Method for producing plant leaf-derived products

Abstract

To suitably and effectively utilize a wet-treated leaf such as residual extract from bamboo grass.SOLUTION: The present invention discloses a method for producing a plant leaf-derived product. The method uses a wet-treated leaf, which is a wet body that is in a wet state as a water-insoluble component contained in a leaf of a plant of Bambusoideae (Poaceae) holds a basic aqueous solution, to produce a plant leaf-derived product, which is a product derived from the leaf of the plant. The method includes a water adding step (S202) for adding water so that the wet-treated leaf is at least partially immersed in water, and a neutralization step (S204) for bringing the water added in the water adding step into contact with a cation exchange resin to bring the pH of an aqueous component held by the wet-treated leaf near to the neutrality.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a plant leaf-derived product derived from the leaves of plants of the Poaceae family, subfamily Bambusoideae, such as bamboo leaves, and a plant leaf-derived powder. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, products manufactured using bamboo leaves have been used in various fields. In addition, with regard to products using bamboo leaves, a method has been known in the past for obtaining a bamboo extract having a high concentration of iron chlorophyllin compounds (iron chlorophyllins) and a green color tone by using a basic aqueous solution (basic compound aqueous solution) and an inorganic acid iron salt and / or an organic acid iron salt aqueous solution (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-69946 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When producing a bamboo extract by the method of Patent Document 1, a useful bamboo extract can be appropriately produced. However, in this case, in the process of producing the bamboo extract, a residue (hereinafter referred to as bamboo extract residue) that is a solid component after extracting the bamboo extract is generated. Such bamboo extract residue usually needs to be disposed of as industrial waste.

[0005] Therefore, in the past, there was a problem that a lot of cost was required to dispose of the bamboo extract residue. In addition, in this case, it is considered that a large amount of waste is generated, which increases the burden on the environment. Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a method for producing a plant leaf-derived product and a plant leaf-derived powder that can solve the above problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The inventors of the present application have considered reducing the generation of waste by effectively utilizing the bamboo extract residue, rather than disposing of it as waste. However, when producing a bamboo extract using a basic aqueous solution, such as in the method of Patent Document 1, the bamboo extract residue becomes wet with the basic aqueous solution.

[0007] In this case, if a pretreatment is carried out, for example, using microorganisms to decompose the bamboo extract residue, it will be possible to effectively utilize the bamboo extract residue. However, in this case, it is thought that the pretreatment will take a lot of time and cost. In addition, in this case, when the microorganisms decompose the bamboo extract residue, the active ingredients contained in the bamboo extract residue may also be decomposed. Furthermore, as a result, when such a method is used, it is thought that the uses of the bamboo extract residue will be limited to limited uses, such as fertilizer and soil conditioner.

[0008] Furthermore, for example, in applications where the dried bamboo extract residue is to be added as a trace component, it is possible to use the bamboo extract residue without carrying out pretreatment. More specifically, one such application is, for example, using the bamboo extract residue as a raw material for cosmetics. However, in this case, the amount of bamboo extract residue used is small, and the amount of bamboo extract residue disposed of is not sufficiently reduced. Therefore, in applications where only a trace amount of bamboo extract residue is used, it is thought that the active ingredients of the bamboo extract residue cannot be fully utilized.

[0009] In response to this, the inventors of the present application have considered how to use the bamboo extract residue more easily and appropriately by neutralizing the basic aqueous solution contained in the bamboo extract residue (hereinafter referred to as neutralization of the bamboo extract residue). In addition, as a method for this, they initially considered using an acidic solution such as hydrochloric acid. However, when neutralizing the bamboo extract residue in this manner, it is considered that the salt generated by neutralization will remain in the bamboo extract residue. For example, when the basic aqueous solution in the bamboo extract residue contains sodium (Na), if hydrochloric acid is used as the acidic solution, table salt will be generated by neutralization. Also, when an acidic solution other than hydrochloric acid, such as a citric acid solution, is used, it is considered that the amount of salt remaining will increase. In this case, the impact on the use of the bamboo extract residue will be large, and the usable uses will be limited.

[0010] In this regard, it seems that the effects of the salt generated can be suppressed, for example, by neutralizing the bamboo extract residue with an acidic solution and then thoroughly washing the bamboo extract residue with water. In addition, it also seems that the effects of the basic aqueous solution can be appropriately reduced by washing the bamboo extract residue with a large amount of water, even if the bamboo extract residue is not neutralized in the first place. However, when washing the bamboo extract residue using these methods, even if the bamboo extract residue is effectively utilized, a large amount of wastewater is generated instead, which leads to increased various treatment costs and environmental burdens. In addition, it is also possible that washing with a large amount of water will wash away the active ingredients of the extract remaining in the bamboo extract residue.

[0011] Therefore, the inventor of the present application thought of neutralizing the bamboo extract residue by exchanging metal ions for hydrogen ions using a cation exchange resin, rather than neutralizing the bamboo extract residue with an acidic solution. However, the basic aqueous solution contained in the bamboo extract residue is in a state where it is incorporated into the bamboo extract residue. Therefore, even if a cation exchange resin is simply used, it is difficult to properly neutralize the bamboo extract residue. In response to this, the inventor of the present application thought of neutralizing the bamboo extract residue by adding water to the bamboo extract residue so that water is also present around the bamboo extract residue, rather than simply using a cation exchange resin, and bringing the water around the bamboo extract residue into contact with the cation exchange resin. In addition, by actually conducting various experiments, it was confirmed that the bamboo extract residue can be properly neutralized by this method.

[0012] Furthermore, through further intensive research, the inventors of the present application have found that this method of neutralization can be used appropriately not only with the bamboo extract residue generated when producing a bamboo extract by the method of Patent Document 1, but also when a wet body such as an extraction residue derived from the leaves of a plant of the Poaceae family, subfamily Bamboideae, retains a basic aqueous solution in a similar state. The inventors of the present application have then found the characteristics necessary to obtain the above-mentioned effects, and have arrived at the present invention.

[0013] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a method for producing a plant leaf-derived product, which is a product derived from the leaves of a plant of the Bambusoideae subfamily of the family Poaceae, using wet-treated leaves in which the water-insoluble components contained in the leaves are in a wet state by retaining a basic aqueous solution, and the method comprises a hydration step in which water is added so that at least a portion of the wet-treated leaves is immersed in water, and a neutralization step in which the water added in the hydration step is brought into contact with a cation exchange resin to bring the pH of the aqueous components retained in the wet-treated leaves closer to neutral.

[0014] With this configuration, for example, the pH of the aqueous solution held by the moistened leaves can be appropriately brought close to neutral. This also allows, for example, the moistened leaves to be more appropriately and effectively utilized. In the neutralization step, it is considered that the pH of the aqueous component held by the moistened leaves is brought close to neutral, for example, changed to about 6 to 9. The pH of the aqueous component held by the moistened leaves after the neutralization step is preferably about 7.5 to 8.5.

[0015] In this configuration, the moistened leaves are residues (extraction residues) that are generated by separating water-soluble components derived from the leaves of plants of the subfamily Bambusoideae of the family Poaceae from liquid components obtained by extraction treatment in a basic aqueous solution. In this case, the residues can be considered to be in a moist state by retaining the basic aqueous solution used in the extraction treatment. With this configuration, for example, an extract containing components derived from active ingredients contained in the leaves of plants of the subfamily Bambusoideae of the family Poaceae can be appropriately produced by the extraction treatment. In this case, by carrying out the water addition step and the neutralization step, for example, the extraction residues can also be appropriately and effectively utilized. This also makes it possible to reduce the burden on the environment compared to, for example, treating the residues as industrial waste.

