Cocoa-derived compositions and humectants, skin conditioners, hair conditioners, skin cosmetics, hair cosmetics, pharmaceutical compositions and food compositions containing the cocoa-derived compositions.

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a cacao-derived composition containing a free ceramide, as well a moisturizer, a skin texture improving agent, a hair texture improving agent, a skin cosmetic, a hair cosmetic, a pharmaceutical composition and a food composition, each containing the cacao-derived composition. Provided is a cacao-derived composition containing an extract of cacao bean shells, wherein the extract of cacao bean shells, which contains a cacao-derived free ceramide, is obtained by a method comprising: a step for separating crushed cacao beans into a cacao bean nib fraction and a cacao bean shell fraction by wind sorting to obtain the cacao bean shell fraction as a first cacao-derived material; and a step for extracting the first cacao-derived material with an extraction solvent to obtain the extract of the cacao bean shells. Also provided are a moisturizer, a skin texture improving agent, a hair texture improving agent, a skin cosmetic, a hair cosmetic, a pharmaceutical composition and a food composition, each containing the aforesaid cacao-derived composition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cacao-derived composition and a moisturizer, a skin quality improver, a hair quality improver, a skin cosmetic, a hair cosmetic, a pharmaceutical composition, and a food composition containing the cacao-derived composition.

Background Art

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

[0003] Ceramide present in the human epidermis is free ceramide (free-type ceramide). Since free ceramide generally has a different structure from sphingolipids (glycoceramides) contained in plants, it is difficult to obtain a large amount of free ceramide from natural materials.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a method for obtaining free ceramide from chestnut husks.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a cacao-derived composition containing free ceramide and a moisturizer, a skin quality improver, a hair quality improver, a skin cosmetic, a hair cosmetic, a pharmaceutical composition, and a food composition containing the cacao-derived composition.

Means for Solving the Problems

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

[0008] The present invention also provides the following inventions. [B1] A cocoa-derived composition containing cocoa-derived free ceramide, wherein the amount of the cocoa-derived free ceramide is 1.2% by mass or more based on the mass of the cocoa-derived composition. [B2] A moisturizer containing the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1]. [B3] The moisturizer according to [B2], wherein the amount of the cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the moisturizer. [B4] A skin quality improving agent containing the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1]. [B5] The skin quality improving agent according to [B4], wherein the amount of the cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the skin quality improving agent. [B6] A hair quality improving agent containing the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1]. [B7] The hair quality improving agent according to [B6], wherein the amount of the cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the hair quality improving agent. [B8] A skin cosmetic containing the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1]. [B9] The skin cosmetic according to [B8], wherein the amount of the cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the skin cosmetic. [B10] The skin cosmetic according to [B8] or [B9], wherein the skin cosmetic is a scalp cosmetic. [B11] A hair cosmetic containing the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1]. [B12] The hair cosmetic according to [B11], wherein the amount of the cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the hair cosmetic. [B13] A pharmaceutical composition containing the cocoa-derived composition according to [B1]. The pharmaceutical composition according to [B13], wherein the amount of the cacao-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more based on the mass of the pharmaceutical composition. A food composition containing the cacao-derived composition according to [B1]. The food composition according to [B15], wherein the amount of the cacao-derived free ceramide is 0.0006% by mass or more based on the mass of the food composition. A method for moisturizing the skin or hair of a subject, comprising applying the cacao-derived composition according to [B1] to the skin or hair of the subject. A method for improving the skin quality of a subject, comprising applying the cacao-derived composition according to [B1] to the skin of the subject. A method for improving the hair quality of a subject, comprising applying the cacao-derived composition according to [B1] to the hair of the subject. Use of the cacao-derived composition according to [B1] for moisturizing the skin or hair of a subject. Use of the cacao-derived composition according to [B1] for improving the skin quality of a subject. Use of the cacao-derived composition according to [B1] for improving the hair quality of a subject. Use of the cacao-derived composition according to [B1] as an active ingredient of a moisturizer. Use of the cacao-derived composition according to [B1] as an active ingredient of a skin quality improver. Use of the cacao-derived composition according to [B1] as an active ingredient of a hair quality improver. Use of the cacao-derived composition according to [B1] in the production of a moisturizer. Use of the cacao-derived composition according to [B1] in the production of a skin quality improver. Use of the cacao-derived composition according to [B1] in the production of a hair quality improver. Use of the cacao-derived composition according to [B1] in the production of a skin cosmetic. The use according to [B29], wherein the skin cosmetic is a scalp cosmetic. [B31] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1] in the manufacture of hair cosmetics. [B32] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1] in the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition. [B33] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [B1] in the manufacture of a food composition.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention provides the following inventions. [C1] A cocoa-derived composition containing cocoa bean shell extract, wherein the cocoa bean shell extract contains cocoa-derived free ceramide, and the cocoa bean shell extract is subjected to the following steps: (a) A step of separating the ground cocoa beans into a cocoa bean nib fraction and a cocoa bean shell fraction by wind separation, and obtaining the cocoa bean shell fraction as the first cocoa-derived raw material; (b) Depending on the case, a step of selecting raw materials that are too small to pass through a 16-mesh sieve from the first cocoa-derived raw material to obtain a second cocoa-derived raw material; and (c) A step of subjecting the first or second cocoa-derived raw material to extraction with an extraction solvent to obtain an extract of cocoa bean shells. A cocoa-derived composition obtained by a method comprising [a certain substance]. [C2] In step (c), the first or second cocoa-derived raw material is extracted with an extraction solvent, and the obtained extract is purified to obtain an extract of cocoa bean shells. The cocoa-derived composition according to [C1]. A humectant containing the cocoa-derived composition described in [C3], [C1], or [C2]. [C4] The humectant according to [C3], wherein the amount of cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more, based on the mass of the humectant. A skin-improving agent containing the cocoa-derived composition described in [C5], [C1], or [C2]. [C6] The skin-improving agent described in [C5], wherein the amount of cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more, based on the mass of the skin-improving agent. A hair quality improving agent containing the cocoa-derived composition described in [C7], [C1], or [C2]. [C8] The hair quality improving agent described in [C7], wherein the amount of cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more, based on the mass of the hair quality improving agent. A skin cosmetic containing the cocoa-derived composition described in [C9], [C1], or [C2]. [C10] The skin cosmetic according to [C9], wherein the amount of cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more, based on the mass of the skin cosmetic. [C11] A skin cosmetic according to [C9] or [C10], wherein the skin cosmetic is a scalp cosmetic. A hair cosmetic containing the cocoa-derived composition described in [C12], [C1], or [C2]. [C13] The hair cosmetic according to [C12], wherein the amount of cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more, based on the mass of the hair cosmetic. A pharmaceutical composition containing the cocoa-derived composition described in [C14], [C1], or [C2]. [C15] The pharmaceutical composition according to [C14], wherein the amount of cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more, based on the mass of the pharmaceutical composition. A food composition containing the cocoa-derived composition described in [C16], [C1], or [C2]. [C17] The food composition according to [C16], wherein the amount of cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.0006% by mass or more, based on the mass of the food composition. A method for moisturizing target skin or hair, comprising applying the cocoa-derived composition described in [C18], [C1], or [C2] to the target skin or hair. A method for improving the skin quality of a target skin, comprising applying a cocoa-derived composition described in [C19], [C1], or [C2] to the target skin. A method for improving the hair quality of a target hair, comprising applying a cocoa-derived composition described in [C20], [C1], or [C2] to the target hair. [C21] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] for moisturizing the target skin or hair. [C22] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] for improving the skin quality of the target. [C23] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] for improving the hair quality of the target hair. [C24] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] as an active ingredient in a humectant. [C25] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] as an active ingredient in a skin texture improving agent. [C26] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] as an active ingredient in a hair quality improving agent. [C27] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] in the manufacture of a humectant. [C28] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] in the manufacture of a skin texture improving agent. [C29] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] in the manufacture of a hair quality improving agent. [C30] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] in the manufacture of skin cosmetics. [C31] Use as described in [C30], wherein the skin cosmetic is a scalp cosmetic. [C32] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] in the manufacture of hair cosmetics. [C33] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] in the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition. [C34] Use of the cocoa-derived composition described in [C1] or [C2] in the manufacture of a food composition. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The present invention provides a cocoa-derived composition containing free ceramide, as well as a humectant, skin conditioner, hair conditioner, skin cosmetic, hair cosmetic, pharmaceutical composition, and food composition containing the cocoa-derived composition. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] <<Cocoa-derived composition>> According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a cocoa-derived composition.

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

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

[0014] Cacao pods (cacao fruits) have a hard shell containing pulp and cacao beans (seeds) inside the shell. Cacao beans have an outer shell containing endosperm (nibs) and germ inside the outer shell. In this specification, the shell of a cacao pod is referred to as "cacao pod shell," the pulp inside the cacao pod as "cacao pulp," the outer shell of a cacao bean as "cacao bean shell," the endosperm of a cacao bean as "cacao bean nibs," and the germ of a cacao bean as "cacao bean germ."

