Tablets and methods for improving their retronasal aroma

Abstract

To provide tablets that can enhance retronasal aroma, and to provide new uses for the tablets (such as tasting or enjoying the retronasal aroma, or nasal absorption of a portion of the effervescent component). [Solution] A tablet containing a volatile component and an effervescent component, which is consumed to enjoy a retronasal aroma or to allow at least a portion of the volatile component to be absorbed via the nose. The tablet is preferably an orally disintegrating tablet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to tablets and a method for improving their retronasal aroma.

Background Art

[0002] The aroma of food is classified into that which can be felt only by the nose without putting the food in the mouth (orthonasal aroma) and that which passes from the oral cavity to the nasal cavity when the food is put in the mouth (retronasal aroma). Improving the retronasal aroma can lead to enhancing the product value of food and expanding its uses.

[0003] On the other hand, some methods for improving the retronasal aroma of foods and the like have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an enhancer for retronasal aroma containing a specific dipeptide (γ-Glu-Abu, γ-glutamyl-2-aminobutyric acid). In Patent Document 2, it has been confirmed by sensory evaluation that adding rotundone, which is a citrus flavor enhancer, to a gum containing an orange flavor enhances the retronasal aroma.

[0004] On the other hand, as one form of foods, pharmaceuticals, and oral care products, a preparation called a foaming tablet is known. A foaming tablet is a tablet containing a foaming agent such as a carbonate and an acid agent, and is a preparation in which foaming (generation of carbon dioxide) occurs due to the reaction of the foaming agent and the acid agent in the oral cavity. Foaming tablets containing a fragrance component are also known (see Patent Documents 3 to 5). As also described in Patent Documents 3 to 5, the foaming tablets have fast disintegration due to foaming, promotion of saliva secretion, enhancement of components that act on the throat, and good usability as selling points for consumers.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0006] Research on retronasal aroma in foods and other products is still insufficient. For example, there are few studies reporting on the relationship between the composition and properties of foods and their retronasal aroma. Furthermore, there have been no attempts to enhance the retronasal aroma of oral tablets to increase their value, and no technologies or products focusing on retronasal aroma have been reported to date.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problems it aims to solve are to provide a tablet that can enhance retronasal aroma, and to provide new uses for the tablet (such as tasting or enjoying the retronasal aroma, or nasally absorbing a portion of the effervescent component). [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention relates, for example, to the following tablets. [1] A tablet containing volatile and effervescent components, consumed for the purpose of experiencing a retronasal aroma. [2] A tablet containing a volatile component and an effervescent component, for nasal absorption of at least a portion of the volatile component.

[0009] [3] The tablet according to [1] or [2], wherein the tablet is an orally disintegrating tablet or a chewable tablet. [4] A tablet according to any one of [1] to [3] above, wherein a powdered fragrance is used as the raw material for the volatile component, and the amount of the powdered fragrance added is 2% by mass or more of the total mass of the added components. [5] A tablet according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the effervescent component comprises a combination of an acid and a carbonate. [6] A tablet according to any one of [1] to [5] above, wherein the volatile component is a fragrance.

[0010] The present invention also relates to the following tablets. [7] An oral or for-oral tablet containing a volatile component and an effervescent component, wherein the amount of the effervescent component is 20 to 200 times the mass of the amount of the volatile component. [8] An oral or oculum tablet containing a volatile component and an effervescent component, wherein the volatile component is a powdered fragrance, and the amount of the powdered fragrance added is 2% by mass or more of the total mass of the added components.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention includes a method for improving retronasal fragrance. [9] A method for improving the retronasal aroma of a tablet containing a volatile component by adding an effervescent component.

[10] The method according to [9], wherein the volatile component comprises a combination of an acid and a carbonate.

[11] The method according to [9] or

[10] , wherein the volatile component is a fragrance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The present invention provides a tablet that can enhance retronasal aroma, and offers novel uses for the tablet, such as tasting the retronasal aroma (enjoying the retronasal fragrance) and nasally absorbing at least a portion of the volatile components. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] [1. About the tablets] First, the composition and properties of the tablets of the present invention (also simply referred to as "tablets") will be described. The tablets of the present invention contain a volatile component and an effervescent component, and may further contain any other component.

