Liquid composition

Abstract

To provide a liquid composition in which non-polymer catechin is stabilized.SOLUTION: There is provided a liquid composition containing following components (A), (B) and (C): (A) a non-polymer catechin by 0.04 to 0.6 mass%, (B) an ascorbic acid or a salt thereof by 0.0001 to 0.2 mass%, and (C) a cationic substance by 0.0005 to 0.4 mass%, and in which the component (C) has a coupling constant for component (A) of 1.0×104M-1 or more.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid composition. [Background technology]

[0002] Non-polymer catechins are known to have various chemical and physiologically active effects, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, deodorizing, blood cholesterol suppressing, and α-amylase activity inhibiting effects, and are used as ingredients in food compositions that exhibit physiologically active effects, antioxidants, etc. Antioxidants protect other ingredients from oxidative deterioration by being oxidized themselves, but non-polymer catechins are susceptible to oxidative deterioration over time, and the residual rate of non-polymer catechins gradually decreases, so they lack storage stability.

[0003] Conventionally, as a technique for improving the storage stability of non-polymer catechins, for example, a method has been proposed in which an antioxidant such as ascorbic acid and a cyclic oligosaccharide are dissolved in a certain ratio in an aqueous solvent containing non-polymer catechins (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-168318 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, even when ascorbic acid or cyclic oligosaccharides were added, the expected deterioration suppression effect was not obtained, and the stabilization of non-polymer catechins was still insufficient. The present invention provides a liquid composition in which non-polymer catechins are stabilized. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present inventors conducted research in light of the above-mentioned problems and found that the stability of non-polymer catechins can be improved by incorporating specific amounts of ascorbic acid or a salt thereof and a specific cationic substance relative to a specific amount of non-polymer catechins.

[0007] That is, the present invention relates to a composition comprising the following components (A), (B) and (C); (A) Non-polymer catechins 0.04 to 0.6% by mass (B) 0.0001 to 0.2% by mass of ascorbic acid or a salt thereof, and (C) Cationic substance: 0.0005 to 0.4% by mass The component (C) has a binding constant for the component (A) of 1.0×10 4 M -1 As described above, a liquid composition is provided. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid composition in which non-polymer catechins are stabilized. Therefore, by using the liquid composition of the present invention, various chemical and physiological activity actions due to the non-polymer catechins can be fully expected. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [Liquid composition] In this specification, the term "liquid composition" refers to a composition that is liquid at room temperature (20°C ± 15°C).

[0010] The liquid composition of the present invention contains non-polymer catechins as component (A). Here, in the present specification, "(A) non-polymer catechins" is a collective term for non-gallate forms such as catechin, gallocatechin, epicatechin, and epigallocatechin, and gallate forms such as catechin gallate, gallocatechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin gallate. In the present invention, at least one of the above eight types of non-polymer catechins may be contained. The origin of component (A) is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a chemically synthesized product or an extract from a plant containing non-polymer catechins.

[0011] The liquid composition of the present invention has a content of component (A) of 0.04 to 0.60% by mass, and from the viewpoint of improving the physiological effect and the stability of non-polymer catechins, it is preferably 0.05% by mass or more, more preferably 0.06% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.07% by mass or more. From the viewpoint of flavor balance, it is preferably 0.2% by mass or less, more preferably 0.19% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.18% by mass or less. The content of component (A) in the liquid composition of the present invention is preferably 0.05 to 0.2% by mass, more preferably 0.06 to 0.19% by mass, and even more preferably 0.07 to 0.18% by mass. The content of component (A) is defined based on the total amount of the above eight types of non-polymer catechins. The content of component (A) can be measured by an analytical method suitable for the condition of the measurement sample among commonly known measurement methods, and can be analyzed by liquid chromatography, for example. Specifically, the method described in the Examples below can be mentioned. During measurement, the sample may be freeze-dried to fit the detection range of the instrument, or contaminants may be removed from the sample to fit the resolution of the instrument, or other appropriate processing may be performed as necessary.

[0012] The liquid composition of the present invention contains ascorbic acid or a salt thereof as component (B). Ascorbic acid and its salts may be used alone or in combination. Component (B) may be an L-form, a D-form, or a mixture thereof (e.g., racemic form). Among these, the L-form is preferred. Examples of salts include alkali metal salts such as sodium salts and potassium salts, and alkaline earth metal salts such as magnesium salts and calcium salts. There is no particular limit to the origin of component (B), and it may be, for example, a chemically synthesized product, a commercially available product, or a product derived from raw materials.

