Oral products, agents that inhibit the decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or its salts, and methods for inhibiting the decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or its salts.

Abstract

The present invention provides an oral product in which an oral composition is contained in a transparent container, wherein the decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof is suppressed, and the oral composition is a colorless oral composition containing glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof and a quaternary ammonium salt. [Solution] An oral product comprising an oral composition contained in a container, wherein the oral composition is a colorless oral composition containing glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof, a quaternary ammonium salt, and a parahydroxybenzoic acid ester, and the container is a transparent container.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an oral product, an agent for inhibiting the decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or its salts, and a method for inhibiting the decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or its salts. [Background technology]

[0002] Glycyrrhizic acid or its salts are components found in the herbal medicine licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) and are known to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, glycyrrhizic acid or its salts are widely used in oral products to suppress or prevent symptoms of inflammatory diseases such as periodontal disease, as well as in topical skin preparations to reduce skin inflammation, hair growth products, soaps, and other similar products.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid oral composition containing glycyrrhizinate as an anti-inflammatory agent, which is described as being able to prevent oral diseases such as gingivitis.

[0004] Furthermore, quaternary ammonium salts are known to have bactericidal effects. It is known that by including both glycyrrhizic acid or its salt and quaternary ammonium salts in oral compositions, a synergistic effect of these components can be obtained, such as the prevention or reduction of oral diseases (tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis, stomatitis, etc.).

[0005] The effects of glycyrrhizic acid or its salts and quaternary ammonium salts on oral diseases are as follows: The proliferation of bacteria leads to the formation of plaque, and the acidic substances produced by these bacteria dissolve the tooth surface, resulting in cavities. In addition, an increase in oral bacteria releases large amounts of inflammatory substances, causing inflammation in the oral cavity and leading to the development of gingivitis, periodontitis, and stomatitis. In this situation, the causative oral bacteria can be killed by quaternary ammonium salts. Furthermore, glycyrrhizic acid suppresses inflammation, thereby preventing the onset of the aforementioned oral diseases. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-261576 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The active ingredients in oral compositions may decrease in content due to light, particularly ultraviolet light. One method to suppress such content reduction is to store the oral composition in a light-shielding container. On the other hand, for containers of oral compositions, there is a tendency to prefer containers with a transparent appearance so that the contents are easily visible from the outside, for aesthetic reasons. Furthermore, when the container is transparent, there is a tendency to prefer that the oral composition inside the container be colorless, for aesthetic reasons. Furthermore, the colorless nature of the oral composition offers the advantage of eliminating concerns about staining the oral cavity (teeth, mucous membranes, tongue, etc.), the washbasin when rinsing, or any other surfaces or materials that may come into contact with the oral composition if it drips or spills from the container. Additionally, it makes it easier to confirm the dissolution of the ingredients during the production of the oral composition.

[0008] It was found that when a colorless oral composition containing glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof and a quaternary ammonium salt is stored in a transparent container, the content of glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof in the oral composition decreases due to light, particularly ultraviolet light.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an oral product in which an oral composition is contained in a transparent container, wherein the decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof is suppressed, and the oral composition is a colorless oral composition containing glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof and a quaternary ammonium salt. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] Therefore, after diligent research, the present inventors discovered that by incorporating a parahydroxybenzoic acid ester into an oral composition containing glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof and a quaternary ammonium salt, which is housed in a transparent container, the decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof can be suppressed.

[0011] In other words, the present invention has been able to solve the above problems by the means described below. (1) An oral product in which an oral composition is contained in a container, The aforementioned oral composition is a colorless oral composition containing glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof, a quaternary ammonium salt, and a parahydroxybenzoic acid ester. An oral product in which the container is a transparent container. (2) An agent for inhibiting the decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof in an oral composition, The aforementioned glycyrrhizic acid or salt content reduction inhibitor contains parahydroxybenzoic acid ester as an active ingredient. The oral composition is a colorless oral composition containing glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof and a quaternary ammonium salt. The oral composition is housed in a transparent container. An agent that inhibits the decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or its salts. (3) A method for suppressing the decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof in an oral composition, The aforementioned oral composition is a colorless oral composition contained in a transparent container, comprising glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof and a quaternary ammonium salt. A method for suppressing a decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or its salt, comprising adding a para-hydroxybenzoic acid ester to the oral composition in addition to glycyrrhizic acid or its salt and a quaternary ammonium salt. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] In the present invention, by blending a paraoxybenzoic acid ester into a colorless oral composition containing glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof and a quaternary ammonium salt that is stored in a transparent container, a decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof can be suppressed. Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail. These descriptions are provided as examples of preferred embodiments, and the present invention is not limited to these contents. The symbol "~" indicating a numerical range means a range that includes the numerical values before and after the symbol; for example, "0 mass% to 100 mass%" means a range that is not less than 0 mass% and not more than 100 mass%.

