Composition containing rare sugars and method for producing the same

Abstract

To provide a method of obtaining a composition containing a rare sugar while reducing or eliminating at least part of undesirable taste of Itea plant extract.SOLUTION: A production method for a composition containing at least one rare sugar selected from allitol and psicose comprises preparing Itea plant extract, adding a protein-based sedimenting agent to the extract to obtain sediment, and removing the sediment.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition containing oligosaccharides and a method for producing the same. The present invention also relates to an extract composition containing oligosaccharides. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for producing a composition containing at least one oligosaccharide selected from the group consisting of allitol and psicose, and a composition derived from a plant of the genus Zygaena containing at least one oligosaccharide selected from the group consisting of allitol and psicose and one or more polyphenols.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, there has been a demand for low-calorie foods and beverages in addition to good taste. This is related to the fact that lifestyle diseases such as obesity and diabetes are regarded as problems. Various sweeteners have been developed as alternatives to sugar (also called sucrose), which has occupied a major position as the center of sweeteners since ancient times, and many types of sweeteners can be used in foods.

[0003] Among such alternative sweeteners to sugar, there are oligosaccharides. Oligosaccharides are natural sweeteners, have low calories, and also have good taste qualities. Furthermore, since various physiological activity functions are expected, they have attracted attention as alternative sweeteners to sugar. On the other hand, since oligosaccharides are monosaccharides with a small abundance in nature, the development of technologies for stably supplying oligosaccharides is required.

[0004] Under such circumstances, it has been found that plants of the genus Zygaena produce oligosaccharides such as allitol and psicose (also called allulose) naturally (Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2), and the use of plants of the genus Zygaena is currently attracting attention. For example, in Patent Document 1, a dried powder of a Zygaena plant body is produced to provide a material for a drug or a health food utilizing the physiological activity of oligosaccharides. In addition, in Patent Document 2, Zygaena senbei in which the Zygaena plant body itself is attached to the surface of senbei like a pressed flower is provided as a health food.

[0005] Furthermore, methods for removing components other than the desired components from plant extracts such as wine are known, including those described in Non-Patent Documents 3 and 4. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-154463 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-12131 [Non-patent literature]

[0007] [Non-Patent Document 1] International Journal of Food Properties, 18: 2549-2560, 2015 [Non-Patent Document 2] "Rare Sugars: A New Functional Carbohydrate Developed at Kagawa University," by Masaaki Tokuda, Sugars and Starch Information 2018.2 [Non-Patent Document 3] Seiichi Higuchi et al., "Development of Functional Foods Using Locally Produced Food Ingredients," Saitama Prefectural Industrial Technology Research Center Research Report, Vol. 7 (2009). [Non-Patent Document 4] Hiroki Yokozuka, "Scientific and Theoretical Considerations of Wine Clarification Using Protein-Based Lard Reducers," J. ASEV Jpn., Vol. 16, No.1 (2005). [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Under the circumstances described above, there is a need for the development of a method to obtain a composition containing rare sugars while reducing or removing at least some of the undesirable taste qualities of extracts from plants of the genus Itea. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The inventors have for the first time succeeded in obtaining a composition containing rare sugars while reducing or removing at least some of the undesirable taste characteristics of the Ilex genus plant by adding a protein-based saturation reducer to the extract of the Ilex genus plant. This invention is based on these findings.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention includes the following embodiments. [1] A method for producing a composition comprising at least one rare sugar selected from alitol and psicose, Prepare an extract from a plant of the genus Itea. Adding a protein-based saturation reducer to the extract to obtain a precipitate, and A method comprising removing the aforementioned precipitate. [2] The method according to [1], wherein the protein-based stagnation reducer comprises gelatin. [3] The method according to [2], wherein the weight-average molecular weight of the gelatin is 1,500 to 150,000. [4] The method according to [2] or [3], wherein the ratio of proline in the protein-based sagging agent is 0.5 to 50 g per 100 g of the protein-based sagging agent. [5] The method according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the amount of the protein-based stagnation reducer added is 1 to 10% by weight in terms of solid content of the protein-based stagnation reducer relative to the total amount of the extract. [6] The method according to any one of [1] to [5], further comprising preparing the extract using freeze-dried pulverized material of the Ipheion plant. [7] The method according to [6], wherein the freeze-dried material is extracted with water at 30°C to 80°C. [8] The method according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the extraction time of the extract is 1 minute to 24 hours. [9] The method according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the Itea plant is one or more selected from the group consisting of Itea chinensis, Itea ilicifolia Oliv., Itea japonica Oliv., Itea oldhamii, Itea parviflora, Itea oblonga Hand.-Mazz., Itea yunnanensis Franch., and Itea virginica.

[10] The method according to any one of [1] to [9], further comprising removing the solvent from the extract after removing the precipitate. [10-1] The method according to any one of [1] to

[10] , further comprising treatment with a porous adsorbent. [10-2] The method according to [10-1], wherein the porous adsorbent is one or more porous adsorbents selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, zeolite, silica, and polymer adsorbent.

[11] A composition obtained by the method according to any one of [1] to

[10] . [11-1] A composition obtained by the method according to any one of [1] to [10-2].

[12] A composition derived from an Itea plant, comprising at least one rare sugar selected from allitol and psicose and one or more polyphenols, When allitol is included, the content of allitol is at least 2.0 times the weight ratio with respect to the total amount of polyphenols in the composition, When psicose is included, the content of psicose is at least 1.3 times the weight ratio with respect to the total amount of polyphenols in the composition.

[13] The composition according to

[12] , comprising allitol and psicose.

[14] The composition according to

[11] or

[12] , wherein the amount of total polyphenols is 0.1 to [14-1] The composition according to

[12] or

[13] , wherein the amount of total polyphenols is 0.1 to 25% by weight relative to the solid content of the composition.

[15] An extract composition of a plant of the genus Itea, wherein the total polyphenol content is reduced compared to the extract of the plant of the genus Itea used as a raw material, and at least one rare sugar selected from allitol and psicose is not substantially reduced.

[16] The extract composition according to

[15] , wherein, based on the extract of a plant of the genus Itea, the reduction rate of the total polyphenol content is 75% to 100%, and the reduction rate of the rare sugar content is 0 to 40%.

[17] If allitol is present, the allitol content is 2.0 times or more by weight relative to the total amount of polyphenols in the extracted composition. The extract composition according to

[15] or

[16] , wherein, if psicose is included, the psicose content is 1.3 times or more by weight relative to the total amount of polyphenols in the extract composition.

[18] A beverage comprising the composition described in

[11] , the composition derived from a plant of the genus Itea described in any of

[12] to

[14] , or the extract composition described in any of

[15] to

[17] . [18-1] A beverage comprising the composition described in [11-1], the composition derived from a plant of the genus Itea described in any of

[12] to

[14] , or the extract composition described in any of

[15] to

[17] . [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The present invention provides a method for obtaining a composition containing rare sugars while reducing or removing at least some of the undesirable taste properties of an extract of a plant of the genus Itea. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a composition containing rare sugars can be produced in which at least one of the astringency and bitterness of the extract of a plant of the genus Itea can be reduced or removed. In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, a composition containing rare sugars can be obtained in which at least one of the astringency and bitterness of the Itea extract is reduced or removed, without substantially reducing the amount of alitol or psicose (also known as allulose) contained in the Itea extract. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1-1] This figure shows the results of high-performance liquid chromatography analysis in Example 1. Figure 1A shows the results for the control sample for Examples A2 and A3, Figure 1B shows the results for Example A2, and Figure 1C shows the results for Example A3. [Figure 1-2] This figure shows the results of the high-performance liquid chromatography analysis in Example 1. Figure 1D shows the results for the control samples for Examples A5 and A6, Figure 1E shows the results for Example A5, and Figure 1F shows the results for Example A6. [Figure 2] This graph shows the saturation reduction results using saturation-reducing agent 1 in Example 4. TP in the graph represents the total polyphenol content. [Figure 3] This graph shows the adsorbent treatment results in Example 4. TP in the graph represents the total polyphenol content. [Figure 4] This graph shows a comparison of the recovery rates of the four sugars using each adsorbent in Example 4. Here, the four sugars refer to D-glucose, D-fructose, allitol, and D-psicose (D-allulose). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The present invention will now be described in detail. The following embodiments are illustrative for illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments only. The present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, all documents cited in this specification, as well as published gazettes, patent gazettes, and other patent documents, shall be incorporated herein by reference.

[0014] 1. Method for producing a composition containing rare sugars According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for producing a composition comprising at least one rare sugar selected from allitol and psicose, comprising preparing an extract of a plant of the genus Itea, adding a protein-based fining agent to the extract to obtain a precipitate, and removing the precipitate (hereinafter also referred to as the "production method of the present invention").

[0015] (Rare sugars) Rare sugars are naturally occurring sugars that exist in very small quantities in nature, and include approximately 50 types of monosaccharides and sugar alcohols. The composition obtained by the production method of the present invention contains at least one rare sugar selected from allitol and psicose. The composition obtained by the production method according to one aspect of the present invention may contain only allitol, only psicose, or both allitol and psicose.

[0016] Allitol is a type of rare sugar and is a sugar alcohol with the following structure. [ka] Alitol is rarely found in nature and has historically been produced mainly through enzymatic reactions from allose and psicose. It is also known to be present in plants of the genus Itea. Alitol is known to have a sweet taste (Non-Patent Literature 1).

