Hair improving agent containing Akamoku extract, method for producing the same, and hair improving composition

Abstract

To provide a hair improver and a hair improvement cosmetic in which only a seaweed-derived component is used as a main component, and which can impart very favorable hair moisture content, combability, and hair luster.SOLUTION: A hair improver is for improving moisture retention as well as luster and / or combability of hair, and contains Sargassum horneri extract as an active ingredient.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair improvement agent containing Sargassum horneri extract, a method for producing the same, and a hair improvement composition. [Background technology]

[0002] Since ancient times, black hair that flows beautifully when combed has been considered one of the expressions of beauty. In recent years, with the rise in fashion consciousness, methods for changing the appearance of hair, such as hair coloring, perms, hair irons, and hot curlers, have become popular. While these methods make hair look attractive, the pH changes caused by the acids and alkalis involved in hair coloring and perms, as well as the high temperatures involved in using hair irons and hot curlers, can denature the proteins in the hair and cause damage. Because hair does not have the ability to repair itself, the accumulation of daily damage can lead to problems such as dryness, split ends, loss of luster, and difficulty combing.

[0003] In the past, silicones and other ingredients were added to compensate for this damage, but the effect was insufficient unless a large amount was added. In addition, some silicones are considered to be environmentally hazardous, and cyclic silicone compounds are subject to restrictions in the EU under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation due to concerns about their impact on the water-based ecosystem.

[0004] It has been reported that in order to improve the amount of silicone, a conditioning ingredient in a hair wash composition, that is adsorbed onto hair, the hair wash composition contains at least one water-soluble polymer selected from the group consisting of carrageenan, alginic acid, alginate salts, and fucoidan (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, when these seaweed ingredients, such as fucoidan, are used on hair as is, their effect of beautifying hair is extremely limited.

[0005] Incidentally, the main methods for extracting polysaccharides such as fucoidan from raw seaweed include extraction with hot water (see, for example, Patent Document 2), extraction with acid (see, for example, Patent Document 3), extraction with alkali (see, for example, Patent Document 4), and extraction with organic solvent (see, for example, Patent Document 5). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-298916 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-351801 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-236889 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-220402 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-31585 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the problems associated with the prior art as described above, and aims to provide a hair improvement agent and hair improvement composition that use mainly seaweed-derived ingredients alone and that can impart very good hair moisture content, combability, and shine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] As a result of extensive research into solving the above problems, the inventors have discovered that the above problems can be solved by extracting Akamoku with hot water containing monovalent cations.

[0009] That is, the present invention includes the following embodiments. (1) A hair improvement agent containing Akamoku extract as an active ingredient. (2) A hair improvement agent according to (1), in which the Akamoku extract contains a sulfated polysaccharide salt salified with a monovalent cation. (3) A hair improvement agent according to (1), in which the Akamoku extract contains a sulfated polysaccharide salt having a molecular weight of 50 kDa or more that is soluble in a mixed solution of water and an organic solvent. (4) A hair improvement composition comprising the hair improvement agent according to any one of (1) to (3) in an amount of 0.00001% by mass to 0.1% by mass, calculated as the solid content of the Akamoku extract. (5) A method for producing a hair improvement agent, comprising the steps of extracting Akamoku with hot water containing monovalent cations to obtain an extract, and fractionating and concentrating this extract using an ultrafiltration membrane with a molecular weight cutoff of 50 kDa to obtain a concentrate. (6) The method for producing a hair improvement agent according to (5), further comprising the step of drying the concentrated liquid and dissolving it in a mixed solution of water and an organic solvent. (7) A method for producing a hair improvement composition, comprising the step of mixing the hair improvement agent produced by the method described in (5) or (6) with a pharmacologically or cosmetically acceptable carrier. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The hair improving agent of the present invention can impart excellent moisture content, combability, and shine to hair even when used in an extremely small amount. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an outline of the method for analyzing hair gloss evaluated in Example 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows the results of measuring the moisture content per hair before and after application of the test product evaluated in Example 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows the results of measuring the hair friction force (N) before and after application of the test product evaluated in Example 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the measurement results of the half-width (au) of the hair brightness peak evaluated in Example 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The hair improvement agent in one embodiment of the present invention contains Sargassum horneri extract as an active ingredient. This hair improvement agent, its production method, and a hair improvement composition containing it will be described in detail below, but not all of the elements and combinations thereof described in each embodiment are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0013] (Hair improvement agent) The hair improvement agent of this embodiment contains, as an active ingredient, an extract of Akamoku (Sargassum horneri), a seaweed belonging to the Fucales order of the Phaeophyceae family, Sargassaceae, preferably an extract obtained with hot water. Akamoku is a type of brown algae that has long been used as edible seaweed, primarily in Japan. Akamoku is an annual plant that typically grows from autumn to winter. A single, unbranched stem grows from the appressorium, reaching a length of several meters. Branches arise from the axils of leaves attached to the stem, and similarly to the stem, the stem bears leaves. The leaves are membranous and linear to lanceolate, with serrated edges or pinnate edges with notches reaching the midrib. The leaves are approximately 6 to 8 cm long and 1 to 2 cm wide. In this specification, "Akamoku" may include not only the stems, branches, and leaves of Akamoku, but also the appressorium and reproductive organs.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the active ingredient comprises a sulfated polysaccharide salt salified with a monovalent cation. A hot water extract of Akamoku contains sulfated polysaccharides such as fucoidan. Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide composed primarily of L-fucose linked via α1-2 and α1-6 bonds. While fucoidan is a polysaccharide found in large quantities in brown algae, the Akamoku extract of this embodiment may also contain other polysaccharides such as alginic acid. The molecular weight of such an active ingredient is not particularly limited, but a molecular weight of 50 kDa or greater is preferred. More preferably, the active ingredient is soluble in a mixed solution of water and an organic solvent. Polysaccharides extracted from algae are generally known to have extremely high viscosity and are poorly soluble in organic solvents with low polarity. However, because the active ingredient of this embodiment contains a sulfated polysaccharide salt salified with a monovalent cation, its viscosity is reduced despite its high molecular weight, making it soluble in a mixed solution of water and an organic solvent. As described in detail below, the mixed solution may be, for example, a mixed solution of water and an alcohol, particularly a mixed solution containing water and a polyhydric alcohol, typically an aqueous solution containing approximately 30% 1,3-butylene glycol. The hair improvement agent according to this embodiment contains the above-described Sargassum horneri extract, and its content can be adjusted to a desired concentration of 0.01% to 99% by mass, calculated as the solid content of the Sargassum horneri extract. As described in detail below, even at very low concentrations or in very small amounts, it can exhibit very good hair improvement effects. The hair improvement agent may be used as a hair cosmetic product as is, but is preferably used as an additive for producing a hair improvement composition that improves hair moisture, combability, and shine.