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

[0016] Cacao beans can be harvested from cacao pods along with the pulp. The harvested cacao beans may be used as raw material as is, or cacao beans that have undergone one or more post-harvest treatments may be used as raw material. The one or more post-harvest treatments can be selected from, for example, fermentation, pulp removal, crushing, sieving of the crushed material, grinding, drying, sterilization, and roasting. From the viewpoint of efficiently obtaining the desired cacao-derived components (free ceramides (e.g., ceramide AP and / or free ceramides other than ceramide AP), glucosylceramide, etc., especially free ceramides), a lower roasting temperature is preferable. Also from the same viewpoint, a shorter fermentation period is preferable. The fermentation treatment is a process of keeping the cacao beans in a state where they can be fermented, and fermentation of cacao beans can occur immediately after the beans are removed from the cacao pods.

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

[0018] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, it is preferable that the extracting raw material includes cocoa bean shells. That is, it is preferable that the cocoa-derived composition contains an extract of cocoa bean shells. In addition to cocoa bean shells, the extracting raw material may also include one or more selected from cocoa pod shells, cocoa pulp, cocoa bean nibs, and cocoa bean germ. That is, in addition to the extract of cocoa bean shells, the cocoa-derived composition may also contain one or more selected from cocoa pod shell extracts, cocoa pulp extracts, cocoa bean nib extracts, and cocoa bean germ extracts.

[0019] The extracts of cocoa pod shells, cocoa pulp, cocoa bean shells, cocoa bean nibs, and cocoa bean germ are extracts obtained using cocoa pod shells, cocoa pulp, cocoa bean shells, cocoa bean nibs, and cocoa bean germ as extraction materials, respectively. The cocoa pod shells, cocoa pulp, cocoa bean shells, cocoa bean nibs, and cocoa bean germ can each be obtained by separating them from cocoa pods according to conventional methods.

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

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

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

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

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

[0025] From the viewpoint of efficiently extracting the target cocoa-derived components (free ceramides (e.g., ceramide AP and / or free ceramides other than ceramide AP), glucosylceramide, etc., especially free ceramides), it is preferable to have as little nonpolar solvent (e.g., pentane, octane, hexane, etc.) as possible in the extraction solvent. The total content of nonpolar solvent is preferably 60% by volume or less, more preferably 50% by volume or less, and even more preferably 40% by volume or less, based on the volume of the extraction solvent. The lower limit is zero.

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

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

[0028] The following describes embodiments of the cocoa-derived composition.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0037] Free ceramides are compounds composed of a ceramide skeleton. The ceramide skeleton consists of a sphingoid base and a fatty acid amide-bonded to the sphingoid base. The amide bond is formed by the amino group of the sphingoid base and the carboxyl group of the fatty acid. In free ceramides, no sugars, phosphates, etc., are bonded to the hydroxyl group of the sphingoid base.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0045] The fatty acids that make up free ceramides other than ceramide AP can be selected from, for example, non-hydroxy fatty acids, monohydroxy fatty acids, dihydroxy fatty acids, ester ω-hydroxy fatty acids, etc.

[0046] Examples of (sphingoid base)-(fatty acid) combinations that constitute free ceramides other than ceramide AP include the following: (1) Combinations of a sphingoid base (having 2 hydroxyl groups, 14-24 carbon atoms (especially 16-20), and 0 carbon-carbon double bonds) and a fatty acid (having 16-36 carbon atoms (especially 20-26), and 0 carbon-carbon double bonds) (2) Combinations of a sphingoid base (having 2 hydroxyl groups, 14-24 carbon atoms (especially 16-20), and 1 carbon-carbon double bond) and a fatty acid (having 16-36 carbon atoms (especially 20-26), and 0 carbon-carbon double bonds) (3) Combinations of a sphingoid base (having 2 hydroxyl groups, 14-24 carbon atoms (especially 16-20), and 2 carbon-carbon double bonds) and a fatty acid (having 16-36 carbon atoms (especially 20-26), and 0 carbon-carbon double bonds) (4) Combinations of a sphingoid base (having 3 hydroxyl groups, 14-24 carbon atoms (especially 16-20), and 0 carbon-carbon double bonds) and a fatty acid (having 16-36 carbon atoms (especially 20-26), and 0 carbon-carbon double bonds) (5) Combinations of a sphingoid base (having 3 hydroxyl groups, 14-24 carbon atoms (especially 16-20), and 1 carbon-carbon double bond) and a fatty acid (having 16-36 carbon atoms (especially 20-26), and 0 carbon-carbon double bonds) (6) Combinations of a sphingoid base (having 3 hydroxyl groups, 14-24 carbon atoms (especially 16-20), and 2 carbon-carbon double bonds) and a fatty acid (having 16-36 carbon atoms (especially 20-26), and 0 carbon-carbon double bonds)

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

[0048] Free ceramides include the following free ceramides that result from the binding patterns between sphingoid bases and fatty acids.

[0049] [Table A]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0064] [Feature D] The cocoa-derived component preferably contains ceramide AP, free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and glucosylceramide. The cocoa-derived component may contain one type of free ceramide other than ceramide AP, or it may contain two or more types of free ceramides other than ceramide AP. The cocoa-derived component may contain one type of glucosylceramide, or it may contain two or more types of glucosylceramide.

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

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

[0067] The upper limit of ratio A is not particularly limited, but ratio A is preferably 0.99 or less in terms of mass ratio, more preferably 0.95 or less, even more preferably 0.90 or less, even more preferably 0.85 or less, and even more preferably 0.80 or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the lower limits mentioned above.

[0068] "Amount of ceramide AP" refers to the amount of one type of ceramide AP if the cocoa-derived component contains one type of ceramide AP, or the total amount of two or more types of ceramide AP if the cocoa-derived component contains two or more types of ceramide AP.

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

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

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

[0072] The upper limit of ratio B is not particularly limited, but ratio B is preferably 5.0 or less, more preferably 4.0 or less, even more preferably 3.0 or less, and even more preferably 2.0 or less, in terms of mass ratio. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the lower limits mentioned above.

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

[0074] "Amount of glucosylceramide" refers to the amount of one type of glucosylceramide if the cocoa-derived component contains one type of glucosylceramide, or the total amount of two or more types of glucosylceramide if the cocoa-derived component contains two or more types of glucosylceramide.

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

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

[0077] The upper limit of ratio C is not particularly limited, but ratio C is preferably 10 or less by mass, more preferably 9.0 or less, even more preferably 8.0 or less, and even more preferably 7.0 or less. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the lower limits mentioned above.

[0078] The significance of "amount of ceramide AP," "amount of free ceramides other than ceramide AP," and "amount of glucosylceramide" is as described above.

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

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

[0081] The upper limit of ratio D is not particularly limited, but ratio D is preferably 3.0 or less, more preferably 2.0 or less, and even more preferably 1.0 or less, in terms of mass ratio. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the lower limits mentioned above.

[0082] The significance of "amount of ceramide AP," "amount of free ceramides other than ceramide AP," and "amount of glucosylceramide" is as described above.

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

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

[0085] The upper limit of ratio E is not particularly limited, but ratio E is preferably 1.0 or less, more preferably 0.9 or less, even more preferably 0.8 or less, and even more preferably 0.7 or less, in terms of mass ratio. Each of these upper limits may be combined with any of the lower limits mentioned above.

[0086] The significance of "amount of ceramide AP," "amount of free ceramides other than ceramide AP," and "amount of glucosylceramide" is as described above.

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

[0088] The amount of ceramide AP, the amount of free ceramides other than ceramide AP, and the amount of glucosylceramide can be measured by analyzing the cocoa-derived composition with a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer (LC-MS / MS). LC-MS / MS analysis can be performed under the conditions and procedures described in the examples.

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

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

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

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

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

[0094] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin texture improving effect, and hair texture improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment preferably has at least one of feature A and feature B, more preferably has at least feature A, and even more preferably has both feature A and feature B. The descriptions of feature A and feature B are as described above.

[0095] The cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment may have feature C or feature D. Features C and D are described above.

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

[0097] "Amount of cocoa-derived free ceramides" refers to the amount of one type of free ceramide if the cocoa-derived component contains one type of free ceramide, or the total amount of two or more types of free ceramides if the cocoa-derived component contains two or more types of free ceramides.

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

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

[0100] Preparation of extraction raw materials Prepare the extraction raw materials. The extraction raw materials preferably include cocoa bean shells. In addition to cocoa bean shells, the extraction raw materials may also include one or more selected from cocoa pod shells, cocoa pulp, cocoa bean nibs, and cocoa bean germ.

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

[0102] Obtaining dried goods The extract is dried to obtain a dry product. The extract may be concentrated before drying. Concentration of the extract can be carried out, for example, using an evaporator. Drying of the extract can be carried out, for example, by vacuum drying.

[0103] It is preferable to freeze-grind the obtained dried material to obtain a dried pulverized material. Freeze-grinding the dried material allows for homogenization of the material. Freeze-grinding can be carried out in the presence of liquid nitrogen.

[0104] Purification of dried or dried pulverized materials The dried product or dried pulverized product (preferably dried pulverized product) is purified.

[0105] The purification of the dried product or dried pulverized product (preferably dried pulverized product) is preferably carried out by the following methods 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.

[0106] <Method 1> Method 1 includes the following process:

[0107] Process A1: Water washing Wash the dried or dried pulverized material with water.

