Composition for maintaining or improving health of female reproductive organs comprising Lactobacillus intestinalis

Abstract

The present invention relates to a food composition, pharmaceutical composition, health functional food, quasi-drug composition, and feed composition for maintaining or improving female reproductive health, comprising a Lactobacillus intestinalis strain, a culture, concentrate, dried product, or crushed product thereof as an active ingredient. The Lactobacillus intestinalis strain according to the present invention has efficacy such as alleviating vaginal and uterine contractions and alleviating the reduction of vaginal keratinocytes, so it can be usefully used as a material for improving female reproductive health.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to Lactobacillus intestinalis ( Lactobacillus intestinalis The present invention relates to a food composition, pharmaceutical composition, health functional food, quasi-drug composition, and feed composition for maintaining or improving female reproductive health, comprising a strain, a culture, concentrate, dried product, or crushed product thereof as an active ingredient. Background Technology

[0003] The female genitalia are female reproductive organs, largely composed of the uterine and vaginal portions. The uterus consists of the myometrium and muscle layer located between the uterine peritoneum and the endometrium. The uterine cavity is formed by being enclosed within the uterine body, which is the muscle layer. Connected to this are the uterine horns, fallopian tubes, uterine fundus, ovaries and ligaments, ovarian cords, cervical canals, the cervix, and the vaginal fornix; the vaginal canal is connected to the vaginal fornix to communicate with the outside.

[0004] In addition, the area around the vaginal opening is a complex organ formed by the labia majora, labia minora, ureters, etc. Also, from an anatomical perspective, the organ communicating with the outside of the reproductive organs is the vaginal canal (vaginal cavity), and the ureters, rectum, etc. are adjacent, so lesions are mutually affected.

[0005] Major causes of the decline in female reproductive health include physical changes due to menopause, bacterial vaginosis, excessive menstrual pain during menstruation, psychological instability, and irregular menstruation. In menopausal women, the secretion of female hormones estrogen and progesterone decreases, leading to various symptoms, most notably the degeneration of the reproductive organs, osteoporosis, cognitive decline, and depression.

[0006] When the female reproductive organs degenerate, the uterus contracts, or the vaginal keratinocytes decrease or the thickness of the vaginal epithelium decreases, making the body vulnerable to contamination by various bacteria and making it difficult to maintain a normal vaginal environment, which significantly lowers women's health and quality of life.

[0007] Although various products have been released to improve the health of the female reproductive system or treat reproductive diseases, most contain toxic chemicals that often cause side effects, such as exfoliation and the dissolution of vaginal fat. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop products for improving female reproductive health made from natural materials that are free from side effects.

[0008] Against this backdrop, the inventors have made diligent research efforts to develop a natural material useful for improving female reproductive health. As a result, they confirmed that the Lactobacillus intestinalis YT2 strain has efficacy such as alleviating vaginal and uterine contractions and alleviating the reduction of vaginal keratinocytes, and thus can be applied as a material for improving female reproductive health, thereby completing the present invention. Prior art literature

[0010] Republic of Korea Published Patent No. 10-2019-0020631 The problem to be solved

[0011] The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned problem and other related problems.

[0012] One exemplary objective of the present invention is Lactobacillus intestinalis ( Lactobacillus intestinalis The present invention provides a food composition for maintaining or improving female reproductive health, comprising a strain, a culture, concentrate, dried product, or crushed product thereof as an active ingredient.

[0013] Another exemplary object of the present invention is Lactobacillus intestinalis ( Lactobacillus intestinalis The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of female reproductive diseases, comprising a strain, a culture, a concentrate, a dried product, or a crushed product thereof as an active ingredient.

[0014] Another exemplary object of the present invention is Lactobacillus intestinalis ( Lactobacillus intestinalisThe invention provides a health functional food for maintaining or improving female reproductive health, comprising a strain, its culture, concentrate, dried product, or crushed product as an active ingredient.

