Method for producing the extract composition

Abstract

To provide a method for producing an extracted composition in which polyphenol of apigenin or the like and / or an essential oil component of spiroether or the like can be efficiently extracted from herbaceous plants after harvest.SOLUTION: A method for producing an extracted composition includes the following processes (1) and (2): (1) a process of applying oxidation stress to herbaceous plants after being harvested and storing the plants; and (2) a process of obtaining an extract from the herbaceous plants after process (1).SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for producing an extraction composition, a topical product or a food product, an extraction composition, a topical product or a food product. [Background technology]

[0002] Apigenin is a flavonoid (a type of polyphenol) found in plants such as German chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.), Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis L.), dahlia (Dahlia pinnata), wisteria (Daphne genkwa), and sorghum (Sorghum nervosum Bess). It has urease inhibitory effects, antioxidant effects, and melanin production promotion effects, making it a useful ingredient in external products such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and quasi-drugs.

[0003] Plants containing flavonoids such as apigenin are generally grown in plant factories, and various methods for growing plants containing flavonoids and for extracting extracts containing flavonoids have been investigated. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a cultivation method for increasing polyphenols in a plant by applying oxidative stress to the plant. Patent Document 2 proposes a method for extracting an extract containing a high concentration of apigenin, in which an extract of an apigenin-containing plant is adsorbed, washed with water or an aqueous ethanol solution of 20% by volume or less, and then apigenin is eluted from the adsorbate using an aqueous ethanol solution of 40 to 99.5% by volume.

[0004] Furthermore, chamomile, such as German chamomile and Roman chamomile, contains polyphenolic components such as apigenin, quercetin, patuletin, and lutelin, as well as essential oil components such as bisabonol, spiroether, azulenes (e.g., chamazulene), and oxides thereof (Patent Document 3). Spiroether has a whitening effect and is used as an active ingredient in emulsion cosmetics (Patent Document 4). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5592620 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-163363 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2018 / 151334 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-193323 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As described above, plants containing polyphenols such as apigenin and plants containing essential oil components such as spiroethers are generally grown in plant factories, which is costly. Therefore, there is a need for a method for efficiently extracting polyphenols such as apigenin and essential oil components such as spiroethers from herbaceous plants.

[0007] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a method for producing an extract composition that can efficiently extract polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers from herbaceous plants containing polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers after harvest, as well as a method for producing an external product or food using the same, an extract composition, and an external product or food. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for producing an extract composition, comprising the following steps (1) and (2): (1) A process of preserving herbaceous plants by subjecting them to oxidative stress after harvesting. (2) A step of obtaining an extract from the herbaceous plant after step (1).

[0009] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for producing an extract composition, comprising the following steps (1) and (2): (1) A process of preserving apigenin-containing plants by subjecting them to oxidative stress after harvesting. (2) A step of obtaining an extract from an apigenin-containing plant after step (1).

[0010] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for producing an extract composition or a food product, the method comprising producing an extract composition according to the method for producing an extract composition of the present disclosure.

[0011] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to an extract composition produced by the method for producing an extract composition of the present disclosure, wherein the amount of apigenin in the extract composition is 0.001% by mass or more.

[0012] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to topical products or foods containing the extract composition of the present disclosure or a purified product thereof. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for producing an extract composition that can efficiently extract polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers from herbaceous plants containing polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers after harvest. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present disclosure is based on the finding that by applying oxidative stress to harvested herbaceous plants containing polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers and then storing them, the amount of polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers in the extract can be increased compared to when oxidative stress is not applied, and that essential oil components such as polyphenols such as apigenin and / or spiroethers can be efficiently extracted from harvested herbaceous plants containing polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers.

[0015] That is, in one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for producing an extract composition (hereinafter also referred to as the "method for producing an extract composition of the present disclosure"), which includes the following steps (1) and (2): (1) A process of preserving herbaceous plants by subjecting them to oxidative stress after harvesting. (2) A step of obtaining an extract from the herbaceous plant after step (1). In one or more embodiments, the method for producing an extraction composition of the present disclosure is a method for producing an extraction composition, comprising the following steps (1) and (2): (1) A process of preserving apigenin-containing plants by subjecting them to oxidative stress after harvesting. (2) A step of obtaining an extract from an apigenin-containing plant after step (1).