[0016] The extraction process may be, for example, a process for extracting a liquid component containing a chlorophyllin compound derived from chlorophyll contained in plant leaves. The extraction process may be, for example, a part of a process in a method for producing a product derived from plant leaves. With this configuration, for example, an extract derived from plant leaves can be appropriately produced together with a product derived from plant leaves. The extraction process may be, for example, a separate process from the process in the method for producing a product derived from plant leaves.

[0017] In this configuration, the leaves of a plant of the Poaceae Bambusoideae subfamily can be suitably used, for example, the leaves of a plant of the Sasa genus of the Poaceae Bambusoideae subfamily. With this configuration, for example, a plant leaf-derived product containing an ingredient derived from an active ingredient contained in the leaves of the Sasa genus (Sasa leaves) can be appropriately produced. In this case, the residue, which is an example of a moist-treated leaf obtained by carrying out the above-mentioned extraction process, can be considered as a Sasa extraction residue, etc.

[0018] In the neutralization step, a known cation exchange resin can be suitably used as the cation exchange resin. It is also possible to use an ion exchange membrane electrodialysis method. In the neutralization step, it is preferable to contact the water outside the water-insoluble components in the wet treated leaves with the cation exchange resin while preventing the water-insoluble components in the wet treated leaves from directly mixing with the cation exchange resin. In this case, preventing the water-insoluble components in the wet treated leaves from directly mixing with the cation exchange resin can be considered to be, for example, substantially preventing contact. By configuring in this way, for example, it is possible to appropriately prevent the water-insoluble components in the wet treated leaves from mixing with the ion exchange resin. In addition, this can appropriately prevent, for example, the cation exchange resin from being mixed into a plant leaf-derived product. In addition, for example, it is possible to more appropriately regenerate and reuse the cation exchange resin.

[0019] More specifically, in the neutralization step, for example, the cation exchange resin is accommodated in a container that allows water to pass through and does not leak the cation exchange resin, and the container is brought into contact with the water (added water solution) around the moistened leaves. With this configuration, for example, the water outside the moistened leaves (added water solution) can be appropriately brought into contact with the cation exchange resin while preventing the water-insoluble components in the moistened leaves from directly mixing with the cation exchange resin. This also makes it possible to appropriately carry out the neutralization process using the cation exchange resin. In this case, for example, a bag at least partly made of a nonwoven fabric can be used as the container. With this configuration, for example, the water-insoluble components in the moistened leaves can be appropriately prevented from directly mixing with the cation exchange resin.

[0020] In the neutralization step, for example, a cation exchange resin may be placed in the middle of the flow path through which the liquid flows, and water around the moistened leaves may be allowed to flow through the flow path while preventing the insoluble components of the moistened leaves from entering the flow path. In this case, the flow path through which the liquid flows may be, for example, a flow path through which the aqueous solution is allowed to flow. In addition, for example, a flow path through which the aqueous solution is circulated may be used as such a flow path. Even in this configuration, for example, the water outside the moistened leaves may be appropriately contacted with the cation exchange resin while preventing the water-insoluble components in the moistened leaves from directly mixing with the cation exchange resin. In this case, for example, the cation exchange resin may be accommodated in a column or the like placed in the middle of the flow path. The column may be, for example, an example of a cylindrical container with holes at both ends. In the neutralization step, for example, the water outside the moistened leaves may be circulated so that the water repeatedly flows through the flow path. Even in this configuration, for example, the treatment in the neutralization step may be appropriately performed.

[0021] In addition, in this configuration, it is considered that, for example, water of about 0.5 to 4 times the weight of the wet treated leaves is added in the hydration step. In this regard, for example, if the amount of water added in the hydration step is insufficient, the amount of water outside the wet treated leaves becomes insufficient, and it is considered that it becomes difficult to properly and sufficiently contact the cation exchange resin with water in the neutralization step. In addition, if the amount of water added in the hydration step is excessive, for example, it becomes necessary to process a large amount of water after the neutralization step. More specifically, for example, when the wet treated leaves are dried after the neutralization step, it is considered that the time and cost required for drying will increase significantly. In contrast, if the above configuration is used, for example, the treatment in the neutralization step can be properly performed without excessive water addition. The amount of water added in the hydration step is preferably about 1 to 4 times the wet weight of the wet treated leaves, and more preferably about 2 to 3 times the wet weight of the wet treated leaves.

[0022] In addition, in the method for producing a plant leaf-derived product, a step other than the above may be further carried out. In this case, for example, a drying step of drying the wet-treated leaves after the neutralization step may be further carried out. In this configuration, for example, a plant leaf-derived product in a dry state can be appropriately produced. In the drying step, for example, the wet-treated leaves may be dried by heating using a known method. More specifically, in this case, for example, the wet-treated leaves may be dried using a drum type that uses a rotating drum. In addition, when the wet-treated leaves are dried using a drum type, it is preferable that the wet-treated leaves are in a state where they move according to the rotation of the drum. Therefore, in this case, in the water-adding step, for example, it is possible to add water in an amount that makes the wet-treated leaves into a slurry state. In this configuration, for example, the wet-treated leaves can be appropriately dried using a drum type.

[0023] In addition, after the drying step is performed, for example, a pulverization step may be further performed. In this case, the pulverization step may be considered as a step of producing a powder derived from the leaves of a plant by pulverizing a dried product obtained by drying the moistened leaves in the drying step into a powder. With this configuration, for example, a powdered product derived from plant leaves can be appropriately produced.

[0024] In addition, when the neutralization step is performed using a cation exchange resin as described above, for example, it is possible to appropriately prevent the generation of excess salt (e.g., table salt, etc.) due to neutralization. This also makes it possible to appropriately produce, for example, a plant-derived product that does not contain excess salt. Therefore, the plant leaf-derived product can be suitably used, for example, as a food ingredient, etc.