[0015] Another exemplary object of the present invention is Lactobacillus intestinalis ( Lactobacillus intestinalis The present invention provides a quasi-drug composition for maintaining or improving female reproductive health, comprising a strain, a culture, a concentrate, a dried product, or a crushed product thereof as an active ingredient.

[0016] Another exemplary object of the present invention is Lactobacillus intestinalis ( Lactobacillus intestinalis The present invention provides a feed composition for maintaining or improving female reproductive health, comprising a strain, a culture, concentrate, dried product, or crushed product thereof as an active ingredient.

[0018] The technical problems to be solved according to the technical concept of the invention disclosed in this specification are not limited to those for solving the problems mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0020] This is explained in detail as follows. Meanwhile, each description and embodiment disclosed in this application may be applied to each other description and embodiment. That is, all combinations of the various elements disclosed in this application fall within the scope of this application. Furthermore, the scope of this application should not be considered limited by the specific descriptions provided below.

[0021] As one embodiment for achieving the above objective, the present invention relates to Lactobacillus intestinalis ( Lactobacillus intestinalis The present invention provides a food composition for maintaining or improving female reproductive health, comprising a strain, a culture, concentrate, dried product, or crushed product thereof as an active ingredient.

[0022] In the present invention, the Lactobacillus intestinalis strain may be the Lactobacillus intestinalis YT2 strain of accession number KCCM11812P.

[0023] The above Lactobacillus intestinalis YT2 strain was identified and isolated from intestinal microorganisms and was deposited with the Korean Culture Collection of Microorganisms on February 3, 2016, under accession number KCCM11812P.

[0024] In the present invention, the Lactobacillus intestinalis strain may alleviate vaginal contraction, uterine contraction, reduction of vaginal keratinocytes, vaginal dryness, or reduction of vaginal epithelial thickness.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, the vaginal contraction, uterine contraction, decrease in vaginal keratinocytes, vaginal dryness, or decrease in vaginal epithelial thickness may be symptoms caused by aging or menopause.

[0026] Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, when the Lactobacillus intestinalis YT2 strain was orally administered to an ovariectomized mouse model, it was confirmed that vaginal contraction, uterine contraction, reduction of vaginal keratinocytes, and reduction of vaginal epithelial thickness were alleviated.

[0027] The food composition of the present invention can be manufactured in various forms of formulations, and unlike general pharmaceuticals, it has the advantage of not causing side effects that may occur during long-term use of pharmaceuticals by using food as a raw material. The food composition of the present invention can be manufactured in any form, and specifically, it may be one or more formulations selected from the group consisting of health functional food preparations such as tablets, capsules, pills, granules, liquids, powders, flakes, pastes, syrups, gels, jellies, and bars, as well as beverages, gums, and candies, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0028] In addition, the food composition of the present invention may include food additives in addition to its active ingredients. Food additives can generally be understood as substances added to, mixed with, or permeated into food during the manufacture, processing, or preservation of food; since they are consumed daily and over a long period along with food, their safety must be guaranteed. The food additives are classified in terms of function into sweeteners, flavoring agents, preservatives, emulsifiers, acidulants, thickeners, etc., and are not particularly limited as long as they meet the purpose to be achieved by the food composition of the present invention. Furthermore, in addition to the above food additives, the food composition of the present invention may include physiologically active substances or minerals known in the art for the purpose of functionality and nutritional supplementation, and whose safety as food additives is guaranteed. The physiologically active substances or minerals are not particularly limited as long as they meet the purpose to be achieved by the food composition of the present invention.

[0029] The food composition of the present invention may include the aforementioned food additives in an effective amount capable of achieving the purpose of their addition depending on the product type, and regarding other food additives that may be included in the food composition of the present invention, reference may be made to the food codes or food additive codes of each country.

[0030] Another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above objective is Lactobacillus intestinalis ( Lactobacillus intestinalis A pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of female reproductive diseases is provided, comprising a strain, a culture, a concentrate, a dried product, or a crushed product thereof as an active ingredient.