[0016] Although the details of the mechanism by which the effects of the present disclosure are manifested are not clear, it is presumed as follows. Polyphenols such as apigenin are a type of antioxidant, and when herbaceous plants containing polyphenols such as apigenin are subjected to external oxidative stress after harvest, they are thought to produce polyphenols such as apigenin within the plant body to counteract the stress. It is also thought that the production of polyphenols such as apigenin can be induced during storage after the application of oxidative stress. Furthermore, the mechanism behind the surprising effect that herbaceous plants containing essential oil components such as spiroethers can induce the production of essential oil components such as spiroethers during storage after the oxidative stress is applied when exposed to external oxidative stress is unknown. However, the present disclosure need not be construed as being limited to these mechanisms.

[0017] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the proportion of polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers in the extract can be increased, and essential oil components such as polyphenols such as apigenin and / or spiroethers can be efficiently extracted. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, an extract with a high proportion of polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers can be obtained. Such extracts can be used to produce topical products such as cosmetics or foods.

[0018] In the present disclosure, in one or more embodiments, a polyphenol refers to a compound having two or more phenolic hydroxyl groups (hydroxyl groups bonded to an aromatic ring such as a benzene ring or a naphthalene ring) in the same molecule, and in one or more embodiments, examples thereof include flavonoid compounds, such as flavones. In the present disclosure, examples of polyphenols include apigenin, rutin, luteolin, chlorogenic acid, and rosmarinic acid. In the present disclosure, essential oil components, in one or more embodiments, include chamazulene, umbelliferone, 7-methoxycoumarin, matricin, matricarin, taraxasterol, upeol, apiin, and spiroether.

[0019] In the present disclosure, the herbaceous plant may, in one or more embodiments, be an herbaceous plant containing polyphenols and / or essential oil components, and in one or more other embodiments, may be an herbaceous plant containing components to be extracted. The herbaceous plant in the present disclosure is not particularly limited as long as it contains polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroether. In one or more embodiments, examples include apigenin-containing plants, spiroether-containing plants, and plants containing apigenin and spiroether. For example, plants of the Asteraceae, Umbelliferae, Lamiaceae, or Hypericaceae families are included in terms of containing a large amount of plant flavonoids. As Asteraceae plants, German chamomile (Japanese name: Kamitsure) or Roman chamomile (Japanese name: Roma Kamitsure) or related species thereof are preferred in terms of efficiently extracting apigenin and / or spiroether, with Roman chamomile being more preferred in terms of efficiently extracting apigenin. Examples of Apiaceae plants include Angelica keiskei (Angelica keiskei). Examples of Lamiaceae plants include peppermint. Examples of Hypericaceae plants include St. John's wort.

[0020] [Process (1)] Step (1) in the method for producing an extract composition of the present disclosure is a step of applying oxidative stress to a harvested herbaceous plant and preserving it. In the present disclosure, preservation includes leaving it to stand, standing, or storing it.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the herbaceous plant after harvesting in step (1) is the whole or a part of the herbaceous plant. The part of the plant to which oxidative stress is applied may be appropriately selected depending on the type of plant. Examples of the part of the herbaceous plant include above-ground parts, such as flowers, petals, buds, leaves, and stems. For example, when the herbaceous plant is German chamomile or Roman chamomile, the part is preferably the flower, petal, or bud, and more preferably the petal, from the viewpoint of inducing apigenin production in response to oxidative stress and efficiently extracting apigenin.

[0022] From the viewpoint of inducing the production of polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers through an oxidative stress response and from the viewpoint of efficiently extracting polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers, the herbaceous plant in step (1) is preferably harvested within 7 days, more preferably within 3 days, and even more preferably within 1 day after harvest. From the same viewpoint, the herbaceous plant in step (1) is preferably harvested within 30 minutes, more preferably within 1 hour, and even more preferably within 12 hours after harvest.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the application of oxidative stress in step (1) is preferably performed by a liquid composition containing an oxidizing agent, from the viewpoint of inducing the production of polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers through an oxidative stress response and efficiently extracting essential oil components such as polyphenols such as apigenin and / or spiroethers. In the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the term "liquid composition" refers to a liquid composition for applying oxidative stress. The liquid composition may be an oxidizing agent alone or an aqueous solution of the oxidizing agent. Oxidizing agents and the like will be described later. In one or more embodiments, a method for inflicting oxidative stress using a liquid composition includes contacting a harvested herbaceous plant with the liquid composition. Examples of the method for contacting a harvested herbaceous plant with the liquid composition include a method of dripping the liquid composition onto the harvested herbaceous plant, a method of spraying the liquid composition onto the harvested herbaceous plant, and a method of immersing the harvested herbaceous plant in the liquid composition. When a harvested herbaceous plant is immersed in a liquid composition, the immersion time is preferably 6 hours or more, more preferably 12 hours or more, even more preferably 24 hours or more, and preferably 240 hours or less, more preferably 200 hours or less, and even more preferably 170 hours or less, from the viewpoint of inducing the production of polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers through an oxidative stress response and from the viewpoint of efficiently extracting essential oil components such as polyphenols such as apigenin and / or spiroethers. When a herbaceous plant is immersed in a liquid composition, the herbaceous plant may be stored while immersed in the liquid composition after being subjected to oxidative stress in step (1), or the herbaceous plant may be removed from the liquid composition and stored.

