Taste improvers

Abstract

To provide taste improvers and taste cell activators that promote the proliferation of taste bud cells and are excellent in safety.SOLUTION: Provided are a taste improver and taste cell activator containing as an active ingredient one or more of a chamomile extract, Angelica acutiloba extract, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. extract, Chamaemelum nobile extract, cinoxate, glycyrrhizic acid, eugenol, calendula officinalis extract, Ginkgo biloba extract, guanine, Lilium extract, Arctium lappa L. extract, 5'-inosinic acid, hydrogenated jojoba oil, vanillin, Hamamelis extract, Oenothera tetraptera oil, corn starch, tocopherol acetate, corn oil, tryptophan, β-glycyrrhetinic acid, methyl hesperidin, para-methoxy cinnamic acid, Malva mauritiana L. extract, and Tussilago farfara extract.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Mammals are said to have five basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Primary receptors for each basic taste have been identified, and these taste receptors are expressed in taste cells. Taste cells generally refer to cells within taste buds embedded in the lingual epithelium of the oral cavity, but they are also known to exist in other locations, such as the palate and pharynx. Taste buds contain 50 to 150 taste cells, and the sensation transmitted through these cells is taste. Taste buds regenerate every 10 to 14 days. However, it is widely known that a decrease in the turnover capacity of taste buds leads to a decrease in taste bud cell proliferation and shrinkage, leading to a decline in taste perception.

[0003] Because the turnover capacity of taste buds declines with age, the total number of taste buds is said to be greater in younger people, and to be one-half to one-third of that of newborns in the elderly. It is known that a decline in taste sensation occurs with age, and this leads to a significant decline in quality of life. It has also been suggested that a decline in taste sensation is related to physical health issues such as blood pressure and obesity, making it a serious problem in Japan, an aging society. Therefore, there is a need for the development of active ingredients that can suppress the onset and progression of taste sensation decline. (Non-Patent Documents 1-3)

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes that zinc compounds are effective for hypogeusia. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-29950 [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] Nobuaki Tanaka, "Taste Receptors - Neuroscience Dictionary," 2012 https: / / bsd.neuroinf.jp / wiki / [Non-patent document 2] Ken Iwatsuki, "Identification and Cultivation of Taste Stem Cells," Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agricultural Chemistry, 2016 https: / / katosei.jsbba.or.jp / view_html.php?aid=629 [Non-patent document 3] Public Interest Foundation for Aging and Longevity, "Taste Disorders," 2017 https: / / www.tyojyu.or.jp / net / byouki / jibikashikkan / mikakushogai.html Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, Patent Document 1 does not describe or suggest any taste-improving ingredients other than zinc compounds.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a new taste improver and taste cell activator that can promote taste improvement and are excellent in safety. Furthermore, the present invention provides an oral composition or a food composition containing such a taste improver or taste cell activator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] That is, the present invention provides the following [1] to [4]. [1] A taste improver containing, as an active ingredient, one or more selected from the group consisting of chamomilla extract, angelica extract, licorice extract, Roman chamomile extract, cinoxate, glycyrrhizinic acid, eugenol, calendula extract, ginkgo extract, guanine, lily extract, burdock extract, 5'-inosinic acid, hydrogenated jojoba oil, vanillin, witch hazel extract, evening primrose oil, corn starch, tocopherol acetate, corn oil, tryptophan, β-glycyrrhetinic acid, methyl hesperidin, paramethoxycinnamic acid, mallow extract, and coltsfoot extract. [2] Contains, as an active ingredient, one or more selected from the group consisting of chamomilla extract, angelica extract, licorice extract, Roman chamomile extract, cinoxate, glycyrrhizinic acid, eugenol, calendula extract, ginkgo extract, guanine, lily extract, burdock extract, 5'-inosinic acid, hydrogenated jojoba oil, vanillin, witch hazel extract, evening primrose oil, corn starch, tocopherol acetate, corn oil, tryptophan, β-glycyrrhetinic acid, methyl hesperidin, paramethoxycinnamic acid, mallow extract, and coltsfoot extract. Taste cell activator. [3] An oral composition comprising the agent according to [1] or [2]. [4] A food composition for improving taste, comprising the agent according to [1] or [2]. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to promote taste improvement and also to promote the proliferation of taste cells. Since the agent of the present invention contains a highly safe ingredient as an active ingredient, it can be used as an oral composition or food composition for the purpose of improving taste. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] [Active ingredient] The agent of the present invention contains at least one active ingredient selected from the ingredients described below, which can activate taste cells and improve taste.

[0012] The active ingredient may be either a natural ingredient (e.g., a plant extract, a plant oil, a plant-derived composition or compound) or an artificial ingredient (e.g., a composition or compound). In the case of a natural ingredient, it may be an extract obtained by processing such as extraction, pressing, or extraction from at least a part of a raw material (e.g., a plant).

[0013] When the raw material is a plant, the target to be treated may be, for example, leaves, stems, roots, rhizomes, stolons, flowers, inflorescences, seeds, embryos, or a combination of two or more selected from these, and may be appropriately selected depending on the type of active ingredient, the plant, and the treatment method.

[0014] Examples of extraction methods include a method of extracting the target material using an extraction solvent, a method of further extracting the extraction residue obtained after extraction using a solvent, a method of compressing the target material, and a method of extracting and / or compressing the target material. Before processing, the raw material may be crushed or broken down as necessary. Furthermore, after extraction and compression, purification, concentration, and drying may be performed as necessary. A preferred method for extracting plant extracts is a method of extracting using an extraction solvent and a method of further extracting the extraction residue obtained after extraction using a solvent. Examples of extraction methods for vegetable oils include a method of extracting the target material using an extraction solvent, a method of compressing the target material, and a method of extracting and / or compressing the target material.

[0015] Examples of extraction solvents include water, polar solvents, nonpolar solvents, and mixed solvents thereof. Examples of polar solvents include ethyl ether, ethylene chloride, dioxane, acetone, alcohols (e.g., lower monohydric alcohols having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, such as ethanol, methanol, propyl alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol), glycols (e.g., propylene glycol and butylene glycol), ethyl acetate, and glycerin. Examples of nonpolar solvents include n-hexane, petroleum ether, ligroin, cyclohexane, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, toluene, benzene, and liquid paraffin. When the active ingredient is a plant extract, the extraction solvent is preferably a hydrophilic solvent, and preferred are water, lower monohydric alcohols having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, glycols, and mixed solvents containing a combination of two or more selected from these. The mixed solvent is preferably a mixed solvent of water and a lower monohydric alcohol or glycol, and more preferably a mixed solvent in which the ratio of water to lower monohydric alcohol or glycol is 10:90 to 90:10 (by mass).

