Serotonin production promoting composition

Abstract

This serotonin production promoting composition contains one or more types selected from bacteria that are Bifidobacterium bifidum MCC2085 (NITE BP-03881), cultures of the bacteria, and treated products of the bacteria. The serotonin production promoting composition contains one or more types selected from bacteria that are Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis M-63 (NITE BP-02623), cultures of the bacteria, and treated products of the bacteria.

Description

Composition for promoting serotonin production

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition for promoting serotonin production. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-141717, filed on August 31, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain that is involved in physiological functions such as neuroendocrine secretion, sleep, and thermoregulation. In addition, serotonin controls the secretion of dopamine and noradrenaline, stabilizing the mind. Serotonin is biosynthesized from the essential amino acid tryptophan via 5-hydroxytryptophan, and is distributed in the hypothalamus, basal ganglia, and raphe nucleus of the medulla oblongata.

[0003] Serotonin, which is generally found in the brain, is known to be produced in the raphe nucleus of the medulla oblongata. Non-Patent Document 1 discloses the possibility that serotonin produced in the small intestine may be involved in signals transmitted through the vagus nerve system spine and affect the brain.

[0004] In recent years, active research has been conducted into the prevention of disease occurrence or health promotion by actively ingesting bacteria that have a positive effect on animals (so-called good bacteria, also known as "probiotics") to improve the intestinal environment. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses probiotics that have an immunomodulatory effect and are useful for treating pathologies associated with changes in the immune system.

[0005] Special Publication No. 2013-521335

[0006] Martinet al., “The Brain-Gut-Microbiome Axis”, Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology Hepatology, Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 133-148, 2018

[0007] It is thought that the production of serotonin in the intestine is influenced by metabolism by the intestinal flora and interactions between the intestine and the intestinal flora.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a composition for promoting serotonin production, which contains a Bifidobacterium bacterium.

[0009] The present invention encompasses the following aspects. [1] A composition for promoting serotonin production, comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of Bifidobacterium bifidum MCC2085 (NITE BP-03881), a culture of said bacterium, and a processed product of said bacterium. [2] The composition for promoting serotonin production according to [1], wherein the composition for promoting serotonin production is a food or drink composition. [3] The composition for promoting serotonin production according to [2], wherein the food or drink composition is a probiotic composition or a nutritional composition. [4] The composition for promoting serotonin production according to [3], wherein the nutritional composition is infant formula. [5] The composition for promoting serotonin production according to [3] or [4], further comprising human milk oligosaccharides. [6] The composition for promoting serotonin production according to [1], wherein the composition for promoting serotonin production is a pharmaceutical composition. [7] A composition for promoting serotonin production, comprising one or more selected from the bacterium Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis M-63 (NITE BP-02623), a culture of said bacterium, and a processed product of said bacterium. [8] The composition for promoting serotonin production according to [7], wherein the composition for promoting serotonin production is a food or drink composition. [9] The composition for promoting serotonin production according to [8], wherein the food or drink composition is a probiotic composition or a nutritional composition.

[10] The composition for promoting serotonin production according to [9], wherein the nutritional composition is infantile formula.

[11] The composition for promoting serotonin production according to [9] or

[10] , further comprising human milk oligosaccharides.

[12] The composition for promoting serotonin production according to [7], wherein the composition for promoting serotonin production is a pharmaceutical composition.

[0010] In another aspect, the present invention includes the following embodiment:

[13] Bifidobacterium bifidum MCC2085 (NITE BP-03881) is administered at an intake of 1 x 10 ３ ~1 x 10 １２

[14] A method for promoting serotonin production, comprising administering to a recipient a bacterium, Bifidobacterium infantis M-63 (NITE BP-02623), at an intake of 1 x 10 CFU / day. ３ ~1 x 10 １２

[15] Use of the bacterium Bifidobacterium bifidum MCC2085 (NITE BP-03881) for promoting serotonin production.

[16] Use of the bacterium Bifidobacterium infantis M-63 (NITE BP-02623) for promoting serotonin production.

[0011] According to the above aspect, a composition for promoting serotonin production containing Bifidobacterium can be provided.

[0012] Graph showing the amount of serotonin produced in MCC2085. Graph showing the amount of serotonin produced in M-63. Graph showing the amount of Tph1 mRNA in MCC2085. Graph showing the amount of Tph1 mRNA in M-63.

[0013] Preferred embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below. Note that the embodiment described below shows an example of a typical embodiment of the present disclosure, and the scope of the present technology is not to be interpreted narrowly by this. Note that in this specification, when a numerical range is expressed as "lower limit value to upper limit value," it means that both the lower limit value and the upper limit value are included.

[0014] In this specification, when describing the content of "Bifidobacterium bifidum MCC2085 (NITE BP-03881, hereinafter also referred to as simply "MCC2085")" in a composition, this can also apply to the content of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis M-63 (NITE BP-02623, hereinafter also referred to as simply "M-63") in the composition. When a composition contains both MCC2085 and M-63, the content of MCC2085 alone can be applied to the total content of MCC2085 and M-63. In this specification, "CFU" means colony forming unit. In this specification, when MCC2085 or M-63 is pasteurized, CFU can be replaced with "cells."

[0015] Bifidobacterium bacteria have been reported to have various physiological functions. These physiological functions are reported to be related to proliferation in the intestine or substances produced by Bifidobacterium bacteria (e.g., acetic acid, etc.). Therefore, the Bifidobacterium bacteria of this embodiment are also highly safe and can be expected to have the commonly known efficacy of Bifidobacterium bacteria in a wide range of age groups. In addition, the Bifidobacterium bacteria of this embodiment can be used for the purpose of promoting serotonin production.

[0016] <Bifidobacterium> Bifidobacterium bifidum MCC2085 (NITE BP-03881) is a novel Bifidobacterium bifidum isolated from human infant feces, and was internationally deposited as a new strain with the National Patent Microorganisms Depositary (NPMD), National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (Address: Room 122, 2-5-8 Kazusa Kamatari, Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan 292-0818) on April 13, 2023, under the name Bifidobacterium bifidum MCC2085 (Accession Number: NITE BP-03881). This bacterium is publicly available from the above-mentioned collection institution.

[0017] Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis M-63 (NITE BP-02623) was internationally deposited with the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NPMD) Patent Microorganisms Depositary (Address: Room 122, 2-5-8 Kazusa Kamatari, Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan 292-0818) on January 26, 2018 as Bifidobacterium infantis M-63 (Accession Number: NITE BP-02623). This bacterium is publicly available from the above-mentioned collection institution.

