Liquid in Roselle or Solid in Roselle

The vacuum-low-temperature separation method effectively addresses the inefficiencies of existing Roselle extraction methods by producing superior Roselle liquid and solid with enhanced medicinal properties, suitable for hair growth, skin beauty, and blood pressure regulation.

JP7657430B2Active Publication Date: 2025-04-07SEED CO LTD +2
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023084019
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-05-22
Publication Date
2025-04-07
Estimated Expiration
2043-05-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing methods for extracting active ingredients from Roselle lack efficiency and effectiveness, particularly in preserving the natural state and medicinal properties of the plant, and there is a need for a method that can separate Roselle into solid and liquid without external mediums or heat.

Method used

The method involves vacuum-low-temperature separation of Roselle, where the plant is coarsely crushed and separated at a temperature below 45°C under vacuum conditions, allowing for the recovery of a superior Roselle liquid and solid with enhanced hair growth, skin beauty, and blood pressure regulation effects.

Benefits of technology

This method produces Roselle liquid and solid that exhibit superior medicinal efficacy compared to other extraction methods, maximizing hair growth, skin beauty, and blood pressure regulation effects while maintaining the natural composition and activity of the ingredients.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide "liquids and solids of all-natural origin" that are free of external compounds or impurities and are free of thermal decomposition products, and to provide liquids and solids that exhibit excellent medicinal properties by simply separating a specific "non-dried target" itself from solid-liquid.SOLUTION: Provided are: a liquid in Roselle obtained by roughly crushing undried Roselle in a vessel 100 while stirring with a stirrer 110 without using an extraction medium or heated steam, depressurizing the vessel with a pressure reducer 300 while applying heat from the outside to maintain a temperature at 45°C or less, and vacuum-separating the Roselle at a low temperature to recover the liquid side; a solid in Roselle obtained by recovering the solid side in the same manner; a liquid obtained by mixing the liquid in Roselle with the solid side in Roselle and filtering the mixture; and hair growth and hair care agents, skin beautifying agents, and blood pressure regulators containing the same.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a roselle liquid or a roselle solid obtained by subjecting undried roselle to vacuum low-temperature separation, i.e., solid-liquid separation, using a specific method, and further relates to a hair growth and restorer, a skin beautifier, or a blood pressure regulator containing the roselle liquid. [Background technology]

[0002] "Roselle" is a plant of the genus Hibiscus, called Hibiscus sabdariffa, in the family Malvaceae. Its seeds are fried and eaten, its calyx and bracts are boiled and drunk, and its leaves are eaten in salads or stews. In addition, extracts from roselle have been reported to have various efficacies as ingredients for health foods and cosmetics.

[0003] Reference 1 describes a lotion containing a water-soluble extract of roselle. Cited Document 2 describes a cosmetic composition containing a fermented product obtained by fermenting roselle with a microorganism. Cited Document 3 describes a blood sugar lowering composition that contains a hot water extract fraction from roselle seeds as an active ingredient.

[0004] Cited Document 4 describes a skin function improving agent that contains an extract from roselle flowers as an active ingredient. Cited Document 5 describes an enzyme activator made from a fermentation product obtained by fermenting roselle calyx with lactic acid bacteria. Cited Document 6 describes an autonomic nervous system regulator that contains a solvent extract from roselle as an active ingredient.

[0005] Cited Document 7 describes a "composition for regulating food intake by reducing appetite or increasing satiety" that contains phenylpropanoids and anthocyanins, and describes an extract from roselle as the extract. Reference 8 describes a thermogenic composition comprising an organic solvent extract from Roselle. Cited Document 9 describes the use of white roselle extract obtained by dissolving the cell walls of the calyx of white roselle and then extracting it with a solvent to improve skin moisturization.

[0006] However, in the above-mentioned conventional techniques, extraction from roselle is carried out using water or an organic solvent, or a fermentation product of roselle is used. That is, in the past, there was no technical idea of ​​simply separating roselle that has not been dried or fermented into solid and liquid form without adding a medium from the outside, i.e., of simply separating roselle itself into solid and liquid form and using one of them. In addition, there was no technical idea of ​​roughly crushing the target material (roselle) and separating it into solid and liquid at low temperatures (maintaining it below 45°C).

[0007] On the other hand, methods for extracting only the active ingredients from plants generally involve the use of extraction media such as water, organic solvents, heated steam, and carbon dioxide (in supercritical extraction). As a method other than the above-mentioned general extraction method, a method of extracting at a relatively low temperature under reduced pressure (low-temperature vacuum extraction method) is also known.

[0008] Cited Document 10 describes a method for extracting aroma components from Citrus depressur by crushing, stirring, heating, and reducing the pressure while maintaining the temperature at 50°C or less. Furthermore, cited reference 11 describes a method for obtaining medicinal solutions by subjecting medicinal herbs, such as raw materials for herbal medicines, Jerusalem artichoke, and sweet tea, to solid-liquid separation at 45°C or lower.

[0009] However, it has not been known that a solid or liquid can be obtained from Roselle by the above method. In other words, it was not known how to turn a target material into roselle, coarsely crush it, and then subject it to solid-liquid separation at low temperature and reduced pressure.

[0010] Furthermore, it is not known that the liquid obtained by subjecting roselle to solid-liquid separation at low temperatures and reduced pressure has superior medicinal effects (efficacy) such as hair growth, skin beautification, and blood pressure regulation, compared to other extraction methods or to other plants. In addition, it is also impossible for a person skilled in the art to attempt to subject the infinite variety of living organisms (plants, animals, algae, mushrooms, etc.) to solid-liquid separation at low temperatures and reduced pressure in the hope of obtaining the above-mentioned medicinal effects (efficacy).

[0011] In recent years, there has been a strong demand for health promotion, beautiful skin, hair growth, and hair care, and there is also a demand for products made from natural substances, but conventional technology has not been sufficient. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-346006 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2006-347925 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2009-062348 A [Patent Document 4] JP 2014-129252 A [Patent Document 5] JP 2017-001985 A [Patent Document 6] JP 2018-158891 A [Patent Document 7] JP 2020-535222 A [Patent Document 8] JP 2020-094018 A [Patent Document 9] JP 2022-117965 A [Patent Document 10] JP 2013-209311 A [Patent Document 11] JP 2020-200309 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned background art, and an object of the present invention is to provide "liquids and solids of all natural origin" that are free of external additives or contaminants and are free of thermal decomposition products. Another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid or solid exhibiting excellent medicinal properties by simply subjecting a specific "non-dried object" itself to solid-liquid separation, i.e., vacuum low-temperature separation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] As a result of intensive research by the present inventors to solve the above problems, it was found that a liquid (or solid) obtained by subjecting undried Roselle to a specific solid-liquid separation method and further solid-liquid separation (vacuum low-temperature separation) under specific conditions has superior hair growth and restoration effects, skin beautifying effects, blood pressure regulating effects, etc., compared to those obtained by solid-liquid separation of other living organisms (plants, animals, algae, mushrooms, etc.) and compared to those obtained by other extraction methods, and thus the present invention was completed.

[0015] That is, the present invention provides a roselle liquid, which is obtained by roughly crushing undried roselle in a vessel while stirring with a stirrer without using an extraction medium or heated steam, reducing the pressure inside the vessel using a pressure reducer while applying heat from the outside to maintain the temperature at 45°C or lower, and subjecting the roselle to vacuum low-temperature separation to recover the liquid side.

[0016] The present invention also provides the above-mentioned intra-roselle liquid, wherein the vacuum low-temperature separation is carried out while maintaining a pressure lower than 101.3 kPa (1 atmospheric pressure) by -80 kPa or more.

[0017] The present invention also provides the liquid in roselle, wherein the pressure reducer is a horizontal jet type water ejector having a water circulation pump.

[0018] The present invention also provides the above-mentioned roselle liquid, in which the lower part of the container is cylindrical and has a plurality of fixed blades on its inner wall, and the agitator has a rotary blade body having a plurality of rotary blades, and the roselle liquid in the container is roughly crushed by the fixed blades and the rotary blades while being vacuum-low-temperature separated by rotating the rotary blade body.

[0019] The present invention also provides the above-mentioned roselle inner liquid, wherein the roselle is a calyx, a bract, a fruit, or a leaf of roselle.

[0020] The present invention also provides a hair growth and care agent that contains the above-mentioned roselle liquid.

[0021] The present invention also provides a skin-beautifying agent that contains the above-mentioned roselle liquid.

[0022] The present invention also provides a blood pressure regulator comprising the above-mentioned roselle liquid.

[0023] The present invention also provides a Roselle solid, which is obtained by roughly crushing undried Roselle in a vessel while stirring with a stirrer without using any extraction medium or heated steam, reducing the pressure inside the vessel using a pressure reducer while applying heat from the outside to maintain the temperature at 45°C or lower, and subjecting the Roselle to vacuum low-temperature separation to recover the solid side.

[0024] The present invention also provides a hair growth and care agent obtained by immersing the roselle solid in the roselle liquid and then filtering the same, The present invention provides a hair growth and hair care agent which is characterized in that the roselle solid is used in an amount of 0.5% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less relative to the entire filtered hair growth and hair care agent.

[0025] The present invention also provides a skin-beautifying agent obtained by immersing the above-mentioned roselle solid in the above-mentioned roselle liquid and then filtering the same, The present invention provides a skin-beautifying agent which is obtained by using the roselle solid in an amount of 0.5% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less based on the total amount of the filtered skin-beautifying agent.

[0026] The present invention also provides a blood pressure regulator obtained by immersing the roselle solid in the roselle liquid and then filtering the roselle solid, The blood pressure regulator is characterized in that it is obtained by using the roselle solid in an amount of 0.5% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less based on the entire blood pressure regulator obtained by filtering. Effect of the Invention

[0027] According to the present invention, the above problems and issues are resolved, and since it contains only naturally derived ingredients including water, and contains all of the liquid in roselle, it is possible to provide a highly effective roselle liquid that maximizes the hair growth and skin care effects, skin beautifying effects, and blood pressure regulating effects inherent to roselle. The roselle liquid of the present invention exhibits a more favorable hair growth and restoration effect, a more favorable skin beautifying effect, and a more favorable blood pressure regulating effect than liquids extracted from roselle by other known extraction methods.

[0028] In addition, according to the present invention, the above problems and issues are resolved, and since it contains only naturally derived ingredients and all the ingredients of the roselle solid, it is possible to provide a highly effective roselle solid that maximizes the hair growth and care effects, skin beautifying effects, and blood pressure regulating effects that roselle originally has.

[0029] In addition, hair growth and restorer, skin beautifier, and blood pressure regulator obtained by immersing a specific amount of the above-mentioned Roselle solid in the above-mentioned Roselle liquid and then filtering the resultant products each have extremely high effects. When the above-mentioned Roselle solid is immersed in pure water, the active ingredient in the Roselle solid does not dissolve and migrate in the pure water, but when the Roselle solid is immersed in the Roselle liquid, the active ingredient in the Roselle solid dissolves and migrates in the Roselle liquid. Therefore, the above-mentioned hair growth and restorer, skin beautifier, and blood pressure regulator of the present invention have extremely high effects.

