ciliary movement activator for the upper respiratory tract mucosa

Abstract

To provide a new Chinese medicine that is capable of activating the ciliary motility of upper respiratory tract mucosa.SOLUTION: A Chinese medicine extract containing six or more of eight herbal medicines consisting of (i) Pueraria root, (ii) Ephedra herb, (iii) jujube, (iv) ginger and / or processed ginger, (v) cinnamon bark, (vi) Paeonia lactiflora, (vii) Pinellia tuber, and (viii) licorice can activate the ciliary motility of upper respiratory tract mucosa, so that it serves as an active ingredient in an agent for activating ciliary motility of upper respiratory tract mucosa.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an agent for activating ciliary movement of the upper respiratory tract mucosa. [Background technology]

[0002] Pathogens such as viruses and bacteria cause infectious diseases by invading the body. The emergence of new pathogens leads to new infectious diseases, and in the current stage where effective treatments and vaccines have not yet been established, the best countermeasure is to defend against pathogens.

[0003] In particular, in defense against pathogens that cause pulmonary infections, the function of the mucous membranes and cilia that line the inner walls of the respiratory tract (lower respiratory tract) from the throat to the lungs is important to prevent pathogens inhaled through the mouth or nose from reaching the lungs. For this reason, components that activate ciliary movement in the respiratory tract mucosa are being researched.

[0004] For example, Non-Patent Document 1 reports the effect of Hochuekkito on the ciliary movement of airway mucosal epithelial cells. Non-Patent Document 2 reports that the expectorant effect of Seifeito promotes the secretion of airway fluid in the bronchi, expelling viscous phlegm and contaminants such as tobacco and exhaust fumes, while also activating ciliary movement, expelling contaminants along with the phlegm.

[0005] Cilia are present not only in the respiratory tract (lower respiratory tract) from the throat to the lungs, but also in the nasal mucosa. Foreign substances that enter the nasal mucosa are transported by the function of cilia and excreted into the throat. Non-Patent Document 3 reports that a decrease in nasal mucus ciliary clearance is observed as a characteristic of elderly people, and Non-Patent Document 4 reports that the nasal mucosa mucociliary transport function is reduced in smokers compared to non-smokers. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Effect of Hochuekkito on ciliary movement of airway mucosal epithelial cells," Japan Society for Bronchology, 17(5):385-389, 1995 [Non-patent document 2] “Seihaito Navi Seihaito Research Results,” [online], 2013, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., [Retrieved December 5, 2020], Internet<URL: https: / / www.seihaito.jp / mechanism / > [Non-patent document 3] Management of community-acquired pneumonia in older adults. Ther Adv Infect Dis.2014;2:3-16. [Non-patent document 4] "Method for measuring human nasal mucociliary function using Technetium 99m," Journal of the Japanese Rhinologic Society, Group 4, Basics IV, pp. 54-59, 1982 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The upper respiratory tract mucosa (especially the nasal cavity) is constantly in contact with the outside world and can therefore be said to be the first line of defense against pathogens. Therefore, activating the cilia of the upper respiratory tract mucosa is even more important in defense against pathogens. Recently, the number of people using Kampo medicines has increased due to increased awareness of self-medication for health management and disease prevention, but there are still no Kampo medicines known to activate ciliary movement in the upper respiratory tract mucosa.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a new herbal medicine that can activate ciliary movement of the upper respiratory tract mucosa. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] As a result of extensive research, the present inventors have unexpectedly discovered that a Chinese herbal extract containing six or more of eight herbal medicines, namely, Pueraria root, Ephedra root, Chinese rhizome, Ginger root and / or Radix candida, Cinnamon bark, Peony root, Pinellia root, and Licorice root, has the effect of activating ciliary movement in the upper respiratory tract mucosa. Based on this finding, the present invention was completed through further research.