[0014] An oral product according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as "the present embodiment") is an oral product in which an oral composition is stored in a container, wherein the oral composition is a colorless oral composition containing glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof, a quaternary ammonium salt, and a paraoxybenzoic acid ester, and the container is a transparent container.

[0015] The agent for suppressing a decrease in content of glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof of the present embodiment (hereinafter also referred to as "the agent according to the present embodiment") is an agent for suppressing a decrease in content of glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof in an oral composition, wherein the agent for suppressing a decrease in content of glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof contains a paraoxybenzoic acid ester as an active ingredient, the oral composition is a colorless oral composition containing the glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof and a quaternary ammonium salt, and the oral composition is stored in a transparent container.

[0016] The method for suppressing the decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or its salt according to this embodiment (hereinafter also referred to as "the method according to this embodiment") is a method for suppressing the decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or its salt in an oral composition, wherein the oral composition is a colorless oral composition contained in a transparent container and containing glycyrrhizic acid or its salt and a quaternary ammonium salt, and the method for suppressing the decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or its salt comprises adding a parahydroxybenzoic acid ester to the oral composition in addition to glycyrrhizic acid or its salt and the quaternary ammonium salt.

[0017] In the oral composition, preparation, and method of this embodiment, the use of parahydroxybenzoic acid esters can suppress the decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or its salt in the colorless oral composition contained in a transparent container. It is preferable that the content of glycyrrhizic acid or its salt in the oral composition after the light irradiation test is 85% or more of the content of glycyrrhizic acid or its salt in the oral composition before the light irradiation test described later. The content of glycyrrhizic acid or its salt in the oral composition before and after light irradiation can be measured by the method described in the examples.

[0018] <Glycyrrhizic acid or its salt> Glycyrrhizic acid or its salts are known to have anti-inflammatory effects in oral compositions. Examples of glycyrrhizic acid salts include potassium salts, sodium salts, and ammonium salts. Specifically, examples include monopotassium glycyrrhizinate, dipotassium glycyrrhizinate, monosodium glycyrrhizinate, disodium glycyrrhizinate, monoammonium glycyrrhizinate, and diammonium glycyrrhizinate. Furthermore, glycyrrhizic acid or its salts are known to be contained in plant extracts of the genus Glycyrrhiza, and may be formulated in the form of a plant extract containing glycyrrhizic acid or its salts.

[0019] Glycyrrhizic acid or its salts may be used individually or in combination of two or more types. Among these, glycyrrhizinate salts are preferred from the viewpoint of increasing water solubility, facilitating formulation, and enhancing affinity to the oral mucosa. Potassium and ammonium salts of glycyrrhizic acid are more preferred, and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate and monoammonium glycyrrhizinate are even more preferred.

[0020] With respect to the total amount of the oral composition contained in the oral product according to this embodiment, and with respect to the total amount of the oral composition according to the agent and method according to this embodiment, glycyrrhizic acid or its salt can be contained in an amount equivalent to glycyrrhizic acid, for example, 0.0001 to 1.0% by mass, preferably 0.0005 to 0.5% by mass, more preferably 0.001 to 0.25% by mass, and even more preferably 0.005 to 0.1% by mass.

[0021] By setting the value above the lower limit, the anti-inflammatory effect of glycyrrhizic acid or its salt is more easily exerted, and by setting it below the upper limit, formulation becomes easier, and a good user experience is obtained, especially in liquid oral compositions.

[0022] <Quaternary ammonium salts> Quaternary ammonium salts are known to have bactericidal effects in oral compositions. When a quaternary ammonium salt is included in the oral composition in this embodiment, a synergistic effect with glycyrrhizic acid or its salt is obtained, resulting in excellent preventive and mitigating effects on oral diseases such as tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis, and stomatitis.

[0023] Examples of quaternary ammonium salts include cetylpyridinium chloride, benzethonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, decalinium chloride, alkyldimethylammonium chloride, alkyltrimethylammonium chloride, methylbenzethonium chloride, and lauroylcholaminoformylmethylpyridinium chloride. Quaternary ammonium salts may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Among these, cetylpyridinium chloride and benzethonium chloride are preferred, with cetylpyridinium chloride being more preferred, from the viewpoint of high water solubility, ease of formulation, increased affinity to the oral mucosa, and high effectiveness in preventing and alleviating oral diseases caused by oral bacteria.

