Oral composition

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an oral composition which contains a mulberry leaf extract but yet which is easy to take because the unpleasant flavor derived from the mulberry leaf extract is suppressed. The present invention pertains to an oral composition containing a mulberry leaf extract and at least one non-polymer catechin, wherein the weight ratio of the content of the non-polymer catechin to the content of the mulberry leaf extract, in terms of solid matters, is from 0.04 to 0.5.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an oral composition.

Background Art

[0002] Mulberry has been conventionally used for sericulture. It has been reported that the components contained in mulberry leaves have an α-glucosidase inhibitory effect, and health foods using mulberry leaves or mulberry leaf extracts are also commercially available. For example, Patent Document 1 describes the use of mulberry leaf extract and dried and pulverized mulberry leaves as an α-glucosidase inhibitor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Inhibiting the activity of α-glucosidase in the digestive tract suppresses the decomposition of carbohydrates in food into glucose and can suppress the rise in blood glucose levels. Therefore, continuously ingesting mulberry leaf extract is effective, for example, in preventing diabetes or improving its symptoms. However, mulberry leaf extract has a green and unpleasant flavor, which may be an obstacle to continuous ingestion to obtain the efficacy of mulberry leaf extract.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an oral composition that suppresses the unpleasant flavor derived from mulberry leaf extract and is easy to ingest, although it contains mulberry leaf extract.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] As a result of diligent research to solve the above problems, the present inventors have found that by including non-polymerized catechins in a specific ratio with mulberry leaf extract, it is possible to suppress the unpleasant grassy flavor derived from mulberry leaf extract, and the bitterness is also reduced, resulting in an oral composition that is easy to take on a daily and continuous basis.

[0007] In other words, although not limited thereto, the present invention relates to the following oral compositions. [1] An oral composition containing mulberry leaf extract and at least one nonpolymer catechin, wherein the weight ratio of the nonpolymer catechin to the solid content of mulberry leaf extract is 0.04 to 0.5. [2] The oral composition according to [1] above, wherein the content of mulberry leaf extract in the solid content is 1 to 80% by weight. [3] The oral composition according to [1] or [2] above, wherein the content of nonpolymer catechins in the solid content is 0.1 to 20% by weight. [4] An oral composition according to any one of [1] to [3] above, wherein the nonpolymerized catechins are derived from tea leaves. [5] The oral composition according to any one of [1] to [4] above, wherein some or all of the nonpolymerized catechins are blended as tea leaves containing nonpolymerized catechins. [6] The oral composition according to any one of [1] to [5] above, further comprising fructooligosaccharides and / or dextrin. [7] An oral composition according to any of [1] to [6] above, which is a beverage. [8] An oral composition according to any of [1] to [7] above, which is a tea beverage. [9] An oral composition according to any of [1] to [8] above, which is in the form of granules or powder.

[10] An oral composition according to any of [1] to [9] above, which is a granular beverage.

[11] An oral composition according to any one of [1] to

[10] above, used to suppress an increase in blood glucose levels.

[12] An oral composition according to any one of [1] to

[11] above, used to suppress the absorption of sugar in the small intestine and thereby suppress the rise in blood glucose levels.

[13] An oral composition according to any one of [1] to

[12] above, bearing a label indicating at least one function selected from the group consisting of "suppresses the rise in blood glucose levels after meals," "moderates the rise in blood glucose levels after meals," "slows down the rise in blood glucose levels after meals," "suppresses the absorption of sugar contained in meals," "for those concerned about blood glucose levels," "for those concerned about blood glucose levels after meals," and "improves a constitution prone to high blood glucose levels." [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an oral composition that is easy to take, in which the unpleasant flavor derived from mulberry leaf extract is suppressed, even though it contains mulberry leaf extract. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The oral composition of the present invention contains mulberry leaf extract and at least one nonpolymeric catechin, wherein the weight ratio of the nonpolymeric catechin to the solid content of mulberry leaf extract is 0.04 to 0.5. An oral composition is a composition that is taken orally.