[0024] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the method for applying oxidative stress does not include ultraviolet irradiation.

[0025] The amount of the liquid composition used to impart oxidative stress is not particularly limited as long as the liquid composition can be sufficiently brought into contact with the herbaceous plant. For example, the amount of the liquid composition brought into contact with the herbaceous plant is preferably 1.5 times or more, more preferably 2 times or more, and even more preferably 2.5 times or more, the wet weight of the herbaceous plant to be contacted, from the viewpoint of inducing the production of polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers through an oxidative stress response and from the viewpoint of efficiently extracting the polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers. From the viewpoint of cost reduction, the amount is preferably 5,000 times or less, more preferably 1,000 times or less, and even more preferably 100 times or less. In the present disclosure, "wet weight" includes the weight of a herbaceous plant after harvest, the weight of a herbaceous plant that has not been completely dried, the weight of a herbaceous plant that has not been dried after harvest, and the weight of a herbaceous plant containing moisture.

[0026] In step (1), the storage period of the herbaceous plant after application of oxidative stress is preferably 12 hours or more, more preferably 24 hours or more, and even more preferably 48 hours or more, from the viewpoint of inducing the production of polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers through an oxidative stress response and efficiently extracting the polyphenols such as apigenin and / or spiroethers. From the same viewpoint, the storage period is preferably 240 hours or less, more preferably 200 hours or less, and even more preferably 170 hours or less. When refrigerated or frozen, from the viewpoint of inducing the production of polyphenols such as apigenin and / or spiroethers through an oxidative stress response and efficiently extracting the polyphenols such as apigenin and / or spiroethers, the storage period is preferably 12 hours or more, more preferably 24 hours or more, and even more preferably 48 hours or more. From the same viewpoint, the storage period is preferably 120 days or less, more preferably 150 days or less, and even more preferably 180 days or less.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, in step (1), further oxidative stress can be applied during the storage period of the herbaceous plant after the application of oxidative stress. When further oxidative stress is applied during the storage period, the number of times oxidative stress is applied during the storage period may be one or more times. When oxidative stress is applied multiple times during the storage period, the application of oxidative stress during the storage period may be at regular intervals or may not be at regular intervals. In the present disclosure, the storage period refers to the period from the initial application of oxidative stress to the start of step (2).

[0028] In one or more embodiments, in step (1), the herbaceous plant may be subjected to a drying treatment within the storage period of the herbaceous plant after the application of oxidative stress. Examples of the drying treatment method include sun drying, shade drying, and drying using a dryer.

[0029] In step (1), the herbaceous plant may be irradiated with ultraviolet light during the storage period of the herbaceous plant after the application of oxidative stress, from the viewpoint of inducing the production of polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers through an oxidative stress response and from the viewpoint of more efficiently extracting the polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers. Methods for irradiating with ultraviolet light include irradiation with UV light and sun drying.

[0030] In step (1), the temperature at which oxidative stress is applied and the temperature at which the herbaceous plant is stored after oxidative stress application are preferably 10°C or higher, more preferably 15°C or higher, and even more preferably 20°C or higher, from the viewpoint of inducing the production of polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers through an oxidative stress response and from the viewpoint of efficiently extracting essential oil components such as polyphenols such as apigenin and / or spiroethers. From the same viewpoints, the temperature is preferably 40°C or lower, more preferably 35°C or lower, and even more preferably 30°C or lower.

[0031] In step (1), the humidity at which oxidative stress is applied and the humidity at which the herbaceous plant is stored after oxidative stress application are preferably 40% or more, more preferably 50% or more, and even more preferably 60% or more, from the viewpoint of inducing the production of polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers through an oxidative stress response and from the viewpoint of efficiently extracting essential oil components such as polyphenols such as apigenin and / or spiroethers. From the same viewpoints, the humidity is preferably 90% or less, more preferably 80% or less, and even more preferably 70% or less.

