Cocoa-derived composition, and moisturizers, skin quality improving agents, hair quality improving agents, skin cosmetics, hair cosmetics, pharmaceutical compositions, and food compositions containing the cocoa-derived composition

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a cacao-derived composition containing a free ceramide, as well a moisturizer, a skin texture improving agent, a hair texture improving agent, a skin cosmetic, a hair cosmetic, a pharmaceutical composition and a food composition, each containing the cacao-derived composition. Provided are a moisturizer, a skin texture improving agent, a hair texture improving agent, a skin cosmetic, a hair cosmetic, a pharmaceutical composition and a food composition, each containing a cacao-derived composition that contains a cacao-derived ingredient, said cacao-derived ingredient including ceramide AP.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cocoa-derived composition, and a moisturizer, a skin quality improving agent, a hair quality improving agent, a skin cosmetic, a hair cosmetic, a pharmaceutical composition, and a food composition each containing the cocoa-derived composition. [Background technology]

[0002] Ceramide is the main component of intercellular lipids present in the stratum corneum of the human epidermis and is said to be an important component in the skin's barrier and moisturizing functions. It is also widely known that the amount of ceramide (especially ceramide AP) decreases with age, making it necessary to replenish ceramide by applying it to the skin or taking it orally.

[0003] The ceramides present in human epidermis are free ceramides. Because free ceramides have a different structure from the glycosphingolipids (glycosylceramides) commonly found in plants, it is difficult to obtain large amounts of free ceramides from natural sources.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a method for obtaining free ceramide from chestnut skin. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 021476 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a cocoa-derived composition containing free ceramide, as well as a moisturizer, skin quality improving agent, hair quality improving agent, skin cosmetic, hair cosmetic, pharmaceutical composition, and food composition each containing the cocoa-derived composition. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides the following inventions. [A1] A cocoa-derived composition containing a cocoa-derived component, wherein the cocoa-derived component includes ceramide AP. [A2] The cocoa-derived composition according to [A1], wherein the cocoa-derived component contains free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and the ratio of the amount of ceramide AP to the total amount of ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP is 0.30 or more by mass. [A3] The cocoa-derived composition according to [A1] or [A2], wherein the cocoa-derived component contains glucosylceramide, and the ratio of the amount of ceramide AP to the amount of glucosylceramide is 0.0020 or more in mass ratio. [A4] The cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A3], wherein the cocoa-derived component comprises free ceramides other than ceramide AP and glucosylceramide, and the ratio of the total amount of ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP to the amount of glucosylceramide is 0.0050 or more in mass ratio. [A5] The cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A4], wherein the cocoa-derived component comprises free ceramides other than ceramide AP and glucosylceramide, and the ratio of the total amount of ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP to the total amount of ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramide is 0.0050 or more in mass ratio. [A6] The cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A5], wherein the cocoa-derived component comprises free ceramides other than ceramide AP and glucosylceramide, and the ratio of the amount of ceramide AP to the total amount of ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramide is 0.0020 or more by mass. [A7] The cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A6], wherein the cocoa-derived component is a component obtained by subjecting one or more extraction raw materials selected from cocoa pod shells, cocoa pulp, cocoa bean shells, cocoa bean nibs, and cocoa bean germ to extraction treatment with an extraction solvent. [A8] The cocoa-derived composition according to [A7], wherein the extraction raw material comprises cocoa bean shells. [A9] A moisturizing agent containing the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8]. [A10] The moisturizer according to [A9], wherein the amount of ceramide AP is 0.001% by mass or more, based on the mass of the moisturizer. [A11] A skin quality improving agent containing the cacao-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8]. [A12] The skin quality improving agent according to [A11], wherein the amount of ceramide AP is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the skin quality improving agent. [A13] A hair quality improving agent containing the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8]. [A14] The hair quality improving agent according to [A13], wherein the amount of ceramide AP is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the hair quality improving agent. [A15] A skin cosmetic preparation containing the cacao-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8]. [A16] The skin cosmetic according to [A15], wherein the amount of ceramide AP is 0.001% by mass or more, based on the mass of the skin cosmetic. [A17] The skin cosmetic according to [A15] or [A16], wherein the skin cosmetic is a scalp cosmetic. [A18] A hair cosmetic comprising the cacao-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8]. [A19] The hair cosmetic according to [A18], wherein the amount of ceramide AP is 0.001% by mass or more, based on the mass of the hair cosmetic. [A20] A pharmaceutical composition comprising the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8]. [A21] The pharmaceutical composition according to [A20], wherein the amount of ceramide AP is 0.001% by mass or more, based on the mass of the pharmaceutical composition. [A22] A food composition containing the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8]. [A23] The food composition according to [A22], wherein the amount of ceramide AP is 0.0006% by mass or more, based on the mass of the food composition. [A24] A method for moisturizing the skin or hair of a subject, comprising applying the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8] to the skin or hair of the subject. [A25] A method for improving the skin quality of a subject, comprising applying the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8] to the skin of the subject. [A26] A method for improving the quality of a subject's hair, comprising applying the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8] to the subject's hair. [A27] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8] for moisturizing the skin or hair of a subject. [A28] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8] for improving the skin quality of a subject. [A29] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8] for improving the hair quality of a subject. [A30] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8] as an active ingredient of a moisturizer. [A31] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8] as an active ingredient of a skin quality improving agent. [A32] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8] as an active ingredient of a hair quality improving agent. [A33] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8] in the production of a moisturizer. [A34] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8] in the production of a skin quality improving agent. [A35] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8] in the production of a hair quality improving agent. [A36] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8] in the production of a skin cosmetic. [A37] The use according to [A36], wherein the skin cosmetic is a scalp cosmetic. [A38] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8] in the production of a hair cosmetic. [A39] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8] in the production of a pharmaceutical composition. [A40] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to any one of [A1] to [A8] in the production of a food composition.

[0008] The present invention also provides the following inventions. [B1] A cocoa-derived composition containing cocoa-derived free ceramides, wherein the amount of cocoa-derived free ceramides is 1.2% by mass or more based on the mass of the cocoa-derived composition. [B2] A moisturizing agent containing the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1]. [B3] The moisturizer according to [B2], wherein the amount of the cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more, based on the mass of the moisturizer. [B4] A skin quality improving agent containing the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1]. [B5] The skin quality improving agent according to [B4], wherein the amount of cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the skin quality improving agent. [B6] A hair quality improving agent containing the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1]. [B7] The hair quality improving agent according to [B6], wherein the amount of the cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the hair quality improving agent. [B8] A skin cosmetic containing the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1]. [B9] The skin cosmetic according to [B8], wherein the amount of cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the skin cosmetic. [B10] The skin cosmetic according to [B8] or [B9], wherein the skin cosmetic is a scalp cosmetic. [B11] A hair cosmetic comprising the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1]. [B12] The hair cosmetic according to [B11], wherein the amount of the cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the hair cosmetic. [B13] A pharmaceutical composition containing the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1]. [B14] The pharmaceutical composition according to [B13], wherein the amount of the cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the pharmaceutical composition. [B15] A food composition containing the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1]. [B16] The food composition according to [B15], wherein the amount of cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.0006% by mass or more, based on the mass of the food composition. [B17] A method for moisturizing the skin or hair of a subject, comprising applying the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1] to the skin or hair of the subject. [B18] A method for improving the skin quality of a subject, comprising applying the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1] to the skin of the subject. [B19] A method for improving the quality of a subject's hair, comprising applying the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1] to the subject's hair. [B20] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1] for moisturizing the skin or hair of a subject. [B21] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1] for improving the skin quality of a subject. [B22] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1] for improving the hair quality of a subject. [B23] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1] as an active ingredient of a moisturizer. [B24] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1] as an active ingredient of a skin quality improving agent. [B25] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1] as an active ingredient of a hair quality improving agent. [B26] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1] in the production of a moisturizer. [B27] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1] in the production of a skin quality improving agent. [B28] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1] in the production of a hair quality improving agent. [B29] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1] in the production of a skin cosmetic. [B30] The use according to [B29], wherein the skin cosmetic is a scalp cosmetic. [B31] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1] in the production of a hair cosmetic. [B32] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1] in the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition. [B33] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1] in the production of a food composition.

[0009] The present invention also provides the following inventions. [C1] A cocoa-derived composition containing an extract of cocoa bean shells, the extract of cocoa bean shells containing cocoa-derived free ceramides, the extract of cocoa bean shells being obtained by the following steps: (a) winnowing ground cocoa beans to separate them into a cocoa bean nib fraction and a cocoa bean shell fraction, and obtaining the cocoa bean shell fraction as a first cocoa-derived material; (b) optionally separating from the first cocoa-derived material any material that does not pass through a 16 mesh screen to obtain a second cocoa-derived material; and (c) subjecting the first or second cocoa-derived material to an extraction treatment with an extraction solvent to obtain an extract of cocoa bean shells; A cocoa-derived composition obtained by a method comprising: [C2] The cocoa-derived composition according to [C1], wherein in step (c), the first or second cocoa-derived material is extracted with an extraction solvent, and the resulting extract is then purified to obtain an extract of cocoa bean shells. [C3] A moisturizing agent containing the cocoa-derived composition according to [C1] or [C2]. [C4] The moisturizer according to [C3], wherein the amount of the cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more, based on the mass of the moisturizer. [C5] A skin quality improving agent containing the cocoa-derived composition according to [C1] or [C2]. [C6] The skin quality improving agent according to [C5], wherein the amount of cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the skin quality improving agent. [C7] A hair quality improving agent containing the cocoa-derived composition according to [C1] or [C2]. [C8] The hair quality improving agent according to [C7], wherein the amount of the cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the hair quality improving agent. [C9] A skin cosmetic containing the cocoa-derived composition according to [C1] or [C2]. [C10] The skin cosmetic according to [C9], wherein the amount of the cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more, based on the mass of the skin cosmetic. [C11] The skin cosmetic according to [C9] or [C10], wherein the skin cosmetic is a scalp cosmetic. [C12] A hair cosmetic comprising the cocoa-derived composition according to [C1] or [C2]. [C13] The hair cosmetic according to [C12], wherein the amount of the cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more, based on the mass of the hair cosmetic. [C14] A pharmaceutical composition comprising the cocoa-derived composition according to [C1] or [C2]. [C15] The pharmaceutical composition according to [C14], wherein the amount of the cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more, based on the mass of the pharmaceutical composition. [C16] A food composition containing the cocoa-derived composition according to [C1] or [C2]. [C17] The food composition according to [C16], wherein the amount of cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.0006% by mass or more, based on the mass of the food composition. [C18] A method for moisturizing a subject's skin or hair, comprising applying the cocoa-derived composition according to [C1] or [C2] to the subject's skin or hair. [C19] A method for improving the skin quality of a subject, comprising applying the cocoa-derived composition according to [C1] or [C2] to the skin of the subject. [C20] A method for improving the quality of a subject's hair, comprising applying the cocoa-derived composition according to [C1] or [C2] to the subject's hair. [C21] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to [C1] or [C2] for moisturizing the skin or hair of a subject. [C22] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] to improve the skin quality of a subject. [C23] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to [C1] or [C2] for improving the hair quality of a subject. [C24] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to [C1] or [C2] as an active ingredient of a moisturizer. [C25] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to [C1] or [C2] as an active ingredient of a skin quality improving agent. [C26] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to [C1] or [C2] as an active ingredient of a hair quality improving agent. [C27] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to [C1] or [C2] in the manufacture of a moisturizer. [C28] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to [C1] or [C2] in the production of a skin quality improving agent. [C29] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to [C1] or [C2] in the production of a hair quality improving agent. [C30] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to [C1] or [C2] in the production of a skin cosmetic. [C31] The use according to [C30], wherein the skin cosmetic is a scalp cosmetic. [C32] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to [C1] or [C2] in the production of a hair cosmetic. [C33] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to [C1] or [C2] in the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition. [C34] Use of the cocoa-derived composition according to [C1] or [C2] in the production of a food composition. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, there are provided a cocoa-derived composition containing free ceramide, as well as a moisturizer, a skin quality improving agent, a hair quality improving agent, a skin cosmetic, a hair cosmetic, a pharmaceutical composition, and a food composition containing the cocoa-derived composition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] <Cacao-derived composition> In one aspect, the present invention relates to a cocoa-derived composition.

[0012] The form of the cocoa-derived composition is not particularly limited, and examples of the form of the cocoa-derived composition include powder, paste, and liquid.

[0013] A cocoa-derived composition is a composition containing one or more cocoa-derived components. In addition to one or more cocoa-derived components, a cocoa-derived composition may also contain one or more other components. In this specification, one or more cocoa-derived components are simply referred to as "cocoa-derived components."

[0014] A cocoa pod (cocoa fruit) has a hard shell and contains pulp and cocoa beans (seeds) inside the shell. Cocoa beans have an outer shell and contain endosperm (nib) and germ inside the shell. In this specification, the cocoa pod shell is referred to as a "cocoa pod shell," the pulp inside the cocoa pod is referred to as "cocoa pulp," the outer shell of a cocoa bean is referred to as a "cocoa bean shell," the endosperm of a cocoa bean is referred to as a "cocoa bean nib," and the germ of a cocoa bean is referred to as a "cocoa bean germ."

[0015] Cocoa-derived ingredients are components obtained from the raw material, using the whole or parts of the cocoa pod as a raw material. The variety and origin of the cocoa are not particularly limited. Examples of cocoa varieties include Forastero, Criollo, Trinitario, and derivatives or hybrids thereof. Examples of cocoa origins include Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Brazil, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Dominican Republic. Examples of cocoa pod parts used as raw materials include cocoa pod shells, cocoa pulp, cocoa bean shells, cocoa bean nibs, and cocoa bean germ. One type of cocoa pod may be used as a raw material, or two or more types of cocoa pod parts may be used as raw materials. From the viewpoint of efficiently obtaining the desired cocoa-derived components (free ceramides (e.g., ceramide AP and / or free ceramides other than ceramide AP), glucosylceramide, etc., particularly free ceramides), the portion of the cocoa pod used as the raw material preferably contains cocoa beans or portions thereof (e.g., cocoa bean shells, cocoa bean nibs, cocoa bean germ, etc.), and more preferably contains cocoa bean shells. Examples of cocoa-derived components include ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, glucosylceramide, etc. The cocoa-derived component may contain one or more of these.

[0016] Cocoa beans can be harvested from cocoa pods together with the pulp. The harvested cocoa beans may be used as a raw material as is, or the cocoa beans may be subjected to one or more post-harvest treatments before use. The one or more post-harvest treatments may be selected from, for example, fermentation, pulp removal, crushing, sieving the crushed material, grinding, drying, sterilization, and roasting. From the viewpoint of efficiently obtaining the desired cocoa-derived components (free ceramides (e.g., ceramide AP and / or free ceramides other than ceramide AP), glucosylceramide, etc., particularly free ceramides), a lower roasting temperature is preferred. From the same viewpoint, a shorter fermentation period is also preferred. Note that the fermentation treatment is a treatment in which the cocoa beans are maintained under fermentable conditions, and fermentation of the cocoa beans can occur immediately after the cocoa beans are removed from the cocoa pod.

[0017] The cocoa-derived component is preferably a component obtained by subjecting one or more extraction raw materials selected from cocoa pod shells, cocoa pulp, cocoa bean shells, cocoa bean nibs, and cocoa bean germ to an extraction treatment with an extraction solvent. That is, the cocoa-derived composition preferably contains one or more selected from an extract of cocoa pod shells, an extract of cocoa pulp, an extract of cocoa bean shells, an extract of cocoa bean nibs, and an extract of cocoa bean germ. The cocoa-derived composition may be composed of one or more selected from these extracts. Each of these extracts contains cocoa-derived components (free ceramides (e.g., ceramide AP and / or free ceramides other than ceramide AP), glucosylceramide, etc., particularly free ceramides).

[0018] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the extraction raw material preferably contains cocoa bean shell. That is, the cocoa-derived composition preferably contains an extract of cocoa bean shell. The extraction raw material may contain, in addition to cocoa bean shell, one or more selected from cocoa pod shell, cocoa pulp, cocoa bean nib, and cocoa bean germ. That is, the cocoa-derived composition may contain, in addition to the extract of cocoa bean shell, one or more selected from an extract of cocoa pod shell, an extract of cocoa pulp, an extract of cocoa bean nib, and an extract of cocoa bean germ.

[0019] The cocoa pod shell extract, cocoa pulp extract, cocoa bean shell extract, cocoa bean nib extract, and cocoa bean germ extract are extracts obtained using cocoa pod shell, cocoa pulp, cocoa bean shell, cocoa bean nib, and cocoa bean germ as the extraction raw materials, respectively. The cocoa pod shell, cocoa pulp, cocoa bean shell, cocoa bean nib, and cocoa bean germ can each be obtained by separating them from cocoa pods according to a conventional method.

[0020] The extract can be obtained by subjecting the raw material to drying, crushing, sieving, or other processes as necessary, followed by extraction with an extraction solvent. Prior to the extraction, the raw material may be degreased with a non-polar solvent (e.g., hexane).

[0021] The extraction process is a process in which the desired cocoa-derived components (free ceramides (e.g., ceramide AP and / or free ceramides other than ceramide AP), glucosylceramides, etc., particularly free ceramides) are extracted from the extraction raw material using an extraction solvent, and can be carried out according to conventional methods. The extraction process can be carried out, for example, by contacting the extraction raw material with the extraction solvent. The amount of extraction solvent used is, for example, 1 to 8 L per 100 g of extraction raw material. The temperature when contacting the extraction raw material with the extraction solvent is, for example, 25 to 80°C. The time for contacting the extraction raw material with the extraction solvent is, for example, 1 to 24 hours. The contact between the extraction raw material and the extraction solvent can be carried out, for example, by immersing the extraction raw material in the extraction solvent and stirring as necessary. After the extraction process, the mixture of the extraction raw material and the extraction solvent is subjected to solid-liquid separation to remove the extraction residue, thereby obtaining an extract. The solid-liquid separation process can be selected from, for example, filtration (e.g., gravity filtration, suction filtration, etc.), centrifugation, decantation, etc. A diluted or concentrated solution can be obtained by diluting or concentrating the extract. A dried product can be obtained by drying the extract, diluted solution, or concentrated solution. A crudely purified product or purified product can be obtained by purifying the extract, diluted solution, concentrated solution, or dried product. Dilution, concentration, drying, and purification can each be performed according to conventional methods. The extract includes any form of extract, diluted solution, concentrated solution, dried product, crudely purified product, and purified product.

[0022] The extraction solvent is not particularly limited as long as it can extract the desired cocoa-derived components (free ceramides (e.g., ceramide AP and / or free ceramides other than ceramide AP), glucosylceramide, etc., particularly free ceramides). One type of solvent may be used as the extraction solvent, or a mixture of two or more types of solvents may be used as the extraction solvent. The extraction solvent is preferably used at room temperature or at a temperature below the boiling point.

[0023] The extraction solvent can be selected from polar solvents, preferably aliphatic alcohols having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples of aliphatic alcohols having 1 to 6 carbon atoms include methanol, ethanol, propyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, pentyl alcohol, and hexyl alcohol. The aliphatic alcohol may be linear or branched. For example, propyl alcohol may be n-propyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol. From the viewpoint of efficiently extracting the target cacao-derived components (free ceramides (e.g., ceramide AP and / or free ceramides other than ceramide AP), glucosylceramide, etc., particularly free ceramides), aliphatic alcohols having 2 to 6 carbon atoms are preferred, and ethanol is particularly preferred.