[0108] For example, purified water (e.g., Milli-Q water) can be used as the water. The amount of water used is, for example, 1 to 10 mL, preferably 2 to 4 mL, per gram of dried or dried pulverized material. Water washing can be performed, for example, by shaking and mixing a mixture of dried or dried pulverized material and water.

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

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

[0111] The conditions for centrifugation are, for example, as follows: Temperature: For example, 1-40°C, preferably 2-5°C Rotational speed: For example, 100 to 15000 rpm, preferably 2000 to 4000 rpm Time: For example, 5 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes.

[0112] Process A3: Recovery of precipitate After process A2, remove the supernatant and collect the precipitate.

[0113] Process A4: Repeats processes A1-A3. After treatment A3, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments A1 to A3 (1 cycle), for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times, to recover the precipitate. Treatment A4 may be omitted if necessary.

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

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

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

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

[0118] The conditions for centrifugation are, for example, as follows: Temperature: For example, 1-40°C, preferably 2-5°C Rotational speed: For example, 100 to 15000 rpm, preferably 2000 to 4000 rpm Time: For example, 1 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes.

[0119] Process A7: Recovery of precipitate After process A6, remove the supernatant and collect the precipitate.

[0120] Process A8: Repeats process A5-A7 After treatment A7, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments A5 to A7 (1 cycle), for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times, to recover the precipitate. Treatment A8 may be omitted if necessary.

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

[0122] The precipitate can be dried, for example, by vacuum drying.

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

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

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

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

[0127] Filtration methods include natural filtration and suction filtration.

[0128] Process A12: Drying After process A11, the resulting filtrate is dried.

[0129] The filtrate can be dried, for example, by vacuum drying.

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

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

[0132] Process B1: Water washing Wash the dried or dried pulverized material with water.

[0133] Process B1 can be performed in the same manner as process A1. The explanation for process A1 also applies to process B1.

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

[0135] Process B2 can be carried out in the same manner as process A2. The explanation for process A2 also applies to process B2.

[0136] Process B3: Recovery of precipitate After process B2, remove the supernatant and collect the precipitate.

[0137] Process B4: Repeats processes B1 to B3. After treatment B3, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments B1 to B3 (1 cycle) for, for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times, to recover the precipitate. Treatment B4 may be omitted if necessary.

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

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

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

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

[0142] The conditions for centrifugation are, for example, as follows: Temperature: For example, 4-60°C, preferably 10-20°C Rotational speed: For example, 100 to 15000 rpm, preferably 2000 to 4000 rpm Time: For example, 1 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes.

[0143] Process B7: Recovery of precipitate After process B6, remove the supernatant and collect the precipitate.

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

[0145] Washing with water can be performed by adding water to the precipitate and then inverting and mixing it. Washing with water may also be performed in the same manner as in treatment A1.

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

[0147] The conditions for centrifugation are, for example, as follows: Temperature: For example, 4-60°C, preferably 10-20°C Rotational speed: For example, 100 to 15000 rpm, preferably 2000 to 4000 rpm Time: For example, 1 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes.

[0148] Process B10: Recovery of precipitate After process B9, remove the supernatant and collect the precipitate.

[0149] Process B11: Repeats processes B8-B10. After treatment B10, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments B8 to B10 (1 cycle), for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times, to recover the precipitate. Treatment B11 may be omitted if necessary.

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

[0151] The precipitate can be dried, for example, by vacuum drying.

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

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

[0154] Process C1: Redissolution Redissolve the dried or dried pulverized material in ethanol.

[0155] As ethanol, for example, ethanol with a volume of 40-99.8%, preferably 95-99.5%, can be used. The amount of ethanol used is, for example, 1-10 mL, preferably 4-6 mL, per gram of dry material or dry pulverized material. Redissolution can be performed, for example, by shaking and mixing a mixture of dry material or dry pulverized material and ethanol after ultrasonic treatment as needed.

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

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

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

[0159] The conditions for centrifugation are, for example, as follows: Temperature: For example, 4-50°C, preferably 20-30°C Rotational speed: For example, 100 to 15000 rpm, preferably 2000 to 4000 rpm Time: For example, 1 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0166] Filtration methods include natural filtration and suction filtration.

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

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

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

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

[0171] The conditions for centrifugation are, for example, as follows: Temperature: For example, 1-40°C, preferably 2-5°C Rotational speed: For example, 100 to 15000 rpm, preferably 4000 to 6000 rpm Time: For example, 1 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 20 minutes.

[0172] Process C9: Recovery of precipitate After treatment C8, remove the supernatant and collect the precipitate.

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

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

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

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

[0177] Process C12: Recovery of precipitate After treatment C11, remove the supernatant and collect the precipitate.

[0178] Process C13: Repeats processes C10 to C12. After treatment C12, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments C10 to C12 (1 cycle), for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times, to recover the precipitate. Treatment C13 may be omitted if necessary.

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

[0180] The precipitate can be dried, for example, by vacuum drying.

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

[0182] <Method 4> Method 4 is an improved version of Method 1. Method 4 includes the following processes.

[0183] Process D1: Water washing Wash the dried or dried pulverized material with water.

[0184] Process D1 can be carried out in the same manner as process A1. Unless otherwise specified, the description of process A1 also applies to process D1. The amount of water used is, for example, 1 to 10 mL, preferably 3 to 5 mL, per gram of dry material or dry pulverized material.

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

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

[0187] Science D3: Recovery of precipitate After treatment D2, the supernatant is removed and the precipitate is collected.

[0188] Process D4: Repeats processes D1-D3 After treatment D3, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments D1 to D3 (1 cycle) for, for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times, to recover the precipitate. Treatment D4 may be omitted if necessary.

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

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

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

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

[0193] Process D7: Recovery of precipitate After treatment D6, remove the supernatant and collect the precipitate.

[0194] Process D8: Repeats processes D5-D7 After treatment D7, the recovered precipitate is subjected to treatments D5 to D7 (1 cycle) for, for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times, to recover the precipitate. Treatment D8 may be omitted if necessary.

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

[0196] Treatment D10: Activated carbon treatment After processing D9, the resulting dried material is treated with activated carbon.

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

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

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

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

[0201] The extraction treatment can be performed, for example, by bringing the residue into contact with ethanol. As the ethanol, for example, ethanol with a volume percentage of 40 to 99.8%, preferably 95 to 99.5% can be used. The amount of ethanol used is, for example, 1 to 100 mL, preferably 10 to 40 mL per gram of residue. Examples of filtration include natural filtration and suction filtration.

[0202] Process D13: Vacuum drying The filtrate recovered in treatment D11 and the filtrate recovered in treatment D12 are combined and dried.

[0203] The drying of the filtrate can be performed, for example, by vacuum drying.

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

[0205] <Method 5> Method 5 is an improved version of Method 3. Method 5 includes the following processes.

[0206] Process E1: Redissolution Redissolve the dried or dried pulverized material in ethanol.

[0207] Process E1 can be carried out in the same manner as process C1. Unless otherwise specified, the description of process C1 also applies to process E1. The amount of ethanol used is, for example, 1 to 20 mL, preferably 3 to 8 mL, per gram of dry material or dry pulverized material.

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

[0209] Process E2 can be performed in the same manner as process C2. The description of process C2 also applies to process E2.

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

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

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

[0213] Treatment E5 can be carried out in the same manner as treatment C5. The description regarding treatment C5 is also applicable to treatment E5.

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

[0215] Treatment E6 can be carried out in the same manner as treatment C6. The description regarding treatment C6 is also applicable to treatment E6.

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

[0217] Treatment E7 can be carried out in the same manner as treatment C7. The description regarding treatment C7 is also applicable to treatment E7.

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

[0219] Treatment E8 can be carried out in the same manner as treatment C8. The description regarding treatment C8 is also applicable to treatment E8.

[0220] Process E9: Recovery of precipitate After treatment E8, the supernatant is removed and the precipitate is recovered.

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

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

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

[0224] Process E11 may be performed two or more times (for example, 1 to 10 times, preferably 2 to 4 times). Process E11 can be performed in the same manner as process C10. The description of process C10 also applies to process E11.

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

[0226] Process E12 can be performed in the same manner as process C11. The explanation for process C11 also applies to process E12.

[0227] Process E13: Recovery of precipitate After process E12, remove the supernatant and collect the precipitate.

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

[0229] The precipitate can be dried, for example, by vacuum drying.

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

[0231] <Third Embodiment> In the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment, the cocoa-derived component includes an extract of cocoa bean shells, and the extract of cocoa bean shells includes free ceramides. In the third embodiment, the free ceramides contained in the extract of cocoa bean shells may be referred to as "cocoa-derived free ceramides."

[0232] In the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment, the cocoa bean shell extract may contain one type of free ceramide or two or more types of free ceramides. The cocoa bean shell extract may contain one or more free ceramides selected from ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP. The description of ceramide AP and free ceramides other than ceramide AP in the first embodiment (see features A and B) also applies to the third embodiment.

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

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

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

[0236] From the viewpoint of improving the moisturizing effect, skin quality improving effect, and hair quality improving effect of the cocoa-derived composition, the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment preferably has at least one of feature A and feature B, more preferably has at least feature A, and more preferably has both feature A and feature B. The descriptions of feature A and feature B are as described above.