[0032] (Liquid composition for inflicting oxidative stress) In one or more embodiments, the liquid composition used to apply oxidative stress in step (1) contains an oxidizing agent and an aqueous medium. Examples of oxidizing agents contained in the liquid composition include hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorous acid, nitric acid, potassium nitrate, permanganate, peroxide, ozone, and sulfur dioxide. The oxidizing agent may be one type or a combination of two or more types. The content of the oxidizing agent in the liquid composition is preferably 0.0001 mM or more, more preferably 0.01 mM or more, and even more preferably 0.1 mM or more, from the viewpoint of inducing the production of polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers through an oxidative stress response and from the viewpoint of efficiently extracting polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers, and from the same viewpoints, is preferably 5 mM or less, more preferably 1 mM or less, and even more preferably 0.5 mM or less. When two or more oxidizing agents are used in combination, the content of the oxidizing agent in the liquid composition refers to the total content thereof.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the aqueous medium contained in the liquid composition of the present disclosure is water. The content of the aqueous medium or water in the liquid composition may be the remainder excluding the oxidizing agent and the spreading agent and other components described below.

[0034] The liquid composition may contain a spreading agent in addition to the oxidizing agent. In one or more embodiments, the spreading agent is a functional spreading agent (adjuvant). In one or more embodiments, the functional spreading agent has the effect of promoting the systemic translocation of medicinal components into plants. Examples of functional spreading agents include surfactants such as nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, and cationic surfactants. Among these, nonionic surfactants are preferred from the viewpoints of inducing apigenin production through an oxidative stress response and efficiently extracting apigenin. Examples of functional spreading agents include polyoxyalkylenes such as polyoxyethylene hexitane fatty acid esters (average number of added moles of ethylene groups: 1 to 150) and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (average number of added moles of ethylene groups: 1 to 150), polyoxyethylene nonylphenyl ethers (average number of added moles of ethylene groups: 1 to 150), polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers (average number of added moles of ethylene groups: 1 to 150, alkyl groups having 4 to 22 carbon atoms), polyalkylene glycol alkyl ethers (average number of added moles of ethylene groups: 1 to 150, alkyl groups having 4 to 22 carbon atoms), and polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters (average number of added moles of ethylene groups: 1 to 150). Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate is preferred. Commercially available products include Approach BI (Maruwa Biochemical Co., Ltd.) and Rheodol TW-0120V (Kao Corporation). A single spreading agent may be used, or two or more may be used in combination. When the liquid composition contains a spreading agent, the content of the spreading agent in the liquid composition is preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, from the viewpoints of inducing apigenin production through an oxidative stress response and efficiently extracting apigenin, and from the same viewpoints, is preferably 5% by mass or less, more preferably 1% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.3% by mass or less. When the liquid composition contains a combination of two or more spreading agents, the content of the spreading agents in the liquid composition refers to the total content of these agents.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the liquid composition may further contain other components as needed, such as a moisturizer to prevent drying and a preservative to prevent spoilage.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, step (1) may include a step of drying the herbaceous plant (drying step) after preserving the herbaceous plant after application of oxidative stress, from the viewpoint of efficiently extracting polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers. From the same viewpoint, the drying time in the drying step is preferably 12 hours or more, more preferably 24 hours or more, and even more preferably 36 hours or more. The drying method in the drying step is not particularly limited as long as it can dry the herbaceous plants, but an example is a method in which the plants are dried in a thermostatic chamber at 40°C. Here, as an indicator of the dry state of a herbaceous plant, for example, when the amount of weight change over 24 hours in the drying process is within 3%, it can be determined that the plant is in a dry state.

[0037] [Process (2)] Step (2) in the method for producing an extract composition of the present disclosure is a step of obtaining an extract from the herbaceous plant after step (1). An example of a method for extracting the extract is a method of contacting the herbaceous plant after step (1) with an extraction solvent to elute the extract from the herbaceous plant. An example of a method for contacting the herbaceous plant with an extraction solvent is a method of immersing the herbaceous plant in the extraction solvent. In one or more embodiments, the extract can be obtained by filtering the extraction solvent in which the herbaceous plant has been immersed using a filter. In one or more embodiments, step (2) is a step of immersing the herbaceous plant after step (1) in an elution solvent, and then filtering the elution solvent using a filter to obtain the extract.

[0038] The target component to be extracted in the extraction composition according to the present disclosure, i.e., the component of the extraction composition obtained in step (2), may include polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers.

