Composition for suppressing decrease in testosterone and / or dihydrotestosterone

Abstract

Provided is a composition capable of effectively exhibiting an effect on a change in hormonal balance. A composition is prepared which is for inhibiting reduction of testosterone and / or dihydrotestosterone and contains a cordyceps militaris derived from an eri silkworm and / or an extract thereof.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition for suppressing a decrease in testosterone and / or dihydrotestosterone. [Background technology]

[0002] The period between the ages of 45 and 55 is known as menopause, and is an age when the body is prone to change. During menopause, the body undergoes changes due to a decrease in the sex hormones in the body. It is known that in women, estrogen, known as the female hormone, and in men, testosterone, known as the male hormone, are involved.

[0003] These changes in hormone balance and the influence of the surrounding environment can cause unpleasant conditions and symptoms, and for some people, the effects can be so severe that they affect their lives to the point that they suffer from menopausal disorders.

[0004] Furthermore, changes in hormone balance do not necessarily occur at the time of menopause; depending on one's constitution or an environment subject to strong stress, conditions and symptoms similar to those of menopause can occur even at younger ages.

[0005] Menopausal symptoms and related conditions include muscle weakness, fatigue, poor sleep, joint pain, muscle pain, depression, menstrual irregularities, decreased libido, and decreased sexual performance. It is also known that hormonal imbalance is related to prostate enlargement and infertility.

[0006] Various ingredients have been investigated as a means of improving changes in hormone balance. For example, Patent Document 1 attempts to suppress a decrease in blood testosterone levels by using Codonopsis plants or extracts thereof. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-84559 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, there have been few reports of the development of ingredients that are effective against changes in hormone balance.

[0009] Regarding sex hormones, although there are technologies to promote their production, unless it is possible to suppress their catabolism in the blood and prevent their decrease in levels, these may not be effective against menopausal symptoms and related conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In light of the above problems, the present inventors conducted intensive research and discovered that Cordyceps pupa derived from Eri silkworms and its extracts are components that suppress not only the decline in testosterone levels but also the decline in dihydrotestosterone levels, which shows strong activity as a male hormone, and thus completed the present invention.

[0011] That is, the present invention provides the compositions described below. Section 1. A composition for suppressing a decrease in testosterone and / or dihydrotestosterone, comprising a Cordyceps porgyzae derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof. Section 2. A composition for preventing and / or treating menopausal disorders, prostatic hyperplasia, prostatic cancer, or infertility, comprising a Cordyceps rotundifolia derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof. Section 3. A food composition for improving menopausal conditions, prostatic hyperplasia conditions, or infertility conditions, comprising a Cordyceps rotundifolia derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof. Section 4. Item 4. The composition according to Item 2 or 3, wherein the menopausal disorder or condition is accompanied by at least one condition selected from the group consisting of muscle weakness, fatigue, poor sleep, joint pain, muscle pain, depression, menstrual irregularities, decreased libido, and decreased sexual potency. Section 5. Item 5. The composition according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the Cordyceps derived from Eri silkworm is obtained within 90 days after mycelium emergence. Section 6. Item 6. The composition according to any one of items 1 to 5, which is for oral administration. Section 7. Item 7. The composition according to any one of Items 1 to 6, which is a food or drink product, a quasi-drug product, or a pharmaceutical product. Effect of the Invention

[0012] By applying a composition containing Cordyceps natans derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof, it is possible to suppress the decrease in testosterone and / or dihydrotestosterone, and also to improve diseases or conditions associated with changes in hormone balance, such as menopausal disorders, prostatic hyperplasia, or infertility. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the evaluation results of blood testosterone levels in Test Example 1-1. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the evaluation results of blood dihydrotestosterone levels in Test Example 1-1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a graph showing the evaluation results of blood testosterone levels in Test Example 1-1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the evaluation results of blood dihydrotestosterone levels in Test Example 1-1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the prostate weight after the test in Test Example 1-1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a graph showing the seminal vesicle weight after the test in Test Example 1-1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a graph showing the change in body weight before and after the test in Test Example 1-1. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a graph showing the evaluation results of blood testosterone levels in Test Example 1-2. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a graph showing the evaluation results of blood dihydrotestosterone levels in Test Example 1-2. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the prostate weight before and after the test in Test Example 1-2. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a graph showing changes in body weight after the test in Test Example 1-2. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a graph showing the evaluation results of testosterone production in testicular cells in Test Example 2. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a graph showing the evaluation results of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone production in testicular cells in Test Example 2. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a graph showing the evaluation results for prostate cancer cell survival in Test Example 3. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a graph showing the evaluation results of the proliferation of prostate cancer cells in Test Example 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The composition of the present invention contains Cordyceps purpurea derived from Eri silkworm and / or an extract thereof.

[0015] [Chrysalis mushrooms derived from Eri silkworms and their extracts] The Eri silkworm "Samia cynthia ricini" is a Lepidoptera insect (silkworm) belonging to the Saturniidae family, unlike the commonly used silkworm strains belonging to the Bombycidae family. The Eri silkworm passes through the stages of "egg (embryo)" (from immediately after egg laying to immediately before hatching), "larva" (from immediately after hatching to immediately before the completion of cocoon formation (divided into 1st to 5th instars)), "pupa" (from immediately before the completion of cocoon formation to immediately before emergence), and "adult (moth)" (from immediately after emergence to death), and all of these forms throughout its life are included.

[0016] After hatching from the eggs, Eri silkworms, as larvae, alternate between periods of growth (instars) during which they feed on subtropical plants and periods of sleep during which they do not eat and prepare to molt. The period from hatching to the first molt of a silkworm larva is called the first instar, and the period from the first molt to the second molt is called the second instar, with the larvae usually molting four times and reaching the fifth instar as the final instar. After about a week, the silkworm larvae begin to spin silk threads and form a cocoon (this state is also known as the "mature silkworm"), and then pupate inside the cocoon. After the pupa, they emerge and become adults.

[0017] Cordyceps militaris is a type of cordyceps fungus (also known as cordyceps fungus).In the wild, the fungus infects the larvae and pupae of lepidopterans, causing mycelium to spread inside their bodies, and the fruiting bodies (mushroom parts) germinate from the mycelium.