[0017] Psicose (also called "allulose") is a type of rare sugar, a hexose belonging to the ketose group, and an isomer of fructose at the C-3 position. Both D-psicose and L-psicose exist, but D-psicose is preferred. In this specification, when simply referred to as "psicose," it means "L-psicose, D-psicose, or a mixture of L-psicose and D-psicose." D-psicose has the following structure or a corresponding cyclic structure, and its sweetness is about 70% of that of sugar. The cyclic structure includes α- and β-types of 5-membered and 6-membered rings. [ka] D-psicose is also rarely found in nature and is currently mainly obtained from fructose through enzymatic reactions, although it is known to be present in small amounts (a few percent) in the leaves of Itea virginica, as described later (Non-Patent Literature 2).

[0018] (Plants of the genus Zinnia) In the production method of the present invention, it includes preparing an extract of a plant of the genus Itea. The plant of the genus Itea is not particularly limited as long as it belongs to the scientific name Itea. In one aspect of the present invention, the plant of the genus Itea is one or more selected from the group consisting of Itea chinensis, Itea ilicifolia Oliv., Itea japonica Oliv., Itea oldhamii, Itea parviflora, Itea oblonga Hand.-Mazz., Itea yunnanensis Franch., and Itea virginica. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the plant of the genus Itea is Itea virginica or Itea japonica Oliv. Also, Itea is also called Ryobu. Itea grows naturally mainly in the mountains of the southern part of the Kinki region, Shikoku, and Kyushu in Japan, and is also called Yomenanoki (bride vegetable tree) because its young leaves can be eaten. For the plant of the genus Itea, naturally grown natural ones may be used, or those grown by purchasing seeds or seedlings may be used. Alternatively, the plant of the genus Itea may be produced by the method described in JP-A-2015-97521.

[0019] The extract of the plant of the genus Itea can be obtained from fresh leaves or dried leaves of the plant of the genus Itea using a solvent such as water, alcohol, or a mixed solution thereof. Preferred extraction solvents include ion-exchanged water, pure water (e.g., Milli-Q water), and ethanol aqueous solutions. For extraction conditions and the like, reference can be made to known general methods and the methods described in the examples below. <000​When preparing an extract of a plant of the genus Itea, fresh or dried leaves of the plant can be used directly for extraction, or they may be crushed or freeze-dried before extraction. If crushing is necessary, a ball mill or the like may be used. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the extract is further prepared using the freeze-dried material of the plant of the genus Itea. Various known methods can be used to prepare the freeze-dried material of the plant of the genus Itea, but for example, it can be obtained by vacuum freeze-drying using a vacuum freeze-dryer such as a vacuum freeze-dryer (FREEZONE 12Plus, manufactured by LABCONCO) or a vacuum freeze-dryer (FREEZE DRY SYSTEM / FREEZONE2.5, manufactured by LABCONCO), and then crushing it with a mini speed mill (manufactured by Labonext Co., Ltd.).

[0021] The extraction conditions for preparing an extract of Itea virginica plants can be adjusted as appropriate while examining the amount of solids in the extract and the extraction rate. The extraction rate is the ratio (%) of the amount of solids in the extract to the weight of the Itea virginica leaf powder used as the raw material. The amount of solids in the extract can be obtained by measuring the available solids content (BRIX) of the extract using a Brix meter (for example, an ATAGO Brix meter RX-5000α). In one embodiment of the present invention, the extraction rate may be 5-100%, 10-90%, 15-85%, 20-80%, 25-75%, 30-70%, 35-65%, or 40-60%. In one embodiment of the present invention, the extraction time may be 1 minute to 24 hours, 5 minutes to 18 hours, 10 minutes to 12 hours, 15 minutes to 10 hours, 20 minutes to 8 hours, 25 minutes to 5 hours, or 30 minutes to 2 hours. In one embodiment of the present invention, fresh or dried leaves of plants of the genus Itea, or their freeze-dried pulverized material, may be extracted with water at 10°C to 100°C, 15°C to 95°C, 20°C to 90°C, 25°C to 85°C, 30°C to 80°C, 35°C to 75°C, or 40°C to 70°C.

[0022] Extraction can be performed multiple times, but from an efficiency standpoint, it is preferable to perform extraction once or twice.

[0023] (Protein-based sludge reducer) The present invention's manufacturing method includes adding a protein-based saturation reducer to the extract to obtain a precipitate. The protein-based saturation reducer is not particularly limited as long as it can reduce or remove at least some of the undesirable taste properties of the senna extract, and various animal-derived and plant-derived protein-based saturation reducers can be used. Examples of animal-derived protein-based saturation reducers include gelatin, collagen tripeptide, isinglass, egg white, and milk protein-derived saturation reducers (casein, whey protein, whey peptide, etc.), but gelatin or collagen tripeptide is preferred. Examples of plant-derived protein-based saturation reducers include soy protein-derived saturation reducers, pea protein-derived saturation reducers, and potato protein-derived saturation reducers, but pea protein-derived saturation reducers are preferred.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protein-based sagging agent includes gelatin. Gelatin is a protein obtained from collagen, which is abundant in animal bones, skin, and tendons, and is produced by unwinding the helical structure of collagen through heating or other means. The origin of the gelatin is not particularly limited, but examples include that derived from pigs (e.g., pigskin, pig bones), fish (e.g., fish scales, fish skin), and cattle (e.g., cattle bones, cattle hides), with gelatin derived from pigs, particularly pigskin, being preferred. Furthermore, the method of producing the gelatin is not particularly limited, and may include acid-treated gelatin, chemically modified gelatin, amphoteric-treated gelatin, alkali-treated gelatin, etc. For example, collagen can be extracted by heating from pigs, fish, or cattle, pre-treated with acid or alkali, and then solubilized by hydrolysis to produce gelatin.

[0025] The weight-average molecular weight of gelatin used in preferred embodiments of the present invention is not particularly limited, but for example, 1,000-200,000, 1,500-200,000, 3,000-200,000, 5,000-200,000, 8,000-200,000, 10,000-200,000, 15,000-200,000, 20,000-200,000, 30,000-200,000, 35,000-200,000, 40,000-200,000, 45,000 00~200,000, 50,000~200,000, 1,500~150,000, 3,000~150,000, 5,000~150,000, 8,000~150,000, 10,000~150,000, 15,000~150,000, 20,000~150,000, 30,000~150,000, 35,000~150,000, 40,000~150,000, 45,000~150,000, 50,000~150,000, 1,50 0-100,000, 3,000-100,000, 5,000-100,000, 8,000-100,000, 10,000-100,000, 15,000-100,000, 20,000-100,000, 30,000-100,000, 35,000-100,000, 40,000-100,000, 45,000-100,000, 50,000-100,000, 1,500-80,000, 3,000-80,000, 5,000-80 The weight-average molecular weight of gelatin may be 1,500 to 150,000, more preferably 20,000 to 150,000, and even more preferably 30,000 to 100,000. By having the weight-average molecular weight of gelatin within a preferred range, polyphenols in the dauysia extract can be effectively removed while suppressing the reduction in rare sugars such as allitol and psicose.The weight-average molecular weight of gelatin can be measured by the Baggie method (as described in "20-1. Molecular Weight Distribution" and "20-2. Average Molecular Weight" of the Gelatin Test Method for Photography, 10th Edition (2006 Edition)) or GPC analysis (gel permeation chromatography analysis), specifically as described in the examples.

[0026] The number-average molecular weight of gelatin used in preferred embodiments of the present invention is not particularly limited, but for example, 1,000-100,000, 1,500-100,000, 3,000-100,000, 5,000-100,000, 8,000-100,000, 10,000-100,000, 15,000-100,000, 20,000-100,000, 25,000-100,000, 1,500-80,000, 3,000-80,000, 5,000-80,000, 8,000-80,000, 10,000- The values ​​may be 80,000, 15,000-80,000, 20,000-80,000, 25,000-80,000, 1,500-50,000, 3,000-50,000, 5,000-50,000, 8,000-50,000, 10,000-50,000, 15,000-50,000, 20,000-50,000, or 25,000-50,000, preferably 1,500-100,000, more preferably 5,000-80,000, and even more preferably 8,000-50,000. The number-average molecular weight of gelatin can be measured by the Baggie method (as described in "20-1. Molecular Weight Distribution" and "20-2. Average Molecular Weight" of the Photographic Gelatin Test Method, 10th Edition (2006 Edition)) or GPC analysis (gel permeation chromatography), specifically as described in the examples.

[0027] The proline ratio in the protein-based sagging agent used in preferred embodiments of the present invention is not particularly limited, but for example, per 100g of the protein-based sagging agent, it may be 0.1-60g, 0.1-50g, 0.1-40g, 0.1-30g, 0.1-20g, 0.1-10g, 0.1-9.0g, 0.1-8.0g, or 0.1-7.0g. , 0.1~6.0g, 0.1~5.0g, 0.1~4.0g, 0.1~3.0g, 0.1~2.0g, 0.1~1.5g, 0.5~60g, 0.5~50g , 0.5~40g, 0.5~30g, 0.5~20g, 0.5~10g, 0.5~9.0g, 0.5~8.0g, 0.5~7.0g, 0.5~6.0g, 0 The amount may be 0.5-5.0g, 0.5-4.0g, 0.5-3.0g, 0.5-2.0g, 0.5-1.5g, 1.0-60g, 1.0-50g, 1.0-40g, 1.0-30g, 1.0-20g, 1.0-10g, 1.0-9.0g, 1.0-8.0g, 1.0-7.0g, 1.0-6.0g, 1.0-5.0g, 1.0-4.0g, 1.0-3.0g, 1.0-2.0g, or 1.0-1.5g, preferably 0.5-50g per 100g of protein-based saturation reducer, more preferably 0.5-10g per 100g of protein-based saturation reducer, and even more preferably 1.0-5.0g per 100g of protein-based saturation reducer. Conventionally, it was believed that protein-based precipitation reducers with a relatively high proline ratio were more likely to form precipitates with polyphenols. However, it was unexpected that protein-based precipitation reducers with a low proline ratio could be effectively used to remove polyphenols contained in Ilex crenata extract. The proline ratio in a protein-based precipitation reducer can be measured by an automated amino acid analysis method after hydrolysis of the protein-based precipitation reducer, and specifically, it can be measured by the method described in the examples.