[0024] From the viewpoint of efficiently extracting the desired cocoa-derived components (free ceramides (e.g., ceramide AP and / or free ceramides other than ceramide AP), glucosylceramides, etc., particularly free ceramides), the less methanol in the extraction solvent, the better. The methanol content, based on the volume of the extraction solvent, is preferably 30% by volume or less, more preferably 20% by volume or less, and even more preferably 10% by volume or less. The lower limit is zero.

[0025] From the viewpoint of efficiently extracting the desired cocoa-derived components (free ceramides (e.g., ceramide AP and / or free ceramides other than ceramide AP), glucosylceramides, etc., especially free ceramides), the less non-polar solvent (e.g., pentane, octane, hexane, etc.) in the extraction solvent, the better. The total content of non-polar solvents is preferably 60% by volume or less, more preferably 50% by volume or less, and even more preferably 40% by volume or less, based on the volume of the extraction solvent. The lower limit is zero.

[0026] From the viewpoint of efficiently extracting the desired cocoa-derived components (free ceramides (e.g., ceramide AP and / or free ceramides other than ceramide AP), glucosylceramides, etc., particularly free ceramides), the less water contained in the extraction solvent, the better. The water content, based on the volume of the extraction solvent, is preferably 5% by volume or less, more preferably 1% by volume or less, and even more preferably 0.5% by volume or less. The lower limit is zero.

[0027] From the viewpoint of efficiently extracting the desired cocoa-derived components (free ceramides (e.g., ceramide AP and / or free ceramides other than ceramide AP), glucosylceramides, etc., especially free ceramides), the less polyhydric alcohol (e.g., propylene glycol, butylene glycol, glycerin, etc.) in the extraction solvent, the better. The total polyhydric alcohol content, based on the volume of the extraction solvent, is preferably 20% by volume or less, more preferably 10% by volume or less, and even more preferably 5% by volume or less. The lower limit is zero.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the cocoa-derived composition will be described.

[0029] First Embodiment The cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment has Feature A, which will be described later. A cocoa-derived composition having Feature A, which will be described later, has a moisturizing effect, a skin quality improving effect, and a hair quality improving effect. From the viewpoint of enhancing the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, it is preferable that the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment has, in addition to Feature A, which will be described later, one or more of Features B to H, which will be described later.

[0030] The moisturizing effect is exerted, for example, through the effect of suppressing transepidermal water loss. However, the moisturizing effect is not limited to the moisturizing effect exerted through the effect of suppressing transepidermal water loss. The skin quality improving effect is exerted, for example, through the moisturizing effect. However, the skin quality improving effect is not limited to the skin quality improving effect exerted through the moisturizing effect. The target skin may be skin on any part of the body, for example, the face, head, neck, back, shoulders, chest, abdomen, hands, feet, etc. Skin quality improvement includes preventing, treating, or improving symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by a decrease in the moisturizing function of the skin, such as dry skin, rough skin, sagging, dullness, formation of spots or wrinkles, decreased skin flexibility or elasticity, and decreased skin barrier function. The hair quality improving effect is exerted, for example, through the moisturizing effect. However, the hair quality improving effect is not limited to the hair quality improving effect exerted through the moisturizing effect. The target hair may be hair growing anywhere on the body, and examples include scalp hair, eyebrows, armpit hair, beard, body hair, etc. Improving hair quality includes preventing, treating, or improving symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by a decrease in the moisturizing function of hair, such as dry hair, rough hair, and a decrease in hair flexibility or elasticity.

[0031] [Feature A] The cacao-derived component preferably contains ceramide AP. The cacao-derived component may contain one type of ceramide AP or two or more types of ceramide AP.

[0032] Ceramide AP is a compound composed of phytosphingosine and an α-hydroxy fatty acid bound to the phytosphingosine via an amide bond. The amide bond is formed between the amino group of the phytosphingosine and the carboxyl group of the α-hydroxy fatty acid. Ceramide AP is a type of free ceramide.

[0033] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cacao-derived composition, the number of carbon atoms in the α-hydroxy fatty acid constituting ceramide AP is preferably 16 to 36, more preferably 20 to 26, and even more preferably 24 to 26.

[0034] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cacao-derived composition, the number of carbon-carbon double bonds in the α-hydroxy fatty acid constituting ceramide AP is preferably 0 to 2, more preferably 0 or 1, and even more preferably 0.

[0035] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the number of hydroxyl groups in the α-hydroxy fatty acid constituting ceramide AP is preferably 1, but may be 2 or more. The α-hydroxy fatty acid has an α-hydroxyl group. The α-hydroxy fatty acid may have a hydroxyl group other than an α-hydroxyl group (for example, a β-hydroxyl group).

[0036] [Feature B] The cacao-derived component preferably contains a free ceramide other than ceramide AP. The cacao-derived component may contain one type of free ceramide other than ceramide AP, or may contain two or more types of free ceramides other than ceramide AP.

[0037] Free ceramide is a compound composed of a ceramide skeleton. The ceramide skeleton is composed of a sphingoid base and a fatty acid amide-bonded to the sphingoid base. The amide bond is formed between the amino group of the sphingoid base and the carboxyl group of the fatty acid. No sugar, phosphate, or the like is bonded to the hydroxyl group of the sphingoid base in free ceramide.

[0038] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the number of carbon atoms in the sphingoid base constituting the free ceramide other than ceramide AP is preferably 14 to 24, more preferably 16 to 20, and even more preferably 18.

[0039] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cacao-derived composition, the number of carbon-carbon double bonds in the sphingoid base constituting the free ceramide other than ceramide AP is preferably 0 to 2, more preferably 0 or 1, and even more preferably 0. When the number of carbon-carbon double bonds is 1, the position and EZ configuration of the carbon-carbon double bond are, for example, 8Z, 8E, etc. When the number of carbon-carbon double bonds is 2, the position and EZ configuration of the carbon-carbon double bond are, for example, (4E,8Z), (4E,8E), etc.

[0040] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cacao-derived composition, the number of hydroxyl groups in the sphingoid base constituting the free ceramide other than ceramide AP is preferably 1 to 3, more preferably 2 or 3, and even more preferably 3.

[0041] Examples of sphingoid bases constituting free ceramides other than ceramide AP include dihydrosphingosine, sphingosine, phytosphingosine, 6-hydroxysphingosine, 4-hydroxysphingenine, 4,8-sphingadienine, etc. From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, dihydrosphingosine and 4-hydroxysphingenine are preferred, and 4-hydroxysphingenine is more preferred.

[0042] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cacao-derived composition, the number of carbon atoms of the fatty acid constituting the free ceramide other than ceramide AP is preferably 16 to 36, more preferably 20 to 26, and even more preferably 24 to 26.

[0043] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the number of carbon-carbon double bonds in the fatty acids constituting the free ceramides other than ceramide AP is preferably 0 to 2, more preferably 0 or 1, and even more preferably 0.

[0044] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cacao-derived composition, the number of hydroxyl groups of the fatty acid constituting the free ceramide other than ceramide AP is preferably 0 to 2, more preferably 1 or 2, and even more preferably 1.

[0045] The fatty acid constituting the free ceramide other than ceramide AP can be selected from, for example, nonhydroxy fatty acids, monohydroxy fatty acids, dihydroxy fatty acids, ester ω-hydroxy fatty acids, and the like.

[0046] Examples of (sphingoid base)-(fatty acid) combinations that constitute free ceramides other than ceramide AP include the following combinations. (1) A combination of a sphingoid base having two hydroxyl groups, 14 to 24 carbon atoms (especially 16 to 20 carbon atoms), and zero carbon-carbon double bonds, and a fatty acid having 16 to 36 carbon atoms (especially 20 to 26 carbon atoms) and zero carbon-carbon double bonds. (2) (a sphingoid base having two hydroxyl groups, 14 to 24 carbon atoms (especially 16 to 20), and one carbon-carbon double bond) - (a fatty acid having 16 to 36 carbon atoms (especially 20 to 26), and zero carbon-carbon double bonds) combination (3) A combination of a sphingoid base having two hydroxyl groups, 14 to 24 carbon atoms (especially 16 to 20), and two carbon-carbon double bonds, and a fatty acid having 16 to 36 carbon atoms (especially 20 to 26), and zero carbon-carbon double bonds. (4) (a sphingoid base having three hydroxyl groups, 14 to 24 carbon atoms (especially 16 to 20 carbon atoms), and zero carbon-carbon double bonds)-(a fatty acid having 16 to 36 carbon atoms (especially 20 to 26 carbon atoms) and zero carbon-carbon double bonds) combination (5) A combination of a sphingoid base having three hydroxyl groups, 14 to 24 carbon atoms (especially 16 to 20 carbon atoms), and one carbon-carbon double bond, and a fatty acid having 16 to 36 carbon atoms (especially 20 to 26 carbon atoms) and zero carbon-carbon double bonds. (6) (a sphingoid base having three hydroxyl groups, 14 to 24 carbon atoms (especially 16 to 20), and two carbon-carbon double bonds)-(a fatty acid having 16 to 36 carbon atoms (especially 20 to 26), and zero carbon-carbon double bonds) combination

[0047] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the cocoa-derived component preferably comprises one or more free ceramides other than ceramide AP, which have (sphingoid base)-(fatty acid) combinations (1) to (6). In combinations (1) to (6), the number of hydroxyl groups in the fatty acid is preferably 0 to 2, more preferably 1 or 2, and even more preferably 1. In combinations (1) to (6), the fatty acid may have an α-hydroxyl group. In combinations (1) to (6), the fatty acid may have a hydroxyl group other than an α-hydroxyl group (for example, a β-hydroxyl group).

[0048] Free ceramides include the following free ceramides generated by the bonding pattern of a sphingoid base and a fatty acid:

[0049] [Table A]

[0050] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, it is preferable that the cocoa-derived component contains one or more free ceramides selected from those other than ceramide AP, which have a (sphingoid base)-(fatty acid) combination of (a sphingoid base having 2 or 3 hydroxyl groups, 18 carbon atoms, and 0 or 1 carbon-carbon double bond)-(a fatty acid having 20 to 26 carbon atoms, 0 carbon-carbon double bonds, and 0 to 2 hydroxyl groups).

[0051] [Feature C] The cacao-derived component preferably contains glucosylceramide. The cacao-derived component may contain one type of glucosylceramide or two or more types of glucosylceramide.

[0052] Glucosylceramide is a compound composed of a ceramide skeleton and glucose glycosidically bound to the hydroxyl group of a sphingoid base in the ceramide skeleton.

[0053] The ceramide skeleton is composed of a sphingoid base and a fatty acid amide bonded to the sphingoid base. The amide bond is formed between the amino group of the sphingoid base and the carboxyl group of the fatty acid.

[0054] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the number of carbon atoms in the sphingoid base constituting the glucosylceramide is preferably 14 to 24, more preferably 16 to 20, and even more preferably 18.

[0055] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cacao-derived composition, the number of carbon-carbon double bonds in the sphingoid base constituting the glucosylceramide is preferably 0 to 2, more preferably 1 or 2. When the number of carbon-carbon double bonds is 1, the position and EZ configuration of the carbon-carbon double bond are, for example, 8Z, 8E, etc. When the number of carbon-carbon double bonds is 2, the position and EZ configuration of the carbon-carbon double bond are, for example, (4E,8Z), (4E,8E), etc.

[0056] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cacao-derived composition, the number of hydroxyl groups in the sphingoid base constituting the glucosylceramide is preferably 1 to 3, more preferably 2 or 3, and even more preferably 3. The number of hydroxyl groups in the sphingoid base constituting the glucosylceramide also includes hydroxyl groups to which glucose is glycosidicly bonded.

[0057] Examples of sphingoid bases constituting glucosylceramide include dihydrosphingosine, sphingosine, phytosphingosine, 6-hydroxysphingosine, 4-hydroxysphingenine, 4,8-sphingadienine, etc. From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, dihydrosphingosine and 4-hydroxysphingenine are preferred, and 4-hydroxysphingenine is more preferred.

[0058] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the number of carbon atoms of the fatty acid constituting the glucosylceramide is preferably 16 to 36, more preferably 20 to 26, and even more preferably 24 to 26.

[0059] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing, skin quality improving, and hair quality improving effects of the cocoa-derived composition, the number of carbon-carbon double bonds in the fatty acid constituting the glucosylceramide is preferably 0 to 2, more preferably 0 or 1, and even more preferably 0.

[0060] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the number of hydroxyl groups of the fatty acid constituting the glucosylceramide is preferably 0 to 2, more preferably 1 or 2, and even more preferably 1.

[0061] The fatty acid constituting glucosylceramide can be selected from, for example, nonhydroxy fatty acids, monohydroxy fatty acids, dihydroxy fatty acids, esters of ω-hydroxy fatty acids, etc. The fatty acid constituting glucosylceramide may have an α-hydroxyl group (i.e., may be an α-hydroxy fatty acid). The fatty acid constituting glucosylceramide may have a hydroxyl group other than an α-hydroxyl group (e.g., a β-hydroxyl group).

[0062] Examples of (sphingoid base)-(fatty acid) combinations constituting glucosylceramide include the above-mentioned combinations (1) to (6). From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the cocoa-derived component preferably contains one or more glucosylceramides selected from the (sphingoid base)-(fatty acid) combinations (1) to (6). In combinations (1) to (6), the number of hydroxyl groups in the fatty acid is preferably 0 to 2, more preferably 1 or 2, and even more preferably 1. In combinations (1) to (6), the fatty acid may have an α-hydroxyl group. In combinations (1) to (6), the fatty acid may have a hydroxyl group other than an α-hydroxyl group (for example, a β-hydroxyl group).

[0063] The cacao-derived component may contain one or more glycosylceramides other than glucosylceramide. Glycosylceramide is a compound composed of a ceramide skeleton and a sugar glycosidically bonded to a hydroxyl group of a sphingoid base in the ceramide skeleton. Examples of glycosylceramides other than glucosylceramide include galactosylceramide. Galactosylceramide is a compound composed of a ceramide skeleton and galactose glycosidically bonded to a hydroxyl group of a sphingoid base in the ceramide skeleton.

[0064] [Feature D] The cacao-derived component preferably contains ceramide AP, a free ceramide other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramide. The cacao-derived component may contain one free ceramide other than ceramide AP, or may contain two or more free ceramides other than ceramide AP. The cacao-derived component may contain one glucosylceramide, or may contain two or more glucosylceramides.

[0065] The explanations regarding ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramide are as described above.

[0066] [Feature E] When the cacao-derived component contains ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP, the ratio of the amount of ceramide AP to the total amount of ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP (hereinafter referred to as "ratio A") is preferably 0.30 or more, more preferably 0.35 or more, even more preferably 0.40 or more, and even more preferably 0.45 or more, by mass.

[0067] Although there are no particular limitations on the upper limit of ratio A, ratio A is preferably 0.99 or less, more preferably 0.95 or less, even more preferably 0.90 or less, even more preferably 0.85 or less, and even more preferably 0.80 or less, in terms of mass ratio. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0068] The "amount of ceramide AP" means the amount of one type of ceramide AP when the cocoa-derived component contains one type of ceramide AP, and means the total amount of two or more types of ceramide AP when the cocoa-derived component contains two or more types of ceramide AP.

[0069] The "amount of free ceramides other than ceramide AP" means the amount of one type of free ceramide other than ceramide AP when the cocoa-derived component contains one type of free ceramide other than ceramide AP, and means the total amount of two or more types of free ceramides when the cocoa-derived component contains two or more types of free ceramides other than ceramide AP.

[0070] The ratio A is calculated based on the amount of ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component and the amount of free ceramides contained in the cocoa-derived component. The cocoa-derived composition may or may not contain ceramide AP other than the ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component. If the cocoa-derived composition contains ceramide AP other than the ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component, the amount of ceramide AP other than the ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component is not used in calculating the ratio A. The cocoa-derived composition may or may not contain free ceramides other than the free ceramides contained in the cocoa-derived component. If the cocoa-derived composition contains free ceramides other than the free ceramides contained in the cocoa-derived component, the amount of free ceramides other than the free ceramides contained in the cocoa-derived component is not used in calculating the ratio A.

[0071] [Feature F] When the cacao-derived component contains ceramide AP and glucosylceramide, the ratio of the amount of ceramide AP to the amount of glucosylceramide (hereinafter referred to as "ratio B") is preferably 0.0020 or more by mass, more preferably 0.040 or more, even more preferably 0.080 or more, even more preferably 0.12 or more, and even more preferably 0.16 or more.

[0072] Although there are no particular limitations on the upper limit of ratio B, ratio B is preferably 5.0 or less, more preferably 4.0 or less, even more preferably 3.0 or less, and even more preferably 2.0 or less, in terms of mass ratio. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0073] The meaning of "amount of ceramide AP" is as described above.

[0074] "Amount of glucosylceramide" means the amount of one type of glucosylceramide when the cocoa-derived component contains one type of glucosylceramide, and means the total amount of the two or more types of glucosylceramide when the cocoa-derived component contains two or more types of glucosylceramide.

[0075] Ratio B is calculated based on the amount of ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component and the amount of glucosylceramide contained in the cocoa-derived component. The cocoa-derived composition may or may not contain ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component. If the cocoa-derived composition contains ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component, the amount of ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component is not used in calculating Ratio B. The cocoa-derived composition may or may not contain glucosylceramide other than glucosylceramide contained in the cocoa-derived component. If the cocoa-derived composition contains glucosylceramide other than glucosylceramide contained in the cocoa-derived component, the amount of glucosylceramide other than glucosylceramide contained in the cocoa-derived component is not used in calculating Ratio B.

[0076] [Feature G] When the cacao-derived component contains ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramide, the ratio of the total amount of ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP to the amount of glucosylceramide (hereinafter referred to as "ratio C") is preferably 0.0050 or more, more preferably 0.50 or more, even more preferably 1.0 or more, and even more preferably 2.0 or more, in mass ratio.

[0077] Although there are no particular limitations on the upper limit of the ratio C, the ratio C is preferably 10 or less, more preferably 9.0 or less, even more preferably 8.0 or less, and even more preferably 7.0 or less, in terms of mass ratio. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0078] The meanings of "amount of ceramide AP," "amount of free ceramide other than ceramide AP," and "amount of glucosylceramide" are as described above.

[0079] The ratio C is calculated based on the amount of ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component, the amount of free ceramides contained in the cocoa-derived component, and the amount of glucosylceramide contained in the cocoa-derived component. The cocoa-derived composition may or may not contain ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component. When the cocoa-derived composition contains ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component, the amount of ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component is not used in calculating the ratio C. The cocoa-derived composition may or may not contain free ceramides other than those contained in the cocoa-derived component. When the cocoa-derived composition contains free ceramides other than those contained in the cocoa-derived component, the amount of free ceramides other than those contained in the cocoa-derived component is not used in calculating the ratio C. The cocoa-derived composition may or may not contain glucosylceramides other than those contained in the cocoa-derived component. If the cocoa-derived composition contains glucosylceramides other than those contained in the cocoa-derived component, the amount of glucosylceramides other than those contained in the cocoa-derived component is not used in calculating the ratio C.

