Oral composition for animal

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an oral composition for animals that can improve the oral environment of animals.　The present disclosure relates to: an oral composition for animals that contains Pleurotus citrinopileatus and a plant of the genus Sasa; the oral composition for animals according to claim 1, wherein the Pleurotus citrinopileatus is an extract of Pleurotus citrinopileatus; the oral composition for animals according to claim 1, wherein the plant of the genus Sasa includes Sasa senanensis (Franch. et Sav.) Rehder and / or Sasa kurilensis (Rupr.) Makino; and the oral composition for animals according to claim 1, wherein the plant of the genus Sasa is an extract of a plant of the genus Sasa.

Description

Oral composition for animals

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an oral composition for animals and the like.

[0002] In recent years, companion animals (pets) such as cats and dogs have been increasing in lifestyle-related diseases in the same way as humans, due to reasons such as having the same diet as humans. Among them, problems have arisen due to an increase in oral diseases such as gingivitis, periodontitis, pyorrhea alveolaris, stomatitis, dental caries, and bad breath. One of the causes of these oral diseases is thought to be that food debris accumulates in the oral cavity, causing calcium and other components in saliva to deposit on the tooth surface and form dental calculus. When oral diseases occur, bad breath may become stronger depending on the symptoms, which may also interfere with the relationship with the owner.

[0003] Therefore, as a treatment method for oral diseases, when the attachment of dental calculus increases and the oral symptoms deteriorate, procedures such as dental calculus removal are performed under general anesthesia. However, general anesthesia places a heavy burden on animals. As treatment and prevention methods other than the above, owners usually use toothpaste and rub the teeth with a toothbrush, gauze, etc. However, this method has problems such as pets disliking it, being time-consuming, and the owner being inexperienced, making it difficult to perform sufficient treatment. Therefore, in order to solve these problems, various shapes of brushes, ropes, toys with uneven surfaces, hard snacks, dry hoods with an oral cavity cleaning effect, etc. that can remove tooth stains by the pet chewing on its own are commercially available. Using these allows the pet to perform the treatment on its own, thus reducing the burden on the owner. However, brushes, ropes, and toys with uneven surfaces cannot fully exhibit their effects if the pet gets bored. As described above, since it is difficult for companion animals to brush their teeth like humans, there is a need for drugs that can suppress or treat oral diseases such as gingivitis.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that an extract extracted from the fruit of noni is blended as a component for improving the oral environment in jelly, agar, candy, and tablet-shaped pet food.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a method of applying sodium hexametaphosphate to the surface of dry food and feeding it to pets. However, since the effect of this method is insufficient, there is a need for a drug that can further suppress or treat oral diseases such as gingivitis.

[0006] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-089414, Japanese Patent Publication No. 07-507927

[0007] This disclosure aims to provide an oral composition for animals that can improve the oral environment of animals.

[0008] As a result of diligent research, the inventors of this invention have surprisingly discovered that a composition containing Tamogitake mushrooms and plants of the genus Sasa is effective against oral diseases in animals, and have completed the present invention.

[0009] In other words, the present disclosure is as follows: 1. An oral composition for animals comprising Tamogitake mushrooms and a plant of the genus Sasa. 2. The oral composition for animals according to 1, wherein Tamogitake is an extract of Tamogitake mushrooms. 3. The oral composition for animals according to 1, wherein the plant of the genus Sasa comprises Sasa veitchii and / or Sasa kurilensis. 4. The oral composition for animals according to 1, wherein the plant of the genus Sasa is an extract of Sasa veitchii. 5. The oral composition for animals according to 1, for oral use, comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of periodontitis, gingivitis, periodontitis, pyorrhea, stomatitis, and halitosis. 6. The oral composition for animals according to 1, for immunomodulation. 7. The oral composition for animals according to 6, wherein the immunomodulation is induced by suppression of the production of inflammatory cytokines. 8. The oral composition for animals according to 7, wherein the inflammatory cytokine is interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Item 9. An oral animal composition as described in Item 1, for improving the intestinal environment. Item 10. An oral animal composition as described in Item 9, for suppressing the odor of excrement. Item 11. An oral animal composition as described in Item 1, for use in food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or quasi-drugs. Item 12. Food and beverages containing the oral animal composition as described in Item 1. Item 13. Feed containing the oral animal composition as described in Item 1. Item 14. Pet food containing the oral animal composition as described in Item 1. Item 15. Pharmaceuticals or quasi-drugs containing the oral animal composition as described in Item 1.