[0028] Protein-based saturation reducers may also contain components other than proteins, such as filter aids like polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) or powdered cellulose, or adsorbents like bentonite.

[0029] In the present invention, the amount of protein-based stagnation reducer added to the extract can be appropriately adjusted from the viewpoint of increasing stagnation reduction efficiency. Preferably, the amount of protein-based stagnation reducer added may be 0.1 to 80% by weight, 0.5 to 70% by weight, 0.8 to 60% by weight, 1.0 to 55% by weight, 1.5 to 50% by weight, 2.0 to 45% by weight, 3.0 to 40% by weight, 5.0 to 35% by weight, or 6.0 to 30% by weight relative to the total amount of the extract, preferably 2.0 to 45% by weight, and more preferably 5.0 to 35% by weight. Here, an amount of protein-based stagnation reducer added of 0.1% by weight relative to the total amount of the extract means, for example, adding 0.1 g of protein-based stagnation reducer to 100 g of extract. In another aspect of the present invention, the amount of protein-based stagnation reducer added may be 0.1-10% by weight, 0.1-8.0% by weight, 0.1-6.0% by weight, 0.1-5.0% by weight, 0.1-4.0% by weight, 0.2-10% by weight, 0.2-8.0% by weight, 0.2-6.0% by weight, 0.2-5.0% by weight, 0.2-4.0% by weight, 0.5-10% by weight, 0.5-8.0% by weight, 0.5-6.0% by weight, 0.5-5.0% by weight, or 0.5-4.0% by weight, preferably 0.2-6.0% by weight, more preferably 0.2-5.0% by weight, and even more preferably 0.5-5.0% by weight. Here, adding a protein-based saturation reducer that is 0.1% by weight relative to the total volume of the extract means, for example, adding 1 g of a protein-based saturation reducer with a solid content (Brix) of 10% to 100 g of extract.

[0030] In the present invention, the temperature at which a protein-based stagnation reducer is added to the extract and stirred is not particularly limited, but for example, 1°C to 40°C, 2°C to 40°C, 4°C to 40°C, 5°C to 40°C, 8°C to 40°C, 10°C to 40°C, 15°C to 40°C, 1°C to 35°C, 2°C to 35°C, 4°C to 35°C, 5°C to 35°C, 8°C to 35°C, 10°C to 35°C, 15°C to 35°C, 1°C to 30℃, 2℃~30℃, 4℃~30℃, 5℃~30℃, 8℃~30℃, 10℃~30℃, 15℃~30℃, 1℃~25℃, 2℃~25℃, 4℃~25℃, 5℃~25℃, 8℃~25℃, 10℃~25℃, 15℃~25℃, 1℃~20℃, 2℃~20℃, 4℃~20℃, 5℃~20℃, 8℃~20℃, 10℃~20℃ or 15℃~20℃ may also be used.

[0031] In the present invention, the time for adding a protein-based stagnation reducer to the extract and stirring is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0.5 to 30 hours, 0.5 to 25 hours, 0.5 to 20 hours, 0.5 to 15 hours, 0.5 to 10 hours, 0.5 to 5 hours, 1 to 30 hours, 1 to 25 hours, 1 to 20 hours, 1 to 15 hours, 1 to 10 hours, 1 to 5 hours, 2 to 25 hours, 2 to 20 hours, 2 to 15 hours, 2 to 10 hours, or 2 to 5 hours.

[0032] (Removal of precipitates) The manufacturing method of the present invention includes the removal of precipitates. Various known solid-liquid separation treatments can be used to remove precipitates. Such solid-liquid separation treatments are not particularly limited as long as the solid and liquid are sufficiently separated, but examples include treatment using a centrifuge or filter press, or gravity filtration using a filter or mesh. Multiple means may be used for the solid-liquid separation treatment.

[0033] (Treatment with porous adsorbent) A preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises treatment with a porous adsorbent. By including treatment with a porous adsorbent, the removal rate of polyphenols can be further improved. As the porous adsorbent used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more porous adsorbents selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, zeolite, silica, and polymer adsorbents can be used. In one embodiment of the present invention, the porous adsorbent is activated carbon or a polymer adsorbent. As the activated carbon, sawdust activated carbon or wood powder activated carbon, coconut shell activated carbon, coal pitch activated carbon or petroleum pitch activated carbon or resin-based activated carbon can be used. The activated carbon can be obtained by subjecting raw materials (wood powder, resin, etc.) to chemical activation or steam activation. As the polymer adsorbent, polyvinylpyrrolidone-based synthetic adsorbents, styrene-divinylbenzene-based synthetic adsorbents, methacrylic acid ester-based synthetic adsorbents, etc. can be used.

[0034] The porous adsorbent used in the manufacturing method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is preferably a hydrophobic porous adsorbent. The porous adsorbent used in the manufacturing method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention may have an average pore diameter of 0.5 to 10 nm, 1 to 8 nm, or 1.5 to 7 nm, and is preferably 2 to 6 nm. The average pore diameter can be measured, for example, by the method described in the examples. The porous adsorbent used in the manufacturing method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention may have a mode pore size (DFT-Mode diameter) of 0.2 to 2 nm, 0.3 to 1.8 nm, or 0.4 to 1.6 nm, and is preferably 0.6 to 1.4 nm. The mode pore size (DFT-Mode diameter) can be measured, for example, by the method described in the examples. The porous adsorbent used in the manufacturing method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention has a specific surface area of ​​500 to 3,000 m². 2 / g, 800~2,000m 2 It may be / g, preferably 900~1,900m 2 The value is / g. The specific surface area was measured by the BET multipoint method. The specific surface area can be measured, for example, by the method described in the examples. The porous adsorbent used in the manufacturing method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention may have a total pore volume of 0.2 to 3 cc / g, 0.3 to 2.5 cc / g, or 0.4 to 2.3 cc / g, and is preferably 0.5 to 2 cc / g. The total pore volume can be measured, for example, by the method described in the examples. The porous adsorbent used in the manufacturing method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention may have any combination of the above-mentioned properties and values ​​of hydrophobicity, average pore diameter, most frequent pore diameter, specific surface area, and total pore volume. Examples of such porous adsorbents include wood powder activated carbon (FP6 manufactured by Nippon Enviro-Chemicals Co., Ltd.), coconut shell activated carbon (FP3 and FP9 manufactured by Nippon Enviro-Chemicals Co., Ltd., and GLC, GW, and GWH manufactured by Kuraray Chemical Co., Ltd.), and synthetic adsorbents (SP850 manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation).

[0035] The amount of porous adsorbent added is not particularly limited, but for example, it may be added in an amount of 1 to 20% by weight, 5 to 15% by weight, or 7 to 13% by weight relative to the sedimentation-reduced extract. The time for adding the porous adsorbent to the sedimentation-reduced extract and stirring is not particularly limited, but for example, it may be 0.5 to 30 hours, 0.5 to 25 hours, 0.5 to 20 hours, 0.5 to 15 hours, 0.5 to 10 hours, 0.5 to 5 hours, 1 to 30 hours, 1 to 25 hours, 1 to 20 hours, 1 to 15 hours, 1 to 10 hours, 1 to 5 hours, 2 to 25 hours, 2 to 20 hours, 2 to 15 hours, 2 to 10 hours, or 2 to 5 hours. The porous adsorbent can be removed after treatment by known methods such as filtration.

[0036] (Other optional steps) Other optional steps may include further purification steps such as filtration.

[0037] Alternatively, the manufacturing method of the present invention may further include, as another optional step, the removal of the solvent from the extract after the removal of the precipitate. The solvent can be removed by various known methods, such as heating, reduced pressure, or freeze-drying. By removing the solvent from the composition obtained by the manufacturing method of the present invention, it can be widely used in beverages described later as a solid or powdered sweetener composition.

[0038] 2. Composition obtained by the manufacturing method of the present invention According to one aspect of the present invention, a composition obtained by the manufacturing method of the present invention is provided. The composition obtained by the manufacturing method of the present invention can be added directly to beverages because it contains at least one rare sugar selected from allitol and psicose, while reducing or removing at least some of the undesirable taste qualities of the extract of the Itea plant. Alternatively, the composition obtained by the manufacturing method according to one aspect of the present invention can also be added to beverages as a solid or powdered sweetener composition, like table sugar, because the solvent has been removed.

[0039] In the composition of one aspect of the present invention, "rare sugar," "Ipheion plant," and "protein-based starch reducer" are defined in the same way as described in the section "1. Method for producing a composition containing rare sugar" above.

[0040] 3. Compositions derived from plants of the genus Itea. According to one aspect of the present invention, a composition derived from a plant of the genus Itea contains at least one rare sugar selected from allitol and psicose and one or more polyphenols, If allitol is included, the allitol content is 2.0 times or more by weight relative to the total amount of polyphenols in the composition. A composition is provided in which, if psicose is included, the psicose content is 1.3 times or more by weight relative to the total amount of polyphenols in the composition (hereinafter also referred to as "the composition derived from the genus Itea of ​​the present invention").

[0041] A composition derived from a plant of the genus Itea according to one aspect of the present invention contains a large amount of at least one rare sugar selected from allitol and psicose, and has a low total polyphenol content, so at least one of the astringent taste and bitter taste derived from the extract of the plant of the genus Itea is reduced or eliminated, and can be suitably used in various beverages described later. A composition derived from a plant of the genus Itea according to another aspect of the present invention contains allitol and psicose.

