Food and drink

Abstract

We provide food and beverages that are highly effective in improving sleep quality. [Solution] A food or beverage containing (A) glycine as an active ingredient, further containing (B) at least one selected from the group consisting of theanine, γ-aminobutyric acid, epigallocatechin gallate, apigenin, ornithine, β-sitosterol, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, crocetin, crocin, zeaxanthin, safranal, lutein, rosmarinic acid, enotein B, N-acetylmannosamine, and young barley grass, and labeled as having one or more functions selected from among those that quickly induce deep sleep, improve sleep quality, improve the feeling of deep sleep, improve satisfaction with sleep upon waking, improve refreshing awakening, improve refreshing awakening upon waking, improve daytime sleepiness, reduce fatigue, and improve work efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a food or drink characterized by containing at least one selected from the group consisting of glycine, and at least one of theanine, γ-aminobutyric acid, epigallocatechin gallate, apigenin, ornithine, β-sitosterol, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, crocetin, crocin, zeaxanthin, safranal, lutein, rosmarinic acid, enothein B, N-acetylmannosamine, and young barley leaves.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, due to changes in the social environment, stress caused by human relationships, disruption of the life rhythm, busy daily life, etc., the number of people dissatisfied with the quality of sleep has been increasing. Examples of the deterioration of the quality of sleep include poor falling asleep, frequent waking up in the middle of the night (waking up several times at night), lack of a feeling of deep sleep, and fatigue upon waking up. As a countermeasure against such deterioration of the quality of sleep, there is a method of using sleeping pills (pharmaceuticals). As sleeping pills, barbituric acid-based sleeping pills, benzodiazepine-based sleeping pills, etc. are known. However, since these sleeping pills may cause side effects such as headache and dizziness, they cannot be taken easily.

[0003] Therefore, as a means for easily improving the quality of sleep, foods and drinks containing functional ingredients have been developed. As a functional ingredient having a sleep-improving effect, for example, glycine is known (Patent Document 1). Glycine is an amino acid recognized as a food additive and is contained in many foods.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, conventional foods and beverages containing functional ingredients sometimes lacked sufficient improvement effects. This application was made in view of the above circumstances and aims to provide foods and beverages that are superior in improving sleep quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The inventors of this invention, with the objective of providing food and beverages that are excellent in improving sleep quality, conducted various studies and succeeded in developing food and beverages that enhance the effect of improving sleep quality by combining glycine with at least one selected from the group consisting of theanine, γ-aminobutyric acid, epigallocatechin gallate, apigenin, ornithine, β-sitosterol, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, crocetin, crocin, zeaxanthin, safranal, lutein, rosmarinic acid, enotein B, N-acetylmannosamine, and young barley grass, thereby completing the present invention.

[0007] In other words, the present invention is as follows: <1> (A) Food and beverages containing glycine as an active ingredient, Furthermore, it contains at least one selected from the group consisting of (B) theanine, γ-aminobutyric acid, epigallocatechin gallate, apigenin, ornithine, β-sitosterol, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, crocetin, crocin, zeaxanthin, safranal, lutein, rosmarinic acid, enotein B, N-acetylmannosamine, and barley grass. Food and beverages that are labeled as having one or more functions selected from the following: promptly induce deep sleep, improve sleep quality, improve feeling of deep sleep, improve satisfaction with sleep upon waking, improve feeling refreshed upon waking, improve feeling refreshed upon waking, improve daytime sleepiness, reduce fatigue, and improve work efficiency. <2> (A) Contains glycine as an active ingredient, A composition for improving sleep quality, further comprising (B) theanine, γ-aminobutyric acid, epigallocatechin gallate, apigenin, ornithine, β-sitosterol, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, crocetin, crocin, zeaxanthin, safranal, lutein, rosmarinic acid, enotein B, N-acetylmannosamine, and barley grass. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, by containing glycine and at least one selected from the group consisting of theanine, γ-aminobutyric acid, epigallocatechin gallate, apigenin, ornithine, β-sitosterol, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, crocetin, crocin, zeaxanthin, safranal, lutein, rosmarinic acid, enotein B, N-acetylmannosamine, and young barley grass, it is possible to obtain a food or beverage with excellent sleep quality improving effects. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes preferred embodiments of the food and beverages of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below. Other embodiments, additions, modifications, deletions, etc., can be made within the scope of what a person skilled in the art can conceive. Any embodiment that achieves the effects and benefits of the present invention is included within the scope of the present invention.