[0016] - Chamomilla extract - Chamomilla extract is an extract of chamomile. Chamomile (German chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla L.) is a plant of the Asteraceae family (Compositae). Chamomilla extract is preferably an extract of chamomile flowers. Examples of extraction solvents include water, ethanol, methanol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, a mixed solvent thereof, a urea-containing ethanol solution (e.g., a 1% urea-containing ethanol solution), and a urea-containing 1,3-butylene glycol solution (e.g., a 1% urea-containing 1,3-butylene glycol solution). Among these, water, ethanol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, a mixed solvent of two or more selected from these, a urea-containing ethanol solution, and a urea-containing 1,3-butylene glycol solution are preferred, with a mixed solvent of 1,3-butylene glycol and water being more preferred. When using an extraction solvent containing methanol, the solvent may be removed by vacuum distillation after extraction, and the extract may be dissolved in another solvent (e.g., propylene glycol solution) to obtain the extract. Chamomilla extract may be one that meets the standards set forth in the 17th Revised Japanese Pharmacopoeia and the 2021 Quasi-drug Raw Materials Standards, and preferably meets the 2021 Quasi-drug Raw Materials Standards "Chamomilla Extract (1)."

[0017] The amount of chamomilla extract is typically 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, relative to 100% by mass of the agent. This allows the active ingredient to fully exert its effects. The upper limit is typically 50% by mass or less or 20% by mass or less, preferably 10% by mass or less, and more preferably 1% by mass or less. Therefore, the amount is typically 0.001 to 50% by mass or 0.001 to 20% by mass, preferably 0.01 to 10% by mass, and more preferably 0.1 to 1% by mass.

[0018] -Licorice extract- Licorice extract is an extract of licorice. Licorice is a plant of the same genus as licorice (leguminous family), such as Spanish licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.), Ural licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. ex DC.), Glycyrrhiza inflata Batalin, and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (plants of the Leguminosae family). The licorice extract is preferably an extract of licorice root, rhizome, or stolon. An example of an extraction solvent is water. Examples of methods for extracting licorice extract include drying licorice (e.g., roots, rhizomes, and stolons); shredding licorice as needed, adding an extraction solvent (e.g., water), cold steeping, and concentrating (e.g., straining through a cloth); and boiling licorice with an extraction solvent (e.g., water), filtering under pressure, and evaporating the filtrate. The resulting extract may then be cold steeped and concentrated again, if necessary. The amount of solvent added is 1 to 7 L, preferably 2 to 6 L, per 1 kg of plant. The cold steeping time is 10 hours to 3 days, preferably 11 hours to 2.5 days. When cold steeping is performed twice or more times, it is preferable to perform the first cold steeping for a longer period of time; for example, the first cold steeping may be performed for 1 to 2.5 days, and the second and subsequent cold steepings may be performed for 11 hours to 2 days. The licorice extract used can be one that meets the standards (licorice extract, crude licorice extract, licorice powder) set out in the 17th Revised Japanese Pharmacopoeia, the Standards for Quasi-drug Raw Materials 2021, and the 9th Edition of the Official Specification of Food Additives, and preferably one that meets the standards for "licorice extract" in the 17th Revised Japanese Pharmacopoeia.

[0019] The amount of licorice extract is usually 0.0001% by mass or more, preferably 0.001% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.005% by mass or more, relative to 100% by mass of the agent. This allows the effects of the active ingredient to be fully exerted. The upper limit is usually 50% by mass or less or 20% by mass or less, preferably 1% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.1% by mass or less. Therefore, the amount is usually 0.0001 to 50% by mass, 0.0001 to 20% by mass, or 0.001 to 1% by mass, preferably 0.001 to 0.1% by mass, or more preferably 0.005 to 0.1% by mass.

[0020] -Mallow extract- Mallow extract is an extract of mallow. Malva sylvestris L. is a plant of the Malvaceae family. The mallow extract is preferably an extract of mallow flowers, leaves, or both. Examples of extraction solvents include water, ethanol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, and mixed solvents of two or more selected from these. Of these, a mixed solvent of 1,3-butylene glycol and water is preferred. The mallow extract that can be used is one that meets the standards set forth in the Quasi-drug Raw Materials Standards 2021 "Mallow Extract."

[0021] The amount of mallow extract is usually 0.0001% by mass or more, preferably 0.001% by mass or more, relative to 100% by mass of the agent. This allows the effects of the active ingredient to be fully exerted. The upper limit is usually 50% by mass or less or 20% by mass or less, preferably 10% by mass or less, and more preferably 1% by mass or less. Therefore, the amount is usually 0.0001 to 50% by mass or 0.0001 to 20% by mass, preferably 0.001 to 10% by mass, and more preferably 0.001 to 1% by mass.

[0022] -Angelica extract- The dong qu extract is an extract derived from dong qu. Dong qu is a plant of the Umbelliferae family, and is one or more selected from dong qu (Angelica acutiloba (Siebold & Zucc.) Kitag., Hokkai dong qu (Angelica acutiloba (Siebold & Zucc.) Kitag. var. sugiyamae Hikino) and related plants. The dong qu extract is preferably an extract of dong qu root. Examples of extraction solvents include water, ethanol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, 1-butanol, n-hexane, and mixed solvents of two or more selected from these. Water, mixed solvents of ethanol and water (e.g., ethanol concentration 20 to 40%), ethanol, n-hexane, and 1-butanol are preferred, with water being more preferred. Extraction methods include, for example, drying the Angelica acutiloba (e.g., roots); heating in water (blanching); extraction with an extraction solvent (water, ethanol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, or a mixture of two or more selected from these); and first removing the 1-butanol and n-hexane solubles and then extracting with an extraction solvent (e.g., water, ethanol, or a mixture of these). The preferred method is heating in water (blanching). Angelica acutiloba extract can be one that complies with the Japanese Pharmacopoeia, 17th Edition, and the Standards for Quasi-drug Ingredients 2021, preferably the Japanese Pharmacopoeia, 17th Edition, for "Angelica acutiloba."

[0023] The amount of Angelica acutiloba extract is usually 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, relative to 100% by mass of the agent. This allows the effects of the active ingredient to be fully exerted. The upper limit is usually 50% by mass or less or 20% by mass or less, preferably 10% by mass or less, and more preferably 1% by mass or less. Therefore, the amount is usually 0.001 to 50% by mass or 0.001 to 20% by mass, preferably 0.01 to 10% by mass, and more preferably 0.1 to 1% by mass.

[0024] -Calendula officinalis extract- Calendula officinalis extract is an extract of Calendula officinalis. Calendula officinalis (Calendula officinalis L.) is a plant of the Asteraceae family (Compositae). Calendula officinalis extract is preferably an extract of the flower heads of Calendula officinalis. Examples of extraction solvents include water, ethanol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, and a mixed solvent of two selected from these. Of these, a mixed solvent of 1,3-butylene glycol and water is preferred. Calendula officinalis extract that meets the standards set forth in the Quasi-drug Raw Materials Standards 2021 "Calendula officinalis extract" can be used.

[0025] The amount of calendula extract is usually 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, relative to 100% by mass of the agent. This allows the effects of the active ingredient to be fully exerted. The upper limit is usually 50% by mass or less or 20% by mass or less, preferably 10% by mass or less, and more preferably 1% by mass or less. Therefore, the amount is usually 0.001 to 50% by mass or 0.001 to 20% by mass, preferably 0.01 to 10% by mass, and more preferably 0.01 to 1% by mass.