[0010] That is, the present invention provides the following aspects. Item 1. An agent for activating ciliary movement in the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, which contains a Chinese herbal extract containing six or more of the following eight herbal medicines: (i) Pueraria lobata, (ii) Ephedra, (iii) Chinese Root, (iv) Ginger and / or Kankyo, (v) Cinnamon Bark, (vi) Peony Root, (vii) Pinellia Root, and (viii) Licorice. Item 2. The ciliary movement activator for the upper respiratory tract mucosa according to Item 1, wherein the Chinese herbal medicine is Sho-seiryu-to and / or Kakkon-to. Item 3. The ciliary movement activator for the upper respiratory tract mucosa according to Item 1 or 2, which is used for physically frail people. Item 4. The ciliary movement activator for the upper respiratory tract mucosa according to Item 1 or 2, which is used for physically fit individuals. Item 5. The ciliary movement activator for upper respiratory tract mucosa according to any one of Items 1 to 3, which is applied to a subject in a state without runny nose. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, a new pharmaceutical agent capable of activating ciliary movement of the upper respiratory tract mucosa is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 shows the saccharin time before and after administration of Sho-seiryu-to extract to a group of physically fit subjects. [Figure 2] 1 shows the saccharin time before and after administration of Sho-seiryu-to extract to a group of subjects with a weak constitution. [Figure 3] 1 shows the saccharin time before and after administration of Kakkonto extract to a group of subjects with a weak constitution. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The ciliary movement activator for the upper respiratory tract mucosa of the present invention is characterized by containing a Chinese herbal extract containing six or more of eight predetermined herbal medicines. The ciliary movement activator for the upper respiratory tract mucosa of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0014] Active ingredient The ciliary movement activator for the upper respiratory tract mucosa of the present invention contains as an active ingredient a herbal extract containing six or more of eight herbal medicines consisting of (i) Pueraria lobata, (ii) Ephedra, (iii) Chinese cabbage, (iv) Zingiber officinale and / or Kankyo, (v) Cinnamon bark, (vi) Peony root, (vii) Pinellia Root, and (viii) Licorice.

[0015] Pueraria lobata (kudzu root) is the root of Pueraria lobata Ohwi, a plant of the Leguminosae family, with the periderm removed, and is used as a herbal medicine (Japanese Pharmacopoeia) for purposes such as antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory. Pueraria lobata powder is commercially available from Nippon Funa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tochimoto Tenkaido Co., Ltd., and other companies.

[0016] Ephedra (Ma Huang) is the aerial stem of Ephedra sinica Stapf, Ephedra intermedia Schrenk et CA Meyer, or Ephedra equisetina Bunge, which belong to the Ephedraceae family, and is used as a herbal medicine (Japanese Pharmacopoeia) as a bronchodilator, antirhinitis medication, antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory drug. Ephedra powder is commercially available from Nippon Powder Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tochimoto Tenkaido Co., Ltd., and other companies.

[0017] Jujube (Daisozhu) is the fruit of Zizyphus jujuba Miller var. inermis Rehder, a member of the Rhamnaceae family, and is used as a herbal medicine (Japanese Pharmacopoeia) for cold remedies, analgesics, antispasmodics, stomachic digestives, antidiarrheal and intestinal regulators, psychotropic drugs, etc. Jujube powder is commercially available from Takasago Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tochimoto Tenkaido Co., Ltd., etc.

[0018] Ginger is the rhizome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe, a plant of the Zingiberaceae family, sometimes with the pericarp removed, and is used as a crude drug (Japanese Pharmacopoeia) for purposes such as aromatic stomachicity. Powdered ginger is commercially available from Nippon Funa Yakuhin Co., Ltd., Takasago Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tochimoto Tenkaido Co., Ltd., etc. Kankyo (dried ginger) is the rhizome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe, a plant of the Zingiberaceae family, that has been blanched or steamed, and is used as a crude drug (Japanese Pharmacopoeia) for fever relief and tonic purposes. Powdered ginger is commercially available from Nippon Funa Yakuhin Co., Ltd., Takasago Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tochimoto Tenkaido Co., Ltd., etc.

[0019] Cinnamon bark is the peeled bark from the thick trunk of Cinnamomum cassia Blum, a member of the Lauraceae family, or other plants of the same genus, and is used as a crude drug (Japanese Pharmacopoeia) as an aromatic stomachic, etc. Cinnamon bark powder is commercially available from Nippon Funa Yakuhin Co., Ltd., Tochimoto Tenkaido Co., Ltd., etc.

[0020] Peony (Shakuyaku) is the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pallas or other related plants of the Paeoniaceae family, and is used as a herbal medicine (Japanese Pharmacopoeia) for purposes such as analgesic and antispasmodic (gastrointestinal medicine), women's medicine, medicine for sensitivity to colds, and cold medicine. Peony is both the name of the herbal medicine (Japanese Pharmacopoeia) and the name of the plant. Peony powder is commercially available from Maruzen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Mikuni Co., Ltd., Ichimaru Pharcos Co., Ltd., and others.