[0010] The food and beverage of the present invention contains (A) glycine (sometimes referred to as (A) component) as an active ingredient, which has the functions of promptly inducing deep sleep, improving sleep quality, improving the feeling of deep sleep, improving satisfaction with sleep upon waking, improving a refreshing awakening, improving a good awakening with a feeling of invigoration upon waking, improving daytime sleepiness, reducing fatigue, and improving work efficiency.

[0011] (glycine) Glycine is a type of amino acid, specifically the simplest aminoacetic acid among the amino acids that make up proteins. It is also known as glycocol and is abbreviated as Gly or G.

[0012] Glycine can be used not only as a free substance but also in salt form. Examples of salt forms include acid addition salts and salts with bases, and it is preferable to select a salt that is pharmacologically acceptable. Specific examples of glycine salts include salts with inorganic bases, organic bases, inorganic acids, and organic acids. In this invention, free glycine or organic acid salts are preferred, free glycine or hydrochloride salts are more preferred, and free glycine is particularly preferred, due to its superior effect in improving sleep quality. In this invention, commercially available products that are normally available as food ingredients can be used.

[0013] The food and beverages of the present invention contain at least one of the following (B) components (sometimes referred to as (B) component): theanine, γ-aminobutyric acid, epigallocatechin gallate, apigenin, ornithine, β-sitosterol, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, crocetin, crocin, zeaxanthin, safranal, lutein, rosmarinic acid, enotein B, N-acetylmannosamine, and young barley grass.

[0014] The following details component (B).

[0015] (Theanine) Theanine (L-theanine) is an amino acid found in tea, and is also known as γ-glutamylethylamide or γ-(ethylamide)L-glutamic acid. In this invention, commercially available products that are normally available as food ingredients can be used.

[0016] (γ-aminobutyric acid) Gamma-aminobutyric acid (hereinafter also referred to as "GABA") is a type of amino acid widely distributed in the plant and animal kingdoms, and is an inhibitory neurotransmitter present in the brain and marrow of mammals. In this invention, GABA can be a synthetic product, a plant-derived product such as tea, barley grass, or germinated brown rice, or a product derived from fermentation by microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria. From the standpoint of safety, plant-derived products such as tea, barley grass, or germinated brown rice, and products derived from fermentation by microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria are preferred, and products derived from fermentation by microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria are more preferred.

[0017] The amount of GABA in the composition of the present invention can be analyzed, for example, using an amino acid automatic analyzer.

[0018] (Epigallocatechin gallate) Epigallocatechin gallate is a kind of catechin which is a flavonoid. It is known to be contained in teas such as green tea, black tea, and oolong tea. It is also called gallic acid epigallocatechin and is an ester of epigallocatechin and gallic acid.

[0019] The epigallocatechin gallate used in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is commonly used in the field of food and drink. For example, extracts or purified products from plants rich in epigallocatechin gallate, reagents, etc. can be used.

[0020] (Apigenin) Apigenin is a derivative of flavone and is represented by the molecular formula C15H10O5. It is known to be contained in plants such as thyme, dahlia, and fujimidoki.

[0021] The apigenin used in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is commonly used in the field of food and drink. For example, sugar may be separated from apigenin glycoside, it may be extracted from plants containing apigenin, it may be synthesized and manufactured, or commercial products may be used.

[0022] (Ornithine) Ornithine is a kind of amino acid and is one of the substances constituting the urea cycle that converts harmful ammonia into urea. It is known to be contained in large amounts in shellfish, broad beans, and matsutake mushrooms, etc.

[0023] The ornithine may be L-ornithine or D-ornithine, but L-ornithine is preferred. The method of production of ornithine is not limited, including chemical synthesis and fermentation. Furthermore, the salt of ornithine is not particularly limited as long as it is a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, for example, inorganic salts, organic salts, and metal salts can be used. Ornithine is commercially available as a pharmaceutical or reagent, and these commercially available products can be used.

