancer, prostate cancer, salivary gland cancer, skin cancer, small intestine cancer, sebaceous gland cancer, sweat gland cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, urethral cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer.

[0052] Another aspect of the present embodiment provides a method for suppressing an increase in blood glucose level in a subject by administering the onion leaf sheath or leaf sheath extract to the subject. Another aspect is use of the onion leaf sheath or leaf sheath extract for suppressing an increase in blood glucose level. Another aspect is provided using the onion leaf sheath or leaf sheath extract for use as a composition for suppressing an increase in blood glucose level. Another aspect is use of the onion leaf sheath or leaf sheath extract for the manufacture of a composition for suppressing an increase in blood glucose level.

[0053] In another aspect of the present embodiment, there is provided a method for treating cancer in a subject by administering the onion leaf sheath or leaf sheath extract to the subject. Another aspect is use of the onion leaf sheath or leaf sheath extract for treating cancer. In another aspect, there is provided the onion leaf sheath or leaf sheath extract for use as an anti-cancer composition. Another aspect is use of the onion leaf sheath or leaf sheath extract for the manufacture of an anti-cancer composition.

[0054] In addition, Test Example 5 below showed that the anticancer activity of quercetin is significantly higher in the presence of zinc than in the absence of zinc. For example, Keru Tama (trademark) contains about 1.5 times as much quercetin as Neo Earth, another autumn-sown onion. The anticancer activity can be further improved by using leaf sheaths or leaf sheath extracts from onion varieties that contain a high amount of quercetin. [Example]

[0055] The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the following examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0056] Example 1: Onion cultivation The onion cultivars used were Neo Earth (manufactured by Takii Seed Co., Ltd.; hereafter, this cultivar will be referred to as "Onion N") and Keru Tama (trademark) (manufactured by Takii Seed Co., Ltd.; hereafter, this cultivar will be referred to as "Onion Q"). Seedlings were planted in mid-November in small containers filled with vermiculite. During cultivation, the nutrient solution was supplied from the bottom of the small container via a water supply string. The zinc (zinc sulfate heptahydrate) concentration in the nutrient solution was 1 μmol / L (control), 5 μmol / L (5x), or 25 μmol / L (25x). Onions were harvested in mid-May. The mineral composition of the nutrient solution is shown in Table 1. The culture solution was prepared by mixing potassium nitrate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, manganese chloride tetrahydrate, boric acid, zinc sulfate heptahydrate, copper sulfate pentahydrate, ammonium molybdate tetrahydrate, and iron(III)-EDTA so that the mineral composition was as shown in Table 1.

[0057] [Table 1]

[0058] The growth of onions harvested in the 5x and 25x treatments was not inhibited compared to the control.

[0059] Test Example 1: Measurement of zinc concentration The dried powder of harvested onion N was decomposed and dissolved by wet ashing (nitric acid / perchloric acid decomposition method). The zinc and copper concentrations of the resulting solution were quantified using an ICP-MS device.

[0060] Table 2 shows the zinc and copper concentrations in onion N. The concentrations shown in Table 2 are the weight of zinc or copper per gram of dry weight (DW) of onion N (n=4, mean ± standard error). There is no significant difference at the 5% level between the same letters in the same column in Table 2 (Tukey-Kramer method).

[0061] [Table 2]

[0062] Test Example 2: Fluorescent staining of zinc in onion slices Zinc in onion Q plants harvested from the control and 25x plots was stained using a membrane-permeable fluorescent zinc indicator (ZnAF™-2 DA, Goryo Chemical Co., Ltd.) as follows, and the distribution of zinc in onion Q plants was compared. Sections of onion Q leaf sheaths were prepared and stained with 5 μM (final concentration) ZnAF-2 DA for 5 minutes. A cover glass was placed on the section, and a slide was prepared. Images were then taken using a green fluorescent filter.

[0063] Figure 2 shows images of slices of onion Q from the control group and the 25x group. Compared with slices of onion Q from the control group, slices of onion Q from the 25x group showed a significant increase in intracellular zinc. Test Examples 1 and 2 showed that the onions harvested in the 5x and 25x groups in Example 1 were zinc-enriched onions with increased zinc content.