[0237] The cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment may have feature C or feature D. Features C and D are described above.

[0238] In the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment, the cocoa bean shell extract is obtained by the following steps: (a) A step of separating the ground cocoa beans into a cocoa bean nib fraction and a cocoa bean shell fraction by wind separation, and obtaining the cocoa bean shell fraction as the first cocoa-derived raw material; (b) Depending on the case, a step of selecting raw materials that are too small to pass through a 16-mesh sieve from the first cocoa-derived raw material to obtain a second cocoa-derived raw material; and (c) A step of subjecting the first or second cocoa-derived raw material to extraction with an extraction solvent to obtain an extract of cocoa bean shells. It is preferable to obtain it by a method that includes [a specific component]. This makes it possible to increase the amount of free ceramide contained in the cocoa bean shell extract.

[0239] The following describes each step.

[0240] Process (a) Step (a) is a step in which the crushed cocoa beans are air-selected to separate them into a cocoa bean nib fraction and a cocoa bean shell fraction, and the cocoa bean shell fraction is obtained as the first cocoa-derived raw material.

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

[0242] Air separation of ground cocoa beans is a process that separates cocoa bean nibs and cocoa bean shells by utilizing the difference in their shapes. Air separation of ground cocoa beans can be carried out using a known air separator (a device called a winnower) in accordance with conventional methods.

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

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

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

[0246] Free ceramides are found in higher concentrations in cocoa bean shells than in cocoa bean nibs. Therefore, in step (c), the amount of free ceramides in the cocoa bean shell extract can be increased by using the first cocoa-derived raw material as the extraction material and performing the extraction process.

[0247] Process (b) Step (b) is a step in which, depending on the circumstances, raw materials that are too small to pass through the 16-mesh sieve are selected from the first cocoa-derived raw material to obtain a second cocoa-derived raw material.

[0248] Step (b) is an optional step; it may or may not be performed, but it is preferable to perform it. Performing step (b) can further increase the amount of free ceramide contained in the cocoa bean shell extract.

[0249] The sorting of raw materials from the first cocoa-derived raw material that are too large to pass through a 16-mesh sieve can be performed by sieving the first cocoa-derived raw material using a 16-mesh sieve or a sieve with a larger opening than 16 mesh. Raw materials that are too large to pass through a 16-mesh sieve can be obtained as a sieved fraction. In a 16-mesh sieve, the opening varies depending on the wire diameter, but is, for example, 0.888 to 1.388 mm (quoted from a catalog of commercially available 16-mesh wire mesh). In a 16-mesh sieve, the weave is, for example, plain weave, the wire diameter φ is, for example, 0.20 to 0.70 mm, and the porosity is, for example, 31.25 to 76.39% (all quoted from a catalog of commercially available 16-mesh wire mesh). As a sieve with a larger opening than 16 mesh, for example, a 12 to 14 mesh sieve can be used.

[0250] The selected raw materials that are too small to pass through the 16-mesh sieve are the second cocoa-derived raw materials. The second cocoa-derived raw materials include cocoa bean shells.

[0251] By separating the raw materials from the first cocoa-derived raw material that are too small to pass through the 16-mesh mesh, the fraction with smaller particle sizes can be removed from the first cocoa-derived raw material. The majority of the cocoa bean nibs mixed in the first cocoa-derived raw material are contained in the fraction with smaller particle sizes. Therefore, by separating the raw materials from the first cocoa-derived raw material that are too small to pass through the 16-mesh mesh, the cocoa bean nibs mixed in the first cocoa-derived raw material can be removed, and the amount of free ceramide contained in the second cocoa-derived raw material can be increased. Therefore, by performing the extraction process using the second cocoa-derived raw material as the extraction material in step (c), the amount of free ceramide contained in the cocoa bean shell extract can be increased.

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

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

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

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

[0256] From the viewpoint of further increasing the amount of free ceramide contained in the second cocoa-derived raw material, it is preferable in step (b) to select raw materials from the first cocoa-derived raw material that are too small to pass through a 14-mesh sieve, and it is preferable to select raw materials from the first cocoa-derived raw material that are too small to pass through a 12-mesh sieve.

[0257] The sorting of raw materials from the first cocoa-derived raw material that are too large to pass through a 14-mesh sieve can be performed by sieving the first cocoa-derived raw material using a 14-mesh sieve or a sieve with a larger opening than 14 mesh. Raw materials that are too large to pass through a 14-mesh sieve can be obtained as a sieved fraction. In a 14-mesh sieve, the opening varies depending on the wire diameter, but is, for example, 0.914 to 1.594 mm (quoted from a catalog of commercially available 14-mesh wire mesh). In a 14-mesh sieve, the weave is, for example, plain weave, the wire diameter φ is, for example, 0.22 to 0.90 mm, and the porosity is, for example, 25.40 to 77.22% (all quoted from a catalog of commercially available 14-mesh wire mesh). As a sieve with a larger opening than 14 mesh, for example, a 10 to 12 mesh sieve can be used.

[0258] The sorting of raw materials from the first cocoa-derived raw material that are too large to pass through a 12-mesh sieve can be performed by sieving the first cocoa-derived raw material using a 12-mesh sieve or a sieve with a larger opening than 12 mesh. Raw materials that are too large to pass through a 12-mesh sieve can be obtained as a sieved fraction. In a 12-mesh sieve, the opening varies depending on the wire diameter, but is, for example, 1.217 to 1.867 mm (quoted from a catalog of commercially available 12-mesh wire mesh). In a 12-mesh sieve, the weave is, for example, plain weave, the wire diameter φ is, for example, 0.25 to 0.90 mm, and the porosity is, for example, 33.04 to 77.77% (all quoted from a catalog of commercially available 12-mesh wire mesh). As a sieve with a larger opening than 12 mesh, for example, an 8 to 10 mesh sieve can be used.

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

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

[0261] The explanation regarding the extraction process using the extraction solvent is as described above.

[0262] In step (c), it is preferable to extract the first or second cocoa-derived raw material with an extraction solvent, and then purify the resulting extract to obtain an extract of cocoa bean shells. The extract obtained by extracting the first or second cocoa-derived raw material with an extraction solvent (i.e., the extract to be purified) may be in any form such as an extract, diluent, concentrate, or dried product. Purification is preferably carried out by the methods 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 described above.

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

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

[0265] Obtaining dried goods The extract is dried to obtain a dry product. The extract may be concentrated before drying. Concentration of the extract can be carried out, for example, using an evaporator. Drying of the extract can be carried out, for example, by vacuum drying.

[0266] It is preferable to freeze-grind the obtained dried material to obtain a dried pulverized material. Freeze-grinding the dried material allows for homogenization of the material. Freeze-grinding can be carried out in the presence of liquid nitrogen.

[0267] Purification of dried or dried pulverized materials The dried product or dried pulverized product (preferably dried pulverized product) is purified.

[0268] The purification of the dried product or dried pulverized product (preferably dried pulverized product) is preferably carried out by the methods 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 described above.

[0269] ≪Moisturizer≫ This invention relates to a humectant containing a cocoa-derived composition. The cocoa-derived composition is described above.

[0270] In one embodiment, the humectant contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment. The description of the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment is as described above.

[0271] In another embodiment, the humectant contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment. The cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is described above.

[0272] In yet another embodiment, the humectant contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment. The cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is described above.

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

[0274] The humectant may consist of a cocoa-derived composition or may be a formulation of a cocoa-derived composition. The cocoa-derived composition can be formulated into dosage forms such as liquids, suspensions, emulsions, lotions, gels, creams, tablets, pills, powders, granules, and capsules by conventional methods using pharmaceutically acceptable additives. Additives can be selected from, for example, excipients, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, stabilizers, flavoring / odorizing agents, emulsifiers, etc.

[0275] Moisturizers can be applied to the skin and / or hair as, for example, ointments, topical solutions, or patches, and can also be incorporated into other compositions (e.g., skin cosmetics, pharmaceutical compositions, food compositions, etc.).

[0276] The humectant may contain a cocoa-derived composition as the sole humectant ingredient, or it may contain other humectant ingredients.

[0277] The amount of cocoa-derived composition can be appropriately adjusted depending on the dosage form of the humectant. The amount of cocoa-derived composition is, for example, 0.01 to 100% by mass, preferably 0.1 to 99% by mass, based on the mass of the humectant.

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

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

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

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

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

[0283] ≪Skin texture improving agent≫ This invention relates to a skin-improving agent containing a cocoa-derived composition. The description of the cocoa-derived composition is as described above.

[0284] In one embodiment, the skin-improving agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment. The description of the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment is as described above.

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

[0286] In yet another embodiment, the skin-improving agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment. The description of the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is as described above.

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

[0288] The skin-improving agent may consist of a cocoa-derived composition or may be a formulation of a cocoa-derived composition. The cocoa-derived composition can be formulated into dosage forms such as liquids, suspensions, emulsions, lotions, gels, creams, tablets, pills, powders, granules, and capsules by conventional methods using pharmaceutically acceptable additives. Additives can be selected from, for example, excipients, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, stabilizers, flavoring / odorizing agents, emulsifiers, etc.