[0010] Item 1A. An oral composition for pets comprising Tamogitake mushrooms and Sasa genus plants, wherein the composition is for gingivitis. Item 2A. The oral composition for pets according to Item 1A, wherein the Tamogitake mushroom is an extract of Tamogitake mushrooms. Item 3A. The oral composition for pets according to Item 1A, wherein the Sasa genus plants comprise Sasa kurilensis and / or Sasa kurilensis. Item 4A. The oral composition for pets according to Item 1A, wherein the Sasa genus plants are an extract of Sasa genus plants. Item 5A. The oral composition for pets according to Item 1A, wherein the content of the Sasa genus plants is 80 to 120 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of Tamogitake mushrooms. Item 6A. The oral composition for pets according to Item 1A, wherein the composition is for immunomodulation. Item 7A. The oral composition for pets according to Item 6A, wherein the immunomodulation is caused by suppression of inflammatory cytokine production. Item 8A. An oral composition for pets according to item 7A, wherein the inflammatory cytokine is interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Item 9A. An oral composition for pets according to item 1A, for use in treating bad breath or improving the intestinal environment. Item 10A. An oral composition for pets according to item 1A, for use in suppressing the odor of excrement. Item 11A. An oral composition for pets according to item 1A, for use in food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or quasi-drugs. Item 12A. A food and beverage composition for pets, for use in treating gingivitis, containing the oral composition for pets according to item 1A. Item 13A. A feed composition for pets, for use in treating gingivitis, containing the oral composition for pets according to item 1A. Item 14A. A pet food composition for pets, for use in treating gingivitis, containing the oral composition for pets according to item 1A. Item 15A. A pet medicine or quasi-drug for gingivitis, containing the oral composition for pets described in item 1A.

[0011] Item 1B. An oral composition for pets comprising Tamogitake mushrooms and plants of the genus Sasa. Item 2B. The oral composition for pets according to Item 1B, wherein Tamogitake mushrooms are an extract of Tamogitake mushrooms. Item 3B. The oral composition for pets according to Item 2B, wherein the plants of the genus Sasa are an extract of Sasa bamboo. Item 4B. The oral composition for pets according to Item 3B, wherein the plants of the genus Sasa include Sasa veitchii and / or Sasa kurilensis. Item 5B. The oral composition for pets according to Item 4B, wherein the content of the plants of the genus Sasa is 80 to 120 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of Tamogitake mushrooms. Item 6B. A method for treating or preventing oral symptoms in a pet subject, comprising the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of the oral composition for pets according to Item 1 to the pet subject. Item 7B. The method according to claim 6B, wherein the oral symptom is at least one selected from the group consisting of periodontitis, gingivitis, periodontal disease, pyorrhea, stomatitis, and halitosis. Claim 8B. The method according to claim 7B, wherein the oral symptom is gingivitis. Claim 9B. A method for modulating immunity in a companion animal subject, comprising the step of administering an effective amount of the oral composition according to claim 1B to the companion animal subject. Claim 10B. The method according to claim 9B, wherein the modification of immunity includes suppressing the production of inflammatory cytokines. Claim 11B. The method according to claim 10B, wherein the inflammatory cytokine is interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Claim 12B. A pet food containing the oral composition for companion animals according to claim 1B. Claim 13B. The pet food according to claim 12B, wherein the food is animal feed or pet food. Claim 14B. A pharmaceutical product for companion animals containing an oral composition for companion animals described in any one of items 1B to 5B.

