Composition for Anti-obesity, body fat reduction, or fat metabolism promotion

Abstract

The present invention provides a composition for anti-obesity, body fat reduction, or fat metabolism promotion, the composition comprising: (A) a butyric acid producing bacterium; (B) fucose; and (C) one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and ginger. The composition for anti-obesity, body fat reduction, or fat metabolism promotion preferably contains, as (C), the kudzu flower as an active ingredient, and contains at least one selected from lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and ginger. The composition preferably further contains (D) pepper. The composition preferably further contains (E) inulin.

Description

Composition for anti-obesity, reducing body fat or promoting fat metabolism

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition for anti-obesity, reducing body fat or promoting fat metabolism.

[0002] Obesity is closely related to the body's consumption of fat, and fat consumption specifically involves the following mechanism. When fat-mobilizing hormones such as norepinephrine are secreted, the lipolytic enzyme hormone-sensitive lipase is activated in white fat cells located subcutaneously and in the internal organs. Triglycerides (neutral fats) stored in the white fat cells are broken down into glycerol and free fatty acids, which are released into the bloodstream. The free fatty acids released into the bloodstream are taken up by the mitochondria of brown fat cells, located in the liver and muscles, as well as around the collarbone, chest, and shoulders, and consumed as heat. Thus, white fat cells store excess energy in the body as fat, while brown fat cells burn fat and generate heat.

[0003] Meanwhile, various anti-obesity agents have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a composition for improving and / or preventing obesity, which contains catechin as an active ingredient and exhibits the effects of promoting brown adipocyte differentiation and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes an anti-obesity agent containing an extract from the rhizomes of Alpinia speciosa as an active ingredient.

[0004] JP 2014-065672 A JP 2016-020341 A

[0005] However, conventional anti-obesity agents do not necessarily have a sufficient effect of promoting fat metabolism, and there is room for improvement in their functions when used for anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promotion.

[0006] The present invention provides the following: [1] A composition for anti-obesity, reducing body fat, or promoting fat metabolism, comprising (A) butyric acid bacteria, (B) fucose, and (C) one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and ginger.

[0007] [2] The composition for anti-obesity, body fat reduction or fat metabolism promotion according to [1], which contains kudzu flowers as an active ingredient among the above (C) and one or more selected from lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger.

[0008] [3] The composition for anti-obesity, body fat reduction, or fat metabolism promotion according to [1] or [2], further containing (D) pepper.

[0009] [4] The composition for anti-obesity, body fat reduction, or fat metabolism promotion according to any one of [1] to [3], further comprising (E) inulin.

[0010] [5] A composition for activating brown adipocytes, comprising kudzu flowers as an active ingredient, butyric acid bacteria, fucose, and one or more selected from lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and ginger.

[0011] [6] A composition for promoting UCP1 expression, comprising kudzu flowers as an active ingredient, butyric acid bacteria, fucose, and one or more selected from lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and ginger.

[0012] [7] An anti-obesity composition, a composition for reducing body fat, or a composition for promoting fat metabolism by activating thermogenesis from brown fat, comprising (A) butyric acid bacteria, (B) fucose, and (C) one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and ginger.

[0013] [8] A method for preventing obesity, reducing body fat, or promoting fat metabolism in an individual, comprising having the individual ingest a composition containing (A) butyric acid bacteria, (B) fucose, and (C) one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and ginger. The individual may be a mammal such as a human.

[0014] [9] The method according to [8], wherein the composition further contains kudzu flowers as an active ingredient among the above (C), and one or more selected from lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and ginger.

[0015]

[10] The method according to [8] or [9], wherein the composition further contains (D) pepper.

[0016]

[11] The method according to any one of [8] to

[10] , wherein the composition further contains (E) inulin.

[0017]

[12] A method for activating brown adipocytes in an individual's body, comprising having the individual ingest a composition containing (A) butyric acid bacteria, (B) fucose, and (C) one or more selected from kudzu flowers, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and ginger.

[0018]

[13] A method for reducing abdominal fat by having an individual ingest a food containing (A) butyric acid bacteria, (B) fucose, and (C) one or more selected from kudzu flowers, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and ginger, thereby making it easier for the individual to consume fat in energy metabolism during daily activities.

[0019]

[14] A method for promoting the expression of UCP1 in an individual's body, comprising having the individual ingest a composition containing (A) butyric acid bacteria, (B) fucose, and (C) one or more selected from kudzu flowers, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and ginger.

[0020]

[15] The method according to any one of [8] to

[14] , excluding a method for treating humans.

[0021]

[16] The method according to any one of [8] to

[14] , which is used for cosmetic purposes.

[0022]

[17] Use of (A) butyric acid bacteria, (B) fucose, and (C) one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and ginger for the production of an anti-obesity agent, a body fat reducing agent, or a fat metabolism promoter.

[0023]

[18] The use according to

[17] , wherein, among the above (C), kudzu flowers are used, and one or more selected from lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and ginger are further used.

