Female sex hormone-like activity enhancer

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide an agent capable of enhancing the female sex hormone-like action of equol.SOLUTION: The female hormone-like activity enhancer comprising (A) equol and (B) an imidazole dipeptide, a collagen peptide, a placenta extract, an elastin peptide, and / or chondroitin sulfate and / or a salt thereof exhibits an effect of enhancing the female hormone-like action of equol.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an agent that enhances female hormone-like activity. [Background technology]

[0002] Women's health is greatly influenced by two female hormones, estrogen (the follicle hormone) and progesterone (the luteinizing hormone), which are secreted by the ovaries. A deficiency of female hormones can cause symptoms such as menopausal disorders and osteoporosis. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is widely used as a treatment to alleviate these symptoms. However, because HRT artificially supplements large amounts of female hormones, while highly effective, it also places a heavy burden on the body and is extremely difficult to adjust dosage.

[0003] Therefore, in recent years, plant-derived isoflavones have been attracting attention as components that exert female hormone-like effects. Such female hormone-like effects are thought to be due to the similarity of the chemical structure of isoflavones to that of estrogen. In particular, equol, derived from isoflavones contained in soybeans, is known to have estrogenic activity (Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] Sathyamoorthy, N. and Wang, TT, Eur. J. Cancer, 33, 2384-2389 (1997) [Non-patent document 2] Schmitt, E. et al., Toxicol. In Vitro, 15, 433-439 (2001) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Although equol is known to have female hormone-like effects, agents that can enhance this effect have not been fully investigated. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an agent that can enhance the female hormone-like effects of equol. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a result of extensive research, the present inventors have found that the female hormone-like action can be enhanced by combining equol with imidazole dipeptide, collagen peptide, placenta extract, elastin peptide, and / or chondroitin sulfate and / or a salt thereof, which are not known to be related to female hormone-like action.The present invention was completed based on this finding and through further research.

[0007] That is, the present invention provides the following aspects. Item 1. A female hormone-like activity enhancer containing (A) equol and (B) imidazole dipeptide, collagen peptide, placenta extract, elastin peptide, and / or chondroitin sulfate and / or a salt thereof. Item 2. The female hormone-like activity enhancer according to Item 1, which comprises a chicken meat extract, and the imidazole dipeptide is contained in the chicken meat extract. Item 3. The female hormone-like activity enhancer according to Item 1, wherein the collagen peptide is a collagen peptide derived from pigskin gelatin and / or a collagen peptide derived from fish scales. Item 4. The female hormone-like activity enhancer according to Item 1, wherein the nitrogen content of the placenta extract is 11% by weight or more. Item 5. The female hormone-like activity enhancer according to Item 1, wherein the elastin peptide is derived from porcine blood vessels. Item 6. The female hormone-like activity enhancer according to Item 1, which comprises a pig cartilage extract, and the chondroitin sulfate is contained in the pig cartilage extract. Item 7. The female hormone-like activity enhancer according to Item 1, wherein the content of the component (B) is 0.1 to 100 parts by weight per part by weight of the component (A). Item 8. The female hormone-like agent according to any one of Items 1 to 7, which is used to enhance estrogen activity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, an agent capable of enhancing the female hormone-like action of equol is provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention is characterized by containing (A) equol (hereinafter also referred to as "component (A)") and (B) imidazole dipeptide, collagen peptide, placenta extract, elastin peptide, and / or chondroitin sulfate and / or a salt thereof (hereinafter collectively referred to as "component (B)" or "concomitant component"). The female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0010] (A) Equol The female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention contains equol as component (A). Equol is a substance produced by the metabolism of daidzein, a type of isoflavone, by intestinal bacteria and digestive enzymes in the body, and specifically refers to 7-hydroxy-3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-chroman. Equol is known as a component with female hormone-like activity.

[0011] Equol may be synthetic equol obtained by chemical reduction of daidzeins (daidzein glycoside, daidzein and / or dihydrodaidzein), or it may be a metabolite of equol-producing bacteria from raw materials containing daidzeins (daidzein glycoside, daidzein and / or dihydrodaidzein).

