Lipofuscin accumulation inhibitor

Abstract

This invention provides a composition that can improve skin dullness, enhance transparency, and correct uneven skin tone. [Solution] One or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of scutellaria baicalensis extract and devil's claw extract are used as the active ingredient of the lipofuscin accumulation inhibitor. The lipofuscin accumulation inhibitor can be contained in a composition for improving skin dullness and is suitable as a topical skin preparation or food / beverage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lipofuscin accumulation inhibitor, and further to a composition for improving skin dullness containing the same.

Background Art

[0002] Skin dullness refers to a state in which the transparency of the skin decreases, the brightness decreases, or color unevenness occurs, resulting in a dark appearance, and is considered to be caused by a complex involvement of various factors such as aging and poor blood circulation. Since skin dullness gives an old and unhealthy impression, conventionally, cosmetics and methods for skin care and makeup for improving this have been studied and proposed.

[0003] In the research on improving dullness, lipofuscin and lipofuscin-like substances are considered to be one of the causes of dullness. Lipofuscin is an insoluble pigment formed in lysosomes by the peroxidation of unsaturated fatty acids in the cytoplasm. It is the residual substance of foreign substances digested intracellularly by lysosomes, and it is likely to accumulate in cells when the degradation activity of lysosomes decreases. So far, it has been reported that suppressing the production of lipofuscin-like substances or decomposing lipofuscin-like substances improves skin dullness associated with skin aging (Patent Documents 1 and 2). In addition, it has been disclosed that a mixture of dehydroabietic acid and compound K exhibits an action of suppressing the accumulation of lipofuscin in human normal fibroblasts, and that such a mixture can prevent skin aging (Patent Document 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

[0005] While conventional ingredients that claim to improve skin dullness do show some improvement, it's difficult to say that they provide truly satisfactory results. In view of these circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a composition that can improve skin dullness, enhance transparency, and improve uneven skin tone. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The inventors conducted diligent research to solve the above problems and discovered that scutellaria baicalensis extract has the effect of activating lysosomes, thereby breaking down and reducing lipofuscin. They then conceived that scutellaria baicalensis extract, morning glory extract, devil's claw extract, and lotus flower extract can improve skin dullness by suppressing the accumulation of lipofuscin in vascular endothelial cells, and thus completed the present invention.

[0007] In other words, the present invention is as follows: [1] A lipofuscin accumulation inhibitor containing one or more selected from the group consisting of Scutellaria baicalensis extract, morning glory extract, devil's claw extract, and lotus flower extract. [2] The agent according to [1], wherein lipofuscin accumulation is suppressed by lysosomal activation. A composition for improving dullness of the skin, comprising the lipofuscin accumulation inhibitor described in [3][1] or [2]. [4] Scutellaria baicalensis extract is a composition for improving dullness of the skin, containing one or more selected from the group consisting of morning glory extract, devil's claw extract, and lotus flower extract. [5] The composition according to [3] or [4], wherein the composition is a topical skin preparation. [6] The composition according to [5], comprising scutellaria baicalensis extract and / or morning glory extract. [7] The composition according to [3] or [4], wherein the composition is a food or beverage. [8] The composition according to [7], comprising devil's claw extract and / or lotus flower extract. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The present invention provides a composition suitable for improving dullness of the skin. The composition can be in the form of a topical skin preparation, which can be easily and continuously incorporated into daily life to improve skin transparency and even skin tone. Furthermore, by reducing lipofuscin in vascular endothelial cells, it can also improve skin complexion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Microscopic images of vascular endothelial cells incubated with or without scutellaria baicalensis extract. Green areas indicate activated lysosomes. [Figure 2] Graph showing the percentage of area occupied by activated lysosomes in the observation field of view in Figure 1 (n=1). [Figure 3] Microscopic images of vascular endothelial cells that have accumulated lipofuscin, incubated with or without scutellaria baicalensis extract. The red areas indicate the autofluorescence of lipofuscin. [Figure 4] Graph showing the percentage of area occupied by activated lipofuscin in the observation field 24 hours after the addition of scutellaria baicalensis extract (n=1). [Figure 5] Microscopic images of vascular endothelial cells accumulating lipofuscin, incubated with or without the addition of Scutellaria baicalensis extract and / or Ipomoea purpurea extract. The red areas indicate the autofluorescence of lipofuscin. [Figure 6] Graph showing the percentage of area occupied by activated lipofuscin in the observation field 24 hours after the addition of scutellaria baicalensis extract (n=1). [Figure 7] Graph showing the area occupied by activated lipofuscin in the observation field 24 hours after the addition of morning glory extract (n=1). [Figure 8] Graph showing the occupancy area ratio of activated lipofuscin in the observation field 24 hours after adding safflower extract and morning glory calyx extract (n = 1). [Figure 9] Microscopic photographs when incubating with or without devil's claw extract or lotus flower extract added to vascular endothelial cells accumulating lipofuscin. The red area indicates the autofluorescence of lipofuscin. [Figure 10] Graph showing the occupancy area ratio of activated lipofuscin in the observation field 24 hours after adding devil's claw extract (n = 3, **: p < 0.01 (t - test)). [Figure 11] Graph showing the occupancy area ratio of activated lipofuscin in the observation field 24 hours after adding lotus flower extract (n = 3, ***: p < 0.001 (t - test)). [Figure 12] Graph showing the average brightness of the cheek before and after consecutive use in subjects who consecutively used a cosmetic containing safflower extract and morning glory calyx extract (n = 25, **: p < 0.01 (t - test)).

