Roasted green tea composition for improving segmented attention and method for evaluating the function of improving segmented attention

Abstract

To provide a roasted green tea composition capable of improving divided attention power which is one of cognitive function, for example, divided attention power in automobile driving operations.SOLUTION: There is provided a roasted green tea composition for improving divided attention power, A divided attention power improvement function is evaluated, for example, by measurement of the number of failures in driving operations obtained by performing driving simulation in a course set in a device for simulating automobile driving.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a houjicha composition that improves divided attention, such as simultaneously responding to multiple requests.

Background Art

[0002] Green tea has long been a favorite beverage in Japan and is often consumed as a drink for a single serving before or after meals. Recently, it has been commonly consumed as a bottled green tea beverage filled in containers such as PET bottles. Tea catechins contained in green tea are said to be effective in preventing heart disease and cancer, and further, are also said to be effective in maintaining or restoring motivation and concentration, maintaining cognitive function, and improving mild cognitive impairment (see Patent Documents 1 to 3 below).

[0003] In addition, houjicha, which can be obtained by soaking roasted tea leaves in water or hot water and extracting them, is also said to have the effect of enhancing cognitive functions such as concentration. In tests compared with green tea, it has been reported that it has high evaluations in items such as relaxation, pleasure, newness, good mood, less stress, soothing, high concentration, strong aroma, and deliciousness (see Non-Patent Document 1 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Non-Patent Documents

[0005]

Non-Patent Document 1

[0006] In recent years, with the arrival of an aging society, age-related decline in cognitive function has become a serious concern. Currently, there is no reliable method to prevent cognitive decline, and the development of foods that are expected to have a suppressive effect on cognitive decline is considered important for maintaining and improving the health and quality of life of the public. The applicant conducted a study on the cognitive function improvement of matcha in middle-aged and elderly individuals and found that continuous consumption of matcha resulted in a reduction in the time required to perform simple tasks and an increase in the number of responses on the attention shift test, indicating that it may improve cognitive function. The details of the effects of hojicha on cognitive function were unknown, and the applicant conducted tests on hojicha extracted from roasted tea leaves, discovering previously unknown efficacy of hojicha, which led to the present invention.

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a roasted green tea composition that improves the newly discovered function of divided attention, for example, divided attention in the operation of a motor vehicle. A method for evaluating the function of divided attention is also proposed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The inventors of this invention conducted tests on the effects of a roasted green tea composition on cognitive function and found that roasted green tea has the function of improving divided attention.

[0009] Accordingly, the roasted green tea composition of the present invention is one or more embodiments selected from the group consisting of tea leaves, ground tea leaves, tea bags, instant tea, and packaged beverages, and is characterized by having the function of improving divided attention. Divided attention refers to attention directed at multiple objects simultaneously, processing various information and performing one or more tasks at the same time.

[0010] This segmented attention can be evaluated by simulating driving a set course in a device that simulates automobile driving and measuring the number of driving failures. Furthermore, this segmented attention is a brain function that is not evaluated by any of the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale, the Mini-Mental State Examination, or the Cognitrax test.

[0011] The roasted green tea composition according to the above embodiment is useful in operations that require divided attention, such as driving a car in which one must simultaneously pay attention to the distance between vehicles, pedestrians, traffic signals, etc.

[0012] It can also be formulated as a divided attention enhancer containing a roasted green tea composition as an active ingredient. Even in this form, it can be said to have the function of improving divided attention.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention also covers a method for improving divided attention by consuming a roasted green tea composition. This method is useful for improving divided attention during motor vehicle operation, as consuming the roasted green tea composition between motor vehicle operations can restore or improve divided attention.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention also covers a method for evaluating the function of improving divided attention in a device that simulates automobile driving, in which the user simulates driving a set course, consumes food and drink, and then simulates driving the same set course again, and the improvement of divided attention is evaluated by the increase or decrease in the number of driving operation failures.

