concentration improver

Abstract

To provide an internal medicine that can improve concentration.SOLUTION: A Keishi-ka-ryukotsu-borei-to extract serves as an active ingredient of a concentration improver.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a concentration improver. [Background technology]

[0002] Concentration is essential for efficient work and study. A lack of concentration can negatively impact work and study performance, leading to increased mistakes and reduced productivity, so improving concentration has always been an important issue for people engaged in social activities. Factors that lead to decreased concentration are diversifying, driven by long hours of desk work, increased opportunities for interruptions due to frequent remote meetings, and the spread of working from home with family members, making it increasingly necessary to improve concentration.

[0003] Consuming caffeinated beverages is a common approach to improving concentration. This approach is based not only on empirical findings but also on scientific evidence, and the "improvement of concentration and attention through caffeine intake" is one of the effects that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recognized as "scientifically based and allowing for a health claim (food functionality labeling)" (Non-Patent Document 1).

[0004] Here, from the perspective of mental health, attention has been focused on methods for assessing stress, and cortisol, a biomarker that has been confirmed to be associated with stress, is one of the most commonly used stress markers (Non-Patent Documents 2, 3, etc.). For this reason, cortisol levels are used as an index for objectively evaluating the actual effects on mental stress of measures aimed at reducing or eliminating mental stress. For example, there have been reports confirming the stress-relieving effect of music by measuring salivary cortisol levels (Non-Patent Document 4), and confirming that ornithine intake reduces mental stress by measuring salivary cortisol levels (Non-Patent Documents 5, 6, etc.), and salivary cortisol levels are widely used as an objective index of mental stress.

[0005] As mentioned above, while a positive correlation between mental stress, or unpleasant stress, and cortisol secretion is widely known, a positive correlation between concentration and cortisol secretion is also known. For example, it has been reported that, among subjects assigned a mental arithmetic task, those with a high sense of control during the task concentrated and made more effort than those with a low sense of control, and that despite low subjective stress levels and feelings of irritation, their cortisol secretion was high (Non-Patent Document 7). It has also been reported that a significant positive correlation was observed between concentration during task completion and cortisol secretion, and that changes in the psychological variable of concentration during learning activities can be evaluated using cortisol (Non-Patent Document 8).

[0006] Caffeine, which is officially recognized as improving concentration and attention, has also been reported to increase cortisol levels upon ingestion (Non-Patent Document 9). In other words, the mechanism by which caffeine intake improves concentration is believed to be due to caffeine's effect of increasing cortisol levels. Caffeine's psychomotor stimulant effect is well known, and is believed to be due to a mechanism of action that indirectly promotes the release of excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate and dopamine into the synaptic cleft via blockade of adenosine A2A receptors (Non-Patent Document 10). In other words, it is believed that caffeine's improved concentration, as manifested by an increase in cortisol levels, is due to its psychomotor stimulant effect. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0007] [Non-Patent Document 1] EFSA J 2011; 9(4): 2054 [Non-patent document 2] Journal of the Japanese Society of Complementary and Alternative Medicine / Vol. 4 (2007) No. 3 pp. 91-101 [Non-patent document 3] Japanese Journal of Pharmacology 129,80-84(2007) [Non-patent document 4] Human Environmental Studies Vol. 11 No. 1 19-25 [Non-patent document 5] Journal of Nutrition, Vol. 69, No. 5, Supplement 300 (2011) [Non-patent document 6] Food and Development Vol. 48 No. 3 97-99 (2013) [Non-Patent Document 7] Psychological Research Vol. 74 No. 2 164-170 (2003) [Non-patent document 8] IEICE Technical Research Report 101(706) 157-164 (2002) [Non-Patent Document 9] Application to objective evaluation of stress management effectiveness, Stress Management Research 9, 3-17 (2012) [Non-Patent Document 10] J. Neurochem. 105, 1067-1079 (2008) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Thus, to improve concentration, it is reasonable to increase cortisol levels using a neurostimulant such as caffeine. However, caffeine sensitivity varies greatly from person to person. For this reason, people with high caffeine sensitivity are significantly restricted in the amount and duration of caffeine intake, and may not be able to fully enjoy the concentration-enhancing effects of caffeine. For this reason, new options are needed as oral medications that can improve concentration.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an oral preparation that can improve concentration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present inventors have conducted extensive research and have found that Keishikaryukotsuboreito has the unexpected effect of improving concentration, despite its cortisol-reducing effect. Based on this finding, the present invention was completed through further research.

