Functional foods for improving memory

Abstract

To provide a brain function-improving functional food capable of generating an improvement action or effect of a brain function derived from a plant extract containing triterpenoid, and furthermore constituted such that an improvement action or effect of the brain is more remarkably exhibited compared with the case where the same plant extract is used alone.SOLUTION: A brain function improving functional food is formed by comprising three plant extracts derived from different plants, a first plant extract containing alkaloids and flavonoids, a second plant extract containing triterpenoids, and a third plant extract containing polyphenols. In addition, the first plant extract is an extract derived from a plant belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family of the Labiatae, and the second plant extract is an extract derived from a plant belonging to the genus Lagerstroemia of the family Lythraceae or the Lagerstroemia genus Lagerstroemia of the family Lythraceae.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a functional food for improving brain function.

Background Art

[0002] With the advent of an aging society in recent years, the decline in brain function due to degenerative diseases of the brains of the elderly, particularly Alzheimer's type, Lewy body dementia, Parkinson's disease, etc., has been widely regarded as a problem.

[0003] When suffering from such degenerative brain diseases and developing dementia, it may lead to a serious situation that threatens human dignity. Therefore, research on the prevention and treatment of dementia has been vigorously promoted in recent years.

[0004] However, there are still many unclear parts regarding the causes of the onset of dementia, and neither the development of pharmaceuticals nor the development of treatment methods and preventive methods has been established yet.

[0005] Under such circumstances, compositions for improving brain function that can prevent or improve these diseases by being ingested in daily diet have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0006] According to pharmaceuticals and food and drink products containing such compositions for improving brain function, it is said that humans can safely and easily ingest them daily, and can effectively improve neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia represented by Alzheimer's disease.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] However, a decline in brain function does not result from a single cause, but rather from a more complex mechanism, and it is desirable to offer a wider range of improvement methods through different approaches.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a functional food for improving brain function that can produce brain function-improving effects and benefits derived from plant extracts containing triterpenoids, and moreover, is configured to exhibit more pronounced brain function-improving effects and benefits compared to when the plant extract is used alone. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the above conventional problems, the present invention memory The functional food for improvement contains (1) three different plant-derived plant extracts: a first plant extract containing alkaloids and flavonoids, a second plant extract containing triterpenoids, and a third plant extract containing polyphenols. A functional food for improving memory, wherein the first plant extract is derived from Bacopa monnieri, and the functional food for improving memory contains 60 to 400 mg of the first plant extract, which corresponds to a daily intake of 5 to 33 w / w% in powder form; the second plant extract is derived from Banaba, and the functional food for improving memory contains 0.2 to 400 mg of the second plant extract, which corresponds to a daily intake of 0.0157 to 33 w / w% in powder form; and the third plant extract is derived from Morus alba, and the functional food for improving memory contains 0.2 to 400 mg of the third plant extract, which corresponds to a daily intake of 0.0157 to 33 w / w% in powder form. That was the decision.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention provides a functional food for purposes that includes, as an action or effect, (2) improvement of memory derived from a banaba extract containing triterpenoids, and the banaba extract or the memory In the production of a functional food for improving memory in which the components of the banaba extract corresponding to the manifestation of improvement are used as health functional ingredients (active ingredients), the functional food for improving memory contains 0.2 to 400 mg of the banaba extract, which is a daily intake equivalent to 0.0157 to 33 w / w% in powder form, and 60 to 400 mg of Bacopa monieri extract, which contains alkaloids and flavonoids, which is a daily intake equivalent to 5 to 33 w / w% in powder form, and 0.2 to 400 mg of mulberry extract, which contains polyphenols, which is a daily intake equivalent to 0.0157 to 33 w / w% in powder form, as auxiliary ingredient raw materials that promote the improvement of memory. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention memory According to the functional food for improvement, it contains three different plant-derived plant extracts: a first plant extract containing alkaloids and flavonoids, a second plant extract containing triterpenoids, and a third plant extract containing polyphenols. A functional food for improving memory, wherein the first plant extract is derived from Bacopa monnieri, and the functional food for improving memory contains 60 to 400 mg of the first plant extract, which corresponds to a daily intake of 5 to 33 w / w% in powder form; the second plant extract is derived from Banaba, and the functional food for improving memory contains 0.2 to 400 mg of the second plant extract, which corresponds to a daily intake of 0.0157 to 33 w / w% in powder form; and the third plant extract is derived from Morus alba, and the functional food for improving memory contains 0.2 to 400 mg of the third plant extract, which corresponds to a daily intake of 0.0157 to 33 w / w% in powder form. Therefore, a second plant extract containing triterpenoids was used. memory It can produce improvement effects and benefits, and moreover, compared to using the plant extract alone, memory It is designed to allow the improvement effects and benefits to be more pronounced. memory We can provide functional foods for improvement.