[0015] This evaluation method preferably performs a cognitive function evaluation by means of a Cognitracks test before the first driving simulation and a cognitive function evaluation by means of a Cognitracks test after the second driving simulation. By such an evaluation method, it is possible to determine in a short period of time whether the food or drink to be evaluated has a function of improving divided attention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an example of a flow for executing the evaluation method of the divided attention improvement function of the present invention. [Figure 2] In an example of the evaluation method of FIG. 1, it is a diagram showing the score criteria for each inspection item of the driving simulation. [Figure 3] In an example of the evaluation method of FIG. 1, it is a diagram showing an outline of the test in the Cognitracks test. [Figure 4] In an example of the evaluation method of FIG. 1, it is a diagram showing score examples for each inspection item of the driving simulation.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, a houjicha composition (hereinafter referred to as "this houjicha composition") as an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0018] <This houjicha composition> This houjicha composition has a function of improving divided attention and contains, for example, amino acids such as theanine, tannins, catechins, caffeine and other components, and also contains pyrazines and the like as aroma components. Although the mechanism by which this houjicha composition improves divided attention is not clear at present, it is presumed that the concentrations of these components contained in the houjicha composition are related.

[0019] This roasted green tea composition uses roasted green tea leaves as its main ingredient and can be in the form of tea leaves, ground tea leaves, or tea bags. It can also be in the form of instant tea or packaged beverages, which are produced from an extract obtained by extracting the aforementioned tea leaves, ground tea leaves, or tea bags with an aqueous solvent such as water or hot water. Furthermore, the term "main ingredient" allows for the inclusion of other components as long as they do not interfere with the function of the main ingredient. The proportion of the main ingredient is not limited, but it is preferable that roasted green tea leaves account for 50% or more by mass, particularly 70% or more by mass, and especially 80% or more by mass (including 100%) of the solid content. To illustrate with a specific example, a packaged beverage is one in which an extract obtained by extracting roasted green tea leaves, or a liquid mainly composed of the extract, is filled into a packaging container. This liquid may consist solely of an extract obtained by extracting roasted green tea leaves, or a liquid obtained by diluting the extract with water, or a liquid obtained by mixing different extracts, or a liquid obtained by adding additives to any of these liquids, or a liquid obtained by dispersing dried versions of any of these liquids. For example, commercially available roasted green tea beverages filled into PET bottles can be cited.

[0020] The term "main component" allows for the inclusion of other components as long as they do not interfere with the function of the main component. The proportion of the main component is not limited, but it is preferable that the extract obtained by extracting roasted green tea leaves accounts for 50% or more by mass, particularly 70% or more by mass, and especially 80% or more by mass (including 100%) of the beverage in terms of solid content.

[0021] <Amino Acids> The amino acid concentration in this roasted green tea composition is preferably 0.1 mg / 100 mL to 10.0 mg / 100 mL. The amino acid concentration is more preferably 0.3 mg / 100 mL to 7.0 mg / 100 mL, and particularly preferably 0.5 mg / 100 mL to 5 mg / 100 mL.

[0022] <Theanine> The preferred theanine concentration in this roasted green tea composition is 0.1 mg / 100 mL to 5.0 mg / 100 mL. The theanine concentration is more preferably 0.3 mg / 100 mL to 3.0 mg / 100 mL, and particularly preferably 0.5 mg / 100 mL to 1.0 mg / 100 mL.

[0023] <Tannins> The tannin concentration in this roasted green tea composition is preferably 20 mg / 100 mL to 70 mg / 100 mL. The tannin concentration is more preferably 25 mg / 100 mL to 65 mg / 100 mL, and particularly preferably 30 mg / 100 mL to 60 mg / 100 mL. In this roasted green tea composition, tannins are not a single component name, but rather a general term for water-soluble compounds contained in plants that react with proteins, alkaloids, and metal ions to form strongly bound, sparingly soluble salts. These compounds are also included in polyphenols and include the catechins described below.

[0024] <Catechins> The catechin concentration in this roasted green tea composition is preferably 1.0 mg / 100 mL to 100 mg / 100 mL. The catechin concentration is more preferably 5 mg / 100 mL to 70 mg / 100 mL, and particularly preferably 10 mg / 100 mL to 40 mg / 100 mL. In this roasted green tea composition, "catechins" refers to a total of eight types: catechin (C), gallocatechin (GC), catechin gallate (Cg), gallocatechin gallate (GCg), epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECg), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg). The catechin concentration refers to the sum of the concentrations of these eight types of catechins.