[0012] Item 1C. An oral composition for pet animals, comprising Pleurotus cornucopiae and Sasa plants. Item 2C. The oral composition according to Item 1C, wherein the Pleurotus cornucopiae is an extract of Pleurotus cornucopiae. Item 3C. The oral composition according to Item 1C or 2C, wherein the Sasa plants are an extract of Sasa. Item 4C. The oral composition according to any one of Items 1C to 3C, wherein the Sasa plants comprise Sasa veitchii and / or Sasa kurilensis. Item 5C. The oral composition according to any one of Items 1C to 4C, wherein the Sasa content is 80 to 120 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of Pleurotus cornucopiae. Item 6C. An oral composition according to any one of claims 1C to 5C for use in the treatment or prevention of oral diseases in companion animals, wherein the oral disease is at least one selected from the group consisting of periodontitis, gingivitis, periodontal disease, pyorrhea, stomatitis, and halitosis. Claim 7C. An oral composition for use according to claim 6C, wherein the oral disease is gingivitis. Claim 8C. An oral composition according to any one of claims 1C to 5C for use in modulating the immune response in companion animals. Claim 9C. An oral composition for use according to claim 8C, wherein the modification of the immune response is achieved by suppressing the production of inflammatory cytokines. Claim 10C. An oral composition for use according to claim 9C, wherein the inflammatory cytokine is interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Claim 11C. A food or beverage for companion animals containing an oral composition according to any one of claims 1C to 10C. Claim 12C. Pet feed containing the oral composition described in any one of items 1C to 10C. Item 13C. Pet food for companion animals containing the oral composition described in any one of items 1C to 10C. Item 14C. Veterinary medicine for companion animals containing the oral composition described in any one of items 1C to 10C.

[0013] This disclosure provides an oral composition for animals that can improve the oral environment of animals. Furthermore, the oral composition for animals can also improve the intestinal environment of animals.

[0014] Figure 1 shows a photograph (left) of a cat with severe gingivitis before administration of the animal oral composition of Example 1 in this disclosure to a cat, and a photograph (right) of the cat after eight administrations. Figure 2 shows the change in gingivitis index (GI) for the animal oral compositions of Examples 1 and 2 in this disclosure and Comparative Example 1 (control group). Figure 3 shows the results of a questionnaire survey conducted with pet owners regarding whether the bad breath of their dogs was reduced after administration of the animal oral composition of Example 3 in this disclosure. Figure 4 shows a comparison (synergistic effect) of the change in gingivitis index (GI) for the animal oral composition of Example 4 in this disclosure, Comparative Example 2 (bamboo grass monotherapy), and Comparative Example 3 (Pleurotus ostreatus monotherapy) in this disclosure. Figure 5 shows the results of a questionnaire survey conducted with pet owners regarding whether the stool odor of their dogs was reduced after administration of the animal oral composition of Example 5 in this disclosure. Figure 6 shows the results of a questionnaire survey conducted among pet owners regarding whether the odor of their cat's feces was reduced after administering the animal oral composition of Example 5 in this disclosure.

[0015] The animal oral composition of this disclosure will be described in detail below. Herein, the animal oral composition of this disclosure may also be simply referred to as the oral composition. The animal oral composition of this disclosure contains Pleurotus erythrosora and plants of the genus Sasa. The animal oral composition can be rephrased as an animal oral composition.

[0016] The animal oral composition disclosed herein contains Pleurotus cornucopiae var. citrinopileatus as an active ingredient, along with plants of the genus Pleurotus. Pleurotus cornucopiae var. citrinopileatus is a mushroom belonging to the genus Pleurotus in the family Pleurotaceae, order Pleurotales, subclass Pleurotaeniae, subclass Basidiomycetes, subclass Cetaceae, suborder Pleurotaeniae. Pleurotus cornucopiae is characterized by its bright yellow cap and is widely consumed as food, mainly in Hokkaido. Here, Pleurotus cornucopiae is also called Tamogitake.

[0017] In this disclosure, the Tamogitake mushroom may be one that grows naturally or one that is cultivated artificially. Furthermore, the Tamogitake mushroom may be fresh, dried, or processed after harvesting, such as being powdered after drying.