[0024] (β-sitosterol) β-sitosterol is the most common plant sterol, represented by the molecular formula C29H50O. It is abundant in cottonseed oil, tall oil, soybean oil, and wheat and rye germ oil. The β-sitosterol used in this invention is not particularly limited as long as it is commonly used in the food and beverage field. For example, plant extracts, purified products from plants, or reagents that are rich in β-sitosterol can be used.

[0025] (Hyperocide) Hyperoside is a galactose glycoside with the flavonoid compound quercetin as the aglycone. The hyperoside used in this invention is not particularly limited as long as it is commonly used in the food and beverage field. For example, extracts of plants rich in hyperoside, purified products from plants, reagents, etc., can be used.

[0026] (Isoquercitrin) Isoquercitrin is a glucose glycoside with the flavonoid compound quercetin as the aglycone. The isoquercitrin used in this invention is not particularly limited as long as it is commonly used in the food and beverage field. For example, plant extracts, purified products from plants, or reagents that are rich in isoquercitrin can be used.

[0027] (Crocetin) Crocetin is one of the components classified as a carotenoid and is usually obtained by hydrolyzing crocin, a yellow pigment of the carotenoid type. The crocetin used in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is the type that is commonly used in the food and beverage field. For example, it may be obtained by hydrolyzing crocin contained in plants as described above, or it may be chemically synthesized.

[0028] (Crocin) Crocin is a water-soluble carotenoid yellow pigment found in gardenia, saffron, and other plants, with gardenia fruit being used as an industrial raw material. The crocin used in this invention is not particularly limited as long as it is commonly used in the food and beverage industry. For example, plant extracts, purified products from plants, or reagents rich in crocin can be used.

[0029] (Zeaxanthin) Zeaxanthin is a component classified as a carotenoid and is found in leafy vegetables and corn. The zeaxanthin used in this invention is not particularly limited as long as it is commonly used in the food and beverage field. For example, plant extracts, purified products from plants, or reagents that are rich in zeaxanthin can be used.

[0030] (Safranal) Safranal is a monocyclic monoterpene aldehyde isolated from saffron (Crocus sativus) and is the main component of saffron's aroma. The safranal used in this invention is not particularly limited as long as it is commonly used in the food and beverage field. For example, plant extracts, purified products from plants, or reagents that are rich in safranal can be used.

[0031] (Lutein) Lutein is a type of carotenoid found in the leaves, flowers, and fruits of plants, and plant-derived lutein can be used. For example, lutein derived from marigolds, which are rich in lutein, can be used. Synthetically produced lutein can also be used.

[0032] (Rosmarinic acid) Rosmarinic acid is one of the phenolic carboxylic acids found in herbs, and is particularly abundant in plants of the Lamiaceae family. Because rosmarinic acid has a structure as a phenylpropanoid dimer, it contains more phenolic hydroxyl groups compared to monomeric phenylpropanoids such as ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid.

[0033] The rosmarinic acid used in this invention is not particularly limited as long as it is commonly used in the food and beverage field. For example, plant extracts, purified products from plants, reagents, etc., that are rich in rosmarinic acid can be used.

[0034] (Enotein B) Enotein B is a type of polyphenol classified as a hydrolyzable tannin, and is particularly abundant in eucalyptus leaves. The enotein B used in this invention is not particularly limited as long as it is commonly used in the food and beverage industry. For example, plant extracts, purified products from plants, or reagents that are rich in enotein B can be used.

[0035] (N-acetylmannosamine) In this invention, N-acetylmannosamine is defined as follows: (I):

[0036] [ka]

[0037] It may also be the N-acetylated form of D-mannosamine, as shown by (I). The compound represented by formula (I) is sometimes abbreviated as "ManNAc".

[0038] In the present invention, N-acetylmannosamine is not limited to the element represented by formula (I) above, but is a concept that includes its derivatives, precursors or prodrugs, salts thereof, and solvates thereof (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "derivatives, etc."). N-acetylmannosamine may also be a compound represented by, for example, the following formula (II).

