Composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and alleviating sleep disorders comprising rhaponticum uniflorum extract

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep, the composition comprising a Rhaponticum uniflorum extract. More specifically, the present invention provides a composition for alleviating stress, inducing sleep, and alleviating sleep disorders, the composition including a Rhaponticum uniflorum extract and thus being able to reduce an increase in cortisol in the blood and thereby improve sleep degraded by stress, and capable of inducing sleep and alleviating sleep disorders by promoting the secretion of sleep hormones.

Description

Composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep disorders containing cuckoo extract

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep, comprising a cuckoo's-eye extract. More specifically, the present invention relates to a composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep disorders, which comprises a cuckoo's-eye extract, which can improve sleep deterioration caused by stress by reducing increases in blood cortisol, and which can promote the secretion of sleep hormones, thereby inducing sleep and improving sleep disorders.

[0002]

[0003] Sleep can be defined from various perspectives, but it is primarily defined as a reversible, repetitive, and normally motionless state, in which the ability to perceive and respond to the external environment is maintained. While sleep is driven by brain activity, it is also deeply connected to physiological changes in other parts of the body.

[0004] Sleep accounts for one-third of the human lifespan and is a fundamental and essential physiological phenomenon, crucial for maintaining health and mental stability. Chronic sleep deprivation and sleep disturbances negatively impact overall physical and mental health, including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, memory, learning, metabolic regulation, weight, immunity, cancer resistance, diabetes, safety hazards, and mood.

[0005] Sleep disorders are a very common condition, affecting over 20% of the population. They refer to a condition in which a person has difficulty achieving healthy sleep, has difficulty maintaining daytime alertness despite adequate sleep, or has difficulty falling asleep or staying awake due to a disruption in sleep rhythms.

[0006] Sleep disorders can lead to a variety of personal and social problems, including learning disabilities, decreased productivity, traffic accidents, safety hazards, emotional disorders, social adjustment difficulties, and marital dissatisfaction. Psychological issues can also be a significant cause, resulting from excessive stress, anxiety, tension, and fear. Furthermore, if left untreated, sleep disorders can worsen or delay recovery from existing medical, neurological, or psychiatric conditions, and can even lead to serious illnesses such as myocardial infarction and stroke.

[0007] Chemical sedation is used to treat sleep disorders by reversibly suppressing the central nervous system to induce and maintain sleep.

[0008] Sleeping pills are generally effective in the short-term treatment of insomnia, but they can cause various side effects such as drug dependence and cognitive impairment. Therefore, non-pharmacological treatments are recommended in the early stages, and in severe cases, sleeping pills are commonly prescribed as a treatment for insomnia. Medications used include benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine receptor agonists, and antidepressants with sedative effects. However, these drugs can cause side effects such as tolerance and dependence when used long-term, as well as symptoms similar to anxiety, excitement, and withdrawal symptoms. This not only makes daily life difficult, but also poses a risk factor for other diseases such as cognitive impairment and depression.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to develop a composition that can treat anxiety and insomnia with minimal side effects.

[0010] Furthermore, in addition to drug treatment, there is a growing demand for compositions that can improve sleep disorders and promote deep sleep without side effects in daily life. In particular, since deep sleep affects the body's hormonal balance and the resulting stress, research on compositions that can induce deep sleep is also ongoing.

[0011] In particular, stress is emerging as a very important social problem in modern society because excessive stress is occurring.

[0012] The causes of stress and the physical changes it causes vary, but it is known that they commonly stimulate the pituitary-adrenal system (HPA), which is part of the sympathetic nervous system, to secrete hormones, which in turn leads to hyperfunction of the adrenal glands and hypofunction of the spleen, resulting in all the symptoms caused by stress. When stress is added, the spleen's weight decreases significantly due to a decrease in immune function, and the adrenal gland's function is enhanced by adrenocorticotropic hormone, which increases its weight, causes a decrease in lipids, and promotes the secretion of cortisol. The amount of cortisol tends to increase with age and stress, which also contributes to obesity. In addition, when stress is added, the adrenal glands secrete hormones that increase cholesterol, blood sugar, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the blood.

[0013] There are no specific drugs developed to prevent stress, and chemically synthesized drugs such as tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs, and sleeping pills are mainly used to alleviate the symptoms of mental and physical illnesses caused by stress. However, these drugs are habit-forming and have various side effects when taken for a long time, so recently, various attempts have been made to develop functional foods using herbal medicine ingredients for the purpose of relieving stress.