[0021] Pinellia ternata (Pinellia ternata Breitenbach) is the tuber from which the cork layer has been removed, belonging to the Araceae family, and is used as a herbal medicine (Japanese Pharmacopoeia) as a stomachic, digestive, antiemetic, etc. Pinellia powder is commercially available from Takasago Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tochimoto Tenkaido Co., Ltd., etc.

[0022] Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer) or Glycyrrhiza glabra Linne, a plant of the Leguminosae family, is the root and stolons, sometimes with the periderm removed (peeled licorice), and is used as a herbal medicine (Japanese Pharmacopoeia) for purposes such as treating stomach ulcers. Licorice powder is commercially available from Nippon Funa Yakuhin Co., Ltd., Takasago Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tochimoto Tenkaido Co., Ltd., and other companies.

[0023] There is no particular limitation on Chinese herbal medicines containing six or more of the above eight herbal medicines, but specific examples include Shoseiryuto and Kakkonto.

[0024] Xiaoqinglongto is based on the original texts "Shanghan Lun" and "Jingui Yaolue" and is a mixed herbal medicine consisting of eight herbs: Pinellia root, Ephedra, Peony root, Ginger root (can also be used), Glycyrrhiza, Cinnamon bark, Chinese rhizome, and Gomizontium.

[0025] In the present invention, the mixing ratio of the medicinal herbs that make up Xiaoqinglongto is not particularly limited, but examples include 3 to 6 parts by weight of Pinellia Root, 1.5 to 3 parts by weight of Ephedra Root, 1.5 to 3 parts by weight of Peony Root, 1.5 to 3 parts by weight of Zingiber officinale (can also be Zingiber officinale), 1.5 to 3 parts by weight of Licorice Root, 1.5 to 3 parts by weight of Cinnamon Bark, 1.5 to 3 parts by weight of Chinese Cabbage Leaf, and 1.5 to 3 parts by weight of Gomiso Seed.

[0026] A suitable example of a medicinal herb preparation used to prepare the Xiaoqinglongto extract used in the present invention is a mixture of 6.0 parts by weight of Pinellia Root, 3.0 parts by weight of Ephedra Root, 3.0 parts by weight of Peony Root, 3.0 parts by weight of Kankyo, 3.0 parts by weight of Glycyrrhiza Root, 3.0 parts by weight of Cinnamon Bark, 3.0 parts by weight of Saishin, and 3.0 parts by weight of Gomizunoka.

[0027] Kakkonto is a mixed herbal medicine based on the "Shanghan Lun" and is made up of seven herbs: Pueraria root, licorice, cinnamon bark, peony root, ephedra, ginger, and rhizome.

[0028] In the present invention, the mixing ratio of the herbal medicines that make up Kakkonto is not particularly limited, but examples include 4 to 8 weight parts of Pueraria lobata, 3 to 4 weight parts of Glycyrrhiza Root, 2 to 3 weight parts of Cinnamon Bark, 2 to 3 weight parts of Peony Root, 3 to 4 weight parts of Ephedra Root, 1 to 2 weight parts of Zingiber officinale, and 3 to 4 weight parts of Atractylodes Rhizome.

[0029] A suitable example of a medicinal herb preparation used to prepare the Kakkonto extract used in the present invention is a mixture of 8 parts by weight of Pueraria lobata, 2 parts by weight of Licorice Root, 3 parts by weight of Cinnamon Bark, 3 parts by weight of Peony Root, 4 parts by weight of Ephedra Root, 1 part by weight of Ginger Root, and 4 parts by weight of Licorice Root.

[0030] In addition to the above-mentioned herbal extracts, a mixed herbal extract consisting of 12 species of herbs, namely, Pueraria root, Ephedra root, Chinese Root, Ginger Root, Cinnamon Bark, Apricot Ninja, Peony Root, Pinellia Root, Platycodon grandiflorum, Scutellaria Root, Bupleurum Root, and Licorice Root, can also be used. A suitable example of a herbal preparation used for producing this mixed herbal extract is a mixture of 16 parts by weight of Pueraria root, 14 parts by weight of Ephedra root, 10 parts by weight of Pinellia Root, 6 parts by weight of Ginger Root, 6 parts by weight of Cinnamon Bark, 6 parts by weight of Apricot Ninja, 7 parts by weight of Peony Root, 7 parts by weight of Pinellia Root, Platycodon grandiflorum, 7 parts by weight of Scutellaria Root, 9 parts by weight of Bupleurum Root, and 5 parts by weight of Licorice.