[0011] That is, the present invention provides the following aspects. Item 1. A concentration improver containing extract of Keishi Jia Longgu Muli Tang. Item 2. The concentration improver according to Item 1, which improves concentration when operating electronic devices. Item 3. The concentration improver according to item 1 or 2, which is applied to the demonstration. Item 4. A concentration improver according to any one of Items 1 to 3, which is applied to people who do not suffer from mental health problems. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, an oral preparation capable of improving concentration is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 shows the effect of the concentration improver of the present invention on improving the error rate in clerical work. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The concentration improver of the present invention is characterized by containing Keishikaryukotsuboreito extract and being used to improve concentration. The concentration improver of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0015] Keishikaryukotsuboreito extract The Kampo prescription for Keishika Longgutsu Mulito is preferably the one described in "New Guide to General Kampo Prescriptions" (edited by Goda Yukihiro and Hakamzuka Takashi, edited by the Japan Kampo Herbal Medicine Preparation Association, published by Jiho Co., Ltd.), specifically including a mixture of herbs consisting of cinnamon bark, peony root, Chinese rhizome, scutellaria root, borehigashi, licorice root, and ginger. Furthermore, Keishika Longgutsu Mulito encompasses the mixture of herbs (Kampo prescriptions) described in currently commonly used Kampo-related letters, as stipulated in the "Basic Handling Guidelines for Kampo Preparations" established by the Kampo Herbal Medicine Research Council.

[0016] The amounts of each medicinal herb that makes up Keishi Jia Longgu Muli Tang include 1 to 4 parts by weight of cinnamon bark, preferably 1.5 to 3 parts by weight; 1 to 4 parts by weight of peony root, preferably 1.5 to 3 parts by weight; 1 to 4 parts by weight of rhizome, preferably 1.5 to 3 parts by weight; 0.75 to 3 parts by weight of rye root, preferably 1 to 2 parts by weight; 0.75 to 3 parts by weight of rye root, preferably 1 to 2 parts by weight; 0.5 to 2 parts by weight of licorice, preferably 0.75 to 1.5 parts by weight; and 0.25 to 1.5 parts by weight of ginger, preferably 0.5 to 1 part by weight.

[0017] Suitable examples of herbal medicine preparations used in the production of the Keishikaryukotsuboreito extract used in the present invention include 2 parts by weight of cinnamon bark, 2 parts by weight of peony root, 2 parts by weight of rhizome, 1.5 parts by weight of rheum rhizome, 1.5 parts by weight of borehir, 1 part by weight of licorice root, and 0.5 parts by weight of ginger.

[0018] The extract form of Keishikaryukotsuboreito may be either a liquid extract such as a soft extract, or a solid dry extract powder.

[0019] The liquid extract of Keishika Longgu Muli Tang can be obtained by extracting the mixed herbs according to the Keishika Longgu Muli Tang prescription and concentrating the resulting extract as necessary. The dried extract powder of Keishika Longgu Muli Tang can be obtained by drying the liquid extract.

[0020] In the production of an extract of Keishi Jia Longgu Muli Tang, the extraction solvent used in the extraction process is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include water or aqueous ethanol. The extraction process for Keishi Jia Longgu Muli Tang is not particularly limited, but examples include extracting the herbs contained in Keishi Jia Longgu Muli Tang with an extraction solvent in an amount approximately 5 to 10 times the total weight (dry weight equivalent) of the herbs, concentrating the extract to half its volume, and removing the solids to obtain a liquid extract of Keishi Jia Longgu Muli Tang. Furthermore, this liquid extract can be dried to obtain a dried extract powder of Keishi Jia Longgu Muli Tang. The drying process is not particularly limited, and known methods can be used, such as spray drying, or adding an appropriate adsorbent (e.g., silicic anhydride, starch, etc.) to a soft extract with an increased extract concentration to obtain an adsorbed powder.

[0021] When an extract is used as Keishika Longgu Muli Tang in the present invention, the extract prepared by the above-mentioned method may be used, or a commercially available product may be used. For example, as a dried extract powder of Keishika Longgu Muli Tang, Keishika Longgu Muli Tang Dried Extract-F (manufactured by Alps Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd.) is known as a commercial product and can be obtained commercially.