[0025] <Gallate-type catechins> The gallate-type catechin concentration in this roasted green tea composition is preferably 1.0 mg / 100 mL to 100 mg / 100 mL. The gallate-type catechin concentration is more preferably 3.0 mg / 100 mL to 50 mg / 100 mL, and particularly preferably 5.0 mg / 100 mL to 30 mg / 100 mL. The term "gallate-type catechins" refers to a total of four types: catechin gallate (Cg), gallocatechin gallate (GCg), epicatechin gallate (ECg), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg). The term "gallate-type catechin concentration" refers to the sum of the concentrations of these four types of gallate-type catechins.

[0026] The concentrations of each component, such as theanine and other amino acids, tannins, and catechins, can be adjusted to the above range by selecting raw materials and adjusting extraction conditions. While it is possible to adjust by adding each component, this may disrupt the balance of the roasted green tea composition. Therefore, it is preferable to adjust by adjusting the conditions for obtaining the extract, mixing extracts together, or adding extracts.

[0027] <Caffeine> The caffeine concentration in this roasted green tea composition is preferably 1.0 mg / 100 mL to 100 mg / 100 mL. The caffeine concentration is more preferably 3.0 mg / 100 mL to 50 mg / 100 mL, and particularly preferably 5.0 mg / 100 mL to 30 mg / 100 mL. To adjust the caffeine concentration within the above range, one can leach caffeine from green tea leaves by spraying them with hot water or immersing them in hot water, then roast the leaves to create a tea extract, and finally mix these tea extracts together. Alternatively, the caffeine can be adsorbed and removed from the extract by applying an adsorbent such as activated carbon or clay.

[0028] <Pyrazines> The pyrazine concentration in this roasted green tea composition is preferably between 0.1 μg / L and 200 μg / L. The pyrazine concentration is more preferably 1.0 μg / L to 100 μg / L, and particularly preferably 10 μg / L to 50 μg / L. In this roasted green tea composition, pyrazines refer to, for example, 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine, tetramethylpyrazine, and 2,3-diethyl-5-methylpyrazine. In this roasted green tea composition, the concentration of 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine is preferably 0.1 μg / L to 100 μg / L, the concentration of tetramethylpyrazine is preferably 0.1 μg / L to 10.0 μg / L, and the concentration of 2,3-diethyl-5-methylpyrazine is preferably 0.1 μg / L to 10.0 μg / L. To adjust the pyrazine concentration to the above range, it is possible to do so by selecting appropriate green tea leaves, as pyrazines tend to increase with roasting and are more abundant in green tea leaves with a high amino acid content.

[0029] <Divided attention> This roasted green tea composition has the function of improving divided attention. Therefore, this roasted green tea composition can be said to be useful in improving attention in situations such as driving a car, which requires divided attention to judge multiple pieces of information simultaneously. Divided attention is a brain function that can be evaluated, for example, by simulating driving a set course in a device that simulates automobile driving and measuring the number of driving failures, and is not evaluated by any of the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale, the Mini-Mental State Examination, or the Cognitrax test. The method for evaluating divided attention will be described later.

[0030] <Aspects of this roasted green tea composition> This roasted green tea composition can be in the form of roasted green tea leaves themselves, an extract of roasted green tea leaves, or granules obtained by concentrating the extract of roasted green tea leaves. More specifically, it can be in the form of tea leaves (loose leaf), crushed or ground tea leaves, tea bags containing tea leaves, instant tea in powder or granule form that dissolves in water or hot water, or packaged beverages (roasted green tea beverages) in which the extract is filled into a packaging container. In any of these forms, it has the function of improving divided attention. This roasted green tea composition may be used in other foods and beverages, for example, by adding the extract to beverages or by mixing or kneading the granules into food. More specifically, it may be added to tea beverages such as green tea and black tea, grain tea beverages such as barley tea, fruit beverages, vegetable beverages, dairy beverages, soy milk beverages, etc., or mixed or kneaded into breads, noodles, confectionery, etc. Furthermore, this roasted green tea composition may be made into fine granules, emulsions, creams, etc., and used as seasonings, sauces, dressings, etc. The extract can be converted into granules using conventionally known methods, such as granulation using a stirring granulator, granulation using a fluid granulator, granulation using a composite fluid granulator, granulation using a compression granulator or tablet press, granulation using a spray drying granulator, granulation using a crushing granulator, or vacuum freezing.