[0030] The liquid and solid separated by the vacuum low-temperature separation method of the present invention have the following effects compared to extracts extracted by other extraction methods and extraction residues obtained by other extraction methods: no pyrolysis occurs, so no pyrolysis products are contained; there is no loss of active ingredients due to pyrolysis; no extraction media such as water, organic solvents, or heated steam are used, so they are not contained (residual); only natural products are contained; and since the material is roughly crushed in a vessel while being separated at low temperature under vacuum, a large amount of unaltered active ingredients is obtained.

[0031] According to the present invention, more particularly, by adjusting the upper limit of temperature and the exhaust volume (pressure reduction rate), it is possible to carry out vacuum low-temperature separation (solid-liquid separation) without deteriorating fresh roselle, and therefore without containing or generating non-natural reaction products or decomposition products. In addition, by carrying out the operation in a special container and roughly crushing the roselle in the container while subjecting it to vacuum low-temperature separation, it is possible to minimize the destruction of the cell membrane, and it is possible to obtain the active ingredients dissolved in the cell water within the plant and the cell water itself as a liquid phase from the freshly crushed surface.

[0032] In addition, the separation conditions in the present invention are more limited than those in the so-called low-temperature vacuum extraction method, so that the liquid and solid separated by the vacuum low-temperature separation method in the present invention can achieve the above-mentioned effects that are even higher than those obtained by the general so-called low-temperature vacuum extraction method.

[0033] According to the present invention, solid-liquid separation is performed using undried roselle, so that the cell water inherently contained within the roselle is obtained as a liquid phase. The cell water contained in plants, including roselle, is considered to have a different structure (information contained in water) from that of an aggregate of water molecules, and its properties are different from those of ordinary distilled water, well water, tap water, desalted water, etc.

[0034] The efficacy of a hair growth agent, skin beautifier, or blood pressure regulator obtained by immersing the roselle solid of the present invention in the roselle liquid of the present invention and then filtering the same is further synergistically improved compared to the liquid or solid alone. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of a vacuum low-temperature separation apparatus used in the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a vessel, a cooler, a recovery vessel, etc., provided in a vacuum low-temperature separation apparatus used in the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing one embodiment of a crushing and stirring device provided in a vessel of a vacuum low-temperature separation apparatus used in the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a horizontal jet type water ejector, which is a preferred pressure reducer provided in an apparatus used in the present invention, a water tank, a circulation pump, and the like. [Diagram 5] Photographs showing the calyx, involucre and fruit of roselle, which is the subject of vacuum low-temperature separation in the present invention. (a) Photograph of the calyx and involucre measuring approximately 2-3 cm in size. (b) Photograph of the fruit measuring approximately 1.0-1.5 cm in size. [Figure 6] 6(a) and 6(b) are photographs of the roselle solids of the present invention. (a) Photograph of the roselle solids obtained by roughly crushing the calyx and bracts of roselle in a vessel and subjecting them to vacuum low-temperature separation. (b) Photograph of the roselle solids obtained by roughly crushing the roselle fruit in a vessel and subjecting it to vacuum low-temperature separation. (The magnifications of Figs. 6(a) and (b) are the same as those of Figs. 5(a) and (b).) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] The present invention will be described below, however, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments below and can be modified as desired within the scope of the technical concept.

[0037] <Roselle Liquid> The Roselle liquid of the present invention is characterized in that it is obtained by roughly crushing undried Roselle in a vessel while stirring with a stirrer without using an extraction medium or heated steam, reducing the pressure in the vessel using a pressure reducer while applying heat from the outside to maintain the temperature at 45°C or less, and subjecting the Roselle to vacuum low-temperature separation to recover the liquid side. In this specification, the terms "solid-liquid separation" and "vacuum low-temperature separation" can be read interchangeably.

[0038] The "roselle liquid" in the present invention refers to the liquid produced by the above method, which is in a uniform liquid state when viewed as a whole. The liquid may contain dissolved oily components that are not compatible with water at any ratio. Also, components that are solid at normal temperature and pressure may be dissolved in the liquid.

[0039] In addition, the roselle liquid of the present invention is fundamentally completely different from "a liquid obtained by conventional methods, such as a liquid obtained by extracting roselle with water (hot water extraction) in a conventional manner and then distilling off the water; a liquid obtained by steam distilling roselle in a conventional manner; or a liquid obtained by squeezing roselle," not only in terms of differences (points) in terms of the presence or absence of thermal decomposition, the presence or absence of residue, and the presence or absence of volatile matter, but also in terms of differences in water solubility and boiling point (vapor pressure) of each component.

[0040] "Roselle" refers to the Hibiscus sabdariffa, a plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. In the present invention, undried roselle is used as the target of solid-liquid separation. Here, "undried" means that it has not been actively dried or has not undergone a substantial drying process. This does not exclude the state in which the roselle has been left to dry naturally by standing and water and low boiling point components have slightly evaporated (volatilized) (this is within the scope of the present invention).

[0041] If dried roselle is used, roselle inner liquid cannot be obtained, and if semi-dried roselle is used, only roselle inner liquid with insufficient efficacy can be obtained due to different component composition or different water.

[0042] In the present invention, it is essential to use undried roselle as the target of solid-liquid separation, and the part of the roselle to be used is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include the calyx, involucre, fruit, seeds, leaves, stems, flowers including petals, and roots of roselle. Particularly preferred are the calyx, involucre, fruit, and leaves of roselle. Photographs of the calyx and bracts of the roselle and the roselle fruit are shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b). In the present invention, "roselle fruit" also includes fruits containing mature or immature seeds. The calyx, bracts and fruit of roselle are preferably harvested after the petals have been removed. After the roselle flowers have fallen, red clusters are harvested, which are covered with the calyx and bracts, and the fruit is contained within the cluster. The size of the calyx is about 2 cm to 3 cm, and the thickness of the calyx is even thinner (Figure 5(a)). The size of the fruit inside the calyx is about 1.5 cm to 2 cm (Figure 5(b)).

[0043] Hereinafter, when simply referring to "roselle", it is particularly preferable that it refers to "roselle calyx and / or bracts", "roselle fruit", or "roselle leaves".

[0044] In the present invention, the liquid and solid obtained by vacuum low-temperature separation of the calyx, bracts, fruit, and leaves of roselle were unexpectedly found to have remarkable hair growth and regulating effects, skin beautifying effects, and blood pressure regulating effects. Also, the hair growth and regulating effects were found to be effective in the leaves of roselle. The "vacuum low-temperature separation of roselle under the conditions of the present invention" was carried out for the first time in the present invention, and as mentioned above, the constituent components should be chemically completely different. Therefore, even if the product obtained by the conventional extraction method has "weak effects and efficacy as described above," it is of no use in making the present invention.

[0045] It is preferable to perform vacuum low-temperature separation of the calyx and bracts of roselle, roselle fruit, and roselle leaves, respectively, but multiple parts may be subjected to solid-liquid separation simultaneously. It is also preferable to perform solid-liquid separation of at least the calyx and bracts, or fruit, or leaves, and other parts of roselle may be mixed in. For example, the whole roselle may be subjected to solid-liquid separation after removing a certain part. However, even if the obtained products (liquid and solid) are to be mixed later, it is particularly preferable to perform solid-liquid separation of the calyx and bracts of roselle, roselle fruit, and roselle leaves separately.

[0046] <Roselle solids> The Roselle solid of the present invention is characterized in that it is obtained by roughly crushing undried Roselle in a vessel while stirring with a stirrer without using any extraction medium or heated steam, reducing the pressure inside the vessel using a pressure reducer while applying heat from the outside to maintain the temperature at 45°C or lower, and subjecting the Roselle to vacuum low-temperature separation to recover the solid side.

[0047] In the present invention, the "roselle solid" refers to the solid produced by the above method, and when mixed, it is in a solid state. The solid contains both aqueous and oily components. Figure 5(a) shows the "roselle solid" obtained from the calyx and bracts of roselle, and Figure 5(b) shows the "roselle solid" obtained from roselle fruit.

[0048] In addition, when comparing the above-mentioned roselle solid in the present invention with "a solid obtained by subjecting roselle to conventional water extraction, organic solvent extraction such as water / ethanol extraction and ethanol extraction, supercritical extraction, etc.," or "residue after squeezing (squeezing)," etc., it goes without saying that the components contained therein are completely different from each other in terms of chemistry and principle, not only in terms of differences (points) such as the presence or absence of thermal decomposition, the presence or absence of residue, and the presence or absence of volatile matter, but also in terms of differences in "solubility in water and compatibility, boiling point (vapor pressure), and melting point of each component."

[0049] The definition of dryness, the degree of dryness, the preferred site of Roselle to be used, etc. in the Roselle solid are the same as those in the Roselle liquid described above.

[0050] <The vacuum low-temperature separation method and vacuum low-temperature separation device for the Roselle liquid and Roselle solid of the present invention> The vacuum low-temperature separation apparatus used to produce roselle liquid or roselle solid of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1 for example, is capable of performing solid-liquid separation by vacuum (reduced pressure) at low temperatures, and is capable of recovering the liquid phase and / or solid by vacuum low-temperature separation of roselle without using any extraction medium or heated steam, by reducing the pressure inside the vessel while stirring with a stirrer and applying heat from the outside, and reducing the pressure inside the vessel with a pressure reducer to maintain the temperature at 45°C or less.

[0051] The vacuum low-temperature separation apparatus used in the present invention has the capability of being used to produce the roselle liquid or solid of the present invention, and is equipped with at least a crushing and stirring device, a heating unit, and a vessel having a gas outlet, and a pressure reducer.

[0052] In the present invention, without substantially using an extraction medium or steam, solid-liquid separation is performed by reducing the pressure while applying heat from the outside while stirring with a stirrer, and the liquid and / or solid portions are recovered. Here, the "extraction medium" may be, for example, water, alcohol, organic solvents such as water / alcohol, supercritical fluids and subcritical fluids such as carbon dioxide, etc. The above-mentioned water vapor refers to the water vapor used in the steam distillation method. Here, "substantially not used" means that only 3% by mass or less of the subject (roselle) is used, preferably 2% by mass or less, more preferably 1% by mass or less, and particularly preferably not used at all.

[0053] The vacuum low-temperature separation apparatus used preferably comprises a container 100 having a crushing and stirring machine 110 for crushing and stirring the "undried roselle" to be subjected to vacuum low-temperature separation, a heating unit 120 for heating the roselle and the inside of the container 100, a gas outlet 130 for extracting gas generated from the roselle, and a solid powder outlet 140 for extracting the solids in the roselle after solid-liquid separation; a cooler 200 for cooling the gas extracted from the gas outlet 130; A pressure reducer 300 for reducing the pressure inside the container 100; and The device is provided with a recovery container 400 for recovering the roselle liquid that has been cooled and liquefied by the cooler 200.