[0013] The content of component (B) in the liquid composition of the present invention is 0.0001 to 0.2% by mass, but from the viewpoint of the stability of non-polymer catechins, it is preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.005% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.008% by mass or more, and preferably 0.18% by mass or less, more preferably 0.1% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.08% by mass or less. The content of component (B) in the liquid composition of the present invention is preferably 0.001 to 0.18% by mass, more preferably 0.005 to 0.1% by mass, and even more preferably 0.008 to 0.08% by mass. When component (B) is in the form of a salt, the content of component (B) is a value converted into the amount of ascorbic acid. The content of component (B) can be measured by a commonly known method for analyzing ascorbic acid. Specifically, the method described in the Examples below can be mentioned. In addition, during measurement, the sample may be freeze-dried to fit the detection range of the instrument, or impurities in the sample may be removed to fit the separation capacity of the instrument, or other appropriate processing may be performed as necessary.

[0014] In the liquid composition of the present invention, the mass ratio of component (A) to component (B) [(B) / (A)] is preferably 0.0001 or more, more preferably 0.01 or more, even more preferably 0.03 or more, even more preferably 0.099 or more, and preferably 4 or less, more preferably 1.1 or less, even more preferably 0.6 or less, even more preferably 0.4 or less, and even more preferably 0.15 or less, from the viewpoint of improving the stability of non-polymer catechins. The range of such mass ratio [(B) / (A)] is preferably 0.0001 to 4, more preferably 0.01 to 1.1, even more preferably 0.099 to 0.6, and even more preferably 0.099 to 0.15. In addition, such mass ratio [(B) / (A)] may be 0.03 to 0.4.

[0015] The liquid composition of the present invention contains a cationic substance as component (C). In this specification, the term "cationic substance" refers to a substance that is positively charged when it comes into contact with water. The cationic substance usually has a cationic group in the molecule, and examples of such cationic groups include amino groups such as primary amino groups, secondary amino groups, and tertiary amino groups, onium bases such as quaternary ammonium groups and phosphonium groups, amino acid residues such as arginyl groups, lysyl groups, histidyl groups, and guanidyl groups, and heterocyclic groups such as imidazole groups. When the cationic substance has both cationic and anionic groups, it is sufficient that the entire molecule is positively charged.

[0016] Here, the inventors focused on "cationic substances" from the viewpoint of stabilizing non-polymer catechins for the following reason. That is, it is known that non-polymer catechins are oxidized starting from the B ring and converted into polymers such as theaflavin. Focusing on this oxidation mechanism, the inventors thought that non-polymer catechins could be stabilized by lowering the electron density of the B ring of non-polymer catechins. And, they thought that cationic substances having electron-withdrawing properties would be particularly effective for the purpose of lowering the electron density of the B ring of non-polymer catechins. Furthermore, the present inventors have determined that, among such cationic substances, in order to achieve stabilization of non-polymer catechins, a cationic substance having a binding constant for non-polymer catechins of 1.0×10 4 M -1 That's all. It has been found that cationic substances easily interact with non-polymer catechins intermolecularly and are particularly effective. In this specification, the term "binding constant" is an index representing the binding affinity of a cationic substance to non-polymer catechins, and a larger value of the binding constant means a stronger interaction with non-polymer catechins.

[0017] In the present invention, the binding constant is determined by thermodynamically analyzing the interaction between non-polymer catechins and cationic substances and performing isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). In isothermal titration calorimetry, titration is performed using non-polymer catechins and cationic substances under conditions of 25°C and pH 6.0, and the minute change in heat generated when the molecules bind to each other is measured. From the obtained titration curve, the binding ratio (n) between non-polymer catechins and cationic substances, the binding constant (Ka), and the enthalpy change of binding (ΔH) can be determined. Furthermore, the free energy change of binding (ΔG) can be calculated from the following formula (1), and the entropy change of binding (ΔS) can be calculated from the following formula (2). Specifically, the method described in the Examples below can be used. In isothermal titration calorimetry, for example, an isothermal titration calorimeter (VP-ITC) manufactured by MICROCAL can be used.

[0018] ΔG=-RTlnKa (1) ΔG=ΔH-TΔS (2) (In the formula, R represents a gas constant, T represents absolute temperature, and Ka represents a binding constant.)