[0022] In the concentration improver of the present invention, the content of the Keishi Jia Longgu Muli Tang extract is not particularly limited as long as the effects of the present invention are achieved, but is typically 5 to 100% by weight, preferably 10 to 90% by weight, more preferably 20 to 80% by weight, and even more preferably 30 to 60% by weight, calculated as the amount of dried Keishi Jia Longgu Muli Tang extract powder. In the present invention, the amount calculated as the amount of dried Keishi Jia Longgu Muli Tang extract powder refers to the amount of dried Keishi Jia Longgu Muli Tang extract itself when a dried Keishi Jia Longgu Muli Tang extract powder is used, and refers to the amount remaining after removing the solvent when a liquid Keishi Jia Longgu Muli Tang extract is used. Furthermore, when the dried Keishi Jia Longgu Muli Tang extract powder contains additives such as adsorbents added during production, the amount refers to the amount excluding these additives.

[0023] Other ingredients The concentration improver of the present invention may consist solely of Keishi Jia Longguo Muli Tang extract, or may contain additives and bases appropriate for 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, wetting agents, 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 protectors, 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 concentration improver, and other factors.

[0024] In addition, the concentration improver of the present invention may contain other nutritional components or pharmacological components in addition to the Keishi Jia Longguo Muli Tang extract, as necessary. 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 determined appropriately depending on the type of ingredients used and the formulation of the concentration improver.

[0025] Formulation The dosage form of the concentration improver of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can be administered orally, and examples thereof include solid preparations such as powders, fine granules, granules (including dry syrup), tablets, pills, and capsules (soft capsules and hard capsules); semi-solid preparations such as jellies; and liquid preparations such as solutions, suspensions, and syrups. Among these dosage forms, solid preparations are preferred from the viewpoints of the stability and portability of the ingredients contained therein.

[0026] To prepare the concentration improver of the present invention in the above-mentioned formulation, the agent for improving concentration can be formulated using the extract of Guizhi Jia Longguo Muli Tang, and additives, bases, and pharmacological ingredients added as needed, according to conventional formulation methods used in the pharmaceutical field.

[0027] Purpose The concentration improver of the present invention is used for the purpose of improving concentration. Examples of tasks requiring concentration include clerical work, preferably desk work, more preferably operating electronic devices such as personal computers, smartphones, and electronic tablets, and even more preferably tasks involving staring at the display of an electronic device. The type of work may include both studying and work.

[0028] Preferred examples of target users of the concentration improver of the present invention include people who work using the above-mentioned electronic devices on a daily basis, and the amount of time spent working in this manner is, for example, 4 hours or more per day, at which time the rate of subjective symptoms such as decreased concentration increases, and preferably 6 hours or more, at which time the rate of subjective symptoms such as decreased concentration increases.

[0029] The concentration improver of the present invention not only improves concentration but also reduces the amount of cortisol, a stress marker. Therefore, the concentration improver of the present invention is also useful for treating mental health disorders (generally, a state in which the amount of cortisol, a stress marker, is high) caused by psychological factors (such as poor interpersonal relationships, poor financial circumstances, difficulty in achieving goals, pressure to achieve goals, lack of ability, and psychological stress due to various types of harassment).

[0030] On the other hand, since the concentration improver of the present invention is used for purposes unrelated to the improvement of mental disorders, it is preferably applied to people who do not complain of mental health disorders.

[0031] The effect of improving concentration can be evaluated subjectively or by measuring the error rate in clerical work. The error rate can be measured, for example, by measuring the probability of making a typing error when inputting predetermined characters, or by measuring the probability of making an incorrect answer when performing mental arithmetic, but preferably by measuring the probability of making a typing error.

[0032] Dosage / Usage The concentration improver of the present invention is administered orally. The dosage of the concentration improver of the present invention is appropriately determined depending on the age, sex, constitution, severity of symptoms, etc. of the subject. For example, the dosage is approximately 0.2 to 20 g, preferably approximately 0.5 to 10 g, more preferably approximately 1 to 5 g, and even more preferably approximately 2 to 3 g of dried extract powder of Keishi Jia Longguo Muli Tang per person per day, taken 1 to 3 times a day, preferably 2 or 3 times a day. The timing of administration is not particularly limited and may be before, after, or between meals, but is preferably before (30 minutes before) or between meals (2 hours after).