[0039] [ka]

[0040] [In the formula, R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 each independently represent hydrogen (H), R6, -C(=O)R6, -C(=O)OR6, and -C(=O)NR6R7, respectively, where R6 represents an optionally substituted C1-C7 chain hydrocarbon or cyclic hydrocarbon, and R7 represents hydrogen (H), an optionally substituted C1-C7 chain hydrocarbon or cyclic hydrocarbon.] F, Cl, and Br can be used as substituents.

[0041] Examples of salts of N-acetylmannosamine include pharmacologically acceptable salts such as salts with inorganic acids, salts with organic acids, and salts with basic or acidic amino acids. In this specification, when using a salt of N-acetylmannosamine, its mass refers to the mass of the compound equivalent to N-acetylmannosamine, and the mass of the salt portion is not considered.

[0042] Examples of salts formed with inorganic acids include those with hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and phosphoric acid.

[0043] Examples of salts with organic acids include salts with benzoic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, fumaric acid, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, maleic acid, citric acid, succinic acid, malic acid, methanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, and p-toluenesulfonic acid.

[0044] Examples of salts with basic amino acids include salts with arginine, lysine, and ornithine, while examples of salts with acidic amino acids include salts with aspartic acid and glutamic acid.

[0045] Preferred solvates include hydrates (e.g., monohydrates, dihydrates, etc.) and ethanolates.

[0046] N-acetylmannosamine may be a commercially available product or may be manufactured by a known method.

[0047] In the present invention, when using derivatives of N-acetylmannosamine, the amount of N-acetylmannosamine refers to the amount converted to N-acetylmannosamine.

[0048] (Young barley grass) Barley refers to barley (Hordeum vulgare), an annual or biennial herbaceous plant belonging to the grass family, native to Central Asia. The barley stalks used in this invention are not particularly limited as long as they are young barley stalks. The barley stalks used in this invention are not particularly limited as long as they are commonly available, and any variety of barley stalks may be used. Stems may also be included along with the stalks. Examples of barley stalks that can be used include crushed material, juice, and extracts. Examples of crushed material include dried powder (barley stalk powder), flaked material and its dried product (dried flaked material). Juice and extracts may be in liquid form, but can also be used as a paste or dried powder (juice powder, extract powder). Extracts can be obtained by extraction using a suitable solvent, and examples of solvents that can be used include water (warm water, hot water), ethanol, and aqueous ethanol. In this invention, pulverized material is preferred because it contains more dietary fiber and allows for greater enjoyment of the effects of the present invention, and among pulverized materials, dried powder (pulverized powder) is particularly preferred.

[0049] The content of (A) glycine in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of further enhancing the functions related to promptly inducing deep sleep, improving sleep quality, improving the feeling of deep sleep, improving satisfaction with sleep upon waking, improving a refreshing awakening, improving a good awakening with a refreshing feeling upon waking, improving daytime sleepiness, reducing fatigue, and improving work efficiency, it is preferably 0.0001 to 95 parts by mass or less, more preferably 0.0005% to 90 parts by mass, and particularly preferably 0.001 to 80 parts by mass of the solid content of the composition. In this specification, the solid content refers to the content in the composition when the composition is in solid form, and the total amount of all components excluding water in the composition when the composition is in liquid or fluid form.

[0050] The content of component (B) in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of further enhancing the functions related to promptly inducing deep sleep, improving sleep quality, improving the feeling of deep sleep, improving satisfaction with sleep upon waking, improving a refreshing awakening, improving a good awakening with a refreshing feeling upon waking, improving daytime sleepiness, reducing fatigue, and improving work efficiency, it is preferably 0.0001 to 95 parts by mass or less, more preferably 0.0005% to 90 parts by mass, and particularly preferably 0.001 to 80 parts by mass, of the solid content of the composition. Note that if multiple components are included, the content of the components refers to their total amount.

[0051] In the composition of the present invention, the mass ratio of (A) glycine to (B) component B (theanine, γ-aminobutyric acid, epigallocatechin gallate, apigenin, ornithine, β-sitosterol, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, crocetin, crocin, zeaxanthin, safranal, lutein, rosmarinic acid, enotein B, N-acetylmannosamine, or barley grass) is not particularly limited. However, from the viewpoint of more significantly exhibiting the effects of the present invention, the lower limit (mass ratio) of component B to 1 part by mass of glycine is preferably 0.005 parts by mass or more, more preferably 0.01 parts by mass or more, particularly preferably 0.03 parts by mass or more, and most preferably 0.05 parts by mass or more. Furthermore, while there are no particular restrictions on the upper limit (mass ratio) of component B to 1 part by mass of glycine, it is preferably 1000 parts by mass or less, more preferably 10 parts by mass or less, particularly preferably 1 part by mass or less, and most preferably 0.2 parts by mass or less. Note that if multiple components B other than barley grass are contained, it refers to the ratio of any of the B components to glycine.