[0018] Furthermore, in the oral animal compositions of this disclosure, an extract of Tamogitake mushroom (Tamogitake extract) can be used as Tamogitake. Examples of the Tamogitake extract include an aqueous solvent extract of Tamogitake and an organic solvent extract of Tamogitake. Preferably, the Tamogitake extract is an aqueous solvent extract of Tamogitake. An aqueous solvent extract of Tamogitake refers to a mixture of one or more substances selected from liquid, semi-solid, or solid substances containing components extracted from Tamogitake with an aqueous solvent.

[0019] In this disclosure, the term "aqueous solvent" is not particularly limited as long as it is a solvent mainly composed of a polar solvent, and may consist of one type of solvent or a mixture of two or more types of solvents.

[0020] Examples of such polar solvents include water, methanol, ethanol, acetic acid, formic acid, 1-butanol, 1-propanol, and 2-propanol. Water is preferred as the polar solvent.

[0021] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the aqueous solvent may be water or an aqueous solvent in which a suitable solute has been pre-mixed or dissolved. Examples of such aqueous solvents include water mixed with or dissolved citric acid, water mixed with or dissolved sodium bicarbonate, and sodium chloride mixed with or dissolved in acetic acid. As aqueous solvents, aqueous solutions of citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium chloride acetic acid are preferred. In this disclosure, the aqueous solvent may be acidic, neutral, or basic. The temperature of the aqueous solvent is also not particularly limited as long as its function is not impaired, and may be low temperature, room temperature, or high temperature. In this disclosure, hot water can be used as a suitable aqueous solvent.

[0022] In this disclosure, an aqueous solvent extract of Tamogitake mushrooms can be produced by conventional methods. For example, an aqueous solvent extract of Tamogitake mushrooms can be produced by adding Tamogitake mushrooms to an aqueous solvent, heating or grinding and stirring, then separating the solid and liquid components by filtration or the like, and recovering the liquid components.

[0023] Specifically, the active ingredients are extracted from harvested Tamogitake mushrooms. Extraction is preferably carried out by hot water extraction. For example, harvested Tamogitake mushrooms are placed in boiling water 2 to 30 times their weight, preferably 5 to 20 times, and stirred while adding steam. An aqueous solvent extract is extracted while stirring for 10 minutes after boiling. The obtained aqueous solvent extract may be used as is, or it may be filtered to remove solids. Furthermore, the manufactured aqueous solvent extract of Tamogitake may be subjected to ultrafiltration, sonication, etc. Such ultrafiltered products (filtrate and filtrate), sonicated products, etc., are also included in the aqueous solvent extract of Tamogitake. The aqueous solvent extract of Tamogitake may also be concentrated as appropriate using a vacuum concentrator, freeze concentrator, etc. Furthermore, in order to preserve the aqueous solvent extract of Tamogitake for a long period of time, it may be sealed in a retort pack and then sterilized, for example, at 120°C for 15 minutes, or it may be powdered by freeze-drying or spray-drying.

[0024] Examples of commercially available extracts of Tamogitake mushrooms include BioGod (registered trademark, Three B Co., Ltd.). Tamogitake extract can also be referred to as Tamogitake extract, Tamogitake extract solution, or Tamogitake extract liquid.

[0025] Examples of grinding methods include crushing with a roller-type grinder, cutting with a food processor, grinding with a ball mill, and crushing by impact with a hammer-type grinder. Examples of purification methods include filtration, distillation, recrystallization, reprecipitation, and various chromatography methods. Examples of concentration methods include boiling concentration, vacuum concentration (reduced pressure concentration) using an evaporator, freeze concentration, and membrane concentration using reverse osmosis membranes. Examples of sterilization methods include autoclaving, high-frequency sterilization, and filter filtration.

[0026] For example, an aqueous solvent extract of Tamogitake mushrooms includes at least an extraction step of extracting Tamogitake extract to obtain an extract, and a concentration step of concentrating the extracted extract. Furthermore, the extract may include a step of appropriately diluting the obtained concentrate according to its intended use.

[0027] The components contained in the Tamogitake extract include β-D-glucans and ergothioneine.