[0289] Skin-improving agents can be applied to the skin as, for example, ointments, topical solutions, or patches, or they can be incorporated into other compositions (for example, skin cosmetics, pharmaceutical compositions, food compositions, etc.).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0297] Hair quality improvement agent This invention relates to a hair quality improving agent containing a cocoa-derived composition. The description of the cocoa-derived composition is as described above.

[0298] In one embodiment, the hair quality improving agent contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment. The description of the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment is as described above.

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

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

[0301] The hair quality improving agent can be applied to the target hair and exerts a hair quality improving effect through the hair quality improving action of the cocoa-derived composition. Therefore, the hair quality improving agent is useful for hair quality improvement applications. The target is preferably a mammal, more preferably a human. The target hair may be hair growing from any part of the target's body, such as scalp hair, eyebrows, armpit hair, beard, and body hair. Hair quality improvement includes preventing, treating, or improving symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by a decrease in the moisturizing function of the hair, such as dryness, roughness, and decreased flexibility or elasticity of the hair.

[0302] The hair quality improving agent may consist of a cocoa-derived composition or may be a formulation of a cocoa-derived composition. The cocoa-derived composition can be formulated into dosage forms such as liquids, suspensions, emulsions, lotions, gels, creams, tablets, pills, powders, granules, and capsules by conventional methods using pharmaceutically acceptable additives. Additives can be selected from, for example, excipients, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, stabilizers, flavoring / deodorizing agents, emulsifiers, etc.

[0303] Hair quality improving agents can be used by applying them to the hair as, for example, ointments, topical solutions, or patches, or they can be incorporated into other compositions (for example, hair cosmetics, pharmaceutical compositions, food compositions, etc.).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0311] ≪Skin cosmetics≫ This invention relates to a skin cosmetic containing a cocoa-derived composition. The cocoa-derived composition is described above.

[0312] In one embodiment, the skin cosmetic contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment. The description of the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment is as described above.

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

[0314] In yet another embodiment, the skin cosmetic composition contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment. The description of the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is as described above.

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

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

[0317] Skin cosmetics include, for example, scalp cosmetics. Examples of scalp cosmetics include hair styling products, hair tonics, scalp treatments, hair colorants, shampoos, hair rinses, and treatments.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0324] Skin cosmetics can be manufactured using cocoa-derived compositions and the raw materials of ordinary skin cosmetics. Examples of base ingredients for skin cosmetics include ethanol, polyhydric alcohols, water, hydrocarbons, higher fatty acids, higher alcohols, oils and fats, waxes, ethers, esters, and silicones. Other ingredients such as surfactants, moisturizing ingredients, barrier function improving ingredients, antioxidant ingredients, whitening ingredients, antibacterial ingredients, stabilizers, fragrances, colorants, and preservatives may also be used.

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

[0326] Skin cosmetics can be manufactured by conventional skin cosmetic manufacturing methods. These manufacturing methods may include steps such as mixing, heating, dissolving, drying, and filling of raw materials.

[0327] Hair Cosmetics This invention relates to a hair cosmetic containing a cocoa-derived composition. The cocoa-derived composition is described above.

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

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

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

[0331] The cocoa-derived composition may be incorporated directly into the hair cosmetic, or it may be formulated into a moisturizer and / or hair quality improving agent before being incorporated into the hair cosmetic. The hair cosmetic can be applied to the target hair and exerts moisturizing and / or hair quality improving effects through the moisturizing and / or hair quality improving effects of the cocoa-derived composition. Therefore, the hair cosmetic is useful for moisturizing and / or improving the hair quality. The target is preferably a mammal, more preferably a human. The target hair may be hair growing from any part of the target's body, such as scalp hair, eyebrows, armpit hair, beard, body hair, etc. Hair quality improvement includes preventing, treating, or improving symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by a decrease in the moisturizing function of the hair, such as dryness, roughness, and decreased flexibility or elasticity of the hair.

[0332] Examples of hair care products include lotions, toners, creams, emulsions, sunscreens, cleansers, shaving creams, facial rinses, masks, cosmetic oils, body rinses, and foundations.

[0333] Hair cosmetics include, for example, scalp cosmetics. Examples of scalp cosmetics include hair styling products, hair tonics, hair colorants, shampoos, hair rinses, and treatments.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0341] Hair cosmetics may contain a cocoa-derived composition as the sole moisturizing ingredient or the sole hair quality improving ingredient, or they may contain other moisturizing ingredients and / or other hair quality improving ingredients.

[0342] Hair cosmetics can be manufactured by conventional methods for manufacturing hair cosmetics. These methods may include steps such as mixing, heating, dissolving, drying, and filling of raw materials.

[0343] ≪Pharmaceutical Compositions≫ This invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing a cocoa-derived composition. The description of the cocoa-derived composition is as described above.

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

[0345] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment. The cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is described above.

[0346] In yet another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment. The cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is described above.

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

[0348] The pharmaceutical composition may consist of a cocoa-derived composition or may be a formulation of a cocoa-derived composition. The cocoa-derived composition can be formulated into dosage forms such as liquids, suspensions, emulsions, lotions, gels, creams, tablets, pills, powders, granules, and capsules by conventional methods using pharmaceutically acceptable additives. Additives can be selected from, for example, excipients, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, stabilizers, flavoring / odorizing agents, emulsifiers, etc.

[0349] The pharmaceutical composition can be used, for example, as an ointment, a topical solution, a patch, etc., applied to the skin and / or hair.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0357] Food Compositions This invention relates to a food composition containing a cocoa-derived composition. The description of the cocoa-derived composition is as described above.

[0358] In one embodiment, the food composition contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment. The description of the cocoa-derived composition according to the first embodiment is as described above.

[0359] In another embodiment, the food composition contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment. The cocoa-derived composition according to the second embodiment is described above.

[0360] In yet another embodiment, the food composition contains the cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment. The cocoa-derived composition according to the third embodiment is described above.

[0361] The cocoa-derived composition may be incorporated directly into the food composition, or it may be formulated into one or more forms of moisturizers, skin conditioners, and hair conditioners before being incorporated into the food composition. The food composition can exert one or more moisturizing, skin conditioner, and hair conditioner effects through one or more of the moisturizing, skin conditioner, and hair conditioner effects of the cocoa-derived composition. Therefore, the food composition is useful for one or more of the skin moisturizing, skin conditioner, and hair conditioner applications. The target population for the food composition is preferably mammals, more preferably humans. Examples of target skin include the face, head, neck, back, shoulders, chest, abdomen, hands, and feet. Skin conditioner applications include preventing, treating, or improving symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by a decrease in the skin's moisturizing function, such as dry skin, rough skin, sagging, dullness, the formation of age spots or wrinkles, decreased skin flexibility or elasticity, and decreased skin barrier function. The hair in question may be hair growing from any part of the body, such as scalp hair, eyebrows, armpit hair, beard, and body hair. Hair quality improvement includes preventing, treating, or improving symptoms (including aging symptoms) caused by a decrease in the hair's moisturizing function, such as dryness, roughness, and decreased flexibility or elasticity.

[0362] Examples of food compositions include processed foods, confectionery, beverages, and health foods. Food compositions broadly include general foods, health foods (functional foods and beverages), health functional foods (foods for specified health uses, nutrient functional foods), quasi-drugs, and pharmaceuticals that are taken orally. Preferably, the food composition is one in which the effects and benefits of the cocoa-derived composition can be displayed on the food composition or its packaging, and more preferably, it is a health functional food (foods for specified health uses, foods with functional claims, nutrient functional foods), a quasi-drug, or a pharmaceutical.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0370] Food compositions can be manufactured using cocoa-derived compositions and ingredients for ordinary food compositions.

[0371] Food compositions can be manufactured by conventional methods for manufacturing food compositions. These methods may include steps such as mixing raw materials, heating, dissolving, drying, and filling.

[0372] The application of moisturizers, skin conditioners, hair conditioners, skin cosmetics, hair cosmetics, pharmaceutical compositions, or food compositions is not particularly limited, but they are suitable for people who are concerned about skin deterioration (sagging, wrinkles, dullness, rough skin, etc.) and / or hair deterioration (dry hair, rough hair, decreased hair flexibility or elasticity, etc.) due to aging. For example, they are suitable for women aged 20 or older, 30 or older, 40 or older, 50 or older, or 60 or older. [Examples]

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

[0374] [Cacao bean shell extract 1A] Cocoa bean shells were ground in a mill. 0.2 g of ground cocoa bean shells were mixed with 8.0 mL of 99% by volume ethanol, and the mixture was extracted at room temperature (approximately 25°C) for 16 hours while shaking at 150 rpm. The extracted material was centrifuged at 15000 rpm for 30 minutes at 25°C, and cocoa bean shell extract 1A was obtained from the supernatant.

[0375] [Cacao bean shell extract 1B] Cocoa bean shells were ground in a mill. 100g of ground cocoa bean shells were mixed with 4L of 99.5% by volume ethanol, and the mixture was extracted for 24 hours while stirring with a hot plate stirrer (set temperature 37°C). The extracted material was filtered through filter paper (ADVANTEC, No. 2), and then concentrated to 1L using an evaporator to obtain cocoa bean shell extract 1B.