[0024] With respect to the total amount of the oral composition contained in the oral product according to this embodiment, and with respect to the total amount of the oral composition according to the agent and method according to this embodiment, the quaternary ammonium salt is preferably 0.0001 to 0.3% by mass, more preferably 0.001% to 0.2% by mass, and even more preferably 0.005% to 0.1% by mass or less.

[0025] When the quaternary ammonium salt content is above the lower limit, a synergistic effect with glycyrrhizic acid or its salts is achieved, resulting in a more effective prevention and reduction of oral diseases such as tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis, and stomatitis. Furthermore, when the content is below the upper limit, a high level of usability can be maintained.

[0026] <Parahydroxybenzoic acid ester> Parahydroxybenzoic acid esters are known preservatives, but in this invention, they also play a role different from the bacteriostatic effect inherent to preservatives. A colorless oral composition containing glycyrrhizic acid or its salt and a quaternary ammonium salt further contains parahydroxybenzoic acid esters, which helps to suppress the decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or its salt even when the oral composition is contained in a transparent container.

[0027] Parahydroxybenzoic acid esters are alkyl esters or benzyl esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid. Examples of alkyl groups in the alkyl esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid include linear or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 5 carbon atoms. Specific examples of parahydroxybenzoic acid esters include methyl parahydroxybenzoate, ethyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, isopropyl parahydroxybenzoate, butyl parahydroxybenzoate, isobutyl parahydroxybenzoate, and benzyl parahydroxybenzoate.

[0028] These parahydroxybenzoic acid esters may be used individually or in combination of two or more. From the viewpoint of irritancy and water solubility, alkyl esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid are preferred, more preferably alkyl (linear, 1-5 carbon atoms) esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid are preferred, and even more preferably methyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, and butyl parahydroxybenzoate are preferred.

[0029] The amount of parahydroxybenzoic acid ester in the oral composition contained in the oral product of this embodiment is preferably 0.002 to 1.0% by mass, more preferably 0.005 to 0.8% by mass, and even more preferably 0.01 to 0.5% by mass, from the viewpoint of irritancy and water solubility.

[0030] <Oral composition> In the oral composition contained in the oral product according to this embodiment, and in the oral composition according to the agent and method according to this embodiment, the mass-based content ratio of quaternary ammonium salt to glycyrrhizic acid or its salt (quaternary ammonium salt / glycyrrhizic acid or its salt) is preferably 0.004 to 200, more preferably 0.05 to 20, and even more preferably 0.5 to 8, from the viewpoint of easily obtaining a synergistic effect through combination.

[0031] With respect to the oral product according to this embodiment, in the oral composition, the mass-based content ratio of para-hydroxybenzoic acid ester to glycyrrhizic acid or its salt (para-hydroxybenzoic acid ester / glycyrrhizic acid or its salt) is preferably 0.02 to 800, more preferably 0.1 to 100, and even more preferably 1 to 16, from the viewpoint of further suppressing the decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or its salt.

[0032] With respect to the agent according to this embodiment, it is preferable to react the oral composition with the agent according to this embodiment such that the mass-based ratio of the para-hydroxybenzoic acid ester in the agent according to this embodiment to the glycyrrhizic acid or salt thereof in the oral composition (para-hydroxybenzoic acid ester / glycyrrhizic acid or salt thereof) is preferably 0.02 to 800, more preferably 0.1 to 100, and even more preferably 1 to 16.

[0033] With regard to the method according to this embodiment, it is preferable to incorporate the parahydroxybenzoic acid ester into the oral composition such that the mass-based ratio of the parahydroxybenzoic acid ester to glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof in the oral composition (parahydroxybenzoic acid ester / glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof) is preferably 0.02 to 800, more preferably 0.1 to 100, and even more preferably 1 to 16.

[0034] When the mass-based ratio of para-hydroxybenzoic acid ester to glycyrrhizic acid or its salt (para-hydroxybenzoic acid ester / glycyrrhizic acid or its salt) is above the lower limit, it has the advantage of further suppressing the decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or its salt, and when it is below the upper limit, it has the advantage of more effectively exerting the anti-inflammatory effect.

[0035] With respect to the oral product of this embodiment, in the oral composition, the mass-based content ratio of quaternary ammonium salt to parahydroxybenzoic acid ester (quaternary ammonium salt / parahydroxybenzoic acid ester) is preferably 0.001 to 40, more preferably 0.01 to 10, and even more preferably 0.2 to 1, from the viewpoint of further suppressing the decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or its salt.