[0031] The term "Lactobacillus intestinalis strain" of the present invention is as described above.

[0032] In the present invention, the female reproductive organ disease may be, but is not limited to, genital atrophy, vaginitis, decreased elasticity of the genital organ, or vaginal dryness.

[0033] The term “prevention” of the present invention refers to any act of suppressing or delaying female reproductive system diseases through the administration of the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention, and the term “treatment” of the present invention refers to any act of improving, alleviating, or beneficially altering female reproductive system diseases that have developed by administering the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. The term “improvement” of the present invention refers to any act of improving female reproductive system diseases through the administration of the said composition.

[0034] The “pharmaceutical composition” according to the present invention comprises Lactobacillus intestinalis as an active ingredient and can be used by being formulated into various forms according to conventional methods. For example, depending on the route of administration, it can be formulated into oral formulations such as powders, granules, tablets, capsules, suspensions, emulsions, and syrups, and can be used by being formulated into external preparations and sterile injectable solutions. Specifically, the route of administration may be any suitable route including a local route, an oral route, an intravenous route, an intramuscular route, and direct absorption through mucosal tissues, and two or more routes may be used in combination. An example of a combination of two or more routes is a case where two or more drug formulations according to the route of administration are combined, for example, when one drug is administered intravenously as a first step and another drug is administered locally as a second step.

[0035] The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may further comprise pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients, or diluents according to conventional methods. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are known in the art according to the route of administration or formulation, and specifically, reference may be made to the pharmacopoeias of each country, including the Korean Pharmacopoeia. Carriers, excipients, and diluents that may be included in the composition of the present invention include, but are not limited to, lactose, dextrose, sucrose, sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, maltitol, starch, acacia gum, alginate, gelatin, calcium phosphate, calcium silicate, cellulose, methyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, water, methylhydroxybenzoate, propylhydroxybenzoate, talc, magnesium stearate, and mineral oil. In addition, carriers, excipients, and diluents that may be included in the composition of the present invention may be non-natural carriers, but are not limited thereto.

[0036] The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may be formulated and used in the form of oral formulations such as powders, granules, tablets, capsules, suspensions, emulsions, syrups, and aerosols, as well as external preparations, suppositories, or sterile injectable solutions, according to conventional methods. Specifically, when formulating, it may be prepared using diluents or excipients such as fillers, extenders, binders, humectants, disintegrants, and surfactants that are commonly used. Solid formulations for oral administration include tablets, pills, powders, granules, and capsules, and such solid formulations may be prepared by mixing at least one excipient, for example, starch, calcium carbonate, sucrose, lactose, gelatin, etc., with the above compounds. In addition, lubricants such as magnesium stearate and talc may also be used in addition to simple excipients. Liquid formulations for oral administration include suspensions, oral liquids, emulsions, syrups, etc. In addition to commonly used simple diluents such as water and liquid paraffin, various excipients, such as humectants, sweeteners, flavorings, and preservatives, may be included. Formulations for parenteral administration include sterile aqueous solutions, non-aqueous solvents, suspensions, emulsions, lyophilized formulations, and suppositories. As non-aqueous solvents and suspensions, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, vegetable oils such as olive oil, and injectable esters such as ethyl oleate may be used. As bases for suppositories, Witepsol, Macrogol, Tween 61, cacao gelatin, laurin gelatin, glycerogelatin, etc., may be used. Specific formulations of pharmaceutical compositions are known in the art, and reference may be made to literature such as [Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (19th ed. 1995)]. The said literature is considered to be part of this specification.

[0037] The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is administered in a pharmaceutically effective amount. The pharmaceutically effective amount refers to an amount sufficient to treat a disease with a reasonable benefit / risk ratio applicable to medical treatment and that does not cause adverse effects. The effective dose level may be determined based on factors including the patient's health status, type and severity of the disease, drug activity, sensitivity to the drug, method of administration, time of administration, route of administration and elimination rate, duration of treatment, drugs used in combination or concurrently, and other factors well known in the medical field. The dosage and frequency of administration do not limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0038] The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may be administered to mammals such as rats, dogs, cats, cattle, horses, pigs, and humans via various routes, and may be preferred in humans. Any mode of administration may be anticipated and may be administered, for example, orally, intravenously, intramuscularly, or by subcutaneous injection, but is not limited thereto.