[0018] In the present specification, "Punicum derived from Eri silkworm" is not particularly limited as long as Eri silkworm is used for the germination of Punicum fungus. A typical example is Punicum (fruiting body) obtained by infecting Eri silkworm with Punicum fungus. Alternatively, Punicum (fruiting body) germinated by adding Punicum fungus to a medium containing Eri silkworm as a type of nutritional component may be used.

[0019] Generally, the type and amount of active ingredients contained in the obtained pupa will vary depending on the type of subject (host) to be infected and the nutritional components used for cultivation, etc.; however, in the present invention, it has been found that by using Eri silkworms as the host or nutritional components in particular, it is possible to promote the production of testosterone and / or dihydrotestosterone, and improve diseases or conditions associated with changes in hormone balance.

[0020] There are no particular limitations on the Eri silkworms, so long as they are in a state in which they can be infected with the Cordyceps fungus or can become a nutrient component for the Cordyceps fungus, but they are preferably in the third instar or later, more preferably in the fourth instar or later, even more preferably in the fifth instar or later, and are particularly preferably in the pupal state.

[0021] The breeding location of Eri silkworms is not particularly limited, but is preferably a subtropical region, more preferably Okinawa and / or the Assam region of India.

[0022] The feed to be given to Eri silkworms is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of significantly achieving the effects of the present invention, it is preferable that the feed contains at least one selected from the group consisting of cassava (scientific name: Manihot esculenta) and castor bean (scientific name: Ricinus communis), more preferably that the feed is mainly made of cassava and / or castor bean, and even more preferably that the feed is mainly made of cassava and / or castor bean leaves.

[0023] The "pupa derived from Eri silkworm" used is preferably a fruiting body. The fruiting body is preferably one that has been in existence for at least one week since germination (also called mycelium generation), more preferably one that has been in existence for 10 days, even more preferably one that has been in existence for 20 days, and particularly preferably one that has been in existence for 30 days. The fruiting body is preferably one that has been in existence for at least 90 days since germination, more preferably one that has been in existence for 80 days, even more preferably one that has been in existence for 70 days, and particularly preferably one that has been in existence for 60 days.

[0024] Furthermore, the form of the "chrysalis derived from Eri silkworms" used is not particularly limited as long as the effects of the present invention are achieved, but it is preferable that it is, for example, a powder or an extract.

[0025] The powder of "Chrysalis derived from Eri silkworms" is produced by a known method, and can be obtained, for example but not limited to, by freeze-drying the fruiting body and then pulverizing it into a powder form.

[0026] The extract of "Chrysalis mushroom derived from Eri silkworm" is produced by a known method and is not particularly limited. The solvent used for extraction includes water and / or an organic solvent, such as methanol, ethanol, acetonitrile, acetone, chloroform, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, isopropyl alcohol, n-hexane, and ethyl acetate. The extraction solvent is preferably water (including hot water) and / or ethanol. The above-mentioned solvents and other known solvents can be used in appropriate combinations of one or more.

[0027] The obtained extract can be concentrated and dried as appropriate by subjecting it to treatments such as purification, freezing, and drying to obtain a solid extract.

[0028] [Application] The composition of the present invention contains Cordyceps derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof, and thus is able to inhibit a decrease in testosterone and / or dihydrotestosterone.

[0029] In men, testosterone is mainly secreted by interstitial cells in the testes. In women, it is secreted from the ovaries and adrenal glands at 5-10% of the amount secreted by men. Testosterone is converted to the active form dihydrotestosterone by 5α-reductase, which exerts various physiological activities. The produced testosterone and dihydrotestosterone are catabolized in the body and lose their activity.

[0030] There are various physiological activities involving testosterone, such as the effects of maintaining muscle mass and strength, reducing fatigue, improving sleep, improving joint pain, improving muscle pain, depression, improving menstrual irregularities, improving libido, improving sexual performance, improving concentration, reducing visceral fat, improving cognitive function, and improving bone density (Horie Shigeo, "Andropause (LOH Syndrome)," Journal of the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine, Vol. 102, No. 4, 2013). In the present invention, it is possible to produce physiological activities involving testosterone in the living body by suppressing the decrease in testosterone.

[0031] Aging and environmental factors such as stress can cause changes in hormone balance, including a decline in sex hormones. After the age of 45, women reach the age of menopause, when they are more likely to suffer from menopausal disorders and related conditions and are more susceptible to changes in their bodies (sometimes called the menopausal age group). The sex hormones whose decline is problematic are known to involve estrogen, known as the female hormone, and testosterone, known as the male hormone, in men.

[0032] In this specification, menopausal disorder refers to "a pathological condition that interferes with daily life among the wide variety of symptoms that appear during menopause, which are not caused by organic changes and are called menopausal symptoms," and menopausal state (condition related to menopause) refers to a state in which at least some of the menopausal symptoms are present or at least some of the menopausal symptoms are bothersome, although they have not yet interfered with daily life.

[0033] In this specification, menopausal symptoms refer to "symptoms not caused by organic changes among the wide variety of symptoms that appear during menopause." Specifically, menopausal symptoms can be broadly divided into autonomic nervous system imbalance symptoms centered on feeling hot, flushed, palpitations, sweating, insomnia, etc., and mental and neurological symptoms centered on anxiety, depression, fear, fatigue, etc., and also include cases where they are accompanied by muscle weakness, joint pain, muscle pain, menstrual irregularities, decreased libido, and decreased sexual ability.

[0034] A composition containing Cordyceps derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof has the effect of suppressing the decline in sex hormones, and therefore acts effectively on menopausal disorders or conditions, and is effective in treating at least one selected from the group consisting of decreased muscle strength, fatigue, poor sleep, joint pain, muscle pain, depression, menstrual irregularities, decreased libido, and decreased sexual ability.

[0035] Regarding the physiological activity of dihydrotestosterone, it is becoming known that excessive production has adverse effects on hair and the prostate gland. However, a decrease in dihydrotestosterone can also be problematic, as it inhibits male development during the fetal stage and reproductive and gonadal function in adults.