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] The agent or composition of the present invention contains one or more selected from the group consisting of safflower extract, morning glory calyx extract, devil's claw extract, and lotus flower extract. The safflower extract is an extract of Scutellaria baicalensis of the genus Scutellaria in the family Lamiaceae. The morning glory calyx extract is an extract of Evolvulus alsinoides of the genus Evolvulus in the family Convolvulaceae. The devil's claw extract is an extract of Harpagophytum procumbens DC. of the genus Harpagophytum in the family Pedaliaceae. The lotus flower extract is an extract of the flower part of Nelumbo nucifera of the genus Nelumbo in the family Nelumbonaceae. The devil's claw extract is an extract of Harpagophytum procumbens DC. of the genus Harpagophytum in the family Pedaliaceae. The lotus flower extract is an extract of the flower part of Nelumbo nucifera of the genus Nelumbo in the family Nelumbonaceae.

[0011] The term "extract" above refers not only to the extract itself, but also to fractions of the extract, purified fractions, and solvent-removed products of the extract or fraction or purified product.

[0012] Furthermore, the extract can be any extract commonly used in topical skin preparations such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, or in orally ingested compositions, and can be extracted from plants by conventional methods. While lotus flower extract uses the flower part of the plant as the source, other extracts may use the entire plant, or parts such as the plant body, above-ground parts, rhizomes, trunks, leaves, stems, flowers, flower buds, and fruits may be used in the extraction process. For scutellaria baicalensis extract, the rhizome is more preferable; for morning glory extract, the above-ground parts are more preferable; and for devil's claw extract, the stems are more preferable. As the extraction solvent, one or more polar solvents selected from water, alcohols such as ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and butanol, polyhydric alcohols such as 1,3-butanediol and polypropylene glycol, ketones such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone, and ethers such as diethyl ether and tetrahydrofuran are preferably used.

[0013] Specific extraction methods include, for example, adding 1 to 30 parts by mass of solvent to 1 part by mass of the plant body or its dried product to be used for extraction, immersing it for several days at room temperature or for several hours at a temperature near its boiling point, cooling it to room temperature, removing insoluble matter and / or solvent as desired, and then fractionating and purifying it by column chromatography or the like.

[0014] The content of one or more plant extracts selected from Scutellaria baicalensis extract, Ipomoea purpurea extract, Devil's claw extract, and Lotus flower extract in the agent or composition of the present invention is preferably 0.0001 to 0.09% by mass, more preferably 0.0005 to 0.03% by mass, and even more preferably 0.001 to 0.003% by mass, on a solid weight basis, relative to the entire composition. By setting the content within the above range, the desired effect can be easily obtained, and flexibility in formulation design can be ensured. The above-mentioned content can be appropriately adjusted according to the administration route and the form of the composition to be contained, as described later.

[0015] Scutellaria baicalensis extract, morning glory extract, devil's claw extract, and lotus flower extract all exhibit the effect of removing lipofuscin from cells by reducing the amount of lipofuscin already present in vascular endothelial cells, as shown in the examples described below. As shown in the reference examples described below, Scutellaria baicalensis extract activates lysosomes, and it is presumed that the accumulation of lipofuscin in cells is suppressed by the decomposition of lipofuscin by activated lysosomes. In other words, plant extracts selected from Scutellaria baicalensis extract, morning glory extract, devil's claw extract, and lotus flower extract can be active ingredients in lipofuscin accumulation inhibitors. The lipofuscin accumulation inhibitory effect of scutellaria baicalensis extract, morning glory extract, devil's claw extract, and lotus flower extract in this invention is due to the promotion of lipofuscin degradation caused by lysosome activation. Therefore, the lipofuscin accumulation inhibitor of this invention can also be called a lipofuscin degrading agent or lipofuscin remover, and these are also related to this invention. It is clearly encompassed. However, it cannot be denied that, as an effect of the present invention, the accumulation of lipofuscin is suppressed not only by the degradation of lipofuscin but also by the inhibition of its production and the promotion of its excretion.