[0012] Raw materials containing daidzeins are not particularly limited and include, for example, plants (specifically, soybeans, kudzu, kudzu root, red globe, alfalfa, etc.), processed products thereof (specifically, soybean flour, boiled soybeans, tofu, fried tofu, soy milk, soybean hypocotyls, soybean hypocotyl extracts, etc.), and fermented preparations thereof (specifically, natto, soy sauce, miso, tempeh, fermented soybean drinks, etc.). Furthermore, equol-producing bacteria may be any microorganism that can assimilate daidzeins to produce equol, including, for example, microorganisms belonging to the genus Lactococcus, Streptococcus, and Bacteroides.

[0013] In the present invention, the equol to be blended may be a product obtained by fermenting and culturing a raw material containing daidzeins with an equol-producing bacterium, or the metabolite equol may be isolated and purified from the fermentation culture.

[0014] The content of equol in the female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention may be set depending on the content of other ingredients to be added, the form of the female hormone-like activity enhancer, the amount to be taken per serving, etc., but may be, for example, 0.01 to 70% by weight, preferably 0.05 to 60% by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 55% by weight, and even more preferably 0.1 to 50% by weight. When a fermentation culture is used to add equol in the present invention, the fermentation culture is used so that the equol content in the fermentation culture satisfies the above-mentioned equol content.

[0015] (B) Concomitant ingredients The female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention contains, as component (B), imidazole dipeptide (hereinafter also referred to as "component (B1)"), collagen peptide (hereinafter also referred to as "component (B2)"), placenta extract (hereinafter also referred to as "component (B3)"), elastin peptide (hereinafter also referred to as "component (B4)"), and / or chondroitin sulfate and / or a salt thereof (hereinafter also referred to as "component (B5)").

[0016] In the female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention, the ratio of the content of component (A) to the content (total amount) of component (B) is not particularly limited, but the total amount of component (B) per 1 part by weight of component (A) may be 0.1 to 100 parts by weight.

[0017] (B1) Imidazole dipeptide Imidazole dipeptides are dipeptides consisting of an amino acid containing an imidazole group and another amino acid, and are known components known to have anti-fatigue effects.

[0018] The amino acid containing an imidazole group is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include histidine, 1-methylhistidine, 3-methylhistidine, etc. The other amino acid is also not particularly limited, but examples thereof include β-alanine, etc.

[0019] More specific examples of imidazole dipeptides used in the present invention include carnosine (a dipeptide consisting of β-alanine and histidine), anserine (a dipeptide consisting of β-alanine and 1-methylhistidine), and balenine (a dipeptide consisting of β-alanine and 3-methylhistidine).

[0020] The imidazole dipeptide may be a chemically synthesized product, a fermentation product, or a naturally derived product. When the imidazole dipeptide is a fermentation product or a naturally derived product, the imidazole dipeptide in the female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention may be blended in a form contained in a fermentation mixture obtained by fermentation to produce the imidazole dipeptide or an extract of a natural product containing the imidazole dipeptide, or may be blended in a form contained in a crude product of the fermentation mixture or extract, or may be blended in a form of a purified product obtained by isolating and purifying the imidazole dipeptide from the fermentation mixture or extract.

[0021] Natural products containing imidazole dipeptides include those from animals such as mammals (cows, horses, pigs, whales, etc.), poultry (chickens, etc.), and fish (e.g., bonito, tuna, eels, etc.), and more specifically, the muscle tissues of these animals.

[0022] The above imidazole dipeptides may be used singly or in combination of two or more.

[0023] Among the above-mentioned imidazole dipeptides, carnosine and anserine are preferred from the viewpoint of further enhancing the effect of enhancing female hormone-like activity. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of further enhancing the effect of enhancing female hormone-like activity, the imidazole dipeptide is preferably contained in a chicken extract rich in carnosine and anserine. That is, the female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention particularly preferably contains a chicken extract containing imidazole dipeptide. The amount of imidazole dipeptide contained in the chicken extract is preferably 8% by weight or more, more preferably 12% by weight or more, and even more preferably 15% by weight or more. The upper limit of the amount of imidazole dipeptide contained in the chicken extract is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 25% by weight or less, 20% by weight or less, or 17% by weight or less.

[0024] In the female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention, the ratio of the content of component (A) to the content of component (B1) is not particularly limited, but the content of component (B1) per 1 part by weight of component (A) is 0.1 to 100 parts by weight. From the viewpoint of further enhancing the effect of enhancing female hormone-like activity, the content of component (B1) per 1 part by weight of component (A) is preferably 0.6 to 100 parts by weight, more preferably 3 to 100 parts by weight, and even more preferably 6 to 100 parts by weight, 6 to 50 parts by weight, 6 to 20 parts by weight, or 6 to 10 parts by weight.