[0014] Therefore, there is a growing interest in compositions that relieve stress, improve sleep disorders without side effects, and promote deep sleep.

[0015] In particular, for long-term users of sleeping pills and those with limited sleep, the need for alternatives is increasing, and the demand for health functional foods for sleep enhancement is increasing.

[0016] [Prior Art Literature]

[0017] [Patent Document]

[0018] (Patent Document 1) KR 10-2020-0125727 A

[0019]

[0020] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep disorders, which includes a cuckoo extract and can improve sleep reduced by stress by reducing the increase in cortisol in the blood.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep disorders, which includes a cuckoo's-eye extract, and which can improve sleep reduced by stress while promoting the secretion of sleep hormones, thereby inducing sleep and improving sleep disorders.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a food composition and a pharmaceutical composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep disorders, which contain natural extracts as active ingredients and have no side effects when taken or administered for a long period of time.

[0023]

[0024] In order to achieve the above purpose, a composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep disorders according to one embodiment of the present invention contains an extract of Rhaponticum uniflorum as an active ingredient.

[0025] The above composition has the effect of improving sleep impaired by stress by reducing the increase in cortisol in the blood.

[0026] The composition is one that secretes a hormone selected from the group consisting of tryptophan, serotonin and melatonin.

[0027] The composition further comprises an extract of Youngia japonica (L.) DC. and an extract of Commelina communis (L.).

[0028] The composition is for preventing stress-related diseases selected from the group consisting of depression, insomnia, dyspnea sleep disorder, circadian rhythm sleep disorder, sleepwalking, obesity and hypertension.

[0029] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a food composition is prepared by including a composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep disorders.

[0030] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a pharmaceutical composition is prepared by including the composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep disorders.

[0031]

[0032] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0033]

[0034] In the present invention, "sleep disorder" refers to a condition in which a person experiences chronic fatigue, daytime drowsiness, headaches, or other disruptions to daily life due to insufficient or deep sleep. This includes both difficulty falling asleep and, even if one does fall asleep, light sleep and difficulty achieving deep sleep.

[0035] It can also include insomnia, hypersomnia, circadian rhythm disturbances, and abnormal sleep behaviors.

[0036] In the present invention, “deep sleep” refers to a state of deep sleep without tossing and turning for 7 to 8 hours, and sleep so soundly that one does not dream or does not remember how long one slept.

[0037] In the present invention, "blood circulation related disease" is a general term for various diseases caused by metabolic problems or thrombosis, and may be one or more diseases selected from the group consisting of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, and cerebral infarction.

[0038] A composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep disorders according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an extract of Rhaponticum uniflorum as an active ingredient.

[0039] The above cuckoo's nest extract (Rhaponticum uniflorum) is a perennial plant in the Asteraceae family, also known as cuckoo's nest or cuckoo's nest. It grows wild in dry grasslands on slopes below the mountainside in Korea, and is called "cuckoo's nest" because the flower blooms in response to the sound of a cuckoo's cry. Cuckoo's nest has large, beautiful flowers, which give it high ornamental value, and is mainly used as a flower bed plant. The flowers are edible, so they are used in frying or as a garnish on food plates. They are also known to have antipyretic and detoxifying effects.

[0040] The above composition has the effect of improving sleep impaired by stress by reducing the increase in cortisol in the blood.

[0041] The above cortisol is a stress hormone secreted from the adrenal cortex of the kidney. It is secreted in the process of enabling the body to produce maximum energy in response to external stimuli such as stress, and plays a role in raising blood pressure and glucose levels.

[0042] Normally, when a threatening situation such as stress occurs, the body produces energy to fight against the threat, and the sympathetic nervous system of the body's nervous system begins to become active, and hormones such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and steroids are secreted from the adrenal gland.

[0043] Cortisol is a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex. Because it influences glucose metabolism, it is also called a glucocorticoid. The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus directly regulates cortisol secretion. The PVN secretes corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), which stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). This hormone travels through the bloodstream to the adrenal cortex, where it increases cortisol secretion.

[0044] Cortisol secreted causes the body to pump more blood to all organs to combat external stimuli like stress. This increases pulse and breathing. It also tenses muscles, sharpens the mind, and sharpens the senses to enable accurate and rapid judgment. It also focuses glucose, our body's energy source, directly to the brain. However, excessive or chronic stress can lead to elevated blood cortisol levels, which in turn increases appetite and fat storage. Furthermore, it can increase blood pressure, increasing the risk of hypertension and causing muscle tissue damage. Anxiety and restlessness can persist, leading to weight gain, chronic fatigue, headaches, insomnia, and other symptoms.