[0019] Component (C) has a binding constant of 1.0×10 for non-polymer catechins. 4 M -1 That's all. However, from the viewpoint of improving the stability of non-polymer catechins, 4 M -1 More than 3.0×10 is preferable. 4 M -1More preferably, 4.0×10 4 M -1 The upper limit of the binding constant is preferably 1000×10 4 M -1 Less than or equal to 100×10 4 M -1 Less than 7.0×10 is more preferable. 4 M -1 The range of the binding constant of the component (C) to non-polymer catechins is preferably 1.0×10 4 M -1 More than 1000 x 10 4 M -1 More preferably, it is 2.0×10 or less. 4 M -1 More than 100 x 10 4 M -1 More preferably, it is 3.0×10 4 M -1 Above 7.0×10 4 M -1 and even more preferably 4.0×10 4 M -1 Above 7.0×10 4 M -1 The following is the result. An example of the binding constant for non-polymer catechins is as follows: Protamine has a binding constant of 4.2 x 10 4 M -1 The binding constant of lactoferrin to non-polymer catechins is 5.9 × 10 4 M -1 The binding constant of HIV-Tat to non-polymer catechins is 5.9 × 10 4 M -1 pVEC has a binding constant of 5.1 × 10 for non-polymer catechins. 4 M -1 It is.

[0020] The binding constant of component (C) is 1.0×10 4 M -1There is no particular limitation as long as the binding constant for non-polymer catechins is 1.0×10 or more. For example, cationic proteins, cationic polymers, and cationic surfactants are included. 4 M -1 Select the above as appropriate The component (C) may contain one or more kinds. The origin of the component (C) is not particularly limited, and it may be, for example, a chemically synthesized product, a commercially available product, or a product derived from raw materials.

[0021] As used herein, the term "cationic protein" refers to a protein that is formed from two or more positively charged amino acids and has a net positive charge at a selected pH, such as physiological pH, and is a concept that also encompasses peptides (oligomers) and polypeptides. The cationic protein may be a protein consisting of the same kind of positively charged amino acid, or may be a protein consisting of two or more different kinds of positively charged amino acids. The cationic protein may contain both positively charged and negatively charged amino acids, but must have an isoelectric point of 8 or more. Examples of positively charged amino acids include arginine, lysine, histidine, and guanidine, and examples of negatively charged amino acids include aspartic acid, glutamic acid, cysteine, and tyrosine.

[0022] Specific examples of cationic proteins include protamine, lactoferrin, polylysine, polyarginine, polyornithine, nucleolin, spermine, histone, melittin, magainin II, defensin, protegrin, cecropin, polyethyleneimine, lysozyme, papain, acid-treated gelatin, HIV-Tat, and pVEC.

[0023] As used herein, the term "cationic polymer" refers to a polymer compound having a cationic group in the main chain or side chain, and does not include "cationic proteins." The cationic polymer includes cationic polymers having only cationic groups and no anionic groups, as well as amphoteric polymers having cationic and anionic groups and exhibiting cationic properties as a whole. The cationic polymer may be either a homopolymer or a copolymer.

[0024] The cationic polymer is not particularly limited as long as it has a positive charge throughout the molecule, and examples thereof include polyallylamine hydrochloride, polyamine sulfone hydrochloride, polyvinylamine hydrochloride, chitosan acetate, cationized starch, cationized guar gum, cationized tara gum, cationized locust bean gum, cationized polyvinyl alcohol, cationized cellulose, quaternized polyvinylpyrrolidone, and polydiallyl quaternary ammonium salts (e.g., diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride).

[0025] As used herein, the term "cationic surfactant" refers to a compound that has a lipophilic group portion and a hydrophilic group portion in the molecule, and when dissolved in water, the hydrophilic group portion dissociates into ions and becomes positively charged. As the cationic surfactant, from the viewpoint of improving the stability of non-polymer catechins, a cationic surfactant having one or more unsaturated hydrocarbon groups in the molecule, or a cationic surfactant having one or more long-chain saturated hydrocarbon groups in the molecule is preferred, and examples thereof include those represented by the following formula (A).

[0026] [ka]

[0027] (In the formula, R 1 , R 2 each independently represents a saturated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. R 3 , R 4 each independently represents a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms. A - indicates an anion.)

[0028] R 1 ~R 4 The saturated hydrocarbon group in question is, for example, an alkyl group, which may be either linear or branched. R 4 The unsaturated saturated hydrocarbon group in the above-mentioned formula (1) is, for example, an alkenyl group, and The position of the unsaturated bond in the unsaturated hydrocarbon group may be either within the molecular chain or at the end of the molecular chain, and may be at any position. A - The anion is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a halide ion, a boron ion, or the like. Examples of the anion include an organic anion, a phosphorus anion, a carboxylate anion, a sulfate anion, and an organic sulfonate anion.