[0025] Furthermore, when the female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention contains chicken extract, the ratio of the content of component (A) to the content of chicken extract is not particularly limited, but the content of chicken extract per 1 part by weight of component (A) is 1 to 200 parts by weight. From the viewpoint of further enhancing the effect of enhancing female hormone-like activity, the content of chicken extract per 1 part by weight of component (A) is preferably 4 to 200 parts by weight, more preferably 20 to 200 parts by weight, even more preferably 40 to 200 parts by weight, 40 to 100 parts by weight, or 40 to 60 parts by weight.

[0026] (B2) Collagen peptide Collagen peptides are low molecular weight collagen proteins, and are known components that are known to have preventive or ameliorative effects on skin conditions.

[0027] The collagen peptide may be a peptide obtained by subjecting collagen protein or its denatured product, gelatin, to hydrolysis treatment with an enzyme, acid, alkali, or the like, or may be a chemically synthesized product.

[0028] Examples of collagen proteins include collagen proteins derived from livestock or poultry such as cows, pigs, and chickens, and collagen proteins derived from fish. More specifically, examples include collagen proteins extracted from animal connective tissues such as skin, bones, and tendons of livestock or poultry, and fish tissues such as fish skin and fish scales.

[0029] The collagen peptide may be an extract obtained from the above-mentioned collagen protein as a raw material, or a crude or purified product obtained by crude or purified purification of the collagen peptide from the extract. The purity of the collagen peptide in these extracts, crude or purified products is, for example, 50% by weight or more, preferably 70% by weight or more, more preferably 85% by weight or more, and even more preferably 90% by weight or more.

[0030] The above collagen peptides may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0031] Among the above collagen peptides, from the viewpoint of further enhancing the effect of enhancing female hormone-like activity, preferred are peptides obtained from collagen proteins derived from pigs (i.e., collagen peptides derived from pigs) and peptides obtained from collagen proteins derived from fish (i.e., collagen peptides derived from fish). Of these, the collagen peptides derived from pigs are more preferably collagen peptides derived from pigskin, and even more preferably collagen peptides derived from pigskin gelatin, from the viewpoint of further enhancing the effect of enhancing female hormone-like activity, and the collagen peptides derived from fish scales are more preferably collagen peptides derived from fish, from the viewpoint of further enhancing the effect of enhancing female hormone-like activity.

[0032] The molecular weight of the collagen peptide used in the present invention is not particularly limited, and collagen peptides of any molecular weight can be used.

[0033] In the female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention, the ratio of the content of component (A) to the content of component (B2) is not particularly limited, but the content of component (B2) per 1 part by weight of component (A) is 0.1 to 60 parts by weight. From the viewpoint of further enhancing the effect of enhancing female hormone-like activity, the content of component (B2) per 1 part by weight of component (A) is preferably 0.5 to 45 parts by weight, more preferably 1 to 35 parts by weight, even more preferably 2 to 30 parts by weight, and even more preferably 3 to 25 parts by weight, 3.5 to 15 parts by weight, 3.5 to 10 parts by weight, or 3.5 to 5 parts by weight.

[0034] (B3) Placenta extract Placenta extract is a known component that is known to have cell proliferation effects, immune system enhancement, blood pressure improvement, antioxidant effects, anti-inflammatory effects, analgesic effects, and blood coagulation inhibitory effects.

[0035] The type of placenta is not particularly limited, but examples include animal (mammal) placenta obtained from the placentas of humans, cows, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, etc.; marine placenta obtained from the ovarian membranes of salmon, herring, sturgeon, etc.; and plant placenta obtained from the placenta of roses and melons.

[0036] The placenta extracts may be used singly or in combination of two or more.

[0037] Among the above placenta extracts, an extract of placenta obtained from pig placenta (ie, pig placenta extract) is preferred from the viewpoint of further enhancing the effect of enhancing female hormone-like activity.

[0038] Placenta extract is generally obtained by decomposing the placenta by a method such as protease treatment or hydrochloric acid decomposition, and then purifying it by an appropriate combination of centrifugation, ultrafiltration, diatomaceous earth filtration, treatment with ion exchange resin, reverse osmosis filtration, activated carbon treatment, etc.