[0015] Examples of monovalent cations include Na + , K. + , NH4 + and the like, and preferably Na + and K. + , particularly preferably Na +In other words, polysaccharides with sulfate groups such as fucoidan will undergo autohydrolysis and will not exhibit their intended functions unless they are in the form of a salt, and the counter ion for forming the salt must be, for example, Ca. 2+ It has been revealed that even if the sulfated polysaccharide salt contains a divalent cation such as , it does not exhibit hair-improving functions such as improving hair moisture, combability, and hair gloss, and that only a salt containing a monovalent cation exhibits such hair-improving functions. Therefore, it is preferable that the sulfated polysaccharide salt according to this embodiment is substantially free of divalent cations such as calcium. Here, "substantially free" means, for example, that the amount present is 5% or less, 1% or less, 0.1% or less, 0.01% or less, or 0.001% or less on a molar basis, and more preferably, an amount as close to zero or less.

[0016] (Hair improving composition) The hair improvement composition according to this embodiment contains the hair improvement agent described above, but when it is made into a composition such as a shampoo, rinse, conditioner, hair mist or hair spray that contains the hair improvement agent as an active ingredient, it may contain other ingredients that are normally used in the preparation of cosmetics, quasi-drugs, topical medicines and the like, to the extent that the effects of the present invention are not impaired. These other pharmacologically or cosmetically acceptable ingredients may include water, oils, surfactants, metallic soaps, gelling agents, alcohols, water-soluble polymers, resins, UV absorbers, UV protection agents, antibacterial agents, fragrances, colorants, deodorants, salts, pH adjusters, cooling agents, animal or microbial extracts, plant extracts, blood circulation promoters, astringents, cell activators, moisturizers, enzymes, hormones, vitamins, and other ingredients listed in the Encyclopedia of Conditioning Rinse Ingredients (MICELLE PRESS, 1987), the Encyclopedia of Shampoo Ingredients (MICELLE PRESS, 1985), Latest Cosmetic Science (Yakuji Nipposha, 1988), etc. The relevant parts of these documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0017] The content of the hair improvement agent in the hair improvement composition according to this embodiment is not particularly limited, but even when incorporated in a composition in the form of an aqueous solution, for example, even a very small amount, such as 0.00001% by mass or more, preferably 0.0001% by mass or more, calculated as the solid content of Sargassum horneri extract relative to the total composition, can provide a very good hair improvement effect. The upper limit of the amount incorporated is also not particularly limited, but from an economical standpoint, it is desirable to use, for example, 0.1% by mass or less, preferably 0.01% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.001% by mass or less. A particularly preferred range is 0.0001% by mass to 0.01% by mass.

[0018] In particular, the hair improvement composition according to this embodiment is preferably prepared as an aqueous composition for application to hair. Furthermore, when preparing the aqueous composition, it is desirable to incorporate a polyhydric alcohol in order to stably maintain the above-mentioned sulfated polysaccharide salt as a molecular unit and for the purpose of preservation.

[0019] The water is not particularly limited, but purified water, deionized water, hot spring water, deep sea water, etc. may be used.

[0020] The polyhydric alcohol is not particularly limited as long as it is typically used in topical preparations (e.g., cosmetics, quasi-drugs, or topical pharmaceuticals). Among polyhydric alcohols, dihydric or trihydric alcohols are preferred. Specific examples include glycol and glycerin. More specific examples include 1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol, pentylene glycol (1,2-pentanediol), glycerin, dipropylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, and isoprene glycol (isopentyldiol). Among these, 1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol, pentylene glycol, or isoprene glycol are preferred, with 1,3-butylene glycol being particularly preferred. More preferred is naturally-derived 1,3-butylene glycol prepared from plant materials such as sugarcane. The polyhydric alcohols can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0021] The lower limit of the polyhydric alcohol content is not particularly limited, and may be 1 mass%, 10 mass%, or 30 mass%, relative to the total mass of the hair improvement composition. The upper limit of the polyhydric alcohol content is not particularly limited, and may be 99 mass%, 95 mass%, 90 mass%, or 85 mass%, relative to the total mass of the hair improvement composition. As described above, in order to stably maintain the sulfated polysaccharide salt of a specific structure as a molecular unit and for preservative purposes, the content is preferably 8 mass% or more, and is desirably within the range of 10 to 50 mass%, particularly 20 to 40 mass%, or 25 to 35 mass%.

