Oral composition and bean odor reducing agent

Abstract

The object of this invention is to provide an oral composition in which the bean-like odor derived from tamarind is suppressed. [Solution] An oral composition comprising tamarind seed gum at a concentration of 4 mg / mL or more and a fruit flavor.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to an oral composition containing tamarind seed gum and an anti-beany flavor agent.

Background Art

[0002] Tamarind seed gum is a polysaccharide contained in the seeds of tamarind. Tamarind seed gum is generally used to thicken or gel products such as foods.

[0003] In recent years, reports on the health functionality of tamarind seed gum have been made and commercialization has also been promoted. For example, tamarind seed gum is used in eye drops based on the finding that it can form a protective film on the conjunctiva (Non-Patent Document 1). Also, tamarind seed gum is used in nasal drops based on the finding that it can form a protective film on the nasal mucosa (Non-Patent Document 2). Further, tamarind seed gum is used in topical medications because it is said to be able to relieve the symptoms of atopy and psoriasis by application to the skin.

[0004] Furthermore, the function of tamarind seed gum to relieve gastrointestinal-related symptoms has attracted attention. For example, in Non-Patent Document 3, it has been reported that diarrhea symptoms were alleviated by having pediatric patients with diarrhea symptoms ingest a powder containing a predetermined amount of tamarind seed gum continuously for 5 days. Also, in Non-Patent Document 4, it has been reported that symptoms of more than 90% of adult patients with irritable bowel syndrome were alleviated by having them ingest capsules containing a predetermined amount of tamarind seed gum over a period of about 2 weeks.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0005]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

[0006] As mentioned above, continuous consumption may be important to obtain the symptom-relieving effects of tamarind seed gum. Furthermore, since naturally derived tamarind seed gum is relatively safe for children to consume, it is preferable to include it in liquids such as beverages that are easy to drink. However, tamarind seed gum has a distinctive beany odor derived from tamarind. This beany odor can be unpleasant to consume and may cause people to discontinue continuous use.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, the object of the present invention is to provide an oral composition in which the bean-like odor derived from tamarind is suppressed, and a bean-like odor reducing agent that can suppress the bean-like odor derived from tamarind. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The oral composition and bean odor reducing agent according to the present invention are as follows:

[0009] [1] An oral composition comprising tamarind seed gum at a concentration of 4 mg / mL or more and a fruit flavor.

[0010] [2] The oral composition according to [1] above, wherein the fruit flavor is selected from the group consisting of citrus flavors, apple flavors, and banana flavors.

[0011] [3] The oral composition according to [1] or [2] above, which is used for ingestion at least once a day for a period of two weeks or more.

[0012] [4] The oral composition according to any one of [1] to [3] above, which is used to repair tight junctions in the digestive organs.

[0013] [5] The oral composition according to any one of [1] to [4] above, which is used for functional foods.

[0014] [6] Added to an oral composition containing tamarind seed gum at 4 mg / mL or more, A bean odor reducing agent derived from tamarind, containing a fruit flavor.

Effects of the Invention

[0015] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an oral composition in which the bean odor derived from tamarind is suppressed, and a bean odor reducing agent capable of suppressing the bean odor derived from tamarind.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a graph showing the results of a sensory evaluation regarding the intensity of the bean odor in the examples. [Figure 2] It is a graph showing the change in the blood zonulin concentration before and after the test in the examples.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] The oral composition according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0018] The oral composition according to this embodiment contains tamarind seed gum for the purpose of alleviating symptoms in various organs of a user. The oral composition contains the tamarind seed gum in a state dissolved in water. The oral composition is to be orally ingested by the user.

[0019] Examples of the oral composition include those that give the user a flavor. The oral composition may be a liquid such as a beverage or a liquid preparation, or may be a gel-like substance such as jelly. Further, the oral composition may be a powder, a granule, or a solid containing tamarind seed gum before being dissolved in water. That is, the oral composition may be in a liquid state (water-soluble product) in which the tamarind seed gum is dissolved in water, or may be in a powder, granule, or solid form for preparing the water-soluble product of the tamarind seed gum as needed.