[0010] The oral composition of the present invention may be in solid or liquid form. For example, if the oral composition of the present invention is in solid form, it may be solid at room temperature (25°C). If the oral composition of the present invention is in solid form, its shape is not particularly limited and it can be in various forms such as powder, granules, capsules, tablets, pills, chewables, lozenges, etc. In one embodiment, the oral composition of the present invention is preferably in the form of granules, powder, or liquid, and more preferably in the form of granules or powder.

[0011] Mulberry leaf extract can be obtained by extracting mulberry leaves with a solvent. Mulberry leaves are the leaves of plants belonging to the genus Morus in the family Moraceae. Commonly known plants called mulberries include Morus bombycis, Morus alba, and Morus Lhou. In this invention, for example, extracts of mulberry leaves from Morus bombycis, Morus alba, and Morus Lhou can be used, but extracts of mulberry leaves from other varieties can also be used. In this invention, commercially available mulberry leaf extracts can be used. Mulberry leaf extracts are commercially available from companies such as Toyotama Health Foods Co., Ltd. and Nippon Powdered Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.

[0012] Examples of solvents used for extracting mulberry leaves (extraction solvents) include water and alcohols such as ethanol. One or more solvents can be used. Preferably, the extraction solvent is water, ethanol, or a mixture thereof. As the mulberry leaf extract, a hot water extract or an aqueous ethanol extract of mulberry leaves is preferred. Mulberry leaves may be used for extraction as they are, or they may be used for extraction after being shredded or dried. For example, fresh or dried mulberry leaves may be shredded, extracted with hot water or aqueous ethanol for 15 minutes to 10 hours, and then filtered to obtain a filtrate. During extraction, the mixture may be left to stand or stirred as appropriate. The obtained filtrate (mulberry leaf extract) may be used as is as mulberry leaf extract, or it may be concentrated or dried as needed. The mulberry leaf extract may be an extract obtained by extracting mulberry leaves with a solvent, a concentrate thereof, or a dried product such as a powder obtained by concentrating and drying the extract. When the oral composition of the present invention is in solid form, a dried product obtained by concentrating and drying an extract obtained by extracting mulberry leaves with a solvent is preferred as the mulberry leaf extract.

[0013] The amount of mulberry leaf extract in the oral composition of the present invention is preferably 1 to 80% by weight, more preferably 5 to 76% by weight, even more preferably 8 to 73% by weight, and particularly preferably 10 to 50% by weight, based on the solid content of the composition of the present invention. Note that the amount based on solid content refers to the amount converted to the amount excluding volatile substances such as water and solvents.

[0014] In the present invention, non-polymer catechins refer to the general term for catechin, gallocatechin, catechin gallate, gallocatechin gallate, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin gallate. The oral composition of the present invention may contain at least one of these eight non-polymer catechins. In the present invention, the content of non-polymer catechins is the total of the above eight types. The content of non-polymer catechins can be measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

[0015] The origin and production method of non-polymer catechins are not particularly limited, and those commonly used in food and drink can be used. The non-polymer catechins may be chemically synthesized or may be derived from plants such as tea leaves. In the present invention, tea leaves containing non-polymer catechins, tea extracts obtained by extracting them, purified products of tea extracts, etc. can be used to incorporate non-polymer catechins into the composition.