[0024]

[19] The use according to

[17] or

[18] , further comprising (D) pepper.

[0025]

[20] The use according to any one of

[17] to

[19] , further comprising (E) inulin.

[0026]

[21] Use of (A) butyric acid bacteria, (B) fucose, and (C) one or more selected from kudzu flowers, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and ginger for producing an agent for activating brown adipocytes.

[22] Use of (A) butyric acid bacteria, (B) fucose, and (C) one or more selected from kudzu flowers, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and ginger for producing an agent for promoting UCP1 expression.

[0027]

[23] Use of (A) butyric acid bacteria, (B) fucose, and (C) one or more selected from kudzu flowers, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and ginger in the manufacture of an agent for anti-obesity, body fat reduction, or fat metabolism promotion by activating thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue.

[0028]

[24] A functional food containing (A) butyric acid bacteria, (B) fucose, and (C) one or more selected from kudzu flowers, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and ginger.

[25] A functional food according to

[24] that claims to have the function of reducing abdominal fat by facilitating fat consumption in energy metabolism during daily activities.

[0029] The composition of the present invention has an excellent effect of promoting fat metabolism and is useful as a composition for anti-obesity, reducing body fat, or promoting fat metabolism.

[0030] First, a preferred embodiment of the composition of the present invention will be described. In this specification, the terms "composition for use" and "agent" are synonymous. <A. Butyric Acid Bacteria> Butyric acid bacteria are known as beneficial bacteria that produce butyric acid. They produce butyric acid using dietary fiber as a feed, maintaining a slightly acidic intestinal environment, and are known to play an important role in providing butyric acid as an energy source to colonic mucosal epithelial cells. The present inventors have found that, although butyric acid bacteria and fucose themselves do not have the effect of promoting UCP1 gene expression, when combined with one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and ginger, an excellent effect of promoting UCP1 gene expression can be obtained.

[0031] Butyric acid bacteria is a general term for bacteria that produce butyric acid, and known bacteria include the genera Clostridium, Anaerostipes, Butyrivibrio, Butyricicoccus, Coprococcus, Eubacterium, Faecalibacterium, Fusobacterium, Roseburia, etc. In the present invention, the genus Clostridium is preferred because it is a gram-positive bacillus that has spore-forming ability and a high prebiotic effect. Examples of bacteria of the genus Clostridium include Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium acetobutylicum, Clostridium multifermentus, Clostridium bifermentans, Clostridium pasteurianum, Clostridium toanum, Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium tetanomorphum, Clostridium flavum, and Clostridium tertium. In the present invention, from the viewpoint of anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promoting effects, bacteria of the genus Clostridium are preferred, and Clostridium butyricum is particularly preferred.

[0032] The butyric acid bacteria used in the present invention may be, for example, a butyric acid bacteria processed product. The butyric acid bacteria processed product may be an extract obtained by extracting butyric acid bacteria, or a pulverized product obtained by pulverizing butyric acid bacteria. The butyric acid bacteria processed product may also be a butyric acid bacteria powder obtained by adding an excipient such as lactose to dried butyric acid bacteria. Such butyric acid bacteria powder is commercially available as a butyric acid bacteria preparation. The butyric acid bacteria may be live or killed, but live bacteria are particularly preferred in terms of enhancing the effects of anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promotion.

[0033] The content of butyric acid bacteria in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of enhancing the anti-obesity, body fat reducing, and fat metabolism promoting effects, the content of the butyric acid bacteria processed product in the composition is preferably 0.0001 to 50% by mass, more preferably 0.001 to 50% by mass, even more preferably 0.1 to 50% by mass, particularly preferably 0.5 to 40% by mass, and most preferably 1 to 35% by mass. Note that the content in this specification means the content converted into dry mass (the same applies to mass ratios and the like and to substances other than butyric acid bacteria).

[0034] In addition to butyric acid bacteria, the present invention contains fucose and one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and ginger. By incorporating fucose in a composition containing butyric acid bacteria in combination with one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and ginger, the anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promotion effects can be significantly enhanced. In the composition of the present invention, the proportion of butyric acid bacteria in the total amount of butyric acid bacteria, fucose, and one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and ginger is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of enhancing the anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promotion effects of the present invention, it is preferably 0.01% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less, more preferably 1% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less, even more preferably 3% by mass or more and 35% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 5% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less. Here, the amounts of butyric acid bacteria, kudzu flowers, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger can be the amounts of their processed products (hereinafter, the same applies to the ratio of the amount of butyric acid bacteria to the amount of fucose, the ratio of the amount of each component to the total amount of butyric acid bacteria and fucose, and the ratio of kudzu flowers to at least one selected from lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger).

[0035] In the present invention, by adding the following components B and C to a composition containing butyric acid bacteria, excellent anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promotion effects can be obtained. In particular, it is preferable to add component D in addition to the following components B and C, and it is particularly preferable to add component E in addition to the following components B, C, and D, in that it can achieve significant anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promotion effects. <B. Fucose> Fucose is a hexose also known as 6-deoxy-galactose, a type of deoxysugar, and is classified as a monosaccharide. Although D-fucose and L-fucose are known as fucose, it is preferable to use L-fucose in the present invention. In the present invention, by adding fucose in combination with components A and C, excellent anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promotion effects can be obtained.