[0080] [Feature H] When the cacao-derived component contains ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramide, the ratio of the total amount of ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP to the total amount of ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramide (hereinafter referred to as "ratio D") is preferably 0.0050 or more, more preferably 0.10 or more, even more preferably 0.20 or more, and even more preferably 0.30 or more, in mass ratio.

[0081] Although there are no particular limitations on the upper limit of the ratio D, the ratio D is preferably 3.0 or less, more preferably 2.0 or less, and even more preferably 1.0 or less, in terms of mass ratio. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0082] The meanings of "amount of ceramide AP," "amount of free ceramide other than ceramide AP," and "amount of glucosylceramide" are as described above.

[0083] The ratio D is calculated based on the amount of ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component, the amount of free ceramides contained in the cocoa-derived component, and the amount of glucosylceramide contained in the cocoa-derived component. The cocoa-derived composition may or may not contain ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component. If the cocoa-derived composition contains ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component, the amount of ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component is not used in calculating the ratio D. The cocoa-derived composition may or may not contain free ceramides other than free ceramides contained in the cocoa-derived component. If the cocoa-derived composition contains free ceramides other than free ceramides contained in the cocoa-derived component, the amount of free ceramides other than free ceramides contained in the cocoa-derived component is not used in calculating the ratio D. The cocoa-derived composition may or may not contain glucosylceramides other than glucosylceramide contained in the cocoa-derived component. If the cocoa-derived composition contains glucosylceramides other than those contained in the cocoa-derived component, the amount of glucosylceramides other than those contained in the cocoa-derived component is not used in calculating the ratio D.

[0084] [Feature I] When the cacao-derived component contains ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramide, the ratio of the amount of ceramide AP to the total amount of ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramide (hereinafter referred to as "ratio E") is preferably 0.0020 or more, more preferably 0.040 or more, even more preferably 0.080 or more, even more preferably 0.12 or more, and even more preferably 0.16 or more, by mass.

[0085] Although there are no particular limitations on the upper limit of the ratio E, the ratio E is preferably 1.0 or less, more preferably 0.9 or less, even more preferably 0.8 or less, and even more preferably 0.7 or less, in terms of mass ratio. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0086] The meanings of "amount of ceramide AP," "amount of free ceramide other than ceramide AP," and "amount of glucosylceramide" are as described above.

[0087] The ratio E is calculated based on the amount of ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component, the amount of free ceramides contained in the cocoa-derived component, and the amount of glucosylceramide contained in the cocoa-derived component. The cocoa-derived composition may or may not contain ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component. When the cocoa-derived composition contains ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component, the amount of ceramide AP other than ceramide AP contained in the cocoa-derived component is not used in calculating the ratio E. The cocoa-derived composition may or may not contain free ceramides other than free ceramides contained in the cocoa-derived component. When the cocoa-derived composition contains free ceramides other than free ceramides contained in the cocoa-derived component, the amount of free ceramides other than free ceramides contained in the cocoa-derived component is not used in calculating the ratio E. The cocoa-derived composition may or may not contain glucosylceramides other than glucosylceramide contained in the cocoa-derived component. If the cocoa-derived composition contains glucosylceramides other than those contained in the cocoa-derived component, the amount of glucosylceramides other than those contained in the cocoa-derived component is not used in calculating the ratio E.

[0088] The amounts of ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramide can be measured by analyzing the cocoa-derived composition using a liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer (LC-MS / MS). LC-MS / MS analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0089] <Second embodiment> In the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment, the cocoa-derived component includes free ceramide. In the second embodiment, the free ceramide contained in the cocoa-derived component may be referred to as "cocoa-derived free ceramide."

[0090] In the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment, the cocoa-derived component may contain one type of free ceramide or two or more types of free ceramides. The cocoa-derived component may contain one or more types of free ceramides selected from ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP. The explanations regarding ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP in the first embodiment (see Features A and B) also apply to the second embodiment.

[0091] In the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment, the cocoa-derived component may include glucosylceramide. The description of glucosylceramide in the first embodiment (see Feature C) also applies to the second embodiment.

[0092] The cacao-derived composition according to the second embodiment has moisturizing effects, skin quality improving effects, and hair quality improving effects.

[0093] The moisturizing effect is exerted, for example, through the effect of suppressing transepidermal water loss. However, the moisturizing effect is not limited to the moisturizing effect exerted through the effect of suppressing transepidermal water loss. The skin quality improving effect is exerted, for example, through the moisturizing effect. However, the skin quality improving effect is not limited to the skin quality improving effect exerted through the moisturizing effect. The target skin may be skin on any part of the body, for example, the face, head, neck, back, shoulders, chest, abdomen, hands, feet, etc. Skin quality improvement includes preventing, treating, or improving symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by a decrease in the moisturizing function of the skin, such as dry skin, rough skin, sagging, dullness, formation of spots or wrinkles, decreased skin flexibility or elasticity, and decreased skin barrier function. The hair quality improving effect is exerted, for example, through the moisturizing effect. However, the hair quality improving effect is not limited to the hair quality improving effect exerted through the moisturizing effect. The target hair may be hair growing anywhere on the body, and examples include scalp hair, eyebrows, armpit hair, beard, body hair, etc. Improving hair quality includes preventing, treating, or improving symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by a decrease in the moisturizing function of hair, such as dry hair, rough hair, and a decrease in hair flexibility or elasticity.

[0094] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing, skin quality improving, and hair quality improving effects of the cocoa-derived composition, the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment preferably has at least one of Feature A and Feature B, more preferably at least Feature A, and even more preferably both Feature A and Feature B. The explanation of Feature A and Feature B is as above.

[0095] The cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment may have Feature C or Feature D. The explanations regarding Feature C and Feature D are as above.

[0096] To enhance the moisturizing, skin quality improving, and hair quality improving effects of the cocoa-derived composition, the amount of cocoa-derived free ceramide in the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is preferably 1.2% by mass or more, more preferably 2.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 5.0% by mass or more, even more preferably 7.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 10.0% by mass or more, even more preferably 12.0% by mass or more, and even more preferably 24.0% by mass or more, based on the mass of the cocoa-derived composition. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be 99.9% by mass or less, 99.0% by mass or less, or 97.0% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0097] "Amount of cocoa-derived free ceramide" means the amount of one type of free ceramide when the cocoa-derived component contains one type of free ceramide, and means the total amount of two or more types of free ceramide when the cocoa-derived component contains two or more types of free ceramide.

[0098] The amount of free ceramide can be measured by analyzing the cocoa-derived composition by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). HPLC analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples. When HPLC analysis of a sample containing two or more free ceramides is performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples, the peaks of the two or more free ceramides overlap and are detected as a single peak. The amount calculated based on the peak area of ​​the detected peak and a calibration curve prepared using ceramide AP as a calibration curve standard is taken as the total amount of the two or more free ceramides. In other words, the total amount of the two or more free ceramides is calculated as the ceramide AP equivalent amount (amount converted to ceramide AP). A calibration curve is prepared from the peak areas obtained when HPLC analysis is performed at each predetermined concentration using ceramide AP (Hydroxyphytoceramide_C24:0) (Avanti) as a calibration curve standard.

[0099] The cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is preferably obtained by the following method.

[0100] Preparation of extraction materials An extraction raw material is prepared. The extraction raw material preferably contains cocoa bean shells. In addition to the cocoa bean shells, the extraction raw material may also contain one or more selected from cocoa pod shells, cocoa pulp, cocoa bean nibs, and cocoa bean germ.

[0101] Obtaining the extract The extraction raw material is subjected to extraction treatment with an extraction solvent to obtain an extract. The extraction treatment with an extraction solvent is as described above.

[0102] Obtaining dried material The extract is dried to obtain a dried product. The extract may be concentrated before drying. The extract may be concentrated, for example, using an evaporator. The extract may be dried, for example, by drying under reduced pressure.

[0103] The resulting dried product is preferably freeze-pulverized to obtain a dried and pulverized product. By freeze-pulverizing the dried product, the dried product can be homogenized. The freeze-pulverization can be carried out in the presence of liquid nitrogen.

[0104] Purification of dried or dried ground material The dried product or the dry-ground product (preferably the dry-ground product) is purified.

[0105] The dried product or the dried and pulverized product (preferably the dried and pulverized product) is preferably purified by the following method 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.

[0106] <Method 1> Method 1 includes the following processes.

[0107] Process A1: Water washing The dried product or the dried ground product is washed with water.

[0108] As the water, for example, purified water (e.g., Milli-Q water) can be used. The amount of water used is, for example, 1 to 10 mL, preferably 2 to 4 mL per 1 g of the dried product or dry pulverized product. Washing with water can be carried out, for example, by shaking and mixing a mixture of the dried product or dry pulverized product and water.

[0109] The shaking and mixing conditions are, for example, as follows. Temperature: for example, 4 to 50°C, preferably 20 to 30°C Shaking speed: for example, 10 to 500 rpm, preferably 100 to 200 rpm Time: for example, 1 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0110] Process A2: Centrifugation After treatment A1, the mixture is centrifuged.

[0111] The conditions for centrifugation are, for example, as follows. Temperature: for example, 1 to 40°C, preferably 2 to 5°C Rotation speed: for example, 100 to 15,000 rpm, preferably 2,000 to 4,000 rpm Time: For example, 5 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0112] Process A3: Collection of sediment After treatment A2, the supernatant is removed and the precipitate is collected.

[0113] Process A4: Repeat processes A1 to A3 After the treatment A3, the recovered precipitate is subjected to the treatments A1 to A3 (one cycle), for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times, and the precipitate is recovered. Treatment A4 may be omitted in some cases.

[0114] Process A5: Ethanol cleaning After treatment A4 (or after treatment A3 if treatment A4 is omitted), the recovered precipitate is washed with ethanol.

[0115] The ethanol concentration may be, for example, 40 to 99.5% by volume, preferably 50 to 70% by volume. The amount of ethanol used is, for example, 1 to 10 mL, preferably 2 to 4 mL per gram of precipitate. Ethanol washing can be performed, for example, by shaking and mixing a mixture of the precipitate and ethanol.

[0116] The shaking and mixing conditions are, for example, as follows. Temperature: for example, 4 to 50°C, preferably 20 to 30°C Shaking speed: for example, 10 to 500 rpm, preferably 100 to 200 rpm Time: for example, 1 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0117] Process A6: Centrifugation After treatment A5, the mixture is centrifuged.

[0118] The conditions for centrifugation are, for example, as follows. Temperature: for example, 1 to 40°C, preferably 2 to 5°C Rotation speed: for example, 100 to 15,000 rpm, preferably 2,000 to 4,000 rpm Time: for example, 1 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0119] Process A7: Collection of sediment After treatment A6, the supernatant is removed and the precipitate is collected.

[0120] Process A8: Repeat processes A5 to A7 After the treatment A7, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments A5 to A7 (one cycle), for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times, and the precipitate is recovered. Treatment A8 may be omitted in some cases.

[0121] Process A9: Drying After step A8 (or after step A7 if step A8 is omitted), the recovered precipitate is dried.

[0122] The precipitate can be dried, for example, by drying under reduced pressure.

[0123] Treatment A10: Activated carbon treatment After treatment A9, the dried product obtained is treated with activated carbon.

[0124] The activated carbon treatment can be carried out, for example, by contacting the dried product with activated carbon in ethanol. The ethanol used can be, for example, 40 to 99.8% by volume, preferably 95 to 99.5% by volume. The amount of ethanol used is, for example, 1 to 20 mL, preferably 5 to 10 mL, per gram of dried product. The contact of the dried product with activated carbon in ethanol can be carried out, for example, by shaking and mixing a mixture of ethanol, the dried product, and activated carbon. The concentration of activated carbon in the mixture of ethanol, the dried product, and activated carbon is, for example, 0.01 to 1 w / v%, preferably 0.05 to 0.2 w / v%.

[0125] The shaking and mixing conditions are, for example, as follows. Temperature: for example, 4 to 50°C, preferably 20 to 30°C Shaking speed: for example, 10 to 500 rpm, preferably 100 to 200 rpm Time: For example, 5 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0126] Process A11: Filtration After treatment A10, the mixture is filtered and the filtrate is collected.

[0127] Examples of filtration include natural filtration and suction filtration.

[0128] Process A12: Drying After treatment A11, the filtrate obtained is dried.

[0129] The filtrate can be dried, for example, by drying under reduced pressure.

[0130] The dried product obtained by process A12 is an example of a cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment. The amount of free cocoa-derived ceramide is preferably 2.0% by mass or more, more preferably 3.0% by mass or more, and even more preferably 4.0% by mass or more, based on the dry mass of the dried product. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be 99.0% by mass or less, 70.0% by mass or less, or 40.0% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0131] <Method 2> Method 2 includes the following steps:

[0132] Process B1: Water washing The dried product or the dried ground product is washed with water.

[0133] Process B1 can be performed in the same manner as process A1, and the explanations regarding process A1 also apply to process B1.

[0134] Process B2: Centrifugation After treatment B1, the mixture is centrifuged.

[0135] Process B2 can be performed in the same manner as process A2, and the explanation for process A2 also applies to process B2.

[0136] Process B3: Collection of sediment After treatment B2, the supernatant is removed and the precipitate is collected.

[0137] Process B4: Repeat processes B1 to B3 After the treatment B3, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments B1 to B3 (one cycle), for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times, and the precipitate is recovered. Treatment B4 may be omitted in some cases.

[0138] Treatment B5: Alkaline treatment After treatment B4 (or after treatment B3 if treatment B4 is omitted), the recovered precipitate is treated with alkali.

[0139] As the alkali, for example, an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide can be used. Examples of alkali metal hydroxides include NaOH and KOH, with NaOH being preferred. The concentration of the aqueous solution of alkali metal hydroxide is, for example, 0.01 to 0.8 M, preferably 0.3 to 0.5 M. The amount of the aqueous solution of alkali metal hydroxide used is, for example, 1 to 10 mL, preferably 2 to 4 mL per gram of precipitate. The alkali treatment can be carried out, for example, by shaking and mixing a mixture of the precipitate and the aqueous solution of alkali metal hydroxide.

[0140] The shaking and mixing conditions are, for example, as follows. Temperature: for example, 4 to 80°C, preferably 30 to 40°C Shaking speed: for example, 10 to 500 rpm, preferably 100 to 200 rpm Time: For example, 5 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0141] Process B6: Centrifugation After treatment B5, the mixture is centrifuged.

[0142] The conditions for centrifugation are, for example, as follows. Temperature: for example, 4 to 60°C, preferably 10 to 20°C Rotation speed: for example, 100 to 15,000 rpm, preferably 2,000 to 4,000 rpm Time: for example, 1 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0143] Process B7: Collection of sediment After treatment B6, the supernatant is removed and the precipitate is collected.

[0144] Process B8: Water washing After treatment B7, the recovered precipitate is washed with water.

[0145] The water washing can be carried out by adding water to the precipitate and then mixing by inverting. The water washing can be carried out in the same manner as in the treatment A1.

[0146] Process B9: Centrifugation After treatment B8, the mixture is centrifuged.

[0147] The conditions for centrifugation are, for example, as follows. Temperature: for example, 4 to 60°C, preferably 10 to 20°C Rotation speed: for example, 100 to 15,000 rpm, preferably 2,000 to 4,000 rpm Time: for example, 1 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0148] Process B10: Collection of sediment After the treatment B9, the supernatant is removed and the precipitate is collected.

[0149] Process B11: Repeat processes B8 to B10 After the treatment B10, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments B8 to B10 (one cycle), for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times, and the precipitate is recovered. Treatment B11 may be omitted in some cases.

[0150] Process B12: Drying After the treatment B11 (or after treatment B10 if treatment B11 is omitted), the recovered precipitate is dried.

[0151] The precipitate can be dried, for example, by drying under reduced pressure.

[0152] The dried product obtained in Process B12 is an example of a cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment. The amount of free cocoa-derived ceramide is preferably 1.2% by mass or more, more preferably 1.5% by mass or more, and even more preferably 2.0% by mass or more, based on the dry mass of the dried product. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be 99.0% by mass or less, 70.0% by mass or less, or 40.0% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0153] <Method 3> Method 3 includes the following steps:

[0154] Process C1: Remelting The dried material or the dried ground material is redissolved in ethanol.

[0155] The ethanol used may be, for example, 40 to 99.8% by volume, preferably 95 to 99.5% by volume. The amount of ethanol used is, for example, 1 to 10 mL, preferably 4 to 6 mL per gram of dried product or dried and pulverized product. Reconstitution can be carried out, for example, by ultrasonicating a mixture of the dried product or dried and pulverized product with ethanol, if necessary, and then shaking and mixing.

[0156] The conditions for the ultrasonic treatment are, for example, as follows. Temperature: for example, 4 to 60°C, preferably 20 to 40°C Time: for example, 1 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0157] The shaking and mixing conditions are, for example, as follows. Temperature: for example, 4 to 80°C, preferably 30 to 50°C Shaking speed: for example, 10 to 500 rpm, preferably 100 to 200 rpm Time: For example, 5 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0158] Process C2: Centrifugation After treatment C1, the mixture is centrifuged.

[0159] The conditions for centrifugation are, for example, as follows. Temperature: for example, 4 to 50°C, preferably 20 to 30°C Rotation speed: for example, 100 to 15,000 rpm, preferably 2,000 to 4,000 rpm Time: for example, 1 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0160] Process C3: Collection of sediment After treatment C2, the supernatant and precipitate are separated and collected.

[0161] Process C4: Repeat processes C1 to C3 After treatment C3, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments C1 to C3 (1 cycle), for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times, and the supernatant is recovered. The supernatant recovered in treatment C3 and the supernatant recovered in treatment C4 are combined and used in the next treatment. Treatment C4 may be omitted in some cases.

[0162] Treatment C5: Activated carbon treatment After treatment C4 (or after treatment C3 if treatment C4 is omitted), the supernatant obtained is treated with activated charcoal.

[0163] The activated carbon treatment can be carried out, for example, by contacting the supernatant with activated carbon. The contact between the supernatant and activated carbon can be carried out, for example, by shaking and mixing a mixture of the supernatant and activated carbon. The concentration of activated carbon in the mixture of the supernatant and activated carbon is, for example, 0.01 to 1 w / v%, preferably 0.05 to 0.2 w / v%.

[0164] The shaking and mixing conditions are, for example, as follows. Temperature: for example, 4 to 80°C, preferably 30 to 50°C Shaking speed: for example, 10 to 500 rpm, preferably 100 to 200 rpm Time: For example, 5 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0165] Process C6: Filtration After treatment C5, the mixture is filtered and the filtrate is collected.

[0166] Examples of filtration include natural filtration and suction filtration.

[0167] When filtration is performed using filter paper, it is preferable to wash the filter paper used for filtration with ethanol, and use the recovered filtrate (ethanol used for washing) together with the previously recovered filtrate in the next step. As the ethanol, for example, 40 to 99.8% by volume, preferably 95 to 99.5% by volume, of ethanol can be used. The amount of ethanol used is, for example, 1 to 10 mL, preferably 4 to 6 mL.

[0168] Treatment C7: Precipitation After treatment C6, water is added to the recovered filtrate.

[0169] As the water, for example, purified water (e.g., Milli-Q water) can be used. The amount of water added is, for example, 0.1 to 10 times, preferably 0.5 to 2 times the volume of the filtrate. The addition of water causes free ceramide to precipitate.