[0022] Other materials that can be blended into the hair improvement composition according to this embodiment are not particularly limited, but examples include oils that are used in ordinary cosmetics, regardless of their nature, such as natural oils, synthetic oils, or solid, semi-solid, or liquid, and include hydrocarbons, waxes, fatty acids, higher alcohols, ester oils, silicone oils, and fluorine-based oils. For example, hydrocarbons such as squalane, squalene, ceresin, paraffin, paraffin wax, liquid paraffin, pristane, polyisobutylene, microcrystalline wax, and petrolatum; waxes such as beeswax, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, and whale wax; animal oils such as beef tallow, beef leg fat, beef bone fat, hardened beef tallow, hardened oil, turtle oil, lard, horse fat, mink oil, liver oil, and egg yolk oil; lanolin, liquid lanolin, reduced lanolin, lanolin alcohol, hard lanolin, and acetate lanolin. Lanolin derivatives such as lanolin, lanolin fatty acid isopropyl, POE lanolin alcohol ether, POE lanolin alcohol acetate, lanolin fatty acid polyethylene glycol, and POE hydrogenated lanolin alcohol ether; and fatty acids such as lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, undecylenic acid, oleic acid, arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), isostearic acid, and 12-hydroxystearic acid.Also, higher alcohols such as lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, palmityl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, hexadecyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, hexyldodecanol, octyldodecanol, cetostearyl alcohol, 2-decyltetradecynol, cholesterol, phytosterol, sitosterol, lanosterol, POE cholesterol ether, and monostearyl glycerin ether (batyl alcohol); diisobutyl adipate, 2-hexyldecyl adipate, di-2-heptylundecyl adipate, N-alkyl glycol monoisostearate, isocetyl isostearate, trimethylolpropane triisostearate, ethylene glycol di-2-ethylhexanoate, cetyl 2-ethylhexanoate, trimethylolpropane tri-2-ethylhexanoate, pentaerythritol tetra-2-ethylhexanoate, cetyl octanoate, octanoic acid, octyl hydroxybenzoate ... Childodecyl Gum Esters, Oleyl Oleate, Octyldodecyl Oleate, Decyl Oleate, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprate, Triethyl Citrate, 2-Ethylhexyl Succinate, Amyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Isocetyl Stearate, Butyl Stearate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Di-2-Ethylhexyl Sebacate, Cetyl Lactate, Myristyl Lactate, Isopropyl Palmitate, 2-Ethylhexyl Palmitate, 2-Hexyl Palmitate Examples of ester oils include undecyl palmitate, 2-heptylundecyl palmitate, cholesteryl 12-hydroxystearate, dipentaerythritol fatty acid esters, isopropyl myristate, octyldodecyl myristate, 2-hexyldecyl myristate, myristyl myristate, hexyldecyl dimethyloctanoate, ethyl laurate, hexyl laurate, 2-octyldodecyl N-lauroyl-L-glutamate, and diisostearyl malate.Further examples include glyceride oils such as acetoglyceride, triisooctanoic acid glyceride, triisostearic acid glyceride, triisopalmitic acid glyceride, tri-2-ethylhexanoic acid glyceride, monostearic acid glyceride, di-2-heptylundecanoic acid glyceride, and trimyristate glyceride; higher alkoxy-modified silicones such as dimethylpolysiloxane, methylphenylpolysiloxane, methylhydrogenpolysiloxane, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane, tetramethyltetrahydrogencyclotetrasiloxane, and stearoxysilicone; silicone-based oils such as higher fatty acid-modified silicones, silicone resins, silicone rubber, and silicone oil; and fluorine-based oils such as perfluoropolyether, perfluorodecalin, and perfluorooctane.

[0023] However, in order to obtain a sufficient hair improvement effect from the sulfated polysaccharide salt as described above, which is the hair improvement agent according to this embodiment, it is desirable to use a non-silicone composition that does not contain any silicone-based oily agents.

[0024] As the surfactant, anionic, cationic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants can be used. Examples of anionic surfactants include fatty acid soaps such as sodium stearate and triethanolamine palmitate, carboxylates such as alkyl ether carboxylic acids and their salts, condensates of amino acids and fatty acids, alkyl sulfonic acids, alkene sulfonates, sulfonates of fatty acid esters, sulfonates of fatty acid amides, sulfonates of alkyl sulfonates and their formalin condensates, alkyl sulfates, secondary higher alcohol sulfates, alkyl and allyl ether sulfates, sulfates of fatty acid esters, sulfates of fatty acid alkylolamides, sulfates of turmeric oil, alkyl phosphates, ether phosphates, alkyl allyl ether phosphates, amide phosphates, and N-acyl amino acid surfactants.