[0018] MCC2085 and M-63 are not limited to the bacteria themselves that have been deposited and registered under those names with a designated institution (hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, also referred to as the "deposited bacteria"), but also include bacteria that are substantially equivalent thereto (also referred to as "derived strains" or "derived strains"). With regard to bacteria, "bacteria substantially equivalent to the deposited bacteria" means bacteria that belong to the same species as the deposited bacteria and that can obtain characteristics of the present technology that are equivalent to or greater than those of the deposited bacteria. Bacteria that are substantially equivalent to the deposited bacteria may be, for example, a derived strain of the deposited bacteria. Derivative strains include bacteria bred from the deposited bacteria and bacteria that naturally arise from the deposited bacteria.

[0019] In this embodiment, a bacterium substantially equivalent to MCC2085 or M-63 refers to, for example, a bacterium of the same genus, in which the base sequence of the 16S rRNA gene has preferably 99.9% or more, more preferably 100%, homology to the base sequence of the 16S rRNA gene of MCC2085 or M-63, and preferably has the same bacteriologic properties as MCC2085.

[0020] In this embodiment, MCC2085 or M-63 also includes mutant strains of MCC2085 or M-63, respectively, as long as they have these properties, i.e., the property of a high serotonin production-promoting effect. Furthermore, it is preferable that this mutant strain is a bacterium that has the same mycological properties as MCC2085 or M-63 and has a high serotonin production-promoting effect. Whether a certain mutant strain has a "high serotonin production-promoting effect" equivalent to that of MCC2085 can be confirmed by the methods described in (2) Preparation of bacterial cell-containing solution in the test examples below, (4) Quantification of serotonin production amount, and (5) Confirmation of Tph1 gene expression.

[0021] Such mutant strains may be constructed by non-artificially introducing mutations into MCC2085 or M-63, or by introducing mutations into the bacterium by treatment with a mutagen such as UV, or by various genetic engineering techniques.

[0022] Substantially equivalent bacteria and derived strains include the following: (1) Bacteria determined to be the same bacteria by the Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA method or the Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis method (described in Probiotics in food / Health and nutritional properties and guidelines for evaluation 85, page 43) (2) Bacteria that contain only genes derived from the deposited bacteria, do not contain genes of foreign origin, and have a DNA identity of 95% or more (preferably 98% or more) (3) Bacteria that have the same characteristics as bacteria bred from the bacteria (including genetic engineering modifications, mutations, or natural mutations)

[0023] MCC2085 and M-63 can be grown by culturing the bacteria. The culturing method is not particularly limited as long as MCC2085 and M-63 can grow, and methods commonly used for culturing Bifidobacterium bacteria can be used with appropriate modifications as necessary. For example, the culture temperature may be 30 to 50°C, preferably 35 to 45°C. Furthermore, the culture is preferably carried out under anaerobic conditions, for example, while aerating with anaerobic gas such as carbon dioxide. Culture may also be carried out under microaerobic conditions, such as liquid static culture.

[0024] The culture medium for growing MCC2085 and M-63 is not particularly limited, and media commonly used for culturing Bifidobacterium bacteria can be used with appropriate modifications as needed. For example, sugars such as galactose, glucose, fructose, mannose, cellobiose, maltose, lactose, sucrose, trehalose, starch hydrolysates, and blackstrap molasses can be used as carbon sources. Nitrogen sources include ammonium salts such as ammonia, ammonium chloride, and ammonium nitrate, as well as nitrates. Inorganic salts include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, calcium chloride, calcium nitrate, manganese chloride, and ferrous sulfate. Organic components such as soybean flour, defatted soybean meal, meat extract, and yeast extract may also be used. As a prepared medium, for example, MRS medium can be suitably used.

[0025] <Composition for Promoting Serotonin Production> The composition for promoting serotonin production of this embodiment (hereinafter also simply referred to as "composition") comprises one or more species selected from the bacterium Bifidobacterium bifidum MCC2085 (NITE BP-03881), a culture of said bacterium, and a processed product of said bacterium. In another aspect, the composition for promoting serotonin production of this embodiment comprises one or more species selected from the bacterium Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis M-63 (NITE BP-02623), a culture of said bacterium, and a processed product of said bacterium. The composition for promoting serotonin production of this embodiment may comprise both MCC2085 and M-63. Compositions for promoting serotonin production include food and beverage compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, and the like.

[0026] As used herein, the term "high serotonin production promoting effect" can be confirmed by the methods described below in Test Examples (2) for preparing a bacterial cell-containing solution, (4) quantifying the amount of serotonin produced, and (5) confirming the expression of the Tph1 gene. Specifically, in (4) quantifying the amount of serotonin produced, a "high serotonin production promoting effect" can be achieved when the ratio of the amount of serotonin produced by the test bacterial cells to the amount of serotonin produced by the control is 1.5 or more, preferably 2 or more, and more preferably 2.5 or more. Furthermore, in (5) confirming the expression of the Tph1 gene, a "high serotonin production promoting effect" can be achieved when the ratio of the amount of Tph1 mRNA expressed by the test bacterial cells to the amount of Tph1 mRNA expressed by the control is 1.5 or more, preferably 2 or more, and more preferably 2.5 or more.

[0027] As the bacteria MCC2085 and M-63, the above-mentioned MCC2085 and M-63 can be used, respectively, and only the bacterial cells can be recovered from the medium after cultivation and used.

[0028] As the bacterial culture, the culture obtained after culturing may be used as it is, or a diluted or concentrated culture may be used, or a culture supernatant recovered from the culture may be used. That is, examples of the bacterial culture include the culture itself, a diluted culture, a concentrated culture, and a culture supernatant.

[0029] As long as the effects of the present invention are achieved, it is also possible to use MCC2085 and M-63 cells that have been subjected to additional treatments such as heating, drying, crushing, or sterilization after cultivation. These treatments can be used in appropriate combinations.

[0030] Examples of drying methods include spray drying and freeze drying. Examples of sterilization methods include retort sterilization, UHT (Ultra High Temperature) sterilization, pressure sterilization, high-pressure steam sterilization, dry heat sterilization, circulating steam disinfection, electromagnetic wave sterilization, electron beam sterilization, high-frequency sterilization, radiation sterilization, ultraviolet sterilization, ethylene oxide gas sterilization, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization, and chemical sterilization (specifically, alcohol sterilization, formalin fixation, and electrolyzed water treatment).

[0031] That is, the processed bacterial product is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include bacterial cell concentrates, freeze-dried bacterial cells, spray-dried bacterial cells, sterilized bacterial cells, heat-sterilized bacterial cells, and crushed bacterial cells.