[0052] Furthermore, the content of (A) glycine in the composition of the present invention, relative to the total amount of (A) glycine and component (B), is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 50% by mass or more from the viewpoint of excellent sleep quality improvement effect. Also, it is preferably 99% by mass or less, more preferably 97% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 95% by mass or less from the viewpoint of excellent sleep quality improvement effect. Note that if multiple components of (B) are included, the amount of (B) is the total amount of those components.

[0053] The daily amount of the food and beverage of the present invention is not particularly limited and can be set appropriately depending on the manner of use and the user's usage. For example, the daily amount of the food and beverage of the present invention is preferably 0.1 to 1000 mg / kg, more preferably 1 to 500 mg / kg, and even more preferably 2 to 100 mg / kg, based on the user's body weight in terms of solid content.

[0054] Similarly, there are no particular limitations on the amount of the food or beverage of the present invention used in a single serving. For example, the amount of the food or beverage of the present invention used in a single serving is preferably 0.01 to 2000 mg / kg, more preferably 0.1 to 1000 mg / kg, in terms of solid content, based on the user's body weight, and even more preferably 0.2 to 50 mg / kg, from the viewpoint of exerting the effects of the food or beverage of the present invention.

[0055] Furthermore, the daily amount of the food and beverage of the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, in terms of solid content, it is preferably 0.001 to 20 g, more preferably 0.01 to 10 g, and particularly preferably 0.1 to 5 g, from the viewpoint of exhibiting the effects of the food and beverage of the present invention.

[0056] The amount of the food or beverage of the present invention used in a single serving is not particularly limited. For example, in terms of solid content, it is preferably 0.001 to 20 g, more preferably 0.01 to 10 g, and particularly preferably 0.1 to 5 g, from the viewpoint of exhibiting the effects of the food or beverage of the present invention.

[0057] Furthermore, the glycine content in the daily serving size of the food and beverage of the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, it is preferably 0.001 to 20 g, more preferably 0.01 to 10 g, and particularly preferably 0.1 to 5 g from the viewpoint of exhibiting the effects of the food and beverage of the present invention.

[0058] The glycine content in a single serving of the food or beverage of the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, it can be 0.001 to 20 g, more preferably 0.01 to 10 g, on a solid content basis, and particularly preferably 0.1 to 5 g, from the viewpoint of exhibiting the effects of the food or beverage of the present invention.

[0059] <Other ingredients> In addition to the above-mentioned components, other components may be added to the food and beverage products of the present invention as needed. Examples of other components include various vitamins and minerals, microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria and yeast. Furthermore, as needed, other components commonly used in the food industry may be added, such as dextrin, sugars like starch, oligosaccharides, sweeteners, acidulants, nutritional supplements, stabilizers, lubricants, binders, glazing agents, thickeners, colorants, excipients, diluents, fillers, emulsifiers, food additives, and seasonings. The content of these other components can be appropriately selected depending on the form of the composition of the present invention.

[0060] <Food and beverages> The form of the food or beverage of the present invention is not particularly limited and can be any form. For example, forms suitable for oral use include powder, granules, tablets, liquid, paste, capsules such as hard capsules and soft capsules, and caplets. From the viewpoint of ease of ingestion, powder, granules, tablets, liquid, and capsules are preferred.

[0061] The packaging form for the food and beverages of the present invention is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the dosage form, etc., but examples include blister packs such as PTP; strip packaging; heat sealing; aluminum pouches; film packaging using plastic or synthetic resin, etc.; glass containers such as vials; plastic containers such as ampoules, etc.