[0026] -Coltsfoot extract- Coltsfoot extract is an extract of coltsfoot. Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara L.) is a plant of the Asteraceae family (Compositae). The coltsfoot extract is preferably an extract of coltsfoot flowers, leaves, or both, with flower extract being more preferred. Examples of extraction solvents include water, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, a mixture of these, or a 1% urea-containing ethanol solution. A mixed solvent of 1,3-butylene glycol and water (e.g., a 1,3-butylene glycol concentration of 40 to 60%) is particularly preferred. Coltsfoot extract that meets the standards set forth in the Quasi-drug Ingredients Standards 2021 "Coltsfoot Extract" can be used.

[0027] The amount of coltsfoot extract is 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, relative to 100% by mass of the agent. This allows the effects of the active ingredient to be fully exerted. The upper limit is usually 50% by mass or less or 20% by mass or less, preferably 15% by mass or less, and more preferably 10% by mass or less. Therefore, the amount is usually 0.001 to 50% by mass or 0.001 to 20% by mass, preferably 0.01 to 15% by mass, and more preferably 0.1 to 10% by mass.

[0028] -Roman chamomile extract- Roman chamomile extract is an extract of Roman chamomile. Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All. (Anthemis nobilis L.)) is a plant of the Asteraceae family (Compositae). Roman chamomile extract is preferably an extract of Roman chamomile flower heads. Examples of extraction solvents include water, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, and mixed solvents of two or more selected from these, with 1,3-butylene glycol or a mixed solvent of 1,3-butylene glycol and water being preferred. Roman chamomile extract that meets the standards set forth in the Quasi-drug Ingredients Standards 2021 "Roman Chamomile Extract" can be used.

[0029] The amount of Roman chamomile extract is usually 0.00001% by mass or more, preferably 0.0001% by mass or more, relative to 100% by mass of the agent. This allows the effects of the active ingredient to be fully exerted. The upper limit is usually 50% by mass or less or 20% by mass or less, preferably 1% by mass or less, more preferably 0.1% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.01% by mass or less. Therefore, the amount is usually 0.00001 to 50% by mass or 0.0001 to 20% by mass, preferably 0.0001 to 1% by mass, and more preferably 0.0001 to 0.1% by mass or 0.001 to 0.01% by mass.

[0030] -Ginkgo extract- Ginkgo extract is an extract of ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) is a plant of the Ginkgoaceae family. The ginkgo extract is preferably an extract of ginkgo leaves. Examples of extraction solvents include water, ethanol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, or a mixed solvent of two or more selected from these. Of these, 1,3-butylene glycol or a mixed solvent of 1,3-butylene glycol and water is preferred. The ginkgo extract that can be used is one that meets the standards set forth in the Quasi-drug Raw Materials Standards 2021 "Ginkgo Biloba Extract."

[0031] The amount of ginkgo extract is usually 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, relative to 100% by mass of the agent. This allows the effects of the active ingredient to be fully exerted. The upper limit is usually 50% by mass or less or 20% by mass or less, preferably 10% by mass or less, and more preferably 1% by mass or less. Therefore, the amount is usually 0.001 to 50% by mass or 0.001 to 20% by mass, preferably 0.01 to 10% by mass, and more preferably 0.1 to 1% by mass.

[0032] -Lily extract- The lily extract is an extract of Madonna lily. Madonna lily (Lilium candidum L.) is a plant of the Liliaceae family. The lily extract is preferably an extract of Madonna lily bulbs. Examples of extraction solvents include water, ethanol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, and mixed solvents of two or more selected from these. Of these, 1,3-butylene glycol or a mixed solvent of 1,3-butylene glycol and water is preferred. The lily extract that can be used is one that meets the standards set forth in the Quasi-drug Raw Materials Standards 2021 "Lily Extract."

[0033] The amount of lily extract is usually 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, relative to 100% by mass of the agent. This allows the effects of the active ingredient to be fully exerted. The upper limit is usually 50% by mass or less or 20% by mass or less, preferably 10% by mass or less, and more preferably 1% by mass or less. Therefore, the amount is usually 0.001 to 50% by mass or 0.001 to 20% by mass, preferably 0.01 to 10% by mass, and more preferably 0.1 to 1% by mass.

[0034] -Burdock extract- Burdock extract is an extract of burdock. Burdock (Arctium lappa L.) is a plant of the Asteraceae family (Compositae). Burdock extract is preferably an extract of the root. Examples of extraction solvents include water, ethanol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, a mixed solvent of two or more selected from these, and a mixed solvent of liquid paraffin and persic oil (e.g., 2:1). Of these, 1,3-butylene glycol or a mixed solvent of 1,3-butylene glycol and water are preferred. Burdock extract that meets the standards set forth in the Quasi-drug Raw Materials Standards 2021 "Burdock Extract" can be used.

[0035] The amount of burdock extract is usually 0.001% by mass or more, preferably 0.005% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, relative to 100% by mass of the agent. This allows the effects of the active ingredient to be fully exerted. The upper limit is usually 50% by mass or less or 20% by mass or less, preferably 10% by mass or less, and more preferably 1% by mass or less. Therefore, the amount is usually 0.001 to 50% by mass or 0.001 to 20% by mass, preferably 0.005 to 10% by mass, and more preferably 0.01 to 1% by mass.

[0036] -Witch hazel extract- Hamamelis extract is an extract of Hamamelis virginiana L. Hamamelis is a plant of the Hamamelidaceae family. Hamamelis extract is preferably an extract of Hamamelis leaves, or leaves and bark. Examples of extraction solvents include water, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, ethanol, and mixed solvents of two or more selected from these. Of these, 1,3-butylene glycol or a mixed solvent of 1,3-butylene glycol and water is preferred. Hamamelis extract that meets the standards set forth in the Quasi-drug Raw Materials Standards 2021 "Hamamelis Extract" can be used.

[0037] The amount of witch hazel extract is typically 0.00001% by mass or more, preferably 0.0001% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.001% by mass or more, relative to 100% by mass of the agent. This allows the effects of the active ingredient to be fully exerted. This effective amount is appropriately selected depending on the intended use and dosage form of the composition, but the upper limit is typically 50% by mass or less or 20% by mass or less, preferably 1% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.1% by mass or less. The lower limit is 0.00001 to 50% by mass or 0.00001 to 20% by mass, preferably 0.0001 to 1% by mass, and more preferably 0.001 to 0.1% by mass.

[0038] - Corn oil - Corn oil is an oil extracted from corn. Corn (Zea mays L.) is a plant of the Gramineae family. Corn oil is preferably an oil obtained from corn seeds and germ, and more preferably an oil obtained from the germ through a process including pressing. Corn oil that complies with the 17th Revised Japanese Pharmacopoeia and the 2021 Standards for Quasi-Drug Ingredients can be used, and preferably complies with the 2021 Standards for Quasi-Drug Ingredients "Corn Oil."

[0039] The amount of corn oil is usually 0.00001% by mass or more, preferably 0.0001% by mass or more, relative to 100% by mass of the agent. This allows the effects of the active ingredient to be fully exerted. This is an effective amount, and is appropriately selected depending on the intended use and dosage form of the composition, but the upper limit is usually 50% by mass or less or 20% by mass or less, preferably 1% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.1% by mass or less. Therefore, the amount is usually 0.00001 to 50% by mass or 0.00001 to 20% by mass, preferably 0.0001 to 1% by mass, and more preferably 0.0001 to 0.1% by mass.