[0033] The concentration improver of the present invention is highly effective in improving digital disorders, and an improvement effect can be obtained even after about 5 to 10 days. Therefore, the period of administration of the concentration improver of the present invention can be, for example, 5 days or more, 6 days or more, 7 days or more, 8 days or more, or 9 days or more, and the upper limit of the administration period can be, for example, 4 weeks or less, preferably 3 weeks or less, more preferably 2 weeks or less, and even more preferably 10 days or less, 9 days or less, 8 days or less, 7 days or less, or 6 days or less. [Example]

[0034] The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0035] Manufacturing of Keishikaryukotsuboreito extract powder The raw herbs were used in the following proportions: 2 parts by weight of cinnamon bark, 2 parts by weight of peony root, 2 parts by weight of Chinese cabbage, 1.5 parts by weight of rhododendron amurense, 1.5 parts by weight of mulberry root, 1 part by weight of licorice root, and 0.5 parts by weight of ginger. After chopping, these were extracted with 20 times their weight (210 parts by weight) of water at approximately 100°C for 1 hour, centrifuged to obtain an extract, which was concentrated under reduced pressure and dried using a spray dryer to obtain Keishikaryukotsuboreito extract powder. The resulting Keishikaryukotsuboreito extract powder weighed 25g per 105g of raw herbal mixture. The spray dryer drying was performed by dropping the extract into an atomizer rotating at 10,000 rpm and supplying hot air at 150°C.

[0036] Test Example (Test Method) The subjects were 10 healthy men and women (with no complaints of mental health problems). Due to the nature of their jobs, these subjects regularly performed office work that required them to stare at the screens of electronic devices such as computers for more than six hours a day, and they felt that this continued work was causing a decline in their ability to concentrate.

[0037] The English paper for transcription was distributed the day before the test. On the day of the test, participants were asked to transcribe the paper for 15 minutes using Word software upon opening their computers (approximately 2.5 hours after waking up). Immediately after this, saliva was collected for cortisol (a stress marker) measurements. On the day of the test, participants performed their usual office work (including staring at the display of an electronic device such as a computer). After completing their office work, they again transcribed and typed the English paper for 15 minutes to create a Word file, and saliva was collected immediately thereafter. This test was conducted before the start of the test (day 0), 5 days after the start of the test, and 10 days after the start of administration for the period when Keishika Longkotsu Muli Tang extract was not administered. For the period when Keishika Longkotsu Muli Tang extract was administered, the test was conducted before the start of the test (day 0, before administration of Keishika Longkotsu Muli Tang extract), 5 days after the start of administration, and 10 days after the start of administration. The Keishikaryukotsuboreito extract was administered before or between meals at a dose of 2.3 g (equivalent to the dry extract) per day, divided into two doses per day.

[0038] Cortisol in the collected saliva was measured by ELISA. Because cortisol levels in the human body are generally higher in the morning and lower at night, the relative amount (%) of evening cortisol levels was calculated, assuming morning cortisol levels as 100%, and then averaged.

[0039] In the created Word file, the ratio of the number of mistypings to the total number of typings (error rate) was calculated, and the error rate for each test day was calculated assuming the error rate before the test was 100%. The slope of the approximation line for each point was multiplied by -1 to calculate the degree of improvement. The higher the degree of improvement, the higher the ability to concentrate. The results are shown in Figure 1.

[0040] (result) The average relative cortisol level was 69% before administration (this value was elevated compared to the value measured on a day off when no office work was performed), 44% five days after starting administration, and 44% ten days after starting administration. This shows that taking Keishikaryukotsuboreito extract reduces cortisol levels.

[0041] Although cortisol levels were reduced by taking Keishikaryukotsuboreito extract, as shown in Figure 1, there was a significant improvement in error reduction and concentration during the Keishikaryukotsuboreito extract intake period. In fact, the subjects reported that they felt an improvement in their concentration during the intake period.

[0042] Furthermore, some of the test subjects had physical strength equivalent to that of traditional Chinese medicine, and in these individuals, the degree of reduction in relative cortisol levels was greater, and these individuals also experienced an even stronger effect of improving concentration during the period of taking the drug.

Claims

1. A concentration enhancer containing extract of Keishi Jia Longgu Muli Tang, which is used for symptomatic treatment and to improve the error rate when operating electronic devices.

2. The concentration improver according to claim 1, which is applied to people who do not complain of mental health disorders.

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