[0039] In the present invention, the meaning of "containing as an active ingredient" refers to including an effective amount sufficient to exhibit a therapeutic effect on female reproductive system diseases as a pharmaceutical composition.

[0040] Another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above objective is Lactobacillus intestinalis ( Lactobacillus intestinalis Provides a health functional food for maintaining or improving female reproductive health, comprising a strain, a culture, concentrate, dried product, or crushed product thereof as an active ingredient.

[0041] The term "Lactobacillus intestinalis strain" of the present invention is as described above.

[0042] In the present invention, the term "health functional food" refers to a food manufactured and processed using raw materials or ingredients that have functional properties useful to the human body. The "functional properties" mean obtaining effects useful for health purposes, such as regulating nutrients or physiological actions regarding the structure and function of the human body. The health functional food of the present invention can be manufactured by methods commonly used in the industry, and can be manufactured by adding raw materials and ingredients commonly added in the industry during manufacturing.

[0043] In addition, the formulation of the above-mentioned health functional food may be manufactured without restriction as long as it is a formulation recognized as a health functional food, and non-limiting examples of the above-mentioned formulation may be one or more formulations selected from the group consisting of health functional food preparations such as tablets, capsules, pills, granules, liquids, powders, flakes, pastes, syrups, gels, jellies, and bars, as well as beverages, gums, and candies, but are not particularly limited thereto.

[0044] Another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above objective is Lactobacillus intestinalis ( Lactobacillus intestinalis Provides a quasi-drug composition for maintaining or improving female reproductive health, comprising a strain, a culture, a concentrate, a dried product, or a crushed product thereof as an active ingredient.

[0045] The quasi-drug composition of the present invention may include, in addition to the Lactobacillus intestinalis strain, ingredients commonly used in quasi-drug compositions, such as abrasives, wetting agents, binders, foaming agents, sweeteners, preservatives, active ingredients, flavoring agents, coloring agents, solvents, whitening agents, solubilizers, or pH adjusters, but is not limited thereto.

[0046] In the present invention, the type of the quasi-drug is not particularly limited and may be a quasi-drug commonly used in the relevant technical field. Non-limiting examples of the quasi-drug may be one or more formulations selected from the group consisting of toothpaste, mouthwash, chewing gum, candies, oral sprays, oral ointments, oral varnishes, oral films, and gum massage creams. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0047] Another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above objective is Lactobacillus intestinalis ( Lactobacillus intestinalis A feed composition for maintaining or improving female reproductive health is provided, comprising a strain, a culture, concentrate, dried product, or crushed product thereof as an active ingredient.

[0048] The term "Lactobacillus intestinalis strain" of the present invention is as described above.

[0049] The above feed composition may include a feed additive. The feed additive of the present invention corresponds to a supplementary feed under the Feed Management Act.

[0050] In the present invention, the term "feed" may specifically refer to any natural or artificial prescribed food, single meal, etc., or the components of said single meal, for or suitable for animals to eat, consume, and digest.

[0051] The types of the above feed are not particularly limited, and feeds commonly used in the relevant technical field may be used. Non-limiting examples of the above feed include plant-based feeds such as grains, root vegetables, food processing by-products, algae, fibers, pharmaceutical by-products, oils and fats, starches, meal or grain by-products; and animal-based feeds such as proteins, inorganic substances, oils and fats, minerals, oils and fats, single-cell proteins, zooplankton, or food waste. These may be used individually or in a mixture of two or more types.

[0052] Another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above objective is Lactobacillus intestinalis ( Lactobacillus intestinalis A method for maintaining or improving female reproductive health is provided by administering an effective amount of a strain, its culture, concentrate, dried product, or crushed product to a subject who requires it for maintaining or improving female reproductive health.