[0031] The extract of the above-mentioned Chinese medicine may be in the form of a liquid extract such as a liquid extract or a soft extract, or in the form of a solid dry extract powder.

[0032] The liquid extract of the above-mentioned Chinese medicine can be obtained by extracting a mixture of herbal medicines according to the above-mentioned Chinese medicine and concentrating the resulting extract as necessary. The extraction solvent used for the extraction is not particularly limited, and includes water or aqueous ethanol, preferably water. The dried extract powder of the above-mentioned Chinese medicine can be obtained by drying the liquid extract. The drying method is not particularly limited, and examples include spray drying and a method in which a suitable adsorbent (e.g., silicic anhydride, starch, etc.) is added to a soft extract with an increased extract concentration to obtain an adsorbed powder.

[0033] In the present invention, the extracts of the herbal medicines may be prepared by the aforementioned methods or may be commercially available. For example, commercially available products include "Sho-seiryu-to Extract" (manufactured by Nippon Powder Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.) as a soft extract of Sho-seiryu-to, "Sho-seiryu-to Dried Extract-A," "Sho-seiryu-to Extract (27D·ATS)" (all manufactured by Nippon Powder Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.) as dried extracts of Sho-seiryu-to, "Sho-seiryu-to Dried Extract-F" (Alps Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), "Kakkonto Extract (17D·W)," "Kakkonto Extract (25D·AT)," and "Kakkonto Extract (25D·AZ)" (all manufactured by Nippon Powder Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.) as dried extracts of Kakkonto, and "Kakkonto Extract-A(T)" (manufactured by Nippon Powder Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.) as a soft extract of Kakkonto.

[0034] The above-mentioned herbal medicines may be used alone or in combination with one another.

[0035] Among the above-mentioned Chinese herbal medicines, from the viewpoint of further enhancing the effect of activating ciliary movement in the upper respiratory tract mucosa, Shoseiryuto and Kakkonto are preferred, and Shoseiryuto is more preferred.

[0036] In the ciliary movement activator for upper respiratory tract mucosa of the present invention, the content of the herbal extract is not particularly limited as long as the effects of the present invention are achieved, and may vary depending on the dosage form, etc., but is typically 10 to 100% by weight, preferably 20 to 90% by weight, and more preferably 40 to 80% by weight, calculated as the amount of dried herbal extract powder. In the present invention, the amount of dried herbal extract powder refers to the amount itself when a dried herbal extract powder is used, and refers to the amount remaining after removing the solvent when a liquid herbal extract is used. In addition, if the dried herbal extract powder contains additives such as adsorbents added during production, the amount refers to the amount excluding the additives.

[0037] Other ingredients The ciliary movement activator for upper respiratory tract mucosa of the present invention may consist solely of the above-mentioned herbal extract, or may contain additives and bases depending on the formulation. Such additives and bases are not particularly limited as long as they are pharmaceutically acceptable, and examples thereof include excipients, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, isotonicity agents, plasticizers, dispersants, emulsifiers, solubilizers, humectants, stabilizers, suspending agents, adhesives, coating agents, glossing agents, water, oils and fats, waxes, hydrocarbons, fatty acids, higher alcohols, esters, water-soluble polymers, surfactants, metal soaps, lower alcohols, polyhydric alcohols, pH adjusters, buffers, antioxidants, UV protection agents, preservatives, flavoring agents, fragrances, powders, thickeners, pigments, and chelating agents. These additives may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of these additives and bases is appropriately determined depending on the type of additives and bases used, the formulation of the ciliary movement activator for upper respiratory tract mucosa, and other factors.