[0042] The amount of allitol contained in the composition derived from plants of the genus Itea according to one aspect of the present invention is 20 to 80% by weight relative to the solid content of the composition, preferably 20 to 70% by weight, 20 to 60% by weight, 20 to 50% by weight, 20 to 40% by weight, 25 to 80% by weight, 25 to 70% by weight, 25 to 60% by weight, 25 to 50% by weight, 25 to 40% by weight, 30 to 80% by weight, 30 to 70% by weight, 30 to 60% by weight, 30 to 50% by weight, 30 The amount of allitol in the composition may be 40% by weight, 35-80% by weight, 35-70% by weight, 35-60% by weight, 35-50% by weight, 35-40% by weight, 40-80% by weight, 40-70% by weight, 40-60% by weight, 40-50% by weight, 45-80% by weight, 45-70% by weight, 45-60% by weight, 45-50% by weight, 50-80% by weight, 50-70% by weight, 50-60% by weight, 55-80% by weight, 55-70% by weight, or 55-60% by weight. The solid content of the composition can be determined using a Brix meter (e.g., ATAGO Brix meter RX-5000α) if the composition is a liquid composition, and the amount of allitol relative to the solid content of the composition can be calculated using the amount of allitol measured by HPLC or the like.

[0043] The amount of psicose contained in the composition derived from a plant of the genus Itea according to one aspect of the present invention is 10 to 60% by weight relative to the solid content of the composition, and is preferably 10 to 50% by weight, 10 to 40% by weight, 10 to 30% by weight, 10 to 20% by weight, 15 to 60% by weight, 15 to 50% by weight, 15 to 40% by weight, 15 to 30% by weight, 15 to 20% by weight, 20 to 60% by weight, 20 to 50% by weight, 20 to 40% by weight, 20 to 30% by weight, 25 to 60% by weight, 25 to 50% by weight, 25 to 40% by weight, 25 to 30% by weight, 30 to 60% by weight, 30 to 50% by weight, 30 to 40% by weight, 35 to 60% by weight, 35 to 50% by weight, 40 to 60% by weight, or 40 to 50% by weight. The solid content of a composition can be determined using a Brix meter (for example, ATAGO Brix meter RX-5000α) if the composition is a liquid composition. The amount of psicose relative to the solid content of the composition can then be calculated using the amount of psicose measured by HPLC or the like.

[0044] In this specification, total polyphenols include various polyphenols derived from plants of the genus Itea. Polyphenols are a general term for compounds having two or more hydroxyl groups (phenolic hydroxyl groups) bonded to an aromatic ring, and many generally affect taste qualities such as bitterness and astringency, as well as color. Therefore, from the viewpoint of taste quality, a lower polyphenol content is preferable. Common polyphenols include, for example, anthocyanins, isoflavones, catechins, tannins, proanthocyanidins, rutin, and chlorogenic acid. Although the types of polyphenols contained in the extract of Itea plants are unknown, the total amount (i.e., total polyphenol content) can be measured regardless of the types of polyphenols contained using known methods, such as the Folin-Ciocalteu method or the Folin-Denis method. For example, the total amount of polyphenols contained in the composition derived from the Ilex genus of the present invention can be analyzed using the forlin-thiocalto(phenol) reagent method (ISO 14502-1:2005), which is adopted by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) as a method for quantifying the total polyphenols of green tea and black tea, with gallic acid used as a standard substance for the calibration curve.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, the total amount of polyphenols contained in the composition derived from a plant of the genus Itea is 0.1 to 25% by weight, relative to the solid content of the composition. Preferably, 0.1 to 20% by weight, 0.1 to 15% by weight, 0.1 to 10% by weight, 0.1 to 9% by weight, 0.1 to 8% by weight, 0.1 to 7% by weight, 0.1 to 6% by weight, 0.1 to 5% by weight, 0.5 to 25% by weight, 0.5 to 20% by weight, 0.5 to 15% by weight, 0.5 to 10% by weight, 0.5 to 9% by weight, 0.5 to 8% by weight, 0.5 to 7% by weight, 0.5 to 6% by weight, 0.5 to 5% by weight, 1 to 25% by weight, 1 to 20% by weight, 1 to 15% by weight, 1 to 10% by weight, 1 to 9% by weight, 1 to 8% by weight, and 1 to 7% by weight. It may be 1-6% by weight, 1-5% by weight, 2-25% by weight, 2-20% by weight, 2-15% by weight, 2-10% by weight, 2-9% by weight, 2-8% by weight, 2-7% by weight, 2-6% by weight, 2-5% by weight, 3-25% by weight, 3-20% by weight, 3-35% by weight, 3-30% by weight, 3-9% by weight, 3-8% by weight, 3-7% by weight, 3-6% by weight, 3-5% by weight, 4-25% by weight, 4-20% by weight, 4-15% by weight, 4-10% by weight, 4-9% by weight, 4-8% by weight, 4-7% by weight, or 4-6% by weight. The solid content of a composition can be determined using a Brix meter (for example, ATAGO Brix meter RX-5000α) if the composition is a liquid composition, and the amount of total polyphenols relative to the solid content of the composition can be calculated using the amount of total polyphenols measured by a device such as Forinthiokart.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the allitol content in the composition derived from a plant of the genus Itea is 2.0 times or more by weight relative to the total amount of polyphenols in the composition. Preferably, it may be 3.0 times or more, 4.0 times or more, 5.0 times or more, 6.0 times or more, 7.0 times or more, 8.0 times or more, 9.0 times or more, 10 times or more, for example, 3.0 to 20 times, 4.0 to 20 times, 5.0 to 20 times, 6.0 to 20 times, 7.0 to 20 times, 8.0 to 20 times, 9.0 to 20 times, 10 to 20 times, 3.0 to 15 times, 4.0 to 15 times, 5.0 to 15 times, 6.0 to 15 times, 7.0 to 15 times, 8.0 to 15 times, 9.0 to 15 times, or 10 to 15 times.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, the psicose content in the composition derived from a plant of the genus Itea is 1.3 times or more by weight relative to the total amount of polyphenols in the composition. Preferably, it may be 1.5 times or more, 2.0 times or more, 2.5 times or more, 3.0 times or more, 3.5 times or more, 4.0 times or more, 4.5 times or more, 5.0 times or more, 5.5 times or more, 6.0 times or more, 6.5 times or more, 7.0 times or more, for example, 1.3 to 15 times, 1.5 to 15 times, 2.0 to 15 times, 3.0 to 15 times, 4.0 to 15 times, 5.0 to 15 times, 6.0 to 15 times, 7.0 to 15 times, 2.0 to 10 times, 3.0 to 10 times, 4.0 to 10 times, 5.0 to 10 times, 6.0 to 10 times, or 7.0 to 10 times.

[0048] A composition derived from a plant of the genus Itea in one aspect of the present invention may further contain glucose or fructose derived from Itea. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the amount of glucose contained in the composition derived from Itea may be 0.4 to 2.5 times, 0.5 to 2.0 times, or 0.7 to 1.8 times by weight relative to the total amount of polyphenols in the composition. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the amount of fructose contained in the composition derived from a plant of the genus Itea may be 0.1 to 1.0 times, 0.2 to 0.9 times, or 0.3 to 0.7 times by weight relative to the total amount of polyphenols in the composition.

[0049] A composition derived from a plant of the genus Itea in one aspect of the present invention can be produced, for example, by the production method of the present invention.

[0050] In the composition derived from plants of the genus Itea, which is one aspect of the present invention, the definitions of "rare sugar," "plant of the genus Itea," and "protein-based stabilizing agent" are the same as those described in the section "1. Method for producing a composition containing rare sugar" above.

[0051] 4. Extract composition of plants of the genus Itea. According to one aspect of the present invention, an extract composition of a plant of the genus Itea (hereinafter also referred to as "the extract composition of the present invention") is provided, in which the total polyphenol content is reduced compared to the extract of a plant of the genus Itea that is used as a raw material, and at least one rare sugar selected from allitol and psicose is not substantially reduced. In this specification, the extract composition may be in liquid, semi-solid, or solid form.

[0052] Here, "the total amount of polyphenols is reduced compared to the extract of the Ilex genus plant used as the raw material" means that when preparing the extract composition of the present invention using the extract of the Ilex genus plant as the raw material, the total amount of polyphenols contained in the extract composition of the present invention is less than that of the said extract. In this specification, in order to say that "the total amount of polyphenols is reduced compared to the extract of the Ilex genus plant used as the raw material," it is necessary to perform artificial operations as described in item "1. Method for producing a composition containing rare sugars" above.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, the total polyphenol content in the extract composition of the present invention is reduced compared to the extract of the raw material. Using the extract of the Ilex crenata plant as the reference, the reduction rate of the total polyphenol content may be 60%~100%, 65%~100%, 70%~100%, 75%~100%, 80%~100%, 85%~100%, 90%~100%, 95%~100%, 60%~95%, 65%~95%, 70%~95%, 75%~95%, 80%~95%, 85%~95%, or 90%~95%. The total polyphenol content can be analyzed using gallic acid as a standard substance for the calibration curve, in accordance with the method using the forlin-thiocalto(phenol) reagent (ISO 14502-1:2005), which is adopted by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) as a method for quantifying the total polyphenols of green tea and black tea. Therefore, by comparing the total polyphenol content (ppm) of the raw material extract with the total polyphenol content (ppm) of the extracted composition after reduction, the remaining percentage of total polyphenols after reduction can be obtained.

