An antibacterial agent against periodontal disease-related bacteria and dental caries-related bacteria, a composition for preventing and treating periodontal disease, a composition for preventing and treating dental caries, a composition for improving gingiva, a composition for improving gums, a composition for suppressing plaque accumulation, a composition for improving xerostomia, a composition for improving saliva, a composition for suppressing halitosis, and a composition for improving constipation.
A bay laurel extract-based composition addresses unexplored oral health benefits by providing antibacterial and therapeutic effects against periodontal disease, dental caries, gingival inflammation, dry mouth, and constipation, enhancing oral health and well-being.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025207245
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-06
AI Technical Summary
Existing compositions do not fully leverage the potential antibacterial and oral health benefits of bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) for treating periodontal disease, dental caries, gingival inflammation, dry mouth, bad breath, and constipation.
A composition containing bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) extract as an active ingredient, formulated into various forms such as food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products, to provide antibacterial effects against Tannerella forsythensis and Streptococcus mutans, inhibit plaque accumulation, improve saliva quality, alleviate dry mouth, suppress bad breath, and relieve constipation.
The composition effectively reduces periodontal disease-related bacteria, dental caries, gingival inflammation, plaque, dry mouth, bad breath, and constipation, demonstrating significant improvements in oral health and overall well-being.
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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to an antibacterial agent against periodontal disease-related bacteria and caries-related bacteria, a composition for preventing and treating periodontal disease, a composition for preventing and treating tooth decay, a composition for improving gums, a composition for inhibiting plaque accumulation, a composition for alleviating dry mouth, a composition for improving saliva, a composition for inhibiting bad breath, and a composition for alleviating constipation. [Background technology]
[0002] Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) is a plant of the Lauraceae family native to the Mediterranean coast. Its dried leaves, known as bay leaves or laurel, have long been used as a spice. In the United States, bay leaves are certified as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), a safety standard given to food additives, and in Japan they are approved as a food additive. In Europe, a decoction of bay leaves is used as a folk remedy for diarrhea, rheumatism, asthma, and other conditions.
[0003] Incidentally, recent research has reported that bay leaf extract has antibacterial activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis, one of the bacteria associated with periodontal disease (Non-Patent Document 1), and has also been shown to have neuroprotective, anti-allergic, and anticonvulsant effects (Non-Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]
[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] Ino C, Fukuyama N, Kobayashi N, Suzuki Y, Yang Jin-wei, Orihara Y. Effects of Bay Leaves on Oral Bacteria - From Oral Health to Whole-Body Health -, Clinical Environmental Medicine, Vol. 22, No. 1, 47-58. (2013) [Non-patent document 2] Patrakar, R., Mansuriya, M., & Patil, P. (2012). Phytochemical and pharmacological review on Laurus nobilis. International journal of pharmaceutical and chemical sciences, 1(2), 595-602. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] While the above effects have been reported for bay laurel, it is also expected to have new, as yet unreported, effects on improving oral conditions.
[0006] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a composition that can exert the novel effects of bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.). [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] The present inventors have conducted research into the above-mentioned problems using bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) and have demonstrated in human tests that bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) has antibacterial effects against periodontal disease-related bacteria Tannerella forsythensis and caries-related bacteria Streptococcus mutans, as well as gingival-improving effects, plaque accumulation-inhibiting effects, dry mouth-relieving effects, saliva-improving effects, halitosis-inhibiting effects, and constipation-relieving effects, thereby completing the present invention.
[0008] That is, an antibacterial agent against Tannerella forsythensis according to one aspect of the present invention contains a bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) extract as an active ingredient.
[0009] That is, an antibacterial agent against Streptococcus mutans according to one aspect of the present invention contains a bay leaf (Laurus nobilis L.) extract as an active ingredient.
[0010] A composition for preventing and treating periodontal disease according to another aspect of the present invention is a composition for preventing and treating periodontal disease containing bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) extract as an active ingredient.
[0011] A composition for preventing and treating dental caries according to another aspect of the present invention is a composition for preventing and treating dental caries containing bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) extract as an active ingredient.
[0012] That is, a gingival improving composition having the effect of suppressing gingival inflammation according to one aspect of the present invention contains bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) extract as an active ingredient.
[0013] That is, a gum-improving composition having the effect of suppressing spontaneous gum bleeding according to one aspect of the present invention contains bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) extract as an active ingredient.
[0014] That is, a composition for inhibiting plaque accumulation according to one aspect of the present invention contains bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) extract as an active ingredient.
[0015] That is, a composition for alleviating dry mouth according to one aspect of the present invention contains bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) extract as an active ingredient.
[0016] That is, a saliva-improving composition according to one aspect of the present invention contains bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) extract as an active ingredient.