[0032] Since MCC2085 and M-63 are derived from humans and therefore highly safe with few side effects, they can be taken continuously by animals for a long period of time. Therefore, they can be used in a wide range of products, such as food and beverage compositions and pharmaceutical compositions, and can be used by mixing them with common carriers or diluents that are physiologically, pharmaceutically, or food and beverage acceptable.

[0033] When an animal ingests the composition of this embodiment, it is expected to have the effect of promoting serotonin production in the body.

[0034] The content of MCC2085 in the entire composition of this embodiment is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 10 ３ CFU / g or mL or more, 10 ４ CFU / g or mL or more, 10 ５ CFU / g or mL or more, or 10 ６ CFU / g or mL or more, １２ CFU / g or mL or less, 10 １１ CFU / g or mL or less, or 10 １０ It may be less than CFU / g or mL.

[0035] The content of MCC2085 or M-63 in the composition of the present invention is 10 ３ CFU / g or mL ~ 10 １２ CFU / g or mL, ４ CFU / g or mL ~ 10 １１ CFU / g or mL, ５ CFU / g or mL or more to 10 １０ It may be in CFU / g or mL.

[0036] Ingestion of the composition of the present embodiment by an animal is expected to have the effect of promoting serotonin production in the body. The composition of the present invention can be used to prevent, improve, or treat symptoms or diseases caused by a deficiency of serotonin.

[0037] Symptoms or diseases caused by a lack of serotonin include, for example, symptoms or diseases caused by stress, symptoms or diseases caused by intestinal flora disorders, and premenstrual syndrome. Symptoms or diseases caused by stress include neuropsychiatric symptoms (e.g., headache, dizziness, low-grade fever, anxiety, depression, gloomy mood, decreased motivation and concentration, anxiety, sadness, irritability, and poor sleep), and systemic symptoms (e.g., fatigue and malaise). Symptoms or diseases caused by intestinal flora disorders include diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Premenstrual syndrome includes vasomotor system symptoms (e.g., palpitations and swelling), neuropsychiatric symptoms (e.g., headache, dizziness, low-grade fever, anxiety, depression, and poor sleep), locomotor system symptoms (e.g., lower back pain and joint pain), digestive system symptoms (e.g., constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, increased appetite, and thirst), systemic symptoms (e.g., fatigue and malaise), and skin symptoms (e.g., acne). Anxiety includes anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are a general term for symptoms characterized by strong anxiety that leads to behavioral or mental disorders, such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social anxiety disorder (stage fright). Depression includes depressed mood, decreased motivation and concentration, anxiety, fatigue, sadness, irritability, poor sleep, and autonomic nervous system disorders. Poor sleep includes sleep disorders, insomnia, and shallow sleep. Sleep disorders are a general term for symptoms or diseases related to sleep, such as insomnia and hypersomnia.

[0038] That is, the composition of the present embodiment can be used as an anti-stress composition, an anti-anxiety composition, an antidepressant composition, a sleep-improving composition, a composition for improving the intestinal flora, a composition for regulating the intestines, and a composition for improving premenstrual syndrome.

[0039] Thus, therapeutic and non-therapeutic uses are provided herein. Therapeutic uses include, in particular, the treatment or prevention of disorders caused by a lack of serotonin. For example, the treatment or prevention of disorders selected from the group consisting of headache, dizziness, low-grade fever, anxiety, depression, depressed mood, anxiety, insomnia, sadness, panic disorder, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), irritability, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, palpitations and swelling, lower back and joint pain, acne, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, and hypersomnia is anticipated. Non-therapeutic uses include, in particular, the prevention of physical or mental conditions associated with a lack of serotonin. These conditions may be undesirable. In particular, the improvement of one or more conditions selected from the group consisting of decreased motivation and concentration, poor sleep, fatigue, lethargy, increased appetite, dry mouth, and autonomic nervous system disorders is anticipated. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is widely present throughout the central nervous system and circulatory system. Recent research suggests that serotonin is an essential chemical in neurodevelopment, including cell division, neuronal migration, cell differentiation, synaptogenesis, and synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, serotonin has been shown to favorably influence language, memory, motor, and emotional learning by regulating synapses. Recent research has also shown that serotonin is involved in intestinal peristalsis and promotes gastric motility and the digestive process. These findings suggest that promoting serotonin production in the body may be effective against the above-mentioned diseases. The pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical uses provided herein are particularly advantageous for desired medical or non-medical interventions in infants and / or children, preferably human infants and / or children.

[0040] Compositions containing MCC2085 may be used for therapeutic or non-therapeutic purposes. "Non-therapeutic purposes" is a concept that does not include medical procedures, i.e., treatment of the human body through therapy. Examples include health promotion and cosmetic procedures. "Improvement" refers to the improvement of a disease, symptom, or condition; the prevention or delay of the worsening of a disease, symptom, or condition; or the reversal, prevention, or delay of the progression of a disease or symptom. "Prevention" refers to the prevention or delay of the onset of a disease or symptom in a subject, or the reduction of the risk of a disease or symptom in a subject.

[0041] When the composition of the present invention is used for non-therapeutic purposes, it can be administered to a healthy subject. A healthy subject may be a subject who does not have symptoms or diseases caused by a lack of serotonin. When the composition of the present invention is used for non-therapeutic purposes, it can be used to further promote serotonin production in the body of a healthy subject. When the composition of the present invention is used for non-therapeutic purposes, it can promote serotonin production in healthy subjects, and can prevent and improve symptoms caused by stress, anxiety, depression, poor sleep, symptoms caused by intestinal flora disorders, premenstrual syndrome, etc.

[0042] When the composition of the present invention is used for therapeutic purposes, it can be administered to unhealthy subjects. Examples of unhealthy subjects include subjects with symptoms or diseases caused by a lack of serotonin. When the composition of the present invention is used for therapeutic purposes, it can promote serotonin production in unhealthy subjects, and can prevent, improve, or treat symptoms or diseases caused by stress, anxiety, depression, poor sleep, symptoms or diseases caused by disorders of the intestinal flora, premenstrual syndrome, etc.

[0043] The composition for promoting serotonin production containing MCC2085 or M-63 may be used for human or non-human animals (preferably mammals), preferably humans and pets, more preferably humans. Furthermore, the target subjects of the present technology are not particularly limited as long as they desire the probiotic effect, and examples include infants, children, adults, healthy individuals, middle-aged and elderly individuals, elderly individuals, and individuals with poor intestinal environments.

[0044] Thus, MCC2085 and M-63 can be contained as active ingredients in probiotic compositions. Furthermore, MCC2085 and M-63 can also be used to produce these various compositions. Furthermore, MCC2085 and M-63 can also be used as probiotic bacteria.