[0036] The content of fucose in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of enhancing the anti-obesity, body fat reducing, and metabolism promoting effects, the content is preferably 0.05 to 30% by mass, more preferably 0.2 to 25% by mass, even more preferably 0.3 to 20% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.4 to 15% by mass in the composition of the present invention.

[0037] The mass ratio of fucose to butyric acid bacteria in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of enhancing the anti-obesity, body fat reducing, and fat metabolism promoting effects, the mass ratio of fucose to butyric acid bacteria is preferably butyric acid bacteria:fucose 1:0.0001-50, more preferably 1:0.002-10, even more preferably 1:0.01-3, and particularly preferably 1:0.05-0.8.

[0038] <C. Kudzu Flower, Lactic Acid Bacteria, Yeast, and Ginger> In order to more effectively promote the expression of UCP1 and enhance the anti-obesity, body fat reducing, and fat metabolism promoting effects, the composition of the present invention preferably contains one or more selected from (C1) kudzu flower, (C2) lactic acid bacteria, (C3) yeast, and (C4) ginger. In particular, among the above (C), it is preferable to use (C1) kudzu flower in combination with one or more selected from (C2) lactic acid bacteria, (C3) yeast, and (C4) ginger, since this can effectively enhance the expression of UCP1.

[0039] When (C1) kudzu flowers are used in combination with at least one selected from (C2) lactic acid bacteria, (C3) yeast, and (C4) ginger, the content ratio of the two is preferably 0.01 to 400 parts by mass, more preferably 0.01 to 100 parts by mass, even more preferably 2 to 80 parts by mass, and particularly preferably 5 to 70 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of (C1) kudzu flowers.

[0040] <C1. Kudzu flower> Kudzu is a creeping perennial plant belonging to the genus Pueraria in the family Fabaceae.As the kudzu flower in the composition of the present invention, it can be used to collect from any stage from bud to fully opened flower, and it can also be used by mixing the collected flowers from each stage.The type of kudzu is not particularly limited, but can be exemplified by Pueraria thomsonii, Pueraria lobata, Pueraria thumbergiana etc., and from the viewpoint of anti-obesity, body fat reduction and fat metabolism promotion effect, Pueraria thomsonii is preferred.

[0041] The kudzu flower in the composition of the present invention can be a processed kudzu flower product. The processed kudzu flower product can be an extract or a pulverized product. When using a kudzu flower extract, examples of the extraction solvent include ethanol (including aqueous ethanol), water, polar organic solvents other than ethanol (e.g., methanol, propanol, butanol, isopropanol, acetone, diethyl ether, etc.), and nonpolar solvents (hexane, cyclohexane, propane, etc.), with ethanol, water, and aqueous ethanol being particularly preferred. The extract can be powdered by spray drying or concentration to dryness, or can be a kudzu flower extract obtained by adding an excipient such as dextrin during spray drying or concentration to dryness and granulating. When using pulverized kudzu flower, examples include dried and pulverized powder obtained by drying and pulverizing kudzu flowers. From the viewpoints of anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promotion effects, a hot water extract is particularly preferred.

[0042] The content of kudzu flowers in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of enhancing the anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promoting effects, the content of the kudzu flower processed product in the composition of the present invention is preferably 0.1 to 80 mass%, more preferably 1 to 60 mass%, even more preferably 5 to 60 mass%, and particularly preferably 10 to 45 mass%.

[0043] Furthermore, the mass ratio of kudzu flowers to butyric acid bacteria and fucose in the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of enhancing the anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promoting effects, the mass ratio of kudzu flowers to the total amount of butyric acid bacteria and fucose is more preferably 1:0.1-20 (butyric acid bacteria + fucose): kudzu flowers, even more preferably 1:0.2-15, and particularly preferably 1:0.5-10.

[0044] <C2. Lactic Acid Bacteria> Lactic acid bacteria used in the present invention are those that produce lactic acid as a metabolic product and have traditionally been orally ingested by animals such as humans, and examples thereof include those belonging to the genera Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, Staphylococcus, Tetragenococcus, and Bacillus. Examples of the genus Bifidobacterium include Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, and Bifidobacterium mongoliense. As the Lactbacillus genus, Lactbacillus brevis, Lactbacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus delburvecki, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus curvatus, Lactobacillus halivaticus, Lactobacillus pentosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus sporogenes, Lactobacillus sakei, Lactobacillus fructivorans, Lactobacillus hilgardii, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus fermentum.Enterococcus includes Enterococcus faecalis (sometimes referred to as Streptococcus faecalis), Enterococcus faesium (sometimes referred to as Streptococcus faesium), Streptococcus thermophilus, and Lactococcus lactis (sometimes referred to as Streptococcus lactis). Leuconostoc includes Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Leuconostoc oenos. The genus Pediococcus includes Pediococcus acidilactici and Pediococcus pentosaceus. The genus Staphylococcus includes Staphylococcus carnosus and Staphylococcus xylosus. The genus Tetragenococcus includes Tetragenococcus halophilus. The genus Bacillus includes Bacillus coagulans (also known as Weizmannia coagulans) and Bacillus mesentericus. In particular, Bacillus coagulans, Enterococcus faecalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Enterococcus faesium, and Lactobacillus acidophilus are preferred, with at least one selected from Enterococcus faecalis and Bacillus coagulans being more preferred, and Bacillus coagulans being most preferred. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. In the present invention, in order to enhance the anti-obesity, body fat reducing, and fat metabolism promoting effects, it is preferred that the lactic acid bacterium is a spore-forming bacterium, and in particular, a bacterium of the genus Bacillus.