[0016] The composition of the present invention can improve skin dullness by inhibiting lipofuscin accumulation. Specifically, when lipofuscin, an insoluble pigment, accumulates in vascular endothelial cells, the skin appears dark and dull. By removing lipofuscin from vascular endothelial cells, it is possible to improve skin brightness and transparency, as well as improve uneven skin tone. Furthermore, by reducing lipofuscin in vascular endothelial cells, it is also possible to improve skin complexion. Therefore, by applying the composition of the present invention, it is possible to give the impression of cleanliness, neatness, or healthy skin. In this invention, "skin dullness" is distinguished from pigmentation (such as age spots and freckles) caused by the excessive production and accumulation of melanin, and "improvement of skin dullness" is distinguished from so-called "whitening" which eliminates melanin pigmentation.

[0017] The route of administration of the agent or composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, including transdermal, oral, nasal, and intravenous injection, but transdermal or oral administration is preferred. Here, "administration" may be substituted with "ingestion". While there are no particular limitations on the dosage, considering the desired effect and safety, it is preferable to take 0.3 to 300 μg / day in solid matter terms as the total amount of one or more plant extracts selected from Scutellaria baicalensis extract, Ipomoea purpurea extract, Devil's claw extract, and Lotus flower extract, in one or more divided doses. In addition to single doses, it is also preferable to take it continuously or intermittently for several weeks to several months.

[0018] When the composition of the present invention is administered transdermally, it is preferable to use it as a topical skin composition. When the composition of the present invention is administered transdermally, it is preferable, although not particularly limited, to include scutellaria baicalensis extract and / or morning glory extract as plant extracts.

[0019] The form of the topical skin composition is not particularly limited as long as it is applied topically to the skin, but cosmetics (including quasi-drugs) and pharmaceuticals are preferred, with cosmetics being more preferred. There are no particular restrictions on the areas where topical skin preparations are applied, but they are usually applied to the face, limbs, neck, and décolleté.

[0020] Examples of dosage forms for topical skin compositions include, but are not limited to, lotions, emulsifiers such as emulsions and creams, oils, gels, packs, and cleansers. Furthermore, the composition for topical application to the skin may be either a leave-on type or a leave-off type.

[0021] When the composition of the present invention is in the form of a topical skin composition, during its manufacture, ingredients commonly used in the formulation of cosmetics, quasi-drugs, pharmaceuticals, etc., may be arbitrarily incorporated. Such optional components include, for example, hydrocarbons such as squalane, petrolatum, and microcrystalline wax; esters such as jojoba oil, carnauba wax, and octyldodecyl oleate; triglycerides such as olive oil, beef tallow, and coconut oil; fatty acids such as stearic acid, oleic acid, and retinoic acid; higher alcohols such as oleyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and octyldodecanol; anionic surfactants such as sulfosuccinate esters and sodium polyoxyethylene alkyl sulfate; amphoteric surfactants such as alkyl betaine salts; cationic surfactants such as dialkylammonium salts; sorbitan fatty acid esters; fatty acid monoglycerides; polyoxyethylene adducts thereof; nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers and polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters; polyhydric alcohols such as polyethylene glycol, glycerin, and 1,3-butanediol; and thickeners. • Gelling agents, antioxidants, UV absorbers, colorants, preservatives, powders, etc. can be added as desired.

[0022] When the composition of the present invention is administered orally, it is preferable to provide it as a food or beverage. When the composition of the present invention is administered orally, it is preferable, although not particularly limited, to include devil's claw extract and / or lotus flower extract as plant extracts.

[0023] When the composition of the present invention is used in the form of a food or beverage, any ingredients commonly used in food and beverage manufacturing can be arbitrarily incorporated during its production. Examples of such optional components include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, nutrients, seasonings, and flavorings. Examples of carbohydrates include monosaccharides such as glucose and fructose; disaccharides such as maltose, sucrose, and oligosaccharides; and polysaccharides such as dextrin and cyclodextrin, as well as sugar alcohols such as xylitol, sorbitol, and erythritol. Examples of flavorings include natural flavorings (thaumatin, stevia extract, etc.) and synthetic flavorings (saccharin, aspartame, etc.). In addition, additives used in the aforementioned pharmaceutical compositions and commonly added to food products may also be used.