[0014] Furthermore, if the first plant extract is derived from a plant belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family of the Lamiales order, then the brain function-improving effects and benefits derived from the second plant extract can be more reliably expressed compared to when used alone.

[0015] Furthermore, if the first plant extract is derived from at least one plant selected from *Sakurakarakusa*, *Kitamisou*, *Bacopa monieri*, *Nemesia*, and *Gomanohagusa*, and contains an amount of the first plant extract equivalent to 5-33 w / w% in powder form, then the brain function improving effect and other benefits derived from the second plant extract can be expressed more reliably and significantly.

[0016] Furthermore, if the second plant extract is derived from a plant belonging to the genus *Lythraceae* or the genus *Lagerstroemia* in the family Lythraceae, then the brain function-improving effects and benefits can be more reliably demonstrated.

[0017] Furthermore, if the second plant extract is derived from at least one plant selected from water hyacinth, Rotala green, variegated rhombea, Banaba, and crape myrtle, and contains an amount of the second plant extract equivalent to 0.0157 to 33 w / w% in powder form, the brain function improvement effect and other benefits can be expressed even more reliably.

[0018] Furthermore, if the third plant extract is derived from a plant belonging to the genus Scutellaria in the Lamiaceae family or the genus Morus in the Moraceae family, the brain function-improving effects and benefits derived from the second plant extract can be more reliably expressed compared to when used alone.

[0019] Furthermore, if the third plant extract is derived from at least one plant selected from *Hylocereus undatus*, *Hylocereus undatus*, *Scutellaria baicalensis*, *Malus sieboldiana*, and *Phragmites australis*, and contains an amount of the third plant extract equivalent to 0.0157 to 33 w / w% in powder form, then the brain function-improving effects and other benefits derived from the second plant extract can be expressed more reliably and significantly.

[0020] Furthermore, a functional food for the purpose of improving memory, derived from banaba extract containing triterpenoids, and the banaba extract or the memoryIn the production of a functional food for improving memory, which uses the components of the banaba extract corresponding to the manifestation of improvement and the corresponding health functional components (involved components), for the 0.2 to 400 mg of the banaba extract, which is the daily intake corresponding to 0.0157 to 33 w / w% in terms of powder in the functional food for improving memory, the bacopa monnieri extract of 60 to 400 mg, which is the daily intake corresponding to 5 to 33 w / w% in terms of powder containing alkaloids and flavonoids, and the yamabuki extract of 0.2 to 400 mg, which is the daily intake corresponding to 0.0157 to 33 w / w% in terms of powder containing polyphenols, are used as auxiliary component raw materials to promote the improvement of the memory. Therefore, the improvement effect and action of memory derived from the second plant extract containing triterpenoids can be generated, and moreover, a functional food for improving memory can be constituted so that the improvement effect and action of memory are more significantly exerted compared with the case of using the plant extract alone.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is an explanatory diagram showing the test results of the memory test. [Figure 2] It is an explanatory diagram showing the test results of the cerebral blood flow volume. [Figure 3] It is an explanatory diagram showing the test results of the cerebral oxygen saturation.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] The present invention relates to a functional food for improving brain function, and particularly to a functional food for improving brain function configured to be able to generate the improvement effect and action of brain function derived from a plant extract containing triterpenoids, and moreover, the improvement effect and action of brain function are more significantly exerted compared with the case of using the plant extract alone.