[0170] Process C8: Centrifugation After treatment C7, the mixture is centrifuged.

[0171] The conditions for centrifugation are, for example, as follows. Temperature: for example, 1 to 40°C, preferably 2 to 5°C Rotation speed: for example, 100 to 15,000 rpm, preferably 4,000 to 6,000 rpm Time: for example, 1 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0172] Process C9: Collection of sediment After treatment C8, the supernatant is removed and the precipitate is collected.

[0173] Treatment C10: Hexane washing After treatment C9, the recovered precipitate is washed with hexane.

[0174] The amount of hexane used is, for example, 0.1 to 5 mL, preferably 1 to 2 mL, per 1 g of precipitate. Hexane washing can be performed, for example, by stirring a mixture of the precipitate and hexane. Stirring can be performed, for example, using a vortex mixer. The stirring time is, for example, 0.1 to 5 minutes, preferably 1 to 2 minutes.

[0175] Process C11: Centrifugation After treatment C10, the mixture is centrifuged.

[0176] The conditions for centrifugation are, for example, as follows. Temperature: for example, 1 to 40°C, preferably 2 to 5°C Rotation speed: for example, 100 to 20,000 rpm, preferably 12,000 to 16,000 rpm Time: For example, 5 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes

[0177] Process C12: Collection of precipitate After treatment C11, the supernatant is removed and the precipitate is collected.

[0178] Process C13: Repeat processes C10 to C12 After the treatment C12, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments C10 to C12 (one cycle), for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times, and the precipitate is recovered. Treatment C13 may be omitted in some cases.

[0179] Process C14: Drying After treatment C13 (or after treatment C12 if treatment C13 is omitted), the recovered precipitate is dried.

[0180] The precipitate can be dried, for example, by drying under reduced pressure.

[0181] The dried product obtained in Process C14 is an example of a cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment. The amount of free cocoa-derived ceramide is preferably 5.0% by mass or more, more preferably 15.0% by mass or more, and even more preferably 25.0% by mass or more, based on the dry mass of the dried product. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be 99.0% by mass or less, 70.0% by mass or less, or 40.0% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0182] <Method 4> Method 4 is an improvement of Method 1. Method 4 includes the following steps.

[0183] Process D1: Water washing The dried product or the dried ground product is washed with water.

[0184] Treatment D1 can be carried out in the same manner as Treatment A1. The explanation for Treatment A1 also applies to Treatment D1 unless otherwise specified. The amount of water used is, for example, 1 to 10 mL, preferably 3 to 5 mL, per 1 g of the dried product or dried pulverized product.

[0185] Process D2: Centrifugation After treatment D1, the mixture is centrifuged.

[0186] Process D2 can be performed in the same manner as process A2, and the explanation for process A2 also applies to process D2.

[0187] Phys D3: Collection of sediment After treatment D2, the supernatant is removed and the precipitate is collected.

[0188] Process D4: Repeat processes D1 to D3 After the treatment D3, the recovered precipitate is subjected to the treatments D1 to D3 (one cycle), for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times, and the precipitate is recovered. The treatment D4 may be omitted in some cases.

[0189] Process D5: Ethanol washing After treatment D4 (or after treatment D3 if treatment D4 is omitted), the recovered precipitate is washed with ethanol.

[0190] Treatment D5 can be carried out in the same manner as Treatment A5. The explanation for Treatment A5 also applies to Treatment D5 unless otherwise specified. The amount of ethanol used is, for example, 1 to 10 mL, preferably 3 to 5 mL, per 1 g of precipitate.

[0191] Process D6: Centrifugation After treatment D5, the mixture is centrifuged.

[0192] Process D6 can be performed in the same manner as process A6, and the explanation regarding process A6 also applies to process D6.

[0193] Process D7: Collection of precipitate After treatment D6, the supernatant is removed and the precipitate is collected.

[0194] Process D8: Repeat processes D5 to D7 After the treatment D7, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments D5 to D7 (one cycle), for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times, and the precipitate is recovered. Treatment D8 may be omitted in some cases.

[0195] Process D9: Vacuum drying After treatment D8 (or after treatment D7 if treatment D8 is omitted), the recovered precipitate is dried.

[0196] Treatment D10: Activated carbon treatment After treatment D9, the dried product obtained is treated with activated carbon.

[0197] Treatment D10 can be carried out in the same manner as Treatment A10. The explanation for Treatment A10 also applies to Treatment D10 unless otherwise specified. The amount of ethanol used is, for example, 1 to 20 mL, preferably 5 to 10 mL, per gram of dry matter. The concentration of activated carbon in the mixture of ethanol, dry matter, and activated carbon is, for example, 0.01 to 1 w / v%, preferably 0.05 to 0.2 w / v%.

[0198] Process D11: Filtration After treatment D10, the mixture is filtered and the filtrate and residue are collected.

[0199] Examples of filtration include natural filtration and suction filtration.

[0200] Process D12: Extraction The residue obtained in the process D11 is extracted with ethanol, the obtained extract is filtered, and the filtrate is recovered.

[0201] The extraction treatment can be carried out, for example, by contacting the residue with ethanol. The ethanol used may be, for example, 40 to 99.8% by volume, preferably 95 to 99.5% by volume. The amount of ethanol used is, for example, 1 to 100 mL, preferably 10 to 40 mL, per gram of residue. Filtration methods include gravity filtration and suction filtration.

[0202] Process D13: Drying under reduced pressure The filtrate recovered in the process D11 and the filtrate recovered in the process D12 are combined and dried.

[0203] The filtrate can be dried, for example, by drying under reduced pressure.

[0204] The dried product obtained in process D13 is an example of a cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment. The amount of free cocoa-derived ceramide is preferably 2.8% by mass or more, more preferably 3.5% by mass or more, and even more preferably 4.2% by mass or more, based on the dry mass of the dried product. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be 99.0% by mass or less, 70.0% by mass or less, or 40.0% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0205] <Method 5> Method 5 is an improvement of Method 3. Method 5 includes the following steps.

[0206] Process E1: Redissolution The dried material or the dried ground material is redissolved in ethanol.

[0207] Treatment E1 can be carried out in the same manner as Treatment C1. The explanation for Treatment C1 also applies to Treatment E1 unless otherwise specified. The amount of ethanol used is, for example, 1 to 20 mL, preferably 3 to 8 mL, per 1 g of the dried product or dried and pulverized product.

[0208] Process E2: Centrifugation After treatment E1, the mixture is centrifuged.

[0209] Process E2 can be performed in the same manner as process C2, and the explanations regarding process C2 also apply to process E2.

[0210] Process E3: Collection of sediment After treatment E2, the supernatant and precipitate are separated and collected.

[0211] Process E4: Repeat processes E1 to E3 After treatment E3, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments E1 to E3 (1 cycle), for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times, and the supernatant is recovered. The supernatant recovered in treatment E3 and the supernatant recovered in treatment E4 are combined and used in the next treatment. Treatment E4 may be omitted in some cases.

[0212] Treatment E5: Activated carbon treatment After treatment E4 (or after treatment E3 if treatment E4 is omitted), the supernatant obtained is treated with activated charcoal.

[0213] Process E5 can be performed in the same manner as process C5, and the explanation for process C5 also applies to process E5.

[0214] Process E6: Filtration After treatment E5, the mixture is filtered and the filtrate is collected.

[0215] Process E6 can be performed in the same manner as process C6, and the explanation for process C6 also applies to process E6.

[0216] Treatment E7: Precipitation After treatment E6, water is added to the recovered filtrate.

[0217] Process E7 can be performed in the same manner as process C7, and the explanation for process C7 also applies to process E7.

[0218] Process E8: Centrifugation After treatment E7, the mixture is centrifuged.

[0219] Process E8 can be performed in the same manner as process C8, and the explanations regarding process C8 also apply to process E8.

[0220] Process E9: Collection of sediment After treatment E8, the supernatant is removed and the precipitate is collected.

[0221] Process E10: Vacuum drying After treatment C9, the recovered precipitate is dried.

[0222] The precipitate can be dried, for example, by drying under reduced pressure.

[0223] Process E11: Hexane wash After treatment E10, the dried product obtained is washed with hexane.

[0224] Treatment E11 may be carried out two or more times (for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times). Treatment E11 can be carried out in the same manner as treatment C10. The explanation regarding treatment C10 also applies to treatment E11.

[0225] Process E12: Centrifugation After treatment E11, the mixture is centrifuged.

[0226] The process E12 can be performed in the same manner as the process C11, and the explanations regarding the process C11 also apply to the process E12.

[0227] Process E13: Sediment recovery After treatment E12, the supernatant is removed and the precipitate is collected.

[0228] Process E14: Vacuum drying After treatment E13, the recovered precipitate is dried.

[0229] The precipitate can be dried, for example, by drying under reduced pressure.

[0230] The dried product obtained in step E14 is an example of a cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment. The amount of free cocoa-derived ceramides is preferably 13% by mass or more, more preferably 14% by mass or more, and even more preferably 15% by mass or more, based on the dry mass of the dried product. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be 99.0% by mass or less, 70.0% by mass or less, or 40.0% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0231] <Third embodiment> In the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment, the cocoa-derived component comprises a cocoa bean shell extract, and the cocoa bean shell extract comprises free ceramides. In the third embodiment, the free ceramides contained in the cocoa bean shell extract may be referred to as "cocoa-derived free ceramides."

[0232] In the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment, the cocoa bean shell extract may contain one or more free ceramides. The cocoa bean shell extract may contain one or more free ceramides selected from ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP. The explanations regarding ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP in the first embodiment (see Features A and B) also apply to the third embodiment.

[0233] In the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment, the extract of cocoa bean shells may contain glucosylceramide. The description of glucosylceramide in the first embodiment (see Feature C) also applies to the third embodiment.

[0234] The cacao-derived composition according to the third embodiment has moisturizing effects, skin quality improving effects, and hair quality improving effects.

[0235] The moisturizing effect is exerted, for example, through the effect of suppressing transepidermal water loss. However, the moisturizing effect is not limited to the moisturizing effect exerted through the effect of suppressing transepidermal water loss. The skin quality improving effect is exerted, for example, through the moisturizing effect. However, the skin quality improving effect is not limited to the skin quality improving effect exerted through the moisturizing effect. The target skin may be skin on any part of the body, for example, the face, head, neck, back, shoulders, chest, abdomen, hands, feet, etc. Skin quality improvement includes preventing, treating, or improving symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by a decrease in the moisturizing function of the skin, such as dry skin, rough skin, sagging, dullness, formation of spots or wrinkles, decreased skin flexibility or elasticity, and decreased skin barrier function. The hair quality improving effect is exerted, for example, through the moisturizing effect. However, the hair quality improving effect is not limited to the hair quality improving effect exerted through the moisturizing effect. The target hair may be hair growing anywhere on the body, and examples include scalp hair, eyebrows, armpit hair, beard, body hair, etc. Improving hair quality includes preventing, treating, or improving symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by a decrease in the moisturizing function of hair, such as dry hair, rough hair, and a decrease in hair flexibility or elasticity.

[0236] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing, skin quality improving, and hair quality improving effects of the cocoa-derived composition, the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment preferably has at least one of Feature A and Feature B, more preferably at least Feature A, and even more preferably both Feature A and Feature B. The explanation of Feature A and Feature B is as above.

[0237] The cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment may have Feature C or Feature D. The explanations regarding Feature C and Feature D are as above.

[0238] In a cocoa-derived composition according to a third embodiment, the extract of cocoa bean shells is prepared by the following steps: (a) winnowing ground cocoa beans to separate them into a cocoa bean nib fraction and a cocoa bean shell fraction, and obtaining the cocoa bean shell fraction as a first cocoa-derived material; (b) optionally separating from the first cocoa-derived material any material that does not pass through a 16 mesh screen to obtain a second cocoa-derived material; and (c) subjecting the first or second cocoa-derived material to an extraction treatment with an extraction solvent to obtain an extract of cocoa bean shells; This can increase the amount of free ceramide contained in the cocoa bean shell extract.

[0239] Each step will be described below.

[0240] Process (a) Step (a) is a step of separating ground cocoa beans by winnowing into a cocoa bean nib fraction and a cocoa bean shell fraction, and obtaining the cocoa bean shell fraction as a first cocoa-derived material.

[0241] The ground cocoa beans can be obtained by grinding the cocoa beans. Grinding can be performed using, for example, a mill. The ground cocoa beans include cocoa bean shells and cocoa bean nibs. The ground cocoa beans may also include cocoa bean germ.

[0242] Winnowing of ground cocoa beans is a process of separating cocoa bean nibs and cocoa bean shells by utilizing the difference in their shapes. Winnowing of ground cocoa beans can be carried out in a conventional manner using a known winnower (a device called a winnower).

[0243] By winnowing the ground cocoa beans, the ground cocoa beans can be separated into a cocoa bean nib fraction and a cocoa bean shell fraction, and the separated cocoa bean shell fraction can be obtained as the first cocoa-derived material.

[0244] The cocoa bean shell fraction is a fraction that contains more cocoa bean shells than the cocoa bean nib fraction. The cocoa bean shell fraction may contain cocoa bean germ in addition to the cocoa bean shells.

[0245] The amount of cocoa bean nibs in the cocoa bean shell fraction (first cocoa-derived material) is preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 15% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10% by mass or less, based on the mass of the cocoa bean shell fraction (first cocoa-derived material). The lower limit may be 0% by mass or more, or may be greater than 0% by mass. The lower limit may be, for example, 1% by mass or more, 3% by mass or more, or 5% by mass or more. Each of these lower limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned upper limits.

[0246] Cocoa bean shells contain more free ceramides than cocoa bean nibs, and therefore, by performing the extraction process using the first cocoa-derived material as the extraction raw material in step (c), the amount of free ceramides contained in the cocoa bean shell extract can be increased.

[0247] Process (b) Step (b) is a step of optionally separating raw materials of a size that does not pass through a 16 mesh from the first cocoa-derived raw material to obtain a second cocoa-derived raw material.

[0248] Step (b) is an optional step and may or may not be performed, but is preferably performed. By performing step (b), the amount of free ceramide contained in the cocoa bean shell extract can be further increased.

[0249] The separation of raw materials of a size that does not pass through a 16-mesh sieve from the first cocoa-derived raw material can be carried out by sieving the first cocoa-derived raw material using a 16-mesh sieve or a sieve with openings larger than 16 mesh. The raw materials of a size that does not pass through a 16-mesh sieve can be obtained as an over-sieve fraction. The opening size of a 16-mesh sieve varies depending on the wire diameter, but is, for example, 0.888 to 1.388 mm (quoted from a catalog of commercially available 16-mesh wire mesh). The weave of a 16-mesh sieve is, for example, plain weave, the wire diameter φ is, for example, 0.20 to 0.70 mm, and the open area ratio is, for example, 31.25 to 76.39% (all of these are quoted from a catalog of commercially available 16-mesh wire mesh). As a sieve with openings larger than 16 mesh, for example, a 12 to 14 mesh sieve can be used.

[0250] The selected material that does not pass through a 16 mesh is the second cocoa-derived material. The second cocoa-derived material includes cocoa bean shells.

[0251] By separating raw materials of a size that does not pass through a 16 mesh sieve from the first cocoa-derived raw material, a small particle size fraction can be removed from the first cocoa-derived raw material. The cocoa bean nibs mixed in the first cocoa-derived raw material are mostly contained in the small particle size fraction. Therefore, by separating raw materials of a size that does not pass through a 16 mesh sieve from the first cocoa-derived raw material, the cocoa bean nibs mixed in the first cocoa-derived raw material can be removed, and the amount of free ceramides contained in the second cocoa-derived raw material can be increased. Therefore, by performing an extraction process using the second cocoa-derived raw material as an extraction raw material in step (c), the amount of free ceramides contained in the cocoa bean shell extract can be increased.

[0252] The mass percentage of the amount of free ceramides contained in the second cocoa-derived material relative to the amount of free ceramides contained in the first cocoa-derived material is, for example, 105% by mass or more, preferably 115% by mass or more, and more preferably 125% by mass or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 300% by mass or less, 200% by mass or less, or 150% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0253] "The amount of free ceramide contained in the first cocoa-derived material" means the amount of one type of free ceramide if the first cocoa-derived material contains one type of free ceramide, and means the total amount of the two or more types of free ceramide if the first cocoa-derived material contains two or more types of free ceramide.

[0254] "The amount of free ceramide contained in the second cocoa-derived material" means the amount of one type of free ceramide if the second cocoa-derived material contains one type of free ceramide, and means the total amount of the two or more types of free ceramide if the second cocoa-derived material contains two or more types of free ceramide.

[0255] The amount of free ceramide can be measured by analyzing the cocoa-derived composition by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). HPLC analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples. When HPLC analysis of a sample containing two or more free ceramides is performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples, the peaks of the two or more free ceramides overlap and are detected as a single peak. The amount calculated based on the peak area of ​​the detected peak and a calibration curve prepared using ceramide AP as a calibration curve standard is taken as the total amount of the two or more free ceramides. In other words, the total amount of the two or more free ceramides is calculated as the ceramide AP equivalent amount (amount converted to ceramide AP). A calibration curve is prepared from the peak areas obtained when HPLC analysis is performed at each predetermined concentration using ceramide AP (Hydroxyphytoceramide_C24:0) (Avanti) as a calibration curve standard.

[0256] In order to further increase the amount of free ceramide contained in the second cocoa-derived raw material, in step (b), it is preferable to select from the first cocoa-derived raw material raw materials of a size that will not pass through a 14 mesh sieve, and it is preferable to select from the first cocoa-derived raw material raw materials of a size that will not pass through a 12 mesh sieve.

[0257] The separation of raw materials of a size that does not pass through a 14 mesh sieve from the first cocoa-derived raw material can be carried out by sieving the first cocoa-derived raw material using a 14 mesh sieve or a sieve with openings larger than 14 mesh. Raw materials of a size that does not pass through a 14 mesh sieve can be obtained as an oversized fraction. The opening size of a 14 mesh sieve varies depending on the wire diameter, but is, for example, 0.914 to 1.594 mm (quoted from a catalog of commercially available 14 mesh wire mesh). The weave of a 14 mesh sieve is, for example, plain weave, the wire diameter φ is, for example, 0.22 to 0.90 mm, and the open area ratio is, for example, 25.40 to 77.22% (all of these are quoted from a catalog of commercially available 14 mesh wire mesh). As a sieve with openings larger than 14 mesh, for example, a 10 to 12 mesh sieve can be used.

[0258] The separation of raw materials of a size that does not pass through a 12-mesh sieve from the first cocoa-derived raw material can be carried out by sieving the first cocoa-derived raw material using a 12-mesh sieve or a sieve with openings larger than 12 mesh. The raw materials of a size that does not pass through a 12-mesh sieve can be obtained as an over-sieve fraction. The opening size of a 12-mesh sieve varies depending on the wire diameter, but is, for example, 1.217 to 1.867 mm (quoted from a catalog of commercially available 12-mesh wire mesh). The weave of a 12-mesh sieve is, for example, plain weave, the wire diameter φ is, for example, 0.25 to 0.90 mm, and the open area ratio is, for example, 33.04 to 77.77% (all of these are quoted from a catalog of commercially available 12-mesh wire mesh). As a sieve with openings larger than 12 mesh, for example, an 8 to 10 mesh sieve can be used.