[0064] Test Example 3: Comparison of quercetin (glycoside) content by UV-Vis measurement The edible portions of onion Q harvested from the control and 25x plots were thinly sliced ​​and freeze-dried. After 24 hours, they were refrozen and freeze-dried for another 24 hours. The dried portions were then pulverized using a mill mill. A specified amount of powder was measured, and 70% ethanol was added (powder:70% ethanol = 1:50 by volume), followed by extraction for 24 hours on a rotator. After filtration, the filtrate was measured using a UV-Vis (Thermo Scientific NanoDrop 2000c UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, full wavelength mode: 200-800 nm) instrument.

[0065] Figure 3 shows the UV-Vis absorption spectra of samples derived from onion Q leaves from the control and 25x plots. It was shown that the concentration of quercetin (glycoside) in onion Q leaves harvested from the 25x plot was higher than that in onion Q leaves harvested from the control plot.

[0066] Test Example 4: Examination of intracellular zinc levels To confirm the amount of zinc in cells, the onion extract was allowed to act on a human cell line, and zinc was quantified using a membrane-permeable fluorescent zinc indicator (ZnAF™-2 DA, Goryo Chemical Co., Ltd.).

[0067] The onion extract was prepared as follows. The onion leaf sheaths obtained in Example 1 were completely dried, freeze-dried, and pulverized using a mill mill. The obtained powder was weighed out, and 70% ethanol in a 10-fold weight ratio was added, followed by extraction for 24 hours using a rotator. After extraction, the sample was filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated using an evaporator. The concentrate was adjusted to a concentration of 1 mg / mL using 50% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), to give an onion extract. HepG2 cells were used. The culture medium used was a minimum essential medium (MEM) containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) supplemented with MEM non-essential amino acid solution.

[0068] 1.2×10 5 HepG2 cells were seeded in a 3.5 cm dish. Cells were treated with each sample (1 mg / mL) for 3 hours, washed three times with Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), and then incubated with 2 μM ZnAF-2 DA at 37°C for 1 hour. After washing again three times with HBSS, images were captured using a green fluorescent filter.

[0069] The fluorescence intensity was evaluated using Image J. The overall fluorescence intensity and background value were calculated from the images. The average of three cell-free regions was used as the background value. The fluorescence intensity was calculated by subtracting the background value from the median fluorescence intensity of the image and multiplying this value by the area of ​​the image region. Multiple images were selected for each sample, and the average fluorescence intensity obtained from each image was calculated. The overall fluorescence intensity and background value were calculated from the images, and the intracellular zinc content of each sample was quantified. The intracellular zinc content was calculated by subtracting the average background value from the median fluorescence intensity of the selected images and multiplying this value by the area of ​​the selected image region.

[0070] Quercetin, contained in onions, is known to have an ionophore effect. To confirm the ionophore effect of quercetin on cellular zinc absorption, we evaluated the intracellular zinc content when quercetin or zinc was added, or when quercetin and zinc were co-added, using HepG2 and HCT116 cells. The culture medium for HCT116 was D-MEM (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium) containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). A 3.5 cm dish contained 0.6 × 10 5 HCT116 cells were seeded on the onion extract. Samples containing 40 μM quercetin, 20 μM ZnSO4, and a combination of 40 μM quercetin and 20 μM ZnSO4 were evaluated in the same manner as the onion extract.

[0071] The amount of zinc in cells treated with samples prepared from onion N and onion Q is shown in Figure 4. Cells treated with 50% DMSO served as the control. In Figure 4, there is no significant difference at the 5% level between the same letters (the same applies to the following figures). Extracts of onion N and onion Q increased the amount of zinc in cells. In particular, the extract of onion Q grown at 25x the concentration significantly increased the amount of zinc in cells.

[0072] The relative intracellular zinc levels of HCT116 and HepG2 cells treated with quercetin, zinc, or co-addition of quercetin and zinc are shown in Figures 5A and 5B, respectively. Co-addition of quercetin and zinc increased intracellular zinc levels, suggesting that the simultaneous presence of quercetin and zinc exerts an ionophore effect.