[0045] The lactic acid bacteria of the present invention may be, for example, a processed product of lactic acid bacteria. It may be an extract obtained by extracting lactic acid bacteria or a pulverized product obtained by pulverizing the lactic acid bacteria. The extract or pulverized product may be obtained, for example, by the same processing methods as those exemplified for the extract or pulverized product of butyric acid bacteria. Furthermore, the pulverized lactic acid bacteria may be a lactic acid bacteria powder obtained by adding an excipient such as lactose to dried and pulverized lactic acid bacteria. The lactic acid bacteria may be live or killed, but live bacteria are particularly preferred in terms of enhancing the anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promoting effects.

[0046] The content of lactic acid bacteria in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of enhancing the anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promoting effects, the content of the lactic acid bacteria processed product in the composition of the present invention is preferably 0.0001 to 60% by mass, more preferably 0.001 to 40% by mass, even more preferably 0.01 to 30% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.1 to 10% by mass.

[0047] Furthermore, the mass ratio of lactic acid bacteria to butyric acid bacteria and fucose in the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of enhancing the anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promoting effects, the mass ratio of lactic acid bacteria to the total content of butyric acid bacteria and fucose is preferably (butyric acid bacteria + fucose):lactic acid bacteria 1:0.001-10, more preferably 1:0.01-5, and particularly preferably 1:0.1-2.

[0048] <C3. Yeast> The yeast used in the present invention is not particularly limited, and for example, a processed yeast product can be used. The processed yeast product may be a pulverized yeast powder obtained by pulverizing yeast and adding an excipient such as dextrin, or an extract obtained by extracting yeast. Extracts and pulverized products can be obtained, for example, by processing methods similar to those exemplified for extracts and pulverized products of butyric acid bacteria. It is particularly preferable that the processed yeast product used in the present invention contains yeast cell walls, in order to enhance the anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promoting effects. Yeast cell walls refer to insoluble cell walls derived from yeast cells obtained as an insoluble fraction after separation in a yeast autolysis process or hydrolysis process. For example, they refer to thickening polysaccharides obtained by removing intracellular components soluble in water or polar solvents from yeast by enzymatic treatment. The insoluble cell walls generally account for 20 to 25% by mass of the dry mass of the entire yeast cells.

[0049] Examples of the yeast cell walls include those obtained from the extraction residue obtained by subjecting live yeast to autolysis (autolysis), enzyme treatment with the addition of proteases, nucleases, esterases, glucanases, lipases, etc., or a combination of these to remove soluble intracellular components. To expedite the enzyme treatment, the cell walls can be physically disrupted using a homogenizer or the like before obtaining the cell residue, or by washing, adjusting the pH, temperature, or pressure. The yeast cell walls obtained are preferably those obtained by treating a yeast cell wall fraction with an acid such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, or nitric acid, followed by removal of the solubilized components. The yeast used may be, for example, baker's yeast, brewer's yeast, alcohol yeast, or sake yeast, which are commonly used in the food industry. From the viewpoint of easy availability of raw materials, baker's yeast, brewer's yeast, or torula yeast are preferred, with brewer's yeast being particularly preferred. These may be used alone or in any combination of two or more. Preferably, the yeast cell originates from the genus Saccharomyces, and more preferably is Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or, for example, the yeast cell may originate from the genus Kluyveromyces, Candida, or Torula.

[0050] When the composition of the present invention is a tablet having a coating, it is particularly preferred that the composition have yeast cell walls in the coating, from the viewpoint of obtaining effects such as enhancing the anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promoting effects, as well as reducing adhesion between tablets.

[0051] The content of yeast in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of enhancing the anti-obesity, body fat reducing, and fat metabolism promoting effects, the content of the yeast processed product in the composition of the present invention is preferably 0.001 to 60% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 20% by mass, even more preferably 0.2 to 20% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.4 to 10% by mass.

[0052] Furthermore, the mass ratio of yeast to butyric acid bacteria and fucose in the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of enhancing the anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promoting effects, the mass ratio of yeast to the total amount of butyric acid bacteria and fucose is more preferably 1:0.01-5 (butyric acid bacteria + fucose):yeast, even more preferably 1:0.02-3, and particularly preferably 1:0.05-2.