[0023] Conventionally, as preparations for enhancing brain nerve function, phospholipid tyrosine, ginkgo leaves, niacin, etc., which are called neurotransmitters, are known.

[0024] These known components are considered useful based on their effect of promoting cerebral blood flow. However, for these components to exert the desired effects in the body, it is essential to design formulations that take into account the digestive and absorption pathways of the body when taken orally, considering the structure of the components.

[0025] This is because the component in question develops isomerized structures through in vivo digestion and decomposition, and therefore does not necessarily exhibit the same effects as those observed in in vitro studies.

[0026] Furthermore, known components do not sufficiently demonstrate effects on nerve synapses other than promoting cerebral blood flow, and there is very little academic verification of brain nerve synapse repair and improvement based on oral intake of these components, nor is there any verification of their improvement effects in living organisms.

[0027] In this regard, the functional food for improving brain function according to this embodiment uses a plant extract containing triterpenoids as the main component ingredient for improving brain function, and therefore can exhibit excellent brain function improving effects.

[0028] In this specification, improvement in brain function includes the normalization of excited or calm states, as well as the normalization of concentration, but especially refers to improvements in memory. Specifically, improvement in brain function refers to a situation in which an improvement in memory can be confirmed by various methods used in memory tests at medical institutions, such as the Wechsler Memory Scale.

[0029] Furthermore, the term "functional foods" encompasses all foods that do not contain pharmaceutical ingredients and are considered to contribute to maintaining and improving health. This includes, for example, nutritional supplements, health supplements, and nutritional adjustment foods, as well as general foods such as so-called supplements, and health functional foods such as Foods for Specified Health Uses, Foods with Nutrient Function Claims, and Foods with Function Claims.

[0030] Furthermore, the functional food of this application is a functional food intended to improve brain function, derived from a second plant extract containing triterpenoids. The purpose of including the action or effect is not limited to cases where the functional food explicitly states that it is intended to improve brain function, such as when it is listed as an effect or efficacy, but even if it is not explicitly stated in this way, if it describes part of the process or result, such as "for those who want to maintain their memory" or "supports memory," then it falls under the category of a functional food for improving brain function of this application.

[0031] The above-mentioned description of functional foods is merely a list of examples of articles and other items that correspond to them, provided for the purpose of understanding the present invention, and the interpretation of each term is not limited to these listed articles and other items. However, this does not preclude the applicant from limiting the present invention to these articles and other items when seeking to obtain patent rights for this application.

[0032] Furthermore, the functional food for improving brain function according to this embodiment is characterized in that it contains three different plant-derived plant extracts: a first plant extract, a second plant extract, and a third plant extract.

[0033] The first plant extract is a plant extract containing alkaloids and flavonoids, and together with the third plant extract described later, it plays a supporting role in significantly enhancing the improving effects and benefits of the second plant extract, which functions as a major component for improving brain function.

[0034] This first plant extract is not particularly limited as long as it contains alkaloids and flavonoids, but if it is an extract derived from a plant belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family of the Lamiales order, for example, it can more reliably bring out the brain function-improving effects and benefits derived from the second plant extract compared to when used alone.

[0035] In this case, the first plant extract is not particularly limited as long as it is derived from a plant belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family of the Lamiales order. However, by using an extract derived from at least one plant selected from, for example, *Primula japonica*, *Epipogium aureum*, *Bacopa monnieri*, *Nemesia*, and *Scrophularia ficus-indica*, the brain function-improving effects and other benefits derived from the second plant extract can be expressed more reliably and significantly.