[0054] Roselle to be subjected to vacuum low-temperature separation is introduced into the container 100 through the plant introduction port 103. The roselle to be introduced may be cut in advance, but care should be taken to avoid substantially destroying the roselle cells (especially the cell membranes) as much as possible. However, it is not necessary to avoid destruction at all, and some destroyed cells are acceptable.

[0055] Although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the roselle to be subjected to the vacuum low-temperature separation is not dried, nor heated, crushed, chopped, and / or fermented before being added, in order to achieve the above-mentioned effects of the present invention, i.e., so that the obtained liquid within the roselle contains intracellular substances and further contains "substantially all of the components to be separated and brought to the liquid side" contained in the roselle. The roselle intracellular liquid of the present invention contains roselle intracellular water. It is preferably contained in the original form and component ratio. In other words, it is preferable to perform vacuum low-temperature separation so as to retain the intracellular water contained in roselle as it is. This is possible by using the vacuum low-temperature separation device described above or below.

[0056] In the case of the roselle liquid of the present invention, it is preferable to perform solid-liquid separation without substantially putting anything other than the calyx, bract, fruit or leaves of the roselle into the container. In the present invention, there is substantially no need to add "anything other than roselle, which is the subject of solid-liquid separation," from the outside. By not adding anything, the obtained liquid in roselle consists only of the components contained in roselle, which is the subject of solid-liquid separation, and furthermore, it can contain substantially all of the components contained in the roselle (cells). The roselle liquid obtained by the present invention preferably has the above-mentioned naturally derived component composition.

[0057] Although the scope of the present invention is not limited to those shown in the drawings of this application, FIGS. 2 and 3 show schematic diagrams of a vessel 100 of a vacuum cryogenic separation apparatus according to the present invention. The vessel 100 contains roselle, which is crushed and stirred by a crushing and stirring machine 110, and while being crushed and stirred, heat is applied from the outside by a heating unit 120 and the pressure is reduced to perform vacuum low-temperature separation.

[0058] The crushing and mixing machine 110 in the vessel 100 of the vacuum low-temperature separation apparatus of the present invention is at least capable of roughly crushing and mixing the roselle introduced therein. The vessel 100 is composed of a lower semi-cylindrical portion 101 that houses a crushing and mixing machine 110, and an upper rectangular portion 102 formed thereon. At least around the lower semi-cylindrical portion 101, there is a steam chamber 121 that applies heat to the inside of the vessel 100. It is preferable that a solid powder outlet 140 for taking out the solid matter in the roselle after solid-liquid separation is provided at the center of the bottommost part of the lower semi-cylindrical portion 101.

[0059] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a plant insertion opening 103 is provided at the top of the upper rectangular portion 102, and a plant insertion opening lid 104 for closing the plant insertion opening 103 is provided. A gas outlet 130 for the sucked steam is provided at the top of the upper rectangular portion 102. In other words, a gas outlet 130 for taking out the gas generated from the roselle is provided. A gas pipe 131 leading to a cooler 200 is connected to this gas outlet 130.

[0060] In the case of the roselle intracellular liquid of the present invention, the roselle is crushed and stirred with a stirring blade, and solid-liquid separation is performed under the crushing and stirring. By performing solid-liquid separation in this manner, it is possible to prevent the denaturation of the intracellular substances, which are the active ingredients, due to thermal decomposition, oxidation, etc. In order to obtain the above-mentioned effects, it is particularly preferable that the above-mentioned crushing and mixing is carried out in a vacuum low-temperature separation apparatus equipped with "rotary blade bodies 112a, 112b having a plurality of rotary blades 113a, 113b" and "a plurality of convex fixed blades 111 provided on the inner surface of the vacuum low-temperature separation apparatus (preferably the lower inner surface of the lower semi-cylindrical portion 101)."

[0061] For example, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the crusher / mixer 110. The crusher / mixer 110 is rotated by a motor provided outside the container 100, and is configured as a structure without a central axis (a structure capable of rotating without a central axis) by comprising left and right end plates 106a, 106b rotatably supported on end walls 105a, 105b of the container 100 and rotating blade bodies 112a, 112b having an approximately "L" shape 115 with both ends fixed between the tips of the left and right end plates 106a, 106b.

[0062] By making the rotary blades 112a, 112b approximately V-shaped, the roselle can be easily stirred while being crushed by the stirring blades, and after completion of the vacuum low-temperature separation, the solid matter in the roselle can be efficiently scraped off from the inner wall of the container 100 and scraped toward the solid powder outlet 140 (located approximately in the center of the bottom of the container 100) so that it can be removed from the solid powder outlet 140. It is preferable that the crushing / stirring machine 110 has two or more rotating blades 112a, 112b, and the rotating blades 112a, 112b are rotated in the same direction to crush and stir the roselle, and after completion of the vacuum low-temperature separation, the solids in the roselle are scraped off from the inner wall of the container 100 and scraped toward the solid powder outlet 140. However, even a single rotating blade 112 is preferable.

[0063] The rotation speed of the crushing mixer 110, i.e., the rotation speed of the left and right end plates 106a, 106b rotatably supported on the left and right end walls 105a, 105b of the container 100, is preferably from 1 revolution / minute to 8 revolutions / minute, more preferably from 2 revolutions / minute to 6 revolutions / minute, and particularly preferably from 4 revolutions / minute to 5 revolutions / minute. If the rotation speed is too slow, the efficiency of the crushing, mixing and / or vacuum low-temperature separation may decrease, or temperature unevenness may occur in the roselle being crushed inside the container 100. On the other hand, if the rotation speed is too fast, excessive load may be placed on the crushing mixer 110, or damage may be caused to the cell membrane.

[0064] The roselle liquid of the present invention is preferably obtained by rotating the rotary blade bodies 112a, 112b, each of which has a plurality of rotary blades 113a, 113b, of the container 100, the lower part of which is cylindrical and has a plurality of fixed convex blades 111 on its inner wall, and by rotating the rotary blade bodies 112a, 112b, the roselle liquid in the container 100 is crushed by the fixed convex blades 111 and the rotary blades 113a, 113b while being subjected to vacuum low-temperature separation.

[0065] Reference numeral 111 in FIG. 3 denotes a number of convex fixed blades fixed to the inner surface of the lower semi-cylindrical portion 101. At locations on the rotary blade bodies 112a, 112b corresponding to the convex fixed blades 111, rotary blade grooves 114a, 114b are formed for passing through the portions of the convex fixed blades 111 on the rotary blade bodies 112a, 112b, and rotary blades 113a, 113b are provided on both sides of the grooves for crushing roselle between the convex fixed blade 111 and the grooves. In FIG. 3, the convex fixed blade 111 and the rotating blades 113a, 113b are arranged at circumferentially offset positions so that the meshing occurs sequentially with a time lag, thereby preventing an instantaneous increase in the power of the drive motor of the crushing and mixing machine 110.

[0066] The number of pairs of rotating blades provided on one rotating blade body depends on the size of the container 100, the crushing mixer 110, and the rotating blade bodies 112a and 112b, the part of the roselle to be subjected to solid-liquid separation, etc., but it is preferable that one rotating blade body has 5 to 20 pairs of rotating blades, and particularly preferably 8 to 14 pairs. If there are too few rotating blades on one rotating blade body, the efficiency of crushing, mixing and / or solid-liquid separation may decrease, evaporation may be suppressed and the temperature may rise, etc. On the other hand, if there are too many blades, excessive crushing and mixing may occur, putting a strain on the rotation, or the solid-liquid separation speed of the cell water may increase too much, causing the temperature of the roselle to drop due to the heat of evaporation of the water, etc.

[0067] The number of pairs of the rotary blades provided on the rotary blade body is one pair of rotary blades per rotary blade groove. For example, in Fig. 3, one rotary blade body has ten rotary blade grooves, so that one rotary blade body has ten pairs of rotary blades.

[0068] In the present invention, the size of the roselle during vacuum low-temperature separation is preferably 0.7 mm to 10 mm, more preferably 1.0 mm to 7 mm, and particularly preferably 1.3 mm to 4 mm, so that the cell membranes of the roselle cells fed during vacuum low-temperature separation are not substantially destroyed by the crushing mixer 110. It is preferable to perform vacuum low-temperature separation while coarsely crushing the roselle to such sizes. The above size is the mass average value (volume average value) of the coarsely crushed roselle. In the case of a flat plate, it is the average of the length, width, and thickness.

[0069] If the size is too small, the cell membranes of the roselle may be destroyed (the proportion of cell membranes destroyed may be large), whereas if the size is too large, the vacuum low-temperature separation may take too long, making it difficult to perform efficient solid-liquid separation.

[0070] The vessel 100 is further provided with a vacuum gauge 108 for measuring the degree of vacuum within the vessel 100 and thermometers 109a and 109b. These are provided to measure the pressure (degree of reduced pressure) and temperature within the vessel in the solid-liquid separation process, to indirectly measure the temperature of the Roselle during solid-liquid separation, and to determine the start and end of solid-liquid separation.

[0071] The container 100 of the present invention is provided with a heating unit 120 for heating the roselle and the inside of the container 100. In the heating unit 120, steam heated by a steam supplying device 122 is sent to a steam chamber 121 provided around the container 100 (preferably the lower semi-cylindrical portion 101 of the container 100). In the present invention, heating is controlled by the flow rate of heated steam from the heating unit 120 to the steam chamber, and cooling is controlled by the gas discharge amount from the pressure reducing device so that the heat of evaporation of the cellular water from the roselle is used for cooling.

[0072] The temperature of the roselle during the vacuum low-temperature separation is maintained at 45°C or less by the heating unit 120 so as not to degrade or inactivate the enzymes, trace components, water, exosomes, etc. contained in the roselle. In particular, during solid-liquid separation, it is preferable to cool the roselle using the heat of evaporation of the cellular water and heat it using the heating unit 120 to maintain the temperature range of 10°C or more and 45°C or less. The temperature of the roselle during solid-liquid separation is more preferably 20°C or higher and 40°C or lower, even more preferably 25°C or higher and 38°C or lower, particularly preferably 30°C or higher and 37°C or lower, and most preferably 33°C or higher and 36°C or lower.