[0045] The administration or ingestion of MCC2085 or M-63 is preferably continued for at least one week, more preferably at least four weeks, and is preferably taken daily during the administration or ingestion period of MCC2085 or M-63.

[0046] The amount of MCC2085 or M-63 used is not particularly limited because it is highly safe. For example, ５ ~1 x 10 １２ CFU / kg body weight / day is preferred, 1 x 10 ７ ~1 x 10 １１ CFU / kg body weight / day is more preferred, 1 x 10 ８ ~1 x 10 １０ CFU / kg body weight / day is more preferable. Alternatively, the amount used (in other words, the dosage) per individual (body weight) is 10 ７ ~10 １４ CFU / day is preferred, 10 ８ ~10 １３ CFU / day is more preferred, 10 ９ ~10 １２ CFU / day is more preferred.

[0047] The amount of MCC2085 or M-63 used is not particularly limited because they are highly safe, but is preferably 0.01 to 10,000 mg / kg body weight / day, more preferably 0.01 to 1,000 mg / kg body weight / day, and even more preferably 0.01 to 100 mg / kg body weight / day, in terms of dry weight of bacterial cells. The amount of MCC2085 or M-63 used is not particularly limited because they are highly safe, but is preferably 0.001 to 100 mL / kg body weight / day, and more preferably 0.1 to 100 mL / kg body weight / day.

[0048] <Pharmaceutical Composition> The pharmaceutical composition for promoting serotonin production of this embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it contains MCC2085 or M-63. The pharmaceutical composition may contain both MCC2085 and M-63.

[0049] The pharmaceutical composition of this embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it contains MCC2085 and M-63 themselves, a culture of the bacteria, or a processed product of the bacteria.

[0050] Furthermore, because the pharmaceutical composition of this embodiment contains MCC2085 or M-63 extracted from the human intestine as an active ingredient, it can be safely administered as an oral composition component to patients suffering from various diseases. Furthermore, because Bifidobacterium bacteria are also present in the intestines of animals, this embodiment is expected to be less likely to cause side effects even when administered to animals continuously over a long period of time. Furthermore, Bifidobacterium bacteria can be safely administered to infants and children. Therefore, this embodiment is also suitable for preventing, ameliorating, and treating diseases or their symptoms in infants and children.

[0051] The pharmaceutical composition of this embodiment is used for the above-mentioned therapeutic purposes in unhealthy individuals.

[0052] The dosage form of the pharmaceutical composition of this embodiment is not particularly limited. Specific examples of dosage forms of the pharmaceutical composition include tablets, pills, powders, liquids, suspensions, emulsions, granules, capsules, syrups, suppositories, injections, ointments, patches, eye drops, and nasal drops. Furthermore, additives commonly used as pharmaceutical carriers, such as excipients, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, stabilizers, flavorings, diluents, surfactants, and injection solvents, can be used in the formulation.

[0053] Furthermore, when formulating, the pharmaceutical composition according to this embodiment can contain ingredients such as excipients, pH adjusters, colorants, and flavoring agents that are commonly used in formulations. Furthermore, as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired, the pharmaceutical composition according to this embodiment can also contain ingredients that have the effect of preventing, ameliorating, and / or treating known or future diseases or symptoms related to this embodiment. Additionally, formulation can be carried out by known methods as appropriate depending on the dosage form. When formulating, a pharmaceutical carrier may be added as appropriate.

[0054] The content of MCC2085 or M-63 in the pharmaceutical composition of this embodiment is appropriately determined depending on the dosage form, dosage method, age and sex of the patient, type of disease, severity of disease, and other conditions, but is usually 1 × 10 ５ ~1 x 10 １２ CFU / g or 1 x 10 ５ ~1 x 10 １２ CFU / mL, preferably in the range of 1 x 10 ７ ~1 x 10 １１ CFU / g or 1 x 10 ７ ~1 x 10 １１ More preferably, it is in the range of CFU / mL.

[0055] The timing of administration of the pharmaceutical composition of this embodiment is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected according to the treatment method for the target symptom or disease. It may also be administered prophylactically or for maintenance therapy. The dosage form is preferably determined depending on the formulation, the patient's age, sex, other conditions, or the severity of the patient's symptoms. In either case, the pharmaceutical composition of this embodiment can be administered once a day or multiple times a day, or may be administered once every few days or weeks.

[0056] <Food and drink composition> The food and drink composition of the present embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it contains one or more selected from MCC2085 or M-63 itself, a culture of the bacteria, and a processed product of the bacteria, and may be a probiotic composition, a nutritional composition, or a general food and drink composition.

[0057] The dosage form of the food and beverage composition of this embodiment is not particularly limited, and may be powder, granules, paste, emulsion, oil drops, capsules, tablets, etc. The food and beverage composition of this embodiment can be used for any subject, including healthy and unhealthy individuals, for the above-mentioned non-therapeutic purposes.

[0058] The food and beverage composition of this embodiment may be produced by adding one or more selected from MCC2085 or M-63 itself, a culture of the bacteria, and a processed product of the bacteria to a known food or beverage, or may be produced as a new food and beverage composition by mixing these with the ingredients of the food or beverage. The food and beverage composition may contain both MCC2085 and M-63.

[0059] Examples of common food and beverage compositions include beverages such as soft drinks, carbonated drinks, nutritional drinks, fruit juice drinks, and lactic acid bacteria drinks (including concentrated concentrates and powders for preparation of these beverages); frozen desserts such as ice cream, sherbet, and shaved ice; sweets such as candy, candy, gum, chocolate, tablet candy, snacks, biscuits, jelly, jam, cream, and baked goods; dairy products such as processed milk, milk drinks, fermented milk, yogurt drinks, and butter; and bread. Furthermore, the food and beverage may be a supplement, for example, a tablet supplement. When it is a supplement, MCC2085 or M-63 can be ingested without being affected by other foods in terms of the daily dietary amount and calorie intake.

[0060] Furthermore, the food and beverage composition of this embodiment may be a probiotic composition containing a component having a probiotic effect or a component that supports the probiotic effect, as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. For example, the food and beverage composition of this embodiment can be prepared by combining MCC2085 or M-63 with components such as carbohydrates such as human milk oligosaccharides; various proteins such as whey protein, casein protein, soy protein, and pea protein (pea protein), or mixtures or hydrolysates thereof; amino acids such as leucine, valine, isoleucine, and glutamine; vitamins such as vitamin B6 and vitamin C; creatine; citric acid; or fish oil.