[0024] The form of food and beverages can be liquid, paste, solid, powder, granules, etc. Furthermore, tablets, liquid foods, and animal feed are also included in the definition of food and beverages.

[0025] Furthermore, it may also be included in other general foods and beverages, for example, wheat flour products such as bread, macaroni, spaghetti, noodles, cake mix, fried chicken batter, and breadcrumbs; instant foods such as instant noodles, cup noodles, retort and prepared foods, canned prepared foods, microwaveable foods, instant soups and stews, instant miso soup and clear soups, canned soups, and freeze-dried foods; processed agricultural products such as canned agricultural products, canned fruit, jams and marmalades, pickles, boiled beans, dried agricultural products, and cereals (grain processed products); processed marine products such as canned marine products, fish ham and sausages, processed marine products, marine delicacies, and tsukudani; processed livestock products such as canned and pastes, and meat ham and sausages; milk and dairy products such as processed milk, milk beverages, yogurts, lactic acid bacteria beverages, cheese, ice cream, prepared milk powders, cream, and other dairy products; butter, Fats and oils such as margarine and vegetable oil; basic seasonings such as soy sauce, miso, sauces, tomato-based seasonings, mirin, and vinegar; compound seasonings and foods such as cooking mixes, curry bases, sauces, dressings, noodle soup bases, spices, and other compound seasonings; frozen foods such as frozen raw food, semi-cooked frozen food, and cooked frozen food; confectionery such as caramel, candy, chewing gum, chocolate, cookies, biscuits, cakes, pies, snacks, crackers, Japanese sweets, rice sweets, bean sweets, and dessert sweets; beverages such as carbonated drinks, natural fruit juice, fruit juice drinks, fruit juice-containing soft drinks, fruit pulp drinks, fruit juice drinks with fruit pulp, vegetable drinks, soy milk, soy milk drinks, coffee drinks, tea drinks, powdered drinks, concentrated drinks, sports drinks, nutritional drinks, and alcoholic beverages; the composition of the present invention may also be added to foods other than those listed above.

[0026] Examples of the food and beverages of the present invention include ordinary foods, beverages, foods with functional claims, health functional foods such as foods for specified health uses, and supplements, with foods with functional claims being particularly preferred. When the food or beverage of the present invention is used to improve dullness of the skin, a label indicating its usefulness and functionality may be attached to the product during commercialization. Such "display" acts include all acts that inform consumers of the aforementioned uses, and any expression that can evoke or infer uses such as "for clear skin," "to improve skin transparency," "to improve uneven skin tone," or "to lead to a healthy skin tone" falls under the "display" acts of the present invention, regardless of the purpose of the display, the content of the display, or the object or medium on which it is displayed. Furthermore, the "display" will be made using language that allows consumers to directly recognize the above-mentioned uses. This is preferable. Specifically, examples include transferring, delivering, displaying for transfer or delivery, or importing food and beverage products or their packaging, containers, etc., on which the above-mentioned uses are described; displaying or distributing advertisements, price lists, catalogs, brochures, POP displays, or other promotional materials at sales sites or transaction documents on which the above-mentioned uses are described; or providing information containing these materials by electromagnetic means (such as the Internet). Furthermore, if the food and beverage products of the present invention are approved under various systems established by the government, such as health functional foods, and are implemented under such approval, it is preferable to display them in a manner based on said approval. [Examples]

[0027] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples unless it exceeds the essence of the invention.

