Composition for enhancing the effect of exercise on reducing body fat

Abstract

To provide a composition for enhancing an effect of body fat reduction caused by low- to medium-intensity exercise easy to continue on a daily basis, the composition containing a component safely ingestible over a long period of time as an active ingredient.SOLUTION: A composition for enhancing an effect of body fat reduction caused by low- to medium-intensity exercise whose exercise intensity is 2.5 to 6.5 METs contains quercetin or a glycoside thereof as an active ingredient.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] To reduce the risk of lifestyle-related diseases, in addition to a balanced diet, it is effective to engage in appropriate physical activity. As the amount of physical activity necessary for maintaining and improving health, the "National Health Promotion Movement in the 21st Century (Healthy Japan 21)" formulated based on the Health Promotion Law states that "it is considered ideal to ensure a step count of '10,000 steps a day' from the results of epidemiological studies on the relationship between the amount of physical activity and mortality, etc." However, according to the "Report on the National Health and Nutrition Survey in Reiwa 1" (Non-Patent Document 1), the average number of steps per day for men and women aged 20 - 64 is 7,226 steps, and the current situation is that on average, it is about 3,000 steps short.

[0002] Quercetin is a type of flavonoid and is contained in many plants such as onions, either as it is or as a glycoside. Also, the physiological activities of quercetin that have been known so far include antioxidant action, anti-inflammatory action, antitumor action, vasodilatory action, suppression of muscle fibrosis (Patent Document 1), suppression of the differentiation of muscle satellite cells from myoblasts to adipocyte-like cells (Patent Document 2), and suppression of muscle fibrosis action (Patent Document 3), etc.

[0003] Also, according to Non-Patent Document 2, when subjects were made to continuously ingest one test beverage per day for 7 days, which contained 275 mg of enju polyphenol (enzymatically treated isorquercitrin) (the amount of quercetin or its glycoside is 71.6 mg in terms of quercetin conversion amount described later), and were made to perform transient exercise on a bicycle ergometer on the 7th day, at high-intensity exercise of 70 - 90 watts, the lipid combustion amount was significantly increased compared to the subjects who ingested a control beverage not containing enju polyphenol, whereas at an exercise load of less than 70 watts, there was no significant difference in the lipid combustion amount. According to the homepage of the manufacturer of the bicycle ergometer, exercise of 70 watts on the same bicycle corresponds to approximately 6.5 mets in terms of the exercise intensity described later (Non-Patent Document 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] Patent Document 1 International Publication No. 2015 / 166887 Patent Document 2 International Publication No. 2016 / 175136 Patent Document 3 International Publication No. 2018 / 164221 Non-Patent Document

[0005] Non-Patent Document 1 "Report on the National Health and Nutrition Survey in Reiwa 1", Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, December 2020 Non-Patent Document 2 Pharmacology and Therapy, 2008, Vol. 36, No. 10, pp. 919-930 Non-Patent Document 3 KONAMI SPORTS CLUB Online Shop, "About the Exercise Effect of the Aerobike R", [online], [searched on July 8, Reiwa 4], Internet <URL:https: / / online.konamisportsclub.jp / page / ksc / aboutaerobike / about_aerobike.html> Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By performing exercise in combination with the intake of specific foods, if the health promotion effect of exercise is enhanced, more people can feel the benefits of exercise, so the motivation for exercise will also increase, and as a result, it is considered to lead to better health promotion. In particular, if the effects of low- to moderate-intensity exercises that can be continued daily can be enhanced, it is ideal in terms of contributing to the health of a wide range of people regardless of age or exercise experience.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a composition containing, as an active ingredient, a component that can be safely ingested over a long period of time and enhancing the body fat reduction effect by low- to moderate-intensity exercises that are easy to continue daily.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The present inventors have found that quercetin or its glycoside functions as an active ingredient that enhances the body fat reducing effect by low to moderate-intensity exercise (for example, exercise with an exercise intensity of 2.5 to 6.5 METs) that can be continued daily. In other words, the present inventors have found that quercetin or its glycoside is suitable for reducing body fat in combination with low to moderate-intensity exercise (for example, exercise with an exercise intensity of 3 to 6.5 METs) that can be continued daily, and thus completed the present invention.