[0036] Furthermore, if the first plant extract is derived from these plants, the amount of the first plant extract contained in the functional food for improving brain function is not limited, but it is desirable that the formulation be such that the daily intake is approximately 60 to 400 mg in powder form. In this case, for dosage forms with low moisture content, such as tablets, granules, and powders (including cases where they are contained in an outer shell such as a capsule), it is desirable that the amount be equivalent to 5 to 33 w / w% in powder form.

[0037] If the intake of the first plant extract falls below 60 mg / day in powder form, it is undesirable because it will not adequately fulfill its supporting role in significantly exhibiting the beneficial effects and benefits of the second plant extract.

[0038] Furthermore, while an intake of the first plant extract exceeding 400 mg / day in powder form is not particularly problematic, adding any more does not result in any increase in the supplementary effects of the first plant extract.

[0039] Furthermore, when the functional food for improving brain function according to this embodiment is prepared in a low-moisture dosage form, if the content of the first plant extract falls below 5 w / w%, the total amount of functional food for improving brain function suitable for intake tends to increase. Conversely, if the content exceeds 33 w / w%, there is no room to include the necessary amounts of other components constituting the functional food for improving brain function, particularly the second and third plant extracts, which is undesirable.

[0040] By adjusting the intake of the first plant extract to 60-400 mg per day in powder form, and by adjusting the content of the first plant extract in a low-moisture dosage form to an amount equivalent to 5-33 w / w% in powder form, the supplementary effects of the first plant extract can be appropriately exerted. Note that "in powder form" means that if the plant extract is liquid, it should be considered in terms of weight after the water has evaporated, and does not limit the state of the first plant extract in functional foods for improving brain function to powder form. In other words, the first plant extract may, of course, be added as a liquid depending on the dosage form of the functional food for improving brain function. This also applies to the second and third plant extracts, as well as other raw materials, as described later. It should be noted that the essence of the present invention lies in the fact that, regardless of the dosage form, the functional food for improving brain function is constructed by containing three different plant-derived plant extracts: a first plant extract containing alkaloids and flavonoids, a second plant extract containing triterpenoids, and a third plant extract containing polyphenols.

[0041] The second plant extract is not particularly limited as long as it contains triterpenoids, but if it is an extract derived from a plant belonging to the genus *Lythraceae* or *Lagerstroemia* of the family Lythraceae, for example, the brain function-improving effects and benefits can be more reliably expressed.

[0042] In this case, the second plant extract is not particularly limited as long as it is derived from a plant belonging to the genus *Lythraceae* or the genus *Lagerstroemia* of the family Lythraceae. However, by using an extract derived from at least one plant selected from, for example, *Scutellaria baicalensis*, *Rotala leucocephala*, *Lythraceae*, *Banaba*, and *Lagerstroemia indica*, the brain function improvement effect and benefits can be expressed more reliably.

[0043] Furthermore, if the second plant extract is derived from these plants, the amount of the second plant extract included in the functional food for improving brain function is not limited, but it is desirable that the formulation be such that the daily intake is approximately 0.2 to 400 mg in powder equivalent. In the case of a low-moisture formulation, it is desirable that the amount be equivalent to 0.0157 to 33 w / w% in powder equivalent.

[0044] If the intake of the second plant extract falls below 0.2 mg / day in powder form, it is undesirable because the brain function-improving effects and benefits derived from the second plant extract will not be fully obtained.

[0045] Furthermore, while there is no particular problem with the intake of the second plant extract exceeding 400 mg / day in powder form, adding any more will not result in any further improvement in brain function or other effects of the second plant extract.

[0046] Furthermore, when a functional food for improving brain function is prepared in a low-moisture dosage form, if the content of the second plant extract falls below 0.0157 w / w%, the total amount of functional food suitable for intake tends to increase. Conversely, if the content exceeds 33 w / w%, there is no room to include the necessary amounts of other components constituting the functional food for improving brain function, particularly the first and third plant extracts, which is undesirable.