[0014] [1-1. Volatile components] The volatile components contained in the tablets are not particularly limited as long as at least a portion of them volatilizes in the mouth and is inhaled directly through the nose, but examples include fragrances and volatile useful components. In this specification, "volatile" component means a component whose volatilization amount (VC) when left standing for 10 minutes in an environment of 36°C and 90% relative humidity is 1% by mass or more, preferably 5% by mass or more, and more preferably 15% by mass or more, relative to the total mass of the object being left standing.

[0015] The volatile fragrance components can be any components that are usable as food or pharmaceutical ingredients and have an aroma, such as esters, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, phenols, ethers, lactones, hydrocarbons, nitrogen-containing and / or sulfur-containing compounds, acids, etc. Food-grade fragrance compounds are specified, for example, in Appendix 1 of the Enforcement Regulations of the Food Sanitation Act; these include fragrances specified by compound name and 18 fragrances specified as "esters" or derivatives. These fragrances are examples of volatile components in the present invention.

[0016] The esters as fragrances are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include fatty acid or aromatic carboxylic acid esters such as propyl formate, cis-3-hexenyl formate, terpinyl formate, benzyl lactate, ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, hexyl acetate, octyl acetate, nonyl acetate, decyl acetate, dodecyl acetate, dihydromyrcenyl acetate, linalyl acetate, citronellyl acetate, geranyl acetate, neryl acetate, tetrahydrogeraniol acetate, lavandulyl acetate, nerolidol acetate, dihydrocuminalyl acetate, terpinyl acetate, citryl acetate, nopyl acetate, dihydroterpinyl acetate, trans-2-hexenyl acetate, 2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexenylmethyl acetate, miraldyl acetate, veticol acetate, butyl propionate, hexyl propionate, decenyl propionate, linalyl propionate, ethyl butyrate, isoamyl butyrate, hexyl butyrate, octyl butyrate, cinnamyl butyrate, isopropyl isobutyrate, octyl isobutyrate, linalyl isobutyrate, hexyl methylbutyrate, cis-3-hexenyl methylbutyrate, 2-methylpentyl 2-methylvalerate, ethyl hexanoate, 2-methylbutyl hexanoate, hexyl hexanoate, methyl 3-hydroxyhexanoate, methyl octanoate, methyl nonanoate, methyl undecylenate, linalyl benzoate, methyl cinnamate, isoprenyl angelate, methyl geranate, triethyl citrate, ethyl acetoacetate, ethyl 2-hexylacetoacetate, ethyl benzylacetoacetate, allyl 2-ethylbutyrate, ethyl 3-hydroxybutyrate, ethyl nonanoate, ethyl decanoate, ethyl 2,4-decadienoate, methyl anthranilate, ethyl N-methylanthranilate, ethyl methylphenylglycidate (such as ethyl 3-methyl-3-phenylglycidate, etc.). In the tablets of the present invention, the esters as fragrances are preferably C2-C14 esters.

[0017] Alcohols used as fragrances are not particularly limited, but examples include isobutanol, isoamyl alcohol, hexanol, 3-heptanol, 3-octanol, 1-nonanol, 1-decanol, 1-undecanol, 1-dodecanol, prenol, 10-undecen-1-ol, dihydrolinalool, tetrahydromugol, myrcenoyl, dihydromyrcenoyl, tetrahydromyrcenoyl, osimenol, terpineol, 3-thujanol, benzyl alcohol, phenethyl alcohol, β-phenylethyl alcohol, trans-2-hexenol, and cis-3-hexenol. Examples include cis-4-hexenol, citronellol, rodinol, geraniol, nerol, linalool, tetrahydrolinalool, dimethyloctanol, hydroxycitronellol, isopulegol, menthol, terpineol, dihydroterpineol, carbeol, dihydrocarbeol, perilla alcohol, 4-thujanol, myrtenol, α-fenquil alcohol, farnesol, nerolidol, cedrenol, anise alcohol, hydrotropa alcohol, 3-phenylpropyl alcohol, cinnamic alcohol, amyl cinnamic alcohol, etc.