[0039] Both polar and nonpolar solvents can be used as extraction solvents for polyphenols such as apigenin. Examples of extraction solvents include water; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, and butanol; polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol and butylene glycol; ketones such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone; esters such as methyl acetate and ethyl acetate; linear and cyclic ethers such as tetrahydrofuran and diethyl ether; polyethers such as polyethylene glycol; hydrocarbons such as squalane, hexane, cyclohexane, and petroleum ether; aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene; halogenated hydrocarbons such as dichloromethane, chloroform, and dichloroethane; and carbon dioxide. Among these, an aqueous butylene glycol solution is preferred from the viewpoint of efficiently extracting polyphenols such as apigenin. The concentration of the aqueous butylene glycol solution is preferably 20% by mass to 90% by mass. The extraction solvent for essential oil components, such as spiroether, may be oil-soluble, but lipophilic organic solvents are preferred. Lipophilic organic solvents are preferably oils with a solubility parameter (SP value) in the range of 15 to 21, such as isopropyl myristate (SP value 17.0), neopentyl glycol dicaprate (SP value 17.7), liquid paraffin (SP value 16.4), squalane (SP value 16.2), and mixtures of two or more of these. These may also be plant-derived oils such as castor oil, persic oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil. The SP value is a measure of the compatibility between substances and can be determined by calculating Hansen's three-dimensional solubility parameter based on the method described in JP-A-10-194920.

[0040] From the viewpoint of efficient extraction of polyphenols such as apigenin, the amount of the extraction solvent used is preferably 3 times or more, more preferably 5 times or more, and even more preferably 10 times or more, the weight or dry weight of the herbaceous plant after step (1). From the same viewpoint, the amount is preferably 100 times or less, more preferably 60 times or less, and even more preferably 40 times or less.

[0041] The time for which the extraction solvent for polyphenols such as apigenin is brought into contact with the flowers and / or leaves, or the time for which the flowers and / or leaves are immersed in the extraction solvent, is preferably 12 hours or more, more preferably 24 hours or more, and even more preferably 48 hours or more, from the viewpoint of efficiently extracting polyphenols such as apigenin. From the same viewpoint, it is preferably 240 hours or less, more preferably 200 hours or less, and even more preferably 160 hours or less.

[0042] The temperature of the extraction solvent brought into contact with the flowers and / or leaves, or the immersion temperature when the flowers and / or leaves are immersed in the extraction solvent, is preferably 5°C or higher, more preferably 10°C or higher, and even more preferably 15°C or higher, from the viewpoint of efficiently extracting polyphenols such as apigenin. From the same viewpoint, it is preferably 60°C or lower, more preferably 50°C or lower, and even more preferably 40°C or lower.

[0043] Examples of filters used for filtration include filter paper, membrane filters, cartridge filters, and disposable filters.

[0044] Spiroethers and other essential oil components can be extracted from herbaceous plants using a lipophilic organic solvent, for example, by the method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-194920. In one or more embodiments, spiroethers and other essential oil components can be extracted by adding 1 to 100 times the mass of the lipophilic organic solvent relative to the mass of the flowers and / or leaves to dried, pulverized herbaceous plants, and stirring and extracting at 10 to 90°C for 1 to 96 hours.

[0045] The extract composition produced by the method for producing an extract composition of the present disclosure may be further purified to produce a purified product. Thus, in one or more embodiments, step (2) may include a step of purifying the extract. In one or more other embodiments, the method for producing an extract composition of the present disclosure may further include a step of purifying the extract after step (2).

[0046] [Extract composition] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to an extract composition (hereinafter also referred to as the "extract composition of the present disclosure") produced by the extract composition production method of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the extract composition of the present disclosure contains 0.001% by mass or more of apigenin. According to the present disclosure, by using the extract composition production method of the present disclosure, an extract composition can be obtained in which polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers are efficiently extracted from harvested herbaceous plants. Here, the amount of polyphenols such as apigenin in the solid content of the extract composition of the present disclosure is preferably 0.005% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more.

[0047] The amount of polyphenols such as apigenin in the extract composition is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, per 1 g of the dry weight of the herbaceous plant, and is preferably 1% by mass or less, more preferably 0.3% by mass or less, even more preferably 0.1% by mass or less.

[0048] The extraction composition or a purified product thereof produced by the extraction composition production method of the present disclosure can be suitably used as an external product or food. Therefore, in one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for producing an external product or food, which includes a step of producing an extraction composition by the extraction composition production method of the present disclosure. In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an external product or food containing the extraction composition of the present disclosure or a purified product thereof.

[0049] In the present disclosure, examples of topical products include cosmetics, hair cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, bath additives, perfumed products such as toothpaste, etc. Examples of the form of topical products include creams, liquid lotions, milky lotions, sprays, lotions, etc.

[0050] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the oxidative stress in step (1) is not imparted to the extract composition obtained in step (2). [Example]

[0051] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to examples, but these are merely illustrative examples and the present disclosure is not limited to these examples.