[0047] By adjusting the intake of the second plant extract to 0.2 to 400 mg per day in powder form, and by adjusting the content of the second plant extract in a low-moisture dosage form to an amount equivalent to 0.0157 to 33 w / w% in powder form, the brain function improvement effect and other benefits can be reliably achieved.

[0048] The third plant extract is not particularly limited as long as it contains polyphenols, but if it is an extract derived from a plant belonging to the genus Scutellaria in the Lamiaceae family or the genus Morus in the Moraceae family, for example, it can more reliably bring out the brain function-improving effects and benefits derived from the second plant extract compared to when used alone.

[0049] In this case, the third plant extract is not particularly limited as long as it is derived from a plant belonging to the genus Scutellaria in the Lamiaceae family or the genus Morus in the Moraceae family. For example, by using an extract derived from at least one plant selected from Scutellaria indica, Scutellaria baicalensis, Scutellaria baicalensis, Morus australis, and Black Mulberry, the brain function-improving effects and other benefits derived from the second plant extract can be expressed more reliably and significantly.

[0050] Furthermore, if the third plant extract is derived from these plants, the amount of the third plant extract contained in the functional food for improving brain function is not limited, but it is desirable that the formulation be such that the daily intake is approximately 0.2 to 400 mg in powder equivalent. In the case of a low-moisture dosage form, it is desirable that the amount be equivalent to 0.0157 to 33 w / w% in powder equivalent.

[0051] If the intake of the third plant extract falls below 0.2 mg / day in powder form, it is undesirable because it will not adequately fulfill its auxiliary role in significantly exhibiting the beneficial effects and benefits of the third plant extract.

[0052] Furthermore, while an intake of the third plant extract exceeding 400 mg / day in powder form is not particularly problematic, adding any more does not result in any increase in the supplementary effects of the third plant extract.

[0053] Furthermore, when functional foods for improving brain function are prepared in a low-moisture dosage form, if the content of the third plant extract falls below 0.0157 w / w%, the total amount of functional foods suitable for intake tends to increase. Conversely, if the content exceeds 33 w / w%, there is no room to include the necessary amounts of other components constituting the functional foods for improving brain function, particularly the first and second plant extracts, which is undesirable.

[0054] By adjusting the intake of the third plant extract to a daily intake of 0.2 to 400 mg in powder form, and by adjusting the content of the third plant extract in a low-moisture dosage form to an amount equivalent to 0.0157 to 33 w / w% in powder form, the supplementary effects of the third plant extract can be appropriately exerted.

[0055] The functional food for improving brain function according to this embodiment will be further described below, with reference to test results and other information.

[0056] [1. Memory Improvement Confirmation Test] In this study, we prepared several sample foods with different formulations and administered them to subjects to check whether their memory improved.

[0057] (1-1. Preparation of test samples) In conducting this study, 13 different test samples were prepared. The specific formulations are shown in Table 1. [Table 1]

[0058] The 12 test samples, labeled Test Samples 1-12, contain plant extracts. The test sample labeled "Cont." is a placebo sample that does not contain plant extracts.

[0059] Furthermore, as raw materials for preparing test samples 1 to 12, the first plant extract was bacopa extract powder, the second plant extract was banaba extract powder, and the third plant extract was mulberry extract powder.

[0060] Bacopa extract powder is obtained by extracting the leaves or whole plant of Bacopa monnieri with water or ethanol, then drying the resulting extract and grinding it into a powder.

[0061] Banaba extract powder is obtained by extracting the leaves or whole plant of the banaba plant with water or ethanol, then drying the resulting extract and grinding it into a powder.

[0062] Morus alba extract powder is obtained by extracting morus alba leaves with water or ethanol, then drying the resulting extract and grinding it into a powder.

[0063] Furthermore, dextrin was used as an excipient to ensure consistent total weight for each test sample.