[0017] That is, a composition for suppressing bad breath according to one aspect of the present invention contains bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) extract as an active ingredient.
[0018] That is, a composition for improving constipation according to one aspect of the present invention contains bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) extract as an active ingredient. [Effects of the Invention]
[0019] As described above, the present invention can provide antibacterial agents against periodontal disease-related bacteria and caries-related bacteria, compositions for preventing and treating periodontal disease, compositions for preventing and treating tooth decay, compositions for improving gums, compositions for inhibiting plaque accumulation, compositions for improving dry mouth, compositions for improving saliva, compositions for inhibiting bad breath, and compositions for improving constipation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The present embodiment will be described in detail below. However, the present invention can be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the examples described in the following embodiments and examples.
[0021] This embodiment is a composition that has antibacterial activity against Tannerella forsythensis and Streptococcus mutans, improves the health of the gums and gingiva, improves the dryness of the oral cavity and saliva pH, inhibits plaque accumulation and bad breath, and relieves constipation. Specifically, the composition can be an antibacterial agent against periodontal disease-related bacteria or caries-related bacteria, containing bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) extract as an active ingredient, a composition for preventing and treating periodontal disease, a composition for preventing and treating tooth decay, a composition for improving gums, a composition for inhibiting plaque accumulation, a composition for improving dry mouth, a composition for improving saliva, a composition for inhibiting bad breath, or a composition for relieving constipation.
[0022] In this embodiment, the part of the bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) used as the raw material is not limited as long as the above-mentioned effects can be obtained, but it is preferable to use leaves. The bay laurel part may be fresh or dried, or may be processed leaves.
[0023] The extraction method for the bay laurel extract is not particularly limited and can be carried out according to methods well known to those skilled in the art. Specifically, solvent extraction is preferred. Extraction solvents include water or hot water, alcoholic solvents, and other organic solvents such as acetone. Examples of alcoholic solvents include methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, isobutanol, and mixtures thereof. Examples of organic solvents other than acetone include esters such as ethyl acetate; polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and 1,3-butylene glycol; and ethers such as diethyl ether. These solvents may be used alone or in combination. The extraction solvent may be a combination of water and a hydrophilic organic solvent to form a hydrophilic solvent. When using a combination of solvents, the mixing ratio of the solvents can be set as desired. Among these, ethanol is preferred, and hydrous ethanol with an ethanol content of 30% to 95% (v / v) is more preferred.
[0024] The amount of extraction solvent is not limited as long as it can produce the composition that exhibits the above-mentioned effects, but it is preferably in the range of 2 to 100 parts by weight per 1 part by weight of dried bay leaves. The extraction temperature is preferably 4 to 90°C. The extraction time is preferably 30 minutes to 1 week. The extraction method can be any method, such as stirring extraction, immersion extraction, countercurrent extraction, ultrasonic extraction, or supercritical extraction.
[0025] The bay laurel extract may be the filtrate obtained by filtering the extract, a concentrate obtained by concentrating the filtrate, a dried product obtained by drying the concentrate, or a crude or purified product thereof, or a mixture of these. Concentration can be performed by any method, such as evaporative concentration or membrane concentration. Drying can be performed by any method, such as vacuum drying, freeze drying, or spray drying. If necessary, an excipient such as dextrin may be added. Purification can be performed using methods known to those skilled in the art. For example, synthetic adsorption resins, activated carbon, ion exchange resins, gel filtration agents such as Sephadex and Biogel, column chromatography, recrystallization, etc. may be used alone or in combination.
[0026] The present composition may also take the form of a food composition, pharmaceutical composition, quasi-drug composition, or cosmetic composition, and in the case of a food composition in particular, it may take the form of a functional food or health food.
[0027] Furthermore, when the composition is a food composition, it may be in the form of not only a solid but also a fluid (e.g., a liquid such as a beverage). Examples of the food composition include drinks, candies, jellies, gummies, and gums. When the composition is a health food or a food with functional claims, it may be in the form of tablets, chewable tablets, hard capsules, soft capsules, granules, drinks, and the like.
[0028] Furthermore, when the composition is a pharmaceutical composition, it may be in the form of not only a solid but also a fluid (e.g., liquid) form. Examples of such forms include jellies, chewable tablets, tablets, capsules, pills, liquids, and emulsions. The administration method is not particularly limited, but a form that remains in the oral cavity for a long time is desirable. Various carriers can also be added within a pharmaceutically acceptable range. Examples of carriers include excipients, colorants, sweeteners, suspending agents, etc.