[0029] Specific examples of cationic surfactants include diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, stearyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, isostearyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, lauryl trimethyl ammonium chloride, behenyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, octadecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, cocoyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, stearyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, lauryl trimethyl ammonium bromide, isostearyl lauryl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dicetyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, and dicocoyl dimethyl ammonium chloride.

[0030] The molecular weight of the cationic substance used in the present invention is preferably 100 Da or more, more preferably 200 Da or more, and even more preferably 300 Da or more, and is preferably 100,000 Da or less, more preferably 95,000 Da or less, and even more preferably 90,000 Da or less, from the viewpoint of improving the stability and handling of non-polymer catechins. The molecular weight range is preferably 100 to 100,000 Da, more preferably 200 to 950,000 Da, and even more preferably 300 to 90,000 Da. The molecular weight of the cationic substance is measured by gel permeation chromatography.

[0031] Among these, from the viewpoint of improving the stability of non-polymer catechins, the cationic substance is preferably one or more selected from cationic proteins, cationic polymers, and cationic surfactants, more preferably one or more selected from cationic proteins and cationic surfactants, even more preferably cationic proteins, even more preferably one or more selected from protamine, lactoferrin, HIV-tat, pVEC, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, and polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride, and even more preferably one or more selected from protamine and lactoferrin, from the viewpoint of imparting a flavor that is favorable as a food to the liquid composition.

[0032] The content of component (C) in the liquid composition of the present invention is 0.0005 to 0.4% by mass, but from the viewpoint of improving the stability of non-polymer catechins, it is preferably 0.0008% by mass or more, more preferably 0.001% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.0051% by mass or more, and preferably 0.3% by mass or less, more preferably 0.1% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.049% by mass or less. The content of component (C) in the liquid composition of the present invention is preferably 0.0008 to 0.3% by mass, more preferably 0.001 to 0.1% by mass, and even more preferably 0.0051 to 0.049% by mass. The content of component (C) can be measured by an analytical method suitable for the condition of the measurement sample among commonly known measurement methods, for example, it can be analyzed by liquid chromatography. Specifically, the method described in the Examples below can be mentioned. During measurement, the sample may be freeze-dried to fit the detection range of the instrument, or contaminants may be removed from the sample to fit the resolution of the instrument, or other appropriate processing may be performed as necessary.

[0033] In the liquid composition of the present invention, the mass ratio of component (A) to component (C) [(C) / (A)] is preferably 0.0008 or more, more preferably 0.001 or more, even more preferably 0.0099 or more, even more preferably 0.055 or more, and preferably 10 or less, more preferably 0.6 or less, even more preferably 0.5 or less, and even more preferably 0.15 or less, from the viewpoint of improving the stability of non-polymer catechins. The range of such mass ratio [(C) / (A)] is preferably 0.0008 to 10, more preferably 0.001 to 0.6, even more preferably 0.0099 to 0.6, even more preferably 0.0099 to 0.5, and even more preferably 0.055 to 0.15.

[0034] The liquid composition of the present invention can be prepared in a liquid form using a solvent as component (D). As component (D), any material can be appropriately selected and used so long as it disperses or dissolves components (A), (B) and (C) and does not react with these components. Examples of the component (D) include water, physiological saline, and buffers. Examples of water include ion-exchanged water, distilled water, and natural water. Examples of the buffer include borate buffer, phosphate buffer, carbonate buffer, citrate buffer, acetate buffer, glycine buffer, glycylglycine buffer, Tris buffer, aspartic acid, aspartate, and epsilon-aminocaproic acid.

[0035] The content of component (D) in the liquid composition of the present invention is preferably 90% by mass or more, more preferably 95.0% by mass or more, even more preferably 97.0% by mass or more, and preferably 99.9% by mass or less, more preferably 99.7% by mass or less, and even more preferably 99.5% by mass or less. The content of such component (D) in the liquid composition of the present invention is preferably in the range of 90 to 99.9% by mass, more preferably 95.0 to 99.9% by mass, more preferably 97.0 to 99.7% by mass, and even more preferably 97.0 to 99.5% by mass.

[0036] The liquid composition of the present invention has a pH of preferably 4 or more, more preferably 4.5 or more, even more preferably 5 or more, and preferably 7 or less, more preferably 6.8 or less, even more preferably 6.5 or less. The pH range is preferably 4 to 7, more preferably 4.5 to 6.8, even more preferably 5 to 6.5. The pH is measured with a pH meter at a temperature adjusted to 20°C.