[0036] In addition, recent reports have shown that testosterone and dihydrotestosterone are also produced in the hippocampus, and that these hormones act directly to increase neural synapses and spines (Kawado, Yoshi, "Male and female hormones synthesized in the hippocampus enhance memory," Journal of Japanese Biochemical Society 88(3): 342-353 (2016)). It has been suggested that when testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in the brain decrease due to aging, the number of spines decreases, memory function decreases, and this may lead to dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, suppressing the decrease in testosterone and / or dihydrotestosterone is effective in improving, preventing, or treating memory function, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.

[0037] In addition, in the examples described below, it was found that a composition containing Cordyceps derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof has a weight loss effect when continuously taken in. Therefore, Cordyceps derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof can be effectively used for anti-obesity, suppression of fat gain, etc.

[0038] In addition, in the examples described below, it was found that a composition containing a Cordyceps derived from Eri silkworm and / or an extract thereof suppresses prostatic hyperplasia. Therefore, Cordyceps derived from Eri silkworm and / or an extract thereof can be effectively used to prevent and / or treat prostatic hyperplasia. Furthermore, when prostatic hyperplasia is suppressed, urination is normalized, so that the amount of urine accumulated in the bladder is reduced, and frequent urination is expected to be improved. Therefore, Cordyceps derived from Eri silkworm and / or an extract thereof can be effectively used to improve urinary disorders and / or frequent urination.

[0039] In addition, in the examples described below, it was found that a composition containing Cordyceps pulcherrima derived from Eri silkworm and / or an extract thereof suppresses the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. Therefore, Cordyceps pulcherrima derived from Eri silkworm and / or an extract thereof can be effectively used for the prevention and / or treatment of prostate cancer.

[0040] In addition, although no data is shown, it has been found that the diuretic effect is enhanced by feeding a composition containing Cordyceps rotundifolia and / or an extract thereof derived from Eri silkworms to rats and mice with prostatic hyperplasia model used in the examples described below. It is expected that the enhanced diuretic effect will promote the excretion of sodium, leading to the improvement of swelling. Therefore, Cordyceps rotundifolia and / or an extract thereof derived from Eri silkworms can be effectively used to improve swelling.

[0041] The composition of the present invention can further contain active ingredients and additives that can be used in foods and beverages, functional foods, foods for specified health uses, quasi-drugs, pharmaceuticals, etc., and can be formulated according to known formulation methods used for the relevant items.

[0042] (formulation) In the present invention, the composition of the present invention can be administered orally (oral preparation) or parenterally as a solid preparation such as tablets, capsules, granules, powders, or liquid preparation such as syrups or injections. For solid preparations, excipients, lubricants, binders, and disintegrants can be used; for liquid preparations, solvents, dissolving agents, suspending agents, isotonicity agents, buffers, soothing agents, and the like can be used. In addition, additives such as preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, and sweeteners can be used as necessary.

[0043] Examples of excipients include sugar alcohols such as D-sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol; sugars such as glucose, sucrose, lactose, and fructose; crystalline cellulose, carmellose sodium, croscarmellose sodium, calcium hydrogen phosphate, wheat starch, rice starch, corn starch, potato starch, dextrin, β-cyclodextrin, light anhydrous silicic acid, titanium oxide, magnesium aluminometasilicate, talc, kaolin, and olive oil.

[0044] Examples of binders include cellulose derivatives such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, acrylic acid polymers, gelatin, gum arabic, pullulan, pregelatinized starch, agar, tragacanth, sodium alginate, and propylene glycol alginate.

[0045] Examples of disintegrants include starch, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose calcium, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl starch, partially pregelatinized starch, and the like.

[0046] Examples of the solvent include water for injection, alcohol, propylene glycol, macrogol, sesame oil, and corn oil.

[0047] Examples of lubricants include stearic acid, magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, polyoxyl stearate, cetanol, talc, hydrogenated oil, sucrose fatty acid ester, dimethylpolysiloxane, beeswax, and white beeswax.

[0048] Examples of the solubilizing agent include polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, D-mannitol, benzyl benzoate, ethanol, trisaminomethane, cholesterol, triethanolamine, sodium carbonate, and sodium citrate.

[0049] Examples of suspending agents and emulsifying agents include surfactants such as stearyl triethanolamine, sodium lauryl sulfate, lauryl aminopropionic acid, lecithin, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, and glycerin monostearate; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, and hydroxypropylcellulose; and waxes such as shellac wax, beeswax, carnauba wax, spermaceti, lanolin, liquid lanolin, reduced lanolin, hard lanolin, cyclic lanolin, lanolin wax, candelilla wax, Japan wax, montan wax, shellac wax, and rice wax.

[0050] Examples of the isotonicity agent include sodium chloride, glycerin, and D-mannitol.

[0051] Examples of the buffer include buffer solutions such as phosphate, acetate, carbonate, and citrate.

[0052] Examples of preservatives include paraoxybenzoic acid esters, chlorobutanol, benzyl alcohol, phenethyl alcohol, dehydroacetic acid, and sorbic acid.

[0053] Antioxidants include, for example, sulfites and ascorbic acid.

[0054] When the composition of the present invention is made into a solid preparation, a manufacturing method known in the art can be used. For example, the composition is kneaded, and the extrusion granules are formed by passing through a screen, and then pulverized and sized; the composition is added with kneading water, and the mixture is stirred and granulated by a vertical granulator, followed by pulverization and sieving using a Comil. Another example is a method in which the formulation composition is compressed with a roller compactor, then pulverized and sieved with a roll granulator. Another example is a method in which the composition is fluidized bed dried after stirring and granulation. For example, when the composition is produced by direct compression, the composition may be mixed and then directly put into a tablet press to be tableted.

[0055] (food and drink) The composition of the present invention can also be used as a food or drink composition, and can be provided by being contained in a food or functional food. Examples of such foods or functional foods include cooked rice; various noodles including soba, udon, harusame, Chinese noodles, instant noodles, and cup noodles; beverages such as soft drinks, carbonated drinks, energy drinks, fruit drinks, lactic acid drinks, and sports drinks; curry roux, stew, and various soups; cold desserts such as ice cream, ice sherbet, and shaved ice; sweets such as candy, cookies, candies, gum, chocolate, tablet candy, snacks, biscuits, jellies, jams, cream, and other baked goods; processed seafood and livestock foods such as kamaboko, hanpen, ham, and sausages; dairy products such as processed milk and fermented milk; oils and fats and oil-based processed foods such as salad oil, tempura oil, margarine, mayonnaise, shortening, whipped cream, and dressings; condiments such as sauces, dressings, miso, soy sauce, and sauces; soups, stews, salads, side dishes, furikake, and pickles; and various other forms of health and nutritional supplements, functional foods, and foods for specified health uses.