[0020] The tamarind seed gum is a polysaccharide contained in the seeds of a leguminous plant, Tamarindus Indica L. The tamarind seed gum includes a repeating structure having a main chain composed of a plurality of D-glucoses bonded by β-(1-4) bonds and a plurality of side chains bonded to the main chain. Usually, the plurality of side chains include a first side chain composed of D-xylose α-(6-1)-bonded to one of the plurality of D-glucoses and D-galactose β-(2-1)-bonded to the D-xylose. The plurality of side chains also include a second side chain composed of D-xylose α-(6-1)-bonded to one of the plurality of D-glucoses. <00,00099>

[0021] The tamarind seed gum is preferably of natural origin from a cost and safety standpoint. Specifically, it is preferable that the hydroxyl group of the tamarind seed gum has not been chemically modified. Examples of such chemical modifications include etherification (alkylation), esterification, oxidation to carboxylic acids, and amidation. More specifically, examples of naturally derived tamarind seed gum include those in which the hydroxyl group has not been converted to an aldehyde group or carboxyl group by oxidation, those in which the hydroxyl group has not been chemically modified to an ester bond by acylation, those in which the hydroxyl group has not been chemically modified to have an ether bond by a silane coupling agent, and those that have not undergone graft polymerization. The naturally derived tamarind seed gum may be purified as needed.

[0022] Furthermore, it is preferable that the tamarind seed gum maintains approximately the same molecular weight as when it was naturally present. That is, it is preferable that the main chain or side chains of the tamarind seed gum have not been artificially decomposed by enzymatic decomposition, hydrolysis with acid or alkali, etc. Such tamarind seed gum typically exhibits a viscosity of 100 to 160 mPa·s at 25°C in a 1.0% by mass aqueous solution (tamarind seed gum:water = 1:99). Note that the viscosity here refers to the value measured using a Brookfield viscometer (Type B viscometer) at a rotation speed of 30 rpm.

[0023] The naturally derived tamarind seed gum described above has a distinctive bean-like odor (smell) derived from tamarind. Furthermore, if the oral composition contains tamarind seed gum at a concentration of 4 mg / mL or higher, it will cause the inhaler to perceive a distinctive odor. Therefore, the oral composition according to this embodiment contains tamarind seed gum as an active ingredient for symptom relief, along with a flavor as an odor-reducing agent.

[0024] The concentration of the tamarind seed gum is preferably 10 mg / mL or less.

[0025] Examples of the aforementioned flavors include fruit flavors, coffee flavors, and vanilla flavors. Among these, fruit flavors are preferred. Examples of fruit flavors include citrus flavors such as lemon, orange, mandarin, grapefruit, and lime flavors, as well as apple, banana, grape, peach, strawberry, melon, pineapple, and mango flavors.

[0026] The flavor may be included in the oral composition at a general fragrance concentration. For example, the concentration of the flavor may be 0.1% to 0.5% by volume, or 0.2% to 0.5% by volume, relative to the volume of the oral composition.

[0027] The aforementioned flavor contains a fragrance as an active ingredient to reduce the bean-like odor. The fragrance preferably contains components derived from citrus fruits such as lemon and orange. The concentration of the fragrance is, for example, 0.005% by volume or more and 0.05% by volume or less relative to the volume of the oral composition.

[0028] The flavor may be included in the oral composition during the manufacturing stage. Alternatively, the flavor may be mixed with the tamarind seed gum during the ingestion stage of the oral composition. In other words, the oral composition may be prepared on demand. Thus, the flavor is a bean odor reducer additive for manufacturing or preparing on demand an oral composition containing 4 mg / mL or more of tamarind seed gum.

[0029] The pH of the oral composition is preferably 2.0 to 8.0. Specifically, the oral composition may contain a pH adjusting agent so that the pH is 2.0 to 8.0.

[0030] Next, we will describe examples of how to use the oral composition according to this embodiment.

[0031] The oral composition can be used for at least one of the prevention and alleviation of various symptoms in the intestines.

[0032] Liu et al. reported experimental results showing that adding tamarind seed gum to human fecal culture medium increased the levels of acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid in the culture medium compared to culture medium without tamarind seed gum (International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 237, 2023, 124175). These experimental results suggest that tamarind seed gum may act as food for acetic acid-producing bacteria, propionic acid-producing bacteria, and butyric acid-producing bacteria present in the intestines, activating these bacteria and increasing short-chain fatty acids such as acetic acid in the intestines. Based on these experimental results, the oral composition may be used to increase at least one of acetic acid-producing bacteria, propionic acid-producing bacteria, and butyric acid-producing bacteria in the intestines, which are part of the digestive system. In other words, the oral composition may be used to increase at least one of acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid in the intestines. Short-chain fatty acids produced in the intestines are used as an energy source for epithelial cell proliferation, mucus secretion, and water and mineral absorption. In addition, short-chain fatty acids suppress the growth of harmful bacteria by creating a slightly acidic environment in the intestines, and they also stimulate the intestinal mucosa to promote peristalsis.

[0033] Furthermore, Liu et al. reported that consuming tamarind seed gum reduced the amount of Firmicutes bacteria, which are abundant in the intestines of obese individuals, and increased the amount of Bacteroidetes bacteria, which are abundant in the intestines of lean individuals, thereby improving the F / B ratio. Based on these test results, the oral composition may be used to reduce Firmicutes bacteria and increase Bacteroidetes bacteria in the intestines, particularly in the large intestine. In other words, the oral composition may be used to improve the F / B ratio in the intestines, particularly in the large intestine.