[0031] <Segmented attention enhancer> This roasted green tea composition may also be used as a segmental attention-enhancing agent. Examples of dosage forms for this stimulant include tablets, capsules, powders, granules, liquids, injections, ointments, patches, suppositories, aerosols (sprays, inhalants), and sublingual tablets.

[0032] <Method for evaluating the ability to improve segmented attention> One embodiment of the evaluation method for the segmented attention enhancement function (hereinafter referred to as "this evaluation method") involves, for example, simulating driving a set course in a device that simulates automobile driving, then consuming food or drink, and then simulating driving the same set course again, and evaluating the increase or decrease in the number of driving operation failures. This allows for a quick determination of whether food and beverages have the function of improving divided attention.

[0033] This evaluation method, for example when evaluating a roasted green tea beverage, is preferably performed by conducting a Cognitrax test (cognitive function test), performing a driving simulation, consuming the test beverage (roasted green tea), then performing the driving simulation again, and finally conducting the Cognitrax test, as shown in Figure 1.

[0034] The device used to simulate automobile driving in this evaluation method, for example, involves driving a course displayed on a monitor screen and evaluating items such as speeding, sudden maneuvers, swerving, following distance, and learning situations. A specific example is the UC-win / Road drive simulator manufactured by Forum8 Corporation, which can use the Safe Driving Simulator (a teaching material for hazard prediction training) software and the Compact Drive Simulator System hardware. In a single drive, the device drives a 5km course simulating an urban area, and a total of 23 dangerous or cautionary situations (e.g., a vehicle making a U-turn at an intersection, a child crossing the road) appear during the drive. After each drive, the results for items such as speeding, sudden maneuvers, swerving, following distance, and learning situations are calculated and expressed as a score. The scoring criteria for each item are shown in Figure 2. For more detailed information, please visit the Forum8 Co., Ltd. website [URL:https: / / www.forum8.co.jp / product-s / ucwin / road / road-Security.htm#1].

[0035] The Cognitrax test is a test developed by CNS Vital Signs, Inc. in the United States, based on existing cognitive function tests, and includes the following 10 tests: 1) Verbal Memory (VBM), 2) Visual Memory (VIM), 3) Finger Tapping (FTT), 4) Symbol Digit Coding (SDC), 5) Stroop Test (ST), 6) Shifting Attention (SAT), 7) Continuous Performance (CPT), 8) Perception of Emotions (POET), 9) Non-Verbal Reasoning (or Non-Verbal Reasoning, NVRT), and 10) 4-Part Continuous Performance (FPCPT). These tests can measure a wide range of functional areas, including memory, attention, processing speed, and executive function. The results are displayed as actual values ​​such as the number of answers, the number of errors, and reaction time, as well as standardized scores calculated by comparing these values ​​to age-specific standards.

[0036] In this evaluation method, it is preferable to perform the Stroop test and the attention shift test as cognitive tests. The Stroop test is a test of executive function, simple or complex reaction speed, speed-to-accuracy compromise, information processing speed, and inhibition or disinhibition, measuring the speed and accuracy of responding to displayed characters according to conditions, based on the meaning and color of the characters. The attention shift test is a test of executive function, reaction speed, information processing speed, and speed-accuracy trade-offs, measuring the speed and accuracy of responses to randomly changing conditions based on the shape and color of geometric figures. An overview of these tests is shown in Figure 3.

[0037] By conducting Cognitrax tests before and after driving simulations, it becomes clearer that cognitive functions not assessed by Cognitrax tests can be evaluated by driving simulations, and it is possible to confirm the presence or absence of improved segmented attention.