[0025] Examples of cationic surfactants include alkylamine salts, amine salts of polyamines and amino alcohol fatty acid derivatives, alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, aromatic quaternary ammonium salts, pyridium salts, and imidazolium salts. Nonionic surfactants include sorbitan fatty acid esters, glycerin fatty acid esters, polyglycerin fatty acid esters, propylene glycol fatty acid esters, polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxypropylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitol fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene glycerin fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene propylene glycol fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene castor oil, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, polyoxyethylene phytostanol ethers, polyoxyethylene phytosterol ethers, polyoxyethylene cholestanol ethers, polyoxyethylene cholesteryl ethers, polyoxyalkylene-modified organopolysiloxanes, polyoxyalkylene-alkyl co-modified organopolysiloxanes, alkanolamides, sugar ethers, and sugar amides. Amphoteric surfactants include betaines, aminocarboxylates, and imidazoline derivatives.

[0026] Examples of metal soaps include 12-hydroxyaluminum stearate, zinc stearate, aluminum stearate, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, zinc myristate, magnesium myristate, zinc cetyl phosphate, calcium cetyl phosphate, sodium zinc cetyl phosphate, zinc laurate, and zinc undecylenate.

[0027] Examples of gelling agents include amino acid derivatives such as N-lauroyl-L-glutamic acid and α,γ-di-n-butylamine; dextrin fatty acid esters such as dextrin palmitate, dextrin stearate, and dextrin 2-ethylhexanoic acid palmitate; sucrose fatty acid esters such as sucrose palmitate and sucrose stearate; benzylidene derivatives of sorbitol such as monobenzylidene sorbitol and dibenzylidene sorbitol; and organically modified clay minerals such as dimethylbenzyldodecylammonium montmorillonite clay and dimethyldioctadecylammonium montmorillonite clay.

[0028] Examples of ultraviolet absorbers include cinnamic acid-based ultraviolet absorbers such as 2-ethylhexyl paramethoxycinnamate, isopropyl paramethoxycinnamate, diethanolamine paramethoxyhydrocinnamate, glyceryl di-paramethoxycinnamate-mono-2-ethylhexanoate, octyl methoxycinnamate, and methyl diisopropylcinnamate; 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone-5-sulfuric acid, sodium 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone-5-sulfate, and 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone-5-sulfate. Examples of the ultraviolet absorber include benzophenone-based ultraviolet absorbers such as benzophenone, 2,2'-dihydroxy-4,4'-dimethoxybenzophenone, 2,2'-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, 2,2',4,4'-tetrahydroxybenzophenone, and 2-hydroxy-4-n-octoxybenzophenone; and benzoic acid-based ultraviolet absorbers such as para-aminobenzoic acid, ethyl para-aminobenzoate, butyl para-aminobenzoate, 2-ethylhexyl para-dimethylaminobenzoate, glyceryl para-aminobenzoate, and amyl para-aminobenzoate.

[0029] Examples of ultraviolet protection agents include salicylic acid-based ultraviolet absorbers such as 2-ethylhexyl salicylate, triethanolamine salicylate, homomenthyl salicylate, dipropylene glycol salicylate, methyl salicylate, ethylene glycol salicylate, phenyl salicylate, amyl salicylate, benzyl salicylate, isopropylbenzyl salicylate, and potassium salicylate; and dibenzoylmethane-based ultraviolet absorbers such as 4-t-butyl-4'-methoxydibenzoylmethane, 4-isopropyldibenzoylmethane, 4-methoxydibenzoylmethane, and 4-t-butyl-4'-hydroxydibenzoylmethane. Ultraviolet absorbers include anthranilic acid-based ultraviolet absorbers such as menthyl-O-aminobenzoate, 2-phenyl-benzimidazole-5-sulfuric acid, 2-phenyl-5-methylbenzoxazole, 3-(4-methylbenzylidene)camphor, 2-ethylhexyl-2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate, 2-ethyl-2-cyano-3,3'-diphenylacrylate, 2-(2'-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)benzotriazole, and menthyl anthranilate; urocanic acid-based ultraviolet absorbers such as ethyl urocanate; titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, and cerium oxide.

[0030] The alcohols include the polyhydric alcohols mentioned above, as well as ethanol and isopropanol. Examples of suitable lower alcohols include alcohols such as ethanol.

[0031] Examples of water-soluble polymers include plant-based polymers such as gum arabic, tragacanth, galactan, carob gum, guar gum, karaya gum, carrageenan other than lambda, pectin, agar, algae colloid, fucoidan, tolant gum, locust bean gum, and galactomannan; microbial-based polymers such as xanthan gum, curdlan, gellan gum, fucogel, dextran, succinoglucan, and pullulan; animal-based polymers such as chitosan, casein, albumin, and gelatin; starch-based polymers such as starch, carboxymethyl starch, and methylhydroxypropyl starch; methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, methylhydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, and hydroxymethylcellulose. Examples of suitable polymers include cellulose-based polymers such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, nitrocellulose, sodium cellulose sulfate, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, crystalline cellulose, and cellulose powder; alginic acid-based polymers such as sodium alginate and propylene glycol alginate; vinyl-based polymers such as polyvinyl methyl ether, carboxyvinyl polymer, and alkyl-modified carboxyvinyl polymer; polyoxyethylene-based polymers; polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene copolymer-based polymers; acrylic polymers such as sodium polyacrylate, polyethyl acrylate, and polyacrylamide; and inorganic water-soluble polymers such as polyethyleneimine, cationic polymers, bentonite, laponite, and hectorite. These also include film-forming agents such as polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone.