[0018] Aldehydes used as fragrances are not particularly limited, but examples include acetaldehyde, propanal, propanal diethyl acetal, n-hexanal, n-heptanal, n-octanal, n-nonanal, decanal, undecanal, tridecanal, tetradecanal, trans-2-hexenal, cis-4-decenal, 10-undecenal, trans-2-dodecenal, 3-dodecenal, trans-2-tridecenal, 2,4-hexadienal, 5,9-dimethyl-4,8-decadienal, citral, α-methylenecitronellal, citronellyloxyacetaldehyde, myrthenal, neral, α- or β-sinensal, and mylacaldehyde. Examples include phenylacetaldehyde, octanal dimethyl acetal, n-valeraldehyde, isovaleraldehyde, 2-methylbutanal, citronellal, hydroxycitronellal, safranal, bernaldehyde, furfural, benzaldehyde, benzaldehyde propylene glycol acetal, para-tolylaldehyde, phenylpropionaldehyde, cinnamic aldehyde, salicylaldehyde, anisaldehyde, p-methylphenoxyacetaldehyde, acetaldehyde diethyl acetal, 2-phenyl-2,4-pentanediol acetal, 2-hexenal diethyl acetal, and 2-hexyl-5-methyl-1,3-dioxolane.

[0019] The ketones as spices are not particularly limited. For example, 2-pentanone, 3-heptanone, 3-octanone, 2-nonanone, 2-undecanone, 2-tridecanone, methylheptenone, dimethyloctenone, geranylacetone, 2,3,5-trimethyl-4-cyclohexenyl-1-methyl ketone, nerone, nutkatone, dihydronutkatone, acetophenone, 4,7-dihydro-2-isopentyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxepine, 2,3-hexanedione, ethylisoamyl ketone, diacetyl, amylcyclopentenone, 2-cyclopentylcyclopentanone, hexylcyclopentanone, heptylcyclopentanone, cis-jasmone, dihydrojasmone, trimethylpentylcyclopentanone, α-dinascone, trimethylcyclohexenylbutenone, ionone (α-ionone, β-ionone, etc.), allyl ionone, preticatone, cashmeran, l-carvone, menthone, camphor, p-methylacetophenone, p-methoxyacetophenone, benzylideneacetone, raspberry ketone, methylnaphthyl ketone, benzophenone, furfuralacetone, homofuraneol, maltol, ethylmaltol, ethyl acetoacetate ethylene glycol ketal, furaneol, β-damascenone, etc. can be mentioned.

[0020] The phenols as spices are not particularly limited. For example, 3-ethylphenol, thymol, carvacrol, β-naphthol isobutyl ether, anethole, β-naphthol methyl ether, β-naphthol ethyl ether, guaiacol, creosol, veratrole, hydroquinone dimethyl ether, 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, 4-ethylguaiacol, eugenol, methyleugenol, isoeugenol, methylisoeugenol, ethylisoeugenol, tert-butylhydroquinone dimethyl ether, vanillin, etc. can be mentioned.

[0021] Ethers used as fragrances are not particularly limited, but examples include decyl vinyl ether, α-terpinyl methyl ether, isoproxene, 2,2-dimethyl-5-(1-methyl-1-propenyl)-tetrahydrofuran, rose furan, 1,4-cineole, nerol oxide, 2,2,6-trimethyl-6-vinyltetrahydropyran, methylhexyl ether, osimene epoxide, limonene oxide, rubofix, caryophyllene oxide, linalool oxide, 5-isopropenyl-2-methyl-2-vinyltetrahydrofuran, theaspiran, rose oxide, and 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine.

[0022] Lactones used as fragrances are not particularly limited, but examples include γ-undecalactone, δ-dodecalactone, γ-hexalactone, γ-nonalactone, γ-decalactone, γ-dodecalactone, jasmine lactone, methyl γ-decalactone, jasmolactone, propylenephthalide, δ-hexalactone, δ-2-decenolactone, ε-dodecalactone, dihydrocoumarin, coumarin, etc.