[0073] Test Example 5: Evaluation of anticancer activity Inoculate 2.1 x 10 HCT116 cells into each well of a 6-well plate. 5 cells / mL or 1.95 x 10 HepG2 5200 cells / mL were added and cultured for 24 hours. The medium was removed, and 2 mL of sample-containing medium was added and cultured for 48 hours. After culture, the cells were collected and suspended in 100 μL of 1× binding buffer. 3 μL of FITC-labeled Annexin V and 2 μL of PI solution were added in the dark. The cells were stained in the dark for 15 minutes and then analyzed using a flow cytometer.

[0074] The ratio of cells undergoing apoptosis to the total cells was calculated by combining the cells undergoing apoptosis in the early and late stages detected by flow cytometry.

[0075] As in Test Example 4, the apoptosis induction ability was evaluated for samples containing quercetin, zinc, and co-addition of quercetin and zinc. DNA fragmentation associated with apoptosis was assessed using Cell Death Detection ELISA plus (F. Hoffmann-La Roche). HCT116 and HepG2 cells were cultured in 6-well plates as described above and treated with each sample for 48 hours, after which the cells were pelleted by centrifugation. The supernatant, containing necrotic DNA that had leaked through the cell membrane during incubation, was removed. Cells were lysed in cell lysis buffer, and intact nuclei were pelleted by centrifugation. A portion of the supernatant (cell lysate) was removed and the amount of apoptosis-derived cytoplasmic histone-associated DNA fragments (mononucleosomes and oligonucleosomes) present was measured.

[0076] 6A and 6B show the relative apoptosis induction rates of HCT116 and HepG2 cells by samples derived from onion N relative to the control. Zinc-enriched onion N increased the number of HCT116 and HepG2 cells in which apoptosis was induced.

[0077] 7A and 7B show the relative apoptosis induction rates of HCT116 and HepG2 by samples derived from onion Q relative to the control, respectively. Zinc-enriched onion Q also increased the number of HCT116 and HepG2 cells in which apoptosis was induced.

[0078] Figures 8A and 8B show the relative apoptosis induction rate and DNA fragmentation in HCT116 compared to the control. Co-addition of quercetin and zinc increased the number of HCT116 cells that underwent apoptosis induction. Figures 9A and 9B show the relative apoptosis induction rate and DNA fragmentation in HepG2 compared to the control. Co-addition increased the number of HepG2 cells that underwent apoptosis induction.

[0079] Test Example 6: Functionality evaluation using diabetes model silkworms Approximately 50 third-instar diabetes model silkworms (Bombyx mori, manufactured by Takahara Co., Ltd.) were reared together in one cage. The rearing temperature was set at 25-27°C. During the third instar period, they were fed a normal diet (Silkmate 2M (manufactured by Nippon Nosan Kogyo Co., Ltd.)). Once all silkworms reached the fourth instar, they were divided into groups fed different diets as follows: The onion powder used was a powder obtained by completely drying the onion leaf sheaths obtained in Example 1, freeze-drying them, and pulverizing them with mill mill. Normal feed (ND) group: Silkmate 2M High sugar diet (HGD) group: Silkmate 2M + glucose 15% N control group: Silkmate 2M + glucose 15% + onion N powder 1% grown in the control group N25x group: Silkmate 2M + glucose 15% + onion N powder 1% grown in the 25x group Q control group: Silkmate 2M + glucose 15% + onion Q powder 1% grown in the control group Q25x group: Silkmate 2M + glucose 15% + onion Q powder 1% grown in the 25x group

[0080] From the time of group division, each group was given a different diet. To prepare the diet, Silkmate 2M was weighed and mixed with glucose and each onion powder according to the above composition. MQ water was added to the mixture at 2.6 times the weight ratio and stirred until viscous. The mixture was placed in a container, covered with plastic wrap, and heated in a steamer for 30 minutes after boiling. After heating, the mixture was stirred again before cooling, and cooled to below 40°C within 60 minutes of heating.

[0081] After collection, silkworm hemolymph turns black due to melanization of proteins. To prevent this, thiourea was applied to the inside of the hemolymph collection tube. Specifically, 10 μL of ethanol containing 5 μg of thiourea was added to the tube using a dispenser. The solution was dispersed on the tube wall using a vortex mixer and then air-dried.