[0032] Examples of antibacterial agents include benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, carbolic acid, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, parahydroxybenzoic acid esters, parachlormetacresol, hexachlorophene, benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine chloride, trichlorocarbanilide, photosensitizers, zinc bis(2-pyridylthio-1-oxide), phenoxyethanol, thianthol, isopropylmethylphenol, etc. Examples of pH adjusters include potassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, etc. Examples of cooling agents include L-menthol, camphor, etc.

[0033] Examples of cell activators include nucleic acid-related substances such as deoxyribonucleic acid and its salts, adenylic acid derivatives such as adenosine triphosphate and adenosine monophosphate and their salts, ribonucleic acid and its salts, cyclic AMP, cyclic GMP, flavin adenine nucleotide, guanine, adenine, cytosine, thymine, xanthine and their derivatives such as caffeine, theoferline and their salts, young calf blood extract, deproteinized serum extract, spleen extract, chicken egg components, cockscomb extract, shell extract, shellfish meat extract, royal jelly, silk protein and its degradation products or derivatives thereof, hemoglobin or its degradation products, lactoferrin or its degradation products, mollusk extracts such as squid ink, fish meat extract, etc., extracts derived from animals such as mammals, birds, shellfish, insects, fish, mollusks, and crustaceans, and extracts derived from microorganisms selected from fermentation metabolites such as yeast extract, lactic acid bacteria extract, and bifidobacterium extract. Furthermore, vitamin A such as retinol and its derivatives (retinol palmitate, retinol acetate, etc.), retinal and its derivatives, dehydroretinal, carotenoids such as carotene, thiamines (thiamine hydrochloride, thiamine sulfate), riboflavins (riboflavin, riboflavin acetate, etc.), pyridoxines (pyridoxine hydrochloride, pyridoxine dioctanoate, etc.), flavin adenine nucleotide, cyanocobalamin, folic acids, nicotinic acids (nicotinamide, benzyl nicotinate, etc.), vitamin B such as choline, apricot extract, ginkgo extract, Panax ginseng extract, and ginger extract. Examples of such cell activators include barley extract, orange extract, cucumber extract, kiwi extract, shiitake mushroom extract, horsetail extract, Swertia japonica extract, Chinese cabbage extract, chili pepper extract, garlic extract, carrot extract, Poria cocos extract, peach extract, lettuce extract, lemon extract, Ganoderma lucidum extract, rosemary extract, hinokitiol, and cepharanthine, as well as plant-derived extracts such as α- and γ-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and derivatives thereof, estradiol and derivatives thereof and salts thereof, and organic acids such as glycolic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid and derivatives thereof and salts thereof. One or more of the above-listed cell activators can be appropriately selected and blended.

[0034] Moisturizing agents include alkaline simple hot spring water, deep sea water, mucopolysaccharides such as hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, heparan sulfate, heparin, and keratan sulfate, or salts thereof, proteins such as collagen, elastin, and keratin, or derivatives thereof and salts thereof, phospholipids derived from soybeans and eggs, glycolipids, ceramide, mucin, honey, erythritol, maltose, maltitol, xylitol, xylose, pentaerythritol, fructose, dextrin and derivatives thereof, mannitol, sorbitol, boar Examples of suitable amino acids include sugars such as thal, trehalose, and glucose, urea, asparagine, aspartic acid, alanine, arginine, isoleucine, ornithine, glutamine, glycine, glutamic acid, and derivatives thereof and salts thereof, cysteine, cystine, citrulline, threonine, serine, tyrosine, tryptophan, theanine, valine, histidine, hydroxylysine, hydroxyproline, pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid, and salts thereof, and amino acids such as proline, phenylalanine, methionine, and lysine, and derivatives thereof or salts thereof.Also contains D-panthenol, avocado extract, almond oil, carob extract, rice extract, strawberry extract, fennel extract, marshal extract, coptis extract, olive oil, white nettle extract, cocoa butter, oat extract, ivy extract, kumazasa extract, gardenia extract, grapefruit extract, geranium extract, gentian extract, burdock extract, saffron vine extract, sesame extract, cactus extract, soapwort extract, ginger extract, rehmannia root extract, shea butter, meadowsweet extract, cnidium extract, mallow extract, thyme extract, camellia extract, corn extract, tallow extract, tocopheryl acetate extract, thyme ... Examples of such moisturizing agents include menchira extract, Houttuynia cordata extract, Bakumondo extract, Lupin extract, Hamamelis extract, Mint extract, Green Mentha extract, Peppermint extract, Parsley extract, Rose extract, Sunflower extract, Japanese cypress extract, Loofah extract, Prune extract, Butcher's broom extract, Borage oil, Peony extract, Jojoba oil, Tilia extract, Hop extract, Pine extract, Horse chestnut extract, Macadamia nut oil, Quince extract, Purple extract, Meadowhof oil, Melissa extract, Cornflower extract, Lily extract, Yuzu extract, Lime extract, Lavender extract, Gentian extract, Burnt extract, and Apple extract. One or more of the moisturizing agents listed above can be appropriately selected and blended.