[0259] Process (c) Step (c) is a step of subjecting the first or second cocoa-derived material to extraction treatment with an extraction solvent to obtain an extract of cocoa bean shells.

[0260] By performing the extraction process using the first cocoa-derived material as the extraction raw material, the amount of free ceramides contained in the cocoa bean shell extract can be increased.By performing the extraction process using the second cocoa-derived material as the extraction raw material, the amount of free ceramides contained in the cocoa bean shell extract can be further increased.

[0261] The extraction treatment using the extraction solvent is as described above.

[0262] In step (c), the first or second cocoa-derived material is preferably extracted with an extraction solvent, and the resulting extract is then purified to obtain an extract of cocoa bean shells. The extract obtained by extracting the first or second cocoa-derived material with an extraction solvent (i.e., the extract to be purified) may be in any form, such as an extract, a diluted solution, a concentrated solution, or a dried product. Purification is preferably carried out by the above-mentioned method 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.

[0263] Step (c) can be carried out, for example, as follows.

[0264] Obtaining the extract The first or second cocoa-derived material is subjected to extraction treatment with an extraction solvent to obtain an extract. The extraction treatment with an extraction solvent is as described above.

[0265] Obtaining dried material The extract is dried to obtain a dried product. The extract may be concentrated before drying. The extract may be concentrated, for example, using an evaporator. The extract may be dried, for example, by drying under reduced pressure.

[0266] The resulting dried product is preferably freeze-pulverized to obtain a dried and pulverized product. By freeze-pulverizing the dried product, the dried product can be homogenized. The freeze-pulverization can be carried out in the presence of liquid nitrogen.

[0267] Purification of dried or dried ground material The dried product or the dry-ground product (preferably the dry-ground product) is purified.

[0268] The dried product or the dried and pulverized product (preferably the dried and pulverized product) is preferably purified by the above-mentioned method 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.

[0269] <Moisturizer> The present invention relates to a moisturizing agent containing a cocoa-derived composition. The cocoa-derived composition has been described above.

[0270] In one embodiment, the moisturizing agent comprises the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment. The cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment is as described above.

[0271] In another embodiment, the moisturizing agent comprises the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment, which is described above with respect to the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment.

[0272] In yet another embodiment, the moisturizer comprises the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment, as described above for the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment.

[0273] The moisturizer can be applied to the skin and / or hair of a subject, and can exert its moisturizing effect through the moisturizing effect of the cocoa-derived composition. Therefore, the moisturizer is useful for moisturizing skin and / or hair. The subject is preferably a mammal, more preferably a human. The skin of the subject may be skin on any part of the subject's body, such as the face, head, neck, back, shoulders, chest, abdomen, hands, feet, etc. The hair of the subject may be hair growing on any part of the subject's body, such as scalp hair, eyebrows, armpit hair, beard, body hair, etc.

[0274] The humectant may be composed of a cocoa-derived composition or may be a formulation of a cocoa-derived composition. The cocoa-derived composition can be formulated into dosage forms such as solutions, suspensions, emulsions, gels, creams, tablets, pills, powders, granules, capsules, etc. using pharmaceutically acceptable additives according to conventional methods. The additives can be selected from, for example, excipients, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, stabilizers, flavorings, emulsifiers, etc.

[0275] The moisturizing agent can be used by applying it to the skin and / or hair as, for example, an ointment, a liquid for external use, a patch, etc., or can be incorporated into other compositions (e.g., skin cosmetics, pharmaceutical compositions, food compositions, etc.).

[0276] The moisturizing agent may contain the cocoa-derived composition as the only moisturizing ingredient, or may contain other moisturizing ingredients.

[0277] The amount of the cocoa-derived composition can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the formulation of the moisturizer, and is, for example, 0.01 to 100% by mass, preferably 0.1 to 99% by mass, based on the mass of the moisturizer.

[0278] When the moisturizer contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment, the amount of ceramide AP derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment is, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, based on the mass of the moisturizer. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0279] When the moisturizing agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, based on the mass of the moisturizing agent. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0280] When the moisturizing agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, based on the mass of the moisturizing agent. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0281] The "amount of ceramide AP" refers to the amount of one type of ceramide AP when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains one type of ceramide AP, and refers to the total amount of the two or more types of ceramide AP when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains two or more types of ceramide AP. The amount of ceramide AP can be measured by LC-MS / MS analysis. LC-MS / MS analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0282] The "amount of free ceramide" refers to the amount of one type of free ceramide when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains one type of free ceramide, and refers to the total amount of the two or more types of free ceramide when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains two or more types of free ceramide. The amount of free ceramide can be measured by HPLC analysis. HPLC analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0283] <Skin quality improver> The present invention relates to a skin quality improving agent containing a cocoa-derived composition. The cocoa-derived composition has been described above.

[0284] In one embodiment, the skin quality improving agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to embodiment 1. The cocoa-derived composition according to embodiment 1 has been described above.

[0285] In another embodiment, the skin quality improving agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment. The cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment has been described above.

[0286] In yet another embodiment, the skin quality improving agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment. The cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment has been described above.

[0287] The skin quality improving agent can be applied to the skin of a subject, and can exert its skin quality improving effect through the skin quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition. Therefore, the skin quality improving agent is useful for skin quality improving applications. The subject is preferably a mammal, more preferably a human. The subject's skin may be skin on any part of the subject's body, including the face, head, neck, back, shoulders, chest, abdomen, hands, and feet. Skin quality improving applications include preventing, treating, or improving symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by a decrease in the skin's moisturizing function, such as dry skin, rough skin, sagging, dullness, formation of spots or wrinkles, decreased skin flexibility or elasticity, and decreased skin barrier function.

[0288] The skin quality improving agent may be composed of a cocoa-derived composition or may be a formulation of a cocoa-derived composition. The cocoa-derived composition can be formulated into dosage forms such as solutions, suspensions, emulsions, milky lotions, gels, creams, tablets, pills, powders, granules, and capsules using pharmaceutically acceptable additives in accordance with conventional methods. The additives can be selected from, for example, excipients, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, stabilizers, flavorings, emulsifiers, and the like.

[0289] The skin quality improving agent can be used by applying it to the skin as, for example, an ointment, a liquid for external use, a patch, etc., or can be incorporated into other compositions (e.g., skin cosmetics, pharmaceutical compositions, food compositions, etc.).

[0290] The skin quality improving agent may contain the cocoa-derived composition as the only skin quality improving ingredient, or may contain other skin quality improving ingredients.

[0291] The amount of the cocoa-derived composition blended can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the dosage form of the skin quality improving agent, and is, for example, 0.01 to 100% by mass, preferably 0.1 to 99% by mass, based on the mass of the skin quality improving agent.

[0292] When the skin quality improving agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment, the amount of ceramide AP derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment is, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, based on the mass of the skin quality improving agent. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0293] When the skin quality improving agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, based on the mass of the skin quality improving agent. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0294] When the skin quality improving agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, based on the mass of the skin quality improving agent. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0295] The "amount of ceramide AP" refers to the amount of one type of ceramide AP when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains one type of ceramide AP, and refers to the total amount of the two or more types of ceramide AP when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains two or more types of ceramide AP. The amount of ceramide AP can be measured by LC-MS / MS analysis. LC-MS / MS analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0296] The "amount of free ceramide" refers to the amount of one type of free ceramide when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains one type of free ceramide, and refers to the total amount of the two or more types of free ceramide when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains two or more types of free ceramide. The amount of free ceramide can be measured by HPLC analysis. HPLC analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0297] <Hair quality improver> The present invention relates to a hair quality improving agent containing a cocoa-derived composition. The cocoa-derived composition has been described above.

[0298] In one embodiment, the hair quality improving agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to embodiment 1. The cocoa-derived composition according to embodiment 1 has been described above.

[0299] In another embodiment, the hair quality improving agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment. The cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment has been described above.

[0300] In yet another embodiment, the hair quality improving agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment. The cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment has been described above.

[0301] The hair quality improving agent can be applied to the subject's hair, and can exert its hair quality improving effect through the hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition. Therefore, the hair quality improving agent is useful for hair quality improving applications. The subject is preferably a mammal, more preferably a human. The subject's hair may be hair growing anywhere on the subject's body, including scalp hair, eyebrows, armpit hair, beard, and body hair. Hair quality improvement includes preventing, treating, or improving symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by a decrease in hair's moisturizing function, such as dry hair, rough hair, and a decrease in hair softness or elasticity.

[0302] The hair quality improving agent may be composed of a cocoa-derived composition, or may be a formulation of a cocoa-derived composition. The cocoa-derived composition can be formulated into dosage forms such as solutions, suspensions, emulsions, milky lotions, gels, creams, tablets, pills, powders, granules, and capsules using pharmaceutically acceptable additives according to conventional methods. The additives can be selected from, for example, excipients, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, stabilizers, flavorings, emulsifiers, and the like.

[0303] The hair quality improving agent can be used by applying it to the hair as, for example, an ointment, a liquid for external use, a patch, etc., or can be incorporated into other compositions (for example, hair cosmetics, pharmaceutical compositions, food compositions, etc.).

[0304] The hair quality improving agent may contain the cocoa-derived composition as the only hair quality improving ingredient, or may contain other hair quality improving ingredients.

[0305] The amount of the cocoa-derived composition blended can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the formulation of the hair quality improving agent, and is, for example, 0.01 to 100% by mass, preferably 0.1 to 99% by mass, based on the mass of the hair quality improving agent.

[0306] When the hair quality improving agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment, the amount of ceramide AP derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment is, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, based on the mass of the hair quality improving agent. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0307] When the hair quality improving agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, based on the mass of the hair quality improving agent. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0308] When the hair quality improving agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, based on the mass of the hair quality improving agent. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0309] The "amount of ceramide AP" refers to the amount of one type of ceramide AP when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains one type of ceramide AP, and refers to the total amount of the two or more types of ceramide AP when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains two or more types of ceramide AP. The amount of ceramide AP can be measured by LC-MS / MS analysis. LC-MS / MS analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0310] The "amount of free ceramide" refers to the amount of one type of free ceramide when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains one type of free ceramide, and refers to the total amount of the two or more types of free ceramide when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains two or more types of free ceramide. The amount of free ceramide can be measured by HPLC analysis. HPLC analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0311] <Skin cosmetics> The present invention relates to a skin cosmetic containing a cocoa-derived composition. The cocoa-derived composition has been described above.

[0312] In one embodiment, the skin cosmetic contains the cocoa-derived composition according to embodiment 1. The cocoa-derived composition according to embodiment 1 has been described above.

[0313] In another embodiment, the skin cosmetic contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment. The cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is as described above.

[0314] In yet another embodiment, a skin cosmetic contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment. The cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment has been described above.

[0315] The cocoa-derived composition may be incorporated directly into a skin cosmetic, or may be formulated into a moisturizing agent and / or skin quality improving agent and then incorporated into the skin cosmetic. The skin cosmetic can be applied to a subject's skin, and can exert moisturizing and / or skin quality improving effects through the moisturizing and / or skin quality improving effects of the cocoa-derived composition. Therefore, the skin cosmetic is useful for moisturizing and / or improving skin quality. The subject is preferably a mammal, more preferably a human. The subject's skin may be skin on any part of the subject's body, including the face, head, neck, back, shoulders, chest, abdomen, hands, and feet. Skin quality improving applications include preventing, treating, or improving symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by a decrease in the skin's moisturizing function, such as dry skin, rough skin, sagging, dullness, formation of spots or wrinkles, decreased skin flexibility or elasticity, and decreased skin barrier function.

[0316] Examples of skin cosmetics include lotions, lotions, creams, emulsions, sunscreens, cleansers, shaving agents, facial rinses, packs, cosmetic oils, body rinses, and foundations.

[0317] The skin cosmetic is, for example, a scalp cosmetic, and examples of scalp cosmetics include hair styling products, hair care products, scalp care products, hair coloring products, hair washes, hair rinses, and treatments.

[0318] The amount of the cocoa-derived composition can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the type of skin cosmetic, and is, for example, 0.01 to 100% by mass, and preferably 0.1 to 99% by mass, based on the mass of the skin cosmetic.

[0319] When a skin cosmetic contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment, the amount of ceramide AP derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment is, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, based on the mass of the skin cosmetic. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0320] When a skin cosmetic contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, based on the mass of the skin cosmetic. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0321] When a skin cosmetic contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, based on the mass of the skin cosmetic. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0322] The "amount of ceramide AP" refers to the amount of one type of ceramide AP when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains one type of ceramide AP, and refers to the total amount of the two or more types of ceramide AP when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains two or more types of ceramide AP. The amount of ceramide AP can be measured by LC-MS / MS analysis. LC-MS / MS analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0323] The "amount of free ceramide" refers to the amount of one type of free ceramide when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains one type of free ceramide, and refers to the total amount of the two or more types of free ceramide when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains two or more types of free ceramide. The amount of free ceramide can be measured by HPLC analysis. HPLC analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0324] Skin cosmetics can be produced using a cocoa-derived composition and conventional skin cosmetic ingredients. Examples of base ingredients for skin cosmetics include ethanol, polyhydric alcohols, water, hydrocarbons, higher fatty acids, higher alcohols, oils and fats, waxes, ethers, esters, and silicones. Other ingredients that may be used include surfactants, moisturizing ingredients, barrier function-improving ingredients, antioxidant ingredients, whitening ingredients, antibacterial ingredients, stabilizers, fragrances, colorants, and preservatives.

[0325] The skin cosmetic may contain the cocoa-derived composition as the only moisturizing ingredient or the only skin quality improving ingredient, or may contain other moisturizing ingredients and / or other skin quality improving ingredients.

[0326] The skin cosmetic can be produced by a conventional method for producing a skin cosmetic, which may include steps such as mixing raw materials, heating, dissolving, drying, and filling.

[0327] <Hair cosmetics> The present invention relates to a hair cosmetic containing a cocoa-derived composition. The cocoa-derived composition has been described above.

[0328] In one embodiment, the hair cosmetic contains the cocoa-derived composition according to embodiment 1. The cocoa-derived composition according to embodiment 1 has been described above.

[0329] In another embodiment, the hair cosmetic contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment. The cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is as described above.

[0330] In yet another embodiment, the hair cosmetic contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment. The cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment has been described above.

[0331] The cocoa-derived composition may be incorporated directly into the hair cosmetic, or may be formulated into a moisturizing agent and / or hair quality improving agent and then incorporated into the hair cosmetic. The hair cosmetic can be applied to the subject's hair, and can exert its moisturizing and / or hair quality improving effects through the moisturizing and / or hair quality improving effects of the cocoa-derived composition. Therefore, the hair cosmetic is useful for moisturizing hair and / or improving hair quality. The subject is preferably a mammal, more preferably a human. The subject's hair may be hair growing anywhere on the subject's body, including scalp hair, eyebrows, armpit hair, beard, and body hair. Improving hair quality includes preventing, treating, or ameliorating symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by a decrease in hair's moisturizing function, such as dry hair, rough hair, and loss of hair flexibility or elasticity.

[0332] Examples of hair cosmetics include lotions, lotions, creams, emulsions, sunscreens, cleansers, shaving agents, facial rinses, packs, cosmetic oils, body rinses, and foundations.

[0333] The hair cosmetic is, for example, a hair cosmetic, and examples of the hair cosmetic include a hair styling agent, a hair care agent, a hair coloring agent, a hair wash, a hair rinse, and a treatment.

[0334] The amount of the cocoa-derived composition blended can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the type of hair cosmetic, and is 0.01 to 100% by mass, and preferably 0.1 to 99% by mass, based on the mass of the hair cosmetic.

[0335] When a hair cosmetic contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment, the amount of ceramide AP derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment is, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, based on the mass of the hair cosmetic. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0336] When the hair cosmetic contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, based on the mass of the hair cosmetic. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0337] When a hair cosmetic contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, based on the mass of the hair cosmetic. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0338] The "amount of ceramide AP" refers to the amount of one type of ceramide AP when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains one type of ceramide AP, and refers to the total amount of the two or more types of ceramide AP when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains two or more types of ceramide AP. The amount of ceramide AP can be measured by LC-MS / MS analysis. LC-MS / MS analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0339] The "amount of free ceramide" refers to the amount of one type of free ceramide when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains one type of free ceramide, and refers to the total amount of the two or more types of free ceramide when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains two or more types of free ceramide. The amount of free ceramide can be measured by HPLC analysis. HPLC analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0340] Hair cosmetics can be produced using a cocoa-derived composition and regular hair cosmetic ingredients. Examples of base ingredients for hair cosmetics include ethanol, polyhydric alcohols, water, hydrocarbons, higher fatty acids, higher alcohols, oils and fats, waxes, ethers, esters, and silicones. Other ingredients that may be used include surfactants, moisturizing ingredients, barrier function-improving ingredients, antioxidant ingredients, whitening ingredients, antibacterial ingredients, stabilizers, fragrances, colorants, and preservatives.

[0341] The hair cosmetic may contain the cocoa-derived composition as the only moisturizing ingredient or the only hair quality improving ingredient, or may contain other moisturizing ingredients and / or other hair quality improving ingredients.

[0342] The hair cosmetic can be produced by a conventional method for producing hair cosmetics, which may include steps such as mixing raw materials, heating, dissolving, drying, and filling.

[0343] Pharmaceutical Composition The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing a cocoa-derived composition. The cocoa-derived composition has been described above.

[0344] In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment, as described above for the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment.

[0345] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment, as described above for the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment.

[0346] In yet another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment, as described above for the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment.

[0347] The cocoa-derived composition may be incorporated directly into the pharmaceutical composition, or may be formulated into one or more of a moisturizing agent, a skin quality improving agent, and a hair quality improving agent before being incorporated into the pharmaceutical composition. The pharmaceutical composition can be applied to a subject's skin and / or hair, and one or more of the moisturizing, skin quality improving, and hair quality improving effects of the cocoa-derived composition can exert one or more of the moisturizing, skin quality improving, and hair quality improving effects. Therefore, the pharmaceutical composition is useful for one or more of skin moisturizing, skin quality improving, and hair quality improving applications. The subject is preferably a mammal, more preferably a human. The subject's skin may be skin on any part of the subject's body, such as the face, head, neck, back, shoulders, chest, abdomen, hands, and feet. Uses for improving skin quality include preventing, treating, or improving symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by a decrease in the skin's moisturizing function, such as dry skin, rough skin, sagging, dullness, the formation of spots or wrinkles, decreased skin flexibility or elasticity, and decreased skin barrier function. The subject's hair may be hair growing on any part of the subject's body, and examples include scalp hair, eyebrows, armpit hair, beard, and body hair. Improving hair quality includes preventing, treating, or improving symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by a decrease in hair's moisturizing function, such as dry hair, rough hair, and decreased hair flexibility or elasticity.

[0348] The pharmaceutical composition may consist of a cocoa-derived composition or may be a formulation of a cocoa-derived composition. The cocoa-derived composition can be formulated into dosage forms such as solutions, suspensions, emulsions, gels, creams, tablets, pills, powders, granules, capsules, etc. using pharmaceutically acceptable additives in accordance with conventional methods. The additives can be selected from, for example, excipients, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, stabilizers, flavorings, emulsifiers, etc.