[0025] The features of the present invention can also be considered, for example, by focusing on the features of the product produced by the above method. In this case, for example, a powder derived from a plant leaf derived from the leaves of a plant of the subfamily Bambusoideae of the family Poaceae can be considered. More specifically, in this case, for example, a powder derived from a plant leaf derived from a basic aqueous solution extract of the leaves of a plant of the subfamily Bambusoideae of the family Poaceae can be considered, which is characterized by containing polysaccharides, lignin hydrolysates, and chlorophyllin compounds. In this case, these components can be considered, for example, as active ingredients contained in the powder derived from a plant leaf. In addition, when at least one of an inorganic acid iron salt (iron salt of an inorganic acid) and an organic acid iron salt (iron salt of an organic acid) is used in the extraction process for extracting the basic aqueous solution extract, it is considered that the chlorophyllin compound contains an iron chlorophyllin compound. Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, for example, moist-treated leaves such as bamboo extract residue can be appropriately and effectively utilized. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1]1 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for producing a bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] Fig. 2 shows an example of how neutralization is performed in the neutralization step S204. Fig. 2(a) shows one example of how neutralization is performed in the neutralization step S204. Fig. 2(b) shows another example of how neutralization is performed in the neutralization step S204. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing an example of a manufacturing method for manufacturing a bamboo grass-derived neutralized dry powder (a manufacturing method for a bamboo grass-derived neutralized dry powder) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the bamboo grass-derived neutralized dry powder is an example of a plant leaf-derived product derived from the leaves of a plant of the Poaceae Bambusoideae subfamily. The manufacturing method for the bamboo grass-derived neutralized dry powder is also an example of a manufacturing method for a plant leaf-derived product derived from the leaves of a plant of the Poaceae Bambusoideae subfamily using moistened leaves. In this case, the moistened leaves can be considered to be, for example, a moist body in which the water-insoluble components contained in the leaves of a plant of the Poaceae Bambusoideae subfamily are moistened by retaining a basic aqueous solution. The moist body can be considered to be, for example, a moist body containing a liquid component and being moistened. In addition, regarding the plant leaf-derived product, the fact that it is derived from the leaves of a plant of the Poaceae Bambusoideae subfamily can be considered to be, for example, a component contained in the leaves of a plant of the Poaceae Bambusoideae subfamily. Regarding being derived from the leaves of a plant of the subfamily Bambusoideae of the family Poaceae, it can be considered, for example, that the main raw material of the plant leaf-derived product is the leaves of a plant of the subfamily Bambusoideae of the family Poaceae. The main raw material of the plant leaf-derived product can be considered, for example, as the raw material that contains the largest proportion of the substances that constitute the plant leaf-derived product.

[0029] In this example, the method for producing the bamboo grass-derived neutralized dry powder includes a bamboo grass extract production step S100 and an extraction residue processing step S200. The bamboo grass extract production step S100 is a step for producing a bamboo grass extract, which is an extract obtained by extracting a component derived from a bamboo grass leaf (bamboo grass leaf), which is an example of the leaf of a plant of the Poaceae family, Bambusoideae. The bamboo grass extract production step S100 can be carried out, for example, in the same manner as or similar to the method disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1. The operation performed in the bamboo grass extract production step S100 will be described in more detail later. The extraction residue processing step S200 is a step for producing a bamboo grass-derived neutralized dry powder by carrying out a predetermined process on the bamboo grass extract residue, which is a by-product obtained during the production of the bamboo grass extract in the bamboo grass extract production step S100. In this example, the bamboo grass extract residue is an example of a wet-treated leaf. The operation performed in the extraction residue processing step S200 will also be described in more detail later.

[0030] Here, as described above, in the manufacturing method of the bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder in this example, in addition to the bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder, a bamboo extract liquid is further manufactured. In a modified example of the manufacturing method of the bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder, only the bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder may be manufactured without manufacturing the bamboo extract liquid. In this case, for example, the bamboo extract liquid is manufactured in advance in another factory, etc., and the bamboo extract residue obtained there is used to manufacture the bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder. In this case, for example, the operation in the extraction residue processing step S200 in the flow chart shown in FIG. 1 can be considered as the operation of the manufacturing method of the bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder.

[0031] Next, the operations performed in the bamboo extract production step S100 and the extraction residue processing step S200 will be described in more detail. In this example, in the bamboo extract production step S100, first, the bamboo leaves (for example, Kumazasa leaves, etc.) are heated in a basic aqueous solution to perform pretreatment of the bamboo leaves (basic aqueous solution heating step S102). As the bamboo leaves, either fresh leaves or dried leaves may be used. Also, the leaves may be used as they are or in a cut state. Also, the bamboo leaves may include stems. Also, they may be previously subjected to enzyme treatment, pulverization treatment, etc. Also, as the bamboo leaves, in addition to the general leaf parts that are usually recognized when the word "bamboo leaves" is used in colloquial language, the leaf sheath may be further used. In this case, the part including the leaf sheath can also be considered as the bamboo leaves. Also, in this example, the part including the leaf sheath is simply called the bamboo leaves.

[0032] In the basic aqueous solution heating step S102, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium phosphate, aqueous ammonia, aniline, arginine, etc. can be used as the basic compound. Among these, sodium hydroxide is particularly preferable in terms of hydrolysis efficiency, cost, etc. In addition, as the basic aqueous solution, for example, an aqueous solution containing a monovalent strongly basic compound at a concentration of 0.01 to 1 mol / l is used. The heating temperature of the basic aqueous solution in the basic aqueous solution heating step S102 is preferably set to a temperature near the boiling point of water (100°C).

[0033] By heating the basic aqueous solution in the basic aqueous solution heating step S102, for example, the chlorophyll contained in the bamboo leaves becomes a chlorophyllin salt through saponification, and the polarity of the molecule itself becomes high, so that the highly polar Fe ions added in the next step become more accessible, and at the same time, the fibers of the bamboo leaves soften, and the iron salt becomes more likely to come into contact with the chlorophyll molecules in the entire leaf. This also makes it easier to replace chlorophyllin compounds (chlorophyllins) with iron in an aqueous solvent. Therefore, the basic aqueous solution heating step S102 can be considered, for example, as a step of performing a pretreatment to make it easier for the iron replacement reaction to occur in the later step. It is also considered that the basic aqueous solution heating step S102 removes, for example, glossy components on the surface of the bamboo leaves. In the basic aqueous solution heating step S102, for example, it is possible to control the replacement rate in the iron replacement reaction in the later step by changing the concentration of the basic compound or by changing the treatment time with the basic compound aqueous solution. In this example, the treated bamboo leaves are washed with water before proceeding to the next step after the basic aqueous solution heating step S102.

[0034] In addition, after the basic aqueous solution heating step S102, the leaves (heat-treated leaves) after the heat treatment in the basic aqueous solution heating step S102 are heat-treated in an aqueous solution of an iron salt, thereby replacing the magnesium coordinated at the center of the chlorophyllin compound contained in the heat-treated leaves with iron (iron replacement reaction step S104). In this case, as the iron salt, for example, at least one of an inorganic acid iron salt and an organic acid iron salt (inorganic acid iron salt and / or organic acid iron salt) can be used. More specifically, as the iron salt, for example, an iron compound selected from ferrous chloride, ferric chloride, ferrous sulfate, ferric sulfate, ferric acetylacetonate, ferric formate, ferric nitrate, ferrous lactate, iron carbonyl, and hydrates thereof can be used. In addition, the amount of these iron compounds used is preferably about 1 to 20 moles of Fe per 50 kg of bamboo leaves before treatment. If the amount of iron compound used is small, it is considered that, for example, incomplete iron replacement or deterioration of color tone after neutralization may occur. Moreover, if the amount is too large, not only will the cost increase, but it may also result in the iron ions not being completely removed even by washing with water. Moreover, it is more preferable to use a ferrous salt as the iron salt. Moreover, in the iron substitution reaction step S104, if the pH of the aqueous solution becomes highly alkaline, it may be difficult for the substitution reaction to proceed. Therefore, it is considered that the pH of the aqueous solution is 9 or less (preferably 7 or less). Moreover, it is preferable that the pH of the aqueous solution in the iron substitution reaction step S104 is adjusted to about 3 to 7. In this case, for example, it is possible to use an aqueous solution to which an antioxidant, a reducing agent, etc. has been added.

[0035] In the above and following explanations, the pH can be considered to be, for example, the pH at room temperature. More strictly, the pH can be considered to be, for example, the pH of an aqueous solution at 25° C. In this example, the treated bamboo leaves are washed with water before proceeding to the next step of the iron substitution reaction step S104.