[0009] That is, but not limited thereto, the present invention includes a composition for enhancing the body fat reducing effect by the following exercise, a method for enhancing the reduction of body fat by the target exercise, and the like. [1] A composition for enhancing the body fat reducing effect by exercise with an exercise intensity of 2.5 to 6.5 METs, containing quercetin or its glycoside as an active ingredient. [2] A composition for reducing the body fat of a subject in combination with exercise, containing quercetin or its glycoside, wherein the intensity of the exercise is 2.5 to 6.5 METs. [3] The composition according to [1] or [2], containing quercetin or its glycoside in an amount such that the total intake of quercetin or its glycoside in adult humans is 30 to 250 mg per day in terms of quercetin equivalent. [4] The composition according to [1] or [2], which is a food or drink. [5] A step of causing a subject to perform exercise with an exercise intensity of 2.5 to 6.5 METs, and A step of causing the subject to ingest a composition containing quercetin or its glycoside A method for enhancing the reduction of body fat by exercise with an exercise intensity of 2.5 to 6.5 METs in a subject (however, excluding medical acts on humans). [6]For a subject who performs exercise of 2.5 to 6.5 METs for 3 or more days a week, the method includes causing the subject to ingest a composition containing quercetin or its glycoside for 3 or more days a week, wherein the composition contains quercetin or its glycoside in an amount such that the intake amount is 30 to 250 mg per day in terms of quercetin, and the method enhances the reduction of body fat in the subject by the exercise (however, medical practices for humans are excluded). [7]For a subject who performs exercise of 2.5 to 6.5 METs for 3 or more days a week, the method includes causing the subject to ingest a composition containing quercetin or its glycoside for 3 or more days a week, wherein the intake amount of quercetin or its glycoside in the subject is 30 to 250 mg per day in terms of quercetin, and the method enhances the reduction of body fat in the subject by the exercise (however, medical practices for humans are excluded). [8]For a subject who walks 8,500 steps or more per day, the method includes causing the subject to ingest a composition containing quercetin or its glycoside, wherein the intake amount of quercetin or its glycoside in the subject is 30 to 250 mg per day in terms of quercetin, and the method enhances the reduction of body fat in the subject by the walking (however, medical practices for humans are excluded). [9]For a subject who continues to walk 8,500 steps or more per day for 3 or more days a week and for 2 or more weeks, the method includes causing the subject to continuously ingest a composition containing quercetin or its glycoside for 3 or more days a week for a period of 2 or more weeks, wherein the intake amount of quercetin or its glycoside in the subject is 30 to 250 mg per day in terms of quercetin, and the method enhances the reduction of body fat in the subject by the walking (however, medical practices for humans are excluded). [Effect of the Invention]

[0010] According to the composition of the present invention, it contains, as an active ingredient, a component that can be safely ingested over a long period of time, and can enhance the effect of reducing body fat by low to moderate-intensity exercise. According to the present invention, in addition to daily activities, it can promote the reduction of body fat in a subject who performs low to moderate-intensity exercise, and contribute to the improvement of the subject's exercise motivation and the enhancement of health. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] [Composition for Enhancing the Body Fat Reduction Effect by Low to Moderate Intensity Exercise] The present invention includes a composition for enhancing the body fat reduction effect by low to moderate intensity exercise, containing quercetin or its glycoside as an active ingredient.

[0013] (Quercetin or its glycoside) In the present specification, "quercetin" means quercetin, which is also called vitamin P and belongs to flavonols, a kind of polyphenol. Quercetin is a compound represented by the following formula (I).

[0014]

Chemical formula

[0015] In the present invention, "quercetin glycoside" means a glycoside of the above quercetin. Quercetin glycoside is a compound represented by the following general formula (II). However, (X) in the following general formula (II) n represents a sugar chain, and n is an integer of 1 or more.

[0016]

Chemical formula

[0017] The sugars that make up the sugar chain represented by X, which is glycosidically bonded to quercetin, are, for example, glucose, rhamnose, galactose, glucuronic acid, etc., preferably glucose or rhamnose. Also, n is not particularly limited as long as it is 1 or more, but is preferably 1 to 16, more preferably 1 to 8. When n is 2 or more, the X moiety may consist of one type of sugar or a plurality of types of sugars. In other words, when n is 2 or more, (X) n may be a sugar chain consisting of one type of sugar or a sugar chain consisting of a plurality of types of sugars.

[0018] The above-mentioned quercetin glycosides include those obtained by treating existing quercetin glycosides with an enzyme or the like to effect sugar transfer. Specifically, the quercetin glycosides referred to in the present invention include rutin, enzyme-treated rutin, quercitrin, isoquercitrin, enzyme-treated isoquercitrin, and the like.

[0019] Rutin is a compound represented by the following formula (III).

[0020]

Chemical formula

[0021] In the present invention, it is particularly preferable to use an enzyme-treated product of rutin as the quercetin glycoside. Preferable examples of the enzyme-treated product of rutin include a rutin enzyme degradation product mainly composed of isoquercitrin obtained by enzyme-treating rutin to remove the rhamnose sugar chain moiety, an enzyme-treated rutin mainly composed of α-glucosyl rutin obtained by enzyme-treating rutin and further adding one molecule of glucose to the rutinoside of rutin, and an enzyme-treated isoquercitrin mainly composed of α-glucosyl isoquercitrin obtained by treating the rutin enzyme degradation product or isoquercitrin with a glycosyltransferase to bind a sugar chain consisting of 1 to 7 glucose molecules. Any one single or a mixture of two or more selected from the group consisting of these may be mentioned. Among these, it is preferable to use enzyme-treated isoquercitrin, which is a mixture of α-glucosyl isoquercitrin having a sugar chain consisting of 1 to 7 glucose molecules.

[0022] After the ingested quercetin glycoside is absorbed into the body from the digestive tract, it becomes quercetin by the action of digestive enzymes or metabolic enzymes and can exhibit the same effects as quercetin in the body. In the present invention, only one kind of quercetin or its glycoside may be used, or a plurality of kinds of compounds may be used. When using a plurality of kinds of compounds, for example, quercetin and one or more kinds of quercetin glycosides may be used, or two or more kinds of quercetin glycosides may be used.