[0349] The pharmaceutical composition can be used by applying it to the skin and / or hair as, for example, an ointment, a liquid for external use, a patch, or the like.

[0350] The pharmaceutical composition may contain the cocoa-derived composition as the sole moisturizing ingredient, the sole skin quality improving ingredient, or the sole hair quality improving ingredient, or may contain one or more of other moisturizing ingredients, other skin quality improving ingredients, and other hair quality improving ingredients.

[0351] The amount of the cocoa-derived composition can be adjusted appropriately depending on the dosage form of the pharmaceutical composition, and is, for example, 0.01 to 100% by mass, and preferably 0.1 to 99% by mass, based on the mass of the pharmaceutical composition.

[0352] When the pharmaceutical composition contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment, the amount of ceramide AP derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment is, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, based on the mass of the pharmaceutical composition. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0353] When the pharmaceutical composition contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, based on the mass of the pharmaceutical composition. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0354] When a pharmaceutical composition contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, based on the mass of the pharmaceutical composition. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 1.0% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the above-mentioned lower limits.

[0355] The "amount of ceramide AP" refers to the amount of one type of ceramide AP when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains one type of ceramide AP, and refers to the total amount of the two or more types of ceramide AP when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains two or more types of ceramide AP. The amount of ceramide AP can be measured by LC-MS / MS analysis. LC-MS / MS analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0356] The "amount of free ceramide" refers to the amount of one type of free ceramide when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains one type of free ceramide, and refers to the total amount of the two or more types of free ceramide when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains two or more types of free ceramide. The amount of free ceramide can be measured by HPLC analysis. HPLC analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0357] <Food composition> The present invention relates to a food composition containing a cocoa-derived composition. The cocoa-derived composition has been described above.

[0358] In one embodiment, the food composition comprises the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment, as described above with respect to the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment.

[0359] In another embodiment, the food composition comprises the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment, as described above for the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment.

[0360] In yet another embodiment, the food composition comprises the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment, as described above for the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment.

[0361] The cocoa-derived composition may be incorporated directly into a food composition, or may be formulated into one or more of a moisturizing agent, a skin quality improving agent, and a hair quality improving agent before being incorporated into the food composition. The food composition can exert one or more of the moisturizing, skin quality improving, and hair quality improving effects through one or more of the moisturizing, skin quality improving, and hair quality improving effects of the cocoa-derived composition. Therefore, the food composition is useful for one or more of skin moisturizing, skin quality improving, and hair quality improving applications. The subject to which the food composition is administered is preferably a mammal, more preferably a human. Examples of target skin include skin on the face, head, neck, back, shoulders, chest, abdomen, hands, and feet. Skin quality improving applications include preventing, treating, or improving symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by a decrease in the skin's moisturizing function, such as dry skin, rough skin, sagging, dullness, formation of spots or wrinkles, decreased skin flexibility or elasticity, and a decrease in skin barrier function. The target hair may be hair growing anywhere on the body, and examples include scalp hair, eyebrows, armpit hair, beard, body hair, etc. Improving hair quality includes preventing, treating, or improving symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by a decrease in the moisturizing function of hair, such as dry hair, rough hair, and a decrease in hair flexibility or elasticity.

[0362] Examples of food compositions include processed foods, confectioneries, beverages, and health foods. Food compositions broadly include orally ingested general foods, health foods (functional foods and beverages), health functional foods (foods for specified health uses, foods with nutrient functions), quasi-drugs, and pharmaceuticals. The food composition is preferably a food composition that can display the effects of the cocoa-derived composition on the food composition or its packaging, and more preferably a health functional food (foods for specified health uses, foods with functional claims, foods with nutrient functions), quasi-drugs, or pharmaceuticals.

[0363] The food composition may contain the cocoa-derived composition as the sole moisturizing ingredient, the sole skin quality improving ingredient, or the sole hair quality improving ingredient, or it may contain one or more of other moisturizing ingredients, other skin quality improving ingredients, and other hair quality improving ingredients.

[0364] The amount of the cocoa-derived composition can be adjusted appropriately depending on the type of food composition, and is, for example, 0.01 to 100% by mass, and preferably 0.1 to 99% by mass, based on the mass of the food composition.

[0365] When a food composition contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment, the amount of ceramide AP derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment is preferably 0.0006% by mass or more, more preferably 0.0012% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.0018% by mass or more, based on the mass of the food composition. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10% by mass or less, 5% by mass or less, or 1% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the upper limits described above.

[0366] When a food composition contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is preferably 0.0006% by mass or more, more preferably 0.0012% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.0018% by mass or more, based on the mass of the food composition. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10% by mass or less, 5% by mass or less, or 1% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the upper limits described above.

[0367] When a food composition contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment, the amount of free ceramide derived from the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is preferably 0.0006% by mass or more, more preferably 0.0012% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.0018% by mass or more, based on the mass of the food composition. The upper limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10% by mass or less, 5% by mass or less, or 1% by mass or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the upper limits described above.

[0368] The "amount of ceramide AP" refers to the amount of one type of ceramide AP when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains one type of ceramide AP, and refers to the total amount of the two or more types of ceramide AP when the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment contains two or more types of ceramide AP. The amount of ceramide AP can be measured by LC-MS / MS analysis. LC-MS / MS analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0369] The "amount of free ceramide" refers to the amount of one type of free ceramide when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains one type of free ceramide, and refers to the total amount of the two or more types of free ceramide when the cocoa-derived composition according to the second or third embodiment contains two or more types of free ceramide. The amount of free ceramide can be measured by HPLC analysis. HPLC analysis can be performed according to the conditions and procedures described in the Examples.

[0370] The food composition can be made using the cocoa-derived composition and conventional food composition ingredients.

[0371] The food composition can be produced by a conventional method for producing a food composition, which may include steps such as mixing ingredients, heating, dissolving, drying, and filling.

[0372] The moisturizer, skin quality improving agent, hair quality improving agent, skin cosmetic, hair cosmetic, pharmaceutical composition, or food composition is not particularly limited to those who are subject to the use thereof, but is suitable for people who are concerned about age-related deterioration of skin (sagging, wrinkles, dullness, rough skin, etc.) and / or deterioration of hair (dryness, roughness, loss of hair flexibility or elasticity, etc.). For example, it is suitable for women aged 20 or over, 30 or over, 40 or over, 50 or over, or 60 or over. [Example]

[0373] Example 1: Preparation of cocoa bean shell extract and component analysis (1) Preparation of cocoa bean shell extract Cocoa bean shell extracts 1A and 1B were obtained by the following method.

[0374] [Cocoa bean shell extract 1A] Cocoa bean shells were crushed in a mill. 8.0 mL of 99% by volume ethanol was added to 0.2 g of crushed cocoa bean shells, and extraction was carried out at room temperature (approximately 25°C) for 16 hours while shaking at 150 rpm. The extracted product was centrifuged at 25°C and 15,000 rpm for 30 minutes, and cocoa bean shell extract 1A was obtained from the resulting supernatant.

[0375] [Cacao bean shell extract 1B] Cocoa bean shells were crushed in a mill. 4 L of 99.5% ethanol (volume %) was added to 100 g of crushed cocoa bean shells, and the mixture was stirred on a hot plate stirrer (set temperature 37°C) for 24 hours while undergoing extraction. The extract was filtered through filter paper (Advantec, No. 2) and then concentrated to 1 L using an evaporator to obtain Cocoa Bean Shell Extract 1B.

[0376] (2) Component analysis of cocoa bean shell extract The components of cocoa bean shell extracts 1A and 1B were analyzed by the following method.

[0377] [Component analysis of cocoa bean shell extract 1A] 0.04 mL of cocoa bean shell extract 1A was mixed with 0.76 mL of 99% by volume ethanol and 0.2 mL of 0.2 M hydrochloric acid, and then centrifuged at 20,000 rpm at 4°C for 30 minutes. The resulting supernatant was further centrifuged at 20,000 rpm at 4°C for 30 minutes, and the resulting supernatant was used as the analytical sample.

[0378] [Component analysis of cocoa bean shell extract 1B] A re-extraction treatment was performed by immersing 0.7 g of the dried cocoa bean shell extract 1B in 500.0 mL of 99% vol. ethanol. The re-extraction treatment was performed at room temperature (approximately 25°C) for 24 hours. 55.7 μL of the cocoa bean shell extract obtained by the re-extraction treatment was mixed with 744 μL of 99% vol. ethanol and 200 μL of 0.2 M hydrochloric acid, and the mixture was centrifuged at 15,000 rpm at 4°C for 20 minutes. The resulting supernatant was then centrifuged again at 15,000 rpm at 4°C for 20 minutes, and the resulting supernatant was used as the analytical sample.

[0379] The above centrifuged supernatants obtained from cacao bean shell extracts 1A and 1B were each subjected to LC-ESI-MS / MS (Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry) and analyzed according to the method of Yumoto et al. (Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry (2021) 85, 205-210). That is, as ESI-MS / MS, Agilent 6460 with Agilent 1200 separation module was used, and as the column for high performance liquid chromatography, a TSKgel ODS-120A column (2.1 mm i.d. × 25 cm, manufactured by Tosoh Corporation, registered trademark) was used. According to the LC-MS / MS conditions in Table B below, glucosylceramide and free ceramide were separated and detected in the ESI-positive ion mode. The m / z [M+H] of the precursor ion + , the m / z of the product ion, and the collision energy (CE) (eV) are as shown in Table C below. The amounts of glucosylceramide and free ceramide detected were determined using glucosylceramide purchased from Nagara Science Co., phytoceramide purchased from Cayman Chemical, and free ceramide generated from glucosylceramide by imiglucerase (manufactured by Sanofi), a glucocerebrosidase derived from humans, as standards.

[0380] <LC-MS / MS analysis conditions> · Column temperature: 40 °C · Flow rate: 0.2 mL / min · Mobile phase: Mobile phase A 0.1% aqueous formic acid solution, Mobile phase B 0.1% formic acid methanol solution · Gradient:

[0381]

Table B

[0382] [Table C]

[0383] The analysis was carried out using the following analytical software, and the measurement results were chromatographed using the following qualitative software, and quantitative values ​​were calculated using quantitative software. Analysis software: Agilent Data Acquisition Qualitative analysis software: Agilent Qualitative Analysis Quantitative analysis software: Agilent QQQ Quantitative Analysis (Quant-My-Way)

[0384] The analytical results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0385] In Tables 1 and 2, "μg / g" means the content (μg) of the target component per 1 g of cocoa bean shell extract.

[0386] In Tables 1 and 2, "*1" indicates that the amount of glucosylceramide or free ceramide was calculated based on the value of a standard 8Z form of the same molecular weight; "*2" indicates that the amount of glucosylceramide or free ceramide was calculated based on the value of a standard t18:1(8Z)-C24h:0-GluCer or t18:1(8Z)-C24h:0-Cer; and "*3" indicates that the amount of free ceramide was calculated based on the value of a standard t18:0-C24h:0-Cer.

[0387] The simplified names in Tables C, 1 and 2 will be explained using "d18:2(4E,8Z)-C16h:0-GluCer" and "t18:1(8Z)-C22h:0-Cer" as examples.

[0388] In "d18:2(4E,8Z)-C16h:0-GluCer," the first part, "d18:2(4E,8Z)," is information about the sphingoid base, where "d" indicates that the number of hydroxyl groups in the sphingoid base is 2, "18" indicates that the number of carbon atoms in the sphingoid base is 18, "2" indicates that the number of carbon-carbon double bonds in the sphingoid base is 2, and "(4E,8Z)" indicates that the EZ configuration of the double bonds between the carbons at the 4th and 8th positions of the sphingoid base is 4E,8Z. In "d18:2(4E,8Z)-C16h:0-GluCer," the middle part, "C16h:0," is information about the fatty acid, where "C16" indicates that the number of carbon atoms in the fatty acid is 16, "h" indicates that the number of hydroxyl groups in the fatty acid is 1, and "0" indicates that the number of carbon-carbon double bonds in the fatty acid is 0. If there is no "h" then the number of hydroxyl groups in the fatty acid is 0. In "d18:2(4E,8Z)-C16h:0-GluCer", the latter part "GluCer" indicates that it is glucosylceramide.

[0389] In "t18:1(8Z)-C22h:0-Cer," the first part, "t18:1(8Z)," is information about the sphingoid base, where "t" indicates that the number of hydroxyl groups in the sphingoid base is 3, "18" indicates that the number of carbon atoms in the sphingoid base is 18, "1" indicates that the number of carbon-carbon double bonds in the sphingoid base is 1, and "(8Z)" indicates that the EZ configuration of the double bond at the 8th carbon atom in the sphingoid base is 8Z. In "t18:1(8Z)-C22h:0-Cer," the middle part, "C22h:0," is information about the fatty acid, where "C22" indicates that the fatty acid has 22 carbon atoms, "h" indicates that the fatty acid has 1 hydroxyl group, and "0" indicates that the fatty acid has 0 carbon-carbon double bonds. If there is no "h," the fatty acid has 0 hydroxyl groups. In "t18:1(8Z)-C22h:0-Cer," the latter part "Cer" indicates that it is a free ceramide.

[0390] The number of hydroxyl groups in the sphingoid base constituting glucosylceramide includes the hydroxyl group to which glucose is glycosidicly bonded.

[0391] [Table 1]

[0392] [Table 2]

[0393] As shown in Tables 1 and 2, the total glucosylceramide content was 447.44 μg / g (analysis value for Extract 1A) and 372.35 μg / g (analysis value for Extract 1B), the total free ceramide content was 1409.01 μg / g (analysis value for Extract 1A) and 836.92 μg / g (analysis value for Extract 1B), the sum of the total glucosylceramide content and the total free ceramide content was 1856.45 μg / g (analysis value for Extract 1A) and 1209.26 μg / g (analysis value for Extract 1B), and the total ceramide AP content of the total free ceramide content was 828.70 μg / g (analysis value for Extract 1A) and 480.29 μg / g (analysis value for Extract 1B).

[0394] Example 2 (1) Preparation of cocoa bean germ extract Cocoa bean germ was ground in a mill. 8.0 mL of 99% vol. ethanol was added to 0.1 g of the ground cocoa bean germ, and the mixture was subjected to extraction at room temperature (approximately 25°C) for 16 hours while shaking at 150 rpm. The extracted material was centrifuged at 15,000 rpm at 25°C for 30 minutes, and a cocoa bean germ extract was obtained from the resulting supernatant.

[0395] (2) Component analysis of cocoa bean germ extract 0.1 mL of the cocoa bean germ extract obtained in (1) above was mixed with 0.3 mL of 99% by volume ethanol and 0.1 mL of 0.2 M hydrochloric acid, followed by centrifugation. The centrifugation was carried out in the same manner as for Extract 1A in (2) of Example 1. The resulting supernatant was analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS / MS) in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0396] The results of the analysis are shown in Tables 3 and 4. The explanations for Tables 1 and 2 also apply to Tables 3 and 4.

[0397] [Table 3]

[0398] [Table 4]

[0399] Example 3 (1) Preparation of cocoa bean nib extract A cocoa bean nib extract was obtained in the same manner as in Example 2(1), except that 0.2 g of cocoa bean nibs was used instead of 0.1 g of cocoa bean germ.

[0400] (2) Component analysis of cocoa bean nib extract The components of the cocoa bean nib extract were analyzed in the same manner as in Example 2 (2), except that the cocoa bean nib extract obtained in (1) above was used instead of the cocoa bean germ extract.

[0401] The results of the analysis are shown in Tables 5 and 6. The explanations for Tables 1 and 2 also apply to Tables 5 and 6.

[0402] [Table 5]

[0403] [Table 6]

[0404] Example 4 (1) Preparation of cocoa pod shell extract A cocoa pod shell extract was obtained in the same manner as in Example 2(1), except that 0.2 g of freeze-dried cocoa pod shell was used instead of 0.1 g of cocoa bean germ.

[0405] (2) Component analysis of cocoa pod shell extract 0.05 mL of the cocoa pod shell extract obtained in (1) above was mixed with 0.35 mL of 99% by volume ethanol and 0.1 mL of 0.2 M hydrochloric acid, followed by centrifugation. The centrifugation was carried out in the same manner as for Extract 1A in (2) of Example 1. The resulting centrifuged supernatant was analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS / MS) in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0406] The results of the analysis are shown in Tables 7 and 8. The explanations for Tables 1 and 2 also apply to Tables 7 and 8.

[0407] [Table 7]

[0408] [Table 8]

[0409] Example 5 (1) Preparation of cocoa pulp extract 7.5 mL of 99% vol. ethanol was added to 0.5 g of freeze-dried cocoa pulp, and extraction was carried out at room temperature (approximately 25°C) for 16 hours while shaking at 150 rpm. The extracted material was centrifuged at 15,000 rpm at 25°C for 30 minutes, and the resulting supernatant was used to obtain a cocoa pulp extract.

[0410] (2) Component analysis of cocoa pulp extract The components of the cocoa pulp extract were analyzed in the same manner as in (2) of Example 2, except that the cocoa pulp extract obtained in (1) above was used instead of the cocoa bean germ extract.

[0411] The results of the analysis are shown in Tables 9 and 10. The explanations for Tables 1 and 2 also apply to Tables 9 and 10.

[0412] [Table 9]

[0413] [Table 10]

[0414] [Example 6] Preparation of skin cosmetics containing cocoa bean shell extract (1) Preparation of cocoa bean shell extract Cocoa bean shell extract was obtained by the following method. Cocoa bean shells were crushed in a mill. 4 L of 99.5% ethanol (volume %) was added to 100 g of crushed cocoa bean shells, and the mixture was stirred on a hot plate stirrer (set temperature 37°C) for 24 hours while undergoing extraction. The extract was filtered through filter paper (Advantec, No. 2) and then concentrated to 1 L using an evaporator to obtain a cocoa bean shell extract.

[0415] The component analysis of the cocoa bean shell extract obtained in (1) above was carried out in the same manner as in (2) of Example 1. The results showed that the total glucosylceramide content was 372.35 μg / g, the total free ceramide content was 836.92 μg / g, the sum of the total glucosylceramide content and the total free ceramide content was 1209.26 μg / g, and the total ceramide AP content of the total free ceramide content was 480.29 μg / g.

[0416] (2) Preparation of skin cosmetics The following skin cosmetics were prepared. A: A skin cosmetic containing the cocoa bean shell extract obtained in (1) above at a total content of 0.1% by mass of free ceramides and glucosylceramides. B: A skin cosmetic containing the cocoa bean shell extract obtained in (1) above at a total content of 0.2% by mass of free ceramides and glucosylceramides. C: Skin cosmetics not containing the cocoa bean shell extract obtained in (1) above

[0417] The compositions of skin cosmetics A to C are as shown in Table 11.

[0418] [Table 11]

[0419] The skin cosmetics A to C were prepared as follows. Purified water was placed in a beaker and heated with stirring using a hot plate stirrer (set temperature: 90°C to 130°C). The cocoa bean shell extract obtained in (1) above and an emulsifier (NOF Corporation, Uniox HC-60) were placed in a separate beaker and heated with stirring on a hot plate stirrer (set temperature: 90°C to 130°C). This heating process volatilized the ethanol in the cocoa bean shell extract. When the product temperature rose to about 80°C, heated purified water was added little by little while stirring. After adding the heated purified water, the mixture was cooled to room temperature (about 25°C) while stirring, and purified water was added so that the total mass became 10.0 g.