[0053] <C4. Ginger> Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a perennial plant of the Zingiberaceae family, native to tropical Asia, whose rhizome is used as a spice, food ingredient, and herbal medicine. Gingerol and shogaol are known to be components contained in ginger. Gingerol is known to improve blood flow and dilate blood vessels in the extremities of the body, while shogaol is known to stimulate the walls of the gastrointestinal tract, increase blood flow, and generate heat deep within the body.

[0054] The ginger used in the present invention may be a processed ginger product. The processed ginger product may be, for example, an extract or a pulverized product. When a ginger extract is used, examples of the extraction solvent include ethanol (including aqueous ethanol), water, polar organic solvents other than ethanol (e.g., methanol, propanol, butanol, isopropanol, acetone, diethyl ether, etc.), and nonpolar solvents (hexane, cyclohexane, propane, etc.), with ethanol, water, and aqueous ethanol being particularly preferred. The extract may be powdered by spray drying or concentration to dryness, or may be a ginger extract obtained by adding an excipient such as dextrin during spray drying or concentration to dryness and granulating. When a pulverized ginger product is used, examples include pulverized powder obtained by drying and pulverizing ginger. Pulverized ginger powder is preferably used in order to enhance the anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promoting effects.

[0055] The content of ginger in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of enhancing the anti-obesity, body fat reducing, and fat metabolism promoting effects, the content of the ginger processed product in the composition is preferably 0.1 to 60% by mass, more preferably 0.5 to 30% by mass, and particularly preferably 1 to 20% by mass.

[0056] In addition, the mass ratio of ginger to butyric acid bacteria and fucose in the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of enhancing the anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promoting effects, it is preferable that the content of butyric acid bacteria is equal to or greater than the content of ginger. The mass ratio of ginger to the total amount of butyric acid bacteria and fucose is preferably (butyric acid bacteria + fucose):ginger 1:0.01-10, more preferably 1:0.05-5, and particularly preferably 1:0.1-3.

[0057] <D. Pepper> The composition of the present invention preferably contains pepper in addition to Components A to C. Pepper (Piper nigrum) is a perennial plant of the Piperaceae family, and its fruit is used as a spice and food ingredient. Pepper is native to tropical Asia and is cultivated in various regions. Piperine is known to be a component contained in pepper. Piperine is known to have anticancer, antioxidant, and antidiarrheal effects.

[0058] The pepper used in the present invention can be a processed pepper product. The processed pepper product may be, for example, an extract or a pulverized product. When using a pepper extract, examples of the extraction solvent include ethanol (including aqueous ethanol), water, polar organic solvents other than ethanol (e.g., methanol, propanol, butanol, isopropanol, acetone, diethyl ether, etc.), and nonpolar solvents (hexane, cyclohexane, propane, etc.), with ethanol, water, and aqueous ethanol being particularly preferred. The extract may be powdered by spray drying or concentration to dryness, or may be a pepper extract obtained by adding an excipient such as dextrin during spray drying or concentration to dryness and granulating. When using pepper pulverization, for example, a dried pulverized powder obtained by drying and pulverizing pepper can be used. Pepper extracts are preferably used from the viewpoint of enhancing the effects of anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promotion, and it is particularly preferable to use an extract of at least one polar solvent selected from water, ethanol, and aqueous ethanol.

[0059] The content of pepper in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of enhancing the anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promoting effects, the content of pepper processed product in the composition is preferably 0.01 to 30% by mass, more preferably 0.05 to 20% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.1 to 15% by mass.

[0060] Furthermore, the mass ratio of pepper to the total amount of butyric acid bacteria and fucose in the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of enhancing the anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promoting effects, the mass ratio of pepper to butyric acid bacteria and fucose is more preferably butyric acid bacteria + fucose: pepper = 1:0.0001-5, even more preferably 1:0.001-4, and particularly preferably 1:0.01-2.

[0061] <E. Inulin> The composition of the present invention preferably contains inulin in addition to components A to D. Inulin is a water-soluble dietary fiber that inhibits sugar absorption and suppresses increases in blood sugar levels, and is believed to be effective in preventing diabetes. It is also known to improve the intestinal environment by increasing beneficial bacteria and promoting the excretion of waste products.

[0062] The content of inulin in the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of enhancing the anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promoting effects, it is preferably 0.0005 to 20% by mass, more preferably 0.001 to 15% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.007 to 12% by mass in the composition.

[0063] Furthermore, the mass ratio of inulin to butyric acid bacteria and fucose in the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of enhancing the anti-obesity, body fat reduction, and fat metabolism promoting effects, the mass ratio of inulin to the total amount of butyric acid bacteria and fucose is preferably (butyric acid bacteria + fucose):inulin 1:0.00001 to 0.8, more preferably 1:0.00005 to 0.6, and particularly preferably 1:0.0001 to 0.5.