[0016] Tea leaves refer to tea leaves selected from the genus Camellia (for example, Camellia sinensis such as C. sinensis var. sinensis (including the Yabukita variety), C. sinensis var. assamica, etc.) and their hybrids. Tea leaves can be classified into unfermented tea leaves, semi-fermented tea leaves, and fermented tea leaves depending on the processing method. One or more types of tea leaves can be used. Examples of unfermented tea leaves include green tea leaves such as sencha, bancha, tencha, gyokuro, kabusecha, kamairicha, kukicha, bucha, and mecha. Examples of semi-fermented tea leaves include oolong tea leaves such as Tieguanyin. Examples of fermented tea leaves include black tea leaves such as Darjeeling and Assam. In particular, from the viewpoint of having a high content of non-polymerized catechins, it is preferable to use green tea leaves or green tea leaf extracts (green tea extracts). Examples of green tea extracts include green tea extract liquid and green tea concentrate, and it is possible to use one or two types in combination. The green tea extract can be any product manufactured by a conventional method and is not particularly limited. Here, green tea extract liquid refers to a product extracted from green tea leaves using an extraction solvent (preferably water), and has not undergone concentration or purification. Furthermore, green tea concentrate is obtained by increasing the concentration of non-polymerized catechins in green tea extract by removing some of the solvent, etc. The concentration method is not particularly limited. Commercially available green tea concentrate may also be used. One example of a purified tea extract is a purified green tea extract, which is a purified green tea extract. A purified green tea extract is obtained by purifying a green tea extract or green tea concentrate to increase the purity of non-polymerized catechins. Commercially available catechin preparations may be used as the purified green tea extract.

[0017] The non-polymeric catechins are preferably derived from tea leaves, more preferably from green tea leaves. The non-polymeric catechins derived from tea leaves may be formulated into the composition in the form of a plant extract containing non-polymeric catechins such as a tea extract, or may be formulated into the composition in the form of tea leaves (preferably green tea leaves) containing non-polymeric catechins. The tea leaves can be formulated in the form of a powder or the like. In one aspect, in the oral composition of the present invention, it is preferable that the non-polymeric catechins are formulated as tea leaves containing non-polymeric catechins. The non-polymeric catechins formulated as tea leaves may be a part or all of the non-polymeric catechins contained in the composition. In one aspect, the oral composition of the present invention preferably contains, as non-polymeric catechins, tea leaves (preferably tea leaf powder) containing non-polymeric catechins, and more preferably contains green tea leaves (preferably green tea leaf powder). When the oral composition contains tea leaves (preferably green tea leaf powder), the unpleasant flavor derived from mulberry leaf extract can be more effectively suppressed. Further, when tea leaves are included, an increase in bitterness derived from non-polymeric catechins can be suppressed. Therefore, the flavor of the oral composition becomes more palatable.

[0018] In the oral composition of the present invention, the weight ratio of nonpolymerized catechins to the solid content of mulberry leaf extract is 0.04 to 0.5. When the weight ratio of nonpolymerized catechins to the solid content of mulberry leaf extract (nonpolymerized catechins / mulberry leaf extract (solid content)) is 0.04 or higher, the unpleasant grassy flavor derived from mulberry leaf extract is suppressed. Furthermore, while nonpolymerized catechins are effective in suppressing the unpleasant flavor derived from mulberry leaf extract, the bitterness tends to increase as the amount of nonpolymerized catechins increases. When the above weight ratio is 0.5 or lower, the bitterness derived from nonpolymerized catechins is not too strong, making the oral composition easier to ingest. From the viewpoint of further suppressing the grassy flavor derived from mulberry leaf extract, the weight ratio of nonpolymerized catechins to the solid content of mulberry leaf extract is preferably 0.05 or higher, more preferably 0.07 or higher, preferably 0.4 or lower, and more preferably 0.3 or lower. In one embodiment, the weight ratio of the content of non-polymerized catechins to the content of mulberry leaf extract on a solid basis is preferably 0.05 to 0.4, more preferably 0.07 to 0.3.

[0019] The oral composition of the present invention preferably contains 0.1 to 20% by weight of nonpolymerized catechins in the solid content. This is because a beverage with a good flavor can be obtained when the content of nonpolymerized catechins is within the above range. The content of nonpolymerized catechins in the solid content is more preferably 1% by weight or more, more preferably 17% by weight or less, even more preferably 15% by weight or less, and particularly preferably 10% by weight or less. In one embodiment, it is preferable to include tea leaves containing nonpolymerized catechins in the oral composition so that the content of nonpolymerized catechins in the oral composition is within the above range. In one embodiment, the content of nonpolymerized catechins in the solid content is more preferably 0.1 to 17% by weight, even more preferably 1 to 15% by weight, and particularly preferably 1 to 10% by weight.