[0073] If the temperature is too low, when considering a commercial or industrial scale, evaporation and solid-liquid separation may take too much time; a "pressure reducer that has a gas discharge capacity large enough to correspond to the amount of roselle on a commercial or industrial scale and can increase the degree of vacuum (degree of pressure reduction) to a low pressure suitable for the low vapor pressure of water at low temperatures" may not exist or may be extremely large (costly)

[0074] On the other hand, if the temperature is too high, the intracellular substances contained in the roselle may be altered, decomposed, or inactivated, or the cell membrane of the roselle may be damaged, preventing the cell water from passing through the cell membrane normally. Within the above temperature range, the component composition and purity, trace components, low boiling point components, unstable substances, exosome-containing substances, water, etc., contained in undried roselle can be obtained without alteration or decomposition. The temperature (range) of roselle during vacuum low-temperature separation is extremely important for obtaining the effects of the present invention. It is desirable to set the temperature range (especially the upper limit) above so that normal plants can normally maintain their life or cells do not die even if the roselle to be added is dead as an individual. After most of the liquid has left the gas outlet of the vessel 100, i.e., after the main vacuum low-temperature separation is completed, the temperature of the Roselle may be raised above the upper limit temperature in order to dry the residue, etc.

[0075] The thermometers 109a and 109b installed in the vessel 100 are capable of measuring the temperature of the roselle during the vacuum low-temperature separation sufficiently accurately by utilizing the thermal conduction of the vessel 100 including the crushing and mixing machine 110. Therefore, even if the roselle is about to be rapidly cooled by the heat of evaporation of the cellular water, or conversely, even if the roselle is about to be rapidly heated by the heating unit 120, the temperature of the roselle during the vacuum low-temperature separation can be measured sufficiently accurately.

[0076] The pressure reducer 300 will be described later. The gas discharge capacity of the pressure reducer 300 is defined as "1 m 3 When using a container with a normal pressure volume of 20 m 3By setting the heating time to "1 hour or more," even if the heating unit 120 tries to heat the roselle too quickly, the heat of evaporation of the cellular water can lower the temperature of the roselle at a sufficient rate. In the present invention, solid-liquid separation is performed while reducing the pressure inside the vessel 100 so that the temperature of the roselle is maintained below the upper limit of the above temperature by the heat of evaporation of the cellular water.

[0077] As the pressure reducer 300, a water ejector 301 having the above-mentioned gas discharge capacity (particularly preferably, a horizontal jet type water ejector 301 having a water circulation pump 302) is used in order to suitably maintain the temperature range of the Roselle by cooling using the heat of evaporation.

[0078] The mass of roselle used in one vacuum low-temperature separation is not particularly limited since it depends on the volume of the container used, but is preferably 200 g to 1,500 kg, more preferably 500 g to 1,000 kg, and particularly preferably 1 kg to 500 kg. If the mass is too small, the solid-liquid separation will be performed by repeating batches, which will increase the cost and make it unusable commercially. In addition, the application of the special vacuum low-temperature separation conditions (inner vessel pressure, gas discharge capacity, etc.) and devices (crushing mixer 110 with rotating blade body 112, pressure reducer 300, etc.) described above or later in the present invention may become meaningless. In other words, the (preferable) requirements and features of the present invention, such as the "pressure during vacuum low-temperature separation", the type of pressure reducer, the gas discharge capacity, and the use of the heat of evaporation for cooling, may not be utilized. The present invention is particularly effective when the amount of roselle is equal to or greater than the above lower limit. The above lower limit is important because the vacuum low-temperature separation conditions of the present invention become effective (meaningful for the first time).

[0079] On the other hand, if the mass of the Roselle used in one vacuum low-temperature separation is too large, there may be cases where a pressure reducer 300 capable of achieving the above-mentioned effects of the present invention does not exist; in particular, there may be cases where a pressure reducer 300 having a gas discharge capacity and a degree of pressure reduction sufficient to suppress the temperature rise of the Roselle by the heat of evaporation of water does not exist or is extremely expensive; etc.

[0080] The actual volume of the container 100 is not particularly limited, but the range of the actual volume is important in terms of whether the conditions for vacuum low-temperature separation by evaporation of cell water in the present invention are effective. The maximum input volume (L) of roselle, i.e., the volume (L) of roselle that can be input, is preferably 2 L to 5000 L, more preferably 4 L to 2000 L, and particularly preferably 10 L to 1000 L. It is preferable that the maximum input volume (L) of roselle is approximately equal to the volume of the lower semi-cylindrical part 101 of the container 100 described above.

[0081] If the actual volume of the container 100 or the volume of the lower semi-cylindrical portion 101 is too small, the amount of material that can be treated at one time will be too small, resulting in increased costs and making the container unusable commercially. On the other hand, if the size is too large, there may be a case where a pressure reducer 300 capable of achieving the above-mentioned effects of the present invention does not exist in the first place; specifically, there may be a case where a pressure reducer 300 having a gas exhaust capacity and a degree of pressure reduction sufficient to suppress the temperature rise of the roselle by the heat of evaporation of water does not exist or is extremely expensive; there may be a case where the pressure reduction load on the casing of the container 100 is too great; etc.

[0082] In the roselle liquid of the present invention, when the volume of the container is V[L] and the mass of roselle put into the container is M[kg], it is preferable that V[L] is set to 5 to 20 times M[kg], more preferably 7 to 18 times, and particularly preferably 9 to 16 times. If the value of V[L] / M[kg] is too small, crushing, mixing, etc. may not be performed well. On the other hand, if the value of V[L] / M[kg] is too large, the large container 100 may be wasted; if the container 100 is too large, the gas discharge capacity of the pressure reducer 300 may not be fully exerted, and as a result, the roselle may not be cooled by the heat of evaporation, and the temperature of the roselle may exceed the upper limit of the temperature range; etc.

[0083] The container 100 of the present invention is provided with a gas outlet 130 for taking out the gas generated from the roselle. It is preferable that the vicinity of the gas outlet 130 is also maintained within the above-mentioned temperature range by sufficient heat conduction or the like to prevent water droplets from forming (condensation) near the gas outlet 130.

[0084] The vacuum low-temperature separation apparatus for producing roselle liquid of the present invention is equipped with a cooler 200 for cooling the gas extracted from the gas outlet 130 at the downstream stage of the vessel 100, as shown in FIG. As the cooling medium for the cooler 200, it is preferable to use water having a temperature of 0°C or higher and at least 5°C lower (particularly preferably at least 7°C lower) than the temperature of the gas extracted from the gas extraction outlet 130 of the container 100, in terms of efficiency of cooling and liquefaction. If the temperature of the water, which is the cooling medium, is too high, a part of the solid-liquid separated gas may not be liquefied, resulting in a decrease in yield.

[0085] The vacuum low-temperature separation apparatus for producing the roselle liquid of the present invention is provided with a pressure reducer 300 for reducing the pressure inside the container 100, for example, as shown in FIG. The pressure reducer 300 is a pressure reducer having an internal volume of 1 m3 so that the temperature of the roselle does not exceed 45°C or a predetermined preferred temperature due to the heat absorption caused by the heat of evaporation of water. 3 When using a container with a normal pressure volume of 20 m 3 It is preferable to use a pressure reducer 300 having a gas discharge capacity of 100 s or more per hour.

[0086] If the internal volume of the container 100 is large, it is necessary to use a pressure reducer 300 with a larger gas discharge capacity. If a pressure reducer 300 with a small gas discharge capacity is used compared to the internal volume of the container 100 (unless the gas discharge capacity is increased according to the internal volume of the container 100), it becomes difficult to cool the roselle with the heat of evaporation of water, and the roselle may become warmer.

[0087] The internal volume is 1m 3 When using a container with a normal pressure volume of 20 m 3 A gas discharge capacity of at least 22 m3 / hour is preferred. 3 / hour more than 300m 3 / hour or less is more preferable, and normal pressure volume is 25m 3 / hour more than 200m 3 / hour or less is more preferable, and normal pressure volume is 27m 3 / hour more than 150m 3 / hour or less is particularly preferred. If the gas discharge capacity of the pressure reducer 300 is too small, the efficiency of solid-liquid separation may decrease, or it may become difficult to prevent the excessive temperature rise of the roselle due to the heat of evaporation of water, resulting in the temperature of the roselle rising too high. If the gas discharge capacity of the pressure reducer 300 is too large, there may be cases where a pressure reducer 300 having such a large gas discharge capacity while achieving the below-mentioned degree of pressure reduction does not exist or is extremely expensive or extremely large.

[0088] 1, it is preferable to store water (preferably water cooled in advance in a water chilling unit) in a water tank 303, pressurize the water with a water circulation pump 302, and eject the pressurized water in a water ejector 301 to reduce the pressure. The pressure is reduced by utilizing the property that a flowing liquid has a lower pressure than a stationary liquid (Bernoulli's theorem) to discharge gas.

[0089] In the present invention, the vacuum low-temperature separation is preferably performed while maintaining a pressure lower than 101.3 kPa (1 atm) by -80 kPa or more. The degree of reduction in pressure by the pressure reducer 300 during vacuum low-temperature separation is preferably set to a pressure lower than 101.3 kPa (1 atm) by -80 kPa or more. It is more preferable that the degree of pressure reduction (absolute value of pressure) by the pressure reducer 300 be maintained within the vessel during vacuum low-temperature separation at a level between 1 kPa [−100.3 kPa for 1 atmosphere (101.3 kPa)] and 10 kPa [−91.3 kPa for 1 atmosphere (101.3 kPa)]. It is further preferably 1.3 kPa (-100 kPa relative to 1 atmosphere) or more and 9 kPa (-92.3 kPa relative to 1 atmosphere) or less, particularly preferably 2 kPa (-99.3 kPa relative to 1 atmosphere) or more and 8.6 kPa (-92.7 kPa relative to 1 atmosphere) or less, and particularly preferably 3.3 kPa (-98 kPa relative to 1 atmosphere) or more and 8.3 kPa (-93 kPa relative to 1 atmosphere) or less.

[0090] If the degree of decompression is too low (if the pressure is too high), the roselle cannot be cooled by the heat of evaporation of water, and the temperature of the roselle may become too high, or the vacuum low-temperature separation may take too long, resulting in the inactivation of intracellular substances such as enzymes contained in the cells. Also, the cellular water may not be able to pass through the cell membrane and be separated into water vapor at a low temperature under vacuum. On the other hand, if the degree of pressure reduction is too high (if the pressure is too low), there may be cases where it is not necessary to reduce the pressure to that low due to the relationship between the "boiling point of water at that pressure" and the "temperature range of Roselle" described below. In addition, there may be cases where a pressure reducer 300 that has the gas discharge capacity described above and can reduce the pressure to that extent does not exist or is extremely large and expensive.

[0091] Temperature (℃) Water vapor pressure (kPa) 10 1.2 20 2.3 30 4.2 40 7.4 50 12.3

[0092] The pressure inside the vessel (degree of reduced pressure) by the pressure reducer 300 during vacuum low-temperature separation is preferably 0.1 to 1 times the vapor pressure of water at the temperature of the roselle that is the subject of solid-liquid separation, more preferably 0.2 to 0.99 times, even more preferably 0.4 to 0.95 times, and particularly preferably 0.6 to 0.9 times. If the pressure inside the vessel is equal to or higher than the lower limit, the roselle and cell water will not be cooled by excessive heat of evaporation. On the other hand, if the pressure inside the vessel is equal to or lower than the upper limit, a pressure reducer capable of realizing such a pressure can be provided on a commercial scale, provided that the pressure has sufficient gas discharge capacity on a commercial scale, and the cell water will not boil gently to damage the cell membrane.