[0038] In addition, at locations numbered 1 to 5 in Figure 1, one or more tests such as the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale (HDS-R), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), measurements of autonomic nervous system function (blood pressure measurement, salivary amylase measurement, etc.), or the BDI-II Beck Depression Inventory may be performed.

[0039] This evaluation method will be explained in more detail. For example, subjects are selected by conducting a screening test to determine their eligibility. While there are no specific restrictions on who can participate, participants should preferably be between 40 and 60 years old, and especially those who are aware of a decline in cognitive function and drive a car at least once a week. The screening test will involve one or a combination of the following: blood pressure measurement, BDI-II Beck Depression Inventory, salivary amylase measurement, revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, Stroop test and attention shift test from the Cognitrax test, to select subjects who can appropriately perform the test.

[0040] In this evaluation method, as shown in Figure 1, a Cognitrax test is performed, followed by a driving simulation, then a test beverage (roasted green tea) is consumed, followed by another driving simulation and another Cognitrax test. It is preferable to prepare two types of beverages—a test beverage and a placebo beverage (control beverage)—and conduct the test by comparing them. Caffeinated water can be used as the placebo beverage (control beverage).

[0041] Preferably, each subject should undergo the test twice, with a day in between, and in each test, they should drink one beverage in the first trial and the other beverage in the second trial. For example, it is preferable to divide the subjects into two groups: one group should drink the test beverage (roasted green tea) in the first trial and the placebo beverage in the second trial; and the other group should drink the placebo beverage in the first trial and the test beverage (roasted green tea) in the second trial.

[0042] In this evaluation method, for example, each subject is given the Stroop test and the attention shift test of the Cognitrax assessment, and the score for each test is calculated. Next, a driving simulation is performed, and the score for each item is shown according to the scoring criteria in Figure 2. For example, it is evaluated as shown in Figure 4.

[0043] After completing the driving simulation, the test beverage (or placebo beverage) is consumed. It is preferable to consume approximately 200 mL of the test beverage (or placebo beverage). After consuming the substance, the driving simulation is performed again, and the score for each item is measured. After conducting the driving simulation, the Stroop test and attention shift test of the Cognitrax test are performed again, and the scores for each test are calculated.

[0044] Furthermore, on a separate day, for example, with an interval of 1-2 weeks, the same test as above will be conducted, and the scores for each item of the driving simulation will be measured for the placebo beverage (or test beverage) as well, and the scores for each test of the Cognitrax test will be calculated. By comparing the results before and after consumption of the test beverage, and by comparing it to a placebo beverage, it is possible to evaluate whether there are any items showing a significant difference, thereby assessing whether it has an effect on improving cognitive function, etc.

[0045] This evaluation method demonstrates that consuming food or drink reduces the number of failures in the learning evaluation of the driving simulation, showing a significant difference, thus confirming that it has the function of improving attention (divided attention) while driving a car.

[0046] Segmented attention is a brain function that is not assessed by the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale, the Mini-Mental State Examination, or the Cognitrax Test. This assessment method can evaluate improvements in segmented attention.

[0047] In this specification, when "X~Y" (where X and Y are any numbers) is used, unless otherwise specified, it is understood to mean "X or greater and Y or less," as well as "preferably greater than X" and "preferably less than Y." [Examples]

[0048] The following describes embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0049] A test evaluating segmented attention was conducted using a roasted green tea beverage. Details are provided below.

[0050] <Roasted green tea beverage (test beverage) and placebo beverage> "Oi Ocha Houjicha" (Ito En Co., Ltd.) was used as the test beverage. The results of the analysis of the components of this beverage are shown in Table 1 below. The measurement methods for each component are described below. On the other hand, as a placebo beverage, caffeine water was used, which was water to which 30 mg of "caffeine (extract)" (Shiratori Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) was added to 200 mL.