[0040] -Evening primrose oil- Evening primrose oil is an oil extracted from evening primrose. Evening primrose is a plant of the Onagraceae family, including evening primrose (Oenothera tetraptera Cav.), Oenothera elata Kunth (Oenothera hookeri Torr. & A. Gray), and related plants. Evening primrose oil is preferably oil obtained by pressing evening primrose seeds. Evening primrose oil that meets the standards set forth in the Quasi-drug Ingredients Standards 2021 "Evening Primrose Oil" can be used.

[0041] The amount of evening primrose oil is usually 0.00001% by mass or more, preferably 0.0001% by mass or more, relative to 100% by mass of the agent. This allows the effects of the active ingredient to be fully exerted. This is an effective amount, and is appropriately selected depending on the intended use and dosage form of the composition, but the upper limit is usually 50% by mass or less or 20% by mass or less, preferably 1% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.1% by mass or less. Therefore, the amount is usually 0.00001 to 50% by mass or 0.00001 to 20% by mass, preferably 0.0001 to 1% by mass, and more preferably 0.0001 to 0.1% by mass.

[0042] -Hydrogenated jojoba oil- Hydrogenated jojoba oil is an oil obtained by hydrogenating (or partially hydrogenating) oil (jojoba oil) obtained from jojoba (for example, by pressing). Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis (Link) CKSchneid.; Simmondsia californica Nutt.) is a plant of the Euphorbiaceae family. Hydrogenated jojoba oil that meets the standards set forth in the Quasi-drug Ingredients Standards 2021 can be used, and preferably meets the "hydrogenated jojoba oil" standard.

[0043] The amount of hydrogenated jojoba oil is typically 0.00001% by mass or more, preferably 0.0001% by mass or more, relative to 100% by mass of the agent. This allows the effects of the active ingredient to be fully exerted. The upper limit is typically 50% by mass or less or 20% by mass or less, preferably 10% by mass or less, and more preferably 1% by mass or less. Therefore, the amount is typically 0.00001 to 50% by mass or 0.00001 to 20% by mass, preferably 0.0001 to 10% by mass, and more preferably 0.0001 to 1% by mass.

[0044] - Corn starch - Corn starch is starch derived from corn. Corn (Zea mays L.) is a plant of the Gramineae family. Corn starch is usually obtained from corn seeds. For example, corn starch can be obtained by soaking and grinding corn seeds, followed by extracting starch. After extraction, the starch may be dried (e.g., heated (e.g., at about 105°C for 4 to 8 hours)) as needed. Corn starch that meets the standards set forth in the 17th Revised Japanese Pharmacopoeia and the Standards for Quasi-Drug Ingredients 2021 can be used, and preferably meets the Standards for Quasi-Drug Ingredients 2021 "Corn Starch."

[0045] The amount of cornstarch is typically 0.0001% by mass or more, preferably 0.0002% by mass or more, relative to 100% by mass of the agent. This allows the active ingredient to fully exert its effects. This is an effective amount, and is appropriately selected depending on the intended use and dosage form of the composition, but the upper limit is typically 50% by mass or less or 20% by mass or less, preferably 1% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.1% by mass or less. Therefore, the amount is typically 0.0001 to 50% by mass or 0.0001 to 20% by mass, preferably 0.0002 to 1% by mass, and more preferably 0.0002 to 0.1% by mass.

[0046] -Eugenol- Eugenol that meets the standards set forth in the Quasi-drug Raw Materials Standards 2021 and the 9th Edition of the Japanese Standards for Food Additives can be used, and preferably meets the Quasi-drug Raw Materials Standards 2021 "Eugenol."

[0047] The amount of eugenol is usually 0.0001% by mass or more, preferably 0.001% by mass or more, relative to 100% by mass of the agent. This allows the effects of the active ingredient to be fully exerted. The upper limit is usually 50% by mass or less or 20% by mass or less, preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 1% by mass or less. Therefore, the amount is usually 0.0001 to 50% by mass or 0.0001 to 20% by mass, preferably 0.001 to 10% by mass, more preferably 0.001 to 5% by mass, and even more preferably 0.001 to 1% by mass.

[0048] -Glycyrrhizic acid- Glycyrrhizic acid is glycyrrhizic acid or a salt thereof. Examples of salts of glycyrrhizic acid include dipotassium glycyrrhizinate and ammonium glycyrrhizinate, with dipotassium glycyrrhizinate being preferred. Glycyrrhizic acid that meets the standards set forth in the Quasi-drug Raw Materials Standards 2021 can be used, and preferably meets the standard "dipotassium glycyrrhizinate."

[0049] The amount of glycyrrhizinic acid is usually 0.1 μM or more, preferably 0.5 μM or more, and more preferably 1 μM or more. This allows the effects of the active ingredient to be fully exerted. The upper limit is usually 1000 μM or less, and preferably 500 μM or less. Therefore, the amount is usually 0.1 to 1000 μM, preferably 0.5 to 1000 μM, and more preferably 1 to 500 μM.

[0050] -Cinoxate- Cinoxate that meets the standards set forth in the Quasi-drug Raw Materials Standards 2021 "Cinoxate" can be used.

[0051] The amount of cinoxate is usually 0.0001% by mass or more, preferably 0.001% by mass or more, relative to 100% by mass of the preparation. This allows the effects of the active ingredient to be fully exerted. The upper limit is usually 50% by mass or less or 20% by mass or less, preferably 10% by mass or less, and more preferably 1% by mass or less. Therefore, the amount is usually 0.0001 to 50% by mass or 0.0001 to 20% by mass, preferably 0.001 to 10% by mass, and more preferably 0.001 to 1% by mass.

[0052] -Paramethoxycinnamic acid- Para-methoxycinnamic acid is para-methoxycinnamic acid or its salt. Examples of salts of para-methoxycinnamic acid include 2-ethylhexyl para-methoxycinnamate, octyl para-methoxycinnamate, and isopropyl para-methoxycinnamate, with 2-ethylhexyl para-methoxycinnamate being preferred. Para-methoxycinnamic acid that meets the standards set forth in the Quasi-drug Ingredients Standards 2021 can be used, and preferably meets the standard "2-ethylhexyl para-methoxycinnamate."

[0053] The amount of paramethoxycinnamic acid is usually 0.01 μM or more, preferably 0.1 μM or more, and more preferably 1 μM or more. This allows the effects of the active ingredient to be fully exerted. The upper limit is usually 1000 μM or less, and preferably 100 μM or less. Therefore, the amount is usually 0.01 to 1000 μM, preferably 0.1 to 100 μM, and more preferably 1 to 100 μM.

[0054] -Methylhesperidin- Methylhesperidin that meets the specifications set forth in the 9th edition of the Japanese Standards for Food Additives, "Methylhesperidin," can be used.

[0055] The amount of methylhesperidin is usually 0.001 μM or more, preferably 0.01 μM or more, and more preferably 0.1 μM or more. This allows the effects of the active ingredient to be fully exerted. The upper limit is usually 1000 μM or less, preferably 500 μM or less, and more preferably 100 μM or less. Therefore, the amount is usually 0.001 to 1000 μM, preferably 0.01 to 500 μM, and more preferably 0.1 to 100 μM.