[0020] The oral composition of the present invention may optionally contain one or more additives such as acidulants, sweeteners, excipients (e.g., starch, starch hydrolysates such as dextrin, fructooligosaccharides, cellulose, silicon dioxide, etc.), and binders (e.g., hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, gelatin, pregelatinized starch, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, pullulan, methylcellulose, hydrogenated oil, etc.). The types and amounts of additives can be appropriately determined depending on the form of the composition. In one embodiment, the oral composition of the present invention preferably contains fructooligosaccharides and / or dextrin.

[0021] When the oral composition of the present invention is in solid form such as powder or granules, it is preferable that it contains an excipient. In one embodiment, the oral composition of the present invention can be used to suppress the absorption of sugar in the small intestine and thereby suppress the rise in blood glucose levels. For example, when the oral composition of the present invention is used to suppress the rise in blood glucose levels, it is preferable that the composition does not contain any components that lead to an increase in blood glucose levels. As an excipient that does not affect blood glucose levels, fructooligosaccharides and / or dextrin are preferred. Among these, fructooligosaccharides are more preferred because they can be expected to improve flavor. Furthermore, when the oral composition of the present invention is in granular dosage form, fructooligosaccharides and / or dextrin also contribute as binders and promote granule formation, so they can be suitably used from the viewpoint of ease of manufacture.

[0022] In one embodiment, from the viewpoint of imparting a flavor with body (richness), the oral composition of the present invention more preferably contains fructooligosaccharides.

[0023] If the oral composition of the present invention contains fructooligosaccharides and / or dextrin, the content thereof is not particularly limited as long as the product can be manufactured. For example, the total content of fructooligosaccharides and dextrin in the solid content of the oral composition is preferably 5 to 60% by weight, and more preferably 20 to 50% by weight. In one embodiment, if the oral composition is in the form of granules containing fructooligosaccharides, the content of fructooligosaccharides in the solid content of the oral composition is preferably 5 to 60% by weight, and more preferably 20 to 50% by weight.

[0024] Specific examples of the oral composition of the present invention include, for example, beverages (solid beverages, concentrated beverages, straight beverages, etc.), general foods (e.g., snacks, biscuits, rice crackers, etc.), health foods (nutritional functional foods, foods for specified health uses, nutritional supplements, health supplements, etc.), pharmaceuticals, and quasi-drugs. The oral composition is preferably a beverage because it is easier to enjoy the effects of the present invention. The beverage may be a liquid beverage, or a solid beverage (solid beverage) such as granules or powders. The beverage may also be used as a health food.

[0025] A solid beverage is a solid beverage that becomes a liquid beverage for drinking when diluted with a drinking solvent such as water, and can also be called an instant beverage. Solid beverages also include granules and powders that are dissolved or suspended at the time of use for drinking. Granular beverages are preferred as solid beverages. Beverages in granular form are preferred because they disperse easily in a drinking solvent. Furthermore, tea beverages are more preferred as beverages. Tea beverages are beverages that use tea leaves as a raw material, and for example, beverages that contain one or more of the following are preferred: tea extract, tea leaf powder (preferably green tea leaf powder), etc. Straight beverages are those that are consumed as is without dilution. Concentrated beverages are those that are consumed as beverages after being diluted with a drinking solvent. The drinking solvent used to dilute solid beverages or concentrated beverages can be any drinkable liquid and is not particularly limited. Examples of drinking solvents include water, carbonated water, milk, soy milk, etc., and the temperature of the liquid is not a factor.

[0026] When the oral composition of the present invention is a liquid beverage, from the viewpoint of suppressing the flavor derived from mulberry leaf extract, the concentration of mulberry leaf extract in the beverage on a solid content basis is preferably 0.04 to 1% by weight, and more preferably 0.1 to 0.5% by weight. When the oral composition of the present invention is a solid beverage or a concentrated beverage, it is preferable that the concentration of mulberry leaf extract on a solid content basis is within the above preferred range when diluted with a drinking solvent such as water to the concentration at the time of consumption.