[0039] The nitrogen content of placenta extract is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of further enhancing the effect of enhancing female hormone-like activity, it is preferably 6% by weight or more, more preferably 9% by weight or more, and even more preferably 11% by weight or more. The upper limit of the range of the nitrogen content of placenta extract is not particularly limited, but it can be, for example, 15% by weight or less or 13% by weight or less. The nitrogen content can be determined by the Kjeldahl method.

[0040] In the female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention, the ratio of the content of component (A) to the content of component (B3) (converted to dry weight) is not particularly limited, but the content of component (B3) per 1 part by weight of component (A) is 0.1 to 80 parts by weight. From the viewpoint of further enhancing the effect of enhancing female hormone-like activity, the content of component (B3) per 1 part by weight of component (A) is preferably 1 to 60 parts by weight, more preferably 3 to 50 parts by weight, even more preferably 5 to 35 parts by weight, and even more preferably 10 to 30 parts by weight or 15 to 25 parts by weight.

[0041] (B4) Elastin peptide Elastin peptides are low molecular weight elastin proteins, and are known components that are known to improve the moisture content and elasticity of skin.

[0042] The elastin peptide may be a peptide obtained by subjecting elastin protein to hydrolysis treatment with an enzyme, acid, alkali, or the like, or may be a chemically synthesized product.

[0043] Examples of elastin proteins include elastin proteins derived from livestock or poultry such as cows, pigs, chickens, and sheep, and elastin proteins derived from fish; more specifically, examples include elastin proteins extracted from the skin, ligaments, and blood vessels of livestock or poultry, and the bulbus arteriosus of fish.

[0044] The elastin peptide may be an extract obtained from the elastin protein as a raw material, or a crude or purified product obtained by crude or purified purification of the elastin peptide from the extract. The purity of the elastin peptide in these extracts, crude or purified products is, for example, 50% by weight or more, preferably 70% by weight or more, more preferably 80% by weight or more, even more preferably 85% by weight or more, and even more preferably 90% by weight or more. Furthermore, the extract or crude product may contain desmosine and / or isodesmosine in addition to elastin peptide. When the extract or crude product contains desmosine and / or isodesmosine, the total content of desmosine and isodesmosine in the extract or crude product is, for example, 0.5 to 3% by weight, preferably 1 to 1.5% by weight.

[0045] The above elastin peptides may be used singly or in combination of two or more.

[0046] Among the above-mentioned elastin peptides, from the viewpoint of further enhancing the effect of enhancing female hormone-like activity, peptides obtained from elastin proteins derived from pigs are preferred, and more preferably peptides obtained from elastin proteins derived from pig blood vessels (i.e., elastin peptides derived from pig blood vessels).

[0047] The molecular weight of the elastin peptide used in the present invention is not particularly limited, and elastin peptides of any molecular weight can be used.

[0048] In the female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention, the ratio of the content of component (A) to the content of component (B4) is not particularly limited, but the content of component (B4) per 1 part by weight of component (A) is 5 to 100 parts by weight. From the viewpoint of further enhancing the effect of enhancing female hormone-like activity, the content of component (B4) per 1 part by weight of component (A) is preferably 20 to 80 parts by weight, more preferably 30 to 60 parts by weight.

[0049] (B5) Chondroitin sulfate and / or its salt Chondroitin sulfate is an acidic mucopolysaccharide in which sulfate is bound to a sugar chain whose repeating structural unit is a disaccharide of N-acetyl-D-galactosamine and D-glucuronic acid. It is a well-known ingredient known for its effects of alleviating joint pain and protecting the cornea.

[0050] Chondroitin sulfates include chondroitin sulfate A, chondroitin sulfate C, chondroitin sulfate D, chondroitin sulfate E, etc., which differ in the bonding pattern of the sulfate group in the repeating structural unit.

[0051] The salts of chondroitin sulfate used in the present invention are not particularly limited, but examples include alkali metal salts such as sodium salts and potassium salts; alkaline earth metal salts such as calcium salts and magnesium salts; ammonium salts; basic amino acid salts such as arginine, lysine, histidine, and ornithine; and amine salts such as monoethanolamine salts and diethanolamine salts.