[0082] All silkworms were dissected 72 hours after reaching the fifth instar stage, and hemolymph was collected. All collected tubes were flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80°C.

[0083] Glucose concentration in silkworm hemolymph was measured using LabAssay™ Glucose colorimetric reagent. 100 μL of collected hemolymph was placed in a 1.5 mL tube. 400 μL of acetone was added to the tube. The tube was left to stand at -20°C for at least 1 hour, then centrifuged at 15,000 g for 15 minutes to collect the supernatant. The supernatant was concentrated using a rotary evaporator and lyophilized. 100 μL of ultrapure water was added to the tube to prepare the sample. 20 μL of sample and 180 μL of colorimetric reagent were added to each well of a 96-well plate and incubated at 37°C for 30 minutes. Absorbance was measured at 505 nm. A calibration curve was prepared in advance using the sugar solution provided with the colorimetric reagent, and the glucose concentration in the hemolymph was calculated from the absorbance value of each well. The colorimetric reagent and PBS were used as a blank.

[0084] Figures 10A and 10B show the changes in food intake and body weight over time for the 10 silkworms in each group. There were no significant differences in food intake or body weight between the groups, demonstrating the safety of zinc-enriched onions.

[0085] Figure 11 shows the glucose concentration in hemolymph. The increase in glucose concentration due to the ingestion of a high-sugar diet was suppressed by the ingestion of onion N and onion Q grown at 25x the sugar concentration.

[0086] Example 2: Hydroponic cultivation of onions Onion Q and Akatama Salad (manufactured by Nantes Seed Co., Ltd.; hereafter, these varieties will be referred to as "Onion A") were grown in reclaimed water and soil as follows. In the reclaimed water area, pots filled with pumice were placed in a drain-type cultivation bed in a greenhouse. Onion seedlings were planted in the pots and, taking advantage of the difference in elevation, only reclaimed water was poured over them. The reclaimed water was introduced into the pots through capillary action from the bottom. Some pots had a 0.1 mm-thick, 10 cm x 25 cm zinc plate placed inside the root zone (+Zn). In the soil area, the onions were grown outdoors with fertilizer and rainwater only. The cultivation period was from December 2022 to June 2023. The roots of the harvested onions were removed, dried, and stored at 6°C for two weeks. Onion samples were ashed according to the Plant Nutrition Experimental Method (Plant Nutrition Experimental Methods Editorial Committee (ed.) (1990). Plant Nutrition Experimental Methods 2001, 4th edition, Hakuyusha, 2001, pp. 126). The zinc content in the onion samples was measured using ICP-MS (Soil Environmental Analysis Methods Editorial Committee (ed.) (1997). Soil Environmental Analysis Methods 2003, 3rd edition, Hakuyusha, 2003, pp. 185-189). The quercetin content was measured by HPLC.

[0087] The zinc content of onions is shown in Table 3. The concentrations shown in Table 3 are the weight of zinc per gram of dry weight (DW) and per gram of fresh weight (FW) of each onion. The zinc content of onions treated with zinc plates increased significantly.

[0088] [Table 3]

[0089] Figures 12A and 12B show the quercetin contents of onions Q and A, respectively. In both onions Q and A, the overall quercetin contents were almost the same in the control and reclaimed water plots. This result indicates that the cultivation environment has little effect on the quercetin content of onions.

[0090] The reclaimed water before being supplied to the cultivation beds and the reclaimed water drained from the cultivation beds were sampled, and the zinc concentration was quantified using an ICP-MS device. The results are shown in Table 4 (the value with the zinc plate is the average of the measurements on three different days, and the value without the zinc plate is the measurement on one day). Even with the zinc plate in place, the zinc concentration in the reclaimed water before being supplied to the cultivation beds and the reclaimed water drained from the cultivation beds was almost the same, confirming that zinc did not flow out of the pots.