[0056] Furthermore, supplements (powders, granules, soft capsules, hard capsules, tablets, chewable tablets, rapidly disintegrating tablets, syrups, jellies, liquids, etc.) containing the compositions of the present invention may be prepared.

[0057] The composition of the present invention can also be included in food for animals such as pets.

[0058] Additives may be added to foods and beverages as necessary, such as glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, sorbitol, stevioside, rubusoside, corn syrup, lactose, mannitol, dextrin, citric acid, sodium citrate, tartaric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, L-ascorbic acid, dl-α-tocopherol, sodium erythorbate, glycerin, propylene glycol, glycerin fatty acid ester, polyglycerin fatty acid ester, sucrose fatty acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid ester, gum arabic, carrageenan, casein, gelatin, pectin, agar, vitamin C, vitamin B, vitamin E, nicotinamide, calcium pantothenate, amino acids, calcium salts, surfactants, colorants, flavorings, preservatives, etc.

[0059] The composition of the present invention can be used for foods and beverages that are permitted to be labeled as improving or preventing various symptoms or conditions. In the present invention, foods and beverages that are permitted to be labeled as improving or preventing symptoms or conditions are foods and beverages that have medicinal effects that are permitted or designated by a country or public organization, such as functional foods, foods with health claims such as specified health foods, and foods for special dietary uses. Note that although names and regulations change depending on the situation, times, and systems of each country, foods that are essentially the same are included in the present invention.

[0060] The amount of the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, and is appropriately determined depending on the purpose of application (such as the type of target disease or symptom), the target area of ​​application, the gender and age of the recipient, the form of food or beverage, functional food, food for specified health uses, quasi-drug, or pharmaceutical product, the method and frequency of administration or ingestion of these, preferences, etc.

[0061] When using the composition of the present invention, the daily intake of the Cordyceps derived from Eri silkworms or an extract thereof can be, for example, 0.005 to 4,000 mg, preferably 0.1 to 3,000 mg, more preferably 0.5 to 2,000 mg, even more preferably 1 to 1,000 mg, particularly preferably 2 to 500 mg, and most preferably 3 to 300 mg, calculated as the dry solid content.

[0062] The intake period of the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, and is appropriately set according to the purpose of application (such as the type of target disease or symptoms), the target application site, the gender and age of the recipient, the form of food and drink, functional food, specified health food, quasi-drug, or pharmaceutical, etc. The intake period of the composition of the present invention can be, for example, one day or more, preferably seven days or more, more preferably twelve days or more, and even more preferably one month or more.

[0063] The composition of the present invention is not particularly limited in terms of the dosage form in terms of preparation.For example, functional foods such as supplements and nutritional drinks, confectioneries such as gummies, candies, gums, crackers, and biscuits, foods such as ice cream, jelly, yokan, bread, chawanmushi, and curry, beverages such as milk drinks, soft drinks, and soups, and seasonings such as dressings and ponzu sauce are exemplified as edible and drinkable food and drink compositions.

[0064] From the viewpoint of the effects of the present invention, it is preferable, without being limited thereto, to ingest the composition of the present invention as a functional food. Among functional foods, functional foods, nutritional functional foods, nutritional supplements, and foods for specified health uses are mentioned, with functional foods being preferred since their uses can be clearly indicated.

[0065] [Applicable persons] The subject to which the composition of the present invention is applied is not particularly limited, and may be 30 years old or older, who are susceptible to stress from the living environment such as work, or may be middle-aged people (45 years old or older but less than 55 years old), who are susceptible to changes in the body due to changes in hormone balance, or may be elderly people (55 years old or older). From the viewpoint of susceptibility to changes in the body due to changes in hormone balance, the composition of the present invention is preferably applied to middle-aged and elderly people (40 years old or older, 45 years old or older, 50 years old or older, 55 years old or older).

[0066] [pH] The pH of the composition of the present invention is appropriately set depending on the type and content of other blended ingredients, the formulation form, the method of use, etc., and is not limited as long as it is within a physiologically or pharma- ceutical acceptable range, but may be, for example, pH 2 to 9. From the viewpoint of stably exerting the effects of the present invention, the pH of the composition of the present invention may be preferably 2 to 9.5, more preferably 3 to 9, even more preferably 4 to 8.5, even more preferably 4.5 to 8, and even more preferably 5.5 to 7.5.

[0067] [Embodiment] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but discloses the following embodiments.

[0068] A composition for suppressing a decrease in testosterone and / or dihydrotestosterone, comprising a Cordyceps porgyzae derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof.

[0069] A composition for preventing and / or treating menopausal disorders, prostatic hyperplasia, prostatic cancer, or infertility, comprising a Cordyceps rotundifolia derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof.

[0070] A food composition for improving menopausal conditions, prostatic hyperplasia conditions, or infertility conditions, comprising a Cordyceps rotundifolia derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof.

[0071] The above composition, wherein the menopausal disorder or condition is accompanied by at least one condition selected from the group consisting of muscle weakness, fatigue, poor sleep, joint pain, muscle pain, depression, menstrual irregularities, decreased libido, and decreased sexual performance.

[0072] A composition for improving sexual development during the embryonic stage, comprising a pupa derived from Eri silkworm and / or an extract thereof.

[0073] A composition for improving memory function, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease, comprising Cordyceps tularensis derived from Eri silkworm and / or an extract thereof.

[0074] A composition for improving obesity, comprising a Cordyceps natans derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof.

[0075] A composition for improving prostatic hyperplasia, urination disorder, or frequent urination, comprising a Cordyceps natalensis derived from Eri silkworm and / or an extract thereof.

[0076] A composition for preventing and / or treating prostate cancer, comprising a Cordyceps natanus derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof.