[0036] In addition, after the iron substitution reaction step S104, the bamboo extract is extracted using a basic aqueous solution (basic aqueous solution extraction step S106). In the basic aqueous solution extraction step S106, for example, an aqueous solution of a basic compound identical to or similar to the basic compound used in the basic aqueous solution heating step S102 can be used as the basic aqueous solution. In this case, for example, it is considered to use 1 to 20 parts by weight of an aqueous solution of a basic compound having a concentration of 0.1 to 10 molar per part by weight of the bamboo leaves (leaves to be treated) to be subjected to the extraction treatment. In addition, it is preferable that the pH of the basic aqueous solution is 10 or more (for example, about 10 to 14). It is preferable that the heating temperature of the basic aqueous solution in the basic aqueous solution extraction step S106 is set to a temperature near the boiling point of water (100°C). The basic aqueous solution extraction step S106 can also be considered, for example, as a step of basic aqueous solution hot water extraction in which a bamboo extract is extracted using a heated basic aqueous solution. In addition, in the basic aqueous solution extraction step S106, it is also possible to use a combination of sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide as the basic compound. In this case, it is possible to adjust the process conditions by changing the respective usage ratios of sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide.

[0037] In this example, the iron substitution reaction step S104 is performed as described above to substitute the magnesium, which is the central coordination metal of the chlorophyll contained in the bamboo leaves, with iron, to generate a water-soluble iron chlorophyllin compound. In this case, the basic aqueous solution extraction step S106 can be considered, for example, as a step of extracting an iron chlorophyllin compound-containing component by heat treatment in an aqueous basic compound solution. The iron chlorophyllin compound can be considered, for example, as a chlorophyllin compound in which the central coordination element is substituted with iron. In this example, the basic aqueous solution extraction step S106 is an example of an extraction step in which an extraction process is performed to extract a water-soluble component derived from the leaves of a plant of the Poaceae Bambusoideae subfamily in a basic aqueous solution. The extraction process performed in the basic aqueous solution extraction step S106 can also be considered, for example, as a process of extracting a liquid component containing an iron chlorophyllin compound derived from the chlorophyll contained in the leaves of a plant of the Poaceae Bambusoideae subfamily.

[0038] Furthermore, at the time when the basic aqueous solution extraction step S106 is completed as described above, the aqueous solution containing the iron chlorophyllin compounds and the like is mixed with water-insoluble components such as fibers contained in the bamboo leaves. Therefore, in this example, after the basic aqueous solution extraction step S106 is performed, the liquid components and solid components in the basic aqueous solution are separated (solid-liquid separation step S108). More specifically, in this example, in the solid-liquid separation step S108, the liquid components and solid components are separated by, for example, suction or squeeze filtration using a metal net or a cloth made of a material resistant to basic aqueous solutions. By performing the solid-liquid separation step S108, for example, the fibers contained in the bamboo leaves are separated, and a bamboo extract containing the iron chlorophyllin compounds can be appropriately produced.

[0039] According to this example, for example, a bamboo extract containing an active ingredient derived from bamboo leaves can be appropriately produced. In this example, the bamboo extract is an example of an extract containing an ingredient derived from an active ingredient contained in the leaves of a plant of the Poaceae subfamily Bambusoideae. For the bamboo extract obtained in the solid-liquid separation step S108, various post-treatments can be performed according to the quality required for the bamboo extract, for example, in the same manner as in known methods for producing bamboo extract. As such post-treatments, for example, neutralization treatment can be performed. In this case, for example, the bamboo extract can be neutralized by known neutralization treatment performed on the liquid.

[0040] In this example, the bamboo extract residue, which is the residue remaining after separating the bamboo extract in the solid-liquid separation step S108, is treated in the extraction residue treatment step S200 to produce a bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder. In this case, the bamboo extract residue can be considered to be, for example, a residue generated by a solid component separated from a liquid component obtained by the extraction treatment in the basic aqueous solution extraction step S106. In addition, the liquid component obtained by the extraction treatment in the basic aqueous solution extraction step S106 can be considered to be, for example, a liquid component separated in the solid-liquid separation step S108. As explained above, the bamboo extract residue is an example of a moistened leaf. In this example, the bamboo extract residue is in a moist state by retaining the basic aqueous solution used in the basic aqueous solution extraction step S106 (for example, in the case of Example 1 described later, the bamboo extract residue contains about 75% basic aqueous solution by weight). In this case, the bamboo extract residue can be considered to be in a wet state due to the retention of the basic aqueous solution by the water-insoluble components contained in the bamboo leaves. These water-insoluble components are, for example, water-insoluble fibers in the bamboo leaves.

[0041] The wet state of the bamboo extract residue can be considered, for example, as a state in which the solid components of the bamboo leaves have absorbed water and become wet. The wet state can also be considered, for example, as a state in which water is contained without dripping. The state in which water does not drip can be considered, for example, as a state in which water does not drip continuously when placed on an object with holes through which water can escape, such as a metal net. More specifically, in this example, the wet state of the bamboo extract residue can be considered, for example, as a wet state of the solid components after the liquid components have been separated in the solid-liquid separation step S108.

[0042] Moreover, the fact that the bamboo extract residue retains a basic aqueous solution can be considered, for example, as the moisture contained in the bamboo extract residue being basic. The fact that the moisture contained in the bamboo extract residue is basic can be considered, for example, as the moisture becomes basic when it is squeezed out from the bamboo extract residue by applying strong pressure or the like. The pH of such moisture can be measured by a known method. In this example, the pH of the moisture contained in the bamboo extract residue immediately after the solid-liquid separation step S108 is basic, reflecting the pH of the basic aqueous solution used in the basic aqueous solution extraction step S106. In this case, the pH of the moisture contained in the bamboo extract residue is, for example, about 10 or more (for example, about 10 to 14).

[0043] In addition, in this example, in the extraction residue processing step S200, a process is performed to bring the pH of the water contained in the bamboo extract residue closer to neutral. More specifically, in the extraction residue processing step S200 of this example, water is added to the bamboo extract residue obtained in the solid-liquid separation step S108 so that at least a part of the bamboo extract residue is immersed in water (water addition step S202). In this case, it is preferable to add water so that the entire bamboo extract residue is immersed in water. By performing the water addition step S202, for example, water is present around the bamboo extract residue. Then, in this example, this water is used to perform a process of neutralizing the bamboo extract residue (neutralization step S204). In this case, the neutralization of the bamboo extract residue can be considered to be, for example, neutralizing the aqueous solution of a basic compound contained in the bamboo extract residue. The neutralization of the basic aqueous solution can be considered to be, for example, bringing the pH of the aqueous component closer to neutral.

[0044] More specifically, in the neutralization step S204 of this example, the bamboo extract residue is neutralized using a cation exchange resin. In this case, the operation of the neutralization step S204 can be considered to be, for example, an operation of bringing the pH of the aqueous component held by the bamboo extract residue closer to neutral by contacting the water added in the water addition step S202 with the cation exchange resin. In this case, the pH of the aqueous component held by the bamboo extract residue is brought closer to neutral, for example, to about 6 to 9. The pH of the aqueous component held by the bamboo extract residue after the neutralization step S204 is preferably about 7.5 to 8.5. The pH of the aqueous component held by the bamboo extract residue after the neutralization step S204 can also be considered to be, for example, neutral to weakly alkaline.