[0023] Hydrocarbons used as fragrances are not particularly limited, but examples include ocimene, limonene, α-phellandrene, terpinene, 3-carene, bisabolene, valencene, allo-ocimene, myrcene, farnesene, α-pinene, β-pinene, camphene, terpinolene, p-cymene, cedrene, β-caryophyllene, α-caryophyllene, isocaryophyllene, and cadinene.

[0024] The nitrogen-containing and / or sulfur-containing compounds used as fragrances are not particularly limited, but examples include methyl anthranilate, ethyl anthranilate, methyl N-methylanthranilate, methyl N-2′-methylpentylidene anthranilate, ligantral, dodecanenitrile, 2-tridecennitrile, geranylnitrile, citronellylnitrile, 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-nonadienonitrile, indole, 5-methyl-3-heptanone oxime, limonenethiol, 1-p-menthen-8-thiol, butyl anthranilate, cis-3-hexenyl anthranilate, phenylethyl anthranilate, cinnamyl anthranilate, dimethyl sulfide, 8-mercaptomentone, and 3-mercaptohexanol.

[0025] Acids used as fragrances are not particularly limited, but examples include acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, isobutyric acid, isovaleric acid, 3-methylvaleric acid, 2-methyl-2-pentenoic acid, 2-methylheptanoic acid, pyruvic acid, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, decanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, 2-decenoic acid, geranic acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, 2-ethylbutyric acid, phenylacetic acid, cinnamic acid, 2-hexenoic acid, myristic acid, stearic acid, and the like.

[0026] The volatile fragrance component may be a synthetic fragrance, a naturally derived fragrance, or a blended fragrance, fragrance composition, essential oil, etc. Examples of natural fragrances include thyme, celery, cinnamon, sage, pepper, parsley, spearmint, nutmeg, anethole, clove, margeram, peppermint, basil, and rosemary.

[0027] Furthermore, the fragrance may be included in the tablets as a powdered fragrance. Using a powdered fragrance makes it easier to handle as a raw material for incorporation into tablets, even if the fragrance is liquid at room temperature, and also improves the storage stability and heat resistance of the fragrance. The powdered fragrance may be obtained by emulsifying the fragrance with an excipient and then spray-drying it to produce a powder, or by supporting the fragrance on a carrier. Examples of the excipient include dextrin, starch, gum arabic, gelatin, and casein. Examples of the carrier include powdered silica, powdered calcium silicate, and cellulose particles. The fragrance content in the powdered fragrance is usually 1 to 50% by mass, preferably 3 to 40% by mass, and particularly preferably 5 to 30% by mass.

[0028] The aforementioned fragrances may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0029] The volatile active ingredients are not particularly limited as long as they are volatile and exhibit desirable effects on humans (e.g., clinical pharmacological effects) when ingested. Specific examples of volatile active ingredients include hypnotics, psychotropic drugs, anticonvulsants, Parkinson's syndrome treatments, analgesics, Alzheimer's disease treatments, antiallergic drugs, cardiac stimulants, antiarrhythmics, antianginic drugs, antihypertensive drugs, antihyperlipidemic drugs, diuretics, expectorants, antiasthmatics, antacids, peptic ulcer treatments, antithrombotic drugs, thrombolytics, anti-inflammatory drugs, gout treatments, osteoporosis treatments, rheumatoid arthritis treatments, diabetes treatments, anticancer drugs, antibiotics, antifungal drugs, immunosuppressants, and other disease treatments. Furthermore, the above-mentioned fragrances can also be volatile active ingredients. These volatile active ingredients may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0030] In one embodiment, the volatile component preferably includes a fragrance, and more preferably is a fragrance. In another embodiment, the volatile component preferably includes a volatile useful component, and more preferably is a volatile useful component.