[0064] [3. Composition of the Present Invention] <Dosage Form, etc.> The composition of the present invention can be used for both oral and parenteral applications. Examples of parenteral preparations include those administered directly to the stomach via a catheter or the like. However, oral administration of the composition of the present invention is preferred because it allows for the convenient attainment of the effect of the present invention on promoting energy metabolism. When used as an oral preparation, its form can include, for example, tablets, capsules, powders, granules, liquids, granules, rods, plates, blocks, solids, pills, pastes, creams, caplets, gels, chewable tablets, and sticks. Among these, tablets, capsules, powders, granules, and liquids are preferred, with tablets, capsules, powders, and granules being more preferred. Specific examples of oral compositions include foodstuffs as edible and drinkable compositions.

[0065] When the composition of the present invention is orally ingested, in terms of its anti-obesity, body fat reducing or fat metabolism promoting effects and ease of continuous oral intake in daily life, the total intake amount of the butyric acid bacteria, fucose, and one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger is preferably approximately 30 mg or more and 1000 mg or less per day for an adult, and more preferably 50 mg or more and 500 mg or less.

[0066] Specific examples of the use of the composition of the present invention include so-called health foods such as pharmaceuticals (including quasi-drugs), general foods, functional foods, foods for specified health uses whose efficacy has been approved by a designated organization, and foods with functional claims. Foods with efficacy claims are sometimes collectively referred to as "functional foods." Functional foods are particularly preferred as a use of the composition of the present invention.

[0067] <Composition for Anti-Obesity, Body Fat Reduction, or Fat Metabolism Promotion> As shown in the Examples below, the composition of the present invention has a brown adipocyte activation effect, such as enhancing UCP1 expression, and can therefore be used as a brown adipocyte activation composition, an anti-obesity composition by activating neural activity in brown adipose tissue, a body fat reduction composition, or a fat metabolism promotion composition. Brown adipocyte activation does not only involve activation of the UCP1 protein function, but also includes promotion of thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue and activation of sympathetic nerves in brown adipose tissue. For example, see Chemistry and Biology, Vol. 50, No. 10, pp. 111-115, 2014. 1, 2012, pp. 23-29, states, "Brown fat thermogenesis via UCP1 is directly controlled by the sympathetic nervous system and contributes to the elevation and maintenance of body temperature during awakening from hibernation or anesthetic hypothermia, and during cold exposure. Specifically, physiological stimuli such as cold exposure increase the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is densely distributed in brown fat. This leads to the release of fatty acids through a series of reactions: noradrenaline → β-adrenergic receptor → hormone-sensitive lipase. These fatty acids are oxidatively decomposed into substrates for thermogenesis, while simultaneously activating UCP1 and inducing fever (Figure 1)." The sympathetic nervous system-β-receptor system also promotes the breakdown of neutral fat in white fat cells, which allows the released fatty acids to be dissipated into heat by brown fat UCP1, resulting in a reduction of body fat throughout the individual. Brown fat cell activation compositions can be used for a variety of purposes, including promoting fat burning (fat consumption), promoting thermogenesis, promoting energy metabolism, promoting fat consumption, and fat reduction. Brown adipose tissue is distributed around the collarbone, chest, shoulders, etc., but the present invention is also expected to reduce fat around the abdomen.

[0068] Furthermore, since the composition of the present invention promotes the expression of UCP1, it can be used as a composition for promoting UCP1 expression. The UCP1 gene encodes the molecular uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and is sometimes referred to as Ucp1. In brown adipocytes, UCP1 is expressed specifically in the mitochondria of the cells. UCP1 has the activity of uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria, and when activated, the energy generated by the oxidative decomposition of fatty acids and glucose is directly converted into heat and dissipated rather than used for ATP synthesis. In this way, because UCP1 has the effect of converting free fatty acids into heat, promoting the expression of UCP1 can promote the consumption of fatty acids in brown adipocytes and suppress or eliminate obesity. In particular, as shown in the examples below, the composition of the present invention promotes the expression of UCP1 in brown adipose tissue (brown adipocytes), and is therefore effective in anti-obesity, fat reduction in the abdomen and other areas, body fat decomposition, promotion of energy metabolism, and promotion of fat consumption.

[0069] As used herein, fat metabolism includes promoting the expression of UCP1 in brown fat cells, thereby promoting fatty acid consumption in brown fat cells. In the present invention, promoting the expression of UCP1 is particularly effective in promoting fatty acid degradation in brown fat cells, and is therefore effective in anti-obesity, weight loss, and promoting fat metabolism.