[0052] 1-1. Preparation of liquid compositions for applying oxidative stress (Examples 1 to 4) An oxidizing agent, a spreading agent, and water were mixed to prepare the aqueous oxidizing agent solutions of Examples 1 to 4 shown in Table 1. The content (effective amount) of each component in the aqueous oxidizing agent solution is as shown in Table 1. The content of water is the remainder excluding the oxidizing agent and spreading agent. The following was used to prepare the aqueous oxidizing agent solution: (oxidizing agent) Hydrogen peroxide solution [ADEKA, concentration 35% by mass] (Spreader) Nonionic surfactant [polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, average number of moles of ethylene group added: 20, Kao Corporation's "Rheodol TW-O120V," concentration: 51.5% by mass]

[0053] 1-2. Method for producing the extract composition Examples 1 to 4 The prepared aqueous oxidizing agent solutions of Examples 1 to 4 were used to impart oxidative stress to harvested chamomile, and the extract compositions of Examples 1 to 4 were obtained. [Harvesting Asteraceae plants] Potted seedlings of Roman chamomile (Japanese name: Roma Kamitsure) were planted and grown in a hydroponic cultivation system (temperature 25°C). The liquid fertilizer used for hydroponic cultivation was a 1000-fold diluted version of Hyponica (Kyowa Co., Ltd.). After the Roman chamomile flowers bloomed, only the flowers were harvested. [Process (1)] An aqueous solution of oxidant was dripped onto the flowers within one day of harvest using a dropper. The amount of oxidant dripped was three times the wet weight of the flowers (unit: 0.8 g) (2.4 g). After allowing the flowers to mix with the aqueous solution of oxidant, they were left to stand for three days at 25°C in a room environment. [Process (2)] The flowers after step (1) were immersed in a 20-fold amount (3.0 g) of 1,3-butylene glycol aqueous solution (concentration: 60% by mass) based on the dry weight (0.15 g) of the flowers. The immersion temperature was 40°C, and the immersion time was one day. Thereafter, the 1,3-butylene glycol aqueous solution (steeping solution) in which the flowers had been steeped was filtered using a filter [disposable filter manufactured by ADVANTEC, pore size 0.45 μm] to obtain an extract composition.

[0054] (Comparative Example 1) An extract composition of Comparative Example 1 was obtained in the same manner as in Examples 1 to 4, except that the aqueous oxidizing agent solution was not added dropwise to the harvested flowers. (Comparative Example 2) An extract composition of Comparative Example 2 was obtained in the same manner as in Examples 1 to 4, except that the aqueous oxidizing agent solution was added dropwise to the flowers before harvesting.

[0055] 1-3.Evaluation [Evaluation of apigenin content] The apigenin content in the obtained extract composition was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) under the following conditions. The apigenin concentration results are shown in Table 1, along with the apigenin concentration ratios compared to the case where no oxidative stress was applied (Comparative Example 1) and the case where oxidative stress was applied before harvesting (Comparative Example 2). <Measurement conditions> Column: InertSustain C18 (GL Sciences) Eluent: 0.1% formic acid (Solution A) and acetonitrile (Solution B) Inclination conditions: from 95:5 for A liquid to 10:90 for B liquid Flow rate: 0.5mL / min Column temperature: 40℃ Detector:CAD

[0056] [Table 1]

[0057] As shown in Table 1 above, it was found that the apigenin concentration in the extract composition was higher in Examples 1 to 4, in which oxidative stress was applied using an oxidizing agent aqueous solution, compared to Comparative Example 1, in which oxidative stress was not applied using an oxidizing agent aqueous solution. Furthermore, it was found that the apigenin concentration in the extract composition was higher in Example 3, in which an oxidizing agent aqueous solution was applied dropwise to harvested flowers, compared to Comparative Example 2, in which an oxidizing agent aqueous solution was applied dropwise to unharvested flowers. Furthermore, the amount of apigenin in the extract composition in Examples 1 to 4 was 0.05% by mass or more.

[0058] 2-1. Preparation of a liquid composition for applying oxidative stress (Example 5) As a liquid composition for applying oxidative stress, an aqueous oxidizing agent solution similar to that in Example 2 was prepared.