[0093] The pressure reducer 300 is preferably a water ejector 301 that achieves pressure reduction by injecting water for the above reasons, and is particularly preferably a lateral-jet water ejector 301 having a water circulation pump 302, since it has a high degree of pressure reduction and a high gas discharge capacity. In other words, it is preferable because it can achieve both a high degree of pressure reduction and a high gas discharge capacity, and it is easy to achieve the effects of the present invention. The lateral-jet water ejector having the water circulation pump 302 is particularly easy to increase the gas discharge capacity.

[0094] Pressure reducers generally include rotary pumps, oil diffusion pumps, mercury diffusion pumps, and differential pumps. For example, a rotary pump has a pressure of about 1 Pa (10 -2 mmHg), and about 0.1 mPa (10 -6 Although both types can achieve a high degree of vacuum (up to 1000 MPa, 1000 mmHg), their gas exhaust capacity is extremely low. On the other hand, with a general ejector, the pressure can usually only reach more than 10 kPa.

[0095] The gas discharge capacity and the degree of reduced pressure (vacuum) can be suitably achieved by the "water ejector 301", and in particular, by using a horizontal jet type water ejector having a water circulation pump 302, both can be suitably achieved. Although the high gas discharge capacity value mentioned above can be achieved by such a water ejector, it is not a universal value. The high gas discharge capacity value mentioned above can be obtained by adjusting the structure of the pressure reducer having the water ejector (particularly, the suction hole, water level, silencer, etc.), the temperature of the injected water, the injection speed, the injection nozzle diameter, the injection amount per unit time, the injection distance, etc. (for example, the preferred embodiment will be described below).

[0096] In the present invention, it is preferable that the pressure reducer is a lateral jet type water ejector having a water circulation pump from the viewpoints of the pressure inside the vessel during vacuum low-temperature separation, gas exhaust capacity, etc. A particularly preferred embodiment of the "horizontal jet type water ejector" in the present invention is shown in FIG. The "side-jet water ejector" shown in FIG. 4 has a cylindrical water inlet piece 1 that receives water, a main pipe throat 6 that is provided downstream of the water inlet piece 1 and mixes the water flowing in from the water inlet piece 1 with suction gas, and an output piece 7 that is provided connected to the downstream end of the main pipe throat 6 and is made of a pipe whose inner diameter diverges toward the end. Furthermore, if necessary, it is provided with a silencer 12 having a cylindrical shape, provided at the downstream end of the output piece 7, through which a mixture of water and suction gas flows, and an intake pipe 11 attached to the silencer 12, which takes in air into the silencer 12 when water flows out, thereby preventing a sudden change in air pressure within the silencer 12.

[0097] In addition, the water ejector 301 described above is provided with an outer tube 8 that houses the water inlet piece 1, the main pipe throat 6, and the output piece 7, and the outer tube 8 is attached with a suction tube 3 that supplies cell water and enzyme gas, and the outer tube 8 is connected to a silencer 12, and the main pipe throat 6 is a cylindrical pipe that is connected to the end of the water inlet piece 1 and has a plurality of gas suction holes 4. In addition, it is preferable that the circulation path including the water circulation pump 302, which sucks in water from the water tank 303 and discharges it from the water inlet piece 1, the water inlet piece 1, the main pipe throat 6, the output piece 7, and the silencer 12, is set lower than the water level 17 in the water tank 302.

[0098] Figure 4 shows an outline of a water ejector 301 and a silencer 12 connected thereto, in which the water ejector 301 is installed horizontally and connected to a water tank 303. In the water ejector 301 in Figure 4, the water inlet piece 1 is chamfered to reduce the flow resistance of water. A main pipe throat 6 having a larger diameter than the water inlet piece 1 is connected to the inlet piece 1. The main pipe throat 6 has a simple pipe shape. At the entrance of the main throat 6, there are multiple suction holes 4 that penetrate the pipe wall. The suction holes 4 are used to draw in suction gas (cell water and enzyme gas) into the main throat 6 when a vacuum (reduced pressure) is drawn through the suction tube 3.

[0099] A pipe-shaped outlet piece 7 having a diameter larger than that of the main pipe throat 6 is connected to the vicinity of the end of the main pipe throat 6. The outlet piece 7 has an internal shape that diverges toward the outlet. In addition, a jacket pipe 8 that covers the water inlet piece 1, the main pipe throat 6, and the outlet piece 7 is connected to the outside in a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 4, the silencer 12 has a pipe shape with an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the outlet of the output piece 7 of the water ejector 301 .

[0100] A discharge pipe 15 from a water circulation pump 302 is connected to a water ejector inlet piece 1 shown in FIG. A hollow circular partition plate 5 is provided so that the vacuum function is performed only through the suction pipe 3. The inner part of the partition plate 5 is fixed to the outer part of the main pipe throat 6, and the outer periphery of the partition plate 5 is fixed to the outer tube 8 to maintain sufficient airtightness.

[0101] As shown in Fig. 4, a preferred embodiment of the pressure reducer 300 in the present invention is configured to include a water tank 303 that stores water for immersing the silencer 12 in order to achieve an extremely high gas discharge capacity of the water ejector, and the water used in the water ejector 301 is temporarily stored in the water tank 303. The water in the water tank 303 is preferably cooled to 20°C or less with cooling water (Fig. 1). The water ejector 301 is fixed to the water tank 303 from the outside by using the output side flange 9 at its end. The silencer 12 is fixed to the inside of the water tank 303 by a flange 10 at the same position as the output side flange 9. As a result, inside the water tank 303, the water ejector 301 and the silencer 12 are connected to each other inside the water tank 303.

[0102] The silencer 12 has a horizontal portion 12a and a vertical portion 12b bent downward at a right angle at its tip, and is configured so that water mixed with the suction gas flows out from the end 12c into the water in the water tank 303. The water is also circulated and reused through the return pipe 14 connected to the water circulation pump 302 that creates the water flow. The circulation path consisting of the return pipe 14 , the water circulation pump 302 , the discharge pipe 15 , the water ejector 301 , and the silencer 12 is set lower than the water level 17 in the water tank 303 .

[0103] An intake pipe 11 for taking in air is provided near the connection of the water ejector 301 in the silencer 12, and the intake port of the intake pipe 11 is positioned above the water tank water level 17 so that the intake port is not submerged under the water surface. An overflow ventilation port 18 for setting the water level 17 is provided in the water tank 303. As shown in Fig. 4, a preferred water ejector 301 in the present invention has a suction hole 4 in the main pipe throat 6. This allows the water ejector 301 to have a high (large) gas discharge capacity as described above, compared with the conventional water ejector that sucks gas from the gap between the pipes. In addition, the preferred water ejector 301 of the present invention and the silencer 12 connected thereto can be installed horizontally with the water circulation path lower than the water level 17 of the water tank 303 as shown in FIG. 4, and the "horizontal jet type water ejector having a water circulation pump" has a high (large) gas discharge capacity as described above compared to conventional ejectors and pressure reducers for water ejectors.

[0104] The liquid in the roselle of the present invention was obtained by cooling the target roselle with the heat of evaporation of cell water, etc., without lowering the pressure (degree of vacuum) in the container 100 more than necessary for the vapor pressure, even when considering the vapor pressure of water at a relatively low temperature of 45°C or less. By using that amount to improve the gas discharge capacity, the pressure reducer 300 having sufficient pressure (degree of vacuum) and sufficient gas discharge capacity can be obtained even for the amount of roselle (processing amount) on a commercial industrial scale by setting the conditions in this way.

[0105] The liquid inside the roselle is decompressed by a pressure reducer 300 so that the temperature of the roselle does not exceed 45°C (preferably does not exceed the upper limit temperature) due to the heat of evaporation of water such as cell water, in order not to inactivate the intracellular substances contained in the roselle. 3 When using a container with a normal pressure volume of 20 m 3 It is preferable to use a water ejector 301 having a gas ejection capacity of 10000000000 / hour or more, and to use the water ejector 301 to maintain the pressure in the container at 10 kPa or less and to perform vacuum low-temperature separation of the roselle.

[0106] The time required for the main vacuum low-temperature separation (from the start of solid-liquid separation until 90% by mass of the roselle to be separated into solid and liquid that has been charged into the vessel is separated into solid and liquid) is not particularly limited depending on the amount charged, but is preferably from 1 hour to 24 hours, more preferably from 3 hours to 20 hours, and particularly preferably from 4 hours to 16 hours.

[0107] If the time is too short, the temperature will rise without cooling by the heat of evaporation, or on a full-scale production scale, there may be no pressure reducer sufficient to evaporate the cell water in a short period of time at a relatively low temperature of 50°C or less (preferably below the above temperature), or the pressure reducer may be extremely large. On the other hand, if the time is too long, there are cases where the time is wasted and costs increase, and cases where the application of the special solid-liquid separation conditions (inside the vessel pressure, gas discharge capacity, etc.) and devices (the grinding / stirring machine 110 having the rotating blade body 112, the pressure reducer 300, etc.) described above or below in the present invention becomes meaningless, etc. In other words, there are cases where the (preferable) requirements and features of the present invention, such as the pressure during vacuum low-temperature separation, the type of pressure reducer, the gas discharge capacity, and "utilizing the heat of evaporation for cooling", are not utilized.

[0108] The vacuum low-temperature separation apparatus of the present invention is equipped with a recovery and capture container 400, as shown in, for example, Figures 1 and 2, which recovers the liquid (liquid phase) cooled and liquefied by the cooler 200 and captures the Roselle liquid therefrom. Generally, when the liquid from the cooler 200 is stored in the recovery and acquisition container 400, there may be an aqueous phase (aqueous layer) 401 in the lower layer and an oil phase (oil layer) 402 in the upper layer. However, in the case of roselle, there is only an aqueous phase (aqueous layer) 401, so that the liquid in the roselle, which is the aqueous phase (aqueous layer) 401, can be extracted from the aqueous phase (aqueous layer) extraction port 404 by opening the liquid extraction valve 405 to a final container (not shown). In the case of the intraroselle liquid of the present invention, it is also preferable to separately obtain the lower aqueous phase 401 and the upper oil phase 402 from the liquid B recovered in the recovery and acquisition container 400 by utilizing the difference in specific gravity, and only the aqueous phase 401 can be used as the intraroselle liquid.