[0034] Esposito et al. reported, based on animal studies using rats, that tamarind seed gum can improve diarrheal symptoms caused by bacterial infection (Int J Mol Sci., 2018, Jun 22, 19(7), 1844). Specifically, Esposito et al. focused on tight junctions that connect intestinal epithelial cells and reported that while occludin and ZO-1, proteins constituting tight junctions, decreased in the intestinal tract of rats infected with Salmonella, the decrease in occludin and ZO-1 was significantly suppressed in the intestinal tract of rats administered tamarind seed gum along with Salmonella. Based on these test results, the oral composition may be used to protect tight junctions in the intestinal tract, which is a digestive organ, from bacteria, and may be used to protect occludin and ZO-1 in the intestinal tract from bacteria. Furthermore, the oral composition may be used to alleviate diarrheal symptoms caused by bacteria.

[0035] Furthermore, Santos et al. reported that administering 100 mg to 200 mg of tamarind seed gum every 8 hours for 5 consecutive days to pediatric patients aged 3 months to 14 years with diarrhea symptoms significantly reduced the frequency of watery and loose stools (Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2021, Mar;15(3), 325-331). Based on these test results, the oral composition may be used for administration at least once a day for a period of 5 days or more. Since the odor of tamarind seed gum is suppressed in the oral composition, it does not diminish the user's incentive to take it, making it easier to achieve daily administration.

[0036] Loosening of tight junctions can cause leaky gut syndrome, in which the contents of the intestines, such as intestinal bacteria and substances produced by intestinal bacteria, leak out of the intestines. Furthermore, it is said that when leaky gut syndrome develops, it can cause not only diarrhea but also irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and metabolic disorders. In addition, it is said that when leaky gut syndrome develops, it can potentially cause obesity, diabetes, and arteriosclerosis due to metabolic disorders, stress-induced neurological symptoms such as autonomic nervous system dysfunction, skin inflammation, and deterioration of the oral environment. Based on these findings, the oral composition may be used to prevent and alleviate at least one of irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and metabolic disorders. The oral composition may also be used to prevent and alleviate at least one of obesity, diabetes, and arteriosclerosis. The oral composition may also be used to prevent and alleviate stress-induced neurological symptoms. The oral composition may also be used to prevent and alleviate at least one of skin inflammation and deterioration of the oral environment.

[0037] Regarding irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Trifan et al. reported that in adult patients (18 years and older) with IBS, administering capsules containing tamarind seed gum for a period of four weeks resulted in approximately 90% of patients' stools becoming normal after two weeks (J. United European Gastroenterol J., 2019, Oct;7(8), 1093-1101). Based on these test results, the oral composition may be used for administration at least once a day for a period of two weeks or more. Because the odor of tamarind seed gum is suppressed in the oral composition, it is possible to maintain the user's incentive to take it even over a long period of two weeks or more.

[0038] Leaky gut syndrome is thought to be exacerbated by a protein called zonulin acting on tight junction proteins, causing loosening of the tight junctions. Furthermore, as leaky gut syndrome worsens, zonulin is thought to leak out of the intestines from the loosened tight junctions and reach the blood vessels. Therefore, if the zonulin level in the blood can be reduced, it can be considered that the tight junctions have been repaired. For this reason, the oral composition may be used to reduce the zonulin level in the blood, and by extension, to repair tight junctions in the intestinal tract. Moreover, the oral composition may be used to repair tight junctions outside the intestinal tract.

[0039] Since tamarind seed gum has the above-mentioned functions, the oral composition may be used in foods for specified health uses or in foods with functional claims.

[0040] If the oral composition is in liquid form, it may be contained in a container such as a plastic bottle.

[0041] If the oral composition is in powder, granular, or solid form, it may be individually packaged to contain a single serving (e.g., a daily intake) of tamarind seed gum. Alternatively, the oral composition may be contained in a package containing multiple individual packages for a multi-day intake period. The intake period may be set to, for example, at least 5 days, 1 week, or 2 weeks.

[0042] Each individual package may contain a predetermined amount of the tamarind seed gum and the fruit flavor. In this case, the oral composition is prepared on demand by mixing the water filled in a container with the mixture of tamarind seed gum and fruit flavor contained in one individual package. Alternatively, the plurality of individual packages may include a set consisting of a first individual package containing a predetermined amount of the tamarind seed gum and a second individual package containing a predetermined amount of the fruit flavor. In this case, the oral composition is prepared on demand by mixing the water filled in a container with the tamarind seed gum contained in the first individual package and the fruit flavor contained in the second individual package.