[0023] There are no particular restrictions on the origin and production method for obtaining quercetin or its glycoside used in the present invention. For example, plants rich in quercetin or its glycoside include buckwheat, adzuki bean, caper, apple, tea, onion, grape, broccoli, spinach, raspberry, loquat, cranberry, opuntia, leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, etc., and quercetin or its glycoside can be obtained from these plants.

[0024] (Action and Use) As shown in the following examples, the composition of the present invention has the effect of enhancing the body fat reduction effect by the above-mentioned exercise when used in combination with low to moderate-intensity exercise, preferably low-intensity exercise (hereinafter, these are also simply referred to as "the above-mentioned exercise"). And even in the case of exercise at an intensity where the effects of quercetin or its glycoside on muscle mass and basal metabolic rate are not yet significantly manifested, it is possible to significantly reduce body fat by ingesting quercetin or its glycoside. The details of the mechanism are unknown and do not limit the present invention, but it is presumed that quercetin or its glycoside has the effect of increasing the amount of fat decomposition during the above-mentioned exercise.

[0025] Therefore, quercetin or its glycoside can be used in combination with the above exercise and can be used to enhance the body fat reduction effect by the above exercise. Further, it can be used to enhance the body fat reduction effect when performing the above exercise in addition to physical activities in daily life or work (collectively referred to as daily activities). Further, it can be used to enhance the body fat reduction effect when regularly continuing the above exercise in addition to daily activities. Here, the use for enhancing the body fat reduction effect by the above exercise includes, in addition to promoting or increasing the reduction of body fat by the above exercise, for example, promoting or increasing the decomposition or combustion of body fat by the above exercise, etc., which ultimately leads to enhancing the body fat reduction effect by the above exercise.

[0026] From the perspective of being able to enjoy the enhanced body fat reduction effect of the present invention while being sustainable on a daily basis, the above exercise is 6.5 METs or less, preferably 6.2 METs or less, more preferably 6.0 METs or less, still more preferably 5.5 METs or less, even more preferably 5.0 METs or less, even more preferably 4.5 METs or less, and particularly preferably 4.0 METs or less. Further, the above exercise can be, for example, 2.5 METs or more, preferably 3.0 METs or more, more preferably 3.2 METs or more, and more preferably 3.5 METs or more. Here, METs (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) is an index representing the intensity of various physical activities and represents the energy consumption of each physical activity when the energy consumption at rest is set to 1.0.

[0027] Low to moderate-intensity exercise (especially low-intensity exercise) is an exercise that can be continued on a daily basis, and the enhanced body fat reduction effect of the present invention is further exerted by continuous performance. In particular, the composition of the present invention has the effect of significantly promoting the reduction of body fat in subjects who regularly continue low to moderate-intensity exercise (especially low-intensity exercise) in addition to daily activities.

[0028] In this specification, for the METs of each physical activity related to the above-mentioned exercise, for example, the numerical values described in the "Revised 'METs (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) Table for Physical Activity'" created by the National Institute of Health and Nutrition (revised on April 11, 2012, URL: https: / / www.nibiohn.go.jp / files / 2011mets.pdf) can be used.

[0029] Examples of the above-mentioned exercise include walking (normal walking, brisk walking, hiking, etc.), running (jogging, running, etc.), gymnastics (aerobics, radio calisthenics, yoga, Pilates, tai chi, etc.), dance, cycling, ascending and descending stairs, strength training, carrying loads, ascending and descending stairs, strength training, various sports (soccer, baseball, golf, basketball, badminton, swimming, tennis, softball, volleyball, table tennis, rugby, surfing, skiing, etc.). In addition, among the physical activities in daily life or work, low to moderate-intensity exercises within the range of the above METs (housework, cooking, tidying up, cleaning, etc.) can be mentioned. These exercises are preferably carried out in addition to daily activities.

[0030] The duration of the above-mentioned exercise can be appropriately set according to the physique, age and physical condition of the subject, the type, intensity of the exercise, the target amount of body fat reduction, etc. For example, it is 3 minutes or more, 5 minutes or more, 10 minutes or more, 30 minutes or more, 60 minutes or more, or 2 hours or more, and can be, for example, 10 hours or less or 5 hours or less.

[0031] The total time per day of the above-mentioned exercise can be appropriately set according to the physique, age and physical condition of the subject, the type, intensity of the exercise, the target amount of body fat reduction, etc. For example, it is 10 minutes or more, 30 minutes or more, 60 minutes or more, 2 hours or more, or 5 hours or more, and is, for example, 10 hours or less.