[0036] With respect to the agent according to this embodiment, it is preferable to react the oral composition with the agent according to this embodiment such that the ratio by mass of the quaternary ammonium salt in the oral composition to the parahydroxybenzoic acid ester in the agent according to this embodiment (quaternary ammonium salt / parahydroxybenzoic acid ester) is preferably 0.001 to 40, more preferably 0.01 to 10, and even more preferably 0.2 to 1.

[0037] In relation to the method according to this embodiment, it is preferable to incorporate the parahydroxybenzoic acid ester into the oral composition such that the mass-based ratio of the quaternary ammonium salt in the oral composition to the parahydroxybenzoic acid ester (quaternary ammonium salt / parahydroxybenzoic acid ester) is preferably 0.001 to 40, more preferably 0.01 to 10, and even more preferably 0.2 to 1.

[0038] When the mass-based content ratio of quaternary ammonium salt to parahydroxybenzoic acid ester (quaternary ammonium salt / parahydroxybenzoic acid ester) is above the lower limit, it has the advantage of enhancing the antibacterial effect of the formulation. When it is below the upper limit, it has the advantage of allowing the parahydroxybenzoic acid ester to better suppress the decrease in glycyrrhizic acid content.

[0039] The above-mentioned ratios of glycyrrhizic acid or its salts to other components refer to the amount of glycyrrhizic acid or its salts in these ratios, converted to the equivalent amount of glycyrrhizic acid.

[0040] The content of glycyrrhizic acid, quaternary ammonium salts, and parahydroxybenzoic acid esters in oral compositions can be measured by conventional liquid chromatography methods using a liquid chromatograph or high-performance liquid chromatograph.

[0041] The oral composition of this embodiment may optionally contain other components that can be incorporated into an oral composition, as long as they do not impair the effects of the present invention. Examples of optional components include solvents, sweeteners, disinfectants, surfactants, anti-inflammatory agents, tartar preventatives, pH adjusters, enzymes, ion sources, preservatives, fragrances, herbal medicines, and pigments.

[0042] Examples of solvents include water such as purified water and deionized water; physiological saline solution; lower monohydric alcohols such as ethanol; and polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin, propylene glycol, and polyethylene glycol.

[0043] Examples of sweeteners include stevioside, rebaudioside, xylitol, erythritol, maltitol, sorbitol, sodium saccharin, sucralose, trehalose, reduced palatinose, aspartame, and acesulfame potassium.

[0044] Examples of disinfectants include hinokitiol, triclosan, isopropylmethylphenol, thymol, and alkyldiaminoethylglycine hydrochloride.

[0045] Examples of surfactants include nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, anionic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants. Specifically, examples of nonionic surfactants include glycerin fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, fatty acid diethanolamides, fatty acid monoglycerides, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, alkyl glucosides, and polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene block copolymers. Examples of cationic surfactants include polyoxyethylene alkylamine fatty acid amides. Examples of anionic surfactants include sulfate ester salts, α-olefin sulfonates, sulfosuccinates, N-acyl amino acid salts, and acylated methyl taurate salts. Examples of amphoteric surfactants include betaine acetate type amphoteric surfactants and imidazoline type amphoteric surfactants.

[0046] Examples of anti-inflammatory agents include aminocaproic acid, allantoin and its derivatives, ascorbic acid and its salts, azulene, azulene sulfonate, dihydrocholesterol, epidihydrocholesterol, tocopherol acetate, tocopherol nicotinate, and lysozyme chloride.

[0047] Examples of tartar prevention agents include phosphates, polyphosphates, methoxyethylene maleic anhydride copolymers, zinc chloride, and zinc organic acids.

[0048] Examples of pH adjusting agents include monosodium phosphate, disodium phosphate, sodium citrate, citric acid, glucono-δ-lactone, sodium gluconate, sodium acetate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, and their hydrates.

[0049] Examples of enzymes include proteases, dextranases, amylases, mutanases, and lysozyme.

[0050] Examples of ion sources include fluoride ion sources such as sodium fluoride, monofluorophosphate, and stannous fluoride, and calcium ion sources such as calcium phosphate, calcium gluconate, and hydroxyapatite.

[0051] Examples of preservatives include sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and phenoxyethanol.

[0052] Examples of fragrances include natural essential oils such as peppermint oil, spearmint oil, mint oil, eucalyptus oil, clove oil, thyme oil, rosemary oil, lemon oil, ginger oil, lime oil, cassia oil, cardamom oil, lavender oil, and cinnamon oil; fragrance components such as L-menthol, L-carvone, carvacrol, eugenol, anethole, 1,8-cineole, thymol, vanillin, pinene, 3-L-mentoxypropane-1,2-diol, and methyl salicylate; mixtures thereof; natural fragrances; blended fragrances; and synthetic fragrances.