[0070] The anti-obesity, body fat reduction, or fat metabolism promotion composition of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it contains the composition of the present invention and can be distinguished from other products in that it is used for anti-obesity, body fat reduction, or fat metabolism promotion. For example, the scope of the present invention includes products that display the function of anti-obesity, body fat reduction, or fat metabolism promotion on the product itself, packaging, instructions, or promotional materials (advertising media) of the present invention. Furthermore, even general foods that are manufactured and sold with a suggested use are also included within the scope of the present invention. For example, foods sold with a website or other publication mentioning the anti-obesity, body fat reduction, or fat metabolism promotion effects of individual consumers are also included within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, functional foods that claim to have anti-obesity, body fat reduction, or fat metabolism promotion effects, based on scientific evidence of their functionality, such as papers demonstrating the anti-obesity, body fat reduction, or fat metabolism promotion effects of specific ingredients, are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0071] For example, the scope of the present invention includes labels that appeal to people who are concerned about body fat, such as "for those concerned about obesity," "for those concerned about their stomach area," "for those concerned about their weight," or "for those concerned about abdominal fat (visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, etc.)," ​​as well as foods (including beverages) that display claims that they are useful for reducing body fat, such as "helps lose weight," "helps reduce abdominal fat (visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, etc.)," ​​"helps reduce waist circumference," "supports obesity reduction," "supports dieting," "makes fat consumption easier," "makes fat burning easier," "helps consume fat," "helps burn fat," "promotes fat breakdown," "makes fat breakdown easier," "helps break down fat," etc. More specifically, the scope of the present invention includes functional food claims that, for example, "counteract abdominal body fat," "reduce weight, waist circumference, and fat all at once," "reduce weight," "waist size," and "abdominal fat" simultaneously, "does not increase fat (inhibits fat synthesis)," "breaks down fat," "burns fat," "does not produce fat (inhibits fat differentiation)," "recommended for obese people who want to reduce their waist size," and the like. In addition, in the case of using kudzu flowers as an active ingredient, functional food claims that display the following statements include, "kudzu flower-derived isoflavones have been reported to have the function of helping to reduce weight, abdominal fat (visceral fat and subcutaneous fat), and waist circumference in obese people," and "this food is suitable for people with a high BMI, and for obese people who are concerned about abdominal fat, waist circumference, and body fat."

[0072] The present invention provides methods for anti-obesity, reducing body fat, or promoting fat metabolism in an individual by ingesting the composition; methods for activating brown adipocytes in the body of an individual by ingesting the composition; methods for reducing abdominal fat in an individual by ingesting the composition to facilitate fat consumption in energy metabolism during daily activities; and methods for promoting UCP1 expression in the body of an individual by ingesting the composition. The individual is preferably a mammal such as a human, cat, or dog, and is preferably a human. The methods of the present invention may be excluding human treatment methods, such as cosmetic procedures.

[0073] (Examples 1 to 12, Comparative Examples 1 to 11) (UCP1 Gene Expression Promotion Test) (Test Substances) (A) As the butyric acid bacteria, dried powder of live Clostridium butyricum bacteria was used. The butyric acid bacteria referred to below is a processed product obtained by drying and processing live Clostridium butyricum bacteria. (B) As the fucose, L-fucose was used. (C1) As the kudzu flower, kudzu flower extract (hot water extract of kudzu flowers) was used. The kudzu flower extract referred to below is a kudzu flower processed product (dried powder) obtained by extracting kudzu flowers with hot water and processing them. (C2) As the lactic acid bacteria, dried powder of live Bacillus coagulans bacteria was used. The lactic acid bacteria referred to below is a processed product obtained by drying and processing live Bacillus coagulans bacteria. (C3) A commercially available yeast cell wall preparation for food coating (8.5% solids by mass, 96% yeast by mass in the solids) was used as the yeast cell wall (the same applies to Production Examples 1 to 3). (C4) Ground ginger was used as the ginger. The ginger referred to below refers to a processed ginger product (dry powder) obtained by drying, grinding, and processing ginger. (D) Pepper extract (a hydrous ethanol extract of pepper) was used as the pepper. The pepper referred to below refers to a processed pepper product (dry powder) obtained by extracting pepper fruit with hydrous ethanol and processing it. (E) A synthetic inulin was used. (F) A green tea extract (dry powder) containing 70% catechin was used as the tea extract. Regarding the amounts of plants and bacteria in the test substances, the values ​​in the table below refer to the amounts as the processed plant products. The units of composition in Table 1 are % by mass.

[0074] (1) Growth medium was used as the growth medium, differentiation medium as the differentiation induction medium, and adipocyte maintenance medium as the differentiation maintenance medium. All three media were from the Brown Adipocyte Culture Kit F-8 (rat) (Cosmo Bio, derived from interscapular brown adipose tissue). Brown adipocytes derived from interscapular brown adipose tissue are frequently used to investigate brown adipocyte function related to fat burning. (2) Differentiation induction medium containing test substances was prepared as follows. For tea extract, ground ginger powder, and pepper extract, each test substance was dissolved in DMSO and then diluted with differentiation induction medium to a final DMSO concentration of 0.5 vol%. The mixture was then filter-sterilized. Other test substances were dissolved and diluted in differentiation induction medium containing 0.5 vol% DMSO and filter-sterilized. All test substances were prepared to a concentration of 0.001 μg / mL and mixed at the ratios shown in the table below.