[0064] The prepared test samples 1-12 and placebo sample were in powder form, packaged in 3.2g packets.

[0065] (1-2. Confirmation Test) Participants were defined as individuals aged 46 years or older with a Wechsler Memory Scale score of less than 6 and a Mini Mental Seat Examination score of 24 or less. 78 participants were randomly assigned to each study sample, with 6 participants per sample.

[0066] In this study, the improvement in memory was evaluated by administering the Wechsler Memory Scale. Each subject underwent the memory test before taking the test sample and again 8 weeks (2 months) after continuous intake. During the 8-week period of continuous intake, subjects took one packet (3.2g) of the test sample per day. The results are shown in Figure 1.

[0067] Figure 1(a) is a graph showing the overall memory scores of each test sample before and after ingestion, and Figure 1(b) is a table showing significant differences between several groups regarding overall memory scores after ingestion. As can be seen from these figures and tables in Figure 1, although no improvement in memory was observed in the placebo sample (Cont.), test samples 1, 2, 7, and 8 showed some improvement, test samples 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, and 11 showed improvement, and test samples 6 and 12 showed remarkable improvement.

[0068] Furthermore, significant differences (P<0.05) were observed within the group in test samples 3 and 9 regarding the effects before and after ingestion, indicating that the banaba extract powder, a second plant extract containing triterpenoids, can produce improvements and effects on brain function.

[0069] Although not shown in the diagram, regarding the overall memory score after ingestion, test samples 4-6 showed a significant difference (P<0.05) between them and test sample 3. This indicates that when either bacopa extract powder (the first plant extract) or mulberry extract powder (the third plant extract), or both, are used in combination with banaba extract powder (the second plant extract), the improvement in brain function and other effects are more pronounced compared to using banaba extract powder alone. In particular, when both bacopa extract powder (the first plant extract) and mulberry extract powder (the third plant extract) are used in combination with banaba extract powder (the second plant extract), the improvement in brain function and other effects are even more pronounced compared to using either the first or third plant extract alone.

[0070] Furthermore, even at even lower doses, a significant difference (P<0.05) was observed between test samples 10-12 and test sample 9 in overall memory scores after ingestion. This indicates that when either bacopa extract powder (the first plant extract) or mulberry extract powder (the third plant extract), or both, are used in combination with banaba extract powder (the second plant extract), the improvement in brain function and other effects are more pronounced compared to using banaba extract powder alone. In particular, when both bacopa extract powder (the first plant extract) and mulberry extract powder (the third plant extract) are used in combination with banaba extract powder (the second plant extract), the improvement in brain function and other effects are even more pronounced compared to using either the first or third plant extract alone.

[0071] [2. Test to confirm cerebral blood flow and cerebral oxygen saturation] In this study, the same sample food used in [1. Memory Improvement Confirmation Test] was used to examine cerebral blood flow and cerebral oxygen saturation when administered to subjects. Specifically, as mentioned above, memory tests were conducted before ingestion of the test sample and 8 weeks (2 months) after continuous ingestion in [1. Memory Improvement Confirmation Test]. Along with these memory tests, cerebral blood flow and cerebral oxygen saturation were also measured and data were collected. Measurements were performed using TOS-96 (manufactured by Tostec). The results are shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0072] Figure 2(a) is a graph showing the relative cerebral blood flow of each test sample (with pre-ingestion value set to 100%), and Figure 2(b) is a table showing significant differences between several groups regarding the relative cerebral blood flow after ingestion. Furthermore, Figure 3(a) is a graph showing the cerebral oxygen saturation of each test sample, and Figure 3(b) is a table showing significant differences between several groups regarding cerebral oxygen saturation after ingestion.

[0073] First, as can be seen from the charts shown in Figure 2, while no improvement in brain function due to improved cerebral blood flow was observed in the placebo sample (Cont.), improvement in cerebral blood flow (improvement in brain function) was observed in test samples 1-12, which contained at least one of the first to third plant extracts.