[0043] In both the container and the packaging, the packaging labeling may include a statement relating to any of the functions of tamarind seed gum described above as an approved statement for Foods for Specified Health Uses. Furthermore, the packaging labeling may include a statement relating to any of the functions of tamarind seed gum described above as a notification statement for Foods with Function Claims.

[0044] Furthermore, these package labels may include the recommended daily intake. The recommended daily intake of tamarind seed gum may be set within the range of 100 mg or more, 200 mg or more, 300 mg or more, 400 mg or more, 500 mg or more, 600 mg or more, 700 mg or more, or 800 mg or more. Alternatively, the recommended daily intake may be set within the range of 2000 mg or less, or 1000 mg or less.

[0045] Furthermore, if the oral composition is in powder, granular, or solid form, that is, if the oral composition is used for on-demand preparation, the packaging may include a statement indicating that the concentration of the tamarind seed gum in the aqueous solution is 4 to 10 mg / mL as the preparation method.

[0046] As described above, while exemplary embodiments have been presented, the oral composition according to the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiments. Furthermore, the oral composition according to the present invention is not limited by the effects described above. Various modifications can be made to the oral composition according to the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0047] Although the above embodiments primarily described applications to the intestines, the oral composition may also be used for the prevention and alleviation of various symptoms in other organs with mucous membranes. For example, the oral composition can be used for the prevention and alleviation of various symptoms in the stomach. Furthermore, the oral composition can be used for the prevention and alleviation of various symptoms in the urinary tract. [Examples]

[0048] The present invention will be further described below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0049] (Raw materials used) • Tamarind seed gum (manufactured by MP Gokyo Food & Chemical Co., Ltd., Griloid 3S, a refined product of naturally derived tamarind seed gum) • Lemon flavor (manufactured by Takasago International Corporation, Lemon Flavor, E-60217, fragrance 3 vol%) • Apple flavor (manufactured by Takada Fragrance Co., Ltd., Apple Flavor, DGT-65510, Fragrance 5.69 vol%) • Banana flavor (manufactured by Takada Fragrance Co., Ltd., banana flavor, DGT-61637, flavoring 12.11 vol%) • Coffee flavor (manufactured by Takasago International Corporation, Coffee Flavor, HQ-3110, 45.6 vol% fragrance) • Vanilla flavor (manufactured by Takada Fragrance Co., Ltd., Vanilla Flavor, DGT-61127, flavoring 4.92 vol%)

[0050] The ingredients shown in Table 1 were mixed with water to create a beverage containing tamarind seed gum.

[0051] (Sensory test 1: Suppression of bean odor) A panel of 11 trained panelists evaluated the intensity of the bean odor on a scale from criterion 1 (weak) to criterion 5 (strong, with comparative example 1, which had no added flavor, set as criterion 5), in increments of 0.5. The results are shown in Table 1 and Figure 1.

[0052] (Sensory evaluation 2: Ease of drinking) The ease of drinking was evaluated using the above panel, with a rating scale from Criterion 1 (difficult to drink, with Comparative Example 1, which had no added flavor, set as Criterion 1) to Criterion 5 (easy to drink), in increments of 0.5. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0053] [Table 1]

[0054] Next, beverages were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the concentration of lemon flavor was set to the values ​​shown in Table 2 below, and evaluated using the evaluation method described above. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0055] [Table 2]

[0056] (Observation of blood zonulin: Regarding the repair of tight junctions) Blood tests and questionnaires were administered to 36 adults, and 12 subjects were selected. Each subject ingested 200 mL of a beverage containing 800 mg of tamarind seed gum daily for four weeks (tamarind seed gum concentration of 4 mg / mL). Blood zonulin concentrations were measured before and after the study. The results are shown in Figure 1.

[0057] As shown in Figure 2, a significant decrease in blood zonulin levels was observed after 4 weeks of tamarind seed gum consumption. This suggests that tamarind seed gum consumption repaired tight junctions that had been leaking.

Claims

1. An oral composition comprising tamarind seed gum at a concentration of 4 mg / mL or more and a fruit flavor.

2. The oral composition according to claim 1, wherein the fruit flavor is selected from the group consisting of citrus flavor, apple flavor, and banana flavor.

3. An oral composition according to claim 1 or 2, to be used for ingestion at least once a day over a period of two weeks or more.

4. An oral composition according to claim 1 or 2, used for repairing tight junctions in the digestive tract.

5. An oral composition according to claim 1 or 2, used in a functional food.

6. It is added to oral compositions containing 4 mg / mL or more of tamarind seed gum, A tamarind-derived bean odor reducer that contains fruit flavoring.

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