[0109] The roselle liquid of the present invention can be obtained, for example, as follows, although the method is not limited thereto. First, at the start of the vacuum low-temperature separation operation, the cooling water supply device is filled with cooling water and the cooling water is circulated through the cooler 200. Next, roselle is put into the container 100 through the plant introduction port 103 and the plant introduction port lid 104 is closed. The crushing / stirring machine 110 is rotated in the direction of arrow R in FIG. 2 to crush the roselle in the container 100 between the rotating blades 113a, 113b and the convex fixed blade 111 while stirring the roselle in the container 100. By crushing using such a crushing mixer 110, the cell membrane is hardly destroyed, and by performing vacuum low-temperature separation while crushing, it is possible to prevent the "denaturation" of intracellular substances such as cell water and "loss of weight due to dissipation."

[0110] Simultaneously with the above stirring and crushing, heat is applied from the outside by supplying heating steam from the steam supply device into the steam chamber 121. The heat applied to the container 100 is transferred to the roselle, and the roselle is stirred by the crushing and stirring machine 110, which promotes vacuum low-temperature separation and makes the temperature uniform. This vacuum low-temperature separation is further promoted and made uniform by the roselle being roughly crushed into smaller pieces by the rotating blades 113a, 113b and the convex fixed blade 111. At that time, the temperature and amount of heating steam fed into the steam chamber 121 are adjusted, and the amount, pressure, and injection speed of water supplied to the water ejector 301, which is the pressure reducer 300, are adjusted to appropriately set the gas exhaust capacity and the pressure inside the container, thereby maintaining the temperature of the roselle at 45°C or lower (or within the (more) preferable range described above).

[0111] The gas in the container 100, i.e., the steam of the solid-liquid separated liquid and air, is sucked through the gas pipe 131 by sucking with a pressure reducer 300 such as a horizontal jet type water ejector 301 having a water circulation pump 302, and the evaporation of the "intracellular substances as volatile components" and the cell water contained in the roselle in the container 100 is started. At that time, the amount of sucked and the suction power of the pressure reducer 300 are adjusted to keep the pressure (degree of pressure reduction) during solid-liquid separation within the above-mentioned preferable range. The "vapor of intracellular substances, which are volatile components" and "vapor of water, which is the main component of cellular water" contained in the roselle in the container 100 are sucked through the gas piping 131, introduced into the cooler 200, liquefied, and collected as a recovered liquid in the recovery and capture container 400.

[0112] When a predetermined amount of the recovered liquid is accumulated in the recovery container 400, the suction by the pressure reducer 300 is stopped and the recovered liquid is recovered. If necessary, the recovered liquid is left to stand for liquid separation, and the aqueous phase (aqueous layer) 401 is obtained from the aqueous phase (aqueous layer) outlet 404 to be used as the roselle liquid. After the liquid in the roselle is collected, the solid in the roselle remaining in the container 100 is collected from the solid powder outlet 140, or is collected by scooping it out with a spoon or the like from the top of the container 100. It is preferable to collect the solid in the roselle by scooping it out with a spoon or the like from the top of the container 100, so that residual water does not get in.

[0113] As described above, various methods are known for solid-liquid separation and extraction, such as steam distillation, direct extraction, solvent extraction, squeezing, supercritical extraction, and freeze-drying. Among these, in the steam distillation method and direct extraction method, the roselle and the medium are heated (usually to 60℃ or higher), so the intracellular substances (active ingredients) including enzymes are denatured, pyrolyzed, or dissipated, and the intracellular substances (active ingredients) are not sufficiently contained as they are. Furthermore, when the temperature of the roselle exceeds 45℃, the intracellular substances such as enzymes are inactivated. In addition, with the steam distillation method, the water liquefied from the steam used in the extraction mixes with the cell water, meaning that the extract is no longer entirely of natural origin, and the extraction residue becomes contaminated with water from the outside (steam (derived material)).

[0114] Furthermore, with the solvent extraction method, water-soluble components are difficult to extract, the extraction solvent remains in the extract, etc., making it difficult to use the extract as an intracellular liquid in roselle. Furthermore, when the solvent is removed, the intracellular substances, which are the active ingredients, are also removed. Furthermore, since the solvent extraction method requires the use of a solvent, it is difficult to obtain cell water derived from a plant. Furthermore, the yield of liquid obtained in conventional methods is generally low, and when water is used as the extraction solvent, the water added for extraction remains, so it cannot be said that it is entirely of natural origin.

[0115] Even in the squeezing method, the oily components used as the extraction solvent remain in the extract, making it difficult to effectively utilize the extraction residue and impossible to completely remove the oily components.In addition, because an extraction solvent is used, it is difficult to obtain water-soluble intracellular substances derived from plants. The pressing method, which does not use an extraction solvent, usually uses oils with a boiling point of more than 100°C (such as sesame oil or camellia oil) when extracting, but cannot be used when extracting aqueous liquids or volatile substances because the yield drops significantly. Supercritical extraction requires high pressure, which requires expensive equipment, and there are problems with the inclusion of trace amounts of impurities from the medium. In addition, in the freeze-drying method, water turns to ice, which destroys cell membranes.

[0116] In addition, if roselle is crushed and stirred once and then solid-liquid separation is performed, rather than while crushing and stirring, the intracellular substances (active ingredients) may not be separated into solid and liquid efficiently, and the yield of roselle intracellular liquid may decrease. Furthermore, the usual method of separating roselle into solid and liquid form by "heating and reducing pressure without crushing" may not be able to perform solid-liquid separation effectively, i.e., it may not be possible to efficiently obtain the various components contained in the tissues and cells of roselle.

[0117] In addition, the liquid in the roselle of the present invention may contain water with specific information, and also contains a very large number of components, so it is impossible or almost impractical to identify these components, to specify from these components the active ingredient that exerts the effects of the present invention, or to determine the ratio of these components (there are "impossible or impractical circumstances"). Therefore, there is no way to identify the liquid in roselle and the solid in roselle of the present invention other than by using the production method.

[0118] <Hair growth and tonic> The present invention also relates to a hair growth and hair care agent containing the above-mentioned roselle liquid. In order to take advantage of the fact that all of the components are derived from Roselle, it is preferable that the hair growth and hair care agent of the present invention is composed of the above-mentioned Roselle internal liquid. In other words, it is particularly preferable that the hair growth and hair care agent of the present invention does not contain any other components.

[0119] The present invention is preferably a hair growth and hair care agent obtained by immersing the Roselle solid in the Roselle liquid and then filtering the same, and is characterized in that the Roselle solid is used in an amount of 0.5% by mass to 20% by mass based on the total amount of the hair growth and hair care agent. As mentioned above, it is also preferable to use the Roselle solid without using it (immersing or filtering). Regarding the filtration, it is particularly preferred that the hair growth and care agent is obtained by immersing a predetermined amount of the roselle solid in the roselle liquid, stirring the mixture, and then filtering the extraction residue of the roselle solid.

[0120] When using roselle solids, it is preferable to soak them in a concentration of 0.5% by mass to 20% by mass, whether derived from calyx or bracts, fruit, or leaves, relative to the total weight of the finished hair growth and hair care agent after filtration, more preferably 0.7% by mass to 10% by mass, and particularly preferably 1% by mass to 4% by mass. If too much Roselle solids are used (soaked), there are cases where the effect is not as good as it should be. In particular, the Roselle solids derived from the calyx and involucre are red in color (Figure 5(a)). Therefore, when using the Roselle solids derived from the calyx and involucre, the hair growth agent may turn red.

[0121] The above immersion time is not particularly limited as long as the effect of the agent is improved, but when the liquid temperature is 15°C to 35°C (calculated), 30 minutes to 2 days is preferable, 1 hour to 24 hours is more preferable, and 2 hours to 8 hours is particularly preferable.

[0122] The liquid obtained by immersing the roselle solid in pure water such as distilled water or demineralized water and then filtering the extraction residue of the roselle solid had no effect at all as a hair growth and care agent (see Examples). This suggests that the solid active ingredients in roselle are hardly dissolved in distilled water, and that the liquid in roselle is extremely effective.

[0123] <Skin beautifying agent> The present invention also relates to a skin-beautifying agent that contains the above-mentioned roselle liquid. In order to take advantage of the fact that all of the ingredients are derived from roselle, it is preferable that the skin-beautifying agent of the present invention is made of the above-mentioned roselle internal liquid. In other words, it is particularly preferable that the skin-beautifying agent of the present invention does not contain any other ingredients. Therefore, the skin-beautifying agent of the present invention is particularly useful as a low-viscosity beauty essence, lotion, etc.

[0124] The present invention is preferably a skin-beautifying agent obtained by immersing the Roselle solid in the Roselle liquid and then filtering the same, and the Roselle solid is used in an amount of 0.5% by mass to 20% by mass based on the total amount of the skin-beautifying agent. As mentioned above, it is also preferable to use a skin-beautifying agent that does not use (immerse or filter) the Roselle solid. Regarding the filtration, it is particularly preferable that the skin-beautifying agent is obtained by immersing a predetermined amount of the roselle solid in the roselle liquid, stirring the mixture, and then filtering the extraction residue of the roselle solid.

[0125] Other details such as the (particularly) preferred amount of roselle solid to be used (amount to be immersed), the (particularly) preferred reasons, and the (particularly) preferred immersion time are the same as those described above in the section on hair growth and hair care products.

[0126] The liquid obtained by immersing the roselle solid in pure water such as distilled water or demineralized water and then filtering the extraction residue of the roselle solid had no effect as a skin-beautifying agent at all (see Examples). This suggests that the solid active ingredients in roselle are hardly dissolved in distilled water, and that the liquid in roselle is extremely effective.

[0127] <Blood pressure regulator> The present invention also relates to a blood pressure regulator comprising the above-mentioned roselle liquid. In order to take advantage of the fact that all of the components are derived from roselle, it is preferable that the blood pressure regulator of the present invention is composed of the above-mentioned roselle internal liquid. In other words, it is particularly preferable that the blood pressure regulator of the present invention does not contain any other components. Therefore, the blood pressure regulator of the present invention is particularly useful as a sublingual or oral agent.

[0128] The present invention is preferably a blood pressure regulator obtained by immersing the Roselle solid in the Roselle liquid and then filtering the same, and is characterized in that the Roselle solid is used in an amount of 0.5% by mass to 20% by mass based on the total amount of the skin-beautifying agent. As mentioned above, it is also preferable to use a Roselle solid without using it (immersing or filtering). Regarding the filtration, it is particularly preferable that the skin-beautifying agent is obtained by immersing a predetermined amount of the roselle solid in the roselle liquid, stirring the mixture, and then filtering the extraction residue of the roselle solid.

[0129] Other details such as the (particularly) preferred amount of roselle solid to be used (amount to be immersed), the (particularly) preferred reasons, and the (particularly) preferred immersion time are the same as those described above in the section on hair growth and hair care products.

[0130] The liquid obtained by immersing the roselle solid in pure water such as distilled water or demineralized water and then filtering the extraction residue of the roselle solid had no effect at all as a blood pressure regulator (see Examples). This suggests that the solid active ingredients in roselle are hardly dissolved in distilled water, and that the liquid in roselle is extremely effective.