[0074] Furthermore, regarding the improvement in cerebral blood flow, test sample 3 showed better results than test samples 1 or 2, test samples 4 and 5, which contained two types of plant extracts, showed better results than test samples 1-3, which contained only one type of plant extract, and test sample 6, which contained the first to third types of plant extracts, showed better results than test samples 1-5. This trend was also observed in low-dose test samples 7-12.

[0075] Next, referring to Figure 3 regarding cerebral oxygen saturation, while no improvement in brain function due to improved cerebral oxygen saturation was observed in the placebo sample (Cont.), improvements in cerebral oxygen saturation (improvement in brain function) were observed in test samples 1-12, which contained at least one of the first to third plant extracts.

[0076] Furthermore, regarding the improvement in cerebral oxygen saturation, test sample 3 showed better results than test samples 1 or 2, test samples 4 and 5, which contained two types of plant extracts, showed better results than test samples 1-3, which contained only one type of plant extract, and test sample 6, which contained the first to third types of plant extracts, showed better results than test samples 1-5. This trend was also observed in low-dose test samples 7-12.

[0077] Although not shown in the diagram, a significant difference (P<0.05) was observed between test samples 4-6 and test sample 3 regarding relative cerebral blood flow and cerebral oxygen saturation after ingestion. This indicates that when either bacopa extract powder (the first plant extract) or mulberry extract powder (the third plant extract), or both, are used in combination with banaba extract powder (the second plant extract), the improvement in brain function and other effects are more pronounced compared to when banaba extract powder is used alone. In particular, when both bacopa extract powder (the first plant extract) and mulberry extract powder (the third plant extract) are used in combination with banaba extract powder (the second plant extract), the improvement in brain function and other effects, associated with improvements in relative cerebral blood flow and cerebral oxygen saturation, are even more pronounced compared to when either the first or third plant extract is used in combination.

[0078] Furthermore, even at even lower doses, a significant difference (P<0.05) was observed between test samples 10-12 and test sample 9 regarding overall memory scores after ingestion. This indicated that using either or both of the first plant extract (bacopa extract powder) or the third plant extract (mulberry extract powder), or both, in combination with the second plant extract (banaba extract powder) resulted in a more pronounced improvement in brain function compared to using banaba extract powder alone. In particular, using both the first plant extract (bacopa extract powder) and the third plant extract (mulberry extract powder) in combination with the second plant extract (banaba extract powder) resulted in an even more pronounced improvement in brain function, associated with improvements in relative cerebral blood flow and cerebral oxygen saturation, compared to using either the first or third plant extract alone.

[0079] [3. Supplement Manufacturing Test] Next, in order to investigate whether brain function could be improved with formulations closer to those of the actual product, seven types of functional supplements, A1 to A7, were prepared. These formulations are shown in Table 2. [Table 2]

[0080] Functional foods A1-A7 vary in the amounts of bacopa extract powder (the first plant extract), banaba extract powder (the second plant extract), and mulberry extract powder (the third plant extract), as well as the amounts of oligosaccharides and sweeteners as needed. Note that changes in the amounts of oligosaccharides and sweeteners do not affect the improvement in brain function derived from the banaba extract powder (the second plant extract).

[0081] Then, these functional foods A1 to A7 were examined for improvement in brain function using the same method as described in [1. Memory Improvement Confirmation Test]. However, the intake of functional foods was set at 1200 mg per day. As a result, improvement in brain function was confirmed with all of the functional foods A1 to A7.

[0082] These findings demonstrate that by adding the first plant extract in an amount equivalent to 5-33 w / w% in powder form, the second plant extract in an amount equivalent to 0.0157-33 w / w% in powder form, and the third plant extract in an amount equivalent to 0.0157-33 w / w% in powder form, it is possible to produce a functional food for improving brain function that is composed to produce the brain function-improving effects and benefits derived from the second plant extract containing triterpenoids, and moreover, the brain function-improving effects and benefits are more pronounced compared to when the plant extract is used alone.