[0061] The food and beverage composition defined in this embodiment can be provided or sold as a food or beverage labeled with a use (including health use) such as probiotics. Furthermore, the food and beverage composition can be provided or sold with a label indicating the intended users of the food or beverage, such as "those who want to increase serotonin in the body," "those who want to feel cheerful," "those who want to be more resistant to stress," "those who want to improve feelings of anxiety," "those who want to improve diarrhea," "those who want to improve constipation," "those who want to improve premenstrual syndrome," "those who have poor sleep," "those who want to sleep soundly," "those who want to live with Bifidobacterium bacteria," "those who want to improve their intestinal environment," "those who want to regulate their stomach," "those who want to create a healthy intestinal environment," or "those suffering from premenstrual syndrome." The act of "labeling" includes all acts for informing consumers of the intended use, and any expression that can evoke or infer the intended use falls under the "labeling" act of the present invention, regardless of the purpose of the labeling, the content of the labeling, the object and medium on which it is displayed, etc.

[0062] Furthermore, it is preferable that the "labeling" be done in an expression that allows consumers to directly recognize the intended use. Specifically, this includes acts of transferring, delivering, displaying for the purpose of transferring or delivering, or importing food and beverage products or product packaging on which the intended use is written, displaying or distributing advertisements, price lists, or transaction documents related to the products and including the intended use, or providing information containing the above content by electromagnetic means (specifically, the Internet, etc.).

[0063] On the other hand, the content of the labeling is preferably a labeling approved by the government, etc. (for example, a labeling approved based on various systems established by the government and made in a manner based on such approval.) Furthermore, it is preferable that such a labeling content be attached to promotional materials at the point of sale, such as packaging, containers, catalogs, pamphlets, and POP (Point of Purchase) notices, as well as other documents.

[0064] "Labeling" also includes labeling as health food, functional food, enteral nutritional food, special dietary food, health functional food, food for specified health uses, food with nutrient functions, or food with functional claims. Among these, labeling approved by the Consumer Affairs Agency in Japan, such as labeling approved under systems related to foods for specified health uses, foods with nutrient functions, or foods with functional claims, or similar systems, can be cited. Specific examples include labeling as a food for specified health uses, labeling as a conditional food for specified health uses, labeling claiming to affect the structure or function of the body, labeling claiming disease risk reduction, and labeling claiming functionality based on scientific evidence. More specifically, typical examples include labeling as a food for specified health uses (especially labeling for health uses) and similar labeling as defined in the Cabinet Office Ordinance on Permission for Labeling for Special Uses Provided in the Health Promotion Act (Cabinet Office Ordinance No. 57 of August 31, 2009).

[0065] The content of MCC2085 or M-63 in the food and drink composition of this embodiment is appropriately set depending on the form of the food and drink composition. ６ ~1 x 10 １２ CFU / g or 1 x 10 ６ ~1 x 10 １２CFU / mL, preferably in the range of 1 x 10 ７ ~1 x 10 １１ CFU / g or 1 x 10 ７ ~1 x 10 １１ More preferably, it is in the range of CFU / mL.

[0066] The food and drink composition according to this embodiment can be used as a nutritional composition. In this embodiment, "nutritional composition" refers to a food and drink that is orally ingested primarily for the purpose of ingesting nutrition. The type of nutritional composition that can be used in this embodiment is not particularly limited, but is preferably formula, liquid food (enteral nutrition, porridge, etc.), baby food, sports drinks, etc., and more preferably formula. The subject of intake may be an infant, a toddler, a child, or an adult, but is preferably an infant or a toddler.

[0067] Formulated milk includes formulated powdered milk and formulated liquid milk. Formulated powdered milk is defined herein as "a powdered product obtained by processing raw cow's milk, raw goat's milk, raw sheep's milk, cow's milk, special cow's milk, or a food product made using these as a raw material, or by using these as a main ingredient, and adding nutrients necessary for infants." Formulated liquid milk is defined herein as "a liquid product obtained by processing raw cow's milk, raw goat's milk, raw sheep's milk, cow's milk, special cow's milk, or a food product made using these as a raw material, or by using these as a main ingredient, and adding nutrients necessary for infants."

[0068] The formula of this embodiment may further contain human milk oligosaccharides. The human milk oligosaccharides are not particularly limited as long as they are oligosaccharides normally contained in human milk, but include 2'-fucosyllactose, 3-fucosyllactose, lactodifucotetraose, 2',3-difucosyllactose, lacto-N-triose II, lacto-N-tetraose, lacto-N-neotetraose, lacto-N-fucopentaose I, lacto-N-neofucopentaose, lacto-N-fucopentaose II, lacto-N-fucopentaose III ... Preferred examples of such oligosaccharides include neutral human milk oligosaccharides such as lactose V, lacto-N-neofucopentaose V, lacto-N-difucohexaose I, lacto-N-difucohexaose II, 6'-galactosyllactose, 3'-galactosyllactose, lacto-N-hexaose, and lacto-N-neohexaose, and acidic human milk oligosaccharides such as 3'-sialyllactose, 6'-sialyllactose, 3-fucosyl-3'-sialyllactose, and disialyl-lacto-N-tetraose. Of these, 2'-fucosyllactose, 3-fucosyllactose, 3'-sialyllactose, and 6'-sialyllactose are preferred, with 2'-fucosyllactose being particularly preferred.

[0069] Formulated milk also includes those containing nutritional ingredients such as various proteins, fats and oils, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. The nutritional ingredients can be any of the above-mentioned nutrients. Formulated milk further includes "powdered infant formula," "liquid infant formula," and "powdered milk for pregnant and nursing women," which are foods for special dietary uses as defined by the Health Promotion Act. Formulated milk also includes powdered infant formula for infants aged 0 to 12 months, follow-up milk for infants aged 6 to 9 months and older and young children (up to 3 years of age), powdered milk for low birth weight infants weighing less than 2500 g at birth (low birth weight infants), allergy formula used to treat infants with pathological conditions such as cow's milk allergy or lactose intolerance, powdered milk for lactose intolerance, powdered milk for congenital metabolic disorders, powdered milk for infants, nutritional powder for adults, and nutritional powder for the elderly.

[0070] The formula of this embodiment can be administered to any subject, including healthy and unhealthy individuals. When administered to healthy individuals, the formula of this embodiment can be used as infant formula, follow-on milk, formula for low birth weight infants, formula for young children, nutritional powder for adults, or nutritional powder for the elderly, and can be used for the above-mentioned non-therapeutic purposes.

[0071] When the formula of this embodiment is administered to unhealthy individuals, it can be used as a powdered formula for allergies, a powdered formula for lactose intolerance, or a powdered formula for congenital metabolic disorders, and can be used for the aforementioned therapeutic purposes.