[0376] (2) Component analysis of cocoa bean shell extract The following methods were used to analyze the components of cocoa bean shell extracts 1A and 1B.

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

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

[0379] The above centrifuged supernatants obtained from cacao bean shell extracts 1A and 1B were each subjected to LC-ESI-MS / MS (Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry) and analyzed according to the method of Yumoto et al. (Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry (2021) 85, 205-210). That is, for ESI-MS / MS, an Agilent 6460 with an Agilent 1200 separation module was used, and as the column for high performance liquid chromatography, a TSKgel ODS-120A column (2.1 mm i.d. × 25 cm, manufactured by Tosoh Corporation, registered trademark) was used. According to the LC-MS / MS conditions in Table B below, glucosylceramide and free ceramide were separated and detected in the ESI-positive ion mode. The m / z [M+H] of the precursor ion for detecting glucosylceramide and free ceramide

[0382] , , the m / z of the product ion, the collision energy (CE) (eV), are as shown in Table C below. The amounts of glucosylceramide and free ceramide detected were determined using glucosylceramide purchased from Nagara Science Co., phytoceramide purchased from Cayman Chemical Company, and free ceramide generated from glucosylceramide by imiglucerase, a glucocerebrosidase derived from humans (manufactured by Sanofi), as standards.

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

[0381]

Table B

[0382] [Table C]

[0383] The analysis was performed using the analysis software listed below. Chromatographs were created from the measurement results using the qualitative software listed below, and quantitative values ​​were obtained using the quantitative software. • Analysis software: Agilent Data Acquisition • Qualitative analysis software: Agilent Qualitative Analysis • Quantitative analysis software: Agilent QQQ Quantitative Analysis (Quant-My-Way)

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

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

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

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

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

[0389] In "t18:1(8Z)-C22h:0-Cer", the first part "t18:1(8Z)" is information about the sphingoid base, where "t" indicates that the sphingoid base has 3 hydroxyl groups, "18" indicates that the sphingoid base has 18 carbon atoms, "1" indicates that the sphingoid base has 1 carbon-carbon double bond, and "(8Z)" indicates that the EZ configuration of the double bond at position 8 of the sphingoid base is 8Z. In "t18:1(8Z)-C22h:0-Cer", the middle part "C22h:0" is information about the fatty acid, where "C22" indicates that the fatty acid has 22 carbon atoms, "h" indicates that the fatty acid has 1 hydroxyl group, and "0" indicates that the fatty acid has 0 carbon-carbon double bonds. If "h" is not indicated, the fatty acid has 0 hydroxyl groups. In "t18:1(8Z)-C22h:0-Cer", the latter part "Cer" indicates that it is a free ceramide.

[0390] Furthermore, the number of hydroxyl groups in the sphingoid bases that make up glucosylceramide includes the hydroxyl groups to which glucose is glycosidically bonded.

[0391] [Table 1]

[0392] [Table 2]

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

[0394] [Example 2] (1) Preparation of cocoa bean germ extract Cocoa bean germ was ground in a mill. 0.1 g of ground cocoa bean germ was mixed with 8.0 mL of 99% by volume ethanol, and the mixture was extracted at room temperature (approximately 25°C) for 16 hours while shaking at 150 rpm. The extracted mixture was centrifuged at 15000 rpm for 30 minutes at 25°C to obtain a cocoa bean germ extract from the supernatant.

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

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

[0397] [Table 3]

[0398] [Table 4]

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

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

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

[0402] [Table 5]

[0403] [Table 6]

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

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

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

[0407] [Table 7]

[0408] [Table 8]

[0409] [Example 5] (1) Preparation of cocoa pulp extract 0.5 g of freeze-dried cocoa pulp was mixed with 7.5 mL of 99% by volume ethanol, and the mixture was extracted at room temperature (approximately 25°C) for 16 hours while shaking at 150 rpm. The extracted mixture was centrifuged at 15000 rpm for 30 minutes at 25°C, and the supernatant liquid obtained was used to obtain cocoa pulp extract.

[0410] (2) Component analysis of cocoa pulp extract Except for using the cocoa pulp extract obtained in (1) above instead of the cocoa bean germ extract, the cocoa pulp extract was analyzed for its components in the same manner as in (2) of Example 2.

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

[0412] [Table 9]

[0413] [Table 10]

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

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

[0416] (2) Preparation of skin cosmetics The following skin cosmetics were prepared. A: A skin cosmetic containing 0.1% by mass of the cocoa bean shell extract obtained in (1) above, as the total content of free ceramide and glucosylceramide. B: A skin cosmetic containing 0.2% by mass of the cocoa bean shell extract obtained in (1) above, as the total content of free ceramide and glucosylceramide. C: Skin cosmetic that does not contain the cocoa bean shell extract obtained in (1) above.

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

[0418] [Table 11]

[0419] The preparation methods for skin cosmetics A to C are as follows: Purified water was placed in a beaker and heated using a hot plate stirrer (set temperature: 90°C to 130°C) while stirring. The cocoa bean shell extract obtained in (1) above and the emulsifier (NOF Co., Ltd., Uniox HC-60) were placed in a separate beaker and heated with a hot plate stirrer (set temperature: 90°C to 130°C) while stirring. This heating process caused the ethanol in the cocoa bean shell extract to volatilize. Once the product temperature rose to about 80°C, heated purified water was added little by little while stirring. After adding heated purified water, the mixture was cooled to room temperature (approximately 25°C) while stirring, and then purified water was added until the total mass reached 10.0g.

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

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

[0422] [Table 12]

[0423] The moisture retention rate of skin cosmetics containing cocoa bean shell extract (Samples A and B) was higher than that of skin cosmetics without cocoa bean shell extract (Sample C) and purified water (Sample D). This result confirms that cocoa bean shell extract has a moisturizing effect.

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

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

[0426] (2) Preparation of skin cosmetics The following skin cosmetics were prepared. E: Skin cosmetic that does not contain the cocoa bean shell extract obtained in (1) above. F: Skin cosmetic containing 0.1% by mass of ceramide AP standard (Avanti® Polar Lipids) G: A skin cosmetic containing 0.1% by mass of the cocoa bean shell extract obtained in (1) above, as the total content of free ceramide and glucosylceramide. H: A skin cosmetic containing 0.2% by mass of the cocoa bean shell extract obtained in (1) above, as the total content of free ceramide and glucosylceramide.

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

[0428] [Table 13]

[0429] The preparation methods for skin cosmetics E to H are as follows: Purified water was placed in a beaker and heated using a hot plate stirrer (set temperature: 90°C to 130°C) while stirring. The cocoa bean shell extract obtained in (1) above and the emulsifier (NOF Co., Ltd., Uniox HC-60) were placed in a separate beaker and heated with a hot plate stirrer (set temperature: 90°C to 130°C) while stirring. This heating process caused the ethanol in the cocoa bean shell extract to volatilize. Once the product temperature rose to about 80°C, heated purified water was added little by little while stirring. After adding heated purified water, the mixture was cooled to room temperature (approximately 25°C) while stirring, and then purified water was added until the total mass reached 10.0g.

[0430] [Example 9] Evaluation of moisturizing effect The skin cosmetics E to H prepared in Example 8 were designated as Samples E to H, and their moisturizing effects were evaluated. All samples were used after being passed through a sterile filter. Since skin cosmetics E to H may precipitate after preparation, they were passed through a filter immediately after preparation (or after being redissolved by raising the temperature), and only the supernatant was used as the additive sample (the sample to be added to cells in step (3) described later).

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

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

[0433] <Immediate measurement> Immediate measurements were performed after the completion of pre-culture (the day after pre-day 2) (the day after pre-day 2 is designated as day 0). All of these procedures were performed on 32°C plates. The method for immediate measurement is as follows: (1) The cell plate was removed from the CO2 incubator. (2) TEWL (transepidermal water loss) was measured using Tewitro24. The data obtained 30 minutes after the value stabilized was used as the reference value before immediate measurement and time-series measurement. (3) Add 25 μL of the sample to each cell and wait for 1 hour. (4) Wait 2 hours for the cells to dry. (5) TEWL was measured using Tewitro24. The data obtained 90 minutes after the value stabilized was used as the immediate measurement value. (6) 80 μL of PBS was added to the cells and the cells were removed by aspiration a total of five times. (7) Waited for 1 hour for the cells to dry. (8) The culture medium was changed while waiting for (7). (9) Stored in a CO2 incubator.

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

[0435] [Table 14]

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

[0437] (1) The cell plate was removed from the CO2 incubator. (2) TEWL was measured using Tewitro24. The data obtained 90 minutes after the value stabilized was used as the time-series measurement value. (3) Add 25 μL of the sample to each cell and wait for 1 hour. (4) 80 μL of PBS was added to each cell, and the cells were removed by aspiration. This procedure was repeated a total of five times. (5) Wait for 1 hour for the cells to dry. (6) The culture medium was replaced while waiting for (5). (7) Stored in a CO2 incubator.

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

[0439] [Table 15]

[0440] In both immediate and time-series measurements, cells treated with skin cosmetics containing cocoa bean shell extract (samples G and H) showed a decrease in TEWL (transepidermal water loss) compared to cells treated with skin cosmetics without cocoa bean shell extract (sample E) and skin cosmetics containing ceramide AP (sample F). This result confirms that cocoa bean shell extract has a moisturizing effect.