[0131] <Action / Principle> Conventional extraction methods do not achieve the effects of the present invention. The following are considered to be the reasons for this, although they are not limited to the following actions and principles. (1) Preservation of biological and biochemical activity, (2) Preservation of non-heat-resistant substances, (3) Suppression of enzyme degradation, (4) Preservation of low-boiling point components, and (5) Prevention of contamination during vacuum low-temperature separation are important, but none of these have been achieved with conventional methods.

[0132] However, in the present invention, the intercellular water (liquid) can be separated at a low temperature, so that solid-liquid separation can be performed without imposing stress on the cells and while maintaining the activity of the intercellular water. Since the intracellular water of roselle is similar to the intracellular fluid of humans, it is believed that the intracellular fluid of roselle of the present invention has extremely high permeability and hydrophilicity even in humans. EXAMPLES

[0133] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples and comparative examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples as long as it does not depart from the gist of the present invention.

[0134] Manufacturing Example 1 <Preparation of roselle liquid from calyx and bracts> Approximately 30 L (approximately 3 kg) of undried roselle calyx and bracts were placed in a container 100 (capacity V = 450 L) shown in Figures 1 to 3, and the rotating blades of a crushing mixer 110 having rotating blades 112a and 112b as shown in Figure 3 were rotated at 4 revolutions per minute to roughly crush the roselle and perform vacuum low-temperature separation. During this process, the roselle was roughly crushed to 1.4 mm to 15 mm (average thickness and length) in the container 100 while being stirred by the crushing mixer 110 (1.5 kW) so as not to substantially destroy the cell membranes of the cells of the calyx and bracts of the roselle at least during the main vacuum low-temperature separation.

[0135] Heating was performed by the heating unit 120 with a steam volume of 28 to 140 kg / hr, and a vacuum was drawn by the water ejector 301, and the temperature of the roselle calyx and involucre was maintained at 35°C ± 2°C by the heat of evaporation of the water. The water temperature of the water ejector 301 and the cooling water of the cooler 200 were both maintained at 10°C ± 2°C. The water ejector 301 used is a horizontal jet type water ejector (3.7 kW), and when the side being pulled is open, the normal pressure volume is 20 m 3 The water ejector had a gas discharge capacity of more than 10 ...

[0136] The pressure inside the vessel 100 was always kept between 3.3 kPa (−98.0 kPa relative to 1 atmospheric pressure) and 6.3 kPa (−95.0 kPa relative to 1 atmospheric pressure) during the vacuum low-temperature separation. The main vacuum low-temperature separation time was 6 hours.

[0137] After the vacuum low-temperature separation, liquid B was collected in a collection vessel 400, and then the liquid outlet valve 405 was opened to collect and collect liquid B in the roselle from the aqueous phase (water layer) outlet 404. The raw material roselle calyx and involucre pieces and the resulting roselle liquid were always kept at 35°C ± 2°C in the container, during cooling and recovery, and at the time of harvesting.

[0138] The resulting "roselle liquid" had a different scent than the liquid extracted by adding water and heating at about 50-80℃ or the liquid obtained by steam distillation. It was presumed that the component composition was different. In addition, because the temperature was constantly kept at 35°C ± 2°C, it is highly likely that intracellular substances such as cell water, exosome constituents, and enzymes remain without being inactivated, decomposed, or altered.

[0139] Manufacturing Example 2 <Preparation of roselle solids from roselle calyx and involucre> After the roselle liquid was obtained in Production Example 1, the roselle solid C remaining in the container 100 was collected by scooping it out from the top of the container 100 with a spoon. The photograph is shown in FIG. 6(a).

[0140] Production Example 3 <Preparation of roselle liquid from roselle fruit> The roselle liquid was collected and obtained from the roselle fruit in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that the calyx and bracts of roselle were replaced with roselle fruit that had been "pre-cut to a diameter of about 1.5 mm to about 7 mm."

[0141] Production Example 4 <Preparation of Roselle Solids from Roselle Fruit> Except for replacing the calyx and bracts of roselle with roselle fruit, the roselle solids were collected and obtained from the roselle fruit in the same manner as in Production Example 2. The photograph is shown in Figure 6(b).

[0142] Comparative Manufacturing Example 1 <Preparing liquid by extracting the calyx and bracts of roselle with a solvent (ethanol)> The calyx and involucre of the same roselle as in Production Example 1 were subjected to ethanol extraction at reflux at 78°C using ethanol as a solvent, as in Production Example 1. After extraction, the liquid was filtered to obtain a liquid, and the ethanol in the liquid was distilled off, but the amount of aqueous solution obtained was small, and most of the cell water had evaporated. The obtained liquid was designated "Comparative Liquid G."

[0143] Comparative Manufacturing Example 2 <Preparation of a solid by extracting the calyx and bracts of roselle with a solvent (ethanol)> After extraction in Comparative Production Example 1, the solid residue was filtered off and air-dried at 25° C. The resulting solid was designated “Comparative Solid G.”

[0144] Comparative Manufacturing Example 3 <Preparing liquid by extracting roselle fruit with solvent (ethanol)> A liquid was obtained in the same manner as in Comparative Production Example 1, except that the calyx and bracts of roselle were replaced with roselle fruit. That is, roselle fruit was cut in the same manner as in Production Example 1, and extracted with ethanol at reflux at 78°C using ethanol as a solvent. After extraction, the liquid was filtered to obtain a liquid, and the ethanol in the liquid was distilled off, but the amount of aqueous solution obtained was small, and most of the cell water had evaporated. The obtained liquid was designated "Comparative Liquid M."

[0145] Comparative Example 4 <Preparing a solid by extracting roselle fruit with a solvent (ethanol)> A solid was obtained in the same manner as in Comparative Production Example 2, except that the calyx and bracts of roselle were replaced with roselle fruit. That is, after extraction from roselle fruit in Comparative Production Example 1, the solid residue was filtered off and air-dried at 25° C. The obtained solid was designated "Comparative Solid M."

[0146] Comparative Manufacturing Example 5 <Liquid and solid are prepared from roselle calyx and bracts or roselle fruit by steam distillation> An attempt was made to prepare liquid and solid by steam distillation from the calyx and bracts of roselle, or from roselle fruit; however, when the water from the steam in the medium was distilled off, the liquid within the roselle was also distilled off, and most of the cell water evaporated, resulting in little liquid being obtained. The small amount of liquid obtained was designated "Comparative Liquid G'", and the solid obtained by air-drying the residue remaining after steam distillation was designated "Comparative Solid M'".

[0147] Preparation Example 1 <Preparation of evaluation samples> The following Samples A, B, C, D; and Comparative Samples P, Q, R were prepared as follows.

[0148] Sample A: A liquid consisting of roselle inner liquid alone (100% by mass) derived from the calyx and involucre obtained in Production Example 1. Sample B: 98% by mass of roselle liquid derived from the calyx and involucre of the bracts obtained in Production Example 1 was mixed with 2% by mass of roselle solids derived from the calyx and involucre of the bracts obtained in Production Example 2, stirred and mixed at 25°C for 6 hours, and then filtered through filter paper to obtain a liquid. Sample C: A liquid consisting of roselle liquid alone (100% by mass) derived from the fruit obtained in Production Example 3. Sample D: 98% by mass of the roselle fruit liquid obtained in Production Example 3 and 2% by mass of the roselle fruit solid obtained in Production Example 4 were mixed and stirred at 25°C for 6 hours, and then filtered through a nonwoven fabric filter to obtain a liquid.

[0149] Comparative sample P: distilled water. Comparative sample Q: A liquid obtained by mixing 98% by mass of distilled water and 2% by mass of the roselle solids derived from the calyx and involucre obtained in Production Example 2, stirring and mixing for 6 hours at 25°C, and then filtering through filter paper. Comparative sample R: 98% by mass of distilled water and 2% by mass of the roselle solids derived from the fruit obtained in Production Example 4 were mixed, stirred and mixed at 25°C for 6 hours, and then filtered through filter paper to obtain a liquid.

[0150] Evaluation example 1 <Evaluation of hair growth and hair restoration effects> Seven types of samples, namely Samples A, B, C, and D obtained in Preparation Example 1 and Comparative Samples P, Q, and R, were evaluated by 10 adult men with thin hair as follows.

[0151] Seven (comparison) samples were applied to seven areas of the scalp every day for 30 days, and the hair growth and hair care effects were judged according to the following criteria. The total scores for the hair growth and hair care effects were tallied for each of the seven areas, and a total score for the 10 subjects was calculated (maximum 100 points, minimum 20 points).

[0152] <<Criteria for judging hair growth effect>> 5 points: Hair growth effect was clearly achieved. 4 points: Hair growth effect was achieved. 3 points: Some hair growth effect was observed. 2 points: Almost no hair growth effect was observed. 1 point: No hair growth effect was observed at all.

[0153] <<Criteria for judging hair growth effect>> 5 points: Hair growth effect was clearly observed. 4 points: Hair growth effect was achieved. 3 points: Some hair growth effect was observed. 2 points: Almost no hair growth effect was observed. 1 point: No hair growth effect was observed at all.

[0154] <<Hair growth and hair restoration results>> As can be seen from Table 1 below, samples A to D, which contain roselle liquid obtained by vacuum low-temperature separation of roselle calyx and bracts, or roselle fruit, were all shown to have hair growth and hair care effects. In particular, samples B and D, which contained 2 mass% of roselle internal solids obtained by vacuum low-temperature separation of roselle calyx and bracts, or roselle fruit, in the roselle internal liquid, had greater hair growth and hair care effects than samples A and C, which consisted only of roselle internal liquid.

[0155] On the other hand, distilled water (comparative sample P) had no effect, and samples Q and R, which contain distilled water containing 2% by mass of roselle calyx and bracts, or roselle solids obtained by low-temperature vacuum separation of the fruit, showed almost no difference (no increase) in the hair growth and hair care effects compared to distilled water (comparative sample P).

[0156] This suggests that the solid active ingredients in roselle are hardly dissolved in distilled water, and that the liquid in roselle is more effective. It was found that all of Samples A to D were effective as hair growth and hair care products.

[0157] [Table 1]

[0158] Evaluation example 2 <Evaluation of skin-beautifying effects> A total of seven types of samples, namely Samples A, B, C, and D obtained in Preparation Example 1, and Comparative Samples P, Q, and R, were evaluated by a total of 10 adult males and females as follows.

[0159] Seven types of (comparison) samples were applied to seven locations on the upper arms every day for 30 days, and the skin-beautifying effects were judged according to the following criteria: The combined scores for "smoothness improving effect" and "texture smoothing effect" were tallied for each of the seven locations, and a total score for the 10 participants was calculated (maximum 100 points, minimum 20 points).