[0028] Specifically, after harvesting the Tamogitake mushrooms, if the quantity is sufficient, boil them in tap water at 1 atmosphere and 100°C for 30 minutes. If the harvest is insufficient, store them in a refrigerator and boil them together with the next harvest in the same manner as above. After boiling, filter the contents and send them to a concentration device.

[0029] The concentration process for concentrating the extracted extract is not particularly limited and can be carried out using known concentration devices such as flash-type concentrators (vacuum concentration). Specifically, the concentration can be reduced from 1 atmosphere to a reduced boiling point and then boiled to remove water by distillation. The concentration of the concentrated Tamogitake extract is not particularly limited and can be, for example, 0.1 to 50 Brix, and can be diluted according to the application.

[0030] The animal oral composition disclosed herein contains plants of the genus Sasa, along with Pleurotus erythrosora, as active ingredients.

[0031] The Sasa genus plants used in this disclosure are plants belonging to the Sasa genus of the Bambusoideae subfamily of the grass family. Sasa genus plants include, for example, the sections Chishima Sasa, Nanbu Sasa, Amagi Sasa, Chimaki Sasa, Miyako Sasa, and Kuma Sasa. Examples of Sasa genus plants include Gotenba Sasa, Katsuragi Sasa, Suzudake, Miyama Kuma Sasa, Nemagaridake, Miyako Sasa, Hosoba Sasa, Kuma Sasa, Kuma Sasa, and Chugoku Sasa. Among these, Kuma Sasa is the most preferred.

[0032] Here, *Sasa senanensis* (Fr. et Sav.) Rehder belongs to the genus *Sasa* in the grass family (*Poaceae*). *Sasa senanensis* is a plant endemic to Japan and is a species of bamboo belonging to the subfamily Bambusoideae of the grass family (*Poaceae*).

[0033] Kumazasa is also known by other names (common names) such as Kumazasa, Kyumaizasa, and Kumazasa. Furthermore, there are many similar species, and the classification of Kumazasa is often confused. Sasa species belonging to the same Sasa genus as Kumazasa, such as Chishimazasa (Sasa kurilensis), Suzutake (Sasamorpha borealis), Kumazasa (Sasa senanensis), Chimakizasa (Sasa palmata), and Miyakozasa (Sasa niponica), are sometimes called Kumazasa. Therefore, the Sasa genus plants of the Bambusoideae subfamily of the grass family disclosed here may include not just one of the plants listed above, but two or more Sasa species.

[0034] The plants of the genus Sasa may be those that grow naturally or those that have been cultivated artificially. Furthermore, the plants of the genus Sasa may be fresh, dried, or processed after harvesting, such as dried and powdered.

[0035] For use in the oral animal compositions of this disclosure, an extract of a Sasa plant can be used. Preferably, the extract is an aqueous solvent extract of a Sasa plant. Among these, an aqueous extract of Sasa collected in the Teshio Mountains of Hokkaido from July to October is preferred.

[0036] Commercially available aqueous solvent extracts of plants of the genus Sasa include, for example, Rio Herbal®, a Sasa extract described in Japanese Patent No. 3983233. Extracts of plants of the genus Sasa can be rephrased as bamboo subfamily extract, bamboo subfamily extract, bamboo subfamily extract solution, Sasa extract, Sasa extract solution, Sasa extract, etc. Extracts of plants of the genus Sasa are not particularly limited, and examples include those obtained by steaming leaves and / or culms of plants of the genus Sasa (or Sasa) with dry steam at 160 to 190°C for 30 seconds to 1 hour, with the moisture content of the leaves and / or culms of plants of the genus Sasa (or Sasa) being 10% or less by mass of the entire leaves and / or culms, using a pressure reducing valve and a gas-liquid separation device to improve dryness, and then extracting with an aqueous solvent, or by high-pressure steaming of Sasa raw materials followed by pressurized hot water extraction.

[0037] The leaves and / or culms of Sasa genus plants or Sasa sasa used for steaming are preferably dried. The preferred moisture content is 10% or less of the total weight of the leaves and / or culms. The form of the leaves and / or culms used for steaming in this disclosure is preferably in the form of finely chopped pieces. The preferred size is 0.5 to 20 mm.