[0051] [Table 1]

[0052] <Method for measuring catechins> Standard solutions of the target analyte (catechins) were prepared at four different concentrations, and chromatograms of each diluted standard solution were obtained using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) instrument (Alliance system (Waters Corporation)) under the following conditions. For each analyte, a calibration curve was created from the four obtained chromatograms, with the concentration of the analyte in the diluted standard solution on the x-axis and the peak area on the y-axis. Under the same conditions, a tea extract was introduced as a sample, a chromatogram was recorded, and the amount of the analyte (x) was determined from the peak area (y) using the calibration curve, and the concentration in the sample was calculated.

[0053] (Measurement conditions) Column: Wakosil 3C18HG φ3.0×100mm (manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) Column temperature: 40℃ Mobile phase: Phase A: 5% acetonitrile (containing 0.1% phosphoric acid) Phase B: 50% acetonitrile (containing 0.1% phosphoric acid) Flow rate: 0.43mL / min Injection volume: 5μL Detector: UV230nm Sample: Tea extract Gradient Program: See Table 2 below

[0054] [Table 2]

[0055] <Method for measuring tannins> Tannins were measured using the iron tartrate method (Tea Research Report 71 (1990) 43-74).

[0056] <Method for measuring amino acids and theanine> Theanine and amino acids were quantified using a calibration curve method by performing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) under the following conditions using an Alliance system (Waters Corporation).

[0057] Sample preparation method: An appropriate amount of sample was weighed, suspended in distilled water, filtered, and then subjected to analysis. HPLC measurement conditions Column: XBridge Shield RP18 φ3.0×100mm Temperature: 40℃ Injection volume: 5μL Mobile phase A: 50 mM sodium acetate buffer (pH 6.0) Mobile phase B: Acetonitrile Detector: Waters 2475 multiwavelength fluorescence detector Detection wavelength: Excitation 335nm, Emission 450nm (Measurement method for amino acids, theanine) Gradient Program: See Table 3 below

[0058] [Table 3]

[0059] <Caffeine> Caffeine was measured quantitatively using a calibration curve method by performing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) under the following conditions using an Alliance system (manufactured by Waters Corporation). Column: Wakosil 3C18HG φ3.0×100mm (manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) Column temperature: 40℃ Mobile phase: Phase A: 5% acetonitrile (containing 0.1% phosphoric acid) Phase B: 50% acetonitrile (containing 0.1% phosphoric acid) Flow rate: 0.43mL / min Injection volume: 5μL Detection: UV230nm Gradient program: See Table 3 above

[0060] <Method for measuring aroma components (pyrazines)> The aroma components (2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine, tetramethylpyrazine, 2,3-diethyl-5-methylpyrazine) in roasted green tea were quantified using dynamic headspace (DHS) gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (GC / MS).

[0061] Analysis method (quantitative method: standard addition method) 1. Weigh 0.07 mL of the sample into a 10 mL vial and add the standard solution in stages. (A sample without the addition of the standard solution will also be prepared.) 2. A dynamic headspace sampler replaces the gas phase inside the vial with nitrogen gas, and the expelled gas is collected by a collecting agent. 3. The adsorbent is subjected to thermal desorption-GC / MS measurement to quantify each component. *1 Since the standard reagent for 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine contains an isomer (2-ethyl-3,6-dimethylpyrazine), the isomers were added together for quantification. *2 2,3-diethyl-5-methylpyrazine was quantified by subtracting the overlapping peak because another peak (presumably an isomer) overlapped with the target peak.

[0062] Analytical equipment and analytical conditions 《Analyzer》 • Sampler: GERSTEL MPS • Gas chromatograph: Agilent Technologies 7890B ·Mass spectrometer: Agilent Technologies 5977AMSD 《Analysis conditions》 • Column: DB-WAX (60m, Φ250μm, film thickness 0.25μm) Carrier gas: Helium, 2.11 mL / min • Ionization method: EI (electron ionization) method Ionization voltage: 70eV