[0052] Chondroitin sulfate and its salts may be either chemically synthesized or naturally derived. When chondroitin sulfate and / or its salts are naturally derived, the chondroitin sulfate and / or its salts in the female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention may be blended in a form contained in an extract of a natural product containing chondroitin sulfate and / or its salts, may be blended in a form contained in a crude product of the extract, or may be blended in a form of a purified product obtained by isolating and purifying chondroitin sulfate and / or its salts from the extract.

[0053] Natural products containing chondroitin sulfate and / or its salts include those from animals such as mammals (cows, pigs, whales, etc.), poultry (chickens, etc.), and fish (e.g., salmon, rays, sharks, etc.), and more specifically, connective tissues such as cartilage from these animals.

[0054] The above chondroitin sulfate and / or salts thereof may be used singly or in combination of two or more.

[0055] Among the above-mentioned chondroitin sulfates and / or salts thereof, it is preferable to contain at least chondroitin sulfate A and / or a salt thereof, from the viewpoint of further enhancing the effect of enhancing female hormone-like activity. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of further enhancing the effect of enhancing female hormone-like activity, it is preferable that the chondroitin sulfate and / or a salt thereof is contained in a pig cartilage extract rich in chondroitin sulfate A and / or a salt thereof. In other words, it is particularly preferable that the female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention contains a pig cartilage extract containing chondroitin sulfate and / or a salt thereof. The total amount of chondroitin sulfate and / or a salt thereof contained in the pig cartilage extract is preferably 65 to 85% by weight, more preferably 70 to 80% by weight. The content of chondroitin sulfate in the pig cartilage extract can be measured by the carbazole-sulfuric acid method.

[0056] In the female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention, the ratio of the content of component (A) to the content (total amount) of component (B5) is not particularly limited, but the content (total amount) of component (B5) per 1 part by weight of component (A) is 4 to 80 parts by weight. From the viewpoint of further enhancing the effect of enhancing female hormone-like activity, the content (total amount) of component (B5) per 1 part by weight of component (A) is preferably 15 to 60 parts by weight, more preferably 30 to 50 parts by weight.

[0057] Furthermore, when the female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention contains a pig cartilage extract, the ratio of the content of component (A) to the content of pig cartilage extract is not particularly limited, but the content of pig cartilage extract per 1 part by weight of component (A) is, for example, 5 to 100 parts by weight. From the viewpoint of further enhancing the effect of enhancing female hormone-like activity, the content of pig cartilage extract per 1 part by weight of component (A) is preferably 20 to 80 parts by weight, more preferably 40 to 60 parts by weight.

[0058] Other ingredients The female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention may contain, if necessary, other pharmacological ingredients in addition to the above-mentioned ingredients. The types of such pharmacological ingredients are not particularly limited, but examples include antacids, stomachics, digestives, intestinal regulators, antispasmodics, mucosal repair agents, anti-inflammatory agents, astringents, antiemetics, antitussives, expectorants, anti-inflammatory enzymes, sedatives, hypnotics, antihistamines, caffeine, cardiac diuretics, antibacterial agents, vasoconstrictors, vasodilators, local anesthetics, herbal powders, herbal extracts, vitamins, and menthols. These pharmacological ingredients may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of these pharmacological ingredients may be appropriately determined from known ones depending on the type of pharmacological ingredient used.

[0059] The female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention may contain pharmaceutically acceptable bases and additives, as necessary, to prepare the desired dosage form. Examples of such bases and additives include excipients, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, isotonicity agents, plasticizers, dispersants, emulsifiers, solubilizers, wetting agents, stabilizers, suspending agents, adhesives, coating agents, glossing agents, water, oils and fats, waxes, hydrocarbons, fatty acids, higher alcohols, esters, water-soluble polymers, surfactants, metal soaps, lower alcohols, polyhydric alcohols, pH adjusters, buffers, antioxidants, UV protection agents, preservatives, flavoring agents, fragrances, powders, thickeners, pigments, and chelating agents. These bases and additives may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of these bases and additives may be appropriately determined from known bases and additives depending on the type of additive used, dosage form, and the like.

[0060] Dosage form The dosage form of the female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention is not particularly limited, and may be any of tablets, granules, powders, pills, capsules, films, liquids (drinks), etc. Among these dosage forms, tablets, granules, and films are preferred from the viewpoint of ease of administration, etc. These dosage forms can be prepared using pharmaceutically acceptable bases and additives, and the types and amounts of the bases and additives are well known in the field of formulation technology.