[0053] Examples of herbal medicines include horsetail extract, hawthorn extract, witch hazel extract, peony extract, birch extract, sage extract, seaweed extract, Phellodendron bark extract, Angelica acutiloba extract, ginseng extract, fennel extract, and oolong tea extract.

[0054] Examples of pigments include Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Blue No. 201, Yellow No. 4, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 202(1), Yellow No. 203, Red No. 3, Red No. 102, Red No. 104, Red No. 105, Green No. 3, Green No. 201, and others.

[0055] The oral composition according to this embodiment may contain a dye, provided it is colorless. Since the oral composition according to this embodiment is colorless, the dye content is preferably 0.0001% by mass or less relative to the total amount of the oral composition. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the oral composition does not contain any dye.

[0056] The oral composition according to this embodiment is colorless. In this specification, an oral composition is colorless if the color difference ΔE1 of the following formula (1) is 2 or less. ΔE1={(ΔL1) 2 +(Δa1) 2 +(Δb1) 2} (1 / 2) ...(1) ΔE1: Color difference between water and oral composition ΔL1: Difference in measurement values ​​between water and oral composition (Water L - Oral Composition L) Δa1: Difference in measurement values ​​between water and oral composition (water a - oral composition a) Δb1: Difference in measurement values ​​between water and oral composition (water b - oral composition b)

[0057] In the above formula (1), water refers to ion-exchanged water.

[0058] In the oral composition according to this embodiment, the color difference ΔE1 of formula (1) before light irradiation, as described later, is 2 or less, preferably 1 or less. It is aesthetically preferable that the color difference ΔE1 is within the above range.

[0059] Furthermore, with respect to the oral product according to this embodiment, it is aesthetically preferable that the oral composition, when placed in a transparent container, exhibits a small change in color difference after irradiation compared to before irradiation (hereinafter also referred to as "change in color difference before and after light irradiation"). Similarly, it is aesthetically preferable that the oral composition after incorporating the agent according to this embodiment, and the oral composition after incorporating the parahydroxybenzoic acid ester in the method according to this embodiment, exhibit a small change in color difference before and after light irradiation when placed in a transparent container.

[0060] The change in color difference before and after light irradiation specifically refers to the change in color difference ΔE2 in the following equation (2). ΔE2 = {(ΔL2)} 2 +(Δa2) 2 +(Δb2) 2} (1 / 2) ...(2) ΔE2: Change in color difference of the oral composition before and after light irradiation. ΔL2: difference between measured values of the oral composition before and after light irradiation (L of oral composition before light irradiation - L of oral composition after light irradiation) Δa2: difference between measured values of the oral composition before and after light irradiation (a of oral composition before light irradiation - a of oral composition after light irradiation) Δb2: difference between measured values of the oral composition before and after light irradiation (b of oral composition before light irradiation - b of oral composition after light irradiation)

[0061] The light irradiation in the above formula (2) is performed by filling approximately 100 mL of the oral composition according to the oral product of the present embodiment, the oral composition after adding the agent of the present embodiment, or the oral composition after blending a para-hydroxybenzoate ester in the method of the present embodiment into a colorless transparent PET container with a volume of 100 mL, and then using the following apparatus under the following conditions. (Apparatus used) Model name: Xenon Weather Meter NX25 Manufacturer: Suga Test Instruments Co., Ltd. (Conditions) Irradiance: 60w / m 2 Tank temperature: 48°C BPT temperature: 63°C Humidity: 50%RH Test time: 10 hours

[0062] From an aesthetic perspective, the color difference change ΔE2 of the above formula (2) is preferably 2.0 or less, more preferably 1.7 or less.

[0063] It should be noted that the color difference in the above formula (1) and the color difference change in the above formula (2) are values calculated by placing the oral composition to be measured in a quartz cell with an optical path length of 1 cm, measuring the color differences (L, a, b) using a colorimeter ZE6000 manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd.

[0064] The oral composition according to this embodiment can be prepared in various forms, such as liquid, gel, paste, or solid. Examples of oral composition forms include toothpastes and liquid toothpastes, mouthwashes, mouth sprays, gargles, mouthwashes, oral topical agents, oral patches, nebulizers, lozenges, chewing gum, and candies. In particular, liquid formulations such as liquid toothpastes, mouthwashes, mouth sprays, gargles, and mouthwashes tend to decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or its salts, but the present invention is preferred because it can effectively suppress the decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or its salts. Furthermore, it is preferable that the oral composition after adding the agent of this embodiment, and the oral composition after incorporating the parahydroxybenzoic acid ester in the method of this embodiment, also conform to the above-described form.