[0031] The lower limit of the proportion of volatile components in a tablet is preferably 0.1% by mass, more preferably 0.2% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.3% by mass, relative to the total mass of the components. On the other hand, the upper limit of the proportion of volatile components in a tablet is preferably 15% by mass, more preferably 10% by mass, and particularly preferably 8% by mass, relative to the total mass of the components. When powdered fragrance is used as the raw material for the volatile components, the lower limit of the proportion of powdered fragrance in a tablet is preferably 2% by mass, more preferably 3% by mass, and particularly preferably 4% by mass, relative to the total mass of the components. On the other hand, the upper limit of the proportion of powdered fragrance in a tablet is preferably 70% by mass, more preferably 50% by mass, and particularly preferably 30% by mass, relative to the total mass of the components. By setting the proportion of volatile components within these ranges, tablets with good retronasal fragrance and disintegration properties can be obtained. The content of volatile components in a tablet can be measured by gas chromatography or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after extraction using an organic solvent.

[0032] [1-2. Foaming ingredients] The effervescent component in the tablet is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it contains a combination of an acid and a carbonate. The effervescent component in the tablet is preferable to cause the tablet to break apart, for example, disintegrate, in the mouth when the user takes the tablet. Furthermore, the effervescent component in the tablet can enhance the retronasal aroma derived from the volatile components in the tablet (increase the retronasal aroma concentration) when the user takes the tablet in the mouth.

[0033] The acid constituting the effervescent component in the tablet may be an organic acid or an inorganic acid. Examples of organic acids include citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, and ascorbic acid, while examples of inorganic acids include phosphoric acid. These acids may be used individually or in combination of two or more. The lower limit of the acid content in the tablet is preferably 1% by mass, more preferably 2% by mass, and particularly preferably 5% by mass, relative to the weight of the tablet. On the other hand, the upper limit of the acid content in the tablet is preferably 30% by mass, more preferably 25% by mass, and particularly preferably 20% by mass, relative to the weight of the tablet.

[0034] The carbonates that constitute the effervescent component in the tablets are not particularly limited, but examples include sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and sodium sesquicarbonate. These carbonates may be used individually or in combination of two or more. The lower limit of the carbonate content in the tablets is preferably 1% by mass, more preferably 2% by mass, and particularly preferably 5% by mass. On the other hand, the upper limit of the carbonate content in the tablets is preferably 30% by mass, more preferably 25% by mass, and particularly preferably 20% by mass.

[0035] When the content of acid (preferably an organic acid) and carbonate in the tablet is 1% by mass or more, the retronasal aroma of the tablet taken orally (preferably the tablet disintegrates or is chewed in the mouth) is improved, and the peak intensity of the retronasal aroma can be increased. On the other hand, if the content of acid and carbonate is too high, the strength of the resulting tablet tends to decrease.

[0036] Furthermore, the ratio of the amount of effervescent component (total of organic acids and carbonates) to the amount of volatile component in the tablet (amount of effervescent component / amount of volatile component) can be appropriately set depending on the type of volatile component, etc., but is preferably 8 or more, more preferably 9 or more, even more preferably 10 or more, and particularly preferably 20 or more; on the other hand, is preferably 200 or less, more preferably 150 or less, and even more preferably 100 or less. By adjusting this ratio (amount of effervescent component / amount of volatile component), the retronasal aroma of the tablet taken orally (preferably the tablet disintegrates or is chewed in the mouth) can be improved. Also, by setting the ratio within this range, a tablet with a good effervescent feel can be obtained.

[0037] [1-3. Other ingredients] The tablets of the present invention may contain, in addition to the above-mentioned volatile and effervescent components, any other components to ensure the various properties of the tablets. Examples of any other components include excipients, binders, disintegrants, fluidizers, lubricants, stabilizers, flavoring agents, coating agents, non-volatile useful components, oral medicinal components, etc.

[0038] (Excipients) Any other excipient component is not particularly limited, but may be an inorganic or organic excipient. Examples of inorganic excipients include titanium dioxide, aluminum silicate, silicon dioxide, anhydrous sodium sulfate, anhydrous calcium hydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, hydrated amorphous silicon dioxide, calcium silicate, light anhydrous silicic acid, heavy anhydrous silicic acid, calcium sulfate, calcium monohydrogen phosphate, calcium hydrogen phosphate, sodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, calcium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, magnesium oxide, and the like. Examples of organic excipients include crystalline cellulose, starch (corn starch, partially pregelatinized starch, etc.), fructose, caramel, agar, xylitol, paraffin, sucrose, fructose, maltose, lactose, sucrose, glucose, pullulan, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, maltitol, reduced maltose syrup, reduced starch syrup, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, lactitol, trehalose, reduced palatinose, maltose, etc.