[0061] Purpose The female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention is used for the purpose of enhancing female hormone-like activity, more specifically, for the purpose of enhancing physiological and pathophysiological actions expressed via female hormone receptors.

[0062] The female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention enhances the binding activity to estrogen receptors, and is therefore preferably used for the purpose of enhancing physiological and pathophysiological actions expressed via estrogen receptors.

[0063] More specifically, the female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention is used to prevent or improve symptoms caused by a decrease in female hormones, such as menopausal symptoms, menopausal disorders, osteoporosis, fluctuations in physical condition, menstrual pain, and a decrease in skin or hair quality (ability to retain collagen and / or elastin).

[0064] Therefore, the female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention is applicable to women with decreased female hormones, particularly women who are aware of symptoms caused by decreased female hormones. Specific examples of applicable subjects include women aged 40 or older, menopausal women, women with premature ovarian failure after oophorectomy or chemotherapy, women after hysterectomy, and elderly women.

[0065] Dosage / Usage The female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention is administered orally. The dosage of the female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention is appropriately determined depending on the degree of female hormone reduction, age, etc., but for example, the daily intake of equol is, for example, 0.1 to 100 mg, preferably 0.5 to 40 mg, more preferably 1.0 to 10 mg, and even more preferably The amount is 1.5 to 5 mg, and particularly preferably 1.8 to 3 mg.

[0066] Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the timing of administration of the female hormone-like activity enhancer of the present invention, and it may be administered before meals, after meals, or between meals, but it is preferably administered before meals or between meals. [Example]

[0067] The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0068] Test Example The materials shown in Table 1 were prepared as blending materials for component (A) and component (B). [Table 1]

[0069] The blended materials of component (A) and / or component (B) were dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide to prepare a test sample solution.

[0070] The medium was prepared by adding 3% by weight of fetal bovine serum (FBS), 50 U / mL penicillin, and 50 mg / mL streptomycin to phenol red-free Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (liquid), and adding L-glutamine to a concentration of 0.5 mM. Ta.

[0071] MCF-7 cells (KAC Co., Ltd.), derived from human breast cancer, were prepared. MCF-7 cells are cancer cells whose proliferation is enhanced in an estrogen-dependent manner, and the proliferation of MCF-7 cells is used as a detection system for estrogenic activity.

[0072] 4 x 10 in medium 4 A suspension of MCF-7 cells adjusted to 1000 cells / ml was seeded into each well of a 96-well plate at 50 μl / well. Next, dimethyl sulfoxide was added to each well at 0.1 μl / well, and the test sample solution was added so that component (A) and / or component (B) had the final concentrations shown in Table 2. The cells were then cultured at 37°C in the presence of CO for 72 hours.

[0073] After culturing, the absorbance at 450 nm (corresponding to the cell number) was measured using a cell proliferation / cytotoxicity assay kit (product name "Cell Counting kit-8", Dojindo Research Institute, Inc.). The measured absorbance at 450 nm was used to calculate the cell proliferation promotion rate according to the following calculation formula. The test was performed with n = 4, and the average of the obtained cell proliferation promotion rates was rounded to the nearest whole number to obtain an evaluation value of the female hormone-like activity. A cell proliferation promotion rate of more than 100% is considered to have a female hormone-like effect. In addition, a female hormone activity enhancement score was calculated according to the following calculation formula. A female hormone activity enhancement score of more than 0 indicates that the additive effect of the female hormone-like effect when each component is used alone is exceeded, i.e., the female hormone-like effect is considered to have been significantly enhanced. Furthermore, a higher female hormone activity enhancement score indicates a higher female hormone activity enhancement effect. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0074]

number

[0075]

number

[0076] [Table 2]

[0077] As shown in Comparative Examples 1 to 13, component (B) alone exhibited a female hormone-like effect depending on the concentration, but it showed almost no female hormone-like effect. Furthermore, as shown in Comparative Example 14, component (A) equol alone exhibited only a slight female hormone-like effect. In contrast, as shown in Examples 1 to 13, when component (A) equol was combined with component (B), a significant effect of enhancing the female hormone-like activity was observed.

Claims

1. A female hormone-like activity enhancer containing (A) equol and (B) elastin peptide.

2. 2. The female hormone-like activity enhancer according to claim 1, wherein the content of said component (B) is 0.1 to 100 parts by weight per 1 part by weight of said component (A).

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