[0091] [Table 4]

[0092] Example 3: Hydroponic cultivation of broccoli sprouts and red cabbage sprouts 3g of seeds were weighed out per planter. The weighed seeds were planted evenly in the planter and sprayed with ultrapure water using a spray bottle. The seeds were cultivated in a darkened culture room. Ultrapure water was sprayed with a spray bottle every 12 hours. After 2-3 days, when the roots had grown to a certain extent, approximately 280ml of ultrapure water (water with metal ions removed) or a metal solution of the specified concentration (FeSO4 / ultrapure water and ZnSO4 / ultrapure water) was poured into the saucer. The ultrapure water or metal solution was changed once or twice a day. From about 10 days after starting to apply the ultrapure water or metal solution, greening was carried out during the day. After greening for 2 or 3 days, the seeds were harvested.

[0093] To remove the metal solution, the harvested sprouts were rinsed with distilled water (DW). After draining, each sample was placed on a petri dish and weighed (fresh weight). The petri dish was then shielded from light with aluminum foil and stored at -20°C overnight.

[0094] The sample was freeze-dried for 48 hours, ground in a coffee mill, and extracted with 70% ethanol for 24 hours. The extract was filtered, and the filtrate was placed in a recovery flask and concentrated by centrifugation. The collected liquid was transferred to a brown bottle and freeze-dried to form a powder. The powder was dissolved in DMSO to prepare the measurement sample. The zinc and copper concentrations of the measurement sample were quantified using an ICP-MS device.

[0095] Figures 13A and 13B show the relative zinc and iron concentrations in broccoli sprouts, respectively. Figures 14A and 14B show the relative zinc and iron concentrations in red cabbage sprouts, respectively. Each metal ion was absorbed into the plant body in a concentration-dependent manner.

[0096] Example 3 showed that exposing the roots of broccoli sprouts and red cabbage sprouts to a metal solution resulted in the absorption of metal ions by the roots, increasing the metal content in the plant. Placing solid metal in the root zone of the plant, as in Example 2, also allows the metal dissolved from the solid metal to be absorbed by the roots by root acid secreted from the roots, thereby increasing the metal content in the plant.

[0097] This invention allows various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of this invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to explain this invention and do not limit the scope of this invention. That is, the scope of this invention is defined by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the meaning of the invention equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of this invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0098] The present invention is useful for producing foods, medicines and mineral-enriched plants. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1 Plant body, 2 Medium, 3 Water, 10 Cultivation device for mineral-enriched plant body, 11 Container, 12 Solid metal, 13 Introduction part, 20 Hydroponic cultivation means, 21 Hydroponic cultivation bed, 22 Water supply means, 23 Drainage means, 24 Shading cover

Claims

1. The method includes cultivating a plant body having roots in a medium in a container having an introduction portion at the bottom for introducing a liquid therein; The container comprises: The introduction portion is disposed so as to contact the liquid outside the container, A solid metal is placed at a position higher than the liquid that comes into contact with the introduction portion in the root zone of the plant body. A method for producing mineral-enriched plants.

2. The plant body is Onion, broccoli, or cabbage, A method for producing the mineral-enriched plant body according to claim 1.

3. The solid metal is containing zinc or iron, A method for producing a mineral-enriched plant body according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The plant body is It is an onion, The solid metal is Zinc is A method for producing the mineral-enriched plant body according to claim 1.

5. a container having a bottom portion for introducing a liquid thereinto and for holding a medium for the plant to be planted to take root; a solid metal disposed in the root zone of the plant body at a position higher than the liquid with which the introduction portion comes into contact; A cultivation device for mineral-enriched plants comprising:

6. a container having a bottom portion for introducing a liquid thereinto and for holding a medium for the plant to be planted to take root; a solid metal disposed in a root zone of the plant body at a position higher than the liquid with which the introduction portion comes into contact; A mineral-enriched plant cultivation kit comprising:

7. The composition contains, as an active ingredient, onion leaf sheath or leaf sheath extract having a zinc content of 12.0 μg or more per 1 g of dry weight of the leaf sheath. A composition for suppressing an increase in blood sugar levels.

8. The composition contains, as an active ingredient, onion leaf sheath or leaf sheath extract having a zinc content of 12.0 μg or more per 1 g of dry weight of the leaf sheath. Anti-cancer compositions.

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