[0056] -5'-inosinic acid- 5'-inosinic acid is 5'-inosinic acid or a salt thereof. An example of a salt of 5'-inosinic acid is disodium 5'-inosinate. 5'-inosinic acid that meets the specifications set forth in the 9th edition of the Japanese Standards for Food Additives can be used, and preferably meets the specifications for "disodium 5'-inosinate."

[0057] The amount of 5'-inosinic acid is usually 0.001 μM or more, preferably 0.01 μM or more, and more preferably 0.1 μM or more. This allows the effects of the active ingredient to be fully exerted. The upper limit is usually 1000 μM or less, preferably 500 μM or less, and more preferably 100 μM or less. Therefore, the amount is usually 0.001 to 1000 μM, preferably 0.01 to 500 μM, and more preferably 0.1 to 100 μM.

[0058] -Vanillin- Vanillin that meets the standards set forth in the Quasi-drug Ingredients Standards 2021, 9th Edition of the Japanese Standards for Food Additives, can be used, and preferably meets the Quasi-drug Ingredients Standards 2021 "Vanillin."

[0059] The amount of vanillin is usually 0.001 μM or more, preferably 0.01 μM or more, and more preferably 0.1 μM or more. This allows the effects of the active ingredient to be fully exerted. The upper limit is usually 1000 μM or less, preferably 500 μM or less, and more preferably 100 μM or less. Therefore, the amount is usually 0.001 to 1000 μM, preferably 0.01 to 500 μM, and more preferably 0.1 to 100 μM.

[0060] -Guanine- Guanine that meets the standards set forth in the Quasi-drug Raw Materials Standards 2021 "Guanine" can be used.

[0061] The amount of guanine is usually 0.001 μM or more, preferably 0.01 μM or more, and more preferably 0.1 μM or more. This allows the effects of the active ingredient to be fully exerted. The upper limit is usually 1000 μM or less, preferably 500 μM or less, and more preferably 100 μM or less. Therefore, the amount is usually 0.001 to 1000 μM, preferably 0.01 to 500 μM, and more preferably 0.1 to 100 μM.

[0062] -Tocopherol acetate- Tocopherol acetate may be any of the D-, L-, and DL-isomers, with the DL-isomer being preferred. Preferred tocopherol acetates are DL-α-tocopherol acetate and D-α-tocopherol acetate, with DL-α-tocopherol acetate being more preferred. Tocopherol acetates that meet the standards set forth in the 9th Edition of the Japanese Standards for Food Additives, the 2021 Standards for Quasi-Drug Ingredients, and the 17th Edition of the Japanese Pharmacopoeia can be used, and are preferably those that meet the standards set forth in the 2021 Standards for Quasi-Drug Ingredients for Quasi-Drugs "DL-α-tocopherol acetate," the 9th Edition of the Japanese Standards for Food Additives "Tocopherol acetate," and the 17th Edition of the Japanese Pharmacopoeia "Tocopherol acetate."

[0063] The amount of tocopherol acetate is usually 0.00001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.00005% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.0001% by mass or more, relative to 100% by mass of the agent. This allows the effects of the active ingredient to be fully exerted. The upper limit is preferably 10% by mass or less, preferably 1% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.01% by mass or less. Therefore, the amount is usually 0.00001 to 10% by mass, more preferably 0.00005 to 1% by mass, and even more preferably 0.0001 to 0.01% by mass.

[0064] -Tryptophan- Tryptophan may be D-, L-, or DL-isomer, but DL-isomer is preferred. Tryptophan that meets the standards set forth in the 9th Edition of the Japanese Standards for Food Additives and the 2021 Standards for Quasi-drug Ingredients can be used, and preferably conforms to the "DL-tryptophan" standard in the 9th Edition of the Japanese Standards for Food Additives.

[0065] The amount of tryptophan is usually 0.001 μM or more, preferably 0.01 μM or more, and more preferably 0.1 μM or more. This allows the effects of the active ingredient to be fully exerted. The upper limit is usually 1000 μM or less, preferably 500 μM or less, and more preferably 100 μM or less. Therefore, the amount is usually 0.001 to 1000 μM, preferably 0.01 to 500 μM, and more preferably 0.1 to 100 μM.

[0066] -β-glycyrrhetinic acid- β-Glycyrrhetinic acid that meets the standards set forth in the Quasi-drug Raw Materials Standards 2021 "β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid" can be used.

[0067] The amount of β-glycyrrhetinic acid is usually 0.001 μM or more, preferably 0.01 μM or more, and more preferably 0.1 μM or more. This allows the effects of the active ingredient to be fully exerted. The upper limit is preferably 1000 μM or less, preferably 500 μM or less, and more preferably 100 μM or less. Therefore, the amount is preferably 0.001 to 1000 μM, preferably 0.01 to 500 μM, and more preferably 0.1 to 100 μM.

[0068] Chamomilla extract, licorice extract, mallow extract, angelica extract, calendula extract, coltsfoot extract, Roman chamomile extract, ginkgo extract, lily extract, burdock extract, witch hazel extract, corn oil, evening primrose oil, and hydrogenated jojoba oil may be single components contained in the respective raw materials and exhibit the same taste-improving and taste cell-activating effects as these. Guanine, 5'-inosinic acid, vanillin, corn starch, tocopherol acetate, cinoxate, eugenol, glycyrrhizinic acid, tryptophan, β-glycyrrhetinic acid, methylhesperidin, and paramethoxycinnamic acid may be natural components contained therein and exhibit the same taste-improving and taste cell-activating effects as these.

[0069] The active ingredient may be a single ingredient or a combination of two or more ingredients, and preferably includes at least one selected from the group consisting of angelica extract, chamomilla extract, calendula extract, licorice extract, cinoxate, eugenol, glycyrrhizic acid, and Roman chamomile extract.

[0070] [Taste improvement effect, taste cell activation effect] The agent of the present invention has a taste-improving effect. As used herein, "improving taste" refers to improving a decreased sense of taste, slowing the progression of a decreased sense of taste, or maintaining a normal sense of taste. Causes of a decreased sense of taste include, for example, aging, dry mouth, and tongue coating, with aging being a typical cause. Taste improvement is preferably achieved by activating taste cells. As used herein, "activating taste cells" refers to promoting the proliferation of taste cells, activating the turnover ability of taste cells (regenerating taste buds), increasing the size of taste buds, or increasing the total number of taste buds.

[0071] Since a decrease in taste sensation is a cause of physical disorders such as high blood pressure and obesity, it can also be said that the agent of the present invention exerts an antihypertensive effect and an antiobesity effect.