[0027] When the oral composition of the present invention is a solid beverage, it is preferable that it be packaged in individual portions (for example, stick-type beverages). The content of the individual portions can be appropriately set, for example, 0.5 to 10 g. One to several of the individual portions can be dispersed or dissolved in an appropriate amount (for example, 50 ml to 500 ml) of drinking solvent for use. Known materials can be used for the packaging of the individual portions. For example, the oral composition of the present invention can be packaged using packaging materials made of aluminum vapor-deposited film or the like.

[0028] The method for producing the oral composition of the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, it can be produced by mixing mulberry leaf extract, one or more nonpolymerized catechins and / or tea leaf powder containing them, and other components as needed, and adjusting the weight ratio of the content of nonpolymerized catechins to the content of mulberry leaf extract on a solids basis (nonpolymerized catechins / mulberry leaf extract (on a solids basis)). The order in which the components are mixed is not particularly limited. The mixing method is also not particularly limited, and known mixing equipment can be used. Furthermore, the oral composition may be made into granules by known granulation methods. The granulation method is not particularly limited, and spray granulation, fluid bed granulation, compression granulation, rolling granulation, agitation granulation, extrusion granulation, powder coating granulation, etc., can be used. The granulation conditions can be appropriately selected depending on the granulation method.

[0029] Mulberry leaf extract has the effect of suppressing the rise in blood glucose levels and is useful, for example, for preventing or improving postprandial hyperglycemia. Since the oral composition of the present invention contains mulberry leaf extract, it can be used to suppress the rise in blood glucose levels. The oral composition of the present invention may be an oral composition for suppressing the rise in blood glucose levels, or an oral composition for suppressing the rise in postprandial blood glucose levels. The oral composition of the present invention may be a composition for suppressing the rise in blood glucose levels that contains mulberry leaf-derived iminosugar (at least one selected from the group consisting of 1-deoxynojirimycin, 2-O-α-D-galactopyranosyl-1-deoxynojirimycin, and fagomine, preferably these three) as an active ingredient. In one embodiment, the oral composition of the present invention is suitably used to suppress the rise in blood glucose levels by suppressing the absorption of sugar in the small intestine. It is considered that mulberry leaf-derived iminosugar correlates with the grassy smell of mulberry leaves.

[0030] When the oral composition of the present invention is used to suppress the absorption of sugar in the small intestine, it is preferable to use a dosage form such as granules, which disperse easily in liquid and thus reach the upper part of the small intestine quickly. Furthermore, when the oral composition of the present invention is used as a solid beverage, it is particularly preferable to use granules (granular beverage) that have excellent dispersibility in water.

[0031] The amount of oral composition of the present invention to be ingested is not particularly limited. For example, in humans (adults), if the objective is to obtain an effect of suppressing the rise in blood glucose levels, it is preferable to ingest an amount of mulberry leaf extract that is sufficient to achieve this effect (which can also be called an effective amount). It has been confirmed that ingesting 2.42 mg of mulberry leaf-derived iminosugar per day provides an effect of suppressing the rise in postprandial blood glucose levels (Pharmacology and Therapeutics; 48:859-865. (2020)). In one embodiment, it is preferable for adults to ingest an amount of oral composition such that the intake of mulberry leaf-derived iminosugar is 2.42 mg or more per day. In one embodiment, it is preferable that the oral composition of the present invention contains an amount of mulberry leaf extract such that the mulberry leaf-derived iminosugar content is 2.42 mg or more per day intake for humans (adults). The intake amount and content of mulberry leaf-derived iminosugar refer to the total amount of mulberry leaf-derived iminosugar. The timing of intake of the blood glucose elevation-suppressing composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but if the aim is to obtain a blood glucose elevation-suppressing effect, it is preferable to take the oral composition before or during a meal. In one embodiment, if the oral composition of the present invention is in granular form, it is preferable to take the oral composition at the above timing. When a granular oral composition is dissolved or dispersed in water, for example, the components of the composition reach the upper part of the small intestine quickly. Therefore, by taking the granular oral composition at the above timing, it is expected that a high blood glucose elevation-suppressing effect can be obtained. The subjects to whom the oral composition of the present invention is administered are not particularly limited, but are preferably humans, and more preferably humans who need or desire suppression of blood glucose elevation.