[0039] Organic excipients are preferred as excipients in the tablets of the present invention. Excipients may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0040] (Binder) The binder, which is any other component, is not particularly limited, but examples include methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hypromellose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, reduced maltose syrup, starch (corn starch, partially pregelatinized starch, etc.), dextrin, pullulan, acacia gum, agar, acacia, tragacanth, sodium alginate, etc. The binder may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0041] (Disintegrant) Any other disintegrant component is not particularly limited, but examples include low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, calcium carboxymethylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, starch (corn starch, partially pregelatinized starch, etc.), dietary fiber (agar, crystalline cellulose, etc.), croscarmellose sodium, sodium carboxymethyl starch, etc. The disintegrant may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0042] (Smoothing agent) The other fluidizing agent, which is any other component, is not particularly limited, but examples include calcium phosphate, calcium hydrogen phosphate, silicon dioxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium silicate, and calcium silicate. In the present invention, silicon dioxide powder with an average particle size of 2.0 to 6.0 μm, as measured by laser diffraction scattering, is preferred as the fluidizing agent. The fluidizing agent may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0043] (lubricant) The lubricant, which is any other component, is not particularly limited, but examples include calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, sucrose fatty acid esters, talc, glycerin fatty acid esters, etc. The lubricant may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0044] (Non-volatile useful ingredients) Any other non-volatile useful components are not particularly limited as long as they exhibit a suitable effect on humans (e.g., clinical efficacy) when ingested. In this specification, "non-volatile" means that the amount of volatilization (VC) of the substance over 10 minutes when left standing in an environment of 36°C and 90% relative humidity is less than 1% by mass of the total mass of the substance.

[0045] Non-volatile useful components include, for example, hypnotics, psychotropic drugs, anticonvulsants, Parkinson's syndrome treatments, analgesics, Alzheimer's disease treatments, anti-allergic drugs, cardiac stimulants, antiarrhythmics, antianginic drugs, antihypertensive drugs, antihyperlipidemic drugs, diuretics, expectorants, anti-asthmatics, antacids, peptic ulcer treatments, antithrombotic drugs, thrombolytics, anti-inflammatory drugs, gout treatments, osteoporosis treatments, chronic rheumatoid arthritis treatments, diabetes treatments, anticancer drugs, antibiotics, antifungal drugs, immunosuppressants, and other disease treatments; as well as cinnamon bark, peony root, apricot kernel, and peach kernel. Examples of herbal medicines include licorice, Phellodendron bark, citrus peel, spruce, senega, clove, angelica, gentian, gentian, gentian, swertia, rehmannia, digitalis, valerian, balloon flower, aloe, pinellia, turmeric, and ginger; herbal medicines such as kakkonto, anchusan, goreisan, shoseiryuto, tokishakuyakusan, and maoto; and health-promoting ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, polyphenols, collagen, coenzyme Q10, lutein, indigestible dextrin, inulin, lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria, and cannabidiol. These non-volatile active ingredients may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0046] (Oral medicinal ingredients) Any other oral medicinal ingredient is not particularly limited as long as it exhibits some desirable effect in the oral cavity. Examples of oral medicinal ingredients include: breath freshening ingredients such as sodium copper chlorophyllin, sodium iron chlorophyllin, isopropylmethylphenol, hinokitiol, licorice, cinnamon, clove, fennel, flavonoids, champignon extract, perilla extract, oolong tea extract, henbane extract, and xylitol; antibacterial agents such as cetylpyridinium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, decalinium chloride, chlorhexidines, triclosan, and lactoferrin; anti-inflammatory agents such as azulene, azulene sulfonate, glycyrrhetinic acid, lysozyme chloride, Phellodendron amurense extract, Angelica acutiloba extract, and epsilon-aminocaproic acid; blood circulation promoting agents such as tocopherols; fluorine compounds such as sodium monofluorophosphate, potassium monofluorophosphate, and sodium fluoride; and enzymes such as dextranase, mutanase, lysozyme, amylase, protease, lactoperoxidase, and lytic enzymes. Furthermore, the above-mentioned fragrances can also serve as oral medicinal ingredients. These oral medicinal ingredients may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0047] The tablets of the present invention can further utilize other components that have been conventionally used as components of tablets, depending on the purpose.