[0065] In this specification, "liquid" refers to a substance that is fluid and has a viscosity of 20 mPa·s or less, preferably 10 mPa·s or less, at 20°C. Here, viscosity can be measured using a commercially available rotational viscometer (for example, a Type B viscometer manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.).

[0066] The pH of the oral composition according to this embodiment is preferably 8.0 or lower, more preferably 7.5 or lower. A pH of 8.0 or lower allows for a more efficient reduction of the color difference change ΔE2 in formula (2) above. Furthermore, it is preferable that the oral composition after adding the agent of this embodiment, and the oral composition after incorporating the parahydroxybenzoic acid ester in the method of this embodiment, also satisfy the above pH value. pH can be measured by the method described in the examples below. Furthermore, the pH can be adjusted by the type and amount of the pH adjusting agent mentioned above.

[0067] The oral composition for the oral product of this embodiment can be prepared by heating and uniformly stirring together glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof, a quaternary ammonium salt, a parahydroxybenzoic acid ester, and optionally other arbitrary components, as necessary. The order in which the components are mixed does not matter.

[0068] The oral composition according to the agent or method of this embodiment can be prepared by heating and uniformly stirring together glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof, a quaternary ammonium salt, and optionally other arbitrary components, as necessary. The order in which the components are mixed does not matter.

[0069] <agent> The agent according to this embodiment may contain, in addition to the parahydroxybenzoic acid ester, a solvent, a sweetener, a disinfectant, a surfactant, an anti-inflammatory agent, a tartar preventative, a pH adjuster, an enzyme, an ion source, a preservative, a fragrance, a herbal medicine, a colorant, and the like. The amount of parahydroxybenzoic acid ester in the total amount of the agent according to this embodiment is preferably 0.005% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.01% by mass or more.

[0070] With respect to the agent according to this embodiment, the agent according to this embodiment may be incorporated into an oral composition containing glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof and a quaternary ammonium salt, or the agent according to this embodiment may be incorporated into an oral composition containing at least one of glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof and a quaternary ammonium salt, and then the remaining components of the oral composition may be incorporated. After compounding the agent according to this embodiment, it may be heated and stirred to uniformly mix each component, if necessary.

[0071] <Method> With regard to the method according to this embodiment, a parahydroxybenzoic acid ester may be added to an oral composition containing glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof and a quaternary ammonium salt, or a parahydroxybenzoic acid ester may be added to an oral composition containing at least one of glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof and a quaternary ammonium salt, and then the remaining components of the oral composition may be added. After adding the parahydroxybenzoic acid ester, the mixture may be heated and stirred to ensure uniform mixing of all components, if necessary.

[0072] <Container> The container used in this embodiment is a transparent container. In this specification, a transparent container means a container in which the oral composition filled in the container can be seen from the outside. As a transparent container, for example, the maximum light transmittance in the transparent region at wavelengths of 400 to 800 nm is 10% or more, preferably 30% or more, more preferably 50% or more, even more preferably 70% or more, and particularly preferably 80% or more. Particularly preferably, the container has a region in which the light transmittance at a wavelength of 660 nm is 80% or more. The light transmittance at a wavelength of 660 nm can be said to have a high correlation with the visual evaluation of transparency. The light transmittance can be determined by cutting a test piece of an appropriate size from the container and measuring it using a spectrophotometer.

[0073] In the transparent container used in this embodiment, the transparent area (in particular, the area in which the light transmittance at a wavelength of 660 nm satisfies the aforementioned range) only needs to be provided in at least a portion of the transparent container and does not necessarily need to be provided in the entire surface of the transparent container. From the viewpoint of design effect, the proportion of the transparent area in the transparent container used in this embodiment is such that, for example, if the outer surface area of ​​the transparent container excluding the bottom is set to 100, the area ratio of the transparent area is 30% or more, preferably 60% or more, and more preferably 80% or more.

[0074] The transparent container may be either colorless or colored, but colorless is preferred. A colorless container offers improved internal visibility and superior aesthetics.

[0075] The material of the transparent container used in this embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it is transparent, but examples include synthetic resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (hereinafter also referred to as "PET"), polystyrene, polyamide (nylon), polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, and acrylic, as well as glass. Among these, PET is preferred from the viewpoint of high transparency, design, and ease of handling. [Examples]

[0076] The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples unless it exceeds the gist of the invention.