[0054] Details of the method for removing polyphenols from the raw material extract are described in "1. Method for Producing a Composition Containing Rare Sugars." The extracted composition of the present invention obtained by this method is characterized in that, despite a reduction in the total amount of polyphenols, the amount of at least one rare sugar selected from allitol and psicose is not substantially reduced compared to the raw material extract. Therefore, the content of at least one rare sugar selected from allitol and psicose in the extracted composition of the present invention is substantially the same as that of the raw material extract, and can contribute to the efficient utilization of these rare sugars.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, when compared to the content in the raw material extract, the reduction rate of the content of at least one rare sugar selected from allitol and psicose in the extract composition of the present invention is 0-40%, 0-35%, 0-30%, 0-25%, 0-20%, 0-15%, 0-10%, 0-9.0%, 0-8.0%, 0-7.0%, 0-6.0%, 1.0-40%, 1.0-35%, It may also be 1.0-30%, 1.0-25%, 1.0-20%, 1.0-15%, 1.0-10%, 1.0-9.0%, 1.0-8.0%, 1.0-7.0%, 1.0-6.0%, 5.0-40%, 5.0-35%, 5.0-30%, 5.0-25%, 5.0-20%, 5.0-15%, 5.0-10%, 5.0-9.0%, 5.0-8.0%, 5.0-7.0%, or 5.0-6.0%.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of alitol contained in the extracted composition is 2.0 times or more by weight relative to the total amount of polyphenols in the extracted composition. Preferably, it may be 3.0 times or more, 4.0 times or more, 5.0 times or more, 6.0 times or more, 7.0 times or more, 8.0 times or more, 9.0 times or more, 10 times or more, for example, 3.0 to 20 times, 4.0 to 20 times, 5.0 to 20 times, 6.0 to 20 times, 7.0 to 20 times, 8.0 to 20 times, 9.0 to 20 times, 10 to 20 times, 3.0 to 15 times, 4.0 to 15 times, 5.0 to 15 times, 6.0 to 15 times, 7.0 to 15 times, 8.0 to 15 times, 9.0 to 15 times, or 10 to 15 times.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, the psicose content in the extracted composition is 1.3 times or more by weight relative to the total amount of polyphenols in the extracted composition. Preferably, it may be 1.5 times or more, 2.0 times or more, 2.5 times or more, 3.0 times or more, 3.5 times or more, 4.0 times or more, 4.5 times or more, 5.0 times or more, 5.5 times or more, 6.0 times or more, 6.5 times or more, 7.0 times or more, for example, 1.3 to 15 times, 1.5 to 15 times, 2.0 to 15 times, 3.0 to 15 times, 4.0 to 15 times, 5.0 to 15 times, 6.0 to 15 times, 7.0 to 15 times, 2.0 to 10 times, 3.0 to 10 times, 4.0 to 10 times, 5.0 to 10 times, 6.0 to 10 times, or 7.0 to 10 times.

[0058] The extract composition in one aspect of the present invention may further contain glucose or fructose derived from the plant Itea virginica. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the amount of glucose contained in the extract composition may be 0.4 to 2.5 times, 0.5 to 2.0 times, or 0.7 to 1.8 times by weight relative to the total amount of polyphenols in the extract composition. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the amount of fructose contained in the extract composition may be 0.1 to 1.0 times, 0.2 to 0.9 times, or 0.3 to 0.7 times by weight relative to the total amount of polyphenols in the extract composition.

[0059] An extract composition of a plant of the genus Itea in one aspect of the present invention may contain a solvent such as water, alcohol, or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the solvent contains water and / or ethanol.

[0060] An extract composition of a plant of the genus Itea in one aspect of the present invention can be added to various beverages described later, either as is or after the solvent has been removed.

[0061] An extract composition of a plant of the genus Itea in one aspect of the present invention can be produced, for example, by the manufacturing method of the present invention.

[0062] In the extract of one aspect of the present invention, "rare sugar," "Ipheion plant," and "protein-based stagnation reducer" are defined in the same way as described in section 1, "Method for producing a composition containing rare sugar."

[0063] 5. Beverages containing the composition of the present invention According to one aspect of the present invention, a beverage is provided comprising a composition obtained by the manufacturing method of the present invention or a composition derived from a plant of the genus Itea (hereinafter collectively referred to as "the composition of the present invention") or an extract composition of the present invention. In this specification, "beverage" is a general term for semi-solids and liquids, and mixtures thereof, that are orally ingestible.

[0064] The beverage may be either an alcoholic beverage or a non-alcoholic beverage. Examples of non-alcoholic beverages include, but are not limited to, non-alcoholic beer, malt beverages, lactic acid bacteria beverages, cocoa, sports drinks, energy drinks, tea-based beverages, coffee beverages, carbonated beverages, functional beverages, fruit and vegetable-based beverages, dairy beverages, soy milk beverages, flavored water, and jelly-like beverages.

[0065] A beverage containing the composition of the present invention contains D-psicose in the following amounts relative to the total weight of the beverage: 0.1-10% by weight, 0.5-9.5% by weight, 0.5-9.0% by weight, 0.5-8.5% by weight, 0.5-8.0% by weight, 0.5-7.5% by weight, 0.5-6.0% by weight, 0.5-5.5% by weight, 0.5-5.0% by weight, 0.5-4.5% by weight, 0.5-4.0% by weight, and 0.5-3.5% by weight. 0.5~3.0wt%, 0.5~2.5wt%, 0.5~2.0wt%, 0.5~1.5wt%, 0.5~1.0wt%, 1.0~9.0wt%, 1.0~8.5wt%, 1.0~8 .0% by weight, 1.0~7.5% by weight, 1.0~6.0% by weight, 1.0~5.5% by weight, 1.0~5.0% by weight, 1.0~4.5% by weight, 1.0~4.0% by weight, 1.0~3.5% by weight, 1.0~3.0wt%, 1.0~2.5wt%, 1.0~2.0wt%, 1.0~1.5wt%, 1.5~9.0wt%, 1.5~8.5wt%, 1.5~8.0wt%, 1.5~7 .5% by weight, 1.5~6.0% by weight, 1.5~5.5% by weight, 1.5~5.0% by weight, 1.5~4.5% by weight, 1.5~4.0% by weight, 1.5~3.5% by weight, 1.5~3.0% by weight It may contain 1.5-2.5% by weight, 1.5-2.0% by weight, 2.0-9.0% by weight, 2.0-8.5% by weight, 2.0-8.0% by weight, 2.0-7.5% by weight, 2.0-6.0% by weight, 2.0-5.5% by weight, 2.0-5.0% by weight, 2.0-4.5% by weight, 2.0-4.0% by weight, 2.0-3.5% by weight, 2.0-3.0% by weight, or 2.0-2.5% by weight.

[0066] A beverage containing the composition of the present invention contains allitol in the following proportions relative to the total weight of the beverage: 0.1-10% by weight, 0.5-9.5% by weight, 0.5-9.0% by weight, 0.5-8.5% by weight, 0.5-8.0% by weight, 0.5-7.5% by weight, 0.5-6.0% by weight, 0.5-5.5% by weight, 0.5-5.0% by weight, 0.5-4.5% by weight, 0.5-4.0% by weight, 0.5-3.5% by weight, and 0. 5~3.0wt%, 0.5~2.5wt%, 0.5~2.0wt%, 0.5~1.5wt%, 0.5~1.0wt%, 1.0~9.0wt%, 1.0~8.5wt%, 1.0~8.0 Weight%, 1.0~7.5wt%, 1.0~6.0wt%, 1.0~5.5wt%, 1.0~5.0wt%, 1.0~4.5wt%, 1.0~4.0wt%, 1.0~3.5wt%, 1 .0~3.0wt%, 1.0~2.5wt%, 1.0~2.0wt%, 1.0~1.5wt%, 1.5~9.0wt%, 1.5~8.5wt%, 1.5~8.0wt%, 1.5~7. 5% by weight, 1.5~6.0% by weight, 1.5~5.5% by weight, 1.5~5.0% by weight, 1.5~4.5% by weight, 1.5~4.0% by weight, 1.5~3.5% by weight, 1.5~3.0% by weight, It may contain 1.5-2.5% by weight, 1.5-2.0% by weight, 2.0-9.0% by weight, 2.0-8.5% by weight, 2.0-8.0% by weight, 2.0-7.5% by weight, 2.0-6.0% by weight, 2.0-5.5% by weight, 2.0-5.0% by weight, 2.0-4.5% by weight, 2.0-4.0% by weight, 2.0-3.5% by weight, 2.0-3.0% by weight, or 2.0-2.5% by weight.

[0067] In the beverage according to one aspect of the present invention, "rare sugar," "Ipheion plant," and "protein-based syrup reducer" are defined in the same way as described in section 1, "Method for producing a composition containing rare sugar."

[0068] Exemplary aspects of the present invention The following are exemplary embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In one embodiment of the present invention, A method for producing a composition comprising at least one rare sugar selected from allitol and D-psicose, Prepare an extract from a plant of the genus Itea. Adding a protein-based saturation reducer to the extract to obtain a precipitate, and A method is provided which includes removing the aforementioned precipitate.

[0069] In one embodiment of the present invention, A method for producing a composition comprising at least one rare sugar selected from allitol and D-psicose, Prepare an extract from a plant of the genus Itea. Adding a protein-based saturation reducer to the extract to obtain a precipitate, and This includes removing the aforementioned precipitate, The protein-based steat reducer contains gelatin, A method is provided in which the plant of the genus Itea is selected from the group consisting of Itea chinensis, Itea ilicifolia Oliv., Itea japonica Oliv., Itea oldhamii, Itea parviflora, Itea oblonga Hand.-Mazz., Itea yunnanensis Franch., and Itea virginica, preferably one or more species selected from the group consisting of Itea japonica Oliv., Itea oblonga Hand.-Mazz., Itea yunnanensis Franch., and Itea virginica.