[0045] Therefore, the composition of the present invention for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep disorders exhibits the effect of improving sleep deteriorated by stress by lowering the cortisol content in the blood increased by stress.

[0046] The composition is one that secretes a hormone selected from the group consisting of tryptophan, serotonin and melatonin.

[0047] The mechanism of rest through sleep is driven by hormonal influences. During the day, the body produces serotonin, and at night, melotonin, which promotes sleep and relaxation. Under normal conditions, melotonin is produced when the surroundings become dark, inducing sleep.

[0048] Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that most animals, including humans, cannot synthesize on their own and must therefore be ingested. Therefore, tryptophan's most important role is as a raw material for various proteins in the body. Specifically, tryptophan serves as a precursor for serotonin, a signaling molecule; melatonin, a sleep hormone; vitamin B3; NAD; alkaloids; and auxin, a plant growth hormone. Therefore, consuming foods rich in tryptophan, such as meat and chocolate, is known to be effective in treating depression and alcoholism.

[0049] Serotonin, as mentioned above, is a hormone that calms the aroused state and maintains composure. In situations requiring stress or concentration, stress hormones like norepinephrine and cortisol are secreted, and serotonin regulates these hormones and promotes composure.

[0050] Additionally, serotonin is a precursor to melatonin, which is naturally secreted in dark environments and induces sleep. Therefore, a serotonin deficiency hinders melatonin production, making it difficult to achieve deep sleep.

[0051] Therefore, the composition of the present invention for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep disorders promotes the secretion of hormones tryptophan, serotonin, and melatonin, thereby exhibiting effects of inducing sleep and improving sleep disorders.

[0052] The composition is for preventing stress-related diseases selected from the group consisting of depression, insomnia, dyspnea sleep disorder, circadian rhythm sleep disorder, sleepwalking, obesity and hypertension.

[0053] Depression, as mentioned above, is a serious illness characterized by a decline in motivation and feelings of sadness, along with various cognitive and psychosomatic symptoms that impair daily functioning. It can be influenced by environmental factors, including difficult life situations such as the loss of a loved one, financial difficulties, and intense stress.

[0054] The above insomnia refers to sleep onset disorder, which makes it difficult to fall asleep, and sleep maintenance disorder, which makes it difficult to fall asleep but wake up frequently during the night or wake up too early. It occurs in people with irregular sleeping times or habits, and the symptoms worsen when experiencing environmental changes and psychological stress.

[0055] The above-mentioned somnambulism is a pathological condition in which a person wakes up in fits and starts during sleep, performs relatively well-organized actions, and then falls back asleep. It is also called dream wandering, dream travel, divorce disease, and sleeplessness. When the person regains consciousness, he or she has no memory of the previous night's words or actions. Sleepwalking can also be caused by fever, systemic illness, alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation, and mental stress that affect the nervous system. Hormonal changes during adolescence, menstruation, and pregnancy can also cause sleepwalking. Symptoms of sleepwalking often appear during periods of high physical and mental stress.

[0056] The above hypertension is a condition in which blood pressure in the arteries is chronically high, and refers to a case in which systolic blood pressure is 140 mmHg or higher or diastolic blood pressure is 90 mmHg or higher in adults over 18 years of age, and it can also be caused by obesity, etc.

[0057] Additionally, when you are stressed, the secretion of blood pressure-increasing substances (adrenaline) in the body increases, which raises blood pressure. Stress can also lead to obesity through overeating and drinking, or it can lead to increased blood pressure due to lack of sleep and increased smoking.

[0058] In particular, the cuckoo extract of the present invention has the ability to inhibit thrombosis and platelet aggregation, and is effective in preventing, improving, or treating diseases related to blood circulation.

[0059] Blood circulation-related diseases, which include various diseases, are caused by an increase in lipid components such as blood cholesterol, which interferes with smooth blood flow, hyperlipidemia caused by lipid components attaching to the arterial walls, and arteriosclerosis caused by chronic inflammatory reactions and narrowing of the arterial inner walls, which hardens the blood vessels. In the long term, blood clots formed from this can block coronary arteries or cerebral blood vessels, causing myocardial infarction, stroke, or cerebral infarction. It is known that the drugs currently in use have side effects such as hepatotoxicity or muscle toxicity when used for a long period of time.