[0028] <Example> Examination of the effect of scutellaria baicalensis extract on lysosomal activity Lysosomal activity in vascular endothelial cells treated with scutellaria baicalensis extract was evaluated using the following procedure. Normal human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC, neonatal, female, caucasian, Lot: 06354) in a collagen chamber containing culture medium (HUMedia-EG2, Kurabo Industries Ltd.) (Sowing in Collagen I CultureSlide 4well, manufactured by Corning) Seeds (4.0 x 10 4 Cells were incubated at 37°C and 5% CO2 for 24 hours. Remove the culture medium and add a medium containing 0.1% by mass of Scutellaria baicalensis extract (500 μL / w). The cells were incubated at 37°C and 5% CO2 for 24 hours. As a control, Scutellaria baicalensis was used. Wells containing culture medium without sap were also provided. For the scutellaria baicalensis extract, Ougon Liquid B (manufactured by Ichimaru Falcos Co., Ltd.) was used. After removing the culture medium and washing with PBS(-), 500 μL / well of staining medium was added. The staining medium used was MarkerGene Lys oLive Lysosomal Metabolic Health Assay Kit Using a product from Marker Gene Tech., EsterGreen 1 u To prepare the nit, 10 μL of DMSO was added, followed by a 10,000-fold dilution with culture medium. After adding the staining medium, the samples were incubated at 37°C in 5% CO2 for at least 30 minutes. The medium was removed, the samples were washed twice with PBS(-), and then 500 μL / well of 5× Opti-Klear (from the aforementioned kit), diluted 5-fold with sterile water, was added. The samples were then observed using a confocal microscope (Ex:490 / Em:520). (Figure 1). The percentage of the area occupied by the green fluorescent region in the observation field was analyzed using the image analysis software ImageJ (Figure 2). High fluorescence intensity was observed in vascular endothelial cells treated with scutellaria baicalensis extract, indicating that lysosomes were activated.

[0029] <Test Example 1> Examination of the effect of scutellaria baicalensis extract on lipofuscin accumulation. The amount of lipofuscin accumulated in vascular endothelial cells that had accumulated lipofuscin was evaluated when scutellaria baicalensis extract was added using the following procedure. Normal human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC, neonatal, female, caucasian, Lot: 06354) in a collagen chamber containing culture medium (HUMedia-EG2, Kurabo Industries Ltd.) (Sowing in Collagen I CultureSlide 4well, manufactured by Corning) Seeds (4.0 x 10 4Cells were incubated at 37°C and 5% CO2 for 24 hours. Remove the culture medium and add a medium containing pepstatin (20 μg / mL) and leupeptin (10 μg / mL) to promote lipofuscin accumulation (500 μL / w). (ll) The cultures were incubated at 37°C and 5% CO2 for 24 hours. The culture medium was removed, and 0.5% scutellaria baicalensis extract was added. A culture medium containing 1% by mass (500 μL / well) was added, and the mixture was incubated at 37°C and 5% CO2 for 24 hours. As a control, a well containing a medium without pepstatin and leupeptin, and without the addition of scutellaria baicalensis extract, was prepared. For comparison, a well containing a medium without scutellaria baicalensis extract was also prepared. Note that scutellaria baicalensis extract is derived from scutellaria baicalensis. Kid B (manufactured by Ichimaru Falcos Co., Ltd.) was used. After removing the culture medium and washing twice with PBS(-), 500 μL / well of 5× Opti-Klear diluted 5-fold with sterile water was added, and the samples were observed using a confocal microscope (Ex: 488 nm / Ex: 590 nm) (Figure 3). The percentage of the area occupied by the red fluorescent region in the observation field 24 hours after extract addition was analyzed using the image analysis software ImageJ (Figure 4). Compared to the leu / pep group, which promoted lipofuscin accumulation, a decrease in lipofuscin was observed in vascular endothelial cells treated with scutellaria baicalensis extract.

[0030] <Test Example 2> Examination of the effect of scutellaria baicalensis extract and / or morning glory extract on lipofuscin accumulation. The amount of lipofuscin accumulated in vascular endothelial cells that had accumulated lipofuscin was evaluated when scutellaria baicalensis extract and / or morning glory extract were added, using the same procedure as in Test Example 1. For scutellaria baicalensis extract, we used Ougon Liquid B (manufactured by Ichimaru Falcos Co., Ltd.), and for morning glory extract, we used EA Extract (manufactured by Maruzen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.). The samples were observed with a confocal microscope 24 hours after the extract was added (Figure 5), and the percentage of the area occupied by the red fluorescent region in the entire acquired image was analyzed using the image analysis software ImageJ. Compared to the leu / pep group, which promoted lipofuscin accumulation, a decrease in lipofuscin was observed in vascular endothelial cells treated with scutellaria baicalensis extract and / or morning glory extract (Figures 6-8).