[0045] In the neutralization step S204, for example, a known cation exchange resin used for neutralizing a basic aqueous solution with a strongly basic compound such as sodium hydroxide can be suitably used. More specifically, as the cation exchange resin, a known strongly acidic cation exchange resin or a known weakly acidic cation exchange resin can be used. In this example, the cation exchange resin is used to neutralize the bamboo extract residue while preventing, for example, the generation of excess salt (e.g., table salt, etc.) and the loss of active ingredients derived from the bamboo leaves. The method of neutralizing the bamboo extract residue in the neutralization step S204 will be explained in more detail later.

[0046] In this example, after the bamboo extract residue is neutralized in the neutralization step S204, the neutralized bamboo extract residue is dried by, for example, heating using a known method (drying step S206). More specifically, in this case, for example, it is possible to dry the bamboo extract residue using a drum type that uses a rotating drum. Also, in the drying step S206, it is possible to dry the bamboo extract residue in a state in which the water added in the water addition step S202 remains (in a state in which it remains hydrated). If configured in this way, for example, the effective ingredients of the bamboo leaves can be more appropriately left. More specifically, in this case, it becomes possible to dry the bamboo extract residue in a state in which the effective ingredients such as iron chlorophyllin compounds are appropriately left. Also, in the drying step S206, for example, the bamboo extract residue may be dried using a method other than the drum type.

[0047] In addition, after drying the bamboo extract residue in the drying step S206, the dried bamboo extract residue is pulverized, for example, by a known method (pulverization step S208). The operation of the pulverization step S208 can be considered, for example, as a step of producing powder derived from bamboo leaves by pulverizing the dried material obtained by drying the bamboo extract residue in the drying step S206 into powder.

[0048] By carrying out these steps, the extraction residue processing step S200 of this example produces a dried, powdery bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder. In this case, by neutralizing the bamboo extract residue in the neutralization step S204, for example, a bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder that can be used for various purposes can be produced. For example, the bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder produced by the method of this example can be used as a food ingredient, etc. In this case, the food can be considered to be something that humans take from the mouth to the stomach, for example. More specifically, the bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder can be used as an ingredient for health foods such as supplements. The bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder can also be used as an ingredient for quasi-drugs or medicines, etc. The bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder can also be used as an ingredient for adding to general foods, for example. In this case, it can be used as a food ingredient to be added to baked goods, etc. According to this example, for example, a bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder that can be used as a food ingredient containing an active ingredient derived from bamboo can be appropriately produced. In this case, by carrying out the neutralization step S204 using a cation exchange resin as described above, for example, food ingredients that do not contain unnecessary salt can be appropriately produced.

[0049] Next, the method of neutralizing the bamboo extract residue in the neutralization step S204 will be described in more detail. As explained above, in the neutralization step of this example, the bamboo extract residue is neutralized using a cation exchange resin. Also, in this regard, as explained above, the bamboo extract residue is in a state of absorbing and retaining moisture. In this case, for example, simply contacting the bamboo extract residue with a cation exchange resin will not cause the neutralization of the bamboo extract residue to proceed. In response to this, the inventor of the present application, through intensive research, came up with the idea of ​​neutralizing the bamboo extract residue by adding water to the bamboo extract residue and contacting the water around the bamboo extract residue with the cation exchange resin. Also, by actually conducting various experiments, it was found that the bamboo extract residue can be appropriately neutralized by this method. In this case, for example, the bamboo extract residue can be neutralized appropriately by contacting the water around the bamboo extract residue with a cation exchange resin while waiting for the basic water held by the bamboo extract residue to change to near-neutral water. Also, for example, the neutralization of the bamboo extract residue can be more appropriately advanced by contacting the bamboo extract residue with a cation exchange resin while moving the water around the bamboo extract residue.

[0050] In addition, when water is added to the bamboo extract residue, it is considered that at least a part of the solid components constituting the bamboo extract residue will disperse in the water. If a cation exchange resin is directly added in this state to perform neutralization, it is considered that the cation exchange resin and the bamboo extract residue will mix together, making separation difficult. As a result, it is considered that the cation exchange resin will be mixed into the bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder as an impurity, or that the regeneration of the cation exchange resin will become difficult due to the inclusion of the bamboo extract residue.

[0051] Therefore, in the neutralization step S204, it is preferable to contact the water outside the water-insoluble components in the bamboo extract residue with the cation exchange resin while preventing the water-insoluble components in the bamboo extract residue from directly mixing with the cation exchange resin. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to appropriately contact the water outside the bamboo extract residue with the cation exchange resin while appropriately preventing the water-insoluble components in the bamboo extract residue from mixing with the ion exchange resin. This also makes it possible to appropriately prevent, for example, the cation exchange resin from being mixed into the bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder. In addition, for example, it becomes possible to more appropriately regenerate and reuse the cation exchange resin.

[0052] Preventing direct mixing of the water-insoluble components in the bamboo extract residue with the cation exchange resin can be considered, for example, as substantially preventing contact. Furthermore, substantially preventing contact can be considered, for example, as preventing contact to an extent that can prevent the above problems caused by contact between the bamboo extract residue and the cation exchange resin. Furthermore, in practical terms, substantially preventing contact can be considered, for example, as avoiding contact between water-insoluble components of a certain size or larger and the cation exchange resin. In this case, it is preferable to avoid contact between water-insoluble components of a size of, for example, 1 mm or more (preferably, 0.5 mm or more) and the cation exchange resin. The size of the water-insoluble components can be considered, for example, as the length of the longest part (the part with the widest width).

[0053] More specifically, the neutralization step S204 may be performed, for example, by the method shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of how to perform neutralization in the neutralization step S204. FIG. 2(a) shows an example of how to perform neutralization in the neutralization step S204. When neutralizing the bamboo extract residue 202 by the method shown in FIG. 2(a), the cation exchange resin 212 is contained in a nonwoven bag 302 to prevent contact between the bamboo extract residue 202 (water-insoluble components in the bamboo extract residue 202) and the cation exchange resin 212. The bag 302 is an example of a container that allows water 204 to pass through and does not leak the cation exchange resin. The bag 302 may also be considered, for example, as a container that allows water 204 to pass through and does not allow water-insoluble components in the bamboo extract residue 202 to pass through.

[0054] In this case, in the water addition step S202 (see FIG. 1), water is added to the bamboo extract residue 202 in the water tank 100, for example. This also results in a state in which water 204 is present around the bamboo extract residue 202 in the water tank 100. The water 204 around the bamboo extract residue 202 can be considered to be, for example, the water 204 placed in the water tank 100 together with the bamboo extract residue 202. In this case, the cation exchange resin 212 is not placed directly in the water 204 in the water tank 100, but is immersed in the water 204 in the water tank 100 while placed in a bag 302. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to appropriately bring the water 204 around the bamboo extract residue 202 (the water 204 outside the bamboo extract residue 202) into contact with the cation exchange resin 212 while preventing the water-insoluble components of the bamboo extract residue 202 from directly mixing with the cation exchange resin 212. This also allows the neutralization process to be appropriately carried out using, for example, the cation exchange resin 212.

[0055] As the bag 302, for example, a bag entirely made of nonwoven fabric can be suitably used. Also, as the bag 302, a bag partially made of nonwoven fabric may be used. Also, instead of the bag 302, for example, a container made of a material other than nonwoven fabric may be used. In this case, too, by using a container that allows the water 204 to pass through and does not leak the cation exchange resin, for example, it is possible to appropriately prevent the water-insoluble components in the bamboo extract residue 202 from directly mixing with the cation exchange resin.