[0060] The composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep and improving sleep disorders further comprises an extract of Youngia japonica (L.) DC. and an extract of Commelina communis.

[0061] The above-mentioned barley grass (Youngia japonica (L.) DC.) is a biennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, and is also called boribaengi, hwangmaeche, and pakjogarinamul. It is native to Korea and grows anywhere, such as in fields, ridges, and roadsides. It grows to about 15 to 100 centimeters in height and has soft hairs all over its body. The leaves that grow from the root are pinnate and deeply divided, spreading out radially. They are about 8 to 25 centimeters in length and 2 to 6 centimeters in width. The leaves that grow from the stem are absent or do not exceed four. From May to June, it blooms in a corymb-shaped panicle at the end of the stem. The yellow lanceolate flowers, about 8 millimeters in diameter, bloom. The fruit is a flat achene with a white pappus.

[0062] The above-mentioned Commelina communis is an annual plant of the Commelinaceae family, also known as chicken gizzard or chicken scat washer. The stems grow horizontally and are divided into many branches. From June to September, blue flowers bloom singly within slightly semicircular, folded bracts, and these flowers are said to wither after a day. Two of the petals are large and blue, while the other is small and white. There are two long, complete stamens, and the other four are vacuolar. The fruit is dehiscent, and the flower diameter is about 2 cm. Cultivated varieties include those with flowers up to 4 cm in diameter and those with large leaves. It mainly grows in fields and along roadsides and is distributed throughout Korea. The leaves and stems are edible, and the flowers are used as a dye.

[0063] The composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep disorders of the present invention, when further comprising the barley extract and the chicken gizzard extract in addition to the cuckoo extract, can exhibit an effect equivalent to or synergistic with the effect of reducing the increase in cortisol, a stress hormone, and has an excellent effect of significantly improving the quality of sleep by promoting the secretion of hormones such as tryptophan, serotonin, and melatonin.

[0064] Preferably, the composition for relieving stress, improving sleep disorders and maintaining deep sleep may further include an extract of Origanum onites (Pot Marjoram) flowers and an extract of Achillea millefolium.

[0065] The above port marjoram flower contains Terpinen-4-ol (31.6%), linalyl acetate (7.4%), α-Terpinene (7.1%), cymene (5.3%), and linalool (3.3%), and is known to have psychological effects such as relieving nervous tension, anxiety, and stress, as well as physiological effects such as improving blood circulation, pain relief, antispasmodic, antiviral, promoting energy, inducing sweating, and calming the nerves.

[0066] Achillea millefolium, or common yarrow, is an angiosperm in the Asteraceae family, native to temperate regions of Asia, Europe, and the northern hemisphere of North America. It was introduced to areas like New Zealand and Australia as livestock feed, but is often considered a weed there, even in its native habitat. In New Mexico and southern Colorado, it is sometimes called plumajillo, the Spanish word for "little feather," due to the shape and texture of its leaves. In ancient times, yarrow was called "herbal militaris" (military herb), as it was used to promote blood flow to wounds.

[0067] More preferably, the composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep and improving sleep disorders of the present invention comprises 40 to 60 parts by weight of barley extract, 40 to 60 parts by weight of chicken manure extract, 20 to 30 parts by weight of port marjoram flower extract and 20 to 30 parts by weight of western yarrow per 100 parts by weight of cuckoo's claw.

[0068] In the case of the above range, the stress relief, sleep disorder improvement and sleep disorder maintenance effects of the composition for stress relief, sleep disorder improvement and sleep disorder maintenance can be increased, and thus the composition for stress relief, sleep induction and sleep disorder improvement can be provided to significantly improve the quality of sleep.

[0069] In addition, since it is composed of a complex extract, it has the same or greater effect of reducing the increase in cortisol, a stress hormone, compared to when only the cuckoo extract is used as a mixture, and it promotes the secretion of hormones tryptophan, serotonin, and melatonin, thereby enabling it to be provided as a stress relief, sleep induction, and sleep improvement composition that can significantly improve the quality of sleep.

[0070] In particular, it has excellent platelet aggregation inhibition ability, so it can be used for the prevention or treatment of a number of blood circulation-related diseases, including thrombosis.

[0071] The above extract is extracted using water as an extraction solvent. Specifically, the process for preparing the extract comprises the steps of: washing the natural material; drying the washed material; crushing the dried material; leaching the crushed material using an extraction solvent; and drying the sample after leaching, thereby obtaining a natural extract.

[0072] The method for preparing the above extract may be a conventional extraction method in the art, such as an ultrasonic extraction method, an infusion method, and a reflux extraction method.