[0032] From the perspective of more significantly achieving the effects of the present invention, the above-mentioned exercise is preferably performed repeatedly (for example, regularly). The frequency can be appropriately set according to the type of exercise, intensity, target amount of body fat reduction, etc. For example, it can be performed daily, 1 to 6 times a week, or 1 to 3 times a week. Alternatively, the frequency of exercise is at least 1 day per week, preferably at least 2 days per week, more preferably at least 3 days per week, even more preferably at least 4 days per week, even more preferably at least 5 days per week, even more preferably at least 6 days per week, and most preferably daily. Also, from the perspective of more significantly achieving the effects of the present invention, the period during which the above-mentioned exercise is repeatedly performed is preferably at least 2 weeks, more preferably at least 4 weeks, even more preferably at least 8 weeks, and even more preferably at least 12 weeks.

[0033] When the above-mentioned exercise is walking, the preferred amount of exercise per day, in terms of the total number of steps, is preferably 8,500 steps or more, more preferably 9,000 steps or more, and even more preferably 10,000 steps or more. Considering that according to the "Report on the National Health and Nutrition Survey in Reiwa 1" of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the average number of steps per day for men and women aged 20 - 64 is 7,226 steps, when the above-mentioned exercise is walking consciously separately from daily activities, the amount of exercise per day is preferably 1,000 steps or more, more preferably 2,000 steps or more, and even more preferably 3,000 steps or more. Note that the exercise intensity of normal walking varies depending on the walking speed and walking environment, but is approximately about 2.5 - 4.0 METs.

[0034] The exercise combined with the composition of the present invention, when expressed in "Exercise (Ex)" (MET·hour), which is a unit obtained by multiplying the exercise time (hour) by the METs, which is the exercise intensity, is preferably about 1.0 - 3.0 Exercise per day, more preferably 1.0 - 2.5 Exercise, and even more preferably 1.0 - 2.0 Exercise. These exercises may be added to daily activities and performed.

[0035] Specific examples of low - to - moderate intensity exercises combined with the composition of the present invention are listed below, but are not limited thereto: ·Walking 8,500 steps or more per day, more preferably 9,000 steps or more, even more preferably 10,000 steps or more. ·Walking 1,000 steps or more, more preferably 2,000 steps or more, even more preferably 3,000 steps or more, consciously carried out in addition to daily activities. ·Walking for 10 minutes or more, more preferably 15 minutes or more, more preferably 20 minutes or more, more preferably 25 minutes or more, even more preferably 30 minutes or more, consciously carried out in addition to daily activities. ·Bicycling for 5 minutes or more, more preferably 10 minutes or more, even more preferably 15 minutes or more. ·Doing NHK Radio Calisthenics, either the First or the Second, once each. ·Playing one game of bowling. ·Playing one game of table tennis. ·Playing a TV game that uses the whole body for 10 minutes or more, preferably 15 minutes or more, more preferably 20 minutes or more, more preferably 30 minutes or more. ·Doing housework, cooking, tidying up, or cleaning for 10 minutes or more, preferably 15 minutes or more, more preferably 20 minutes or more, more preferably 30 minutes or more.

[0036] The timing of ingestion of the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited in relation to the timing of the above-mentioned exercise, and it may be ingested when not doing the above-mentioned exercise, or before, after, or during the above-mentioned exercise.

[0037] Specific examples of body fat reduced by combining the composition of the present invention with the above-mentioned exercise include, for example, total fat, subcutaneous fat, or visceral fat. In particular, the reduction effects on total fat and subcutaneous fat are remarkable. Examples of the measurement site for body fat include, for example, the abdomen. Confirmation of these body fat reduction effects can be carried out, for example, by the method for measuring abdominal fat area described in the examples.

[0038] (Form of the composition) The composition of the present invention can be provided, as an example, in the form of an agent, but is not limited to this form. The agent can be provided as the composition as it is, or as a composition containing the agent.

[0039] The composition of the present invention can be provided in the form of, for example, food and drink products, pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, feeds, etc., but is not limited thereto. The composition of the present invention may itself be a food and drink product, a pharmaceutical (preferably an oral pharmaceutical), or a quasi-drug, or may be a formulation or material such as an additive used therein. In one aspect, the composition of the present invention is preferably an oral composition.

[0040] In one aspect, the composition of the present invention is preferably a food and drink product, a medicine (preferably an oral medicine), or a quasi-drug, more preferably a food and drink product or an oral medicine, still more preferably a food and drink product, and even more preferably a beverage.

[0041] The above food and drink products are not particularly limited, and examples include general food and drink products, health foods, foods with functional claims, foods for specified health uses, foods with nutritional functions, health foods, dietary supplements, foods for patients, or food additives, or raw materials thereof. The form of the above food and drink products is also not particularly limited, and in addition to the form of ordinary beverages or foods, oral solid preparations such as powders, tablets, coated tablets, fine granules, granules, powders, pills, capsules, dry syrups, chewable agents, etc.; various preparation forms of oral liquid preparations such as oral solutions and syrups can also be used.

[0042] Examples of the above beverages include tea-based beverages (green tea, oolong tea, roasted green tea, jasmine tea, barley tea, brown rice tea, buckwheat tea, rooibos tea, mate tea, etc.), coffee beverages, flavored water-based beverages, sports beverages, carbonated beverages, vegetable and fruit-based beverages (green juice, vegetable juice, fruit juice, etc.), alcoholic beverages (beverages with an alcohol content of 1 degree or more), etc. Preferably, they are tea-based beverages, flavored water-based beverages, sports beverages, or carbonated beverages, and more preferably tea-based beverages.