[0072] [Optional ingredients] When the agent of the present invention is in the form of a so-called composition containing other optional ingredients, the other ingredients include, for example, ingredients other than the above-mentioned active ingredients, such as disinfectants, preservatives, medicinal ingredients, surfactants, abrasives, humectants, binders, buffers, solubilizers, isotonicity agents, stabilizers, chelating agents, humectants, flavoring agents (sweeteners, fragrances, acidulants), oily ingredients, colorants, pH adjusters, solvents, excipients, disintegrants, binders, lubricants, colorants, antioxidants, strengthening agents, leavening agents, thickeners, cooling agents, astringents, UV absorbers, aqueous solvents, seasonings, food ingredients (including food additives), etc. The type and content of the optional ingredients can be selected depending on the intended use of the pharmaceutical, quasi-drug, food composition, or cosmetic, and / or the dosage form, administration method, etc., and may be one kind or a combination of two or more kinds.

[0073] -Fungicide- Examples of disinfectants include cetylpyridinium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, alkyldiaminoethylglycine hydrochloride, chlorhexidine or its salts, triclosan, isopropylmethylphenol, hinokitiol, chlorhexidine gluconate, dequalinium chloride, iodine, potassium iodide, sulfamethoxazole, sulfamethoxazole sodium, sulfisoxazole, and sulfisomidine sodium. One type of insecticide may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0074] -Preservatives- Examples of preservatives include parahydroxybenzoates such as methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben, benzoic acid or a salt thereof, dehydroacetic acid or a salt thereof, propionic acid or a salt thereof, sorbic acid or a salt thereof (potassium sorbate, etc.), boric acid, borax, phenylethyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, phenol, alcohol derivatives such as acrinol, and alkylpolyaminoethylglycine. One type of preservative may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0075] -Medicinal ingredients- Examples of active ingredients include enzymes such as dextranase, mutanase, amylase, protease, and ricin enzyme; fluorides such as sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, and stannous fluoride; anti-inflammatory agents such as tranexamic acid, epsilon aminocaproic acid, allantoin, allantoin chlorohydroxyaluminum, azulene, and dihydrocholesterol; metal salts such as zinc salts, copper salts, and tin salts; anti-tartar agents such as condensed phosphates and ethanehydroxydiphosphonate; and vitamin E (tocopherol acetate). Examples of the effective anti-inflammatory agents include blood flow promoters such as strontium chloride (excluding tocopherol acetate), anti-dentin hypersensitivity agents such as strontium chloride, coating agents such as hydroxyethyl cellulose dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride, astringents such as vitamin C (e.g., ascorbic acid or a salt thereof), lysozyme chloride, and sodium chloride, water-soluble copper compounds such as copper chlorophyll, amino acids other than tryptophan such as alanine, glycine, and proline, plant extracts such as thyme, Scutellaria Root, and Clove (excluding plant extracts as active ingredients), callopeptides, and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Other examples include decongestants, anti-inflammatory agents, astringents, antihistamines, vitamins (excluding tocopherol acetate), amino acids, disinfectants, local anesthetics, ingredients other than the active ingredients of the present invention that have a bacterial flora-improving effect, and combinations of two or more selected from these. Decongestants include, for example, naphazoline hydrochloride, tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride, phenylephrine hydrochloride, epinephrine, epinephrine hydrochloride, ephedrine hydrochloride, DL-methylephedrine hydrochloride, tetrahydrozoline nitrate, and naphazoline nitrate. Anti-inflammatory and astringent agents include, for example, neostigmine methylsulfate, berberine chloride, berberine sulfate, zinc sulfate, zinc lactate, bromelain, methyl salicylate, sodium azulene sulfonate, and sodium cromoglycate. Antihistamines include, for example, iproheptine hydrochloride, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, diphenhydramine, isothipendyl hydrochloride, and chlorpheniramine maleate. Vitamins include, for example, flavin adenine dinucleotide sodium, pyridoxine hydrochloride, cyanocobalamin, and vitamin A (e.g., retinol acetate, retinol palmitate).Examples of amino acids include potassium L-aspartate, magnesium L-aspartate, aminoethylsulfonic acid, and sodium chondroitin sulfate. Examples of local anesthetics include lidocaine, lidocaine hydrochloride, dibucaine hydrochloride, and chlorobutanol. Each active ingredient may be one type or a combination of two or more types. The content of the active ingredient can be appropriately determined as an effective amount according to conventional methods.

[0076] -Surfactants- Examples of surfactants include anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants.

[0077] Examples of anionic surfactants include alkyl sulfates, acylamino acid salts, acyltaurine salts, α-olefin sulfonates, hydrogenated coconut fatty acid monoglyceride monosulfate, and lauryl sulfoacetate. The alkyl and acyl groups may be linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, and typically have 10 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 18, and more preferably 12 to 14. The salts can be selected from pharmacologically acceptable salts. Examples of pharmacologically acceptable salts include base addition salts and amino acid salts. Specific examples include inorganic base salts such as sodium salts, potassium salts, calcium salts, magnesium salts, and ammonium salts; organic base salts such as triethylammonium salts, triethanolammonium salts, pyridinium salts, and diisopropylammonium salts; and basic amino acid salts such as arginine salts. Among these, inorganic base salts are preferred, alkali metal salts (e.g., sodium salts and potassium salts) are more preferred, and sodium salts are even more preferred. Examples of alkyl sulfates include myristyl sulfate. Examples of acylamino acid salts include acylglutamates such as lauroyl glutamate, myristoyl glutamate, and palmitoyl glutamate; acylglycine salts such as N-lauroyl-N-methylglycine salt and cocoylglycine salt; acylalanine salts such as N-lauroyl-β-alanine salt, N-myristyl-β-alanine salt, N-cocoyl-β-alanine salt, N-lauroyl-N-methyl-β-alanine salt, N-myristoyl-N-methyl-β-alanine salt, and N-methyl-N-acylalanine salt; and acyl aspartates such as lauroyl aspartate. Examples of acyltaurine salts include N-methyl-N-acyltaurine salt and N-cocoylmethyl taurine salt. Examples of anionic surfactants include hydrogenated coconut fatty acid monoglyceride sodium monosulfate and sodium lauryl sulfoacetate. The anionic surfactant may be one type or a combination of two or more types.

[0078] Examples of nonionic surfactants include polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters (e.g., polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate), alkylolamides, polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene alkenyl ethers, polyglycerin fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters (e.g., maltose fatty acid esters), sugar alcohol fatty acid esters (e.g., maltitol fatty acid esters, lactitol fatty acid esters), fatty acid diethanolamides (e.g., lauric acid mono- or diethanolamide), polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene copolymers, and polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene fatty acid esters. The number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chain of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is typically 14 to 18, and the average number of moles of ethylene oxide added is typically 5 to 30. The average number of moles of ethylene oxide added in polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil is typically 20 to 100 moles, preferably 20 to 60 moles. The number of carbon atoms in the fatty acid of the sorbitan fatty acid ester is usually 12 to 18. The number of carbon atoms in the fatty acid of the polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester is usually 16 to 18, and the average number of moles of ethylene oxide added is usually 10 to 40. The number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chain of the alkylolamide is usually 12 to 14. The nonionic surfactant may be one type or a combination of two or more types.

[0079] Examples of amphoteric surfactants include betaine-type amphoteric surfactants such as alkyldimethylaminoacetic acid betaine (e.g., lauryldimethylaminoacetic acid betaine) and fatty acid amidopropyldimethylaminoacetic acid betaine; imidazoline-type amphoteric surfactants such as N-fatty acid acyl-N-carboxymethyl-N-hydroxyethylethylenediamine salts and coconut oil fatty acid imidazolinium betaine; sodium lauroamphoacetate, etc. The amphoteric surfactant may be one type or a combination of two or more types.