[0063] <Subjects> Participants were selected through a screening test from 37 middle-aged and elderly individuals (40 to under 60 years old) who were aware of a decline in cognitive function and drove a car at least once a week. As part of the screening tests, blood pressure measurement, the BDI-II Beck Depression Inventory, MMSE examination, and the Cognitrax Stroop test and attention shift test (see Figure 3) were performed. Fifteen subjects (8 males and 7 females) were selected based on the following selection criteria 1) to 6). Excluding subjects who discontinued the study for health reasons, a total of 14 participants (8 males and 6 females) were included in the analysis. 1) Those who do not get motion sickness from driving simulators. 2) Individuals with an MMSE score of 24 or higher 3) Those with a BDI score of 19 or less 4) Individuals who do not have high blood pressure (according to the Japanese Society of Hypertension's "Guidelines for the Treatment of High Blood Pressure 2019") 5) Those who have no inappropriate items in the questionnaire results (items related to daily driving) based on the background survey form. 6) Persons who can properly operate driving simulators and CognitraX.

[0064] <Evaluation Test> In the first evaluation test, as shown in Figure 1, subjects first underwent a Cognitrax test, then performed a driving simulation, and then drank 200 mL of either the test beverage or a placebo beverage. After that, they performed the driving simulation again and then underwent the Cognitrax test. A similar second evaluation test was conducted seven days later, during which participants consumed either the test beverage or a placebo beverage. In the evaluation test, the 15 subjects were divided in half (7 and 8 people). In the first test, half of the subjects drank the test beverage and the other half drank a placebo beverage. In the second test, they drank a different beverage than in the first test.

[0065] The Cognitrax assessment used tests provided by CNS Vital Signs. The tests included the Stroop test and the attention shift test, as shown in Figure 3. The driving simulation was conducted using the UC-win / Road driving simulator manufactured by Forum8 Co., Ltd., with the safe driving simulator (a training material for hazard prediction) as the software. The test content is shown in Figure 2.

[0066] Table 4 shows the statistical analysis results for the Cognitrax test, and Table 5 shows the statistical analysis results for the driving simulation. For each test result, the number of responses is shown as the mean ± standard error between subjects, and the reaction time is shown as the mean ± standard error between subjects calculated from the reaction time per response for each subject.

[0067] <Statistical analysis> Each value is expressed as mean ± standard error. Normality was tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test. If no significant difference was found, a paired t-test was used; if a significant difference was found, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used. Statistical analysis was performed on values ​​before beverage intake, after beverage intake, and changes before and after beverage intake. The significance level was set at p<0.05, and the software used was SPSS (Ver. 25.0, IBM Japan) for Windows.

[0068] [Table 4]

[0069] [Table 5]

[0070] Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in learning scenario scores from driving simulations between the hojicha (roasted green tea) consumption group and the pre- and post-consumption group.

[0071] The evaluation test results showed that drinking hojicha (roasted green tea) beverage significantly improved scores in learning scenarios using driving simulations compared to before and after beverage consumption. This indicates that hojicha beverage has a function of improving attention (divided attention) during driving. Furthermore, the evaluation test results suggest that drinking hojicha between driving operations can restore or improve divided attention.

[0072] By measuring the increase or decrease in the number of driving failures when a user simulates driving a set course in a device that simulates driving, consumes food or drink, and then simulates driving the same course again, it is possible to evaluate segmented attention, a brain function that cannot be assessed by the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale or the Mini-Mental State Examination.

Claims

1. A roasted green tea composition for improving segmented attention in automobile driving operations, wherein the pyrazine concentration is 0.1 μg / L to 200 μg / L and theanine concentration is 0.1 mg / 100 mL to 5.0 mg / 100 mL, and the segmented attention was evaluated by driving a set course in a device that simulates automobile driving and measuring the number of driving operation failures in the learning scenario.

2. The roasted green tea composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the roasted green tea composition is one or more selected from the group consisting of tea leaves, ground tea leaves, tea bags, instant tea, and packaged beverages.

3. A divided attention enhancer for automobile driving operations, comprising as an active ingredient a roasted green tea composition having a pyrazine concentration of 0.1 μg / L to 200 μg / L and a theanine concentration of 0.1 mg / 100 mL to 5.0 mg / 100 mL, wherein the divided attention was evaluated by simulating driving a set course in a device that simulates automobile driving and measuring the number of driving operation failures in the learning scenario.

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