[0043] The above beverage is not particularly limited in terms of its form when it is distributed on the market or the mixing ratio of each component contained therein, as long as it is something to be consumed by the target. Therefore, the above beverage may be a concentrate such as powder or syrup, and also includes those that are diluted, dissolved, or leached (such as tea leaves or tea bags) with water, alcohols, carbonated water, etc. when consumed and then drunk.

[0044] Regarding beverage products in the form that are consumed after such dilution, etc., the concentration or amount of each component of the beverage described in this specification represents the concentration or amount when consumed. The dosage form of the above medicine or quasi-drug may be a dosage form suitable for the administration form, and it may be for human use or for non-human animals. The administration form of the medicine or quasi-drug may be oral administration or may be administered in a parenteral form, but oral administration is preferred.

[0045] Examples of dosage forms of oral medicines include oral solid preparations such as tablets, coated tablets, fine granules, granules, powders, pills, capsules, dry syrups, chewable tablets, etc.; and oral liquid preparations such as oral solutions, syrups, etc. Examples of dosage forms of parenteral medicines include injections, infusions, external preparations, suppositories, transdermal absorbents, etc.

[0046] Examples of the above feed include livestock feed for cows, pigs, chickens, sheep, horses, etc.; small animal feed for rabbits, rats, mice, etc.; pet food for dogs, cats, birds, etc.

[0047] The composition of the present invention can contain, in addition to quercetin or its glycoside as an active ingredient, any additives and any components as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. As these additives and components, those generally usable in foods and drinks, pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, feeds, cosmetics, etc. can be used. As an example of an arbitrary additive or component, in addition to vitamins such as vitamin E and vitamin C, minerals, physiologically active components such as nutritional components, excipients, binders, emulsifiers, tonicity agents (isotonic agents), buffers, solubilizing agents, preservatives, stabilizers, antioxidants, coloring agents, coagulants, coating agents, fragrances, etc. formulated in pharmaceutical preparations can be mentioned. These may be used singly or in combination of two or more.

[0048] In addition to the above, depending on the use, components such as materials used in foods and drinks, pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, feeds, cosmetics, etc. can be appropriately blended. The composition of the present invention may display on the package, container or instruction manual one or more of the use, type of active ingredient, effects described above, method of use (for example, method of ingestion, method of administration), etc.

[0049] As such a display, the present invention may, for example, be provided with at least one display selected from (1) a statement that it has an effect of enhancing the body fat reduction effect by the above exercise, promoting or increasing the reduction of body fat by the above exercise, promoting or increasing the decomposition of body fat by the above exercise, or promoting or increasing the burning of body fat by the above exercise, (2) a display indicating that it is used to obtain the effect (for example, a display recommending the combined use of the composition of the present invention and the above exercise such as "drink and walk", "in combination with low to moderate intensity exercise", "plus to daily exercise habits", etc.), and (3) a display of the target for which the effect is necessary or desired (for example, "for those who want to reduce body fat while exercising daily", "for those who want to reduce body fat with light exercise", "for those who want to reduce body fat by walking", etc.).

[0050] The content of quercetin or its glycoside in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited and can be appropriately set according to its form and the like. For example, the total content of quercetin or its glycoside in the composition of the present invention (the total content of quercetin and its glycoside) is, in terms of the amount of quercetin converted, for example, 0.001% by weight or more, preferably 0.002% by mass or more, more preferably 0.003% by mass or more, and also, for example, 99.9% by weight or less, preferably 95% by weight or less, more preferably 80% by weight or less, still more preferably 45% by weight or less, based on the total amount of the composition.

[0051] When the composition of the present invention is a beverage, the total content of quercetin or its glycoside in the composition is, in terms of the amount of quercetin converted, preferably 0.002 to 0.5% by mass, preferably 0.003 to 0.1% by mass, more preferably 0.005 to 0.05% by mass, still more preferably 0.01 to 0.02% by mass, based on the total amount of the composition.

[0052] When referring to the concentration or amount of a beverage component in this specification, unless otherwise specified, it refers to the concentration or amount in the final product. Due to processes such as sterilization, the components may be somewhat decomposed, and the decomposition amount can be taken into account to determine the amount to be added to the beverage, but usually, the concentration or amount at the time of formulation is almost the same as that in the final product.

[0053] When the composition of the present invention is supplements, the total content of quercetin or its glycoside in the composition can be, in terms of the amount of quercetin converted, preferably 0.1 to 50% by mass, more preferably 0.2 to 20% by mass, still more preferably 0.3 to 10% by mass, based on the total amount of the composition.