[0056] In this case, it is preferable to bring the cation exchange resin 212 in the bag 302 into contact with the water 204 in the water tank 100 while moving the bag 302 in the water tank 100, for example, by stirring the water 204 in the water tank 100. In this case, it is possible to stir the water in the water tank 100 and move the cation exchange resin contained in the bag 302, for example, as shown by the arrows in the figure. With this configuration, for example, the water 204 at each position in the water tank 100 can be brought into contact with the cation exchange resin 212 in the bag 302, and the neutralization of the bamboo extract residue 202 can be more appropriately promoted.

[0057] In the neutralization step S204, the cation exchange resin 212 may be used in a different manner from the above, for example as shown in Fig. 2(b). Fig. 2(b) shows another example of how neutralization is performed in the neutralization step S204. In the case shown in Fig. 2(b), in the neutralization step S204, the cation exchange resin 212 is accommodated in a column 406, which is an example of a cylindrical container with holes on both ends, and water 204 is passed through the column 406, thereby bringing the water 204 around the bamboo extract residue 202 into contact with the cation exchange resin 212.

[0058] More specifically, in this case, as shown in the figure, for example, the water 204 in the water tank 100 is circulated using a circulation flow path 312 having a liquid flow path 402, a filter 404, a pump 408, and a column 406. In this case, the liquid flow path 402 is a flow path connecting the filter 404, the pump 408, and the column 406, and is installed so that at least the end on the side serving as the suction port (the end on the side serving as the suction port or both ends) is placed in the water 204 in the water tank 100, thereby sucking up the water 204 in the water tank 100 from one end, passing through the filter 404, the pump 408, and the column 406, and returning it to the water tank 100 from the other end. In this way, the circulation flow path 312 circulates the water in the water tank 100.

[0059] The filter 404 is a filter for preventing impurities from entering the column 406, and by arranging the liquid flow path 402 upstream of the column 406 in the flow path through which the water 204 flows, the filter 404 prevents water-insoluble components in the bamboo extract residue 202 from flowing into the position of the column 406. The column 406 holds the cation exchange resin 212 therein and is arranged in the middle of the liquid flow path 402, so that the water 204 flowing in the liquid flow path 402 comes into contact with the cation exchange resin 212. The column 406 is also an example of a member for installing the cation exchange resin 212 in the middle of a flow path through which a liquid flows. The pump 408 is connected in series with the filter 404 and the column 406 in the liquid flow path 402, and flows the water 204 into the liquid flow path 402 so that the water 204 passes through the filter 404 and the column 406.

[0060] With this configuration, for example, the water around the bamboo extract residue 202 can be appropriately flowed through the circulation flow path 312 while appropriately preventing the water-insoluble components in the bamboo extract residue 202 from entering the column 406. In addition, by circulating the water 204 so that the water 204 repeatedly flows through the circulation flow path 312, for example, the water 204 and the cation exchange resin 212 can be appropriately and sufficiently contacted. Therefore, even in the case of this configuration, for example, the water 204 outside the bamboo extract residue 202 can be appropriately contacted with the cation exchange resin 212 while preventing the water-insoluble components in the bamboo extract residue 202 from directly mixing with the cation exchange resin 212, thereby appropriately neutralizing the bamboo extract residue 202. In this case, too, the efficiency of neutralization can be increased by stirring, as in the case shown in FIG. 2(a).

[0061] Here, as explained above, in this example, water is added in the water addition step S202 to neutralize the bamboo extract residue 202 in the neutralization step S204. In this case, if the amount of water added in the water addition step S202 is large, for example, it is considered that the time and cost required for drying in the drying step S206 will increase significantly. Therefore, it is necessary to be careful not to add too much water in the water addition step S202. However, if the amount of water added in the water addition step S202 is too small, the amount of water around the bamboo extract residue 202 will be insufficient, and it may be difficult to properly and sufficiently contact the cation exchange resin 212 with the water in the neutralization step S204. More specifically, for example, when the neutralization step S204 is performed by the method shown in FIG. 2(a), if the amount of water is insufficient, it becomes difficult to properly stir the water in the water tank 100. Also, for example, when the neutralization step S204 is performed by the method shown in FIG. 2(b), if the amount of water is insufficient, it becomes difficult to properly circulate the water. As a result of these, it may become impossible to properly perform the neutralization process using the cation exchange resin 212. Therefore, in the water addition step S202, it is necessary to add water in an amount that allows the neutralization process in the neutralization step S204 to be properly performed.

[0062] Considering these points, it is preferable to add water in the water addition step S202, for example, in an amount of water about 0.5 to 4 times the wet weight of the bamboo extract residue 202. In this case, the wet weight of the bamboo extract residue 202 can be considered to be, for example, the weight of the bamboo extract residue 202 in a wet state containing a basic aqueous solution. In addition, for example, in the case of Example 1 described later, the wet weight of the bamboo extract residue 202 can be considered to be, for example, the weight of the bamboo extract residue 202 in a wet state containing about 75% basic aqueous solution. In addition, the wet weight of the bamboo extract residue 202 can be considered to be, for example, the weight of the bamboo extract residue 202 in a wet state immediately after the solid-liquid separation step S108. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to prevent the amount of water added from becoming excessive and to appropriately contact the water around the bamboo extract residue 202 with the cation exchange resin 212. In addition, this also makes it possible to appropriately perform, for example, the neutralization process in the neutralization step S204. The amount of water added in the water adding step S202 is preferably about 1 to 4 times the wet weight of the bamboo extract residue 202, and more preferably about 2 to 3 times the wet weight of the bamboo extract residue 202.

[0063] In addition, the amount of water added in the water addition step S202 can be considered to be related to the drying of the bamboo extract residue 202 in the drying step S206, as described above. In this case, the amount of water added in the water addition step S202 may be determined by further considering the method of drying the bamboo extract residue 202 in the drying step S206. More specifically, as described above, in the drying step S206, the bamboo extract residue 202 is dried, for example, by a drum method. In this case, it is preferable that the bamboo extract residue 202 is in a state in which it moves according to the rotation of the drum. Therefore, in this case, it is considered to add water in the water addition step S202 in an amount that makes the bamboo extract residue 202 a slurry at the start of drying in the drum method. If configured in this way, the bamboo extract residue 202 can be appropriately dried, for example, by a drum method. More specifically, in this case, it is preferable to add water in an amount of, for example, about 1.5 to 3 times the wet weight of the bamboo extract residue 202 in the water addition step S202.

[0064] As explained above, in the drying step S206, it is also possible to dry the bamboo extract residue 202 using a method other than the drum type. In this case, it is also possible to add a smaller amount of water in the water addition step S202. By configuring in this way, for example, it is possible to appropriately reduce the amount of water added in the water addition step S202.

[0065] In addition, when the neutralization step S204 is performed using the method shown in Figures 2(a) and (b), it is considered that the regeneration of the cation exchange resin is performed using a method recommended by the manufacturer. In addition, in the neutralization step S204, the bamboo extract residue may be neutralized using a method other than the method shown in Figures 2(a) and (b). In this case, too, it is preferable to contact the water surrounding the bamboo extract residue with the cation exchange resin while preventing the water-insoluble components in the bamboo extract residue from directly mixing with the cation exchange resin. In this case, too, the ion exchange membrane electrodialysis method may be used.