[0048] [2. Uses of Tablets] The tablets of the present invention are typically oral tablets or oral tablets. Oral tablets are consumed by the user (or eater) by chewing and / or contacting them with saliva, allowing the tablet to disintegrate and / or dissolve in the mouth, with the aim of orally ingesting useful or nutrient components. Oral tablets, on the other hand, are consumed by the user for oral care, by placing a tablet containing oral medicinal components in the mouth with water as needed and / or chewing it, allowing it to dissolve in the mouth by contacting moisture, and then finally swallowing or spitting it out. Given these modes of use, the tablets of the present invention may preferably be orally disintegrating tablets or chewable tablets.

[0049] The tablets of the present invention contain volatile and effervescent components, thereby imparting an enhanced retronasal aroma. In particular, the tablets of the present invention disintegrate in the oral cavity upon contact with moisture such as saliva, or are crushed by the user after a certain number of chews, allowing the user to enjoy the retronasal aroma. For this reason, in one preferred embodiment, the tablets of the present invention are used (consumed) to enjoy the retronasal aroma. In this application, the volatile component contained in the tablets is preferably a fragrance.

[0050] Furthermore, if the tablets of the present invention are oral tablets, the volatile components can be absorbed nasally by returning from the mouth to the nasal cavity. As a result, compared to when all of the volatile components are taken orally, the absorption rate can be improved (for example, bioavailability can be increased); and by combining drug absorption from the digestive system via oral administration with drug absorption from the respiratory system via nasal administration, the effects can be expressed more effectively. For this reason, in a preferred embodiment, the tablets of the present invention are used to allow at least a portion of the volatile components to be absorbed nasally. In this case, it is preferable that the volatile components contained in the tablets are volatile useful components.

[0051] The tablets of the present invention may display descriptions and appeals regarding their uses and functions. For example, the instructions, packaging, and product introductions for the tablets of the present invention may clearly state that a retronasal aroma can be enjoyed, or that at least a portion of the beneficial components contained therein can be absorbed through the nose.

[0052] [3. Method for manufacturing tablets] The method for manufacturing tablets of the present invention can employ methods known in the pharmaceutical field. Known methods for manufacturing tablets can be broadly classified into two types: a method in which each component is granulated into granules and a mixture of these granules and other components is compressed into tablets (indirect tableting method); and a method in which a mixed powder of each component is directly compressed into tablets without granulating each component (direct tableting method). Granulation methods in the indirect tableting method can be broadly classified into wet methods and dry methods. Granulation methods also include fluidized bed granulation and agitated granulation.

[0053] The tableting process can be carried out using a tablet press; a single-shot tablet press, a rotary tablet press, or the like can be used. Furthermore, the tablets of the present invention may be coated tablets by applying various coating treatments to the uncoated tablets obtained by tableting, as needed.

[0054] The tablets of the present invention are preferably obtained by compressing a mixture containing both a volatile component and an effervescent component; however, the coating of coated tablets may contain either or both of the volatile component and the effervescent component.

[0055] The tablets of the present invention are preferably stored in packaging containers, and more preferably in airtight containers. This is to prevent the volatile components in the tablets from disappearing during storage. Examples of airtight containers for packaging tablets include PTP (press-through packaging), aluminum laminate film packaging, and glass or PET bottle packaging.

[0056] [4. Methods to improve the retronasal aroma of tablets] The present invention relates to a method for improving the retronasal aroma of tablets. The method includes adding an effervescent component to tablets containing a volatile component.

[0057] In this specification, "improvement of retronasal aroma" means that a tablet containing a volatile component and an effervescent component has an improved retronasal aroma compared to a tablet containing a volatile component but not an effervescent component.