[0054] The measurement of the amount of quercetin glycosides is determined by the following method, using QG1 to QG7 as the involved components, unless otherwise specified: That is, Quercetin 3-O-glucoside (QG1) is used as the standard substance, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is used to create a calibration curve based on the area at a UV absorbance of 350 nm and the standard substance concentration. Since quercetin glycosides are hydrolyzed to quercetin in the small intestine, QG1 to QG7 are considered to be physiologically equivalent. Also, all 3-position glycosides of quercetin have a maximum absorption at 350 nm regardless of the sugar chain length, and their absorbance depends on quercetin, which is the aglycone part. Therefore, although the molecular weights are different, it is considered that QG1 to QG7 have equal molar absorbances, and the involved components are quantified in terms of QG1 conversion. Specifically, the analytical sample is subjected to HPLC under the same conditions as the standard substance, and in the obtained chart, the peak that coincides with the elution retention time of the standard substance is identified. Then, the peaks of quercetin glycosides QG2 to QG7 detected before the peak of QG1 are identified (if any), and from the total of the peak areas of each, using the calibration curve created with the standard substance, the content of quercetin glycosides in the analytical sample is calculated.

[0055] From another perspective, when quercetin or its glycoside is in a composition packed in a container with a volume of 350 to 500 ml, it can be 10 to 1800 mg, preferably 50 to 900 mg, more preferably 100 to 500 mg, and even more preferably 100 to 250 mg, in terms of the amount converted to the following QG1 per bottle of beverage.

[0056] In addition, when referring to the blending amount of quercetin in the beverage in this specification, unless otherwise specified, the total blending amount of quercetin glycosides is converted to QG1 (for example, isoquercitrin), and it refers to the amount of quercetin generated by the hydrolysis of QG1. The amount of quercetin generated by the hydrolysis of QG1 can be obtained by (amount of quercetin glycoside / 464) × 302, using the molecular weight of quercetin of 302 and the molecular weight of QG1 of 464.

[0057] (Dosage and Administration) The composition of the present invention can be ingested or administered by an appropriate method according to its form. The composition of the present invention may be orally administered or ingested, or may be parenterally administered in the form of an injection or the like, but is preferably orally administered or ingested.

[0058] The intake amount (which can also be referred to as the dosage) of the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited and may be appropriately set according to the administration form, administration method, etc. As one aspect, for example, when orally or parenterally administering or causing to ingest to a human (adult), the intake amount of the composition of the present invention, as the total intake amount of quercetin or its glycoside (the total intake amount of quercetin and its glycoside), is preferably 0.1 mg to 8000 mg per day in terms of quercetin equivalent, more preferably 0.3 mg to 4000 mg, still more preferably 1.0 mg to 1000 mg, even more preferably 10 mg to 500 mg, and particularly preferably 30 mg to 250 mg. It is preferable to orally administer or cause to ingest the above amount, for example, divided into 1 to 3 times a day.

[0059] The intake period and the number of intakes of the composition of the present invention are not particularly limited. For example, on the day of performing low- to medium-intensity exercise, the above amount may be ingested, for example, divided into 1 to 3 times a day, or may be ingested before or after the day of exercise, such as the day before or the day after the exercise day. From the viewpoint of more significantly exhibiting the effects of the present invention, the composition of the present invention is preferably ingested daily, for example, once a day, 1 to 6 times a week, or 1 to 3 times a week, regardless of the presence or absence of exercise. Also, from the viewpoint of more significantly exhibiting the effects of the present invention, the intake period is preferably 2 weeks or more, 4 weeks or more, 8 weeks or more, or 12 weeks or more. For example, during such a period, the composition of the present invention is ingested in the above amount at a frequency of once a day, 1 to 6 days a week, or 1 to 3 days a week, and during the same period, the above-mentioned low- to medium-intensity exercise is preferably repeated (for example, regularly).

[0060] (Subject) The subject to which the composition of the present invention is administered or ingested (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the administration subject) is preferably an animal, more preferably a mammal (human and non-human mammals), and even more preferably a human. Examples of non-human mammals include cows, horses, goats, dogs, cats, rabbits, mice, rats, guinea pigs, monkeys, etc. In addition, as the administration subject in the present invention, a subject who needs or desires to enhance the effect of reducing body fat by low to moderate-intensity exercise is preferred. For example, a subject with a daily lack of exercise or limited exercise time, or a subject whose exercise function has declined due to weight gain, aging, etc. are preferred as suitable subjects.

[0061] Also, those with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 22 or more (preferably 25 or more, for example, 25 or more and less than 30 (obesity (degree I))) are also suitable subjects for the composition of the present invention. In these subjects, the composition of the present invention is preferred in that low to moderate-intensity exercise is preferred for suppressing the burden on the body, and the effect of the present invention is more remarkable compared to normal-weight subjects with a BMI of 18.5 to less than 25.

[0062] [Method for enhancing reduction of body fat by low to moderate-intensity exercise] The present invention includes a method for enhancing the reduction of body fat by low to moderate-intensity exercise in a subject, including the step of causing the subject to perform low to moderate-intensity exercise (for example, exercise with an exercise intensity of 2.5 to 6.5 METs), and the step of causing the subject to ingest a composition containing quercetin or its glycoside.