[0037] From the viewpoint of providing a beverage with high clarity, the liquid composition of the present invention preferably has a turbidity (20°C) of 800 NTU or less, more preferably 500 NTU or less, even more preferably 300 NTU or less, and even more preferably 250 NTU or less. From the viewpoint of providing a good drinking experience when drinking, the turbidity (20°C) is preferably 0.1 NTU or more, more preferably 1 NTU or more, even more preferably 5 NTU or more, and even more preferably 40 NTU or more. The range of such turbidity is preferably 0.1 to 800 NTU, more preferably 1 to 500 NTU, even more preferably 5 to 300 NTU, and even more preferably 40 to 250 NTU. Here, "NTU" is a measurement unit of formazin turbidity using a formazin turbidity standard. The turbidity is measured using a turbidimeter at 20°C, in a wavelength range of 850 nm, and in a 90° transmission scattering comparison method. The transparency of the liquid composition of the present invention is preferably such that the transmittance of light at a wavelength of 700 nm is 70% or more. The transmittance is measured using a UV-visible spectrophotometer in a quartz cell with an optical path length of 1 cm, and the UV-visible spectrophotometer may be a Shimadzu UV-160A, UV-1800, or the like.

[0038] The liquid composition of the present invention can be produced according to a conventional method, and any suitable method can be used. For example, the liquid composition can be produced by mixing components (A), (B), and (C), and optionally other components, so that the contents of components (A), (B), and (C) are within the above ranges. The order of mixing components (A), (B), and (C) is not particularly limited.

[0039] Component (A) is not particularly limited as long as it is one that is commonly used in the field of food and beverages. For example, a commercially available reagent may be used, but component (A) can also be contained in the form of an extract of a plant that is rich in component (A). The plant is not particularly limited as long as it contains the component (A) and is commonly used in the field of food and beverages, and examples thereof include tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) selected from the genus Camellia, such as C. sinensis var. sinensis (including Yabukita species), C. sinensis var. assamica, and hybrids thereof. Depending on the processing method, tea leaves can be classified into non-fermented tea, semi-fermented tea, Although they are classified as fermented teas, one or more of these can be appropriately selected and used. Examples of non-fermented tea leaves include green tea leaves such as Sencha, Bancha, Tencha, Kamairicha, Kukicha, Bocha, and Bucha, which may be subjected to a pasteurization process. Examples of semi-fermented tea leaves include oolong tea leaves such as Tieguanyin, Shikushu, Golden Gui, and Wuyiyancha. Examples of fermented tea leaves include black tea leaves such as Darjeeling, Assam, and Sri Lanka. One or more types of tea leaves can be used. Among them, non-fermented tea leaves are preferred, and green tea is more preferred, in terms of the non-polymer catechin content and flavor. The extraction method and extraction conditions are not particularly limited, and known methods can be adopted.

[0040] The liquid composition of the present invention has excellent stability of the non-polymer catechins, and various chemical and physiological active actions due to the non-polymer catechins can be fully expected, and therefore can be applied to a wide range of uses. For example, the liquid composition can be used in foods and beverages such as beverages, confectioneries, seasonings, paste products, processed meat products, retort foods, canned foods, pickles, tsukudani (food boiled in soy sauce), frozen foods, as well as antibacterial agents, antioxidants, deodorants, antiviral agents, anticancer agents, etc. Among these, beverages and foods are preferred, beverages are more preferred, and tea beverages are even more preferred.

[0041] [Packaged beverages] The packaged beverage of the present invention is prepared by filling a container with the above-mentioned liquid composition. If necessary, the liquid composition may be concentrated or diluted before being filled into the container. The container is not particularly limited as long as it is a common packaging container, and examples thereof include molded containers whose main component is polyethylene terephthalate (so-called PET bottles), metal cans, paper containers combined with metal foil or plastic film, bottles, etc. The packaged beverage of the present invention may be heat sterilized. The sterilization method is not particularly limited as long as it meets the conditions set forth in the applicable laws and regulations (Food Sanitation Act in Japan). For example, the tea beverage may be filled into a container package, sealed or sealed, and then sterilized, or the beverage may be sterilized in a sterilizer equipped with a thermometer or sterilized in a filter or the like and then automatically filled into a container package, and then sealed or sealed. More specifically, examples of the sterilization method include retort sterilization, high temperature short time sterilization (HTST method), and ultra-high temperature sterilization (UHT method).

[0042] The present invention has been described in detail above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications of the present invention are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, from the viewpoint of improving the stability of non-polymer catechins, the liquid composition of the present invention preferably contains a specific amount of a cationic substance having the following binding constant for non-polymer catechins, together with specific amounts of non-polymer catechins and ascorbic acid or a salt thereof. That is, the present invention provides the following liquid composition.