[0070] In one embodiment of the present invention, A method for producing a composition comprising at least one rare sugar selected from allitol and D-psicose, Prepare an extract from a plant of the genus Itea. Adding a protein-based saturation reducer to the extract to obtain a precipitate, and This includes removing the aforementioned precipitate, The protein-based steat reducer contains gelatin, The weight-average molecular weight of the gelatin is 1,500 to 150,000, 8,000 to 100,000, 20,000 to 80,000, or 35,000 to 80,000. A method is provided in which the amount of the protein-based stagnation reducer added is 1 to 10% by weight, 0.2 to 8.0% by weight, 0.2 to 6.0% by weight, or 0.2 to 5.0% by weight of the protein-based stagnation reducer relative to the total amount of the extract, in terms of the solid content of the protein-based stagnation reducer.

[0071] In one embodiment of the present invention, A composition derived from a plant of the genus Itea, comprising at least one rare sugar selected from allitol and D-psicose and one or more polyphenols, If allitol is included, the allitol content is 2.0 times or more, 3.0 to 20 times, 5.0 to 20 times, or 6.0 to 15 times by weight relative to the total amount of polyphenols in the composition. A composition is provided in which, if D-psicose is included, the D-psicose content is 1.3 times or more, 1.3 to 15 times, 2.0 to 10 times, or 4.0 to 10 times by weight relative to the total amount of polyphenols in the composition.

[0072] In one embodiment of the present invention, A composition derived from a plant of the genus Itea, comprising at least one rare sugar selected from allitol and D-psicose and one or more polyphenols, If allitol is included, the allitol content is 2.0 times or more, 3.0 to 20 times, 5.0 to 20 times, or 6.0 to 15 times by weight relative to the total amount of polyphenols in the composition. If D-psicose is included, the D-psicose content is 1.3 times or more, 1.3 to 15 times, 2.0 to 10 times, or 4.0 to 10 times by weight relative to the total amount of polyphenols in the composition. A composition is provided in which the amount of total polyphenols is 0.1 to 25% by weight, 0.1 to 15% by weight, 0.1 to 10% by weight, 1 to 9% by weight, or 2 to 8% by weight, relative to the solid content of the composition.

[0073] In one embodiment of the present invention, A composition derived from plants of the genus Itea containing allitol and one or more polyphenols, The allitol content is 2.0 times or more, 3.0 to 20 times, 5.0 to 20 times, or 6.0 to 15 times by weight relative to the total amount of polyphenols in the composition. A composition is provided in which the amount of total polyphenols is 0.1 to 25% by weight, 0.1 to 15% by weight, 0.1 to 10% by weight, 1 to 9% by weight, or 2 to 8% by weight, relative to the solid content of the composition.

[0074] In one embodiment of the present invention, A composition derived from a plant of the genus Itea containing D-psicose and one or more polyphenols, The D-psicose content is 1.3 times or more, 1.3 to 15 times, 2.0 to 10 times, or 4.0 to 10 times by weight relative to the total amount of polyphenols in the composition. A composition is provided in which the amount of total polyphenols is 0.1 to 25% by weight, 0.1 to 15% by weight, 0.1 to 10% by weight, 1 to 9% by weight, or 2 to 8% by weight, relative to the solid content of the composition.

[0075] In one embodiment of the present invention, A composition derived from a plant of the genus Itea, comprising allitol and D-psicose and one or more polyphenols, The allitol content is 2.0 times or more, 3.0 to 20 times, 5.0 to 20 times, or 6.0 to 15 times by weight relative to the total amount of polyphenols in the composition. The D-psicose content is 1.3 times or more, 1.3 to 15 times, 2.0 to 10 times, or 4.0 to 10 times by weight relative to the total amount of polyphenols in the composition. A composition is provided in which the amount of total polyphenols is 0.1 to 25% by weight, 0.1 to 15% by weight, 0.1 to 10% by weight, 1 to 9% by weight, or 2 to 8% by weight, relative to the solid content of the composition.

[0076] In this specification, the phrase "at least" means that the number of a particular item may be greater than or equal to the number listed. Furthermore, in this application, the phrase "about" means that the subject lies within ±25%, ±10%, ±5%, ±3%, ±2%, or ±1% of the number following "about". For example, "about 10" means the range from 7.5 to 12.5. [Examples]

[0077] The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0078] [Example 1] Comparison of the effects of various sludge-reducing agents To compare the effects of various gluten-reducing agents, the following were used as gluten-reducing agents for comparison: (animal-derived gelatin: AP-100 manufactured by Nippi Corporation (hereinafter also referred to as "glutination reducer 1") and GEOCOLL® SUPRA manufactured by Mother Vines Co., Ltd. (hereinafter also referred to as "glutination reducer 2")), plant-derived protein: VEGECOL (derived from potatoes) manufactured by Mother Vines Co., Ltd. (hereinafter also referred to as "glutination reducer 3") and POLYMUST V (derived from peas) manufactured by Mother Vines Co., Ltd. (hereinafter also referred to as "glutination reducer 4"), and collagen tripeptide (tripeptide derived from pigs) manufactured by Zerice Co., Ltd. (hereinafter also referred to as "glutination reducer 5")). The characteristics of each are summarized in Table 1. [Table 1]

[0079] Of the above-mentioned stagnation-reducing agents, stagnation-reducing agents 2, 3, and 5 were used in their prescribed amounts. For stagnation-reducing agent 1, it was used after being liquefied in deionized water to a Brix concentration of 11-12%. In preliminary tests, stagnation-reducing agent 1 was found to be more effective when liquefied than when used in powder form, so it was used in this embodiment. Brix was measured using a Brix meter (ATAGO Brix meter RX-5000α). Stagnation-reducing agent 4 was mixed with 5 times its weight of deionized water and allowed to stand for 1 hour. The weight-average molecular weight and number-average molecular weight of stagnation-reducing agents 1 and 5 were measured according to the Pagiy method (the method described in "20-1. Molecular Weight Distribution" and "20-2. Average Molecular Weight" of the Photographic Gelatin Test Method, 10th Edition (2006 Edition)). The weight-average molecular weight of stagnation-reducing agents 2, 3, and 4 was confirmed by methods for measuring the molecular weight distribution of proteins, such as polyacrylamide electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).

[0080] The proline ratio of each granulation-reducing agent was analyzed by an automated amino acid analysis method. First, 20% hydrochloric acid containing 0.04% 2-mercaptoethanol was added to the sample, followed by degassing and sealing, and then hydrolysis at 110°C for 24 hours. Next, the solution was divided into volumes, 3 mol / l sodium hydroxide solution was added to adjust the pH to 2.2, and then sodium citrate buffer (pH 2.2) was added to adjust the volume to prepare the test solution. The test solution was measured using a JLC-500 / V2 high-speed amino acid analyzer (manufactured by JEOL Ltd.). The measurement conditions are as follows. Column: LCR-6, Φ4mm x 120mm (manufactured by JEOL Ltd.) Mobile phase: Sodium citrate buffer (H-01~H-04) (manufactured by JEOL Ltd.) Reaction solution: Ninhydrin color development solution kit-II for JEOL (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) Flow rate: Mobile phase 0.42 ml / min, reaction solution 0.22 ml / min Measurement wavelength: 570nm

[0081] (1) Sampling of Ilex crenata leaves and preparation of Ilex crenata leaf powder Leaves were collected from Itea virginica plants (2-3 year old) cultivated in the field at Kagawa University. The leaves were frozen with liquid nitrogen and stored at -80°C. The stored Itea virginica leaves were placed in a vacuum freeze-dryer (FREEZONE 12Plus, LABCONCO) or a vacuum freeze-dryer (FREEZE DRY SYSTEM / FREEZONE 2.5, LABCONCO) and freeze-dried for about a week with appropriate stirring. These freeze-dryers were used appropriately depending on the scale of the sample being processed. The freeze-dried Itea virginica leaves were crushed and cooled repeatedly for 10-20 seconds using a mini speed mill (LABONEXT, Inc.) until they became a powder with a width of 50 μm to several mm, but generally less than 1 mm in size. The powdered Itea virginica leaf powder was mixed with all samples to ensure uniformity, dispensed into containers, and stored in a desiccator at room temperature in the dark.

[0082] (2) Extraction of Ipheion leaf powder The amount of deionized water equal to 15 times the weight of the Ilex crenata leaf powder prepared according to the above procedure was placed in a container and heated to 60°C ± 5°C. The Ilex crenata leaf powder was added to the heated deionized water, and extraction was carried out for 30 minutes while stirring at 100 rpm using a magnetic stirrer. The resulting extract was cooled with cold water, and then solid-liquid separation was performed using a centrifuge (H-9R, manufactured by Kokusan Co., Ltd., rotation speed: 6,000 rpm, time: 5 minutes). The extract was then filtered through a 500-mesh mesh to obtain the final extract.

[0083] The raw materials used for extraction and the physical properties of the obtained extract are shown in Table 2. Brix was measured using a Brix meter (ATAGO RX-5000α), and the solid content was calculated from the Brix value. The extraction rate was calculated from the weight of the raw material, Ilex crenata leaf powder, and the solid content in the obtained extract. [Table 2]

[0084] (3) Addition and mixing of a stagnation-reducing agent The stagnation reducers were added to the extract under the conditions described in Table 3. For stagnation reducer 1, 2 g of the stagnation reducer was added to 20 g of deionized water, stirred and dissolved at 50°C, and then 2 g of the dissolved solution was added. For stagnation reducer 4, 6 g of the solution was added after mixing it with 5 times its weight of deionized water and letting it stand for 1 hour (total of 24 g prepared). Stagnation reducers 2, 3, and 5 were added as is, in the amounts described in Table 3. [Table 3]

[0085] After adding a slag-reducing agent to the extract according to the conditions in the table above, the extract and slag-reducing agent were thoroughly mixed by stirring with a stirrer (Tytec Co., Ltd., Rotator, RT-50, rotation speed: 120 rpm) at 5°C for 15 hours.