[0077] The composition as described above, wherein the Eri silkworms are raised on a diet mainly composed of cassava and / or castor beans.

[0078] The composition as described above, wherein the Eri silkworms are raised on a diet mainly composed of cassava and / or castor leaves.

[0079] The above composition, wherein the Eri silkworm is infected with Cordyceps rotundifolia fungus in the pupal stage.

[0080] The above composition, wherein the chrysalis derived from Eri silkworms is obtained within 90 days after mycelium emergence.

[0081] The above composition, wherein the extract of the Cordyceps derived from Eri silkworm is extracted with water and / or an organic solvent.

[0082] The above composition, wherein the organic solvent is at least one selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, acetonitrile, acetone, chloroform, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, isopropyl alcohol, n-hexane, and ethyl acetate.

[0083] The above composition is for oral administration.

[0084] The above composition, which is an oral agent.

[0085] The composition as described above, which is a tablet, capsule, granule, powder, or syrup.

[0086] The composition described above is a functional food, a food or drink, a quasi-drug, or a pharmaceutical.

[0087] The composition as described above for use in individuals aged 40 or over, 45 or over, 50 or over, or 55 or over.

[0088] A chrysalis mushroom derived from Eri silkworm and / or an extract thereof for use in suppressing a decrease in testosterone and / or dihydrotestosterone.

[0089] A chrysalis mushroom derived from Eri silkworm and / or an extract thereof for use in the prevention and / or treatment of menopausal symptoms, prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer, or infertility.

[0090] A Cordyceps natalensis derived from Eri silkworm and / or an extract thereof for use in improving menopausal conditions, prostatic hyperplasia conditions, or infertility conditions.

[0091] The above-mentioned menopausal disorder or condition is accompanied by at least one condition selected from the group consisting of decreased muscle strength, fatigue, poor sleep, joint pain, muscle pain, depression, menstrual irregularities, decreased libido, and decreased sexual ability, and the chrysalis mushroom and / or its extract derived from Eri silkworm.

[0092] A chrysalis mushroom and / or an extract thereof derived from Eri silkworm for use in improving sexual development during the embryonic stage.

[0093] 2. A Cordyceps natalensis and / or an extract thereof derived from Eri silkworm for use in improving memory function, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease.

[0094] A Cordyceps natalensis derived from Eri silkworm and / or an extract thereof for use in improving obesity.

[0095] A Cordyceps natalensis derived from Eri silkworm and / or an extract thereof for use in improving prostatic hyperplasia, urinary disorders, or frequent urination.

[0096] A chrysalis mushroom and / or an extract thereof derived from Eri silkworm for use in the prevention and / or treatment of prostate cancer.

[0097] The above-mentioned Eri silkworms are raised on feed mainly containing cassava and / or castor beans, and the above-mentioned chrysalis and / or extract thereof derived from Eri silkworms are provided.

[0098] The above-mentioned Eri silkworms are raised on a diet mainly composed of cassava and / or castor leaves, and the above-mentioned chrysalis and / or extract thereof derived from Eri silkworms are provided.

[0099] The above-mentioned Eri silkworm-derived Cordyceps miliaceus and / or an extract thereof, wherein the Eri silkworm is infected with Cordyceps miliaceus fungus in the pupal stage.

[0100] The above-mentioned Eri silkworm-derived chrysalis and / or its extract, wherein the Eri silkworm-derived chrysalis is obtained within 90 days after mycelium generation.

[0101] The extract of the cordata derived from Eri silkworms and / or its extract is extracted with water and / or an organic solvent.

[0102] The above-mentioned organic solvent is at least one selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, acetonitrile, acetone, chloroform, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, isopropyl alcohol, n-hexane, and ethyl acetate, and the cocoon mushroom and / or extract thereof derived from Eri silkworm.

[0103] The above-mentioned Cordyceps pupa derived from Eri silkworm and / or an extract thereof, for oral administration.

[0104] The above-mentioned Cordyceps derived from Eri silkworm and / or an extract thereof is an oral preparation.

[0105] The above-mentioned Cordyceps derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof is in the form of a tablet, capsule, granule, powder or syrup.

[0106] The above-mentioned Eri silkworm-derived chrysalis and / or its extract are functional foods, food and drink, quasi-drugs, or medicines.

[0107] The above-mentioned sanagitake mushroom and / or its extract derived from Eri silkworms for use by people aged 40 or over, 45 or over, 50 or over, or 55 or over.

[0108] The above-mentioned use of the Cordyceps fasciatus derived from Eri silkworm and / or its extract is a non-therapeutic use.

[0109] Use of a Cordyceps natans derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof for producing a composition for suppressing a decrease in testosterone and / or dihydrotestosterone.

[0110] Use of a Cordyceps natans derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof for producing a composition for preventing and / or treating menopausal disorders, prostate hyperplasia, prostate cancer, or infertility.

[0111] Use of a Cordyceps natans derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof for producing a composition for improving menopausal conditions, prostatic hyperplasia conditions, or infertility conditions.

[0112] The above use, wherein the menopausal disorder or condition is accompanied by at least one condition selected from the group consisting of muscle weakness, fatigue, poor sleep, joint pain, muscle pain, depression, menstrual irregularities, decreased libido, and decreased sexual potency.

[0113] Use of a chrysalis derived from Eri silkworm and / or an extract thereof for producing a composition for improving sexual development during the embryonic stage.

[0114] Use of Cordyceps natans derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof for producing a composition for improving memory function, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease.

[0115] Use of Cordyceps fuliginosa derived from Eri silkworm and / or an extract thereof for producing a composition for improving obesity.

[0116] Use of a Cordyceps oryzae derived from Eri silkworm and / or an extract thereof for producing a composition for improving prostatic hyperplasia, dysuria, or frequent urination.

[0117] Use of Cordyceps natans derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof for producing a composition for preventing and / or treating prostate cancer.

[0118] The above use, wherein the Eri silkworms are raised on feed mainly containing cassava and / or castor beans.

[0119] The above use, wherein the Eri silkworms are raised on a diet mainly containing cassava and / or castor leaves.

[0120] The above use, wherein the Eri silkworm is infected with Cordyceps ulmoides in the pupal stage.