[0063] The above method may be a therapeutic method or a non-therapeutic method. "Non-therapeutic" is a concept that does not include medical acts, that is, surgery, treatment or diagnosis. The dosage of quercetin or its glycoside may be any amount that enhances the reduction of body fat by exercise in the subject, i.e., an effective amount, and is not particularly limited. For example, it is preferable to administer or ingest the dosage described in the section of [Composition for enhancing the body fat reduction effect by low to moderate intensity exercise] above. Quercetin or its glycoside may be administered or ingested as it is, or may be administered or ingested as a composition containing quercetin or its glycoside. For example, the composition of the present invention described above can be administered or ingested. Quercetin or its glycoside, low to moderate intensity exercise, administration subject, administration method, dosage, and their preferred embodiments, etc. are the same as those in the composition of the present invention described above. According to the method of the present invention, side effects are not caused, and the body fat reduction effect by low to moderate intensity exercise can be enhanced safely.

Example

[0064] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereby. [Example 1 Human test on the effect of combined use of quercetin glycoside and low to moderate intensity exercise] (Overview of the test) (1) Test beverage As the test beverage, 500 mL of green tea beverage containing 110 mg of quercetin glycoside as isoquercitrin (71.6 mg in terms of quercetin) was used. As the control beverage, 500 mL of green tea beverage without quercetin glycoside was used, and the one prepared so as not to be distinguishable from the test beverage in terms of shape, color, flavor, etc. was used. The nutritional component analysis values of the test beverage and the control beverage were all 0 kcal of energy, 0 g of protein, lipid, and carbohydrate respectively.

[0065] (2) Test subjects Persons aged 20 or above and under 65 years old, with grade I obesity (BMI of 25 kg / m 2 or more and 30 kg / m 2Healthy men and women (under [specific age]) were recruited as subjects. Also excluded were those who regularly engaged in intense exercise (such as jogging, aerobics, strength training, swimming, etc.), heavy drinkers, excessive smokers, those who were continuously taking medications, those who were pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the test period, lactating women, those with allergies to the test beverage, and those whom the responsible test physician determined to be inappropriate as subjects.

[0066] (3) Test method This test example was conducted as a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled parallel-group comparison test with a 12-week intake period. The subjects were randomly assigned to the test beverage group (n = 74) and the control beverage group (n = 74) to ensure randomness. The subjects were instructed to continuously consume one test beverage or control beverage per day according to the assignment from after the examination at the start of test beverage intake until the day before the 12-week post-intake examination. In addition, they were guided to walk approximately 3,000 steps more per day (target range: 3,000 ± 500 steps) than the average number of steps per week measured for each subject before the test. Also, during the test period, they were instructed to keep the exercise other than diet and walking unchanged from before the start of the test and maintain it as consistently as possible. Note that the exercise intensity of walking is generally about 2.5 - 4.0 METs. Also, 3,000 steps generally correspond to approximately 30 minutes of walking.

[0067] (4) Test items For the subjects, the following items were examined. The collection of each test data was carried out at the start of intake (0 week), 8 weeks after intake, and at the 12-week examination.

[0068] <Abdominal fat area> The abdominal fat area was measured according to the method of Tokunaga et al. (Tokunaga K et al. Int. J. Obes., 1983, Vol.7, pp.437-45) using a computed tomography (CT) scanner system at the umbilicus (Hitachi whole-body X-ray apparatus ROBUSTO Ei, Hitachi Medical Corporation, Tokyo). The measurement site was the umbilicus (re-photographed centered on the fourth lumbar vertebra if the kidneys and ilium were included in the image at the umbilicus position), and the images were taken at the end-expiratory phase. The CT imaging conditions were tube voltage: 120 kVp, tube current: AEC function, slice thickness: 5 mm, and the film processing was window level "0" and window width "1000". The obtained images were analyzed using visceral fat measurement PC software (Fat Scan Premium, East Japan Technical Research Institute, Ibaraki).

[0069] <Number of steps> Using a pedometer, the subjects were asked to record their daily number of steps in a daily log, and the average number of steps per day was calculated for each period from the start of intake (0 weeks) to the 12-week post-intake examination.

[0070] (5) Statistical analysis From all the assigned subjects, a group excluding subjects who did not consume any test beverage and subjects for whom no data existed after assignment was defined as the Full Analysis Set (FAS), and a group among the FAS that complied with the test protocol was defined as the Per Protocol Set (PPS). The analysis was performed on the PPS.

[0071] For the abdominal fat area, a linear mixed-effects model with the group, examination time, and the interaction between the group and examination time as fixed effects and the study subjects as random effects was used for evaluation. Comparisons were made between the intake groups of each test beverage at each examination time and with the start of intake (week 0). For the comparison between intake groups, an F-test was used to test for homoscedasticity. In the case of homoscedasticity, Student's t-test was performed, and in the case of heteroscedasticity, Welch's t-test was performed for evaluation. For the comparison with the start of intake (week 0), a paired t-test was used for evaluation. The statistical significance level was set at 5%, and the tests were two-sided. SAS software (R9.4, SAS Institute Japan), SPSS (SPSS Statistics ver. 27, IBM), etc. were used for tabulation and analysis.

[0072] (Results) (1) Subjects for analysis There were 148 subjects at the time of allocation, but 143 subjects (73 in the test beverage group and 70 in the control beverage group) started intake (FAS). The background data of the study subjects at the time of allocation are shown in Table 1. The number of study subjects related to PPS is described in each table of the results.