[0062] As described in the examples below, the food and beverages of the present invention exhibit an effect of improving sleep quality, and therefore can be used as a composition for improving sleep quality. In this invention, "improving sleep quality" is a concept that includes improving (enhancing) sleep quality and / or suppressing (maintaining) the decline in sleep quality.

[0063] In the present invention, sleep quality is represented by at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, falling asleep and maintaining sleep (for example, falling asleep quickly and maintaining sleep, or falling asleep quickly and achieving deep sleep, and continuing sleep stably without waking up in the middle of the night), satisfaction with sleep upon waking, feeling of deep sleep, feeling refreshed, feeling refreshed upon waking, daytime sleepiness, feeling of fatigue upon waking or during the day, and daytime work efficiency.

[0064] The sleep quality improving food and beverages of the present invention have the following effects on improving sleep quality: for example, they quickly induce deep sleep, improve the quality of sleep, improve the feeling of deep sleep, improve satisfaction with sleep upon waking, improve refreshing awakening, improve the feeling of invigoration upon waking, improve daytime sleepiness, reduce fatigue, improve work efficiency, increase sleep duration, shorten the time spent awake during the night, improve sleep rhythm, and improve the depth of sleep.

[0065] The effectiveness of improving sleep quality can be evaluated using conventionally known methods and is not particularly limited. For example, it can be evaluated using the OSA sleep questionnaire, VAS, etc.

[0066] The sleep quality improving composition is not particularly limited as long as it contains glycine and component (B) and exhibits the function of improving sleep quality, and can be distinguished from other products as a product. For example, the scope of the present invention includes any product in which the function of improving sleep quality is displayed on the product itself, packaging, instruction manual, or promotional material (advertising media).

[0067] Specifically, examples include health foods that display claims such as "promptly induces deep sleep," "improves sleep quality," "improves the feeling of restful sleep," "improves satisfaction with sleep upon waking," "improves refreshing awakening," "improves a refreshing and pleasant awakening upon waking," "improves daytime sleepiness," "reduces fatigue," "improves work efficiency," "reduces the number of awakenings during sleep," "reduces the duration of awakenings during sleep," "improves sleep depth," "improves satisfaction with sleep depth," "improves sleep rhythm," "improves satisfaction upon waking," "improves the feeling of extended sleep duration," "supports good quality sleep at night," "sleep support," "sleep improvement," and "supports good quality sleep," as well as health foods that display claims that the listed functions have been reported. Furthermore, functional foods include those that use improved sleep quality as the scientific basis for their functionality.

[0068] The sleep quality improving composition of the present invention may be labeled as containing glycine and / or component (B) as the active ingredient, but is not limited to products where glycine and / or component (B) are labeled as the active ingredient on the product packaging, etc. For example, it may not specify an active ingredient. Furthermore, even general food products are included in the scope of the present invention if they are manufactured and sold with indications of their use. For example, food products that are sold with testimonials on websites, etc., mentioning improved sleep quality as personal impressions from people who have consumed them are also included in the scope of the present invention. [Examples]

[0069] The present invention will be described below based on examples.

[0070] <Test substance> The following substances were used as test materials. • Glycine: Using glycine reagents • Theanine: Using L-theanine reagent • γ-aminobutyric acid: Using a reagent for γ-aminobutyric acid • Epigallocatechin gallate: Using an epigallocatechin gallate reagent • Apigenin: Using a reagent for apigenin • Ornithine: Using ornithine reagents • β-sitosterol: Using a β-sitosterol reagent • Hyperoside: Using a hyperoside reagent • Isoquercitrin: Using isoquercitrin reagent • Crocetin: Using a crocetin reagent • Crocin: Using a crocin reagent • Safranal: Using a safranal reagent • Lutein: Using a lutein reagent • Zeaxanthin: Using a zeaxanthin reagent • Rosmarinic acid: Using a rosmarinic acid reagent • Enotein B: Using the enotaine B reagent • N-acetylmannosamine: Using a reagent for N-acetylmannosamine • Barley grass: Made from dried and pulverized young barley leaves. • Citric acid: A citric acid reagent was used.

[0071] <Evaluation of cell-activating effects> 1. Preparation of the test substance The test substance was diluted in various culture media to achieve the desired concentration before use.