[0077] Oral compositions were prepared according to the formulations shown in Tables 1-3, and approximately 100 mL was filled into a 100 mL colorless, transparent PET container, which was then sealed with an opaque cap. A lightfastness test was then conducted under the following conditions. Before and after the lightfastness test, the amount of glycyrrhizic acid or its salt was quantified using the following procedure, and the change in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or its salt due to UV irradiation was confirmed by comparing the content in the oral composition before and after the test. Furthermore, prior to the lightfastness test, the color difference between the prepared oral composition and water was measured using the following procedure. In addition, the change in color difference of the oral composition before and after the lightfastness test was measured using the following procedure.

[0078] [Lightfastness test] Oral compositions prepared according to the formulations shown in Tables 1-3 were filled to approximately 100 mL of a 100 mL colorless, transparent polyethylene terephthalate (PET) container, sealed with an opaque cap, and then subjected to a lightfastness test using the following equipment under the following conditions. (Equipment used) Model name: Xenon Weather Meter NX25 Manufacturer: Suga Test Instruments Co., Ltd. (conditions) Irradiance: 60w / m 2 Tank temperature: 48℃ BPT temperature: 63℃ Humidity: 50%RH Exam duration: 10 hours

[0079] The 100mL capacity colorless transparent PET container mentioned above is a transparent container with low light-shielding properties, specifically a container with a light transmittance of 88% at 660nm. The light transmittance at 660 nm was calculated by cutting the container into a rectangular plate shape with a width of 1 cm and a length of approximately 3-5 cm, and measuring the absorbance using a UV1280 ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation).

[0080] [Measurement of color difference change] A sample to be measured for color difference was placed in a quartz cell with an optical path length of 1 cm, and the color difference (L, a, b) was measured using a colorimeter ZE6000 manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Industries Ltd. The following color difference ΔE1 and color difference change ΔE2 were calculated.

[0081] (Color difference ΔE1 between oral composition and deionized water before lightfastness test) The color difference ΔE1, calculated using the following formula (1), was measured using the oral composition before the lightfastness test and deionized water. The results are shown in Tables 4-6. ΔE1={(ΔL1) 2 +(Δa1) 2 +(Δb1) 2} (1 / 2) ...(1) ΔE1: Color difference between water and oral composition ΔL1: Difference in measurement values ​​between water and oral composition (Water L - Oral Composition L) Δa1: Difference in measurement values ​​between water and oral composition (water a - oral composition a) Δb1: Difference in measurement values ​​between water and oral composition (water b - oral composition b) In the above formula (1), water refers to ion-exchanged water.

[0082] (Change in color difference before and after light irradiation ΔE2) The color difference change ΔE2, calculated using the following formula (2), was measured using the oral composition before and after the lightfastness test. The results are shown in Tables 4-6. ΔE2 = {(ΔL2)} 2 +(Δa2) 2 +(Δb2) 2} (1 / 2) ...(2) ΔE2: Change in color difference of the oral composition before and after light irradiation. ΔL2: Difference in measured values ​​of the oral composition before and after light irradiation (oral composition L before light irradiation - oral composition L after light irradiation) Δa2: Difference in measured values ​​of oral composition before and after light irradiation (oral composition a before light irradiation - oral composition a after light irradiation) Δb2: Difference in measured values ​​of the oral composition before and after light irradiation (oral composition b before light irradiation - oral composition b after light irradiation)

[0083] When the above-mentioned color difference change amount ΔE2 is 2.0 or less, the color difference change amount before and after light irradiation is considered small, and is marked with ○ in Tables 4-6. When ΔE2 exceeds 2.0, it is marked with ×.

[0084] [Method for quantifying dipotassium glycyrrhizinate] For both the oral composition before and after the lightfastness test, 5 mL of the oral composition was accurately taken, 5 mL of the internal standard solution was accurately added, and then 15 mL of mobile phase was added. The mixture was then filtered through a 0.2 μm pore size filter to obtain the sample solution. Separately, approximately 0.16 g of dipotassium glycyrrhizinate (hereinafter also referred to as "GK2") standard was accurately weighed, dissolved in water, and the total volume was made exactly 100 mL. 10 mL of this solution was accurately taken, and water was added to make it exactly 100 mL. 5 mL of this solution was accurately taken, 5 mL of the internal standard solution was accurately added, 15 mL of mobile phase was added, and the mixture was filtered through a 0.2 μm pore size filter to obtain the standard solution. A methanol solution of di-n-hexyl phthalate (diluted 1 / 5000) was used as the internal standard solution.

[0085] For 2 μL of the above sample solution, the following conditions were used to perform a liquid chromatography test, and the ratio Qt of the peak area of ​​GK2 to the peak area of ​​the internal standard substance was calculated. Similarly, the ratio Qs of the peak area of ​​GK2 to the peak area of ​​the internal standard substance was calculated using the above standard solution instead of the sample solution.