[0073] The above extraction solvent can be used in an amount of 2 to 50 times the weight of the sample, more specifically 2 to 20 times. For extraction, the sample can be left in the extraction solvent for 1 to 72 hours, more specifically 24 to 48 hours. After obtaining the extract or fraction, additional methods such as concentration or lyophilization can be used.

[0074] A food composition according to another embodiment of the present invention is manufactured by including the composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep disorders.

[0075] As a specific example, the food composition can be used to manufacture processed foods that can enhance the effects of relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep disorders. Such processed foods include, for example, confectionery, beverages, alcoholic beverages, fermented foods, canned foods, processed dairy products, processed meat products, noodles, etc. Confectionery includes biscuits, pies, cakes, bread, candy, jellies, gum, cereals, etc. Beverages include drinking water, carbonated beverages, functional sports drinks, functional sports drinks, juices (e.g., apple, pear, grape, aloe, tangerine, peach, carrot, tomato juice, etc.), sikhye, etc. Alcoholic beverages include cheongju, whiskey, soju, beer, whiskey, fruit wine, etc. Fermented foods include soy sauce, doenjang, gochujang, etc. Canned foods include canned seafood (e.g., canned tuna, mackerel, saury, conch, etc.), canned livestock products (e.g., canned beef, pork, chicken, turkey, etc.), and canned agricultural products (e.g., canned corn, peaches, and pineapple). Dairy products include cheese, butter, and yogurt. Meat products include pork cutlets, beef cutlets, chicken cutlets, sausages, sweet and sour pork, nuggets, and pineapple. Noodles such as sealed fresh noodles are also included. In addition, the composition can be used in retort foods, soups, etc.

[0076] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a pharmaceutical composition is prepared by including the composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep disorders.

[0077] The pharmaceutical composition may further comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient, and diluent. Specifically, the pharmaceutical composition 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 topical preparations, suppositories, and sterile injectable solutions, each according to a conventional method. In the present invention, carriers, excipients, and diluents that may be included in the pharmaceutical composition include lactose, dextrose, sucrose, sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, maltitol, starch, acacia gum, alginate, gelatin, calcium phosphate, calcium silicate, cellulose, methyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, water, methyl hydroxybenzoate, propyl hydroxybenzoate, talc, magnesium stearate, and mineral oil. When formulating, the composition is prepared using diluents or excipients such as commonly used fillers, extenders, binders, wetting agents, disintegrants, and surfactants. Solid preparations for oral administration include tablets, pills, powders, granules, capsules, etc., and these solid preparations are prepared by mixing the extract and its fractions with at least one excipient, such as starch, calcium carbonate, sucrose or lactose, gelatin, etc. In addition to simple excipients, lubricants such as magnesium stearate and talc are also used. Liquid preparations for oral administration include suspensions, oral solutions, emulsions, syrups, etc., and in addition to commonly used simple diluents such as water and liquid paraffin, various excipients such as wetting agents, sweeteners, flavoring agents, preservatives, etc. Preparations for parenteral administration include sterile aqueous solutions, non-aqueous solvents, suspensions, emulsions, lyophilized preparations, and suppositories.Non-aqueous solvents and suspending agents include propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, vegetable oils such as olive oil, and injectable esters such as ethyl oleate. Suppository bases include witepsol, macrogol, Tween 61, cocoa butter, laurin, and glycerogelatin.

[0078] The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may be administered in a pharmaceutically effective amount. The term "pharmaceutically effective amount" as used herein means an amount sufficient to treat or prevent a disease at a reasonable benefit / risk ratio applicable to medical treatment or prevention, and the effective dosage level may be determined according to factors including the severity of the disease, the activity of the drug, the patient's age, weight, health, sex, the patient's sensitivity to the drug, the time of administration of the composition of the present invention used, the route of administration and the excretion rate, the treatment period, drugs used in combination or simultaneously with the composition of the present invention used, and other factors well known in the medical field. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may be administered alone or in combination with a known immunotherapeutic agent. It is important to take all of the above factors into consideration and administer an amount that can achieve the maximum effect with the minimum amount without side effects.

[0079]

[0080] The present invention can provide a composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep disorders, which can improve sleep reduced by stress by reducing the increase in cortisol in the blood, including a cuckoo's-eye extract.

[0081] The present invention can provide a composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep disorders, which includes a cuckoo's-eye extract, and can improve sleep reduced by stress while promoting the secretion of sleep hormones, thereby inducing sleep and improving sleep disorders.