[0075] (3) A differentiation maintenance medium containing the test substance was prepared in the same manner as above. (4) Rat brown adipose precursor cells (manufactured by Cosmo Bio) were cultured in a collagen-coated 96-well plate at a concentration of 1.0 × 10 using a proliferation medium. ４ The cells were seeded at 1000 cells / well and incubated at 37°C and 5% CO ２ The cells were cultured in an incubator until the cell density reached about 90%. (5) After removing the medium, 100 μL / well of a differentiation-inducing medium containing a test substance was added, and the cells were incubated at 37°C and 5% CO by volume. ２ The cells were cultured in an incubator for 72 hours to induce differentiation into brown adipocytes.

[0076] (6) After removing the medium, 100 μL / well of a differentiation maintenance medium containing a test substance was added, and the cells were incubated at 37°C and 5% CO by volume. ２ (7) After removing the medium, 100 μL / well of a differentiation maintenance medium containing the test substance was added, and the cells were incubated at 37°C and 5% CO by volume. ２ The cells were further cultured in the incubator for 24 hours. (8) After removing the medium from each well, the cells were resuspended in CellAmp. ＴＭRNA was recovered using the Direct RNA Prep Kit for RT-PCR (Real Time) (manufactured by TaKaRa). (9) The resulting RNA was purified using One Step TB Green (registered trademark) PrimeScript. ＴＭ Real-time PCR was performed using RT-PCR Kit II (Perfect Real Time) (manufactured by TaKaRa). The gene expression level of UCP1 was measured using a UCP1 primer (manufactured by QIAGEN, product name: Rn_Ucp1_1_SG QuantiTect Primer Assay (QT00183967)). Furthermore, as an endogenous control, the gene expression level of GAPDH was measured using a GAPDH primer (manufactured by QIAGEN, product name: Rn_Gapd_1_SG QuantiTect Primer Assay (QT00199633)). The relative values ​​for the gene expression level of UCP1 are shown below, with the value for the control without test substance set at 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0077]

[0078] As described above, the results of measuring the UCP1 gene expression level confirmed that when all of the components A to C were contained (Examples 1 to 4), a superior UCP1 gene expression-promoting effect was observed compared to when the components A to C were contained alone (Comparative Examples 1 to 6). While kudzu flower alone as an active ingredient promoted UCP1 gene expression (Comparative Example 3), the inclusion of butyric acid bacteria and fucose further enhanced the UCP1 gene expression-promoting effect of kudzu flower as an active ingredient (Example 1). Furthermore, it was confirmed that a particularly excellent UCP1 gene expression-promoting effect was observed when multiple components C were contained in addition to components A and B (Examples 5 to 8), or when components D and E were contained in addition to components A to C (Examples 9 to 12). As described above, UCP1 has the ability to convert free fatty acids into heat, and therefore, by promoting UCP1 gene expression, the composition of the present invention is believed to have excellent anti-obesity effects, body fat reduction effects, and fat metabolism-promoting effects.

[0079] [Production Examples 1-17: Tablets] After mixing the raw materials as described in Tables 2 and 3, tablets were produced by tableting using a rotary tablet press. The tablets were produced with a tablet diameter of 8 mmφ, a tablet thickness of 4.5 mm, a mass of 300 mg, and a hardness of 5 kgf or more. For Production Examples 1 to 3, the obtained tablets were placed in a coating machine, and the coating solution described in Table 4 was sprayed on them. After spraying was completed, the tablets were dried to obtain coated tablets. The yeast cell walls in the coating of the tablets accounted for 1% by mass (dry mass) of the tablet. The tablets described in Production Examples 1-17 had a good taste and aroma, and by continuously taking 5-6 tablets per day, excellent anti-obesity effects, body fat reduction effects, and fat metabolism promotion effects could be obtained.

[0080]

[0081]

[0082]

[0083] [Production Example 18-31: Granular powdered beverage] After mixing the ingredients as shown in Tables 5 and 6, fluidized bed granulation was performed using a granulator to produce the granular powdered beverage described in Production Example 18-31. The produced powdered beverage was filled into aluminum pouches so that each bag contained 3 g. The obtained powdered beverage had a good taste and aroma, and by ingesting 3 g twice a day, it was possible to obtain excellent anti-obesity effects, body fat reduction effects, and fat metabolism promotion effects.

[0084]

[0085]

[0086] The composition of the present invention has excellent anti-obesity effects, body fat reducing effects and fat metabolism promoting effects, and has high industrial applicability.

Claims

1. A composition for anti-obesity, reducing body fat, or promoting fat metabolism, comprising (A) butyric acid bacteria, (B) fucose, and (C) one or more selected from kudzu flower, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and ginger.

2. A composition for anti-obesity, reducing body fat or promoting fat metabolism according to claim 1, which contains kudzu flowers as an active ingredient among the above (C) and one or more selected from lactic acid bacteria, yeast and ginger.

3. The composition for anti-obesity, reducing body fat or promoting fat metabolism according to claim 2, further comprising (D) pepper.

4. The composition for anti-obesity, reducing body fat or promoting fat metabolism according to claim 3, further comprising (E) inulin.

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