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

[0442] [Table 16]

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

[0444] [Table 17]

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

[0446] [Table 18]

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

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

[0449] Process A1: Water washing 2.0 g of the dried pulverized material was mixed with 6.7 mL of Milli-Q water, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (at room temperature, 150 rpm, for 15 minutes). Room temperature means 20°C ± 5°C (the same applies throughout this specification). Process A2: Centrifugation After treatment A1, the mixture was centrifuged (4°C, 3000 rpm, 15 minutes). Process A3: Recovery of precipitate After treatment A2, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was collected. Process A4: Repeats processes A1-A3. After treatment A3, the recovered precipitate was subjected to treatments A1-A3 (1 cycle) twice, and the precipitate was recovered. Process A5: Ethanol cleaning After treatment A4, 6.7 mL of 66% by volume ethanol was added to the recovered precipitate, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (at room temperature, 150 rpm, for 15 minutes). Process A6: Centrifugation After process A5, the mixture was centrifuged (4°C, 3000 rpm, 15 minutes). Process A7: Recovery of precipitate After treatment A6, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was collected. Process A8: Repeats process A5-A7 After treatment A7, the recovered precipitate was subjected to treatments A5-A7 (1 cycle) twice, and the precipitate was recovered. Process A9: Vacuum drying After treatment A8, the recovered precipitate was dried under reduced pressure (80°C, 2 hours). Treatment A10: Activated carbon treatment After treatment A9, 6.7 mL of 99.5% ethanol and 6.7 mg of activated carbon were added to the resulting dry product, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (40°C, 150 rpm, 15 minutes). Process A11: Filtration After process A10, the mixture was naturally filtered through filter paper and the filtrate was collected. Process A12: Vacuum drying After treatment A11, the resulting filtrate was dried under reduced pressure (80°C, 2 hours). This yielded a dried product (dry weight 237.5 mg).

[0450] The free ceramide in the dried material obtained in process A12 was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Specifically, 20 mg of the dried material obtained in process A12 was mixed with 2 mL of a chloroform and methanol mixture (chloroform:methanol = 2:1 (volume ratio)) to prepare the quantitative sample solution. This quantitative sample solution was subjected to HPLC analysis, and the free ceramide content was quantified from the calibration curve. The calibration curve was created using free ceramide AP (Hydroxyphytoceramide C24:0) (Avanti) as the calibration standard, and the peak areas obtained from HPLC analysis at predetermined concentrations were used.

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

[0452] The quantitative sample solution typically contains two or more free ceramides. When performing HPLC analysis of a quantitative sample solution containing two or more free ceramides according to the above conditions and procedures, the peaks of the two or more free ceramides overlap and are detected as a single peak. The total amount of the two or more free ceramides is determined based on the peak area of ​​this single detected peak and the calibration curve created using ceramide AP as the calibration standard. In other words, the total amount of the two or more free ceramides is determined as the ceramide AP equivalent (amount converted to ceramide AP).

[0453] HPLC analysis of the free ceramide in the dried material obtained in process A12 revealed a total free ceramide content of 39.847 mg / g. Note that "mg / g" refers to the amount of the target component (mg) per gram of dried material.

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

[0455] Process B1: Water washing 2.0 g of the dried pulverized material was mixed with 6.7 mL of Milli-Q water, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (at room temperature, 150 rpm, for 15 minutes). Process B2: Centrifugation After treatment B1, the mixture was centrifuged (4°C, 3000 rpm, 15 minutes). Process B3: Recovery of precipitate After treatment B2, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was collected. Process B4: Repeats processes B1 to B3. After treatment B3, the recovered precipitate was subjected to treatments B1-B3 (1 cycle) twice, and the precipitate was recovered. Process B5: Alkaline treatment After treatment B4, 6.7 mL of 0.4 M NaOH aqueous solution was added to the recovered precipitate and mixed by shaking (37°C, 150 pm, 15 minutes). Process B6: Centrifugation After process B5, the mixture was centrifuged (15°C, 3000 rpm, 15 minutes). Process B7: Recovery of precipitate After treatment B6, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was collected. Process B8: Water washing After treatment B7, 6.7 mL of water was added to the recovered precipitate. After adding water, the mixture was inverted and mixed. Process B9: Centrifugation After treatment B8, the mixture was centrifuged (15°C, 3000 rpm, 15 minutes). Process B10: Recovery of precipitate After treatment B9, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was collected. Process B11: Repeats processes B8-B10. After treatment B10, the recovered precipitate was subjected to treatments B8-B10 (1 cycle) twice, and the precipitate was recovered. Process B12: Vacuum drying After treatment B11, the recovered precipitate was dried under reduced pressure (80°C, 2 hours). This yielded a dried product (dry weight 65.7 mg).

[0456] The free ceramide in the dried material obtained in process B12 was quantified by HPLC analysis in the same manner as in Method 1, and the total amount of free ceramide was found to be 12.059 mg / g. Note that "mg / g" refers to the amount (mg) of the target component per gram of dried material.

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

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

[0459] The free ceramide in the dried material obtained in treatment C14 was quantified by HPLC analysis in the same manner as in Method 1, and the total amount of free ceramide was found to be 265.3 mg / g. Note that "mg / g" refers to the amount (mg) of the target component per gram of dried material.

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

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

[0462] Process D1: Water washing 2.5 g of dried pulverized material was mixed with 8.3 mL of Milli-Q water, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (at room temperature, 150 rpm, for 15 minutes). Process D2: Centrifugation After treatment D1, the mixture was centrifuged (4°C, 3000 rpm, 15 minutes). Process D3: Recovery of precipitate After treatment D2, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was collected. Process D4: Repeats processes D1-D3 After treatment D3, the recovered precipitate was subjected to treatments D1-D3 (1 cycle) twice, and the precipitate was recovered. Process D5: Ethanol cleaning After treatment D4, 8.3 mL of 66% by volume ethanol was added to the recovered precipitate, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (at room temperature, 150 rpm, for 15 minutes). Process D6: Centrifugation After process D5, the mixture was centrifuged (4°C, 3000 rpm, 15 minutes). Process D7: Recovery of precipitate After treatment D6, the supernatant was removed and the precipitate was collected. Process D8: Repeats processes D5-D7 After treatment D7, the recovered precipitate was subjected to treatments D5-D7 (1 cycle) twice, and the precipitate was recovered. Process D9: Vacuum drying After treatment D8, the recovered precipitate was dried under reduced pressure (80°C, 2 hours). Treatment D10: Activated carbon treatment After treatment D9, 8.3 mL of 99.5% ethanol and 8.3 mg of activated carbon were added to the resulting dry product, and the mixture was shaken and mixed (40°C, 150 rpm, 15 minutes). Process D11: Filtration After process D10, the mixture was naturally filtered through filter paper and the filtrate was collected. Process D12: Extraction The residue on the filter paper obtained in process D11 was extracted with 30 times the amount of 99.5% by volume ethanol, the resulting extract was filtered, and the filtrate was collected. Process D13: Vacuum drying The filtrates recovered in process D11 and D12 were combined and dried under reduced pressure (80°C, 2 hours). This yielded a dried product (dry weight 277.8 mg).

[0463] The free ceramide in the dried material obtained in process D13 was quantified by HPLC analysis in the same manner as in Method 1 of Example 13. The total amount of free ceramide was found to be 28.298 mg / g. Note that "mg / g" refers to the amount (mg) of the target component per gram of dried material.

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

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

[0466] The free ceramide in the dried material obtained in treatment E14 was quantified by HPLC analysis in the same manner as in Method 1 of Example 13. The total amount of free ceramide was found to be 142.7 mg / g. Note that "mg / g" refers to the amount (mg) of the target component per gram of dried material.

[0467] [Example 15] (1) Winnowing of ground cocoa beans The ground cocoa beans were separated into cocoa bean nib fraction and cocoa bean shell fraction using an air separator (a device called a winnower).

[0468] (2) Sieving The cocoa bean shell fraction obtained in (1) above was subjected to sieving using a 10-mesh sieve to obtain the upper 10-mesh sieve fraction and the lower 10-mesh sieve fraction. The lower 10-mesh sieve fraction was subjected to sieving using a 12-mesh sieve to obtain the upper 12-mesh sieve fraction and the lower 12-mesh sieve fraction. The lower 12-mesh sieve fraction was subjected to sieving using a 16-mesh sieve to obtain the upper 16-mesh sieve fraction and the lower 16-mesh sieve fraction. The ratio (%) of the mass of each fraction to the total mass of the upper 10-mesh sieve fraction, upper 12-mesh sieve fraction, upper 16-mesh sieve fraction and lower 16-mesh sieve fraction was calculated. In addition, the presence or absence of cocoa bean nibs in each fraction was visually confirmed. The results are shown in Table 19.

[0469] [Table 19]

[0470] The results shown in Table 19 indicate that the majority of the cocoa bean nibs mixed in with the cocoa bean shell fraction are contained in the fraction after sieving with a 16-mesh sieve.