[0059] 2-2. Method for producing the extract composition Example 5 The prepared aqueous oxidizing agent solution was used to impart oxidative stress to harvested chamomile, and the extract composition of Example 5 was obtained. [Harvesting Asteraceae plants] Potted seedlings of German chamomile (Japanese name: Kamitsure) were planted and grown in a hydroponic cultivation system (temperature 25°C). The liquid fertilizer used for hydroponic cultivation was a 1000-fold diluted version of Hyponica (Kyowa Co., Ltd.). After the German chamomile flowers bloomed, only the flowers were harvested. [Process (1)] An aqueous solution of oxidant was dripped onto the flowers within one day of harvest using a dropper. The amount of oxidant dripped was three times the wet weight of the flowers (unit: 0.8 g) (2.4 g). After allowing the flowers to mix with the aqueous solution of oxidant, they were left to stand for three days at 25°C in a room environment. [Process (2)] The flowers were immersed in squalane in an amount three times the dry weight (0.15 g) of the flowers after step (1). The immersion temperature was 60°C and the immersion time was 6 hours. Thereafter, the squalane (steeping liquid) in which the flowers had been steeped was filtered using a filter [disposable filter manufactured by ADVANTEC, pore size 0.45 μm] to obtain an extract composition.

[0060] (Comparative Example 3) An extract composition of Comparative Example 3 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 5, except that the aqueous oxidizing agent solution was not added dropwise to the harvested flowers. Comparative Example 4 An extract composition of Comparative Example 4 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 5, except that the aqueous oxidizing agent solution was added dropwise to the flowers before harvesting.

[0061] 2-3.Evaluation [Evaluation of spiroether content] The spiroether content in the obtained extract composition was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) under the following conditions. The spiroether concentration results are shown in Table 2, along with the spiroether concentration ratios compared to the case where no oxidative stress was applied (Comparative Example 3) and the case where oxidative stress was applied before harvest (Comparative Example 4). <Measurement conditions> Column: InertSustain C18 (GL Sciences) Eluent: 0.1% formic acid (Solution A) and acetonitrile (Solution B) Inclination conditions: from 95:5 for A liquid to 10:90 for B liquid Flow rate: 0.5mL / min Column temperature: 40℃ Detector:CAD

[0062] [Table 2]

[0063] As shown in Table 2 above, it was found that the spiroether concentration in the extract composition was higher in Example 5, in which oxidative stress was applied by an aqueous oxidant solution, than in Comparative Example 3, in which oxidative stress by an aqueous oxidant solution was not applied. Furthermore, it was found that the spiroether concentration in the extract composition was higher in Example 5, in which an aqueous oxidant solution was applied dropwise to harvested flowers, than in Comparative Example 4, in which an aqueous oxidant solution was applied dropwise to unharvested flowers.

[0064] 3-1. Preparation of liquid compositions for applying oxidative stress (Examples 6 to 8) As a liquid composition for applying oxidative stress, an aqueous oxidizing agent solution similar to that in Example 2 was prepared.

[0065] 3-2. Method for producing the extract composition (Examples 6 to 8) The prepared aqueous oxidizing agent solution was used to impart oxidative stress to harvested herbaceous plants, and the extract compositions of Examples 6 to 8 were obtained. [Harvesting herbaceous plants] Harvesting of Angelica keiskei leaves (Umbelliferae): Example 6 Harvesting of mint leaves: Example 7 Harvesting of Hypericum perforatum leaves: Example 8 [Process (1)] An aqueous solution of oxidant was dripped onto the leaves within one day after harvest using a dropper. The amount of oxidant dripped was three times the wet weight of the flowers (unit: 0.8 g) (2.4 g). After allowing the flowers to blend with the aqueous solution of oxidant, they were left to stand for three days in a room environment at 25°C. [Process (2)] The dry weight (0.15 g) of the leaves after step (1) was immersed in 20 times the amount (3.0 g) of 1,3-butylene glycol aqueous solution (concentration: 60% by mass) at 40°C for one day. Thereafter, the 1,3-butylene glycol aqueous solution (steeping solution) in which the leaves had been steeped was filtered using a filter [disposable filter manufactured by ADVANTEC, pore size 0.45 μm] to obtain an extract composition. Extract composition of Angelica keiskei: Example 6 Peppermint Extract Composition: Example 7 Hypericum perforatum extract: Example 8

[0066] (Comparative Examples 5, 7, and 9) Extract compositions of Comparative Examples 5, 7, and 9 were obtained in the same manner as in Examples 6 to 8, except that the aqueous oxidizing agent solution was not added dropwise to the harvested leaves. (Comparative Examples 6, 8, and 10) The extract compositions of Comparative Examples 6, 8, and 10 were obtained in the same manner as in Examples 6 to 8, except that the aqueous oxidizing agent solution was added dropwise to the leaves before harvesting.