[0066] Next, the method for producing the bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder will be explained in more detail using examples. Example 1 (Basic aqueous solution heating step): Using a stainless steel tank, 82 ml of 24.5% NaOH aqueous solution was added to 6 L of water and heated to boiling, and 300 g of bamboo leaves were immersed and boiled for 20 minutes. The bamboo leaves were then removed and thoroughly washed with water. (Iron substitution reaction step): Separately, 6 L of water was boiled, 3.6 g of ferrous chloride hydrate was added, and the washed bamboo leaves were immersed in the water and boiled for 60 minutes. The bamboo leaves were then taken out and thoroughly washed with water. (Basic aqueous solution extraction step): 150 ml of 24.5% NaOH aqueous solution was added to 1.5 L of distilled water and heated to boiling, and the bamboo leaves obtained from the substitution reaction step were immersed in the mixture, followed by continued boiling for 70 minutes with stirring. (Solid-liquid separation process): The boiled liquid from the basic aqueous solution extraction process was subjected to suction filtration using a fiber filter cloth to separate the liquid component that would become the bamboo extract containing iron chlorophyllin compounds, lignin decomposition products, and polysaccharides, etc., from the solid component that was the remaining residue (bamboo extract residue). The bamboo extract residue at this point contained about 75% basic aqueous solution by weight. (Water addition step): Water was added to the bamboo extract residue obtained in the solid-liquid separation step in an amount twice its wet weight. (Neutralization step): A known cation exchange resin was placed in a nonwoven bag, and the bamboo extract residue was neutralized by the method described with reference to FIG. 2(a). (Drying process): The bamboo extract residue after neutralization in the neutralization process was dried in a drum while retaining the water added in the water addition process. (Crushing step): The bamboo extract residue dried in the drying step was crushed into powder form using a known crusher to produce the bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder of Example 1.

[0067] Example 2 The bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder of Example 2 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the amount of water added in the water addition step was 1.5 times the amount of the bamboo extract residue.

[0068] Example 3 The bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder of Example 3 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the amount of water added in the water addition step was three times the amount of the bamboo extract residue. Example 4 The bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder of Example 4 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the amount of water added in the water addition step was 1 time the amount of the bamboo extract residue.

[0069] Example 5 The bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder of Example 5 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the neutralization step was performed by the method described with reference to FIG. 2(b). More specifically, in Example 5, Kumazasa leaves were used as the bamboo leaves, and the solid-liquid separation step was performed in the same manner as in Example 1 to obtain a bamboo extract residue (Kumazasa extract residue). Then, in the water addition step, 200 mL of water was added to 100 g of the bamboo extract residue, and the mixture was stirred to form a slurry. In the neutralization step, a tube was inserted at the tip of which was fitted with a filter made of a filter cloth with a mesh size of about 0.5 mm, and only the liquid components in the above slurry were sucked out using a pump through the tube, and this was introduced into a column packed with 30 mL of an acid-type weakly acidic ion exchange resin (cation exchange resin). Then, the liquid after passing through this column was returned to the slurry being stirred, establishing a circulation system. With this configuration, the pump discharge rate was adjusted to about 20 mL per minute and the circulation system was operated. As a result, the pH of the slurry, which was initially about 12.5, changed to about 9.0 in about 40 minutes. From this, it was confirmed that neutralization can be performed efficiently in a short time by performing the neutralization process using the method in Figure 2(b).

[0070] (Examples 6 to 8) The bamboo-derived neutralized dry powders of Examples 6 to 8 were produced in the same manner as in Example 5, except that the amount of water added in the water-adding step was the same as in Examples 2 to 4, respectively.

[0071] Comparative Example 1 The bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder of Comparative Example 1 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that in the neutralization step, the bamboo extract residue was neutralized using an acidic solution (hydrochloric acid) instead of using a cation exchange resin.

[0072] Comparative Example 2 The bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder of Comparative Example 2 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that instead of performing the water addition step and the neutralization step, the pH of the bamboo extract residue was neutralized by washing the bamboo extract residue with a large amount of water (water with a weight that is 10 times or more the wet weight of the bamboo extract residue).

[0073] (evaluation) In all of Examples 1 to 8, it was possible to produce a bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder that was properly neutralized without generating excess salts or the like in the neutralization process. In addition, it was possible to produce a bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder with a good appearance that was green by reflecting the color of chlorophyll containing an iron chlorophyllin compound derived from the active ingredient of the bamboo extract (the bamboo extract contained in the bamboo extract residue) remaining in the bamboo extract residue. In contrast, in Comparative Example 1, excess salt (table salt) was generated by performing the neutralization process using an acidic solution. Furthermore, as a result, the produced bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder was in an unsuitable state for use as a food ingredient or the like. Furthermore, in Comparative Example 2, washing with a large amount of water was performed, so that the active ingredient derived from the bamboo extract remaining in the bamboo extract residue was lost, and a bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder that was brownish rather than green was produced. Furthermore, although the cause is unknown, in Comparative Example 2, the state after the drying process and the crushing process became non-uniform, and the appearance was deteriorated.

[0074] Next, supplementary explanations will be given regarding each of the configurations described above. For convenience of explanation, the present example will be used hereinafter to include the modified examples described above. As described above, in this example, the bamboo extract residue generated as a by-product when extracting the bamboo extract using a basic aqueous solution is neutralized by carrying out a water addition process and a neutralization process.

[0075] In this regard, the leaves of plants of the Bambusoideae family, such as bamboo leaves, have a robust leaf quality, and the extraction residue thereof has the property of retaining water. Therefore, it has been conventionally believed that it is difficult to neutralize an extraction residue such as the bamboo extract residue using a cation exchange resin. In response to this, the inventor of the present application actually conducted experiments and found that the bamboo extract residue can be appropriately neutralized by performing the hydration step and neutralization step as described above. In addition, for example, in the case of general leaves other than those of plants of the Bambusoideae family, the leaves are soft, so that the active ingredients of the leaves can often be extracted without using a basic aqueous solution. In this case, it is also unnecessary to perform the steps corresponding to the hydration step and neutralization step in this example. Therefore, in this example, it can be considered that the hydration step and neutralization step are performed in relation to the characteristics unique to the leaves of plants of the Bambusoideae family.

[0076] Furthermore, in this example, by drying the bamboo extract residue in a state in which water has been added in the water addition step, it is possible to dry the bamboo extract residue while appropriately retaining, for example, the active ingredients derived from the bamboo extract remaining in the bamboo extract residue. This also makes it possible to appropriately produce, for example, a bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder containing the active ingredients derived from the bamboo extract remaining in the bamboo extract residue. In this case, the bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder can be considered to be rich in, for example, iron, magnesium, cellulose, etc.