[0082] Another object of the present invention is to provide a food composition and a pharmaceutical composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep disorders without side effects through long-term administration and use, which contain a natural extract as an active ingredient.

[0083]

[0084] Figure 1 is an experimental result showing the increase rate of serotonin of a composition according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Figure 2 is an experimental result showing the increase rate of melatonin in a composition according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Figure 3 is an experimental result showing the thrombosis inhibition ability of a composition according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 4 is an experimental result showing the platelet aggregation inhibition ability of a composition according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0088]

[0089] The present invention relates to a composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep disorders, which contains an extract of Rhaponticum uniflorum as an active ingredient.

[0090]

[0091] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0092]

[0093] [Manufacturing Example 1: Preparation of Natural Extract]

[0094] 1. Preparation of cuckoo extract

[0095] First, the cuckoo's cuckoo was thoroughly washed in running water and then completely air-dried. The dried cuckoo's cuckoo was ground in a blender, refluxed for 3 hours at 80°C, and the filtered solution was concentrated under reduced pressure at 50°C. Each of the concentrates was freeze-dried to produce cuckoo's cuckoo extract (RE).

[0096] 2. Preparation of other extracts

[0097] Barley extract (YE) and chicken manure extract (CE) were prepared using the same method as the above-mentioned cuckoo extract (RE).

[0098] 3. Preparation of herbal extracts

[0099] Port marjoram flower extract (OE) and western yarrow extract (AE) were prepared using the same method as the above-mentioned cuckoo extract (RE), barley extract (YE) and chicken gizzard extract (CE).

[0100] 4. Preparation of a composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep disorders.

[0101] The above-mentioned cuckoo extract (RE), barley extract (YE), chicken manure extract (CE), port marjoram flower extract (OE), and western yarrow extract (AE) were mixed in the content ranges shown in [Table 1] below to prepare a composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep disorders.

[0102] SC1SC2SC3SC4SC5SC6SC7SC8SC9SC10RE100100100100100100100100100100YE-304050607060606060CE-304050607060606060OE------10203040AE------10203040

[0103] (Unit: parts by weight)

[0104]

[0105] [Experimental Example 1: Human Safety Experiment]

[0106] In order to test the human safety of the composition for stress relief, sleep induction and sleep disorder improvement of the present invention, the following safety test was performed on the compositions SC1 to SC10 for stress relief, sleep induction and sleep disorder improvement prepared in Manufacturing Example 1.

[0107] toxicity testing

[0108] In a rat repeated dose toxicity test model, differences in toxicity and side effects were confirmed when the compositions SC1 to SC10 were administered.

[0109] Six-week-old male and female SD rats were divided into groups of 10 (5 males and 5 females) and assigned to administration groups of each composition. Each drug was dissolved in a 0.5% MC solution (prepared for use) and administered orally once daily at the same time in the morning. This was repeated for 13 weeks. The single dose was 3.75 mg / kg to 5 mg / kg. Thereafter, mortality, general symptoms, body weight changes, and food and water intake were observed.

[0110] During the experimental period, no deaths occurred in any group administered the compositions SC1 to SC10 for stress sleep induction and sleep disorder improvement of the present invention. In light of the above experimental results, it was confirmed that the toxicity of the compositions for stress relief, sleep disorder improvement, and deep sleep induction of the present invention was not a problem.

[0111]

[0112] [Experimental Example 2: Stress Relief Effect Experiment]

[0113] Samples and experimental animals

[0114] The compositions SC1 to SC10 of the present invention manufactured in the above Manufacturing Example 1 were used, and 5-week-old male rats (Wistar) and 6-week-old male mice (Hairless) were used as experimental animals. In the animal experiment, the control group was raised on AIN-93G as the basic diet, and the experimental group was raised on AIN-93G mixed with each experimental sample.

[0115] The group consisted of a non-stress positive control group, a stress group, and a stress group administered SC1 to SC10, and each group used 10 mice. The experimental apparatus used a restraint stress cage, and the experimental diet was a modified diet based on the AIN-93G composition, and the mice were fed ad libitum for 4 weeks. For the restraint stress, after being fed the experimental diet, the mice were restrained in a restraint cage for 3 hours before sacrifice, and after anesthesia, they were sacrificed and samples (serum or plasma, etc.) were collected.

[0116] The amount of cortisol in the blood was measured as a biomarker to evaluate the stress relief effect.