[0086] The extract, after treatment with the slag-reducing agent, was subjected to solid-liquid separation using a centrifuge (KUBOTA 8420, manufactured by Kubota Shoji Co., Ltd., rotation speed: 3300 rpm, time: 10 minutes), and the supernatant was collected to obtain the treated extract. The results are shown in Table 4. The solid content residue is the weight of the solids removed by centrifugation and was measured using a precision balance. The sedimentation removal rate was calculated from the solid content equivalent value of the slag-reducing agent and the solid content residue value. The sedimentation removal rate is calculated from the amount of solid content residue and the solid content equivalent value of the added slag-reducing agent, and indicates how much solid was separated per gram of slag-reducing agent. [Table 4]

[0087] (4) Sensory evaluation A sensory sample was prepared by adding 1 ml of supernatant liquid to 10 ml of deionized water, and a drinking evaluation was conducted. The sensory evaluation was conducted by two trained professional panelists. The "qualitative sensory evaluation" was performed blindly using three evaluation criteria: astringency, bitterness, and sweetness.

[0088] The results of the sensory evaluation are shown in Table 5. [Table 5]

[0089] Comparing the effects of each granule-reducing agent, the best taste quality was achieved with granule-reducing agent 1 (AP-100), and a similarly good taste quality was obtained with granule-reducing agent 2 (GEOCOLL® SUPRA). In contrast, the other three types of granule-reducing agents had a smaller effect on improving taste quality compared to granule-reducing agents 1 and 2 (i.e., gelatin-based granule-reducing agents), but they were able to remove astringency. The effects of the granule-reducing agents other than gelatin-based granule-reducing agents, when ranked in order of effectiveness, were granule-reducing agent 4 (POLYMUST V (PVPP + plant protein (derived from peas))), granule-reducing agent 3 (VEGECOL (plant protein (derived from potatoes))), and granule-reducing agent 5 (collagen tripeptide (tripeptide (derived from pigs))).

[0090] (5) Measurement of total polyphenol content For samples using a gelatin-based granulation reducer that showed good results in sensory evaluation, and for control samples (extracts prepared in the same way as the other samples, but without the granulation reducer), the total amount of polyphenols contained in the samples was analyzed according to the method using the Forin-thiocalto(phenol) reagent (ISO 14502-1:2005), which is adopted by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) as a method for quantifying total polyphenols in green tea and black tea, with gallic acid used as the standard substance for the calibration curve. The results are shown in Table 6. [Table 6]

[0091] From these results, it was found that using a gelatin-based saturation reducer can significantly reduce the amount of total polyphenols compared to the control sample.

[0092] (6) Confirmation that allitol and D-psicose are present. For the control and examples A2, A3, A5, and A6, the presence of allitol and D-psicose was confirmed using high-performance liquid chromatography (column: Hitachi Gelpack GL-C611 packed column, temperature: 60°C, eluent: 0.1 mM NaOH aqueous solution, flow rate: 1.0 ml / min, detector: RID-20A (Shimadzu Corporation)). In the control samples for examples A2 and A3, a peak corresponding to allitol was observed at a retention time of approximately 19.8 minutes, and a peak for D-allulose (D-psicose) was confirmed at approximately 31.0 minutes (Figure 1A). When examples A2 and A3 were measured under similar conditions, peaks were observed at approximately 19.8 minutes and 31.0 minutes in both cases (Figures 1B and C), indicating that allitol and D-psicose are also present in examples A2 and A3. Furthermore, in the control samples for examples A5 and A6, a peak corresponding to allitol was observed at a retention time of approximately 19.8 minutes, and a peak for D-allulose (D-psicose) was confirmed at approximately 31.0 minutes (Figure 1D). When examples A5 and A6 were measured under similar conditions, peaks were observed at approximately 19.8 minutes and 31.0 minutes in both cases (Figures 1E and F), indicating that examples A5 and A6 also contain allitol and D-psicose.

[0093] [Example 2] Effects of gelatin An extract was obtained from Itea virginica leaf powder using the same method as in steps (1) and (2) of Example 1. The extraction time was 30 minutes, and the extraction temperature was 60°C ± 5°C. The raw materials used for extraction and the physical properties of the obtained extract are shown in Table 7. Brix was measured using a Brix meter (ATAGO Brix meter RX-5000α), and the solid content was calculated from the Brix value. The extraction rate was calculated from the weight of the Itea virginica leaf powder used as the extraction raw material and the solid content in the obtained extract. [Table 7]

[0094] Similar to Example 1, the amount of stagnation reducer listed in Table 8 was added to the extract. For stagnation reducer 1 (AP-100), 2 g of stagnation reducer was added to 20 g of deionized water and dissolved by stirring at 50°C. Stagnation reducer 2 (GEOCOLL® SUPRA) was used as is. After adding the stagnation reducer, the extract and stagnation reducer were thoroughly mixed by stirring with a stirrer (Tytec Co., Ltd., Rotator, RT-50, rotation speed: 120 rpm) in a refrigerator at 5°C for 15 hours. The addition rate was calculated from the amount of extract and the amount added, and the solid content equivalent of the added amount was calculated from the Brix value. Brix was measured using a Brix meter (ATAGO Brix meter RX-5000α). [Table 8]

[0095] Similar to Example 1, the extract treated with the sedation-reducing agent was subjected to solid-liquid separation using a centrifuge (KUBOTA 8420, manufactured by Kubota Shoji Co., Ltd., rotation speed: 3300 rpm, time: 10 minutes), and the supernatant was collected to obtain the treated extract. The results are shown in Table 9. The solid content residue is the weight of the solids removed by centrifugation and was measured using a precision balance. The sedimentation efficiency was calculated from the solid content residue and the input solid content. pH was measured using a benchtop pH meter F-74 manufactured by Horiba, Ltd. [Table 9]

[0096] Next, the appearance of the obtained processed extracts was compared and evaluated. The control sample was brownish-red, while the sample from Example B1 was highly transparent and brown in color. A large amount of solid matter was removed, resulting in about 10% less liquid being recovered compared to Example B2. The sample from Example B2 was highly transparent and yellow in color.

[0097] [Sensory evaluation] Sensory evaluation was conducted in the same manner as in Example 1. A sensory sample was prepared by adding 1 ml of supernatant to 10 ml of deionized water, and a drinking evaluation was conducted. The sensory evaluation was performed by two trained professional panelists. A "qualitative sensory evaluation" was conducted blindly using three evaluation criteria: astringency, bitterness, and sweetness.

[0098] The results of the sensory evaluation are shown in Table 10. [Table 10]

[0099] [Measurement of total polyphenol content] Similar to Example 1, the total amount of polyphenols contained in samples prepared with a gelatin-based granulation reducer and control samples (extracts prepared in the same way as the other samples, but without the addition of a granulation reducer) was analyzed using the folin-thiocalto(phenol) reagent method (ISO 14502-1:2005), which is adopted by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) as a method for quantifying the total polyphenols of green tea and black tea, with gallic acid used as the standard substance for the calibration curve. The results are shown in Table 11. [Table 11]

[0100] [Measurement of monosaccharide content] The extract (rare sugar-containing solution, sample) was heat-treated at 90°C for 10 minutes to denature the contained proteins, etc., then cooled to room temperature, desalted with ion exchange resin (a mixture of 200CT and IRA67 resins, both manufactured by Organo Corporation), and further filtered to obtain the analytical sample. Analysis was performed by measuring the peak area of ​​each sugar using high-performance liquid chromatography (column: CARBOSep COREGEL-87C 7.8 x 300 mm column (manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), temperature: 85°C, eluent: ultrapure water, flow rate: 0.6 ml / min, detector: RID-10A (manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation)). The concentration of each sugar was calculated by comparing the peak area of ​​each sugar with the area value obtained when analyzing each sugar sample solution of known concentration as a standard. The results are shown in Tables 12 and 13. [Table 12] [Table 13]

[0101] [Example 3] Investigation of sedimentation conditions An extract was obtained from Itea virginica leaf powder using the same method as in steps (1) and (2) of Example 1. The extraction time was 30 minutes, and the extraction temperature was 60°C ± 5°C. The raw materials used for extraction and the physical properties of the obtained extract are shown in Table 14. Brix was measured using a Brix meter (ATAGO Brix meter RX-5000α), and the solid content was calculated from the Brix value. The extraction rate was calculated from the weight of the Itea virginica leaf powder used as the extraction raw material and the solid content in the obtained extract. [Table 14]

[0102] When treating the sieve extract with a sieve-reducing agent, samples (Examples C1-C18) were prepared and evaluated by changing the temperature, time, or the amount of sieve-reducing agent added at the levels shown in the table below. For Examples C1-C18, sieve-reducing agent 2 (GEOCOLL® SUPRA) (gelatin-based sieve-reducing agent, Brix: 11.88) was used as the sieve-reducing agent. [Table 15]

[0103] The implementation conditions for examples C1 to C18 are summarized in Table 16. [Table 16]

[0104] The experimental results are summarized in Table 17. The precipitate removal rate was calculated from the amount of solid residue and the amount of added precipitation reducer in terms of solid content, indicating how much solid content was separated per gram of precipitation reducer. Brix was measured using a Brix meter (ATAGO RX-5000α). [Table 17]

[0105] [Measurement of total polyphenols and monosaccharides] The total amount of polyphenols and monosaccharides in each sample was measured using the same method as in Example 2. The results are shown in Tables 18 and 19. [Table 18] [Table 19]

[0106] [Sensory evaluation] A sensory sample was prepared by adding 1 ml of supernatant liquid to 10 ml of deionized water, and a drinking evaluation was conducted. The sensory evaluation was performed by three trained professional panelists. The evaluation was conducted blind. The aroma and flavor perceived in the mouth were expressed using the following scores as a "quantitative sensory evaluation". Astringency: Quantified in increments of 0.5, with 5 being the control level. A score of 0 was used if no astringency was detected (disappeared). Bitterness: Quantified in increments of 0.5, with 5 being the control level. A score of 0 was given if no bitterness was detected (it disappeared). Sweetness: Quantified in increments of 0.5, with control set to 1. A score of 0 was given if no sweetness was detected (it disappeared).