[0420] [Example 7] Evaluation of moisturizing effect The skin cosmetics A to C prepared in Example 6 were designated as Samples A to C, respectively, and purified water was designated as Sample D, and the moisturizing effect was evaluated. The evaluation method was as follows.

[0421] 10 μL of each of Samples A to D was dropped onto a paper disk (manufactured by ADVANTEC) with a diameter of 8 mm and a thickness of 0.7 mm. After dropping, the paper disk was left standing in a laboratory at a temperature of 25°C and a humidity of 40%, and its weight was measured every minute from 0 to 8 minutes. The weight at 0 minutes was set as 100%, and the residual moisture content of each sample was calculated. The results are shown in Table 12.

[0422] [Table 12]

[0423] The residual moisture rate of the skin cosmetics containing cocoa bean shell extract (Samples A and B) was higher than that of the skin cosmetics not containing cocoa bean shell extract (Sample C) and purified water (Sample D). These results confirmed that the cocoa bean shell extract has a moisturizing effect.

[0424] [Example 8] Preparation of skin cosmetics containing cocoa bean shell extract (1) Preparation of cocoa bean shell extract Cocoa bean shell extract was obtained by the following method. Cocoa bean shells were crushed in a mill. 4 L of 99.5% ethanol (volume %) was added to 100 g of crushed cocoa bean shells, and the mixture was stirred on a hot plate stirrer (set temperature 37°C) for 24 hours while undergoing extraction. The extract was filtered through filter paper (Advantec, No. 2) and then concentrated to 1 L using an evaporator to obtain a cocoa bean shell extract.

[0425] The component analysis of the cocoa bean shell extract obtained in (1) above was carried out in the same manner as in (2) of Example 1. The results showed that the total glucosylceramide content was 372.35 μg / g, the total free ceramide content was 836.92 μg / g, the sum of the total glucosylceramide content and the total free ceramide content was 1209.26 μg / g, and the total ceramide AP content of the total free ceramide content was 480.29 μg / g.

[0426] (2) Preparation of skin cosmetics The following skin cosmetics were prepared. E: Skin cosmetics not containing the cocoa bean shell extract obtained in (1) above F: Skin cosmetics containing 0.1% by mass of ceramide AP preparation (Avanti (registered trademark) Polar Lipids) G: A skin cosmetic containing the cocoa bean shell extract obtained in (1) above at a total content of 0.1% by mass of free ceramides and glucosylceramides. H: A skin cosmetic containing the cocoa bean shell extract obtained in (1) above at a total content of 0.2% by mass of free ceramides and glucosylceramides.

[0427] The compositions of skin cosmetics E to H are as shown in Table 13.

[0428] [Table 13]

[0429] Skin cosmetics E to H were prepared as follows. Purified water was placed in a beaker and heated with stirring using a hot plate stirrer (set temperature: 90°C to 130°C). The cocoa bean shell extract obtained in (1) above and an emulsifier (NOF Corporation, Uniox HC-60) were placed in a separate beaker and heated with stirring on a hot plate stirrer (set temperature: 90°C to 130°C). This heating process volatilized the ethanol in the cocoa bean shell extract. When the product temperature rose to about 80°C, heated purified water was added little by little while stirring. After adding the heated purified water, the mixture was cooled to room temperature (about 25°C) while stirring, and purified water was added so that the total mass became 10.0 g.

[0430] [Example 9] Evaluation of moisturizing effect Skin cosmetics E to H prepared in Example 8 were designated as samples E to H, respectively, and their moisturizing effects were evaluated. All samples were used after passing through a sterilized filter. Because skin cosmetics E to H may precipitate after preparation, they were passed through a filter immediately after preparation (or after redissolving by heating), and only the supernatant was used as the added sample (the sample to be added to cells in step (3) described below).

[0431] The cell kit used for the evaluation was EPI-MODEL24 (manufactured by Japan Tissue Engineering Co., Ltd.).

[0432] The evaluation method is as follows. <Pre-culture> As pre-culture, only the medium was changed on the day the cell plate arrived (pre-day 1) and the following day (pre-day 2).

[0433] <Immediate measurement> Immediate measurements were performed after the end of pre-culture (the day after pre-day 2) (the day after pre-day 2 is designated as day 0). All of this work was carried out on a 32°C plate. The method for immediate measurements is as follows. (1) The cell plate was removed from the CO2 incubator. (2) TEWL (transepidermal water loss) was measured using Tewitro 24. The data obtained 30 minutes after the value stabilized was used as the baseline value before immediate and time-course measurements. (3) 25 μL of each sample was added to the cells and the mixture was left to stand for 1 hour. (4) The cells were allowed to dry for 2 hours. (5) TEWL was measured using Tewitro 24. The data obtained 90 minutes after the values ​​stabilized were used as the immediate measurement values. (6) 80 μL of PBS was added to the cells and then removed by suction, and this procedure was repeated five times in total. (7) The cells were allowed to dry for 1 hour. (8) During the waiting period in (7), the medium was changed. (9) Stored in a CO2 incubator.

[0434] The results of the immediate measurements are shown in Table 14.

[0435] [Table 14]

[0436] <Measurement over time> Time-course measurements were performed from day 1 to day 5 (day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4, and day 5 were defined as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 days after day 0, respectively). All of this work was performed on a 32°C plate. The time-course measurements were performed as follows.

[0437] (1) The cell plate was removed from the CO2 incubator. (2) TEWL was measured using Tewitro 24. The data obtained 90 minutes after the values ​​stabilized were used as the time-course measurement values. (3) 25 μL of each sample was added to the cells and the mixture was left to stand for 1 hour. (4) 80 μL of PBS was added to the cells and then removed by suction, and this procedure was repeated a total of five times. (5) The cells were allowed to dry for 1 hour. (6) During the waiting period in (5), the medium was changed. (7) Stored in a CO2 incubator.

[0438] The results of the measurements over time are shown in Table 15. The values ​​in Table 15 are the percentage (%) of the TEWL on each day relative to the TEWL on day 0.

[0439] [Table 15]

[0440] In both immediate and time-dependent measurements, cells treated with skin cosmetics containing cocoa bean shell extract (Samples G and H) showed reduced TEWL (transepidermal water loss) compared to cells treated with a skin cosmetic containing no cocoa bean shell extract (Sample E) or a skin cosmetic containing a ceramide AP preparation (Sample F). These results confirmed that cocoa bean shell extract has moisturizing properties.

[0441] [Example 10] Preparation of scalp cosmetics containing cocoa bean shell extract A cocoa bean shell extract was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 (1). The obtained cocoa bean shell extract was placed in a beaker and heated with a hot plate stirrer (set temperature: 90°C to 130°C) while stirring. This process volatilized the ethanol in the cocoa bean shell extract. Coconut oil, honey, and jojoba oil were placed in a beaker and mixed well to prepare a scalp cosmetic. The composition of the obtained scalp cosmetic is as follows:

[0442] [Table 16]

[0443] [Example 11] Preparation of a pharmaceutical composition containing cocoa bean shell extract A cocoa bean shell extract was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 (1). The obtained cocoa bean shell extract was placed in a beaker and heated with a hot plate stirrer (set temperature: 90°C to 130°C) while stirring. This process caused the ethanol in the cocoa bean shell extract to volatilize. The ingredients other than the cocoa bean shell extract were placed in a beaker and mixed well to prepare a pharmaceutical composition. The composition of the obtained pharmaceutical composition is as follows:

[0444] [Table 17]

[0445] [Example 12] Preparation of a food composition containing cocoa bean shell extract A cocoa bean shell extract was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 (1). The obtained cocoa bean shell extract was placed in a beaker and heated with a hot plate stirrer (set temperature: 90°C to 130°C) while stirring. This process caused the ethanol in the cocoa bean shell extract to volatilize. Water was added little by little while stirring to prepare a food composition. The composition of the obtained food composition is as follows:

[0446] [Table 18]

[0447] Example 13 (1) Preparation of dried and pulverized material 100 g of cocoa bean shells were ground in a mill and then sieved through a 16-mesh sieve to obtain the fraction that passed through the 16-mesh sieve (the 16-mesh undersize fraction). The resulting 16-mesh undersize fraction was stirred in 4 L of 99.5% ethanol by volume at 40°C for 24 hours for extraction, followed by suction filtration (Advantec Filter Paper No. 2, 150 mm diameter) to obtain a filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated using an evaporator (50°C, 100 rpm, 80-120 Torr) and then dried under reduced pressure (80°C, 3 hours) to obtain 5.84 g of a brown gum-like substance. The brown gum-like substance was freeze-pulverized in a mortar in the presence of liquid nitrogen to obtain 5.31 g of a dried and pulverized product.

[0448] (2) Purification of dried and ground material <Method 1> The dried and pulverized product obtained in (1) above was purified by Method 1. Method 1 was carried out as follows.

[0449] Process A1: Water washing 6.7 mL of Milli-Q water was added to 2.0 g of the dried powder, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (room temperature, 150 rpm, 15 minutes). Room temperature means 20°C ± 5°C (the same applies throughout this specification). Process A2: Centrifugation After treatment A1, the mixture was centrifuged (4°C, 3000 rpm, 15 min). Process A3: Collection of sediment After treatment A2, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was collected. Process A4: Repeat processes A1 to A3 After the treatment A3, the collected precipitate was subjected to the treatments A1 to A3 (one cycle) twice, and the precipitate was collected. Process A5: Ethanol cleaning After Treatment A4, 6.7 mL of 66% by volume ethanol was added to the recovered precipitate, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (room temperature, 150 rpm, 15 minutes). Process A6: Centrifugation After treatment A5, the mixture was centrifuged (4°C, 3000 rpm, 15 min). Process A7: Collection of sediment After treatment A6, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was collected. Process A8: Repeat processes A5 to A7 After the treatment A7, the collected precipitate was subjected to the treatments A5 to A7 (one cycle) twice, and the precipitate was collected. Process A9: Vacuum drying After Treatment A8, the recovered precipitate was dried under reduced pressure (80°C, 2 hours). Treatment A10: Activated carbon treatment After Treatment A9, 6.7 mL of 99.5% by volume ethanol and 6.7 mg of activated carbon were added to the obtained dried product, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (40°C, 150 rpm, 15 minutes). Process A11: Filtration After treatment A10, the mixture was gravity filtered through filter paper, and the filtrate was collected. Process A12: Vacuum drying After Treatment A11, the obtained filtrate was dried under reduced pressure (80°C, 2 hours), thereby obtaining a dried product (dry weight 237.5 mg).

[0450] The free ceramide content in the dried product obtained by Process A12 was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Specifically, 20 mg of the dried product obtained by Process A12 was mixed with 2 mL of a mixture of chloroform and methanol (chloroform:methanol = 2:1 (volume ratio)) to prepare a sample solution for quantification. The sample solution for quantification was subjected to HPLC analysis, and the free ceramide content was quantified from the calibration curve. The calibration curve was created from the peak areas obtained by HPLC analysis of free ceramide AP (Hydroxyphytoceramide_C24:0) (Avanti) at predetermined concentrations.

[0451] The conditions for HPLC analysis are as follows: Column: Agilent RX-SIL ZORBAX 5μm 4.6×250mm Column temperature: 25℃ Instrument: HPLC-ELSD (Agilent 1260 series) Mobile phase A: hexane:isopropanol = 100:1 (volume ratio) Mobile phase B: methanol: isopropanol = 4:6 (volume ratio) Gradient: [Table D] ·Flow rate: 1mL / min ·Injection volume: 20μL ·ELSD settings: Evaporator Temperature 40℃, Nebulizer Temperature 40℃, Gas Flow Rate 1.6SLM

[0452] The quantitative sample solution usually contains two or more types of free ceramides. When the quantitative sample solution containing two or more types of free ceramides is subjected to HPLC analysis under the above conditions and procedures, the peaks of the two or more types of free ceramides overlap and are detected as a single peak. The amount calculated based on the peak area of ​​the detected single peak and a calibration curve prepared using ceramide AP as a calibration curve standard is taken as the total amount of the two or more types of free ceramides. In other words, the total amount of the two or more types of free ceramides is calculated as the ceramide AP equivalent amount (amount converted into ceramide AP).

[0453] The free ceramides in the dried product obtained in Treatment A12 were quantified by HPLC analysis, and the total amount of free ceramides was found to be 39.847 mg / g. Note that "mg / g" means the content (mg) of the target component per 1 g of dried product.

[0454] <Method 2> The dried and pulverized product obtained in (1) above was purified by Method 2. Method 2 was carried out as follows.

[0455] Process B1: Water washing To 2.0 g of the dried pulverized material, 6.7 mL of Milli-Q water was added, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (room temperature, 150 rpm, 15 minutes). Process B2: Centrifugation After treatment B1, the mixture was centrifuged (4°C, 3000 rpm, 15 min). Process B3: Collection of sediment After treatment B2, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was collected. Process B4: Repeat processes B1 to B3 After the treatment B3, the collected precipitate was subjected to the treatments B1 to B3 (one cycle) twice, and the precipitate was collected. Treatment B5: Alkaline treatment After Treatment B4, 6.7 mL of 0.4 M NaOH aqueous solution was added to the recovered precipitate, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (37°C, 150 pm, 15 minutes). Process B6: Centrifugation After treatment B5, the mixture was centrifuged (15°C, 3000 rpm, 15 min). Process B7: Collection of sediment After treatment B6, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was collected. Process B8: Water washing After treatment B7, 6.7 mL of water was added to the recovered precipitate. After the addition of water, the mixture was mixed by inversion. Process B9: Centrifugation After treatment B8, the mixture was centrifuged (15°C, 3000 rpm, 15 min). Process B10: Collection of sediment After treatment B9, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was collected. Process B11: Repeat processes B8 to B10 After the treatment B10, the recovered precipitate was subjected to the treatments B8 to B10 (one cycle) twice, and the precipitate was recovered. Process B12: Vacuum drying After Treatment B11, the collected precipitate was dried under reduced pressure (80°C, 2 hours), thereby obtaining a dried product (dry weight 65.7 mg).

[0456] The free ceramides in the dried product obtained in Process B12 were quantified by HPLC analysis in the same manner as in Method 1, and the total amount of free ceramides was found to be 12.059 mg / g. Note that "mg / g" means the content (mg) of the target component per 1 g of dried product.

[0457] <Method 3> The dried and pulverized product obtained in (1) above was purified by Method 3. Method 3 was carried out as follows.

[0458] Process C1: Remelting To 1.24 g of the dried pulverized product, 6.5 mL of 99.5% by volume ethanol was added, and the mixture was subjected to ultrasonic treatment (30°C, 15 minutes) and shaking and mixing (40°C, 150 rpm, 15 minutes). Process C2: Centrifugation After treatment C1, the mixture was centrifuged (room temperature, 3000 rpm, 15 minutes). Process C3: Collection of sediment After treatment C2, the supernatant and precipitate were separated and collected. Process C4: Repeat processes C1 to C3 After treatment C3, the collected precipitate was subjected to treatments C1 to C3 (1 cycle) twice, and the supernatant was collected. The supernatant collected in treatment C3 and the supernatant collected in treatment C4 were combined and used in the next treatment. Treatment C5: Activated carbon treatment After treatment C4, 18 mg of activated carbon was added to the resulting supernatant so that the activated carbon concentration was 0.1 w / v %, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (40°C, 150 rpm, 15 minutes). Process C6: Filtration After the treatment C5, the mixture was filtered through a filter paper, and the filtrate was collected. The filter paper used for the filtration was washed with 5 mL of 99.5% by volume ethanol, and the collected filtrate (ethanol used for washing) was combined with the previously collected filtrate and used in the next step. Treatment C7: Precipitation After the treatment C6, Milli-Q water having the same volume as the filtrate (17.5 mL) was added to the recovered filtrate to precipitate free ceramide. Process C8: Centrifugation After treatment C7, the mixture was centrifuged (4°C, 5000 rpm, 15 min). Process C9: Collection of sediment After treatment C8, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was collected. Treatment C10: Hexane washing After treatment C9, 1.5 mL of hexane was added to the recovered precipitate, and the mixture was stirred on a vortex mixer for 1 minute. Process C11: Centrifugation After treatment C10, the mixture was centrifuged (4°C, 15000 rpm, 15 min). Process C12: Collection of precipitate After treatment C11, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was collected. Process C13: Repeat processes C10 to C12 After the treatment C12, the collected precipitate was subjected to one cycle of treatments C10 to C12, and the precipitate was collected. Process C14: Vacuum drying After treatment C13, the collected precipitate was dried under reduced pressure (80°C, 2 hours), yielding a dried product (dry weight 9.1 mg).

[0459] The free ceramides in the dried product obtained in Treatment C14 were quantified by HPLC analysis in the same manner as in Method 1, and the total amount of free ceramides was found to be 265.3 mg / g. Note that "mg / g" means the content (mg) of the target component per 1 g of dried product.

[0460] Example 14 (1) Preparation of dried and pulverized material 100 g of cocoa bean shells were ground in a mill and then sieved through a 14-mesh sieve to obtain the fraction that passed through the 14-mesh sieve (the 14-mesh undersize fraction). The resulting 14-mesh undersize fraction was stirred in 4 L of 99.5% ethanol by volume at 40°C for 20 hours for extraction, followed by suction filtration (Advantec Filter Paper No. 2, 150 mm diameter) to obtain a filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated using an evaporator (50°C, 100 rpm, 30-120 Torr) and then dried under reduced pressure (80°C, 3 hours) to obtain 9.22 g of a brown gum-like substance. The brown gum-like substance was freeze-pulverized in a mortar in the presence of liquid nitrogen to obtain 5.31 g of a dried and pulverized product.

[0461] (2) Purification of dried and ground material <Method 4> The dried and pulverized product obtained in (1) above was purified by Method 4. Method 4 is an improved version of Method 1. Method 4 was carried out as follows.

[0462] Process D1: Water washing 8.3 mL of Milli-Q water was added to 2.5 g of the dried pulverized material, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (room temperature, 150 rpm, 15 minutes). Process D2: Centrifugation After treatment D1, the mixture was centrifuged (4°C, 3000 rpm, 15 min). Process D3: Collection of precipitate After treatment D2, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was collected. Process D4: Repeat processes D1 to D3 After the treatment D3, the collected precipitate was subjected to the treatments D1 to D3 (one cycle) twice, and the precipitate was collected. Process D5: Ethanol washing After treatment D4, 8.3 mL of 66% by volume ethanol was added to the recovered precipitate, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (room temperature, 150 rpm, 15 minutes). Process D6: Centrifugation After treatment D5, the mixture was centrifuged (4°C, 3000 rpm, 15 min). Process D7: Collection of precipitate After treatment D6, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was collected. Process D8: Repeat processes D5 to D7 After the treatment D7, the collected precipitate was subjected to the treatments D5 to D7 (one cycle) twice, and the precipitate was collected. Process D9: Vacuum drying After treatment D8, the recovered precipitate was dried under reduced pressure (80°C, 2 hours). Treatment D10: Activated carbon treatment After Treatment D9, 8.3 mL of 99.5% by volume ethanol and 8.3 mg of activated carbon were added to the obtained dried product, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (40°C, 150 rpm, 15 minutes). Process D11: Filtration After treatment D10, the mixture was gravity filtered through filter paper, and the filtrate was collected. Process D12: Extraction The residue on the filter paper obtained in treatment D11 was extracted with a 30-fold volume of 99.5% by volume ethanol, and the resulting extract was filtered, and the filtrate was collected. Process D13: Drying under reduced pressure The filtrate recovered in treatment D11 and the filtrate recovered in treatment D12 were combined and dried under reduced pressure (80°C, 2 hours), thereby obtaining a dried product (dry weight 277.8 mg).