[0072] The food and drink composition containing the nutritional composition according to this embodiment can be used as a health food or a food for the sick. The health food system was established based on domestic and international trends and consistency with the existing system of foods for specified health uses, and covers not only ordinary foods but also foods in the form of tablets or capsules, etc., and is categorized into two types: foods for specified health uses, which are individually approved, and foods with nutrient functions, which are standardized.

[0073] <Method for producing a composition for promoting serotonin production> A method for producing a composition for promoting serotonin production of this embodiment will be described below. In the method for producing a composition for promoting serotonin production of this embodiment, the step of adding MCC2085 or M-63 may be carried out at any stage in the production process of the composition.

[0074] The method for producing a composition for promoting serotonin production includes at least a step of mixing MCC2085 or M-63 with raw materials. The raw materials include the raw materials for the composition for promoting serotonin production described above, a component having a probiotic effect, a component that supplements the probiotic effect, and a pharmaceutical carrier. In the case of a method for producing a composition for food or beverage, the raw materials include at least the raw materials for the composition for food or beverage described above. In the case of a method for producing a composition for food or beverage, the raw materials may include at least one of a component having a probiotic effect, a component that supplements the probiotic effect, and a pharmaceutical carrier.

[0075] When MCC2085 or M-63 is mixed with a raw material, the MCC2085 or M-63 may be in the form of bacterial cells, a culture containing bacterial cells, or a processed product containing bacterial cells. The form of the bacterial cells or the culture containing bacterial cells is not particularly limited and may be either liquid or solid, but a dried form (e.g., bacterial powder or dried culture product) is preferred because it is easy to handle during production and storage. Furthermore, examples of the culture include, as described above, the bacterial cells themselves from which the culture medium has been separated, a mixture of bacterial cells and culture medium, and a culture medium from which the bacterial cells have been removed. The product refers to a component produced by MCC2085 when MCC2085 or M-63 is cultured.

[0076] When mixing MCC2085 or M-63 with the raw materials, the content of MCC2085 or M-63 is 1 × 10 ３ ~1 x 10 １２ It is preferable to mix so that the CFU / g is 1 x 10 5 ~1 x 10 １１ It is more preferable to mix them so that the concentration becomes CFU / g.

[0077] The method for producing the composition may further include a step of drying a mixture of MCC2085 or M-63 and the raw materials. The drying method is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the effects of this embodiment. Specific drying methods include spray drying, retort sterilization, freeze drying, UHT sterilization, autoclaving, high-pressure steam sterilization, dry heat sterilization, circulating steam disinfection, electromagnetic wave sterilization, electron beam sterilization, high-frequency sterilization, radiation sterilization, ultraviolet sterilization, ethylene oxide gas sterilization, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization, and chemical sterilization (specifically, alcohol sterilization, formalin fixation, and electrolyzed water treatment). In this embodiment, freeze drying or spray drying is preferred.

[0078] The method for producing the composition may further comprise at least one of the steps of mixing a prebiotic with the mixture and further mixing a dairy component with the mixture.

[0079] The method for producing the composition may further include a step of mixing at least one type of probiotic bacteria such as Bifidobacterium bacteria other than MCC2085 or M-63 and lactic acid bacteria.

[0080] The milk component is preferably in powder form, and more preferably mixed with bacterial powder of MCC2085 or M-63.

[0081] The milk component is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the effects of this embodiment. For example, milk components include cow's milk, buffalo milk, sheep's milk, goat's milk, horse's milk, skim milk, concentrated skim milk, skim milk powder, concentrated milk, whole milk powder, cream, butter, buttermilk, condensed milk, and milk proteins, and one or more selected from the group consisting of these can be used. Furthermore, the milk protein is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include whey, casein, and hydrolysates thereof, and one or more selected from the group consisting of these can be used. Milk-derived components are preferred.

[0082] The hydrolysate can be produced by hydrolyzing the milk component (preferably milk protein), such as whey hydrolysate or casein hydrolysate. Examples of hydrolysis include acid or alkali hydrolysis and enzymatic hydrolysis. Among these, enzymatic hydrolysis is preferred. Protease is preferred as the enzyme used for enzymatic hydrolysis. Examples of protease include protease, trypsin, chymotrypsin, plasmin, pepsin, papain, peptidase, and aminopeptidase. The pH during the hydrolysis reaction can be adjusted appropriately to the optimum pH for the enzyme used, for example, at a pH of 2 to 6. The temperature during the hydrolysis reaction is not particularly limited, and is typically preferably in the range of 30 to 60°C. The reaction time is preferably 2 to 10 hours.

[0083] Furthermore, when producing a supplement or tablet as the composition of the present invention, the production method of the composition of this embodiment can include a step of mixing a culture containing MCC2085 or M-63 with a pharmaceutical carrier or the like to obtain a mixture, and a step of molding the mixture into a predetermined shape for the supplement or tablet. Examples of the molding step include tableting. An example of tableting is compressing a mixture of powder or granules to obtain a tablet.

[0084] Furthermore, an example of a method for producing the composition of this embodiment is a method for producing a fermented food or drink (preferably fermented milk) containing MCC2085 or M-63. A dried mixture of MCC2085 or M-63 and raw materials is added to a fermented milk raw material to obtain fermented milk containing MCC2085 or M-63. Alternatively, a dried mixture of MCC2085 or M-63 and raw materials is mixed with fermented milk to obtain fermented milk containing MCC2085 or M-63. The fermentation conditions and blending amounts are adjusted so that the amount of MCC2085 or M-63 in the composition is the aforementioned amount of bacterial cells. This makes it possible to provide a fermented food or drink containing MCC2085 or M-63, preferably fermented milk or a fermented product.

[0085] <Method for promoting serotonin production and method for preventing and improving diseases or symptoms caused by serotonin deficiency> The method for promoting serotonin production of the present invention comprises administering 1×10 serotonin to a patient in need of a serotonin-producing animal, the patient being a patient in need of a serotonin-producing animal, ... ３ ~1 x 10 １２ The method includes administering to a recipient a dose of 1000 CFU / day of the vaccine.

[0086] MCC2085 or M-63 promotes serotonin production, so the intake of MCC2085 or M-63 is 1 × 10 ３ ~1 x 10 １２When administered to a patient who is expecting at least one of the following effects: anti-stress, anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, sleep improvement, improvement of symptoms caused by intestinal flora disturbance, and improvement of premenstrual syndrome, or to a patient who is experiencing intestinal problems, improvement of the symptoms can be expected. It is preferable that the patient takes MCC2085 or M-63 continuously.