[0035] Examples of vitamins include vitamin K (e.g., phytonadione, menaquinone, menadione, menadiol), vitamin P (e.g., eriocitrin, hesperidin), biotin, carcinine, ferulic acid, etc. Examples of blood circulation promoters include nonylic acid valenylamide, capsaicin, zingerone, cantharides tincture, ichthammol, α-borneol, inositol hexanicotinate, cyclandelate, cinnarizine, tolazoline, acetylcholine, verapamil, γ-oryzanol, etc. Examples of skin astringents include tannic acid, etc. Examples of antiseborrheic agents include thianthrol, etc. Examples of enzymes include lipase and papain. One or more of these ingredients can be added as appropriate. The amount of these ingredients added is not particularly limited, but is typically within the range of 0.0001 to 80% by mass (based on the total amount).

[0036] The hair improvement composition of this embodiment can be produced according to a conventional method, and can be applied, for example, as a shampoo, hair rinse, hair conditioner, hair treatment, hair cream, styling lotion, styling mousse, conditioning mousse, hair spray, hair mist, hair foam, hair gel, hair blow dryer, etc.

[0037] The hair improvement agent or hair improvement composition according to this embodiment is effective not only for humans, but also for mammals including livestock such as cows, horses, pigs and goats, as well as pets such as dogs and cats.

[0038] (Manufacturing method) The method for producing a hair improvement agent according to this embodiment includes an extraction step in which Sargassum serrata is extracted with hot water containing monovalent cations to obtain an extract, a concentration step in which the obtained extract is fractionated and concentrated using an ultrafiltration membrane with a molecular weight cutoff of 50 kDa to obtain a concentrate, and more preferably a step in which this concentrate is dried and dissolved in a mixed solution of water and an organic solvent. In the extraction step, Sargassum serrata is powdered, and water is added to dissolve the powder in the solution. A salt that produces monovalent ions, such as sodium chloride, may then be added and heated. After heating, the mixture is separated by molecular weight to extract sulfated polysaccharide salts that have been salified with monovalent cations.

[0039] The raw material, "Akamoku," is a seaweed belonging to the Fucales order of the Phaeophyceae family and the Sargassaceae family. Akamoku is an annual plant, typically growing from autumn to winter, reaching lengths of 4–7 m. The appressorium is pseudodisk-shaped, from which a single, unbranched stem emerges, reaching several meters in length. Branches arise from the axils of the leaves attached to the stem, and like the stems, they bear leaves. The leaves are membranous, linear to lanceolate, with serrated edges or pinnate lobes reaching the midrib. They are approximately 6–8 cm long and 1–2 cm wide. Receptacles are attached singly or in groups at the ends of the branches, cylindrical in shape and tapering to a tip. Female receptacles are thick, measuring 2–3 cm long and 3 mm in diameter, while male receptacles are elongated, measuring 4–7 cm long and 2 mm in diameter. It should be noted that the numerical values ​​in these explanations are merely representative examples and do not limit the present invention in any way. It is of course possible to use Akamoku with values ​​different from these values, and this is within the scope of the present invention.

[0040] In the manufacturing method according to this embodiment, the "Akamoku" used as a raw material may include these appressoria, stems, branches, leaves, reproductive receptacles, etc.

[0041] The salts that become monovalent ions contained in the hot water are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, etc. The amount of these salts added to the hot water is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0.0001 to 10 mol / L, further, for example, 0.001 to 5 mol / L, 0.01 to 2 mol / L, and preferably 0.1 to 1 mol / L.

[0042] The temperature of the hot water in the extraction step is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 40° C. or higher, and further may be, for example, 50° C. or higher, 60° C. or higher, 70° C. or higher, 80° C. or higher, 90° C. or higher, 100° C. or higher, or 120° C. or higher. Specific examples include extraction using water as a solvent at normal pressure (1013 hPa±50 hPa) and a temperature of 100° C. or lower, for example, 55 to 65° C.

[0043] The time required for this extraction may vary depending on the temperature selected, but may be from 1 hour to 2 months, e.g., 1 hour to 1 month, 1 hour to 15 days, 1 hour to 10 days, 1 hour to 5 days, 1 hour to 3 days, 1 hour to 2 days, 1 hour to 1 day, 5 hours to 1 month, 5 hours to 15 days, 5 hours to 10 days, 5 hours to 5 days, 5 hours to 3 days, 5 hours to 2 days, 5 hours to 1 day, 10 hours to 1 month, 10 hours to 15 days, 10 hours to 10 days, 10 hours to 5 days, 10 hours to 3 days, or 10 hours to 2 days.

[0044] The extraction step may include mixing the raw material, Akamoku, in water containing monovalent cations as a solvent and leaving the mixture for a certain period of time. The leaving step may include appropriate stirring.

[0045] The extraction is repeated one or more times, for example, one to five times. For example, it can be performed one or more times at 40 to 50°C, 50 to 60°C, 60 to 70°C, 70 to 80°C, or 50 to 70°C. Furthermore, when the extraction is repeated multiple times, the temperature for each time may be different or the same, and for example, it is also possible to gradually increase the temperature with each time. Preferably, the temperature is 50 to 60°C or higher, and more preferably 55°C or higher.

[0046] The hot water extraction process may be performed in conjunction with other techniques, such as pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), subcritical extraction (SE), or a combination thereof, as needed. The subcritical extraction is subcritical water extraction (SWE). Subcritical water extraction is also known as superheated water extraction or pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE).