[0121] The above use, wherein the chrysalis derived from Eri silkworms is obtained within 90 days after mycelium generation.

[0122] The above use, wherein the extract of the Cordyceps derived from Eri silkworm is extracted with water and / or an organic solvent.

[0123] The above use, wherein the organic solvent is at least one selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, acetonitrile, acetone, chloroform, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, isopropyl alcohol, n-hexane, and ethyl acetate.

[0124] The above uses, which are for oral use.

[0125] The above use, which is an oral agent.

[0126] The above use, wherein the composition is in the form of a tablet, capsule, granule, powder, or syrup.

[0127] The above use in the form of functional food, food and drink, quasi-drug, or medicine.

[0128] For use in persons aged 40 years or older, 45 years or older, 50 years or older, or 55 years or older, as described above.

[0129] A method for suppressing a decrease in testosterone and / or dihydrotestosterone, comprising having a human ingestch a cornichodo acutiloba derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof.

[0130] A method for preventing and / or treating menopausal disorders, prostate hyperplasia, prostate cancer, or infertility, comprising having a human ingest a Cordyceps natans derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof.

[0131] A method for improving menopausal conditions, prostatic hyperplasia conditions, or infertility conditions, comprising having a human ingest Cordyceps natans derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof.

[0132] The above method, wherein the menopausal disorder or condition is accompanied by at least one condition selected from the group consisting of muscle weakness, fatigue, poor sleep, joint pain, muscle pain, depression, menstrual irregularities, decreased libido, and decreased sexual performance.

[0133] A method for improving sexual development during the fetal stage, comprising having a human ingestch agaricus derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof.

[0134] A method for improving memory function, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease, comprising having a human ingestch acorus brevis derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof.

[0135] A method for improving obesity, comprising having a human ingestch agaricus derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof.

[0136] A method for improving prostatic hyperplasia, urinary disorders, or frequent urination, comprising having a human ingest Cordyceps natans derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof.

[0137] A method for preventing and / or treating prostate cancer, comprising administering to a human a Cordyceps natans derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof.

[0138] The above method, wherein the Eri silkworms are raised on a diet mainly containing cassava and / or castor beans.

[0139] The above method, wherein the Eri silkworms are raised on a diet mainly consisting of cassava and / or castor leaves.

[0140] The method as described above, wherein the Eri silkworm is infected with Cordyceps ulmoides in the pupal stage.

[0141] The above method, wherein the chrysalis derived from Eri silkworms is obtained within 90 days after mycelium generation.

[0142] The above method, wherein the extract of the Cordyceps derived from Eri silkworm is extracted with water and / or an organic solvent.

[0143] The above method, wherein the organic solvent is at least one selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, acetonitrile, acetone, chloroform, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, isopropyl alcohol, n-hexane, and ethyl acetate.

[0144] The method as described above, comprising taking the composition orally.

[0145] The method as described above, comprising taking the composition as an oral dosage form.

[0146] The method as above, comprising taking the compound as a tablet, capsule, granule, powder, or syrup.

[0147] The above method includes taking the composition as a functional food, food or drink, quasi-drug, or medicine.

[0148] The above methods for use in individuals aged 40 or older, 45 or older, 50 or older, or 55 or older. EXAMPLES

[0149] Next, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to examples and test examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples and test examples.

[0150] (Preparation of Cordyceps from Eri Silkworm) Pupae of Eri silkworms (produced by Okinawa UKAMI Silkworm Farming Co., Ltd., Okinawa Prefecture, raised on a diet mainly consisting of cassava (scientific name: Manihot esculenta) and / or castor bean (scientific name: Ricinus communis) leaves) were infected with Cordyceps militaris and cultured in a dark room at 25°C for 50 days. The obtained fruiting bodies were frozen and dried.

[0151] (Preparation of hot water extract 1) 300 mL of purified water was added to 7.7 g of the obtained dried fruiting body, and the mixture was heated at 100 ° C for 24 hours to obtain hot water extract 1. Hot water extract 1 was collected by suction filtration using qualitative filter paper (No. 2, manufactured by ADVANTEC). 300 mL of purified water was added to the filtration residue, and the mixture was heated at 100 ° C for 24 hours to obtain hot water extract 2. Hot water extract 2 was collected by suction filtration using qualitative filter paper (No. 2, manufactured by ADVANTEC). Hot water extracts 1 and 2 were combined and concentrated using a solvent concentrator (EYELA DPE-1150, manufactured by Tokyo Rika Kikai Co., Ltd.) and a rotary evaporator (EYELA N-1210BVF-W, manufactured by Tokyo Rika Kikai Co., Ltd.). The concentrated hot water extract was freeze-dried using a freeze dryer (EYELA FDU-1200, manufactured by Tokyo Rika Kikai Co., Ltd.) to obtain a powder of the hot water extract. The resulting hot water extract powder had a dry weight of 5.8 g, and the yield was 75% based on 7.7 g of dried fruit bodies.

[0152] (Preparation of hot water extract 2) 10.9 g of dried fruiting bodies were crushed, 400 mL of purified water was added to the obtained fruiting body powder, and the mixture was heated at 100 ° C for 36 hours to obtain hot water extract 1. Hot water extract 1 was centrifuged at 3800 / rpm, 23 ° C, 10 minutes, and the supernatant was suction filtered and collected using filter paper (No. 5A, Kiriyama Seisakusho Co., Ltd.). 400 mL of purified water was added to the filtration residue, and the mixture was heated at 100 ° C for 24 hours to obtain hot water extract 2. Hot water extract 2 was centrifuged at 3800 / rpm, 23 ° C, 10 minutes, and the supernatant was suction filtered and collected using filter paper (No. 5A, Kiriyama Seisakusho Co., Ltd.). Hot water extracts 1 and 2 were combined and concentrated using a solvent concentrator (EYELA DPE-1150, Tokyo Rika Kikai Co., Ltd.) and a rotary evaporator (EYELA N-1210BVF-W, Tokyo Rika Kikai Co., Ltd.). The concentrated hot water extract was freeze-dried in a freeze dryer (EYELA FDU-1200, Tokyo Rikakikai Co., Ltd.) to obtain a powder of the hot water extract. The dry weight of the obtained hot water extract powder was 8.4 g, and the yield was 77% based on 10.9 g of dried fruit bodies.