[0043] <1> The following components (A), (B) and (C); (A) Non-polymer catechins 0.04 to 0.6% by mass (B) 0.0001 to 0.2% by mass of ascorbic acid or a salt thereof, and (C) Cationic substance: 0.0005 to 0.4% by mass Contains Component (C) has a binding constant of 3.0×10 for component (A). 4 M -1 Above 7.0×10 4 M -1 or less, preferably 4.0×10 4 M -1 Above 7.0×10 4 M -1 A liquid composition comprising:

[0044] <2> The content of component (A) is preferably 0.04 to 0.2 mass %, and the content of component (B) is preferably 0.005 to 0.1 mass %. <1> The liquid composition described herein. <3> The content of component (A) is preferably 0.06 to 0.2 mass%, the content of component (B) is preferably 0.005 to 0.1 mass%, and the content of component (C) is preferably 0.001 to 0.1 mass%. <1> The liquid composition described herein. <4> The mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (B) [(B) / (A)] is preferably 0.03 to 0.4. <2> or <3> 13. The liquid composition according to claim 12, <5> The mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (C) [(C) / (A)] is preferably 0.0099 to 0.6. <2> ~ <4> 13. The liquid composition according to claim 12, <6> The molecular weight of the component (C) is preferably 300 to 90,000. <2> ~ <5> 13. The liquid composition according to claim 12, <7> The pH is 4 to 7. <2> ~ <6> 13. The liquid composition according to claim 12, <8> The beverage <2> ~ <7> 13. The liquid composition according to claim 12,

[0045] From the viewpoint of improving the stability of non-polymer catechins, the liquid composition of the present invention preferably contains a specific amount of the following cationic substance together with specific amounts of non-polymer catechins and ascorbic acid or a salt thereof.

[0046] <11> The following components (A), (B) and (C); (A) Non-polymer catechins 0.04 to 0.6% by mass (B) 0.0001 to 0.2% by mass of ascorbic acid or a salt thereof, and (C) Cationic substance: 0.0005 to 0.4% by mass Contains Component (C) is one or more cationic substances selected from cationic proteins, cationic polymers, and cationic surfactants, and has a binding constant for component (A) of 3.0×104 M -1 Above 7.0×10 4 M -1 or less, preferably 4.0×10 4 M -1 Above 7.0×10 4 M -1 1. A liquid composition comprising a cationic material, the cationic material being:

[0047] <12> The content of component (A) is 0.04 to 0.2 mass % and the content of component (B) is 0.005 to 0.1 mass %. <11> The liquid composition described herein. <13> The content of component (A) is 0.06 to 0.2 mass%, the content of component (B) is 0.005 to 0.1 mass%, and the content of component (C) is 0.001 to 0.1 mass%. <11> The liquid composition described herein. <14> The mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (B) [(B) / (A)] is preferably 0.03 to 0.4. <12> or <13> 13. The liquid composition according to claim 12, <15> The mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (C) [(C) / (A)] is preferably 0.0099 to 0.6. <12> ~ <14> 13. The liquid composition according to claim 12, <16> The molecular weight of the component (C) is preferably 300 to 90,000. <12> ~ <15> 13. The liquid composition according to claim 12, <17> The pH is 4 to 7. <12> ~ <16> 13. The liquid composition according to claim 12, <18> The beverage <12> ~ <17> 13. The liquid composition according to claim 12, <19> The cationic surfactant is preferably represented by the following formula (A): <12> ~ <18> 13. The liquid composition according to claim 12,

[0048] [ka]

[0049] (In the formula, R 1 , R 2each independently represents a saturated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. R 3 , R 4 each independently represents a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms. A - indicates an anion.)

[0050] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving the stability of non-polymer catechins, the liquid composition of the present invention preferably contains a specific amount of the following cationic substance together with specific amounts of non-polymer catechins and ascorbic acid or a salt thereof.

[0051] <21> The following components (A), (B) and (C); (A) Non-polymer catechins 0.04 to 0.6% by mass (B) 0.0001 to 0.2% by mass of ascorbic acid or a salt thereof, and (C) Cationic substance: 0.0005 to 0.4% by mass Contains A liquid composition, wherein component (C) is preferably one or more selected from protamine, lactoferrin, HIV-tat, pVEC, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride and polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride.