[0047] After the extraction step, the resulting extract is fractionated and concentrated using an ultrafiltration membrane with a molecular weight cutoff of 50 kDa. Molecular weight fractionation using an ultrafiltration membrane is carried out industrially, and molecular weight fractions within a predetermined range can be prepared using, for example, an MF membrane (microfiltration membrane) or a UF membrane (ultrafiltration membrane) such as Microza (trade name) manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation. After the molecular weight fractionation and concentration steps, a process of separating precipitates and the like by known methods such as filtration may be further included. Furthermore, a subsequent purification process by known methods such as washing and reprecipitation may be further included.

[0048] Subsequently, in the drying step of drying the concentrated liquid, any known method such as a heating method, drying under reduced pressure, etc. can be used without any particular limitation. The organic solvent used in the step of dissolving the dried product in a mixed solution of water and an organic solvent is not particularly limited as long as it can be blended into the hair improvement agent that is finally prepared, and specific examples include the same organic solvents as those described in relation to the hair quality improvement agent or hair quality improvement composition described above.

[0049] The hair improvement agent produced by the method of this embodiment can be further mixed with a pharmacologically or cosmetically acceptable carrier to produce a hair improvement composition. The hair improvement composition and pharmacologically or cosmetically acceptable carrier are as described above. [Example]

[0050] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the following examples, the unit % used to indicate the amount of each component added means % by mass.

[0051] The effect of the hair improving agent of the present invention on hair was evaluated by the following methods using damaged hair prepared by the following method, with respect to the moisture content, combability, and shine of the hair.

[0052] [Example 1] (Sample preparation) 40 L of extract obtained by boiling Akamoku in saltwater was filtered through a mesh strainer or nylon sheet, followed by filtration through a 10 μm cartridge filter (Advantec), a 1 μm cartridge filter (Advantec), and a 1 μm pleated cartridge filter (As One). The filtered extract was subjected to molecular weight fractionation, desalting, and concentration using a 50 kDa Microza (Asahi Kasei). Desalting was performed by analyzing the distillate from the Microza module body with a conductivity meter (HORIBA), and adding distilled water until the conductivity reached 20 μs / cm or less. The desalted extract was placed in an aluminum tray, pre-frozen in a freezer at -20°C or below for 12 hours, and then freeze-dried in a tray-type freeze dryer (EYELA). Freeze-drying was completed when the temperature sensor in contact with the extract reached the same temperature as the dryer's internal temperature. After drying, 141.1 g of a brown solid was obtained. This brown solid was dissolved in a mixture of purified water and 1,3-butanediol (30% by mass of 1,3-butanediol) to obtain a 0.1% by mass extract of Sargassum horneri.

[0053] (Creating damaged hair) 500 mL of a 3% hydrogen peroxide and 3% ammonia solution (bleach) was placed in a 1 L beaker, and the same human hair (BS-B3N, Beaulux) was immersed in it. The beaker was placed in a water bath set to 40°C and left to stand for 20 minutes. The hair bundle was rinsed with running water at 30°C for 2 minutes, towel-dried, and then treated with a hair dryer for 7 minutes. The above procedure was repeated three times to create damaged hair.

[0054] (Hair moisture content) The damaged hair was left to stand in a constant temperature and humidity chamber maintained at a room temperature of 21±0.3°C and a humidity of 45.0±2.0% for 24 hours or more. The weight (mg) of the damaged hair was measured and used as the hair weight (mg) before the test.

[0055] The sample prepared above was diluted with purified water to a concentration of 1% to prepare a test product containing 0.001% by mass of Sargassum horneri extract. 500 μL of this test product was applied to damaged hair, massaged in for 1 minute, and then rinsed with 30°C tap water for 1 minute. The damaged hair was then immersed in 30°C tap water for 1 minute and left to stand in a constant temperature and humidity chamber maintained at a room temperature of 21±0.3°C and a humidity of 45.0±2.0% for 18 hours. The weight (mg) of the damaged hair was measured and used as the post-test hair weight (mg). After cutting and removing 2 cm of the damaged hair from the tip, the remaining hair bundle was cut into strips approximately 5 mm wide from the tip and weighed approximately 0.1 g. The hair was treated at 105°C for 3 minutes using an infrared moisture meter (MOC-120H, Shimadzu Corporation), and the dry weight (mg) of the hair bundle was calculated from the dry residue (%) of the hair. The change in hair moisture content (mg) and hair moisture content per hair (μg / mg) before and after treatment with the test product were calculated according to the following formula.

[0056] Hair moisture content (mg) = [hair weight (mg) before (after) treatment with test product - dry weight of hair bundle (mg)] Moisture content per hair (μg / mg) = [Hair moisture content (mg) / Dry weight of hair bundle (mg)] x 1000

[0057] (Combing hair) The damaged hair prepared as described above was left to stand for at least 24 hours in a constant temperature and humidity chamber maintained at a room temperature of 21±0.3°C and a humidity of 45.0±2.0%. The damaged hair was then immersed in tap water at 30°C for 1 minute and then left to stand for 18 hours in a constant temperature and humidity chamber maintained at a room temperature of 21±0.3°C and a humidity of 45.0±2.0%. A comb was attached to a digital force gauge (ZP-20N, IMADA), and the load (N) applied to the comb when combing the hair bundle was measured as an index of the frictional force generated between the hair and the comb (before the test). Note that a low level of hair friction is considered to indicate ease of combing. 500 μL of the test product was applied to the damaged hair, massaged in for 1 minute, and then rinsed with tap water at 30°C for 1 minute. The damaged hair was then immersed in tap water at 30°C for 1 minute and left to stand in a constant temperature and humidity chamber maintained at a room temperature of 21±0.3°C and a humidity of 45.0±2.0% for 18 hours. The hair friction force (N) of the damaged hair was measured (after the test) using the same equipment as before the test.