[0032] The oral composition of the present invention may be labeled with a function based on its effect of suppressing blood glucose level rise. The oral composition of the present invention may be labeled with at least one function selected from the group consisting of, for example, "suppresses the rise in blood glucose levels after meals," "moderates the rise in blood glucose levels after meals," "slows down the rise in blood glucose levels after meals," "suppresses the absorption of sugar contained in meals," "for those concerned about blood glucose levels," "for those concerned about blood glucose levels after meals," and "improves a constitution prone to high blood glucose levels." The above indication may also be an indication that it is used to obtain the above functions.

[0033] For clarification, the numerical range expressed by a lower limit and an upper limit in this specification, i.e., "lower limit to upper limit," includes those lower and upper limits. For example, the range expressed by "1 to 2" means 1 or more and 2 or less, including 1 and 2. In this specification, the upper and lower limits may be any combination of ranges. Furthermore, all academic and patent documents cited herein are incorporated herein by reference. [Examples]

[0034] The following are examples illustrating the present invention in more detail. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0035] The mulberry leaf extract powder used below is a granular product (Toyota Health Foods Co., Ltd.) with a mulberry leaf extract content (content in solids) of 80% by weight. For the catechin preparation, a preparation (Taiyo Chemical Co., Ltd.) with an epigallocatechin gallate content of 94.0% by weight or more was used.

[0036] <Example 1> A powdered composition was obtained by mixing mulberry leaf extract powder (300 mg) with a catechin preparation. The catechin preparation was used in amounts shown in Table 1, consisting of non-polymerized catechins (epigallocatechin gallate in Example 1). The obtained composition was mixed with 100 g of water to prepare samples 1 to 4. The numbers in parentheses next to the amounts of mulberry leaf extract powder in Table 1 represent the amount of mulberry leaf extract used as mulberry leaf extract powder, calculated on a solids basis. The weight ratio of non-polymerized catechins to the solids-based content of mulberry leaf extract in each sample (non-polymerized catechins / mulberry leaf extract (solids basis)) is also shown in Table 1. Control A was prepared by mixing the amounts of mulberry leaf extract powder and water shown in Table 1.

[0037] [Table 1]

[0038] Four panelists skilled in sensory evaluation conducted sensory assessments of the flavor (grassy taste) and bitterness derived from mulberry leaf extract in samples 1-4. In the sensory evaluation, each sample was placed in the mouth, swallowed, and the intensity of the grassy taste derived from the mulberry leaf extract was evaluated. Simultaneously, the intensity of the bitterness was also evaluated. When evaluating different samples, the mouth was rinsed with water until the taste was gone. For the samples shown in Table 1, the intensity of the grassy taste and bitterness derived from the mulberry leaf extract was evaluated on a four-point scale, and then the average of the panelists' scores was calculated.

[0039] Evaluation criteria for the grassy smell derived from mulberry leaves 1 point: I feel 2 points: I feel it somewhat. 3 points: Slightly noticeable 4 points: I don't feel it at all.

[0040] Bitterness evaluation criteria 1 point: I feel 2 points: I feel it somewhat. 3 points: Slightly noticeable 4 points: I don't feel it at all.