[0038] In addition, the ciliary movement activator for the upper respiratory tract mucosa of the present invention may contain other nutritional components or pharmacological components as needed in addition to the above-mentioned herbal extract. Such nutritional components and pharmacological components are not particularly limited as long as they are pharmaceutically acceptable, and examples thereof include antacids, stomachic agents, digestive aids, intestinal regulators, antispasmodics, mucosal repair agents, anti-inflammatory agents, astringents, antiemetics, antitussives, expectorants, anti-inflammatory enzymes, sedatives, hypnotics, antihistamines, caffeine, cardiac diuretics, antibacterial agents, vasoconstrictors, vasodilators, local anesthetics, herbal extracts, vitamins, and menthols. These nutritional components and pharmacological components may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of these components is appropriately determined depending on the type of components used.

[0039] Formulation The formulation of the ciliary movement activator for the upper respiratory tract mucosa of the present invention is not particularly limited, as long as it can be administered orally. Examples of the formulation include solid formulations such as powders, fine granules, granules, tablets, troches, chewable tablets, capsules (soft capsules, hard capsules), and pills; semi-solid formulations such as jellies; and liquid formulations such as solutions, suspensions, and syrups, with liquid formulations being preferred.

[0040] Manufacturing method The method for producing the ciliary movement activator for the upper respiratory tract mucosa of the present invention may be carried out by preparing a formulation using the above-mentioned herbal ingredients according to a conventional formulation method employed in the pharmaceutical field.

[0041] Purpose The ciliary movement activator for upper respiratory tract mucosa of the present invention is used for the purpose of activating ciliary movement of upper respiratory tract mucosa, more specifically, activating cilia movement of nasal mucosa and / or pharyngeal mucosa. Activating ciliary movement of upper respiratory tract mucosa enhances the ability to expel foreign substances such as viruses, and therefore can be used for the purpose of preventing infectious diseases.

[0042] The ciliary movement activator for the upper respiratory tract mucosa of the present invention can be used for subjects belonging to various physical fitness classes. That is, the ciliary movement activator for the upper respiratory tract mucosa of the present invention can be used for subjects belonging to physical fitness classes that are not suitable for the above-mentioned specified herbal extracts, including those who are physically weak, slightly weak, moderately fit, relatively fit, and fully fit. These physical fitness classes are criteria used by those skilled in the art for determining the application of Chinese herbal medicines.

[0043] Among the people belonging to the above physical fitness classifications, from the viewpoint of further enhancing the effect of activating ciliary movement in the upper respiratory tract mucosa, preferably, physically weak people are included. More specific examples of physically weak people include people with weak stomachs, people who are sensitive to cold, and the elderly (specifically, people aged 65 or over).

[0044] As described above, the ciliary movement activator for the upper respiratory tract mucosa of the present invention can be used for the purpose of preventing infectious diseases, and therefore is preferably applied to subjects without a runny nose.

[0045] The ciliary movement activator for upper respiratory tract mucosa of the present invention is particularly preferably applied to subjects with reduced ciliary movement function in the upper respiratory tract mucosa, such as smokers and elderly people (specifically, those aged 65 or older).

[0046] Dosage / Usage The ciliary movement activator for upper respiratory tract mucosa of the present invention is administered orally. The dose of the ciliary movement activator for upper respiratory tract mucosa of the present invention is appropriately determined depending on the age, constitution, severity of symptoms, etc. of the recipient. For example, for humans, the total amount (equivalent to the amount of raw herbs) of (i) Pueraria root, (ii) Ephedra, (iii) Chinese cabbage, (iv) Ginger and Radix Candida, (v) Cinnamon bark, (vi) Peony root, (vii) Pinellia root, and (viii) Licorice used in the preparation of the herbal extract is about 5 to 40 g, preferably about 6.5 to 30 g, more preferably about 8 to 28 g, per day, 1 to 3 times a day, preferably 3 times a day.

[0047] The timing of administration of the ciliary movement activator for upper respiratory tract mucosa of the present invention is not particularly limited, and may be before, after, or between meals, although before meals (30 minutes before a meal) or between meals (2 hours after a meal) is preferred. Furthermore, because the ciliary movement activator for upper respiratory tract mucosa of the present invention has an immediate effect, it can be administered before exposure to an environment where foreign substances may enter the nasal cavity, for example, before meeting others or before going out, more specifically, 3 to 5 hours before meeting others or going out. Furthermore, the administration period of the ciliary movement activator for upper respiratory tract mucosa of the present invention can be, for example, 1 to 5 days, preferably 1 to 3 days, and more preferably 1 to 2 days. [Example]