[0053] In the present invention, "effective amount" refers to an amount of the composition of the present invention described above sufficient to achieve efficacy in maintaining or improving female reproductive health.

[0054] In this specification, the term "subject" includes, but is not specifically limited to, humans, monkeys, cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, chickens, turkeys, quails, cats, dogs, mice, rats, rabbits, or guinea pigs, and preferably means mammals, more preferably humans.

[0055] In this specification, the term "administration" means providing a specific substance to a subject by any appropriate method.

[0056] The administration route of the composition of the present invention may be oral or parenteral, as long as it can reach the target tissue. Additionally, the composition of the present invention may be administered using any device capable of delivering the active ingredient to target cells, tissues, or organs.

[0057] Another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above objective provides a use of a Lactobacillus intestinalis strain, its culture, concentrate, dried product, or crushed product for use in maintaining or improving female reproductive health. Effects of the invention

[0059] The Lactobacillus intestinalis strain according to the present invention has efficacy such as alleviating vaginal and uterine contractions and alleviating the reduction of vaginal keratinocytes, so it can be usefully used as a material for improving female reproductive health. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0061] Figure 1 is the result of visually observing the vaginal contraction-relieving effect of the Lactobacillus intestinalis strain treatment group. Figure 2 shows the results of confirming the quality weight of the Lactobacillus intestinalis strain-treated group compared to the control group. Figure 3 is the result of visually observing the uterine contraction-relieving effect of the Lactobacillus intestinalis strain treatment group. Figure 4 shows the results of checking the uterine weight of the Lactobacillus intestinalis strain-treated group compared to the control group. Figure 5 shows the microscopic results of the reduction in vaginal keratinocytes in the Lactobacillus intestinalis strain-treated group compared to the control group. Figure 6 shows the distribution rate of vaginal keratinocytes in the Lactobacillus intestinalis strain-treated group compared to the control group. Figure 7 shows the microscopic results of the reduction in vaginal epithelial thickness in the Lactobacillus intestinalis strain-treated group compared to the control group. Figure 8 shows the thickness of the vaginal epithelium of the Lactobacillus intestinalis strain-treated group compared to the control group. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0062] The present invention will be explained in more detail below through the following examples. However, these examples are intended to illustrate the invention and the scope of the invention is not limited to these examples.

[0064] Example 1. Preparation of an animal model

[0065] To construct an ovariectomized animal model, C57 / BL6 mice (7-8 weeks old, female) were obtained from Orient Co., Ltd. and acclimatized in laboratory animal housing boxes for one week before being used in the experiment. Animal rearing was conducted under conditions of a temperature of 22 ± 1℃, humidity of 55 ± 5%, a light / dark cycle (12 hours day / 12 hours night), and an illuminance of 300 Lux; feed and water were provided free of charge. Furthermore, all animals were managed in accordance with the experimental animal use guidelines of the KFRI-IACUC (Korea Food Research Institute, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee). Since ovariectomized animal models exhibit menopausal symptoms, they are generally widely used as menopausal animal models and are therefore suitable as the animal model with degenerated reproductive organs in this invention.

[0066] After adapting the mice, animals deemed normal were weighed, and experimental groups were randomly separated. For long-term rearing, coat pigmentation and ear tags were used for individual identification. To remove the ovaries, an incision was made by shaving the fur at a location 1 cm away from the last rib on both the left and right sides. The adipose tissue surrounding the ovaries was grasped to expose the uterus, and after removing the ovarian portion, the uterus was repositioned. The surgical site was gently compressed to stop bleeding, and the skin was sutured with nylon 4-0 sutures and disinfected with 10% povidone solution. Antibiotic ointment was applied to prevent infection after surgery, and the animals were transferred to rearing cages for recovery. The condition of the experimental animals was observed for 72 hours after surgery to check for any abnormalities, and they were used in the experiment after undergoing a one-week recovery period.