[0073]

Table 1

[0074] (2) Total abdominal fat area The results are shown in Tables 2 and 3. By continuously consuming the test beverage for 12 weeks, a significant decrease in the change in total abdominal fat area was observed compared to the intake of the control beverage (interaction between group and examination time by linear mixed-effects model: p < 0.05, main effect of group: p < 0.05). Also, in the test beverage group, a significant decrease in the change in total abdominal fat area was observed at the 8-week and 12-week examinations after intake compared to the control beverage group (p < 0.05). In addition, in the test beverage group, a significant decrease in the total abdominal fat area was observed at the 8-week and 12-week examinations after intake compared to the start of intake (week 0) (p < 0.05).

[0075] (3) Subcutaneous abdominal fat area The results are shown in Table 2 and Table 3. After 12 weeks of continuous intake of the test beverage, a significant decrease in the change in abdominal subcutaneous fat area was observed compared with the intake of the control beverage (interaction between group and examination time by linear mixed effect model: p < 0.05, main effect of group: p < 0.05). In the test beverage group, a significant decrease in the change in abdominal subcutaneous fat area was shown at the 8-week and 12-week examinations after intake compared with the control beverage group (p < 0.05). Also, in the test beverage group, a significant decrease in abdominal subcutaneous fat area was observed at the 8-week and 12-week examinations after intake compared with the start of intake (0 week) (p < 0.05).

[0076]

Table 2

[0077]

Table 3

[0078] (4) Number of steps The average number of steps per day before the start of intake was 6,890.2 steps / day in the test beverage group and 7,000.4 steps / day in the control beverage group. The average number of steps per day during the intake period (from the start of intake to the 12-week examination after intake) was 9,813.0 steps / day in the test beverage group and 10,000.0 steps / day in the control beverage group, showing almost the same trend in both groups.

[0079] [Comparative Example 1 Human test on the effect of quercetin glycoside when not combined with exercise] (Test outline) A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 20 - 65-year-old test subjects with a BMI of 25 or more and less than 30 (81 males and 119 females). They were randomly divided into two groups and made to drink a beverage containing 0 mg or 110 mg of quercetin for 12 weeks (89 subjects in the control beverage group (36 males and 53 females), 83 subjects in the test beverage group (33 males and 50 females)). The details of the method and results of this test are as described in the paper by Egawa et al. (Egawa et al., Pharmacology and Therapy, 2012, Vol. 40, No. 6, pp. 495 - 503).

[0080] That is, the test of Comparative Example 1 differed from the test of Example 1 in that there was no instruction for exercise, but it was carried out under the same conditions with respect to beverages, subjects (adult men and women with grade I obesity), region, and season.

[0081] (Results) At the 12-week time point after the start of the test, the total abdominal fat area was -5.32 ± 2.42 cm in the test beverage group compared to the start of the test. 2 and +4.97 ± 2.34 cm in the control beverage group. 2 (In both cases, the error was the standard error). The change in the total abdominal fat area of the test beverage group compared to the control beverage group (12-week examination after ingestion) was -10.30 cm. 2 It was.

[0082] At the 12-week time point after the start of the test, the abdominal subcutaneous fat area was -2.31 ± 1.73 cm in the test beverage group compared to the start of the test. 2 and +0.64 ± 1.56 cm in the control beverage group. 2 It was. The change in the abdominal subcutaneous fat area of the test beverage group compared to the control beverage group (12-week examination after ingestion) was -2.94 cm. 2 It was.

[0083] [Discussion by comparison between Example 1 and Comparative Example 1] Graphs comparing the changes in the total abdominal fat area and the abdominal subcutaneous fat area at the 12-week time point after the start of each test compared to the start of the test are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. By combining the intake of quercetin glycosides with low to moderate-intensity exercise such as walking about 3,000 steps, the total abdominal fat area and the abdominal subcutaneous fat area were significantly reduced compared to the case where no exercise was combined. Such a combined effect with low to moderate-intensity exercise was not observed in the group that ingested the control beverage that did not contain quercetin glycosides.

[0084] From the above, it was shown that quercetin glycosides significantly enhanced the effect of reducing body fat by low to moderate-intensity exercise.

Claims

1. A method for enhancing reduction in body fat caused by walking in a subject who continuously walks at least 8,500 steps per day with an exercise intensity of 2.5 to 4.0 METs for at least 8 weeks, comprising having the subject ingest a composition containing quercetin or a glycoside thereof, wherein the subject's intake of quercetin or a glycoside thereof is 30 to 250 mg per day in terms of quercetin (however, medical procedures on humans are excluded).

2. A method for enhancing reduction in body fat caused by walking in a subject, the method comprising having a subject who walks at least 8,500 steps per day with an exercise intensity of 2.5 to 4.0 METs, at least 3 days per week for at least 8 weeks, ingest a composition containing quercetin or a glycoside thereof at least 3 days per week for at least 8 weeks, the amount of quercetin or a glycoside thereof ingested by the subject being 30 to 250 mg per day in terms of quercetin (however, medical procedures on humans are excluded).

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