[0031] <Test Example 3> Examination of the effect of devil's claw extract or lotus flower extract on lipofuscin accumulation. The amount of lipofuscin accumulated in vascular endothelial cells that had accumulated lipofuscin was evaluated when devil's claw extract or lotus flower extract was added, using the same procedure as in Test Example 1. The devil's claw extract used was the product name Devil's Claw Extract Powder (manufactured by Nippon Powder Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), and the lotus flower extract used was the product name Lotus Flower Extract (manufactured by Iwase Cosfa Co., Ltd.). The samples were observed with a confocal microscope 24 hours after the extract was added (Figure 9), and the percentage of the area occupied by the red fluorescent region in the entire acquired image was analyzed using the image analysis software ImageJ. Compared to the leu / pep group, which promoted lipofuscin accumulation, a significant decrease in lipofuscin was observed in vascular endothelial cells treated with devil's claw extract or lotus flower extract (Figures 10-11).

[0032] <Test Example 4> Examination of the effects on the skin from continuous use of cosmetics containing Scutellaria baicalensis extract and morning glory extract. A liquid-type cosmetic formulation containing Scutellaria baicalensis extract and Ipomoea purpurea extract was prepared using the formulation shown in Table 1. Specifically, ethanol was dissolved in water (component A), then each extract was added and dissolved uniformly. Component (B) was mixed and heated to over 80°C and dissolved uniformly. Xanthan gum (component C) was dispersed in 1,3-butylene glycol. Glycerin was dissolved in water (component D), then citric acid and sodium citrate were dissolved to prepare a pH buffer solution. The heated component (B) was added to component (A) and stirred for several minutes, then cooled to 30°C. Component (C) was mixed with component (D) while stirring until uniformly dissolved, then the mixture of components (A) and (B) was slowly added and mixed to obtain the cosmetic formulation.

[0033] [Table 1]

[0034] Twenty-five healthy Japanese adult women (ages 31-59, average age 47.56) participated in a continuous use test of the aforementioned cosmetic product. Specifically, before the start of continuous use (week 0), the subjects removed their makeup with double cleansing, and after acclimatizing their skin in a constant temperature and humidity chamber (20±1℃, humidity 50±5%), the brightness of the skin at the intersection of a vertical line passing through the outer corner of the eye and a horizontal line passing through the corner of the mouth (hereinafter referred to as the cheek area) was measured using a spectrophotometer (CM-600d, manufactured by Konica Minolta, Inc.). The subjects applied approximately 0.3 mg of the cosmetic product to their entire face twice daily, morning and evening, after washing their face for eight weeks, and the brightness of the cheek area was measured again after eight weeks, in the same manner as at week 0. For two of the aforementioned subjects (Subject A and Subject B) whose cheek brightness significantly improved between week 0 and week 8, 10 experienced evaluators evaluated the facial photographs taken before and after continuous use of the cosmetic product. Specifically, the evaluators viewed the photographs in the following order: photograph of Subject A at week 0, photograph of Subject A at week 8, photograph of Subject B at week 0, and photograph of Subject B at week 8. After viewing each photograph, each evaluator scored each of the following items on a 5-point scale. (Item) Does the person appear clean, happy, neat, cheerful, kind, positive, and likable? (Score) 0 points: Invisible / Insensitive 1 point: Not very visible / Not very noticeable 2 points: Neither agree nor disagree 3 points: Slightly visible, slightly perceptible 4 points: See and feel

[0035] As shown in Figure 12, subjects who continuously used cosmetics showed a significant improvement in cheek brightness at 8 weeks compared to 0 weeks. Furthermore, as shown in Table 2, in Subject A, the score for cleanliness significantly increased at 8 weeks compared to 0 weeks (p<0.01 (Wilcoxon signed-rank test)). As shown in Table 3, in Subject B, the scores for cleanliness and neatness significantly increased at 8 weeks compared to 0 weeks (both p<0.05 (ibid.)). These results indicate that the application of the composition of the present invention improved skin dullness. .

[0036] [Table 2]

[0037] [Table 3] [Industrial applicability]

[0038] The present invention provides a composition suitable for improving dullness of the skin. The composition can be in the form of a topical skin preparation, which can be easily and continuously incorporated into daily life to improve skin transparency and even skin tone. Furthermore, because it reduces lipofuscin in vascular endothelial cells, it can also improve skin complexion, making it highly useful industrially.

Claims

1. A lipofuscin accumulation inhibitor containing one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of scutellaria baicalensis extract and devil's claw extract.

2. The agent according to claim 1, wherein lipofuscin accumulation is suppressed by lysosome activation.

3. The agent according to claim 1 or 2, which is an embodiment of a topical skin preparation.

4. The agent according to claim 3, which contains scutellaria baicalensis extract.

5. The agent according to claim 1 or 2, in the form of a food or beverage.

6. The agent according to claim 4, which contains devil's claw extract.

Images