[0080] When a surfactant is contained, the content of each of the anionic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants is usually 0.01 to 10% by mass, preferably 0.1 to 5% by mass, more preferably 0.2 to 3% by mass of the total agent.

[0081] -Abrasives- The abrasive may be either inorganic or organic. Examples of inorganic abrasives include abrasive silicas such as precipitated silica, aluminosilicate, zirconosilicate, crystalline zirconium silicate, and titanium-bonded silica; calcium phosphate compounds such as dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate or anhydrate, monobasic calcium phosphate, tribasic calcium phosphate, and calcium pyrophosphate; calcium carbonate abrasives such as calcium carbonate; calcium abrasives other than carbonates or phosphates such as calcium hydroxide and calcium sulfate; aluminum-based materials such as aluminum oxide, aluminum hydroxide, and alumina; silicate-based materials such as anhydrous silicic acid, zeolite, and zirconium silicate; magnesium-based materials such as magnesium carbonate and tribasic magnesium phosphate; apatite-based materials such as hydroxyapatite, fluoroapatite, and calcium-deficient apatite; titanium-based materials such as titanium dioxide, titanium mica, and titanium oxide; and minerals such as bentonite. Examples of organic abrasives include polymethyl methacrylate and synthetic resin-based abrasives. Among these, abrasive silica and calcium phosphate compounds are preferred, and silicic anhydride is more preferred. The abrasive may be one type or a combination of two or more types. The amount of abrasive is preferably 50% by mass or less, more preferably 8 to 50% by mass, based on the total mass of the agent.

[0082] -Wetting agent- Examples of humectants include sugar alcohols and polyhydric alcohols other than sugar alcohols. Examples of sugar alcohols include sorbitol (sorbitol), erythritol, maltitol, lactitol, and xylitol. Examples of polyhydric alcohols other than sugar alcohols include glycerin; glycols such as ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, butylene glycol, and polyethylene glycol (PEG); and reduced starch saccharification products. Examples of polyethylene glycols include, for example, polyethylene glycols with an average molecular weight of 150 to 6000, and polyethylene glycols with an average molecular weight of 190 to 630 (PEG200, PEG300, PEG400, PEG600). One type of humectant may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination. The average molecular weight is the average molecular weight specified in the Quasi-drug Raw Materials Standards 2006. The content of the humectant is usually 40% by mass or less, preferably 1 to 30% by mass, of the total agent.

[0083] -Binder- Examples of binders include any suitable organic binders known in the art, such as polysaccharides, cellulose-based binders (e.g., carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, and cationized cellulose), other polysaccharide thickeners (e.g., xanthan gum, guar gum, gellan gum, tragacanth gum, karaya gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, carrageenan, and sodium alginate), and synthetic water-soluble polymers (e.g., sodium polyacrylate, carboxyvinyl polymer, polyvinyl alcohol, and propylene glycol alginate). Furthermore, inorganic binders such as thickening silica and aluminum silicate may also be added. One type of binder may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination. The content of the organic binder is preferably 0 to 3% by mass, and more preferably 0.1 to 2% by mass, based on the total weight of the binder. The content of the inorganic binder is preferably 0 to 10% by mass, and more preferably 1 to 8% by mass.

[0084] -Buffer- Examples of buffering agents include citric acid or a salt thereof (e.g., sodium citrate), phosphoric acid or a salt thereof (e.g., sodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, dipotassium phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate), tartaric acid or a salt thereof (e.g., sodium tartrate), gluconic acid or a salt thereof (e.g., sodium gluconate), acetic acid or a salt thereof (e.g., sodium acetate), carbonic acid or a salt thereof (e.g., sodium bicarbonate), trometamol, amino acids (e.g., glutamic acid, sodium glutamate), etc. One type of buffering agent may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0085] -Solubilizer- Examples of solubilizing agents include propylene glycol, etc. The solubilizing agent may be one type, or may be a combination of two or more types with other solubilizing agents.

[0086] -Tonicity agent- Examples of the isotonicity agent include potassium chloride, etc. One type of isotonicity agent may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination with other isotonicity agents.

[0087] -Stabilizer- Examples of stabilizers include cyclodextrin, sulfite, dibutylhydroxytoluene, etc. One type of stabilizer may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0088] -Chelating agent- Examples of chelating agents include sodium edetate, etc. One type of chelating agent may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination with other chelating agents.

[0089] -Flavoring agent- Examples of flavoring agents include sweeteners (e.g., artificial sweeteners such as saccharin sodium, aspartame, stevia, stevioside, paramethoxycinnamic aldehyde, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, perillartine, aspartyl phenylalanine methyl ester, thaumatin, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, mannitol, reduced starch syrup, and reduced palatinose); flavorings (e.g., anise oil, cassia oil, wintergreen oil, mastic oil, and ne Natural essential oils such as orange flower oil, lemongrass oil, jasmine oil, rose oil, iris oil, clove oil, sage oil, cardamom oil, rosemary oil, laurel oil, chamomile oil, basil oil, marjoram oil, lemon oil, orange oil, lime oil, yuzu oil, nutmeg oil, lavender oil, paracles oil, vanilla oil, cinnamon oil, pimento oil, cinnamon leaf oil, perilla oil, wintergreen oil, peppermint oil, lychee oil, etc.); menthol, carvone, cinnamic aldehyde, anethole, methyl Fragrance components contained in the above natural essential oils, such as salicylate, linalool, limonene, menthone, menthyl acetate, citral, decanal, camphor, borneol, pinene, spilanthol, N-decyl alcohol, citronellol, α-terpineol, citronellyl acetate, ethyl linalool, and vanillin; ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, isoamyl acetate, hexanal, hexenal, methyl anthranilate, and ethyl methyl phenyl. Flavoring ingredients include glycidate, benzaldehyde, ethyl vanillin, furaneol, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide, menthyl lactate, ethylene glycol-l-menthyl carbonate, and the like; and various blended flavors such as mint, fruit, and herb flavors that combine several flavoring ingredients and natural essential oils (e.g., Peppermint Micron X-8277-T, Dry Coat Matcha #421), acidulants (e.g., malic acid), and green tea powder. Flavoring agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0090] -Oil-based ingredients- Examples of oily components include fatty acid esters (e.g., glycerin fatty acid esters), hydrocarbons (e.g., paraffin, liquid paraffin, ceresin, squalane, petrolatum, microcrystalline wax), higher fatty acids (e.g., fatty acids having 8 to 22 carbon atoms such as lauric acid, myristic acid, oleic acid, isostearic acid, etc.), higher alcohols (e.g., alcohols having 8 to 22 carbon atoms such as lauryl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, etc.), vegetable oils (e.g., vegetable oils such as olive oil and castor oil; fatty acid esters), beeswax, etc. One type of oily component may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0091] -Coloring agent- Examples of colorants include natural pigments such as safflower red, gardenia yellow, gardenia blue, perilla color, monascus color, red koji color, red cabbage color, carrot color, hibiscus color, cacao color, spirulina blue, and tamarind color; legally designated pigments such as Red No. 2, Red No. 3, Red No. 104, Red No. 105, Red No. 106, Red No. 227, Yellow No. 4, Yellow No. 5, Green No. 3, and Blue No. 1; riboflavin; and sodium copper chlorophyllin. A single colorant may be used, or two or more may be used in combination. When a colorant is included, its content is preferably 0.00001 to 3% by mass of the total agent.