[0463] The free ceramides in the dried product obtained in Treatment D13 were quantified by HPLC analysis in the same manner as in Method 1 of Example 13, and the total amount of free ceramides was found to be 28.298 mg / g. Note that "mg / g" refers to the content (mg) of the target component per 1 g of the dried product.

[0464] <Method 5> The dried and pulverized product obtained in (1) above was purified by Method 5. Method 5 is an improved version of Method 3. Method 5 was carried out as follows.

[0465] Process E1: Redissolution To 2.5 g of the dried pulverized product, 13.2 mL of 99.5% by volume ethanol was added, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (40°C, 150 rpm, 15 minutes). Process E2: Centrifugation After treatment E1, the mixture was centrifuged (room temperature, 3000 rpm, 15 minutes). Process E3: Collection of sediment After treatment E2, the supernatant and precipitate were separated and collected. Process E4: Repeat processes E1 to E3 After treatment E3, the collected precipitate was subjected to treatments E1 to E3 (1 cycle) twice, and the supernatant was collected. The supernatant collected in treatment E3 and the supernatant collected in treatment E4 were combined and used in the next treatment. Treatment E5: Activated carbon treatment After treatment E4, 40 mg of activated carbon was added to the resulting supernatant so that the activated carbon concentration was 0.1 w / v %, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (40°C, 150 rpm, 15 minutes). Process E6: Filtration After Treatment E5, the mixture was filtered through filter paper, and the filtrate was collected. The filter paper used for filtration was washed with 5 mL of 99.5% by volume ethanol, and the collected filtrate (ethanol used for washing) was combined with the previously collected filtrate and used in the next step. Treatment E7: Precipitation After the treatment E6, Milli-Q water having the same volume (39 mL) as the filtrate was added to the recovered filtrate to precipitate free ceramide. Process E8: Centrifugation After treatment E7, the mixture was centrifuged (4°C, 5000 rpm, 15 min). Process E9: Collection of sediment After treatment E8, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was collected. Process E10: Vacuum drying After treatment C9, the recovered precipitate was dried under reduced pressure (80°C, 2 hours). Process E11: Hexane wash After treatment E10, 1.0 mL of hexane was added to the resulting dried product, and the mixture was stirred on a vortex mixer for 1 minute. After stirring, 1.0 mL of hexane was added to the mixture, and the mixture was stirred on a vortex mixer for 1 minute. Process E12: Centrifugation After treatment E11, the mixture was centrifuged (4°C, 15000 rpm, 15 min). Process E13: Sediment recovery After treatment E12, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was collected. Process E14: Vacuum drying After Treatment E13, the collected precipitate was dried under reduced pressure (80°C, 2 hours), yielding a dried product (dry weight 11.1 mg).

[0466] The free ceramides in the dried product obtained in Treatment E14 were quantified by HPLC analysis in the same manner as in Method 1 of Example 13, and the total amount of free ceramides was found to be 142.7 mg / g. Note that "mg / g" refers to the content (mg) of the target component per 1 g of dried product.

[0467] Example 15 (1) Winnowing of crushed cocoa beans The ground cocoa beans were winnowed using a winnower (a device called a winnower) to separate them into a cocoa bean nib fraction and a cocoa bean shell fraction.

[0468] (2) Screening The cocoa bean shell fraction obtained in (1) above was sieved using a 10-mesh sieve to obtain a 10-mesh over-sieve fraction and a 10-mesh under-sieve fraction. The 10-mesh under-sieve fraction was sieved using a 12-mesh sieve to obtain a 12-mesh over-sieve fraction and a 12-mesh under-sieve fraction. The 12-mesh under-sieve fraction was sieved using a 16-mesh sieve to obtain a 16-mesh over-sieve fraction and a 16-mesh under-sieve fraction. The mass ratio (%) of each fraction to the total mass of the 10-mesh over-sieve fraction, the 12-mesh over-sieve fraction, the 16-mesh over-sieve fraction, and the 16-mesh under-sieve fraction was calculated. The presence or absence of cocoa bean nib contamination in each fraction was also visually confirmed. The results are shown in Table 19.

[0469] [Table 19]

[0470] The results shown in Table 19 show that the majority of the cocoa bean nibs mixed into the cocoa bean shell fraction are contained in the 16 mesh undersieve fraction.

[0471] (3) Component analysis Cocoa bean shells contaminating the cocoa bean nib fraction obtained in (1) above were manually removed, and the cocoa bean nib fraction was then pulverized in a mill. 4 L of 99% vol. ethanol was added to 100 g of the pulverized cocoa bean shell fraction, and the mixture was stirred at 40°C for 24 hours to perform an extraction process. The mixture was then subjected to suction filtration (Advantec Filter Paper No. 2, 150 mmφ) to obtain a filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated to 1 L using an evaporator (50°C, 40-120 Torr). The resulting concentrate is hereinafter referred to as the "ethanol extract." Free ceramides in the ethanol extract were quantified by HPLC analysis in the same manner as in Method 1 of Example 13. The total amount of free ceramides was found to be 74.7 μg / g. Note that "μg / g" refers to the content (μg) of the target component per 1 g of the cocoa bean nib fraction after removal of the cocoa bean shells.

[0472] The fraction that surmounted the 12-mesh sieve obtained in (2) above was pulverized in a mill. 4 L of 99% vol. ethanol was added to 100 g of the pulverized fraction that surmounted the 12-mesh sieve, and the mixture was stirred at 40°C for 24 hours to perform an extraction treatment. The mixture was then suction filtered (Advantec Filter Paper No. 2, 150 mm diameter) to obtain a filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated to 1 L using an evaporator (50°C, 40-120 Torr). The resulting concentrate is hereinafter referred to as the "ethanol extract." Free ceramides in the ethanol extract were quantified by HPLC analysis in the same manner as in Method 1 of Example 13. The total amount of free ceramides was found to be 654.7 μg / g. Note that "μg / g" refers to the content (μg) of the target component per 1 g of the fraction that surmounted the 12-mesh sieve.

[0473] The 16-mesh undersize fraction obtained in (2) above was pulverized in a mill. 4 L of 99% vol. ethanol was added to 100 g of the pulverized 16-mesh undersize fraction, and the mixture was stirred at 40°C for 24 hours for extraction. The mixture was then suction filtered (Advantec Filter Paper No. 2, 150 mm diameter) to obtain a filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated to 1 L using an evaporator (50°C, 40-120 Torr). The resulting concentrate is hereinafter referred to as the "ethanol extract." Free ceramides in the ethanol extract were quantified by HPLC analysis in the same manner as in Method 1 of Example 13. The total amount of free ceramides was found to be 234.4 μg / g. Note that "μg / g" refers to the content (μg) of the target component per 1 g of the 16-mesh undersize fraction.

[0474] From the above results, it can be seen that the total amount of free ceramides in the cocoa bean shell fraction obtained by winnowing ground cocoa beans can be increased by removing the fraction that fell below the 16 mesh sieve from the cocoa bean shell fraction obtained by winnowing ground cocoa beans. The mass percentage of the total amount of free ceramides in the cocoa bean shell fraction after removing the fraction that fell below the 16 mesh sieve relative to the total amount of free ceramides in the cocoa bean shell fraction obtained by winnowing ground cocoa beans is calculated to be, for example, 128.6 mass%. In this case, by removing the fraction that fell below the 16 mesh sieve from the cocoa bean shell fraction obtained by winnowing ground cocoa beans, the total amount of free ceramides in the cocoa bean shell fraction can be increased by 28.6 mass%.

[0475] [Example 15] Evaluation of moisturizing effect (1) Preparation of ethanol extract Cocoa bean shells were crushed in a mill. 4 L of 99% vol. ethanol was added to 100 g of crushed cocoa bean shells and stirred at 40°C for 24 hours to perform an extraction process. The mixture was then suction filtered (Advantec Filter Paper No. 2, 150 mm diameter) to obtain a filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated to 1 L using an evaporator (50°C, 40-120 Torr). The resulting concentrate is hereinafter referred to as the "ethanol extract."

[0476] The free ceramides in the ethanol extract were quantified by HPLC analysis in the same manner as in Method 1 of Example 13, and the total amount of free ceramides was found to be 23 μg / mL. Note that "μg / mL" refers to the content (μg) of the target component per mL of the ethanol extract.

[0477] (2) Preparation of purified ethanol extract The ethanol extract was purified by Method 6. Method 6 was carried out as follows.

[0478] Treatment F1: 20 mL of a mixture of hexane (Hex) and isopropanol (IPA) (Hex:IPA = 1:9 (volume ratio)) was added to 300 mg of the ethanol extract, and then ultrasonicated for 10 minutes to obtain a dispersion. Treatment F2: The resulting dispersion was centrifuged at 1500 rpm for 10 minutes, and about 20 mL of the supernatant was collected. Treatment F3: The obtained supernatant was placed in a water bath at 40°C and dried by blowing nitrogen. Treatment F4: To the obtained dried product, 2 mL of a mixture (solution A:solution B=90:10 (volume ratio)) of solution A (Hex:IPA=100:1 (volume ratio)) and solution B (methanol (MeOH):IPA=4:6 (volume ratio)) was added, and the mixture was dispersed in a shaker at 60°C for 30 minutes. Treatment F5: The obtained dispersion was filtered to prepare a sample for fractionation. Process F6: Processes F1 to F5 (one cycle) were carried out four times to obtain a four-fold amount of sample for aliquoting. Treatment F7: The obtained sample for fractionation was subjected to HPLC, and the ceramide AP fraction was separated. Treatment F8: The fractionation procedure in Treatment F7 was repeated 47 times to obtain 47 times the amount of ceramide AP fraction. Treatment F9: 1 mL of a mixture of Solution A and Solution B (Solution A:Solution B = 90:10 (volume ratio)) was added to the obtained ceramide AP fraction, which was then washed in, and the mixture was dried under nitrogen at 40°C. The resulting dried product is hereinafter referred to as the "purified ethanol extract."

[0479] The free ceramides in the purified ethanol extract were quantified by HPLC analysis. The HPLC analysis was performed in the same manner as in Method 1 of Example 13, except that 2 mL of a mixture of chloroform and methanol (chloroform:methanol = 2:1 (volume ratio)) was added to 13.1 mg of the purified ethanol extract to prepare a sample solution for quantification. As a result, the total amount of free ceramides was 660 mg / g. Note that "mg / g" refers to the content (mg) of the target component per 1 g of the purified ethanol extract.

[0480] (3) Preparation of skin cosmetics The following skin cosmetics were prepared. 1: Skin cosmetics consisting only of a base 2: A skin cosmetic preparation containing the ethanol extract obtained in (1) above in a base so that the total amount of free ceramides is 0.1% by mass. 3: A skin cosmetic preparation containing a base and a purified product of the ethanol extract obtained in (2) above, blended therein so that the total amount of free ceramides is 0.1% by mass.

[0481] Skin cosmetics 1 to 3 were prepared according to the formulations shown in Table 20 by the following method.

[0482] [Table 20]

[0483] Preparation of Solution A All ingredients of Solution A were added and dispersed using a vortex mixer, then dissolved by stirring at 700 rpm for 5 minutes in a water bath at approximately 95° C. However, for Skin Cosmetic Preparation 2, heating was continued until the ethanol in the ethanol extract had evaporated.

[0484] Preparation of solution B All ingredients of solution B were added and completely dissolved in a water bath at about 75°C. While in a water bath at about 75°C, the mixture was homogenized using an ultrasonic homogenizer (SFX150HH, manufactured by Branson) (30 seconds x 4 times).

[0485] Mixing of liquid A and liquid B The prepared solution B was added to the prepared solution A, and stirred at 700 rpm for 5 minutes while in a water bath at approximately 95°C. The mixture of solutions A and B was dispersed using a vortex mixer, and then homogenized (30 seconds x 4 times) using an ultrasonic homogenizer (SFX150HH, manufactured by Branson) while in a water bath at approximately 95°C. After returning to room temperature, the mixture was rehydrated with purified water and the weight was adjusted (*1). However, for skin cosmetic product 2, the weight exceeded 5g before rehydration due to the mass of the ethanol extract, so rehydration was not performed (*2).

[0486] Sterilization and concentration correction The prepared samples were centrifuged at room temperature at 2000 g for 5 minutes (1000 g for 1 minute for Skin Cosmetic Preparation 3) to obtain supernatants. The obtained supernatants were sterilized using a sterilizing filter. The ceramide concentrations of the supernatants were measured, and the total amount of free ceramides in Skin Cosmetic Preparations 2 and 3 exceeded 0.1% by mass. Therefore, water was added to bring the total to 0.1% by mass.

[0487] (4) Evaluation of moisturizing effect Skin cosmetics 1 to 3 were designated as samples 1 to 3, respectively, and the moisturizing effect was evaluated.

[0488] The cell kit used for the evaluation was EPI-MODEL24 (manufactured by Japan Tissue Engineering Co., Ltd.).

[0489] The evaluation method is as follows. <Pre-culture> As a pre-culture, only the medium was changed on the day the cell plates arrived (pre-day 1).

[0490] <Method> Sample addition began the day after the cell plates arrived (day 0) and continued until day 5. Measurements were performed from day 1 to day 5 (day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4, and day 5 were designated as days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 after day 0, respectively). All measurements were performed on a 32°C plate. The method for time-course measurements was as follows.

[0491] (1) The cell plate was removed from the CO2 incubator. (2) TEWL was measured using Tewitro 24. The average value of the data for 5 minutes after 25 to 30 minutes when the value had stabilized was used as the measurement value. (3) 40 μL of each sample was added to the cells, and the cell plate was returned to the CO2 incubator and left to stand for 1 hour. (4) 750 μL of PBS was added to the cells and then removed by suction, and this procedure was repeated five times in total. (5) The cell surface was gently poked and wiped with a cotton swab (approximately 20 times per well) and then the moisture was absorbed. (6) After changing the medium, the cells were stored in a CO2 incubator.

[0492] The measurement results are shown in Table 21. The values ​​in Table 22 are the percentage (%) of the TEWL on each day relative to the TEWL on day 1.

[0493] [Table 21]

[0494] As a result of a five-day test, cells treated with skin cosmetics containing the ethanol extract or the purified product of the ethanol extract (Samples 2 and 3) showed a decrease in TEWL (transepidermal water loss) compared to cells treated with the ethanol extract or the skin cosmetic containing neither the ethanol extract (Sample 1). These results confirmed that the ethanol extract and the purified product of the ethanol extract have moisturizing effects.

[0495] [Example 16] Preparation of skin cosmetics A skin cosmetic was prepared containing the purified product (dried product obtained in Process A12) obtained by Method 1 of Example 13. The blending amounts of each component were as follows: Purified product 5.0g Emulsifier 0.8g Purified water 91.9g

[0496] [Example 17] Preparation of scalp cosmetics A scalp cosmetic was prepared containing the purified product (dried product obtained in Process A12) obtained by Method 1 of Example 13. The blending amounts of each component were as follows: Purified product 5.0g Coconut milk 80.0g Honey 6.0g Jojoba oil 1.0g

[0497] [Example 18] Preparation of pharmaceutical composition A pharmaceutical composition containing the purified product obtained by Method 1 in Example 13 (the dried product obtained by Process A12) was prepared. The amounts of each component were as follows: Purified product 89.29g 75.00g ethanol Water 19.49g Glycerin 5.00g Fragrance 0.50g

[0498] Example 19: Preparation of food composition A food composition was prepared containing the purified product (dried product obtained in Process A12) obtained by Method 1 of Example 13. The amounts of each ingredient added were as follows: Purified product 89.29g Water 10.00g

Claims

1. A moisturizing agent comprising a cocoa-derived composition containing a cocoa bean shell extract, wherein the cocoa bean shell extract contains ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramide, wherein the ratio of the total amount of the ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP to the amount of the glucosylceramide is 1.0 or more by mass, and the ratio of the amount of the ceramide AP to the total amount of the ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP is 0.40 or more by mass.

2. 2. The moisturizer according to claim 1, wherein the amount of ceramide AP is 0.001% by weight or more, based on the weight of the moisturizer.

3. A skin quality improving agent comprising a cocoa-derived composition containing a cocoa bean shell extract, wherein the cocoa bean shell extract contains ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramide, wherein the ratio of the total amount of the ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP to the amount of the glucosylceramide is 1.0 or more by mass, and the ratio of the amount of the ceramide AP to the total amount of the ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP is 0.40 or more by mass.

4. The skin quality improving agent according to claim 3 , wherein the amount of the ceramide AP is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the skin quality improving agent.

5. A hair quality improvement agent comprising a cocoa-derived composition containing a cocoa bean shell extract, wherein the cocoa bean shell extract contains ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramide, wherein the ratio of the total amount of the ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP to the amount of the glucosylceramide is 1.0 or more by mass, and the ratio of the amount of the ceramide AP to the total amount of the ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP is 0.40 or more by mass.

6. The hair quality improving agent according to claim 5, wherein the amount of the ceramide AP is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the hair quality improving agent.

7. A skin cosmetic comprising a cocoa-derived composition containing a cocoa bean shell extract, wherein the cocoa bean shell extract contains ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramide, wherein the ratio of the total amount of the ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP to the amount of the glucosylceramide is 1.0 or more by mass, and the ratio of the amount of the ceramide AP to the total amount of the ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP is 0.40 or more by mass.

8. 8. The skin cosmetic according to claim 7, wherein the amount of the ceramide AP is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the skin cosmetic.

9. The skin cosmetic according to claim 7 or 8, which is a scalp cosmetic.

10. A hair cosmetic comprising a cocoa-derived composition containing a cocoa bean shell extract, wherein the cocoa bean shell extract contains ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramide, wherein the ratio of the total amount of the ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP to the amount of the glucosylceramide is 1.0 or more by mass, and the ratio of the amount of the ceramide AP to the total amount of the ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP is 0.40 or more by mass.

11. The hair cosmetic according to claim 10, wherein the amount of the ceramide AP is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the hair cosmetic.

12. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a cocoa-derived composition containing a cocoa bean shell extract, wherein the cocoa bean shell extract contains ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramide, wherein the ratio of the total amount of the ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP to the amount of the glucosylceramide is 1.0 or more by mass, and the ratio of the amount of the ceramide AP to the total amount of the ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP is 0.40 or more by mass.

13. 13. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 12, wherein the amount of ceramide AP is 0.001% by weight or more, based on the weight of the pharmaceutical composition.

14. A food composition comprising a cocoa-derived composition containing a cocoa bean shell extract, wherein the cocoa bean shell extract contains ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramide, wherein the ratio of the total amount of the ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP to the amount of the glucosylceramide is 1.0 or more by mass, and the ratio of the amount of the ceramide AP to the total amount of the ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP is 0.40 or more by mass.

15. 15. The food composition of claim 14, wherein the amount of ceramide AP is 0.0006% by weight or more, based on the weight of the food composition.

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