[0041] A catechin preparation was mixed with water to prepare a solution with an epigallocatechin gallate concentration of 150 mg / 100 mL, which was designated as Control B. As a baseline for evaluating the grassy odor, the intensity of the grassy odor of Control A was set to 1 point, and the intensity of the grassy odor of water (water without mulberry leaf extract and non-polymerized catechins) was set to 4 points. As a baseline for evaluating bitterness, the bitterness intensity of water (water without mulberry leaf extract and non-polymerized catechins) was set to 4 points, and the intensity of the bitterness of Control B (an aqueous solution of epigallocatechin gallate without mulberry leaf extract) was set to 1 point.

[0042] Table 2 shows the average scores for grassy taste and bitterness.

[0043] [Table 2]

[0044] In sample 4, no grassy odor derived from mulberry leaf extract was detected. However, a strong bitterness derived from non-polymerized catechins was detected in sample 4. In samples 1-3, the grassy odor derived from mulberry leaf extract was suppressed compared to control A, and the bitterness was not too strong, resulting in a flavor that was easy to consume. In sample 3, both the grassy odor and bitterness derived from mulberry leaf extract were suppressed, resulting in a particularly easy-to-consume flavor.

[0045] <Example 2> Mulberry leaf extract powder and tea leaf powder were mixed in the proportions shown in Table 3. The resulting powdered composition was mixed with 100 g of water to prepare samples 5 to 10. Commercially available matcha with a non-polymerized catechin content of 10% by weight was used as the tea leaf powder. The amount of non-polymerized catechins in each sample was determined from the amount of non-polymerized catechins in the tea leaf powder. Table 3 shows the amount of mulberry leaf extract on a solid basis (mg), the amount of non-polymerized catechins (mg), and the weight ratio of the amount of non-polymerized catechins to the amount of mulberry leaf extract on a solid basis (non-polymerized catechins / mulberry leaf extract (on a solid basis)) in each sample.

[0046] [Table 3]

[0047] The intensity of grassy odor and bitterness in samples 5-10 was evaluated using the same criteria as the sensory evaluation in Example 1. In samples 5-7, the grassy odor derived from mulberry leaf extract was suppressed compared to control A in Example 1. Furthermore, no bitterness was detected in samples 5-8. For samples 8-10, no grassy odor derived from mulberry leaf extract was detected at all. Regarding bitterness, a slight bitterness was detected in sample 9, and bitterness was detected in sample 10.

[0048] <Example 3> Granular tea beverages with different weight ratios of non-polymerized catechins to mulberry leaf extract in the solid content (non-polymerized catechins / mulberry leaf extract (on a solid content basis)) were prepared with the compositions shown in Table 4 (Production Examples 1-5). For the tea leaf powder (matcha), commercially available matcha with a non-polymerized catechin content of 9.6% by weight was used. Commercially available fructooligosaccharides, dextrin, and crystalline cellulose were also used.

[0049] [Table 4]

[0050] Approximately 300g of the mixed powder with the proportions shown in Table 4 was granulated using a fluidized bed granulator. After adding the mixed powder and mixing for 5 minutes, granulation was carried out for 10 to 30 minutes while spraying water at a rate of 1 to 2 g / min (product temperature: 24 to 30°C, intake air temperature: 30 to 40°C). The granules were dried in the same apparatus for 5 to 10 minutes to obtain granules. The obtained granules were divided into 2g portions in stick pouches to obtain individually packaged granulated tea beverages. All granulated tea beverages exhibited good manufacturing suitability, such as granulation and filling properties. Furthermore, a tea beverage was obtained by dispersing the granular tea beverage from one stick pouch in 150 mL of water. In all cases, the dispersibility in water was good. The obtained tea beverages were subjected to sensory evaluation using the same criteria as in Example 1. None of the tea beverages exhibited any unpleasant grassy odor derived from mulberry leaves, nor any bitterness caused by non-polymerized catechins. These tea beverages were confirmed to have good flavor and be suitable for daily, continuous consumption. The tea beverages obtained in Production Examples 2-4 exhibited a good body (richness) and particularly good flavor.