[0077] More specifically, as explained above, the bamboo extract produced in this example is rich in iron chlorophyllin compounds, lignin decomposition products, polysaccharides, etc. In this case, for example, the aqueous components held by the bamboo extract residue, which is in a wet state when separated from the bamboo extract, can be considered to be rich in iron chlorophyllin compounds, lignin decomposition products, polysaccharides, etc. Furthermore, it is considered that these iron chlorophyllin compounds and polysaccharides are not lost in the subsequent steps and remain in the bamboo extract residue after neutralization and the bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder. In this case, the bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder, etc. can be considered to be rich in iron, iron chlorophyllin compounds, lignin decomposition products, polysaccharides, etc., similar to the bamboo extract. In this case, the fact that the bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder, etc. is rich in iron, iron chlorophyllin compounds, lignin decomposition products, polysaccharides, etc. can also be considered to be a feature that is significantly different from, for example, a powder obtained by simply crushing dried bamboo leaves. Furthermore, such a neutralized dry powder derived from bamboo grass can be considered as an example of a powder derived from plant leaves that contains chlorophyllin compounds derived from the leaves of plants of the Poaceae family, Bambusoideae subfamily.

[0078] In addition, with regard to the configuration described above, the iron chlorophyllin compound contained in the bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder and the like can be considered to be, for example, a chlorophyll partial decomposition product and a chlorophyllin compound contained when at least one of an inorganic acid iron salt and an organic acid iron salt is used in the extraction process for producing the bamboo extract. In contrast, the bamboo extract can be produced by performing an extraction process without using, for example, an inorganic acid iron salt or an organic acid iron salt. In this case, it is considered that the bamboo extract produced does not contain the iron chlorophyllin compound but contains a chlorophyllin compound other than the iron chlorophyllin compound. As a result, it is also considered that the bamboo extract residue and the bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder do not contain the iron chlorophyllin compound but contain a chlorophyllin compound other than the iron chlorophyllin compound. In this case, the bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder and the like will further contain, for example, polysaccharides and lignin hydrolysates derived from the bamboo extract, which is a basic aqueous solution extract. In this case, the basic aqueous solution extraction process described above can be considered as an example of a process for performing an extraction process to extract liquid components containing chlorophyllin compounds derived from chlorophyll contained in the leaves of plants of the Poaceae family, subfamily Bambusoideae.

[0079] In addition, magnesium is considered to be contained in the bamboo extract residue by, for example, magnesium liberated by replacing (coordinating) magnesium at the center of the chlorophyllin compound with iron in the iron substitution reaction step, chlorophyll remaining water-insoluble, and chlorophyllin compounds remaining water-insoluble. Therefore, it can be considered that the bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder contains more magnesium than, for example, the bamboo extract. In addition, in this regard, chlorophyll is a compound in which phytol is ester-bonded to tetrapyrrole, and in this case, during the treatments in the basic aqueous solution heating step S102, the iron substitution reaction step S104, and the basic aqueous solution extraction step S106, etc., described above, phytol is hydrolyzed to a free form or its Na salt, and its water solubility is increased. In addition, cellulose is a water-insoluble component in bamboo leaves. And, as can be understood from the above explanation, the bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder contains more cellulose than the bamboo extract. In addition, cellulose can be considered to be, for example, dietary fiber. Therefore, it can be said that neutralized dried powder derived from bamboo grass is rich in dietary fiber.

[0080] As explained above, the bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder produced by the method of this example can be used, for example, as a food ingredient. The bamboo-derived neutralized dry powder can also be used for purposes other than food ingredients. In this case, it can be used, for example, as a pet feed ingredient, a paper product ingredient, a fertilizer, a soil conditioner, or a cosmetic ingredient. Even when used as a fertilizer or soil conditioner, it is possible to appropriately use the bamboo extract residue without pretreatment using microorganisms to decompose the bamboo extract residue. In this example, the bamboo extract residue can be used for various purposes as described above, which can reduce the burden on the environment compared to, for example, disposing of the bamboo extract residue as industrial waste. In this case, it can also be said that the bamboo extract can be produced by a zero-emission method that does not generate unnecessary industrial waste.

[0081] As explained above, in this example, the bamboo grass-derived neutralized dry powder is an example of a plant leaf-derived product. In contrast, it is also possible to produce a product other than the bamboo grass-derived neutralized dry powder as a plant leaf-derived product. In this case, for example, the bamboo grass extract residue before the drying process or the bamboo grass extract residue before the crushing process can be considered as an example of a plant leaf-derived product. In this case, it is also possible to carry out a drying process or a crushing process in another factory or the like for the bamboo grass extract residue before drying or crushing to be produced as a plant leaf-derived product. It is also possible to request (outsource) the drying process or the crushing process to a specialized company and carry it out. In these cases, by neutralizing the bamboo grass extract residue in the neutralization process, for example, it is possible to request the process to be carried out easily and appropriately at low cost.

[0082] In the above, the case where bamboo leaves are used as the leaves of plants of the Poaceae Bambusoideae subfamily has been mainly described. On the other hand, as can be understood from the above description, leaves other than bamboo leaves may be used as the leaves of plants of the Poaceae Bambusoideae subfamily. In this case, for example, bamboo leaves may be used. In addition, leaves other than bamboo leaves and bamboo leaves may be used as the leaves of plants of the Poaceae Bambusoideae subfamily. In these cases, the extraction residue can be appropriately and effectively utilized by adding water or neutralizing the extraction residue in the same manner as described above. In addition, this allows, for example, a plant leaf-derived product containing a component derived from the leaves of plants of the Poaceae Bambusoideae subfamily. [Industrial Applicability]

[0083] The present invention can be suitably used, for example, in a method for producing a product derived from a plant leaf. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 100 water tank, 202 bamboo extract residue, 204 water, 212 cation exchange resin, 302 bag, 312 circulation flow path, 402 liquid flow path, 404 filter, 406 column, 408 pump

Claims

1. A method for producing a plant leaf-derived product, comprising the steps of: producing a plant leaf-derived product, which is a product derived from the leaves of a plant of the subfamily Bambusoideae of the family Poaceae, using moistened leaves in which water-insoluble components contained in the leaves are in a moist state by retaining a basic aqueous solution; a hydration step of adding water so that at least a portion of the moistened leaves is immersed in water; a neutralization step of bringing the water added in the water addition step into contact with a cation exchange resin to adjust the pH of the aqueous component held in the moistened leaves to a value close to neutral; A method for producing a plant leaf-derived product, comprising:

2. The wet-treated leaves are a residue generated by separating them from a liquid component obtained by an extraction treatment in which water-soluble components derived from the leaves of the plant are extracted in a basic aqueous solution; 2. The method for producing a plant leaf-derived product according to claim 1, wherein the extraction treatment is a treatment for extracting the liquid component containing a chlorophyllin compound derived from chlorophyll contained in the leaves of the plant.

3. 3. The method for producing a plant leaf-derived product according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the neutralization step, the water outside the water-insoluble components in the moistened leaves is brought into contact with the cation exchange resin while preventing the water-insoluble components in the moistened leaves from directly mixing with the cation exchange resin, thereby bringing the water outside the moistened leaves into contact with the cation exchange resin.

4. The method for producing a plant leaf-derived product described in claim 3, characterized in that in the neutralization process, the cation exchange resin is contained in a container that allows water to pass through and does not leak the cation exchange resin, and the container is brought into contact with the water around the moistened leaves, thereby bringing the cation exchange resin into contact with the water outside the moistened leaves.

5. The method for producing a plant leaf-derived product described in claim 3, characterized in that in the neutralization process, the cation exchange resin is placed in the middle of a flow path through which a liquid flows, and the water around the moistened leaves is passed through the flow path while preventing the water-insoluble components of the moistened leaves from entering the flow path, thereby bringing the water outside the moistened leaves into contact with the cation exchange resin.

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