[0092] - pH adjuster - Examples of pH adjusters include organic acids such as phthalic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, and lactic acid, or their salts; inorganic acids such as phosphoric acid (orthophosphoric acid) or their salts (e.g., ammonium salts); and hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. Examples of inorganic acid salts include disodium hydrogen phosphate. pH adjusters may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of the pH adjuster is typically an amount that results in a pH of 5 to 9, preferably 6 to 8.5, after addition. In this specification, the pH value typically refers to the value measured at 25°C 3 minutes after the start of measurement. The pH value can be measured, for example, using a pH meter (model Hm-30S) manufactured by Toa Denpa Kogyo Co., Ltd.

[0093] -solvent- Examples of the solvent include water (purified water) and ethanol, with water being preferred. The solvent may be one type or a combination of two or more types.

[0094] -Excipients- Examples of excipients include celluloses such as crystalline cellulose, ethyl cellulose, methyl ethyl cellulose, and low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, and their pharmacologically acceptable derivatives, and synthetic polymers such as partially saponified polyvinyl alcohol; polysaccharides such as gelatin, powdered gum arabic, pullulan, agar, alginic acid, and xanthan gum; starches such as potato starch, pregelatinized starch, and hydroxypropyl starch, and their pharmacologically acceptable derivatives; lactose, lactose granules, fructose, glucose, sucrose, granulated sugar, hydrous glucose, trehalose, palatinose, maltotetraose, isomalt, and powdered reduced maltose syrup; and inorganic excipients such as light anhydrous silicic acid and aluminum hydroxide gel. One type of excipient may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0095] -Disintegrant- Examples of disintegrants include crospovidone, carmellose calcium, croscarmellose sodium, carboxymethyl starch sodium, cross-linked insoluble polyvinylpyrrolidone, hydroxypropyl starch, partially pregelatinized starch, etc. One type of disintegrant may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0096] -Binder- Examples of binders include dextrin, starch, etc. The binder may be one type or a combination of two or more types.

[0097] -lubricant- Examples of lubricants include calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, sodium stearyl fumarate, talc, stearic acid, etc. One type of lubricant may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0098] -Other optional ingredients- Examples of optional components other than those described above include polyisobutylene, polybutadiene, urethane, silicone, and natural rubber. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of other optional components can be appropriately set within a range that does not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0099] [Dosage form] The taste improver or taste cell activator of the present invention can be used as a pharmaceutical, quasi-drug, beverage, functional food, etc. by adding other ingredients to the taste-improving active ingredient as appropriate. Examples of dosage forms include liquids, sprays, solids, semi-solids (pastes, creams), powders, capsules, powders, tablets, granules, films, sheets, gels, and other oral dosage forms, and among these, liquids and solid dosage forms (e.g., capsules, powders, tablets, granules, and films) are preferred. The production method is not particularly limited, and known methods may be used.

[0100] [Use as a formulation] Oral preparations include dentifrices (e.g., toothpaste, gel toothpaste, moisturizing toothpaste, liquid toothpaste), gum care agents, mouthwashes, tongue polishes, oral sprays, oral tablets, gums, mouth fresheners, gargle tablets, oral pastes, oral gels, and oral ointments. Examples of oral dosage forms (pharmaceuticals, functional foods) include oral liquids, syrups, creams, jellies, pastes, tablets, granules, fine granules, and capsules (soft capsules, hard capsules). Examples of foods (food compositions) include food compositions with uses such as health foods, functional foods, health foods, health supplements (supplements), nutritional supplements, foods for specified health uses, functional nutritional foods, medical foods, foods for the sick, foods for infants, foods for nursing care, and foods for the elderly.

[0101] [How to take] The taste improver or taste cell activator of the present invention exerts its effects when taken continuously. The administration period is preferably one week or more, more preferably ten days or more, and even more preferably fourteen days or more. This allows the proliferation of taste cells to be activated in accordance with the turnover of taste cells (usually a 10- to 14-day cycle), thereby efficiently improving taste. The daily dose is not particularly limited and can be determined appropriately based on various conditions of the subject, such as their health condition, gender, and physique.

[0102] [Target audience] The target population for the agent of the present invention is preferably the elderly, since the incidence of age-related decline in taste is high. However, as long as the target population is intended to have their sense of taste improved, a wide range of age groups other than the elderly can be targeted. In addition, the target population may be humans or non-human animals (e.g., pets such as dogs and cats). [Example]

[0103] The present invention will be described below based on examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Unless otherwise specified, % means % by mass.

[0104] [Test Example 1: Evaluation of taste cell proliferation activity] Human Primary Fungiform Taste Cells (Applied Biological Materials) cells were used, and Prigrow X series medium TM4105 (Applied Biological Materials) medium was used. Thawing and subculturing of the cryopreserved cells were performed according to the manufacturer's instructions. On the day before cell seeding, 40 μl / well of Applied Cell Extracellular Matrix (Applied Biological Materials) was added to a 24-well plate and allowed to stand at room temperature for 1 hour. The liquid was then removed and the plate was dried to prepare a coated plate. 4.0 × 10 cells were seeded. 3Cells / well were seeded onto coated plates and cultured at 37°C under 5% CO2. Each sample was added the day after the start of culture, and after 48 hours of culture, the absorbance at 450 nm was measured using the Premix WST-1 Cell Proliferation Assay System (Takara Bio) to quantify the relative number of viable cells, with the number in the sample-free group set at 1.0. A SpectraMax multiplate reader (Molecular Devices) was used for detection. The results (n = 3) are shown in Tables 1 and 2. The results of a Student's t-test against the sample-free group were used to indicate significant differences.

[0105] [Table 1]

[0106] [Table 2]

[0107] [Raw materials used] Details of each sample used in the evaluation of taste cell proliferation activity are shown in Tables 3 and 4.

[0108] [Table 3]

[0109] [Table 4]

[0110] [Table footnotes] In Tables 3 and 4, "DW" represents distilled water, "DMSO" represents dimethyl sulfoxide, and "EtOH" represents ethanol.

[0111] In all of Examples 1 to 75, the taste cell proliferation rate exceeded 1. Furthermore, in the evaluation of taste cell proliferation activity in Examples 1 to 72, even when the concentration of each sample was changed, all of the Examples showed a taste improving effect. These Examples demonstrate that the components of the agent according to the present invention have a taste improving effect.

Claims

[Claim 1] It contains at least one active ingredient selected from the group consisting of vanillin, chamomilla extract, angelica extract, licorice extract, Roman chamomile extract, cinoxate, glycyrrhizinic acid, ginkgo extract, guanine, lily extract, 5'-inosinic acid, hydrogenated jojoba oil, and evening primrose oil. Taste cell activator.

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