[0058] (Hair shine) The damaged hair prepared as described above was left to stand for at least 24 hours in a temperature- and humidity-controlled chamber maintained at a room temperature of 21±0.3°C and a humidity of 45.0±2.0%. The damaged hair was then immersed in tap water at 30°C for 1 minute and then left to stand for 18 hours in a temperature- and humidity-controlled chamber maintained at a room temperature of 21±0.3°C and a humidity of 45.0±2.0%. Images of the damaged hair were taken (before testing) using a digital single-lens reflex camera (Nikon D610) and a large-aperture zoom lens (SP24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD, TAMRON).

[0059] 500 μL of the test product was applied to damaged hair, massaged in for 1 minute, and then rinsed with 30°C tap water for 1 minute. The damaged hair was then immersed in 30°C tap water for 1 minute and left to stand in a constant temperature and humidity chamber maintained at a room temperature of 21±0.3°C and a humidity of 45.0±2.0% for 18 hours. After that, images of the damaged hair were taken (after the test) in the same manner as before the test.

[0060] The brightness (au) of the captured hair images was quantified (au) using image analysis software (Image J). An overview is shown in Figure 1. The half-width was calculated from the measurement distance (pixels) that indicates the (|maximum value - minimum value| / 2 + minimum value) of the quantified hair brightness (au), and this was used as an index of hair luster (see R. McMULLEN, J. JACHOWICZ, Optical properties of hair: Effect of treatments on luster as quantified by image analysis. J. Cosmet. Sci., 54, 335-351 (2003)). The narrower the half-width, the less diffuse reflection of light there is, indicating lustrous hair.

[0061] <Result> (Hair moisture content) The hair weight and hair moisture content before and after application of the test product are shown in Tables 1 and 2. The hair moisture content per hair before and after application of the test product is shown in Figure 2.

[0062] [Table 1]

[0063] [Table 2]

[0064] As shown in Table 1, hair weight after application of the test product was greater than before application of the test product, and the results in Table 2 suggest that this is due to an increase in hair moisture content. Figure 2 plots the hair moisture content per hair, and shows that application of the test product significantly increased the moisture content. From this, the hair improvement agent of the present invention can be expected to increase hair moisture content and enhance hair's moisturizing power.

[0065] (Hair Combing) The hair friction force (N) before and after application of the test product is shown in Table 3 and Figure 3. [Table 3]

[0066] The results shown in Table 3 and Figure 3 show that application of the test product significantly reduces hair friction and improves combability. This indicates that the hair improvement agent of the present invention improves combability and is thought to have the effect of imparting smoothness to hair.

[0067] (Hair gloss) The half-width (au) of the hair brightness peak calculated by image analysis of the hair bundle before and after application of the test product is shown in Table 4 and Figure 4. The narrower the half-width (au) of the hair brightness, the shinier the hair.

[0068] [Table 4]

[0069] As shown in Table 4 and Figure 4, application of the test product significantly reduced the half-value width of the brightness of the hair image, indicating that diffuse reflection of light was reduced and hair gloss increased. From this, it is believed that the hair improving agent of the present invention has the effect of suppressing hair frizz and imparting visual gloss.

[0070] Below are examples of formulations for shampoos containing the hair improving agent of the present invention. (Prescription Example 1) Polyoxyethylene lauryl ether sulfate sodium 7.0 Lauryl amidopropyl betaine solution 2.5 O-(2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio) chloride Propyl)hydroxyethyl cellulose 0.3 Phenoxyethanol 0.9 Sodium benzoate 0.45 0.1% by mass Akamoku extract 1.0 Fragrance 0.6 Remaining purified water Total 100 [Industrial Applicability]

[0071] It has been confirmed that the hair improvement agent of the present invention is effective for conditioning hair and improving hair moisture content, combability, and shine. Therefore, the hair improvement agent of the present invention can be added to compositions such as cosmetics to improve hair moisture, shine, and / or combability.

Claims

1. A hair improvement agent containing Akamoku extract as an active ingredient, The hair improvement agent to be applied to hair comprises the Akamoku extract containing a sulfated polysaccharide salt salified with a monovalent cation.

2. 2. The hair improvement agent according to claim 1, wherein the Akamoku extract contains a sulfated polysaccharide salt having a molecular weight of 50 kDa or more that is soluble in a mixed solution of water and an organic solvent.

3. A hair improvement composition comprising the hair improvement agent according to claim 1 or 2 in an amount of 0.00001% by mass to 0.1% by mass, calculated as the solid content of Sargassum horneri extract.

4. A step of extracting Akamoku with hot water containing monovalent cations to obtain an extract; and fractionating and concentrating the extract using an ultrafiltration membrane with a molecular weight cutoff of 50 kDa to obtain a concentrate.

5. The method for producing a hair improvement agent according to claim 4, further comprising the step of drying the concentrated liquid and dissolving it in a mixed solution of water and an organic solvent.

6. A method for producing a hair improvement composition, comprising the step of mixing a hair improvement agent produced by the method according to claim 4 or 5 with a pharmacologically or cosmetically acceptable carrier.

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