[0160] <<Criteria for evaluating smoothness improvement effect>> 5 points: Skin feels healthier and visibly smoother. 4 points: Skin feels slightly healthier and slightly smoother. 3 points: Skin became slightly smoother. 2 points: Almost no improvement in the smoothness of the skin was observed. 1 point: No improvement in skin smoothness was observed at all.

[0161] <<Criteria for judging skin texture improvement>> 5 points: Skin feels healthier and skin texture is improved. 4 points: Skin looks slightly healthier and skin texture is slightly smoother. 3 points: Skin texture has improved slightly. 2 points: Almost no effect on smoothing the skin texture. 1 point: No effect on smoothing the skin texture was observed at all.

[0162] <<Beautiful skin results>> As can be seen from Table 2 below, all of Samples A to D, which contain roselle liquid obtained by vacuum low-temperature separation of roselle calyx and bracts, or fruit, were found to have skin-beautifying effects. In particular, samples B and D, which contain 2% by mass of roselle internal solids obtained by vacuum low-temperature separation of roselle calyx and bracts, or fruit, in the roselle internal liquid, had improved skin-beautifying effects compared to samples A and C, which consisted only of roselle internal liquid.

[0163] On the other hand, distilled water (comparative sample P) had no effect, and samples Q and R, which contain distilled water containing 2% by mass of roselle calyx and bracts, or roselle solids obtained by low-temperature vacuum separation of the fruit, also showed almost no difference (no increase) in their skin-beautifying effects compared to distilled water (comparative sample P).

[0164] This suggests that the solid active ingredients in roselle are hardly dissolved in distilled water, and that the liquid in roselle is more effective. It was found that all of Samples A to D were effective as skin beautifying agents.

[0165] [Table 2]

[0166] Evaluation example 3 <Evaluation of blood pressure regulation effect> A total of seven types of samples, namely Samples A, B, C, and D obtained in Preparation Example 1, and Comparative Samples P, Q, and R, were taken by a total of 10 adult men and women with high blood pressure. Each sample was taken for 30 days, and the seven samples were taken for a total of seven months, and the results were evaluated as follows:

[0167] Participants were asked to hold 2-3 mL of one (comparison) sample under their tongue for 2 minutes once a day and then swallow it.

[0168] The systolic blood pressure (upper blood pressure) and diastolic blood pressure (lower blood pressure) were measured five times each time, the average values ​​were calculated, and the blood pressure regulating effect was judged according to the following criteria. The evaluation scores for systolic and diastolic blood pressure were added together to calculate a total score for the 10 participants (maximum 100 points, minimum 20 points).

[0169] <<Criteria for determining a decrease in systolic blood pressure>> 5 points: Decreased by 10 mmHg or more. 4 points: Decreased by approximately 8 mmHg. 3 points: Decreased by approximately 5 mmHg. 2 points: Almost no decrease or decrease of less than 2 mmHg. 1 point: No decrease at all.

[0170] <<Criteria for determining a decrease in diastolic blood pressure>> 5 points: Decreased by 7mmHg or more. 4 points: Decreased by approximately 5 mmHg. 3 points: Decreased by approximately 3 mmHg. 2 points: Almost no decrease or decrease of less than 1 mmHg. 1 point: No decrease at all.

[0171] <<Blood pressure regulation effect results>> As can be seen from Table 3 below, all of Samples A to D, which contain roselle liquid obtained by vacuum low-temperature separation of roselle calyx / bracts or fruit, were found to have a blood pressure regulating effect. In particular, samples B and D, which contained 2% by mass of roselle internal solids obtained by vacuum low-temperature separation of roselle calyx and involucre bracts or fruit in the roselle internal liquid, had a greater blood pressure regulating effect than samples A and C, which consisted only of roselle internal liquid.

[0172] On the other hand, distilled water (comparative sample P) had no effect, and samples Q and R, which were distilled water containing 2 mass% roselle solids obtained by vacuum low-temperature separation of roselle calyx and bracts, or roselle fruit, also had almost no difference in their blood pressure regulating effect (no increase) compared to distilled water (comparative sample P).

[0173] This suggests that the solid active ingredients in roselle are hardly dissolved in distilled water, and that the liquid in roselle is more effective. It was found that all of Samples A to D were effective as blood pressure regulators.

[0174] [Table 3]

[0175] Preparation Example 2 Comparative Samples S, T, U, and V were prepared according to the contents (compositions) of Table 4 below using the liquids and solids produced in the above-mentioned Comparative Preparation Examples 1 to 5 (produced by solvent extraction). For Comparative Samples T and V, the solids were suspended in the liquid in the same manner as in Preparation Example 1, and the mixture was stirred and mixed at 25°C for 6 hours, and then filtered through a nonwoven fabric filter to obtain a liquid. In addition, in the steam distillation of Comparative Production Example 5, no liquid in the roselle was obtained, so evaluation was not possible.

[0176] [Table 4]

[0177] Evaluation example 4 <Hair growth, hair care, skin beautifying, blood pressure regulating> When evaluated in the same manner as in Evaluation Examples 1 to 3, Comparative Samples S, T, U, and V showed almost no hair growth / hair restoration effect, skin beautifying effect, or blood pressure regulating effect (all were less than 30 points).

[0178] It was only by using "the roselle internal liquid separated by the vacuum low-temperature separation method of the present invention" and "the liquid obtained by mixing the roselle internal liquid with the roselle internal solid separated by the vacuum low-temperature separation method of the present invention and filtering the mixture" that significant hair growth and hair care effects, skin beautifying effects, and blood pressure regulating effects were achieved; these effects could not be achieved by conventional extraction methods.

[0179] Manufacturing Example 5, Preparation Example 3, Evaluation Example 5 <Preparation of Roselle Liquid and Roselle Solid from Roselle Leaves> <Hair growth and hair restoration effects> The roselle liquid and roselle solid were collected and obtained in the same manner as above, except that the calyx and bracts or fruit of roselle were replaced with roselle leaves. When "98% by mass of leaf-derived liquid + 2% by mass of leaf-derived solid" was evaluated in the same manner as above, a significant hair growth and hair care effect was observed. [Industrial Applicability]

[0180] The roselle liquid and roselle solid of the present invention are believed to have different components (compositions) from extracts from roselle obtained by other extraction methods or from dried products, and are substantially entirely derived from roselle. Furthermore, the vacuum low-temperature separation process does not involve the application of heat that would decompose intracellular substances, and no solvents are used, making them extremely excellent agents. Therefore, the present invention can be widely implemented and utilized in the fields of manufacturing and applying general foods, health foods, cosmetics, medicines, etc., and in the production fields such as agriculture. [Explanation of symbols]

[0181] 1 water inlet piece 2 Inlet flange 3 Suction tube 4 Suction hole 5 Partition 6 Main throat 7. Outer piece 8 Jacket tube 9 Output flange 10 Flange 11 Intake pipe 12 Silencer 12a Horizontal section 12b Vertical section 12c termination 14 Return pipe 15 Discharge piping 17 Water tank level 18 Overflow Vent 100 containers 101 Lower semi-cylindrical part 102 Upper rectangular section 103 Plant input port 104 Plant input palate 105a End wall 105b End wall 106a End plate 106b End plate 107 Slope 108 Vacuum Gauge 109a thermometer 109b Thermometer 110 Crushing and mixing machine 111 Convex fixed blade 112a Rotary blade body 112b Rotary blade body 113a Rotary blade 113b Rotary blade 114a Rotary blade groove 114b Rotary blade groove 115a "K" shape 115b "K" shape 120 Heating unit (steam chamber 121 + steam supply device 122) 121 Steam Room 122 Steam supply device 130 Gas outlet 131 Gas piping 140 Solid powder outlet 200 cooler 300 Pressure Reducer 301 Water ejector 302 Water Circulation Pump 303 Water Tank 400 Collection Container 401 Water phase (water layer, liquid in Roselle) 404 Water phase (water layer, liquid in Roselle) outlet 405 Liquid Extraction Valve B. Roselle Liquid C Roselle solid R Rotation direction

Claims

1. This Roselle liquid is obtained by roughly crushing undried Roselle in a vessel while stirring with a stirrer without using any extraction medium or heated steam, reducing the pressure inside the vessel using a pressure reducer while applying heat from the outside to maintain the temperature below 45°C, and subjecting the Roselle to vacuum low-temperature separation to recover the liquid side.

2. The roselle liquid according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum low-temperature separation is carried out while maintaining a pressure lower than 101.3 kPa (1 atm) by at least -80 kPa.

3. The liquid in roselle according to claim 1 , wherein a pressure of 1 kPa or more and 10 kPa or less is maintained during the vacuum low-temperature separation.

4. The liquid in roselle according to claim 1, wherein the pressure reducer is a horizontal jet type water ejector having a water circulation pump.

5. The roselle liquid according to claim 1, wherein V[L] is set to be 5 to 20 times M[kg], where V[L] is the volume of the container and M[kg] is the mass of the roselle put into the container.

6. The roselle liquid according to claim 1, wherein the lower part of the container is cylindrical and has a plurality of fixed blades on its inner wall, and the agitator has a rotary blade body having a plurality of rotary blades each, and by rotating the rotary blade body, the roselle liquid in the container is roughly crushed by the fixed blades and the rotary blades while being vacuum-low-temperature separated.

7. The roselle liquid according to claim 1, wherein the roselle is roughly crushed to a size of 0.7 mm to 10 mm during the vacuum low-temperature separation so as not to destroy the cell membranes of the roselle cells.

8. The roselle liquid according to claim 1, wherein the roselle is a calyx, a bract, a fruit, or a leaf of roselle.

9. A hair growth and care product comprising the roselle liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A skin beautifying agent comprising the roselle liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. A blood pressure regulator comprising the roselle liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

12. This Roselle solid is obtained by roughly crushing undried Roselle in a vessel while stirring with a stirrer without using any extraction medium or heated steam, reducing the pressure inside the vessel using a pressure reducer while applying heat from the outside to maintain the temperature below 45°C, and subjecting the Roselle to vacuum low-temperature separation to recover the solid side.

13. A hair growth and hair care agent obtained by immersing the roselle solid according to claim 12 in the roselle liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and then filtering the same, The hair growth and hair care agent is characterized in that the roselle solid is used in an amount of 0.5% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less based on the entire filtered hair growth and hair care agent.

14. A skin-beautifying agent obtained by immersing the roselle solid according to claim 12 in the roselle liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and then filtering the same, The skin-beautifying agent is characterized in that it is obtained by using the roselle solid in an amount of 0.5% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less based on the entire skin-beautifying agent obtained by filtering.

15. A blood pressure regulator obtained by immersing the roselle solid according to claim 12 in the roselle liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and then filtering the roselle solid, A blood pressure regulator characterized in that the blood pressure regulator is obtained by using the roselle solid in an amount of 0.5% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less based on the total amount of the filtered blood pressure regulator.

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