[0087] That is, MCC2085 or M-63 can be used for at least one of anti-stress, anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, sleep improvement, amelioration of symptoms caused by intestinal flora disturbance, and amelioration of premenstrual syndrome in a recipient. Furthermore, the bacterium Bifidobacterium infantis M-63 (NITE BP-02623) can be used particularly for at least one of sleep improvement, amelioration of symptoms caused by intestinal flora disturbance, and amelioration of premenstrual syndrome.

[0088] For example, the sleep improvement method of the present invention can be carried out by administering 1×10 ３ ~1 x 10 １２ Similarly, the method for improving anxiety, depression, symptoms caused by intestinal flora disturbance, and premenstrual syndrome of the present invention each comprise administering the bacteria MCC2085 or M-63 to a recipient at an intake of 1×10 CFU / day. ３ ~1 x 10 １２ The method includes administering to a recipient a dose of 1000 CFU / day of the vaccine.

[0089] The present embodiment will be described in more detail below based on examples. Note that the examples described below are representative examples of the present embodiment, and should not be construed as narrowing the scope of the present invention.

[0090] <Test Example> (1) Objective This test example was conducted to quantify the amount of serotonin produced by Bifidobacterium bifidum MCC2085 (NITE BP-03881) and Bifidobacterium infantis M-63 (NITE BP-02623) and to confirm the expression of the Tph1 gene.

[0091] (2) Preparation of bacterial cell-containing solution MRS medium (Difco ＴＭLactobacillus MRS Broth (product number 288130) was sterilized at 121°C for 15 minutes. MCC2085 or M-63 was cultured in the sterilized MRS medium under anaerobic conditions at 37°C for 16 hours. The culture medium after the culture was centrifuged to collect the bacterial cells, which were then suspended in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at a concentration of 1 x 10 ９ The concentration was adjusted to 100 cells / ml to obtain an MCC2085-containing solution and an M-63-containing solution.

[0092] (3) Cultivation and seeding of RIN14B cells RIN14B cells (ATCC CRL-2059, enterochromaffin-like cells derived from rat pancreatic cancer) were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 1% penicillin-streptomycin at 37°C and 5% CO. ２ The cells were cultured under the conditions and subcultured every 3 to 4 days.

[0093] The cultured RIN14B cells were incubated with 0.25 w / v% trypsin / EDTA (Gibco) at 37°C for 5 minutes, and then diluted with RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10% FBS and 1% penicillin-streptomycin to obtain 2.5 x 10 ５ This RIN14B cell-containing solution was seeded in a 24-well plate at 500 μL / well, and then incubated at 37° C., 5% CO ２ The cells were further cultured under these conditions for 48 hours.

[0094] (4) Quantification of Serotonin Production Amount After culturing the RIN14B cells in (3) above, the cells were washed once with HBSS(+) solution (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.). The MCC2085 or M-63-containing solution prepared in (2) above was diluted 20-fold with RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 1% penicillin-streptomycin, and added to the wells at 500 μL / well. The diluted solution was incubated at 37°C and 5% CO ２The cells were cultured for 24 hours under the conditions described above. After 24 hours of culture, the culture supernatant was collected and the serotonin content in the culture supernatant was measured using an ELISA kit (manufactured by DLD, model number EA602 / 96). The same procedure as above was repeated except that the bacterial cell-containing solution was not added, and this was used as a control.

[0095] (5) Confirmation of Tph1 gene expression After the culture in (4) above, the RIN14B cells remaining in the wells were collected using Trizol (Thermo Fisher Scientific), and RNA was extracted. The extracted RNA was analyzed using PrimeScript. ＴＭ cDNA was synthesized using RT Master Mix (Perfect Real Time), and then quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed using Takara TB GreenR Premium Ex Taq® II (Tli RNaseH Plus).

[0096] For the Tph1 gene, measurements using the Tph1 F primer (SEQ ID NO: 1) and the Tph1 R primer (SEQ ID NO: 2) were normalized to the expression level of GAPDH mRNA measured with the Rat GAPDH F primer (SEQ ID NO: 3) and the Rat GAPDH R primer (SEQ ID NO: 4), as shown in Table 1.

[0097]

[0098] (6) Results Figure 1 is a graph showing the amount of serotonin produced in MCC2085. Figure 2 is a graph showing the amount of serotonin produced in M-63. Statistical analysis was performed using the t-test to compare the two groups: Control and MCC2085 or M-63.

[0099] Compared to the control without added bacteria, the amount of serotonin produced when MCC2085 and M-63 were added was significantly increased. The ratio of the amount of serotonin produced by each bacterium to the amount of serotonin produced by the control was 3.2 for MCC2085 and 2.8 for M-63.

[0100] Figure 3 is a graph showing the relative expression level of Tph1 mRNA in MCC2085. Figure 4 is a graph showing the relative expression level of Tph1 mRNA in M-63. Statistical analysis was performed using the t-test to compare the two groups: Control and MCC2085 or M-63.

[0101] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the mRNA expression levels were significantly increased when MCC2085 and M-63 were added compared to the control without bacterial cells. The ratio of the Tph1 mRNA expression level of each bacterium to that of the control was 4.5 for MCC2085 and 5.7 for M-63.

[0102] From the above, it was revealed that MCC2085 and M-63 have the ability to produce serotonin.

[0103] [Production Examples] Production examples of the composition, pharmaceutical composition, fermented milk, modified milk powder, and food and drink composition of this embodiment are shown below, but the compositions of this embodiment are not limited to these.

[0104] [Production Example 1] MCC2085 or M-63 was cultured in an MRS liquid medium (Difco ＴＭ The bacteria are added to 3 mL of Lactobacillus MRS Broth (product number 288130) and cultured anaerobically at 32-39°C for 5-25 hours. The culture is then concentrated and freeze-dried to obtain a freeze-dried bacterial powder (i.e., bacterial powder). The bacterial powder and whey protein concentrate (WPC) are uniformly mixed to obtain a composition. 20 g of this composition is dissolved in 200 g of water to obtain a composition for promoting serotonin production containing MCC2085 or M-63.

[0105] [Preparation Example 2] MCC2085 or M-63 was added to 3 mL of MRS liquid medium and cultured anaerobically at 32-39°C for 5-25 hours. The culture medium was then concentrated and freeze-dried to obtain a freeze-dried bacterial powder (i.e., bacterial powder). The bacterial powder and a dried powder of milk protein concentrate (MPC480, manufactured by Fonterra, protein content 80% by mass, casein protein:whey protein ratio approximately 8:2) were uniformly mixed to obtain a composition. 20 g of this composition was dissolved in 200 g of water to obtain a composition for promoting serotonin production containing MCC2085 or M-63.