[0067] 3-3.Evaluation [Evaluation of extractive component content] The concentrations of chlorogenic acid and luterion in the Angelica keiskei extract, rosmarinic acid and luterion in the peppermint extract, and rutin in the St. John's wort extract were measured under the following conditions. The results are shown in Tables 3 to 5, along with the concentration ratios compared to cases where no oxidative stress was applied (Comparative Examples 5, 7, and 9) and cases where oxidative stress was applied before harvest (Comparative Examples 6, 8, and 10). <Measurement conditions> Column: InertSustain C18 (GL Sciences) Eluent: 0.1% formic acid (Solution A) and acetonitrile (Solution B) Inclination conditions: from 95:5 for A liquid to 10:90 for B liquid Flow rate: 0.5mL / min Column temperature: 40℃ Detector:CAD

[0068] [Table 3] [Table 4] [Table 5]

[0069] As shown in Tables 3 to 5 above, it was found that in Examples 6 to 8, in which oxidative stress was applied by an aqueous oxidant solution, the concentrations of components in the extract compositions were increased compared to Comparative Examples 5, 7, and 9, in which oxidative stress by an aqueous oxidant solution was not applied. It was also found that in Examples 6 to 8, in which an aqueous oxidant solution was applied dropwise to harvested flowers, the concentrations of components in the extract compositions were increased compared to Comparative Examples 6, 8, and 10, in which an aqueous oxidant solution was applied dropwise to unharvested flowers.

[0070] 4-1. Preparation of liquid composition for applying oxidative stress (Examples 9 and 10) As liquid compositions for applying oxidative stress in Examples 9 and 10, aqueous oxidant solutions containing nitric acid or hypochlorous acid as an oxidant were prepared.

[0071] 4-2. Method for producing the extract composition [Harvesting Asteraceae plants] The same Roman chamomile flowers as in Examples 1 to 4 were used. [Process (1)] Step (1) was carried out in the same manner as in Examples 1 to 4. [Process (2)] Step (2) was carried out in the same manner as in Examples 1 to 4 to obtain an extract composition.

[0072] (Comparative Examples 11 to 12) Extract compositions of Comparative Examples 11 and 12 were obtained in the same manner as in Examples 9 and 10, except that the aqueous oxidizing agent solution was added dropwise to the flowers before harvesting.

[0073] Evaluation [Evaluation of apigenin content] The apigenin content in the obtained extract composition was measured under the same conditions as in Examples 1 to 4. The apigenin concentration results are shown in Tables 6 to 7, along with the apigenin concentration ratios relative to the cases where no oxidative stress was applied (Comparative Example 1) and where oxidative stress was applied before harvesting (Comparative Examples 11 and 12).

[0074] [Table 6] [Table 7]

[0075] As shown in Tables 6 and 7 above, it was found that the apigenin concentration in the extract composition was higher in Examples 9 and 10, in which oxidative stress was applied by an oxidizing agent aqueous solution, compared to Comparative Example 1, in which oxidative stress by an oxidizing agent aqueous solution was not applied. Furthermore, it was found that the apigenin concentration in the extract composition was higher in Examples 9 and 10, in which an oxidizing agent aqueous solution was applied dropwise to harvested flowers, compared to Comparative Examples 11 and 12, in which an oxidizing agent aqueous solution was applied dropwise to unharvested flowers. [Industrial Applicability]

[0076] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a method for producing an extract composition that can efficiently extract, for example, polyphenols such as apigenin and / or essential oil components such as spiroethers.

Claims

1. A method for producing an extract composition, comprising the following steps (1) and (2): (1) A process of preserving a harvested herbaceous plant by applying oxidative stress to the plant. (2) A step of obtaining an extract from the herbaceous plant after step (1). The plant in step (1) is a plant of the Asteraceae, Umbelliferae, Lamiaceae, or Hypericaceae family.

2. A method for producing an extract composition, comprising the following steps (1) and (2): (1) A step of preserving a harvested apigenin-containing plant by applying oxidative stress to the plant. (2) A step of obtaining an extract from an apigenin-containing plant after step (1).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plant in step (1) is a whole or part of a plant.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the oxidative stress is imparted by a liquid composition containing an oxidizing agent.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the liquid composition contains a spreading agent in addition to the oxidizing agent.

6. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the herbaceous plant contains polyphenols and / or essential oil components.

7. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plant in step (1) is German chamomile, Angelica keiskei, peppermint, St. John's wort, or Roman chamomile.

8. A method for producing an external product or food product, comprising the step of producing an extract composition by the method of any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A method for producing an extract composition, in which the amount of apigenin in the extract composition is 0.001 mass% or more, comprising a step of producing the extract composition by the production method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A method for producing an external product or food containing an extract composition or a purified product thereof, in which the amount of apigenin in the extract composition is 0.001 mass% or more, the method comprising a step of producing the extract composition by the manufacturing method described in claim 9.

Images