[0051] In the examples, the content of nonpolymeric catechins was measured by the following method. The solvent used was a solvent for LC-MS. (Method for measuring non-polymeric catechins) (Preparation of sample for measurement) 1 mL of 50% methanol aqueous solution was added to 1 mg of the test sample. Then, sonication was performed (20 minutes). During sonication, the sample was removed and stirred with a vortex mixer. Afterward, the supernatant and residue were separated by centrifugation (8500 rpm, 1 min). The supernatant was taken and diluted 10-fold with 50% methanol aqueous solution. The solution was filtered through a 0.45 μm filter, and the filtrate was used as the measurement sample. The samples for measurement were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass analysis (LC-MS) under the following conditions.

[0052] (LC-MS analysis conditions) LC-MS device: Device name LCMS-8050, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation (LC analysis conditions) Column: Capcell Pak C18 type AQ ​​4.6mm I.D. x 150mm (Osaka Soda Co., Ltd.) mobile phase Solution A: 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution Solution B: 0.1% acetonitrile formate solution Gradient conditions (concentration of solution B): 0 minutes: 5vol% 10 minutes: 5vol% 40 minutes: 70vol% 40.01 minutes: 100 vol% 50 minutes: 100 vol% 50.01 minutes: 5vol% 60 minutes: 5vol% pressure: Solution A: 5.6 MPa B liquid: 5.7MPa Column temperature: 40℃ Flow rate: 0.5mL / min Injection volume: 1μL

[0053] (MS analysis conditions) Ionization method: ESI Nebulizer gas flow rate: 3 L / min Heating gas flow rate: 10 L / min Interface temperature: 300℃ DL temperature: 250℃ Heat block temperature: 400℃ Drying gas flow rate: 10 L / min Quantitative ion: Catechin [MH] - (m / z 289.00 > 245.05), Epicatechin [MH] - (m / z 289.00 > 245.10), Gallocatechin [MH] - (m / z 305.00 > 125.05), Epigallocatechin [MH] - (m / z 305.00 > 125.00), Catechin gallate [MH] - (m / z441.00>169.10), epicatechin gallate [MH] - (m / z441.00>169.05), Gallocatechin gallate [MH] - (m / z 457.00 > 169.05), epigallocatechin gallate [MH] - (m / z457.00>169.10)

[0054] The total content of catechin, gallocatechin, catechin gallate, gallocatechin gallate, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin gallate was determined and used as the content of nonpolymerized catechins.

Claims

1. It contains mulberry leaf extract and at least one nonpolymerized catechin, The mulberry leaf extract content in the solids ranges from 20.00% to 53.33% by weight. The content of nonpolymeric catechins in the solids is 3.33 to 7.50% by weight. An oral composition in which the weight ratio of nonpolymer catechins to the solid content of mulberry leaf extract is 0.0625 to 0.

375.

2. The oral composition according to claim 1, wherein the nonpolymerized catechins are derived from tea leaves.

3. The oral composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein some or all of the nonpolymerized catechins are blended as tea leaves containing nonpolymerized catechins.

4. Furthermore, the oral composition according to claim 1 or 2 further contains fructooligosaccharides and / or dextrin.

5. An oral composition according to claim 1 or 2, which is a beverage.

6. An oral composition according to claim 1 or 2, which is a tea beverage.

7. The oral composition according to claim 1 or 2, which is in the form of granules or powder.

8. The oral composition according to claim 1 or 2, which is a granular beverage.

9. An oral composition according to claim 1 or 2, used for suppressing an increase in blood glucose levels.

10. An oral composition according to claim 1 or 2, used to suppress the absorption of sugar in the small intestine and thereby suppress the rise in blood glucose levels.

11. An oral composition according to claim 1 or 2, which is labeled with at least one function selected from the group consisting of "suppresses the rise in blood glucose levels after meals," "moderates the rise in blood glucose levels after meals," "slows down the rise in blood glucose levels after meals," "suppresses the absorption of sugar contained in meals," "for those concerned about blood glucose levels," "for those concerned about blood glucose levels after meals," and "improves a constitution prone to high blood glucose levels."

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