[0029] Furthermore, when the composition is a quasi-drug composition, it may be in the form of not only a solid but also a fluid (e.g., liquid) as described above, such as toothpaste, mouthwash, mouth rinse, paste, gel, spray, sheet, or other form that can be applied to the oral cavity.
[0030] Furthermore, when the composition is a cosmetic composition, it may take the form of not only a solid but also a fluid, as described above, such as a lotion, cream, pack, gel, emulsion, balsam, ointment, liquid, powder, or a form that can be applied to the oral cavity, such as toothpaste, mouthwash, mouth rinse, paste, gel, spray, or sheet.
[0031] The content of bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) extract in the composition can be adjusted appropriately according to the expected intake amount.
[0032] Furthermore, the amount of bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) extract required to obtain the antibacterial effect against Tannerella forsythensis and Streptococcus mutans, the effect of suppressing gingival inflammation, spontaneous gingival bleeding and plaque accumulation, the effect of improving dry mouth and saliva pH, the effect of suppressing bad breath, and the effect of improving constipation by this composition is not limited as long as the effects of this composition can be obtained, but is preferably 10 mg or more and 500 mg or less per day, more preferably 20 mg or more and 300 mg or less, and even more preferably 50 mg or more and 150 mg or less.
[0033] The bay laurel extract in the present composition contains deacetyl laurenobiolide, and although not limited thereto, the deacetyl laurenobiolide content is preferably 0.01 wt % or more, more preferably 0.1 wt % to 10 wt %. By containing deacetyl laurenobiolide in this range, the effects of the present composition can be preferably exerted.
[0034] As described above, the present composition has antibacterial effects against Tannerella forsythensis and Streptococcus mutans, inhibits gingival inflammation, spontaneous gingival bleeding, and plaque accumulation, improves dry mouth and saliva pH, suppresses bad breath, and alleviates constipation. The range in which these effects can be obtained will be clear from the examples described below, but is the same as above.
[0035] As described above, the present invention can provide a composition that has antibacterial effects against Tannerella forsythensis and Streptococcus mutans, inhibitory effects on gingival inflammation, spontaneous gingival bleeding, and plaque accumulation, ameliorating effects on dry mouth and saliva pH, suppressing bad breath, and ameliorating effects on constipation. [Example]
[0036] Here, the composition according to the above embodiment was actually produced, and its effects were confirmed. A specific description will be given below.
[0037] (1) Manufacturing of laurel extract 1.4 L of 85% (v / v) ethanol was added to 100 g of bay bay leaves (Laurus nobilis L.), heated under reflux for 2 hours, and then filtered. The extract was concentrated under reduced pressure at 50°C and freeze-dried to obtain a bay bay extract.
[0038] The solid obtained above was analyzed by liquid chromatography, and it was confirmed that the bay laurel extract contained 1.1% by weight of deacetyl larurenobiolide.
[0039] (2) Clinical trials The test food was a chewable tablet containing 18 mg of bay laurel extract per tablet. The placebo contained dextrin instead of bay laurel extract.
[0040] A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group comparative study was conducted with healthy Japanese adult men and women. Subjects ingested three tablets of the test food per day by licking them without chewing at any time of their choice. The intervention group's daily intake of bay laurel extract was 108 mg. Tests were conducted before and four weeks after intake. Furthermore, to evaluate the effects of a single intake, subjects ingested three tablets of the test food after completing the pre-intake tests, and tests were conducted after a single intake of saliva pH, oral moisture content, saliva volume, halitosis, and questionnaires.