[0052] <22> The content of component (A) is 0.04 to 0.2 mass % and the content of component (B) is 0.005 to 0.1 mass %. <21> The liquid composition described herein. <23> The content of component (A) is 0.06 to 0.2 mass%, the content of component (B) is 0.005 to 0.1 mass%, and the content of component (C) is 0.001 to 0.1 mass%. <21> The liquid composition described herein. <24> The mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (B) [(B) / (A)] is preferably 0.03 to 0.4. <22> or <23> 13. The liquid composition according to claim 12, <25> The mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (C) [(C) / (A)] is preferably 0.0099 to 0.6. <22> ~ <24> 13. The liquid composition according to claim 12, <26> The component (C) is preferably one or more selected from protamine and lactoferrin. <22> ~ <25> 13. The liquid composition according to claim 12, <27> The pH is 4 to 7. <22> ~ <26> 13. The liquid composition according to claim 12, <28> The beverage <22> ~ <27> 13. The liquid composition according to claim 12, EXAMPLES

[0053] 1. Analysis of non-polymer catechins The sample solution was filtered through a filter (0.45 μm), and analyzed by a gradient method at a column temperature of 40°C using a high-performance liquid chromatograph (Model SCL-10AVP, Shimadzu Corporation) equipped with an octadecyl group-introducing packed column for liquid chromatography (L-Column TM ODS 4.6 mmφ×250 mm, 5 μm: Chemicals Evaluation and Research Institute, Japan). Standards of non-polymer catechins were used from Kurita Water Industries, and quantitative analysis was performed using a calibration curve method. The mobile phase A solution was a distilled water solution containing 0.1 mol / L of acetic acid, and the B solution was an acetonitrile solution containing 0.1 mol / L of acetic acid. The sample injection volume was 10 μL, and the UV detector wavelength was 280 nm. The gradient conditions were as follows:

[0054] Concentration gradient conditions Time (min) A solution concentration (volume %) B solution concentration (volume %) 0 97% 3% 5 97% 3% 37 80% 20% 43 80% 20% 43.5 0% 100% 48.5 0% 100% 49 97% 3% 60 97% 3%

[0055] 2. Analysis of Ascorbic Acid Add 1 to 5 g of sample to 5% metaphosphoric acid solution (50 mL) and dilute appropriately. After centrifugation, filter, and take 1 mL of the filtrate in a small test tube. Add 1 mL of 5% metaphosphoric acid solution, then add 100 μL of 0.2% dichlorophenol indophenol solution and 2 mL of 2% thiourea-5% metaphosphoric acid solution. Add 0.5 mL of 2% 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine-4.5 mol / L sulfuric acid and react at 38 to 42°C for 16 hours. Extract with 3 mL of ethyl acetate (shaking for 60 minutes), dry with anhydrous sodium sulfate, and then analyze by HPLC. 0035 HPLC is performed using LC-10AS (Shimadzu Corporation), UV-VIS detector is SPD-10AV (Shimadzu Corporation), and column is Senshupak Silca-1100 4.6 mm x length 100 mm (column temperature 35 ° C.), and the mobile phase is a mixture of ethyl acetate, hexane, acetic acid, and water (60:40:5:0.05) at a flow rate of 1.5 mL / min and detection wavelength of 495 nm.

[0056] 3. Analysis of cationic substances (1) Protamine Weigh out approximately 0.1 to 0.15 g of the sample and quantify it using the Kjeldahl method of nitrogen determination. Then calculate the content using the following formula. For quantification using the Kjeldahl method, refer to the 8th edition of the Japanese Standards for Food Additives. Also, 1 ml of 0.05 mo / L sulfuric acid = 1.401 mg N.

[0057] Protamine content (%) = [Amount of nitrogen (mg) x 3.19] / [Amount of sample collected converted to dry matter (g) x 1000] x 100

[0058] (2) Lactoferrin The lactoferrin content can be measured by the latex agglutination method. The latex agglutination method is a latex agglutination turbidimetric method using anti-lactoferrin antibody-sensitized latex, and is a method for quantifying lactoferrin having antigen-antibody reaction activity. Lactoferrin in a sample reacts with anti-lactoferrin antibodies bound to latex particles, causing agglutination. This agglutination is measured by measuring the change in absorbance at a certain wavelength, and the lactoferrin content is calculated by using a commercially available kit and optical analyzer. For example, a lactoferrin measurement reagent (for humans and cows) (manufactured by Infinita Co., Ltd.) can be used as a commercially available kit. An automatic biochemical analyzer BIOLIS24i (Tokyo Boeki Medisys Co., Ltd.) can be used as an optical analyzer.