[0153] (Preparation of organic solvent extracts and hot water extracts) 100 mL of n-hexane was added to 4.8 g of the obtained dried fruiting body, and the mixture was allowed to stand at 23 ° C for 24 hours to obtain n-hexane extract 1. After collecting the supernatant by decantation, 100 mL of n-hexane was added to the extraction residue, and the mixture was allowed to stand at room temperature for 24 hours to obtain n-hexane extract 2. After collecting the supernatant by decantation, 100 mL of n-hexane was added again, and the mixture was allowed to stand at room temperature for 24 hours to obtain n-hexane extract 3. After collecting the supernatant by decantation, the mixture was combined with n-hexane extracts 1 and 2, and the mixture was filtered by suction with qualitative filter paper (No. 2, manufactured by ADVANTEC) to obtain a total n-hexane extract. 100 mL of acetone was added to the extraction residue, and the mixture was allowed to stand at room temperature for 24 hours to obtain acetone extract 1. After collecting the supernatant by decantation, 100 mL of acetone was added to the extraction residue, and the mixture was allowed to stand at room temperature for 24 hours to obtain acetone extract 2. The supernatant was collected by decantation, and 100 mL of acetone was added again and allowed to stand at room temperature for 24 hours to obtain acetone extract 3. The supernatant was collected by decantation, and then combined with acetone extracts 1 and 2, and filtered with suction through qualitative filter paper (No. 2, manufactured by ADVANTEC) to obtain the total acetone extract.

[0154] 50mL of chloroform and 50mL of methanol were added to the extraction residue, and the mixture was left to stand at room temperature for 24 hours to obtain chloroform / methanol extract 1. After collecting the supernatant by decantation, 50mL of chloroform and 50mL of methanol were added to the extraction residue, and the mixture was left to stand at room temperature for 24 hours to obtain chloroform / methanol extract 2. After collecting the supernatant by decantation, 50mL of chloroform and 50mL of methanol were added again, and the mixture was left to stand at room temperature for 24 hours to obtain chloroform / methanol extract 3. After collecting the supernatant by decantation, the mixture was combined with chloroform / methanol extracts 1 and 2, and the mixture was filtered by suction with qualitative filter paper (No.2, manufactured by ADVANTEC) to obtain the total chloroform / methanol extract. 100mL of purified water was added to the extraction residue, and the mixture was heated at 100℃ for 24 hours to obtain hot water extract 1. After collecting the supernatant by decantation, 100mL of purified water was added to the extraction residue, and the mixture was heated at 100℃ for 24 hours to obtain hot water extract 2. After the supernatant was collected by decantation, 100 mL of purified water was added again and heated at 100°C for 24 hours to obtain hot water extract 3. After the supernatant was collected by decantation, it was combined with hot water extracts 1 and 2 and suction filtered with qualitative filter paper (No. 2, manufactured by ADVANTEC) to obtain the total hot water extract. The total n-hexane extract, total acetone extract, total chloroform / methanol extract, and total hot water extract were each concentrated using a solvent concentrator (EYELA DPE-1150, manufactured by Tokyo Rika Kikai Co., Ltd.) and a rotary evaporator (EYELA N-1210BVF-W, manufactured by Tokyo Rika Kikai Co., Ltd.). The concentrated extracts were freeze-dried using a freeze dryer (EYELA FDU-1200, manufactured by Tokyo Rika Kikai Co., Ltd.) to obtain powders of the n-hexane extract, acetone extract, chloroform / methanol extract, and hot water extract, respectively.

[0155] The obtained powder of n-hexane extract had a dry weight of 85.0 mg, and the yield was 1.8% based on 4.8 g of dried fruiting bodies. The obtained powder of acetone extract had a dry weight of 63.6 mg, and the yield was 1.3% based on 4.8 g of dried fruiting bodies. The obtained powder of chloroform / methanol extract had a dry weight of 1.8 g, and the yield was 38% based on 4.8 g of dried fruiting bodies. The obtained powder of hot water extract had a dry weight of 1.1 g, and the yield was 23% based on 4.8 g of dried fruiting bodies.

[0156] (Test Example 1-1. Effect of Cordyceps purpurea derived from Eri silkworm on male menopausal model rats) Castrated (orchiectomized) rats were used as a human menopausal model. Eight-week-old male rats were orchiectomized. These castrated rats were orally administered testosterone propionate (TP: 1 mg / kg, administered every other day) along with a hot water extract of Cordyceps miliaria derived from Eri silkworm (RK: 20 mg / 0.2 mL distilled water / rat: average body weight at the start of administration 317 g) for 12 consecutive days, after which blood samples were taken and autopsies were performed. Animals administered 0.2 mL distilled water were used as controls.

[0157] After blood sampling, blood testosterone levels and blood dihydrotestosterone levels were evaluated using the following measurement kits. The results of blood testosterone levels measured using an EIA kit (Cayman) and blood dihydrotestosterone levels measured using an ELISA kit (Abnova) are shown in Figures 1 and 2, respectively. To confirm reproducibility, the same test contents were retested, and the results are shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0158] After autopsy, the changes in the prostate and seminal vesicle weights were evaluated. The changes in the prostate weight are shown in FIG. 5, and the changes in the seminal vesicle weight are shown in FIG.

[0159] As shown in the results of Figures 1 to 4, the levels of testosterone and its active metabolite dihydrotestosterone in the blood tended to increase when the hot water extract of Cordyceps derived from Eri silkworms was administered. In this evaluation system, since the testes were removed, testosterone could not be newly produced in the rat's body. It was presumed that by administering the hot water extract of Cordyceps derived from Eri silkworms, the testosterone administered as testosterone propionate and the active form dihydrotestosterone converted in the body were maintained in the body without being reduced by catabolism (decomposition).