[0083] Furthermore, it was shown that by adjusting the proportions of each plant extract so that the daily intake of the first plant extract is within the range of approximately 60-400 mg in powder form, the daily intake of the second plant extract is within the range of approximately 0.2-400 mg in powder form, and the daily intake of the third plant extract is within the range of approximately 0.2-400 mg in powder form, it is possible to produce a functional food for improving brain function that is configured to produce the brain function-improving effects and benefits derived from the second plant extract containing triterpenoids, and moreover, the brain function-improving effects and benefits are more pronounced compared to when the plant extract is used alone.

[0084] Furthermore, it has been shown that in a functional food intended to include the improvement of brain function derived from a second plant extract containing triterpenoids as an action or effect, and in a functional food in which the second plant extract or a component of the second plant extract corresponding to the expression of the improvement of brain function is used as a health functional ingredient (active ingredient), for example, a functional food in which banaba extract or corosolic acid contained therein is used as a health functional ingredient and has a health promotion claim derived from the improvement of brain function, if a first plant extract containing alkaloids and flavonoids and a third plant extract containing polyphenols are used as auxiliary ingredient raw materials that promote the improvement of brain function, the brain function improvement action and effect derived from the second plant extract containing triterpenoids can be produced, and moreover, it has been shown that a functional food for improving brain function can be constructed in which the brain function improvement action and effect is exhibited more significantly than when the second plant extract is used alone.

[0085] As described above, the functional food for improving brain function according to the present invention contains three different plant extracts: a first plant extract containing alkaloids and flavonoids, a second plant extract containing triterpenoids, and a third plant extract containing polyphenols. Therefore, it is possible to produce brain function improving effects and benefits derived from the second plant extract containing triterpenoids, and moreover, it is possible to provide a functional food for improving brain function that exhibits brain function improving effects and benefits more significantly than when the plant extract is used alone.

[0086] Finally, the above-described embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Therefore, it goes without saying that various modifications can be made to embodiments other than those described above, as long as they do not depart from the technical spirit of the present invention, depending on the design and other factors.

Claims

1. A functional food for improving memory, comprising three plant extracts derived from different plants: a first plant extract containing alkaloids and flavonoids, a second plant extract containing triterpenoids, and a third plant extract containing polyphenols. The first plant extract is an extract derived from Bacopa monnieri, and the functional food for improving memory contains 60 to 400 mg of the first plant extract, which corresponds to a daily intake amount of 5 to 33 w / w% in powder form. The second plant extract is an extract derived from banaba, and the functional food for improving memory contains 0.2 to 400 mg of the second plant extract, which corresponds to a daily intake amount equivalent to 0.0157 to 33 w / w% in powder form. The third plant extract is an extract derived from mulberry, and the functional food for improving memory is characterized in that it contains 0.2 to 400 mg of the third plant extract in a daily intake amount equivalent to 0.0157 to 33 w / w% in powder form in the functional food for improving memory.

2. In the manufacture of a functional food for memory improvement, which includes the improvement of memory derived from banaba extract containing triterpenoids as an action or effect, the banaba extract or the components of the banaba extract corresponding to the expression of the improvement of memory are used as health functional ingredients (active ingredients). In the functional food for improving memory, the daily intake amount of 0.2 to 400 mg of the aforementioned banaba extract, which corresponds to 0.0157 to 33 w / w% in powder form, Bacopa monieri extract, which contains alkaloids and flavonoids, is present in a daily intake of 60-400 mg, equivalent to 5-33 w / w% in powder form, and The daily intake of 0.2 to 400 mg of mulberry extract corresponds to a polyphenol content of 0.0157 to 33 w / w% in powder form. Use as an auxiliary ingredient to promote the improvement of memory.

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