[0107] The results of the sensory evaluation are shown in Table 20. [Table 20]

[0108] When the amount of stagnation-reducing agent added exceeded 20% (2.38% in terms of solid content), no significant difference in the removal of astringency and bitterness was perceived. Therefore, from a taste quality perspective, an amount of 20% (2.38% in terms of solid content) of stagnation-reducing agent was sufficient. A longer processing time did not necessarily result in a greater reduction in bitterness. Among the samples tested, those processed at low temperatures and for short periods showed particularly significant reductions in astringency and bitterness.

[0109] [Example 4] Evaluation of treatment with porous adsorbent (1) Preparation of extract treated with a stagnation reducer Ion-exchanged water, 15 times the weight of the Ilex crenata leaf powder prepared under the same conditions as in Example 1, was placed in a container and heated to 60°C ± 5°C. The Ilex crenata leaf powder was added to the heated ion-exchanged water, and extraction was carried out for 30 minutes while stirring at 100 rpm using a magnetic stirrer. The resulting extract was cooled with cold water, and then solid-liquid separation was performed using a centrifuge (H-9R, manufactured by Kokusan Co., Ltd., rotation speed: 6,000 rpm, time: 5 minutes). The extract was then filtered through a 500-mesh mesh to obtain the final extract.

[0110] The raw materials used for extraction and the physical properties of the obtained extract are shown in Table 21. Brix was measured using a Brix meter (ATAGO RX-5000α), and the solid content was calculated from the Brix value. The extraction rate was calculated from the weight of the raw material, Ilex crenata leaf powder, and the solid content in the obtained extract. [Table 21]

[0111] To the obtained 1 L of extract, a slag reducer 1 was added. For the slag reducer 1, 20 g of the slag reducer was added to 200 g of deionized water, stirred and dissolved at 50°C, and 204 g of this dissolved solution was added. After adding the slag reducer, the extract and slag reducer were thoroughly mixed by stirring with a stirrer (Tytec Co., Ltd., Rotator, RT-50, rotation speed: 120 rpm) at 5°C for 15 hours.

[0112] The extract, after treatment with a sedation-reducing agent, was subjected to solid-liquid separation using a centrifuge (KUBOTA 8420, manufactured by Kubota Shoji Co., Ltd., rotation speed: 6000 rpm, time: 5 minutes). The supernatant was collected to obtain the treated extract. The results are shown in Table 22. The solid residue is the weight of the solids removed by centrifugation and was measured using a precision balance. The sedimentation efficiency was calculated from the solid residue and the input solids. pH was measured using a benchtop pH meter F-74 manufactured by Horiba, Ltd. [Table 22]

[0113] (2) Treatment with porous adsorbent To compare the effects of various porous adsorbents on the stagnation-reducing extract obtained in (1) above, the following porous adsorbents were used for comparison: wood powder activated carbon (FP6 from Nippon Enviro-Chemicals Co., Ltd.), coconut shell activated carbon (GLC and GWH from Kuraray Chemical Co., Ltd.), and synthetic adsorbent (SP850 from Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, pore size: 45 Å, pore volume: 1.1 ml / g). All activated carbons were obtained by steam activation. Their respective characteristics are summarized in Table 23. SP850 was used as adsorbent 4. [Table 23]

[0114] The specific surface area, total pore volume, average pore diameter, and most frequent pore diameter of each activated carbon were measured using the following methods. Measurement device: Fully automatic gas adsorption amount measuring device AS-iQ (manufactured by Anton Paar) Sample preparation: The sample was placed in a measurement cell and degassed at 150°C (under vacuum) for 12 hours. Measurement principle: constant volume method Adsorbent gas: Argon gas Adsorption temperature: 87.4K (under liquefied argon) Cell size: Pellet cell (small) 1.5cm 3 (Stem outer diameter 6mmΦ) Measurement items: Adsorption / desorption isotherms at arbitrary measurement points Analysis items: Specific surface area, total pore volume, and average pore diameter calculated using the BET multipoint method. Pore ​​size distribution (mesopore region) by BJH method Pore ​​size distribution (micropore to mesopore region) obtained by DFT method Number of measurements: 1 measurement

[0115] To 50 g of the sedation-reducing extract obtained in (1) above, 5 g each of adsorbents 1 to 4 were added, and the mixture was stirred overnight at 120 rpm. The mixture was then filtered through a filter paper with a pore size of 5 μm to remove the adsorbents. The adsorption conditions and results are shown below. Brix was measured using a Brix meter (ATAGO RX-5000α). [Table 24]

[0116] [Measurement of total polyphenols and monosaccharides] The total amount of polyphenols and monosaccharides contained in each sample was measured using the same method as in Example 2. The results are shown in Tables 25 and 26 and Figures 2-4. [Table 25] [Table 26]

[0117] As can be seen from Table 25, in all cases where an adsorbent was used, more than 98% of the polyphenols contained in the extract were removed. Of the adsorbents used in this example, adsorbent 1 left a large amount of allitol and D-psicose, indicating that it selectively retains these sugars. Adsorbent 4, on the other hand, left a balanced amount of four types of sugars, including glucose and fructose.

[0118] (3) Treatment with various porous adsorbents The adsorption effect of the stagnation-reducing extract obtained by the same method as in (1) above was further evaluated using multiple porous adsorbents under the same conditions as in (2). Coconut shell activated carbon (FP3 and FP9 from Nippon Enviro-Chemicals Co., Ltd. and GW from Kuraray Chemical Co., Ltd.) was used as the porous material. All activated carbons were obtained by steam activation. Their respective characteristics are summarized in Table 27. The physical properties of each activated carbon were measured under the same conditions as in (2) above. [Table 27]

[0119] To 50 g of the stagnation-reducing extract obtained by the same method as in (1) above, 5 g each of adsorbents 1 to 7 were added, and the mixture was stirred overnight at 120 rpm. The mixture was then filtered through a filter paper with a pore size of 5 μm to remove the adsorbents. The adsorption conditions and results are shown below. Brix was measured using a Brix meter (ATAGO RX-5000α). [Table 28]

[0120] [Measurement of total polyphenols and monosaccharides] The total amount of polyphenols and monosaccharides in each sample was measured using the same method as in Example 2. The results are shown in Tables 29 and 30. [Table 29] [Table 30]

Claims

1. A method for producing a composition comprising at least one rare sugar selected from alitol and psicose, Prepare an extract from a plant of the genus Itea. Adding a protein-based saturation reducer to the extract to obtain a precipitate, and A method comprising removing the aforementioned precipitate.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the protein-based steat reducer comprises gelatin.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the weight-average molecular weight of the gelatin is 1,500 to 150,000.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the ratio of proline in the protein-based sagging agent is 0.5 to 50 g per 100 g of the protein-based sagging agent.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the amount of the protein-based stagnation reducer added is 1 to 10% by weight of the protein-based stagnation reducer in terms of solid content relative to the total amount of the extract.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising preparing the extract using freeze-dried and pulverized material of the Ipheion plant.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the freeze-dried pulverized material is extracted with water at 30°C to 80°C.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the extraction time of the extract is 1 minute to 24 hours.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plant of the genus Itea is one or more species selected from the group consisting of Itea chinensis, Itea ilicifolia Oliv., Itea japonica Oliv., Itea oldhamii, Itea parviflora, Itea oblonga Hand.-Mazz., Itea yunnanensis Franch., and Itea virginica.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising removing the solvent from the extract after removing the precipitate.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising treatment with a porous adsorbent.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the porous adsorbent is one or more porous adsorbents selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, zeolite, silica, and polymer adsorbents.

13. A composition derived from a plant of the genus Itea, comprising at least one rare sugar selected from allitol and psicose and one or more polyphenols, If allitol is included, the allitol content is 2.0 times or more by weight relative to the total amount of polyphenols in the composition. A composition in which, if psicose is included, the amount of psicose is 1.3 times or more by weight relative to the total amount of polyphenols in the composition.

14. The composition according to claim 13, comprising alitol and psicose.

15. The composition according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the amount of total polyphenols is 0.1 to 25% by weight relative to the solid content of the composition.

16. An extract composition of the genus Itea, wherein, based on the extract of the Itea plant used as the raw material, the reduction rate of the total polyphenol content is 60% to 95%, and the reduction rate of the content of at least one rare sugar selected from allitol and psicose is 5.0% to 40%.

17. If allitol is present, the allitol content is 2.0 times or more by weight relative to the total amount of polyphenols in the extracted composition. The extract composition according to claim 16, wherein, if psicose is included, the amount of psicose is 1.3 times or more by weight relative to the total amount of polyphenols in the extract composition.

18. A beverage comprising a composition derived from a plant of the genus Itea according to any one of claims 13 to 15 or an extract composition according to claim 16 or 17.

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