[0117] The results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0118] Non-stress positive control group Stress group SC1SC2SC3SC4SC5SC6SC7SC8SC9SC10 Cortisol amount 5.24±2.21 39.21±4.22 24.52±1.45 21.26±8.10 18.31±5.5 113.21±5.21 10.33±2.13 20.26±8.10 9.12±2.0 28.67±2.15 8.64±4.25 9.84±6.48

[0119] (Unit: μg / dL)

[0120] According to Table 2, the stress groups administered SC2 to SC6, which were a mixture of cuckoo extract (RE), barley extract (YE), and chicken gizzard extract (CE), showed a somewhat reduced increase in cortisol due to stress compared to the non-stress positive control group.

[0121] In particular, in the case of SC7 to SF10, which further include port marjoram flower extract (OE) and western yarrow extract (AE), it can be seen that a synergistic effect greater than that of a simple combination is exhibited due to the synergistic effect of mixing each extract.

[0122]

[0123] [Experimental Example 3: Sleep-Inducing Effect Experiment]

[0124] sleep-inducing effect

[0125] The same samples and experimental animals as in the above experimental example were used, and the experimental animals were starved for 24 hours, after which 42 mg / kg of pentobarbital, a sleep-inducing agent, was administered intraperitoneally. Sleep was defined as the point at which the righting reflex disappeared. Animals that did not fall asleep within 15 minutes were excluded from the test, and the time of awakening was defined as the time at which the animal returned to righting.

[0126] When the compositions SC1 to SC10 of the present invention were administered, the effects on the sleep induction time and sleep maintenance time induced by pentobarbital were observed, and the control group was administered nothing but pentobarbital (p<0.01).

[0127] Control group SC1SC2SC3SC4SC5SC6SC7SC8SC9SC10Sleep induction time (min) 4.8±0.33.6±0.33.1±0.53.0±0.42.8±0.72.4±0.42.9±0.32.2±0.42.1±0.42.0±0.12.2±0.2Sleep maintenance time (min) 98.1±8.1126.1±8.3133.4±8.6134.8±9.0138.6±3.6153.1±9.7137.9±6.3158.8±7.4159.6±2.7162.1±10.2160.1±1.3

[0128] (Unit: minutes)

[0129] As shown in Table 3 above, in the case of compositions SC1 to SC10 of the present invention, it was confirmed that the sleep induction time was shortened and the sleep maintenance time was significantly increased compared to the control group.

[0130] In particular, in the case of SC7 to SF10, which further included port marjoram flower extract (OE) and western yarrow extract (AE) in addition to cuckoo extract (RE), barley extract (YE), and chicken gizzard extract (CE), it was confirmed that the sleep induction time was further shortened and the sleep maintenance time was further increased.

[0131] Sleep hormone secretion effect

[0132] The same samples and experimental animals as in the above experimental example were used, and the overall average body weight of the experimental animals was 34.545 ± 0.08 g, and there was no significant difference in body weight between each group. In order to confirm the sleep hormone secretion effect of the compositions SC1 to SC10 of the present invention, water was administered as a control group, and the concentrations of serotonin and melatonin in the serum were measured.

[0133] The results are shown in Figures 1 and 2 below, and the compositions SC1 to SC10 of the present invention confirmed an increase in the concentration of serotonin and melatonin compared to the control group.

[0134]

[0135] [Experimental Example 4: Effects on Blood Circulation-Related Diseases]

[0136] Evaluation of antithrombotic efficacy

[0137] The same samples and experimental animals as in the above experimental example were used. After dissolving carrageenan in physiological saline, approximately 40 μl was injected between the toes of the right hind leg of the experimental animal. After 24 hours, 48 ​​hours, and 72 hours, the tail thrombosis length was measured using a digital Vernier caliper (Mitutoyo, Japan).

[0138] The compositions SC1 to SC10 of the present invention were administered orally every day starting from 3 days before the carrageenan injection, and on the day of thrombosis induction, they were administered orally 1 hour before the carrageenan injection, and thereafter, they were administered orally 23 hours, 47 hours, or 71 hours after the carrageenan injection.

[0139] The tail thrombus length was measured 72 hours after carrageenan injection and is shown in Figure 3 below.

[0140] As a result, as can be seen in Fig. 3, the average tail thrombus length observed 72 hours after only carrageenan was injected into experimental animals was 2.80 cm, but when compositions SC1 to SC10 of the present invention were injected, the tail thrombus length was much shorter than that.