[0068] Example 2. Analysis of the efficacy of Lactobacillus intestinalis strain in improving female reproductive health

[0069] 2-1. Preparation of Strains and Experimental Groups

[0070] To confirm the efficacy of the Lactobacillus intestinalis strain in improving female reproductive health, the Lactobacillus intestinalis YT2 strain, deposited at the Korean Culture Collection of Microorganisms (Accession No.: KCCM11812P), was obtained.

[0071] In Example 1 above, the Lactobacillus intestinalis YT2 strain was administered for 12 weeks, one week after ovariectomy of the mouse model. The experiment was conducted by dividing the subjects into a total of five experimental groups; specifically, a control group without ovariectomy (Sham), an ovariectomy group prepared in Example 1 (OVX + Veh, negative control), and the ovariectomy group at a low concentration (1 x 10⁻⁶) of the Lactobacillus intestinalis YT2 strain. 6 Experimental group 1 administered (CFU / ㎖ / head), and the above ovariectomy group administered a high concentration (1 x 10⁻⁶) of Lactobacillus intestinalis YT2 strain. 8 The experiment was conducted by dividing the experimental group into two groups administered CFU / ㎖ / head) and a positive control group administered 30 µg / kg of estradiol to the ovariectomy group.

[0073] 2-2. Analysis of Efficacy in Relieving Vaginal Tightness

[0074] The efficacy of alleviating vaginal contraction in the five experimental groups of Example 2-1 above was confirmed. Specifically, the vaginas of each experimental group were separated from the body and their length and weight were measured. As a result, it was confirmed that the vaginal volume was larger (Fig. 1) and the vaginal weight was greater in experimental groups 1 and 2, which were administered low or high concentrations of the Lactobacillus intestinalis YT2 strain, compared to the ovariectomy group (Fig. 2). Through this, it was confirmed that the Lactobacillus intestinalis strain has the efficacy to alleviate vaginal contraction, which is a symptom of genital degeneration caused by ovariectomy.

[0076] 2-3. Analysis of Efficacy in Relieving Uterine Contractions

[0077] The efficacy of relieving uterine contractions in the five experimental groups of Example 2-1 above was confirmed. Specifically, the uteruses of each experimental group were isolated and their length and weight were measured. As a result, it was confirmed that the volume of the uterus (Fig. 3) and the weight of the uterus increased slightly in experimental groups 1 and 2, which were administered low or high concentrations of the Lactobacillus intestinalis YT2 strain, compared to the ovariectomy group (Fig. 4). Through this, it was confirmed that the Lactobacillus intestinalis strain has the efficacy to relieve uterine contractions, which are a symptom of genital degeneration caused by ovariectomy.

[0079] 2-4. Analysis of Efficacy in Alleviating Vaginal Keratinocyte Reduction

[0080] The efficacy of alleviating the reduction of vaginal keratinocytes in the five experimental groups of Example 2-1 above was confirmed. It is known that a decrease in vaginal keratinocytes not only makes it difficult to maintain a normal environment within the vagina but also causes vaginal dryness by reducing mucus secretion in the female reproductive system.

[0081] Specifically, epithelial cells stained with methylene blue were photographed at 20X magnification using an optical microscope (Olympus BX51). The degree of keratinization of epithelial cells was measured by counting the number of epithelial cells, nucleated cells, and leukocytes observed due to staining. The proportion of keratinized cells in each group was calculated as the average value of vaginal cytology results performed over two consecutive days.

[0082] Cornified cell ratio (%) = (Corneal epithelial cells / Epithelial cells + Nucleated cells + Leukocytes) * 100

[0083] As a result, it was confirmed that vaginal keratinocytes were more abundant in experimental groups 1 and 2, which were administered low or high concentrations of the Lactobacillus intestinalis YT2 strain compared to the ovariectomy group (Figs. 5 and 6). Through this, it was confirmed that the Lactobacillus intestinalis strain has the efficacy to alleviate the decrease in vaginal keratinocytes, which is a symptom of genital degeneration caused by ovariectomy.