[0058] More specifically, whether the retronasal aroma of the tablets of the present invention has improved can be confirmed by an increase in the area under the sensor intensity curve measured by the method described in the Examples. It is preferable that a tablet containing a volatile component and an effervescent component (the tablet of the present invention) has the same type and amount of volatile component contained in the tablet (if multiple types of volatile components are used, their composition is also the same), and has the same weight and shape, but the area under the sensor intensity curve measured for retronasal aroma by the method described in the Examples is increased by 1.1 times or more compared to a tablet that does not contain an effervescent component. [Examples]

[0059] The present invention will be described more specifically below with reference to examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0060] [A. Tablet Manufacturing] Tablets with the compositions shown in Examples 1-4 and Comparative Examples 1-2 in Table 1 were manufactured using a rotary tablet press by direct compression. A 15 mm diameter die was used, and the compression pressure was approximately 6000 N. Tablets with a thickness of 6.4 mm were produced in this manner.

[0061] The volatile components used in the manufacture of the tablets are listed below. • Powdered limonene: A fragrance powdered with dextrin containing 8.3% by mass of limonene. • Powdered ethyl butyrate: A fragrance powdered with dextrin containing 9.3% by mass of ethyl butyrate.

[0062] [B. Evaluation of Retronasal Aroma] The retronasal aroma of the obtained tablets was evaluated. Specifically, a Lunmai nasal cannula (manufactured by TM Trading Co., Ltd.) was attached to the nose of each subject, and a portable odor sensor XP-329IIIR (manufactured by Shin-Cosmos Electric Co., Ltd.) was connected to its end.

[0063] Seventeen subjects evaluated the retronasal aroma by chewing each tablet. Each subject was free to chew the tablets approximately 30 times. During this time, the retronasal aroma was measured in real time using an odor sensor. Data sampling during the measurement was performed at 2 Hz.

[0064] The area under the sensor intensity curve was calculated from the intensity curve obtained by measurements using an odor sensor. Table 1 shows the area under the sensor intensity curve, the maximum sensor intensity on the sensor intensity curve, and the chewing time (time from ingestion to swallowing). The calculated area under the sensor intensity curve and the maximum intensity value were standardized according to the amount of volatile components contained in the tablet. The average values ​​of the area under the curve, maximum intensity, and chewing time were calculated for each tablet, and these results are shown in Table 1.

[0065] [Table 1]

[0066] As can be seen from the comparison between Comparative Example 1 and Examples 1 and 2, in tablets containing powdered limonene, a volatile component, the area under the strength curve is larger and the maximum strength is higher when an effervescent component is included (Examples 1 and 2) compared with the case without an effervescent component (Comparative Example 1). Similarly, as can be seen from the comparison between Comparative Example 2 and Examples 3 and 4, in tablets containing powdered ethyl butyrate, a volatile component, the area under the strength curve is larger and the maximum strength is higher when an effervescent component is included (Examples 3 and 4) compared with the case without an effervescent component (Comparative Example 2).

[0067] Thus, it can be seen that including an effervescent component in tablets containing volatile components can improve the retronasal aroma of the tablets. Furthermore, it can be seen that including an effervescent component in tablets containing volatile components makes it easier for the volatile components to be absorbed nasally by the user. [Industrial applicability]

[0068] The present invention provides a new use for tablets. This use can enhance the value of tablets, for example, by improving the retronasal aroma of conventional oral tablets.

Claims

1. Tablets containing volatile and effervescent components, consumed for their retronasal aroma.

2. A tablet containing a volatile component and an effervescent component, for nasal absorption of at least a portion of the volatile component.

3. The tablet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tablet is an orally disintegrating tablet or a chewable tablet.

4. The tablet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a powdered fragrance is used as the raw material for the volatile component, and the amount of the powdered fragrance added is 2% by mass or more of the total mass of the added components.

5. The tablet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the effervescent component comprises a combination of an acid and a carbonate.

6. The tablet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the volatile component is a fragrance.

7. An oral or oculum tablet containing a volatile component and an effervescent component, wherein the amount of the effervescent component is 20 to 200 times the mass of the amount of the volatile component.

8. A method for improving the retronasal aroma of tablets containing volatile components by adding an effervescent component.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the volatile component comprises a combination of an acid and a carbonate.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the volatile component is a fragrance.

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