[0086] The GK2 content was calculated using the following formula (3). The results are shown in Tables 4-6. GK2 content (mg) in 100 mL of oral composition =(Purity of GK2 standard (%) / 100)×(Weighing value of GK2 standard (mg) / 100)×(10 / 100)×5×(Qt / Qs)×(100 / 5) ...Equation (3)

[0087] Using the values ​​calculated in equation (3), the initial GK2 values ​​were calculated using equation (4) below. The results are shown in Tables 4-6. GK2 vs. Initial Value (%) = (GK2 content in 100 mL after testing (mg) / GK2 content in 100 mL before testing (mg)) × 100 ... Equation (4)

[0088] Equation (4) shows that the lower the GK2 ratio to the initial value, the greater the decrease in GK2. When the GK2 ratio to the initial value is 85% or higher, the GK2 content is considered to be sufficiently maintained, and this is indicated by ○ in Tables 4-6. On the other hand, when the GK2 ratio to the initial value is less than 85%, this is indicated by ×.

[0089] (Liquid chromatography test conditions) Detector: Ultraviolet absorbance photometer (measurement wavelength: 250 nm) Column: A stainless steel tube with an inner diameter of 2.0 mm and a length of 50 mm, packed with 2 μm octadecylsilylated silica gel for liquid chromatography (Product name: CAPCELL PAK C18 IF (2 mm x 50 mm), manufactured by Osaka Soda Co., Ltd.) Column temperature: Constant temperature around 40°C Mobile phase: 6.73 g of tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide and 0.61 g of 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol were dissolved in 800 mL of methanol and 200 mL of water, and the pH was adjusted to 7 with phosphoric acid.

[0090] [pH measurement method] The pH of the oral composition was measured before and after the lightfastness test using a pH ion meter HM-42X (manufactured by Toa DKK Co., Ltd.). The results are shown in Tables 4-6. Furthermore, the pH did not change before and after the lightfastness test.

[0091] As described above, oral compositions were prepared according to the formulations shown in Tables 1-3.

[0092] [Table 1]

[0093] [Table 2]

[0094] [Table 3]

[0095] Tables 4-6 show the results for pH, color difference ΔE1, color difference change ΔE2, and GK2 vs. initial value of the oral composition.

[0096] [Table 4]

[0097] [Table 5]

[0098] [Table 6]

[0099] As described above, Comparative Examples 1-1 and 1-2 showed that the GK2 content decreased when parahydroxybenzoic acid esters were not present, but Examples 1-1 to 1-3 showed that the GK2 content was maintained when parahydroxybenzoic acid esters were present. Furthermore, Examples 1-1 and 1-2 showed that when parahydroxybenzoic acid esters were present and the pH was 8.0 or lower, the decrease in GK2 and discoloration were suppressed.

[0100] As described above, it was found that to suppress the decrease in GK2 content, it is sufficient to include a parahydroxybenzoic acid ester, and methyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, and butyl parahydroxybenzoate can be used as the parahydroxybenzoic acid ester.

[0101] Furthermore, as shown in Reference Example 2-1, GK2 did not decrease when cetylpyridinium chloride (quaternary ammonium salt) was not included. On the other hand, as described above in the background art, a synergistic effect of these components is obtained by including both glycyrrhizic acid or its salt and a quaternary ammonium salt. Therefore, in an oral composition containing glycyrrhizic acid or its salt and a quaternary ammonium salt, contained in a transparent container, the inclusion of a parahydroxybenzoic acid ester further suppressed the decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or its salt even after light irradiation, which can be said to be a unique and remarkable effect specific to the present invention.

Claims

1. An oral product in which an oral composition is contained in a container, The aforementioned oral composition is a colorless oral composition containing glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof, a quaternary ammonium salt, and a parahydroxybenzoic acid ester. An oral product in which the container is a transparent container.

2. An agent for inhibiting the decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or its salt in oral compositions, The aforementioned glycyrrhizic acid or salt content reduction inhibitor contains a parahydroxybenzoic acid ester as an active ingredient. The oral composition is a colorless oral composition containing glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof and a quaternary ammonium salt. The oral composition is housed in a transparent container. An agent that inhibits the decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or its salts.

3. A method for suppressing the decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or its salt in an oral composition, The aforementioned oral composition is a colorless oral composition contained in a transparent container, containing glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof and a quaternary ammonium salt. A method for suppressing a decrease in the content of glycyrrhizic acid or its salt, comprising adding a para-hydroxybenzoic acid ester to the oral composition in addition to glycyrrhizic acid or its salt and a quaternary ammonium salt.

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