[0059] (3) HIV-tat HIV-Tat in the sample reacts with anti-HIV-Tat antibody, and the content of HIV-Tat is measured by ELISA using a commercially available kit, such as the Anti-TAT Immunoglobulin Measurement ELISA Kit (manufactured by Cosmo Bio Co., Ltd.).

[0060] (4) pVEC The pVEC in the samples is measured by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC / MS / MS) using an HPLC column and mobile phase.

[0061] (5) Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride in the samples is measured by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC / MS / MS) using an HPLC column and mobile phase. ·LC / MS / MS: LCMS 8030 (Shimadzu) HPLC column: Shim pack FC ODS (75mm x 2.0mm id, particle size 3μm) (Shimadzu Corporation) Mobile phase: 5 mM ammonium acetate in water, 5 mM ammonium acetate in methanol

[0062] (6) Polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride The amount of polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride in the sample is measured by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC / MS / MS) using an HPLC column and mobile phase.

[0063] 4. Analysis of binding constants of cationic substances Using 10 mM phosphate buffer (pH 6.0) as a solvent, cationic substance aqueous solution or dextrin (β-cyclodextrin, γ-cyclodextrin) aqueous solution was filled into the sample cell (volume 1.4 mL) of an isothermal titration calorimeter (ITC, manufactured by MicloCal, model name: VP-ITC), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) was dropped at regular intervals from a syringe rotating at 310 rpm under 25°C conditions, and the resulting calorific change was repeatedly measured. The calorific change when an EGCg aqueous solution was dropped into 10 mM phosphate buffer that did not contain a cationic substance or dextrin aqueous solution was also measured in the same manner, and the data was used as the heat of dilution. After subtracting the data of the heat of dilution from the thermal titration data of the EGCg aqueous solution into the cationic polymer aqueous solution or the dextrin aqueous solution, the analysis was performed using an analysis software (Origin7) with a one-site binding model.

[0064] 5. pH Measurement The temperature of the tea beverage was adjusted to 20° C., and the pH was measured using a pH meter (HORIBA Compact pH Meter, manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.).

[0065] 6. Stability evaluation of non-polymer catechins The residual rate of non-polymer catechins was calculated from the content of non-polymer catechins in the liquid composition before storage (immediately after production) and the content of non-polymer catechins in the liquid composition after storage at 55°C for 7 days using the following formula.

[0066] Residual rate of non-polymer catechins (%) = X / Y x 100 (X represents the content of non-polymer catechins in the liquid composition after storage, and Y represents the content of non-polymer catechins in the liquid composition before storage.)

[0067] Examples 1 to 6 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 Each liquid composition was prepared by uniformly mixing the components shown in Table 1. The obtained liquid compositions were analyzed and the stability of the non-polymer catechins was evaluated. The results are also shown in Table 1.

[0068] [Table 1]

[0069] Examples 7 and 8 and Comparative Examples 4 to 7 Each liquid composition was prepared by uniformly mixing the components shown in Table 2. The obtained liquid compositions were analyzed and the stability of the non-polymer catechins was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 2 together with the results of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1.

[0070] [Table 2]

[0071] Examples 9 to 12 Each liquid composition was prepared by uniformly mixing the components shown in Table 3. The obtained liquid compositions were analyzed and the stability of the non-polymer catechins was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 3 together with the results of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1.

[0072] [Table 3]

[0073] Examples 13 to 15 and Comparative Examples 8 to 10 Each liquid composition was prepared by uniformly mixing the components shown in Table 4. The obtained liquid compositions were analyzed and the stability of the non-polymer catechins was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 4 together with the results of Example 1.

[0074] [Table 4]

[0075] It is clear from Tables 1 to 4 that the stability of non-polymer catechins can be improved by incorporating specific amounts of ascorbic acid or a salt thereof and a specific cationic substance relative to a specific amount of non-polymer catechins.

Claims

1. The following components (A), (B) and (C); (A) Non-polymer catechins 0.04 to 0.6% by mass (B) 0.0001 to 0.2% by mass of ascorbic acid or a salt thereof, and (C) Cationic substance: 0.0005 to 0.4% by mass Contains Component (C) has a binding constant of 1.0 × 10 4 M -1 That's all. Packaged beverages.

2. The packaged beverage according to claim 1, wherein the mass ratio of component (A) to component (C) [(C) / (A)] is 0.0008 to 10.

3. 3. The packaged beverage according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the component (C) is one or more selected from the group consisting of cationic proteins, cationic polymers and cationic surfactants.

4. The packaged beverage according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the component (C) is one or more selected from protamine and lactoferrin.

5. The packaged beverage according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which has a pH of 4 to 7.

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