[0072] 2. Evaluation of cell-activating effects (1) Rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cells (PC12, NIBIOHN) were cultured in 10-volume %HS-5-volume %FBS-RPMI1640 medium. (2) The cells were seeded at a rate of 100 μL / well to 4 × 10⁴ cells / well in a collagen-coated 96-well plate and pre-cultured for 24 hours in a 37°C, 5V %CO₂ incubator. (3) 100 μL / well of 100 ng / mL Nerve Growth Factor-β (WAKO), prepared using 10 volt %FBS-RPMI1640 medium, was added and incubated for 24 hours. (4) After removing 100 μL of the supernatant from the culture medium, 100 μL / well of the culture medium containing the test substance was added and incubated for 24 hours. In each well, the total amount of the test substance in the culture medium was 2 μg / mL, the final concentration of PEG40-hydrogenated castor oil was 0.002% (w / v), and the final concentration of DMSO was 0.25% (v / v). (5) After removing the culture medium from each well, the number of viable cells was measured using the WST method with Cell Counting Kit-8 (DOJINDO). The relative number of viable cells for the examples and comparative examples was calculated using the control (without the test substance) as the baseline of 100. Using the obtained values, the rate of increase in the number of viable cells relative to the control was calculated for each example and comparative example using the following formula. Increase rate of viable cell count (%) = Relative value of viable cell count - 100 The results are shown in Table 1.

[0073] [Table 1]

[0074] Rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cells are differentiated into nerve-like cells by nerve growth factor and are used as a nervous system model cell for evaluating stress. Stress is thought to cause sleep disorders because it stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and excites the body and brain. Cell viability is an indicator of cell-activating activity, and substances that increase the cell-activating activity of nerve cells are thought to have a high anti-stress effect and a high effect on improving sleep quality. From Comparative Examples 1 to 20 and Examples 1 to 27, the oral composition of the present invention, by containing glycine and at least one selected from the group consisting of theanine, γ-aminobutyric acid, epigallocatechin gallate, apigenin, ornithine, β-sitosterol, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, crocetin, crocin, zeaxanthin, safranal, lutein, rosmarinic acid, enotein B, N-acetylmannosamine, and barley grass, showed a higher cell-activating effect compared to when each was used alone (Comparative Examples 1 to 18) (Examples 1 to 27). Furthermore, when glycine and citric acid were included, the cell-activating effect was lower than that of glycine alone (Comparative Example 20). Also, when glycine and two types of component (B) were included (Examples 18-24), a higher cell-activating effect was observed compared to when only glycine and one type of component (B) were included (Examples 1-17). And when glycine and three types of component (B) were included (Examples 25-27), an even higher cell-activating effect was observed than when glycine and two types of component (B) were included. Based on these results, the oral composition of the present invention can enhance the cell-activating activity of nerve cells by combining glycine with specific components, and therefore exhibits an excellent effect in improving sleep quality.

[0075] <Examples 28-133> The raw materials were mixed to achieve the compositions shown in Tables 2-6 below, and granulated using a fluidized bed granulator to produce granular powdered beverages (Examples 28-133). The food and beverages obtained in the following manufacturing examples showed excellent sleep quality improvement effects when consumed once a day, with 3g suspended in approximately 100mL of water.

[0076] [Table 2]

[0077] [Table 3]

[0078] [Table 4]

[0079] [Table 5]

[0080] [Table 6] [Industrial applicability]

[0081] The food and beverage of the present invention, by containing glycine and component (B), can provide a food and beverage with excellent sleep quality-improving effects and has high potential for industrial use.

Claims

[Claim 1] (A) Food and beverages containing glycine as an active ingredient, Furthermore, (B) contains at least one selected from the group consisting of theanine, γ-aminobutyric acid, epigallocatechin gallate, apigenin, ornithine, β-sitosterol, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, crocetin, crocin, zeaxanthin, safranal, lutein, rosmarinic acid, enotein B, N-acetylmannosamine, and young barley grass. Food and beverages that are labeled as having one or more functions selected from the following: promptly induce deep sleep, improve sleep quality, improve feeling of deep sleep, improve satisfaction with sleep upon waking, improve feeling refreshed upon waking, improve feeling refreshed upon waking, improve daytime sleepiness, reduce fatigue, and improve work efficiency.

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