[0471] (3) Component analysis From the cocoa bean nib fraction obtained in (1) above, cocoa bean shells mixed in the cocoa bean nib fraction were manually removed, and then the cocoa bean nib fraction was ground in a mill. 100g of the ground cocoa bean shell fraction was added to 4L of 99% by volume ethanol, stirred at 40°C for 24 hours to perform extraction, and then filtered by suction (Advantec Filter Paper No.2 150mmφ) to obtain the filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated to 1L using an evaporator (50°C, 40~120 Torr). The obtained concentrate is hereinafter referred to as the "ethanol extract". Free ceramide in the ethanol extract was quantified by HPLC analysis in the same manner as in Method 1 of Example 13. As a result, the total amount of free ceramide was 74.7 μg / g. Note that "μg / g" means the amount of the target component (μg) per 1g of cocoa bean nib fraction after removal of cocoa bean shells.

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

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

[0474] From the above results, it can be seen that the total amount of free ceramides in the cocoa bean shell fraction can be increased by removing the fraction that passes through a 16-mesh sieve from the cocoa bean shell fraction obtained by wind separation of ground cocoa beans. The mass percentage of the total amount of free ceramides in the cocoa bean shell fraction after removing the fraction that passes through a 16-mesh sieve to the total amount of free ceramides in the cocoa bean shell fraction obtained by wind separation of ground cocoa beans can be calculated to be, for example, 128.6 mass%, and in this case, the total amount of free ceramides in the cocoa bean shell fraction can be increased by 28.6 mass% by removing the fraction that passes through a 16-mesh sieve from the cocoa bean shell fraction obtained by wind separation of ground cocoa beans.

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

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

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

[0478] Treatment F1: 300 mg of ethanol extract was mixed with 20 mL of hexane (Hex) and isopropanol (IPA) (Hex:IPA = 1:9 (volume ratio)), and then sonicated for 10 minutes to obtain a dispersion. Process F2: The obtained dispersion was centrifuged at 1500 rpm for 10 minutes, and approximately 20 mL of the supernatant was collected. Process F3: The obtained supernatant was placed in a 40°C water bath and dried by blowing nitrogen onto it. Process F4: To the obtained dry material, 2 mL of a mixture of solution A (Hex:IPA = 100:1 (volume ratio)) and solution B (methanol (MeOH):IPA = 4:6 (volume ratio)) (solution A:solution B = 90:10 (volume ratio)) was added and dispersed in a shaker at 60°C for 30 minutes. Process F5: The obtained dispersion was filtered and used as a sample for preparative collection. Process F6: Processes F1 to F5 (1 cycle) were repeated four times to obtain four times the amount of sample for preparative collection. Process F7: The obtained preparative sample was subjected to HPLC to separate the ceramide AP fraction. Process F8: The preparative operation in Process F7 was repeated 47 times to obtain 47 times the amount of ceramide AP fraction. Process F9: The obtained ceramide AP fraction was washed with 1 mL of a mixture of solution A and solution B (solution A:solution B = 90:10 (volume ratio)), and dried under nitrogen at 40°C. The resulting dry product is hereinafter referred to as "purified ethanol extract".

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

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

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

[0482] [Table 20]

[0483] Preparation of Solution A All the raw materials for solution A were added and dispersed using a vortex mixer. Then, the mixture was dissolved by stirring at 700 rpm for 5 minutes while heating it in a water bath at approximately 95°C. However, for skin cosmetic 2, heating was continued until the ethanol in the ethanol extract evaporated.

[0484] Preparation of Solution B All the raw materials for solution B were added and heated in a water bath at approximately 75°C until completely dissolved. While heating in a water bath at approximately 75°C, the mixture was homogenized using an ultrasonic homogenizer (SFX150HH, manufactured by BRANSON) (30 seconds x 4 times).

[0485] Mixing of solution A and solution B Prepared solution A was mixed with prepared solution B, and the mixture was stirred at 700 rpm for 5 minutes while being heated in a water bath at approximately 95°C. The mixture of solutions A and B was dispersed using a vortex mixer, and then homogenized using an ultrasonic homogenizer (SFX150HH, manufactured by BRANSON) while being heated in a water bath at approximately 95°C (30 seconds x 4 times). After it cooled to room temperature, purified water was added to adjust the weight (*1). However, for skin cosmetic 2, the weight exceeded 5g before adding water due to the mass of the ethanol extract, so no additional water was added (*2).

[0486] Sterilization and concentration correction The prepared samples were centrifuged at room temperature at 2000g for 5 minutes (1000g for 1 minute for skin cosmetic 3) to obtain the supernatant. The obtained supernatant was sterilized using a sterile filter. The ceramide concentration of the supernatant was measured, and it was found that the total amount of free ceramide in skin cosmetic 2 and 3 exceeded 0.1% by mass, so water was added to bring the total to 0.1% by mass.

[0487] (4) Evaluation of moisturizing effect Skin cosmetics 1-3 were designated as samples 1-3, and their moisturizing effects were evaluated.

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

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

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

[0491] (1) The cell plate was removed from the CO2 incubator. (2) TEWL was measured using Tewitro24. The average value of the data over a 5-minute period 25 to 30 minutes after the value stabilized was used as the measurement value. (3) Add 40 μL of sample to each cell, return the cell plate to the CO2 incubator, and wait for 1 hour. (4) 750 μL of PBS was added to the cells and the cells were removed by aspiration a total of five times. (5) Gently tap and wipe the cell surface with a cotton swab (about 20 times / well) to absorb the moisture. (6) After changing the culture medium, the samples were stored in a CO2 incubator.

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

[0493] [Table 21]

[0494] The results of a 5-day test showed that cells treated with skin cosmetics containing ethanol extract or purified ethanol extract (Samples 2 and 3) had reduced TEWL (transepidermal water loss) compared to cells treated with skin cosmetics containing neither ethanol extract nor ethanol extract (Sample 1). This result confirmed that ethanol extract and purified ethanol extract have moisturizing properties.

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

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

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

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

Claims

1. A cocoa-derived composition containing an extract of cocoa bean shells, The aforementioned cocoa bean shell extract contains cocoa-derived free ceramide, The extract from the aforementioned cocoa bean shells is processed in the following steps: (a) A step of separating the crushed cocoa beans into a cocoa bean nib fraction and a cocoa bean shell fraction by wind separation, and obtaining the cocoa bean shell fraction as the first cocoa-derived raw material; (b) A step of selecting raw materials that are too small to pass through a 16-mesh filter from the first cocoa-derived raw material to obtain a second cocoa-derived raw material; and (c) A step of subjecting the second cocoa-derived raw material to extraction treatment with an extraction solvent to obtain an extract of the cocoa bean shells. A cocoa-derived composition obtained by a method comprising [a certain substance].

2. The cocoa-derived composition according to claim 1, wherein in step (c), the second cocoa-derived raw material is extracted with an extraction solvent, and the obtained extract is purified to obtain an extract of the cocoa bean shell.

3. The cocoa-derived composition according to claim 1, wherein the mass percentage of the amount of free ceramide contained in the second cocoa-derived raw material relative to the amount of free ceramide contained in the first cocoa-derived raw material is 125% by mass or more.

4. A humectant containing the cocoa-derived composition described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The humectant according to claim 4, wherein the amount of the cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more, based on the mass of the humectant.

6. A skin-improving agent containing the cocoa-derived composition described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The skin-improving agent according to claim 6, wherein the amount of the cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more, based on the mass of the skin-improving agent.

8. A hair quality improving agent containing the cocoa-derived composition described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The hair quality improving agent according to claim 8, wherein the amount of the cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more, based on the mass of the hair quality improving agent.

10. A skin cosmetic containing the cocoa-derived composition described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. The skin cosmetic according to claim 10, wherein the amount of the cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more, based on the mass of the skin cosmetic.

12. The skin cosmetic according to claim 10, wherein the skin cosmetic is a scalp cosmetic.

13. A hair cosmetic containing the cocoa-derived composition described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

14. The hair cosmetic according to claim 13, wherein the amount of the cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more, based on the mass of the hair cosmetic.

15. A pharmaceutical composition containing the cocoa-derived composition described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

16. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 15, wherein the amount of cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.001% by mass or more, based on the mass of the pharmaceutical composition.

17. A food composition containing the cocoa-derived composition described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

18. The food composition according to claim 17, wherein the amount of cocoa-derived free ceramide is 0.0006% by mass or more, based on the mass of the food composition.

19. A method for producing an extract of cocoa bean shells containing cocoa-derived free ceramide, The following steps: (a) A step of separating the crushed cocoa beans into a cocoa bean nib fraction and a cocoa bean shell fraction by wind separation, and obtaining the cocoa bean shell fraction as the first cocoa-derived raw material; (b) A step of selecting raw materials that are too small to pass through a 16-mesh filter from the first cocoa-derived raw material to obtain a second cocoa-derived raw material; and (c) A step of subjecting the second cocoa-derived raw material to extraction treatment with an extraction solvent to obtain an extract of the cocoa bean shells. The method, including the method described above.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein in step (c), the second cocoa-derived raw material is extracted with an extraction solvent, and the obtained extract is purified to obtain an extract of cocoa bean shells.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the mass percentage of the amount of free ceramide contained in the second cocoa-derived raw material relative to the amount of free ceramide contained in the first cocoa-derived raw material is 125% by mass or more.

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