[0141] In particular, it was confirmed that SC7 to SF10, which further included port marjoram flower extract (OE) and yarrow extract (AE) in addition to cuckoo extract (RE), barley extract (YE), and chicken gizzard extract (CE), had the best thrombosis inhibition effect, with an average of approximately 1.10 cm (p<0.01).

[0142] Platelet aggregation inhibition effect

[0143] After anesthetizing the experimental animals whose tail clot length was measured, arterial blood inside the abdominal cavity was slowly collected and placed in a tube containing 3.2% sodium citrate anticoagulant. The collected blood was centrifuged at 1,000 rpm for 10 minutes. The separated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was diluted with platelet-poor plasma obtained by centrifugation at 3,000 rpm for 10 minutes to obtain a platelet count of 4.0×10 8 was used as a standard.

[0144] Platelet aggregation inhibition activity was measured by an optical method that confirms platelet aggregation through PRP, measuring changes in electrical resistance and light source according to platelet aggregation. 245 μl of blood was placed in a cuvette and reacted at 37°C for 10 minutes using a platelet aggregator 700-2 (Chrono-Log. Havertown, PA), and then 2.5 μl of each of the compositions SC1 to SC10 of the present invention was added and reacted.

[0145] Afterwards, the baseline was checked at regular intervals, and 10 ㎍ / ㎖ of collagen, a platelet aggregation promoter, was added and measured at 37℃ for up to 10 minutes while stirring at 1,200 rpm.

[0146] As a result, as can be seen in Figure 4 below, when comparing the platelet aggregation rate of 100 when only platelets and collagen were reacted with the control group, it was confirmed that the complex extracts containing cuckoo extract (RE), barley extract (YE), and comfrey extract (CE), especially SC7 to SF10, which further contain port marjoram extract (OE) and yarrow extract (AE) in addition to cuckoo extract (RE), barley extract (YE), and comfrey extract (CE), had superior platelet aggregation inhibition ability compared to the control group.

[0147]

[0148] [Experimental Example 5: Palatability Evaluation]

[0149] A palatability evaluation was conducted for the above SC1 to SC10. After SC1 to SC10 were prepared as tea, they were provided to 20 adult men and women, and then evaluated for taste and aroma.

[0150] The evaluation scores were requested to be evaluated on a scale of 1 to 10 for each item, and the evaluation results were converted to an average score and displayed.

[0151] The higher the index, the higher the preference.

[0152] SF1SF2SF3SF4SF5SF6SF7SF8SF9SF10Taste4.55.5666.54.57.07.08.07.5Scent44.5566.557.07.58.07.0Overall Preference (Average)455.566.557.07.58.07.5

[0153] (Unit: Index)

[0154] Referring to Table 4 above, it was confirmed that the preference was low in SC1 due to the original taste and aroma of cuckoo's cuckoo. However, it was confirmed that the preference was excellent when other natural extracts of SC2 and SC6 were mixed and used.

[0155] In particular, SC7 and SC10, which contain more herbal extracts, were confirmed to exhibit relatively excellent taste and aroma, confirming that they can be provided as food compositions with high palatability.

[0156]

[0157] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0158]

[0159] The present invention relates to a composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep, comprising a cuckoo's-eye extract. More specifically, the present invention relates to a composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep disorders, which comprises a cuckoo's-eye extract, which can improve sleep deterioration caused by stress by reducing increases in blood cortisol, and which can promote the secretion of sleep hormones, thereby inducing sleep and improving sleep disorders.

Claims

1. Contains extract of Rhaponticum uniflorum as an active ingredient Composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep and improving sleep disorders.

2. In paragraph 1, The above composition has the effect of improving sleep reduced by stress by reducing the increase in cortisol in the blood. Composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep and improving sleep disorders.

3. In paragraph 1, The above composition secretes a hormone selected from the group consisting of tryptophan, serotonin and melatonin. Composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep and improving sleep disorders.

4. In paragraph 1, The composition further comprises an extract of Youngia japonica (L.) DC. and an extract of Commelina communis (L.). Composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep and improving sleep disorders.

5. In paragraph 1, The above composition prevents stress-related diseases selected from the group consisting of depression, insomnia, dyspnea sleep disorder, circadian rhythm sleep disorder, sleepwalking, obesity and hypertension. Composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep and improving sleep disorders.

6. A composition comprising a composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep disorders according to any one of clauses 1 to 5. Food composition.

7. A composition comprising a composition for relieving stress, inducing sleep, and improving sleep disorders according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Pharmaceutical composition.

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