[0106] [Preparation Example 3] MCC2085 or M-63 is added to 3 mL of MRS liquid medium and cultured anaerobically at 32-39°C for 5-25 hours. The culture medium is then concentrated and freeze-dried to obtain a freeze-dried powder of bacteria (i.e., bacterial powder) containing MCC2085 or M-63. Next, the bacterial powder and crystalline cellulose are placed in a stirring granulator and mixed. Purified water is then added to granulate, and the granules are dried to obtain a granule (pharmaceutical composition) containing excipients. In this way, a granule containing MCC2085 or M-63 can be obtained.

[0107] [Production Example 4] A method for producing fermented milk with the addition of MCC2085 or M-63 is described below. First, the raw milk ingredients, and optionally water and other ingredients, are mixed, and then preferably homogenized and heat sterilized. The homogenization and heat sterilization can be carried out by conventional methods. A lactic acid bacteria starter is added to the heat-sterilized sterilized milk preparation (i.e., inoculated), and the mixture is fermented by maintaining it at a predetermined fermentation temperature to obtain a fermented product. Curd is formed by the fermentation.

[0108] As the lactic acid bacteria starter, for example, lactic acid bacteria commonly used in yogurt production, such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactococcus lactis, and Streptococcus thermophilus, can be used. When the pH reaches the target value, the formed curd is broken down by stirring and cooled to 10°C or below to obtain a fermented product. By cooling to 10°C or below, the activity of the lactic acid bacteria can be reduced, thereby suppressing acid production.

[0109] The fermented product obtained in the fermentation step is then heat-treated to obtain a heated fermented product. By moderately heating the fermented product, acid production by lactic acid bacteria in the heated fermented product can be suppressed. This prevents a decrease in pH during the subsequent production process and / or during storage of the concentrated fermented milk containing bifidobacteria. As a result, the survival rate of bifidobacteria can be improved.

[0110] Next, MCC2085 or M-63 is added to the heated fermented product obtained in the heat treatment step. The amount of MCC2085 or M-63 added is 1 x 10 ７ ~1 x 10 １１ CFU / mL is preferred, 1 x 10 ８ ~1 x 10 １０ CFU / mL is more preferred.

[0111] MCC2085 or M-63 is added to the heated fermented product, and then the product is concentrated. The concentration step can be carried out using any known concentration method. For example, centrifugation or membrane separation can be used. In the centrifugation method, whey is removed from the product to be concentrated (i.e., the heated fermented product to which MCC2085 or M-63 has been added), thereby obtaining concentrated fermented milk with an increased solids concentration.

[0112] Fermented milk containing the thus obtained MCC2085 or M-63 can be produced.

[0113] [Production Example 5] The method for producing powdered milk containing MCC2085 or M-63 is shown below.

[0114] 10 kg of desalted milk whey protein powder (Mirai Co., Ltd.), 6 kg of milk casein powder (Fonterra), 48 kg of lactose (Mirai Co., Ltd.), 920 g of mineral mixture (Tomita Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), 32 g of vitamin mixture (Tanabe Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), 500 g of lactulose (Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd.), 500 g of raffinose (Nippon Beet Sugar Co., Ltd.), and 900 g of galactooligosaccharide liquid sugar (Yakult Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) were dissolved in 300 kg of warm water, further heated and dissolved at 90°C for 10 minutes, and 28 kg of prepared fat (Taiyo Yushi Co., Ltd.) was added and homogenized. The mixture was then sterilized and concentrated, followed by spray drying to prepare approximately 95 kg of prepared milk powder. To this was added MCC2085 or M-63 bacterial cell powder (1.8 x 10) dispersed in starch. １１ CFU / g, manufactured by Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd.) was added to prepare approximately 95 kg of bifidobacteria-oligosaccharide formulated powdered milk. The prepared powdered milk was dissolved in water to prepare a formula with a total solids concentration of 14% (w / V), which is the standard formula concentration. When the number of bifidobacteria in the formula was 10 ６ ~10 ９ CFU / 100 mL can be obtained.

[0115] By ingesting or administering the thus obtained powdered milk containing MCC2085 or M-63, the intestinal environment of humans can be improved.

[0116] [Production Example 6] The method for producing an intestinal environment improving food containing MCC2085 or M-63 is shown below.

[0117] MCC2085 or M-63 is added to 3 mL of MRS liquid medium and cultured anaerobically at 32 to 39°C for 5 to 25 hours. The culture medium is then concentrated and freeze-dried to obtain a freeze-dried bacterial powder (i.e., bacterial powder), which is used to obtain the composition of the present embodiment. The bacterial powder of the present embodiment can also be added to foods containing a large amount of cellulose (e.g., vegetables or salads) and cooked, thereby obtaining the composition of the present embodiment.

[0118] Alternatively, the bacterial powder can be taken before, during, or after a meal. Since regular meals (meals with a staple food, side dish, and main dish) inevitably involve the intake of dietary fiber, taking the dried bacterial powder product of this embodiment together with meals can be expected to have an effect of improving the intestinal environment in adults.

[0119] If people who suffer from intestinal problems such as constipation or diarrhea continue to take the intestinal environment improving food of this embodiment, they can expect to see a greater improvement in their intestinal environment.

[0120] From the above, it can be seen that a composition for promoting serotonin production containing Bifidobacterium bifidum MCC2085 (NITE BP-03881) or Bifidobacterium infantis M-63 (NITE BP-02623) can promote serotonin production.

Claims

1. A composition for promoting serotonin production, comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of Bifidobacterium bifidum MCC2085 (NITE BP-03881), a culture of said bacterium, and a treated product of said bacterium.

2. The composition for promoting serotonin production according to claim 1, which is a food or beverage composition.

3. A composition for promoting serotonin production as described in claim 2, wherein the food or beverage composition is a probiotic composition or a nutritional composition.

4. The composition for promoting serotonin production according to claim 3, wherein the nutritional composition is an infant formula.

5. A composition for promoting serotonin production as described in claim 3 or 4, further comprising human milk oligosaccharides.

6. The composition for promoting serotonin production according to claim 1, which is a pharmaceutical composition.

7. A composition for promoting serotonin production, comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of a bacterium, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis M-63 (NITE BP-02623), a culture of said bacterium, and a processed product of said bacterium.

8. The composition for promoting serotonin production according to claim 1, which is a food or beverage composition.

9. A composition for promoting serotonin production as described in claim 8, wherein the food or beverage composition is a probiotic composition or a nutritional composition.

10. The composition for promoting serotonin production according to claim 9, wherein the nutritional composition is an infant formula.

11. A composition for promoting serotonin production as described in claim 8 or 9, further comprising human milk oligosaccharides.

12. The composition for promoting serotonin production according to claim 1, which is a pharmaceutical composition.

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