[0085] 2-5. Analysis of Efficacy in Alleviating Reduction in Vaginal Epithelial Thickness

[0086] The efficacy of alleviating the reduction in vaginal epithelial thickness of the five experimental groups of Example 2-1 above was confirmed.

[0087] Specifically, the histological analysis of the vagina was performed using H&E staining and imaged using an optical microscope. The vaginal epithelial thickness was measured using CaseViewer (3DHistech, hungry), and the average value was calculated by measuring each sample (n=3, each group) 20 times.

[0088] As a result, it was confirmed that the vaginal epithelial thickness was thicker in experimental groups 1 and 2, which were administered low or high concentrations of the Lactobacillus intestinalis YT2 strain compared to the ovariectomy group (Figs. 7 and 8). Through this, it was confirmed that the Lactobacillus intestinalis strain has the effect of alleviating the decrease in vaginal epithelial thickness, which is a symptom of genital degeneration caused by ovariectomy.

[0089] From the foregoing description, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical concept or essential features. In this regard, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted as including all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims set forth below and their equivalents, rather than from the detailed description above.

Claims

Claim 1 Lactobacillus intestinalis ( Lactobacillus intestinalis A food composition for maintaining or improving vaginal health, comprising as an active ingredient the YT2 strain (accession number KCCM11812P), its culture, concentrate, dried product, or crushed product, wherein the maintenance or improvement of vaginal health is vaginal contraction, reduction of vaginal keratinocytes, alleviation of vaginal dryness, or reduction of vaginal epithelial thickness. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A food composition according to claim 1, wherein the vaginal contraction, decrease in vaginal keratinocytes, vaginal dryness, or decrease in vaginal epithelial thickness are symptoms caused by menopause. Claim 5 Lactobacillus intestinalis ( Lactobacillus intestinalis A pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of vaginal-related diseases comprising the YT2 strain (accession number KCCM11812P), its culture, concentrate, dried product, or crushed product as an active ingredient, wherein the vaginal-related disease is vaginal atrophy, vaginitis, decreased vaginal elasticity, or vaginal dryness. Claim 6 delete Claim 7 A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 5, wherein the strain alleviates vaginal contraction, reduction of vaginal keratinocytes, vaginal dryness, or reduction of vaginal epithelial thickness. Claim 8 delete Claim 9 Lactobacillus intestinalis ( Lactobacillus intestinalis A health functional food for maintaining or improving vaginal health, comprising as an active ingredient the YT2 strain (accession number KCCM11812P), its culture, concentrate, dried product, or crushed product, wherein the maintenance or improvement of vaginal health is vaginal contraction, reduction of vaginal keratinocytes, alleviation of vaginal dryness or reduction of vaginal epithelial thickness. Claim 10 delete Claim 11 In claim 9, the above health functional food is a health functional food in one or more formulations selected from the group consisting of health functional food preparations such as tablets, capsules, pills, granules, liquids, powders, flakes, pastes, syrups, gels, jellies, and bars, beverages, gums, and candies. Claim 12 Lactobacillus intestinalis ( Lactobacillus intestinalis A quasi-drug composition for maintaining or improving vaginal health, comprising as an active ingredient the YT2 strain (accession number KCCM11812P), its culture, concentrate, dried product, or crushed product, wherein the maintenance or improvement of vaginal health is vaginal contraction, reduction of vaginal keratinocytes, alleviation of vaginal dryness, or reduction of vaginal epithelial thickness. Claim 13 delete Claim 14 delete Claim 15 Lactobacillus intestinalis ( Lactobacillus intestinalis A feed composition for maintaining or improving vaginal health, comprising as an active ingredient the YT2 strain (accession number KCCM11812P), its culture, concentrate, dried product, or crushed product, wherein the maintenance or improvement of vaginal health is vaginal contraction, reduction of vaginal keratinocytes, alleviation of vaginal dryness or reduction of vaginal epithelial thickness. Claim 16 delete Claim 17 delete

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