[0048] The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0049] Test Example 1 (1) Preparation of ciliary movement activator for upper respiratory tract mucosa The following two types of ciliary movement activators for the upper respiratory tract mucosa were prepared. (1-1) Ciliary movement activator for upper respiratory tract mucosa containing Sho-seiryu-to extract A mixture of 6.0 g of Pinellia Root, 3.0 g of Ephedra Root, 3.0 g of Peony Root, 3.0 g of Kankyo, 3.0 g of Licorice Root, 3.0 g of Cinnamon Bark, 3.0 g of Saishin, and 3.0 g of Gomizunomi was used as raw herbal ingredients. The mixture was placed in an extractor, purified water was added, and the mixture was extracted with stirring at 80-90°C for 2 hours, followed by filtration. The resulting filtrate was concentrated using a vacuum concentrator (temperature: 50-60°C). Additives were added to the concentrate to obtain a liquid shoseiryuto extract (daily dose, 27 g of raw herbal equivalent) as a ciliary movement activator for the upper respiratory tract mucosa.

[0050] (1-2) Ciliary movement activator for upper respiratory tract mucosa containing Kakkonto extract A mixture of 8.0 g of Pueraria root, 2.0 g of Licorice root, 3.0 g of Cinnamon bark, 3.0 g of Peony root, 4.0 g of Ephedra root, 1.0 g of Ginger root, and 4.0 g of Rhizome root was used as raw herbal ingredients. The mixture was placed in an extractor, purified water was added, and the mixture was extracted with stirring at 80-90°C for 2 hours, followed by filtration. The resulting filtrate was concentrated using a vacuum concentrator (temperature: 50-60°C). Additives were added to the concentrate to obtain a Kakkonto extract liquid (daily dose, 25 g of raw herbal equivalent) as a ciliary movement activator for the upper respiratory tract mucosa.

[0051] (2) Experimental method (2-1) Subjects The subjects were adult men and women with good physical fitness and those with a frail constitution. Neither the good physical fitness nor the frail constitutional subjects belonged to the physical fitness classification for which shoseiryuto was prescribed, and the frail constitutional subjects did not belong to the physical fitness classification for which kakkonto was prescribed. The frail constitutional subjects all lacked physical fitness, easily fatigued, had weak stomachs and intestines, and were prone to cold. Furthermore, unlike the subjects for whom shoseiryuto was prescribed, none of the subjects had a runny nose. The subjects were divided into three groups: a group of good physical fitness subjects (5 men and women) taking an upper respiratory tract mucosal ciliary motility activator containing shoseiryuto extract; a group of frail constitutional subjects (5 men and women) taking an upper respiratory tract mucosal ciliary motility activator containing shoseiryuto extract; and a group of frail constitutional subjects (5 men and women) taking an upper respiratory tract mucosal ciliary motility activator containing kakkonto extract.

[0052] (2-2) Administration method Each subject was administered one-third of the daily dose of each ciliary motility activator for the upper respiratory mucosa before a meal. Care was taken to ensure that the dose did not fluctuate significantly due to food intake during the study period. A saccharin test was conducted before and 3 hours after administration. The subjects were allowed to acclimate for 15 minutes in a test room at 25°C and 55% humidity. After acclimatization, a 2-mm diameter saccharin pellet was placed near the right inferior turbinate (7-10 mm from the anterior end of the inferior turbinate). The subjects were then swallowed every 30 seconds, and the time it took to taste the sweetness (saccharin time) was measured, doubled from the time of placement.

[0053] The results for the group of physically fit subjects who took shoseiryuto extract are shown in Figure 1, the results for the group of frail subjects who took shoseiryuto extract are shown in Figure 2, and the results for the group of frail subjects who took kakkonto extract are shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in all groups, the ciliary movement of the upper respiratory tract mucosa was activated because the saccharin time was earlier. In particular, as shown by comparing Figures 1 and 2, the activation effect of ciliary movement of the upper respiratory tract mucosa was even greater in the frail subjects.

Claims

1. An agent for activating ciliary movement in the upper respiratory tract mucosa, containing Xiaoqinglongtang extract and applied to physically weak people.

2. The ciliary movement activator for the upper respiratory tract mucosa according to claim 1, which is applied to a subject in a condition without runny nose.

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