[0041] (3) Measurement of oral Tannerella forsythensis Saliva was collected from the subjects and the proportion of Tannerella forsythensis in the oral cavity was assessed. A significant improvement in the ratio of Tannerella forsythensis to total bacteria was confirmed after four weeks of intake in the intervention group compared to the control group (Table 1). These results demonstrate that bay laurel extract has antibacterial effects against Tannerella forsythensis, a bacteria that causes periodontal disease. [Table 1]
[0042] (4) Measurement of oral Streptococcus mutans Saliva samples were collected from the subjects and the number of Streptococcus mutans bacteria in their oral cavity was evaluated. A significant improvement in the number of Streptococcus mutans bacteria was confirmed after four weeks of intake in the intervention group compared to the control group (Table 2). These results demonstrate that bay laurel extract has antibacterial effects against Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria that causes dental caries. [Table 2]
[0043] (5) Evaluation of Gingival Index (GI) The gingival index (GI) was evaluated as an indicator of gingivitis. GI was assessed by dividing the marginal gingiva of each tooth into four surfaces (buccal, lingual, mesial, and distal) and using a four-point scale: 0 (normal), 1 (mild redness: mild inflammation), 2 (redness and swelling: moderate inflammation), and 3 (severe inflammation: severe inflammation). GI was calculated using the formula: "GI = sum of scores for each tooth surface / number of teeth tested." It was confirmed that GI was significantly reduced in the intervention group after 4 weeks of intake compared to the control group (Table 3). [Table 3]
[0044] (6) Evaluation of spontaneous bleeding of the gums Spontaneous bleeding of the gums was evaluated as an index for assessing the state of gum inflammation. Each tooth was divided into four tooth surfaces, and the presence or absence of bleeding of the gums was checked. If bleeding was observed, the number of bleeding sites was counted and the total value was calculated. Compared to the control group, the number of bleeding sites in the intervention group was confirmed to be reduced after 4 weeks of intake (Table 4). [Table 4]
[0045] (7) Evaluation of plaque index (PlI) The plaque index (PlI) was evaluated as an index for assessing plaque accumulation. PlI was calculated by dividing each tooth into four surfaces and scoring the amount of plaque on a four-point scale: 0 (no plaque), 1 (a thin film of plaque attached to the free gingival margin and interdental areas of the tooth surface. Plaque can be seen using a stain or probe), 2 (moderate accumulation of soft deposits visible to the naked eye), and 3 (large amounts of soft deposits in the gingival sulcus, tooth surface, and gingival margin). PlI was calculated by adding the scores for the four tooth surfaces and dividing by 4. Compared to the control group, PlI was significantly reduced in the intervention group after 4 weeks of intake (Table 5). [Table 5]
[0046] (8) Measurement of oral moisture The oral moisture content of the subjects was measured using an oral moisture meter. It was confirmed that oral moisture content increased significantly after a single intake in the intervention group compared to the control group (Table 6). [Table 6]
[0047] (9) Measurement of saliva volume To evaluate saliva volume, saliva secreted in the oral cavity was collected for 15 minutes while the subjects were at rest, and the weight of the saliva was measured. In the control group, no significant difference was observed in saliva volume before and after a single intake, whereas in the intervention group, a significant increase in saliva volume was confirmed after a single intake (Table 7). [Table 7]
[0048] (10) Questionnaire on saliva volume To evaluate saliva volume, a Likert-scale questionnaire was used to investigate the item "low saliva flow." Questionnaire items were rated and scored on a six-point scale from 1 to 6 (1. "Not at all applicable," 2. "Rarely applicable," 3. "Not very applicable," 4. "Slightly applicable," 5. "Very applicable," 6. "Very applicable"). In the control group, no significant difference was observed in the score for "low saliva flow" before and after a single intake, while in the intervention group, a significant improvement in the score was confirmed after a single intake (Table 8). [Table 8]
[0049] The results in Tables 6, 7, and 8 show that bay laurel extract increases the amount of moisture in the oral cavity and improves dryness in the oral cavity.
[0050] (11) Measurement of saliva pH The saliva pH of the saliva collected from the subjects was measured using litmus paper. A significant improvement in saliva pH was confirmed after a single intake in the intervention group compared to the control group (Table 9). These results demonstrate that the bay laurel extract has the effect of increasing saliva pH. [Table 9]
[0051] (12) Measurement of bad breath To evaluate bad breath, a breath odor meter was used to measure the amount of volatile sulfur compounds in the mouth, which are the main cause of bad breath. In the control group, no significant change in bad breath was observed before and after a single intake, but in the intervention group, a significant reduction in bad breath was observed after a single intake (Table 10). These results demonstrate that bay laurel extract is effective in suppressing bad breath. [Table 10]
[0052] (13) Questionnaire on constipation To assess constipation, a Likert scale questionnaire was used to survey participants on the item "Constipated." Questionnaire items were rated and scored on a six-point scale from 1 to 6 (1. "Not at all applicable," 2. "Not applicable at all," 3. "Not very applicable," 4. "Applies a little," 5. "Applies quite a lot," and 6. "Applies very much"). Compared to the control group, the intervention group showed a significant improvement in the "Constipated" score in the questionnaire four weeks after intake (Table 11). [Table 11]
[0053] As described above, the above human tests have demonstrated that the composition has antibacterial effects against Tannerella forsythensis and Streptococcus mutans, suppresses gingival inflammation, spontaneous gingival bleeding, and plaque accumulation, improves oral dryness and saliva pH, suppresses bad breath, and improves constipation.
Claims
1. A composition for improving gums, containing bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) extract as an active ingredient.
2. A gum-improving composition for reducing bleeding in the gums, comprising an extract of bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) as an active ingredient.
3. A composition for improving saliva, comprising an extract of bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) as an active ingredient.
4. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is a food composition, a pharmaceutical composition, or a quasi-drug composition.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Mouthwash composition using natural materials and manufacturing method thereof
KR1020150027352A