[0160] As shown in the results of Figures 5 to 6, the weight of the prostate and seminal vesicles, which had atrophied due to castration, increased with the administration of testosterone propionate (TP group). The administration of a hot water extract of Cordyceps derived from Eri silkworms did not affect the weight or size of the seminal vesicles, but significantly reduced the weight of the prostate (TP+RK group). The weight gain before and after the test is also shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, the administration of testosterone propionate to castrated animals tended to increase the weight of the animals, and the weight gain of the animals in the group administered Cordyceps derived from Eri silkworms (RK (20, 80 mg)) was lower than that of the TP group, and a tendency for weight gain to be difficult was observed. In addition, the group administered Cordyceps derived from Eri silkworms alone (RK (20 mg)) also tended to decrease compared to the control group (Control). There was no difference in weight between the two groups before the start of administration.

[0161] (Test Example 1-2. Effect of Eri silkworm-derived Cordyceps miliaria on prostate hyperplasia model rats) In the menopausal model of Test Example 1-1, the increase in prostate weight caused by testosterone propionate (TP) was suppressed by hot water extract of Cordyceps rotundifolia derived from Eri silkworm (RK), so it was hypothesized that it would be effective against prostate hyperplasia. Therefore, the effect of long-term administration of RK was examined using a prostate hyperplasia model rat in which an excessive amount of TP was administered to mature rats for a long period of time.

[0162] 8-week-old male Wistar rats were orally administered RK (10 mg / 0.2 mL distilled water / rat or 20 mg / 0.2 mL distilled water / rat: average body weight at the start of administration 268 g) together with 3 mg / kg TP for one month, and then blood samples were taken and autopsies were performed. Animals administered 0.2 mL distilled water were used as controls.

[0163] After blood sampling, blood testosterone levels and blood dihydrotestosterone levels were evaluated using the following measurement kits. The results of blood testosterone levels measured using an EIA kit (manufactured by Cayman) and the results of blood dihydrotestosterone levels measured using an Elisa kit (manufactured by Abnova) are shown in Figures 8 and 9, respectively.

[0164] After autopsy, changes in prostate weight and body weight were evaluated. The changes in prostate weight are shown in FIG. 10, and the increase in body weight is shown in FIG.

[0165] As shown in the results of Figures 8 and 9, compared to the increase in blood testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels caused by TP administration, RK administration further increased the levels statistically significantly (Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison test). As shown in Figure 10, prostate weight increased with TP administration and tended to decrease with RK. As shown in Figure 11, it was confirmed that the amount of body weight gain tended to decrease with long-term administration of RK (alone). In the long-term administration test of Test Example 1-2, it was confirmed that the increase in blood testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels, the decrease in prostate weight, and the difficulty in gaining weight caused by RK showed the same tendency as in Test Example 1-1.

[0166] In addition, an acute toxicity test (RK: single dose of 1000 mg / mL) was also conducted on male Wistar rats, and during the two-week observation period, no abnormalities in appearance or behavior, no deaths, and no changes in male hormone levels were observed.

[0167] (Test Example 2. Effects of active ingredients on endocrinology and function of cultured reproductive cells) Dispersed testicular cells were prepared from the testis of mature rats. The obtained testicular cells were cultured overnight in DMEM / Ham's F12 medium (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) for culturing testicular interstitial cells (Leydig cells). After pretreatment for 1 hour with hot water extract of Cordyceps spp. derived from Eri silkworm (diluted 1:500) or cordycepin (0.5 mM), known as one of the physiologically active substances of Cordyceps sinensis, the cells were stimulated with luteinizing hormone (LH: 10, 100 ng / mL) or dibutyryl cAMP (0.1, 0.5 mM). After 90 minutes of stimulation, the medium was collected and testosterone was quantified. The results are shown in Figure 12. To confirm reproducibility, a retest was performed with the same test contents, and the results are shown in Figure 13. In the retest, three independent experiments were performed, and dihydrotestosterone was also quantified in addition to testosterone.

[0168] As shown in the results of Figures 12 and 13, when treated with a hot water extract of Cordyceps derived from Eri silkworms (RK in the figures), testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels were elevated in all groups except for the 0.5 mM dibutyryl cAMP (db-cAMP in Figure 12, Db in Figure 13) group. No such increasing effect was observed with cordycepin treatment. Thus, it was shown that the hot water extract of Cordyceps derived from Eri silkworms also has the effect of directly promoting the production of male hormones in testicular cells.

[0169] (Test Example 3. Effect on prostate cancer growth) A hot water extract of Cordyceps niger derived from Eri silkworm was added to a culture system of human prostate cancer cell lines (PC3, LNCaP), and the cells were cultured for 48 hours, and cell proliferation (cell viability) was evaluated by WST-8 assay (Dojindo Laboratories). In addition, a human endometrial glandular epithelial cell line was used as a control cell as a normal cell, and compared with the cancer cells. The results of the effect of the hot water extract of Cordyceps niger derived from Eri silkworm on cell proliferation are shown in Figures 14 and 15.

[0170] As shown in the results of Figure 14, the hot water extract of Cordyceps derived from Eri silkworms inhibited the proliferation of testosterone-insensitive PC3 and testosterone-sensitive LNCaP cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In PC3 cells, the hot water extract of Cordyceps derived from Eri silkworms (800 μg / mL) showed 80% or more cell proliferation inhibitory activity. In addition, this extract did not significantly affect the proliferation of normal cells. Figure 15 shows that cell proliferation stimulated by testosterone (10, 100 nM) was also inhibited by the hot water extract of Cordyceps (200 μg / mL). From these results, it was inferred that the fruiting body (Cordyceps) components derived from Eri silkworms contain components that inhibit the proliferation of human prostate cancer cells.

Claims

1. A composition for suppressing a decrease in testosterone and / or dihydrotestosterone and suppressing prostatic hyperplasia, comprising a Cordyceps natans derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof.

2. A composition for preventing and / or treating prostate cancer, comprising a Cordyceps natanus derived from Eri silkworm and / or an extract thereof.

3. A composition for suppressing a decrease in testosterone and / or dihydrotestosterone and for suppressing weight gain, comprising a Cordyceps natans derived from Eri silkworms and / or an extract thereof.

4. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the chrysalis derived from Eri silkworms is obtained within 90 days after mycelium emergence.

5. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is for oral administration.

6. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is a food or drink, a quasi-drug, or a pharmaceutical.

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