[0038] The equipment used for steaming should be capable of withstanding high temperatures and pressures. The steaming temperature is preferably between 160 and 190°C. The steaming time is preferably between 30 seconds and 1 hour, and more preferably between 5 and 20 minutes.

[0039] When releasing the pressure after steaming is complete, it is preferable to quickly open the device to atmospheric pressure, as this further breaks down the tissue of the bamboo leaves or culms, thereby improving extraction efficiency.

[0040] The steam used for steaming is most preferably from a device that has a gas-liquid separator and a pressure reducing valve installed in the steam piping connecting the steam source (such as a boiler) to the steaming apparatus. Using such a device improves the dryness of the steam. The higher the dryness and the less condensed water (called drain) there is from the steam, the more efficiently specific components can be extracted, and the amount of sugars extracted can be appropriately controlled. Since there is no simple method for measuring the dryness of steam, it is difficult to measure it directly in a typical manufacturing apparatus. Therefore, in order to obtain dry steam, it is preferable to use a gas-liquid separator that has been confirmed to achieve a dryness of 99% or more using a dryness measurement system owned by a gas-liquid separator manufacturer or the like. There are centrifugal and baffle types of gas-liquid separators, but the baffle type is preferred because it can stably achieve a high dryness regardless of the amount of steam.

[0041] If air remains in the steaming apparatus during steaming, contact between the dry steam and the leaves or culms of the Sasa genus (or Sasa bamboo) is inhibited, resulting in insufficient steaming and a decrease in extraction efficiency, which is undesirable. To avoid air retention, steam can be introduced with a manual or automatic air release valve open to expel the air from the steaming apparatus. The steam temperature for expelling the air should be between 80 and 200°C, preferably between 100 and 180°C. The time for expelling the air should be between 0.5 and 60 minutes.

[0042] There are no particular limitations on the extraction method using an aqueous solvent. For example, after steaming, an aqueous solvent may be added while the material is cooled or the temperature is maintained, and the steamed bamboo leaves or culms may be immersed in the aqueous solvent at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 180°C.

[0043] The aqueous solvent is preferably a water-soluble solvent such as methanol, ethanol, or acetone, or an aqueous solution thereof, or water. Depending on the application of the bamboo extract, the extraction efficiency can be increased by using an alkaline aqueous solution as the aqueous solvent. The alkaline aqueous solution is not particularly limited, but for example, aqueous solutions of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, or ammonium bicarbonate are preferred.

[0044] The steaming process and the extraction process may each be repeated within the scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Also, other processes such as a holding process may be provided before and after each process.

[0045] Although the mechanisms by which the phenylpropanoids, acetic acid, formic acid, and 3-hydroxypyridine contained in the Sasa plant extract or Sasa extract exhibit antibacterial or antimutagenic properties have not been clarified, it is presumed that their synergistic effects produce greater effects than each individual component.

[0046] Examples of the phenylpropanoids contained in the Sasa plant extract or Sasa extract include caffeic acid, ferulic acid, coumaric acid, vanillin, etc. Among them, coumaric acid has the highest content, followed by ferulic acid. The content of phenylpropanoids required to effectively act as an antibacterial agent or antimutagenic agent is preferably 0.5 mg / g or more in total for all phenylpropanoids in the Sasa extract, and preferably 1 mg / g or more for coumaric acid alone to obtain high antibacterial and antimutagenic properties.

[0047] The contents of acetic acid and formic acid contained in the Sasa plant extract or Sasa extract are each required to be 0.5 mg / g or more, preferably 5 mg / g or more for formic acid alone, and more preferably 10 mg / g or more for formic acid alone.

[0048] Although the detailed synthesis pathway of 3-hydroxypyridine contained in the Sasa plant extract or Sasa extract is unknown, it is presumed to be a substance generated when steaming the leaves and / or culms of Sasa. The content of 3-hydroxypyridine required as an antibacterial or antimutagenic agent is 0.5 mg / g or more, preferably 1 mg / g or more, and more preferably 2 mg / g or more.

[0049] The saccharides contained in the Sasa plant extract or Sasa extract are monosaccharides and / or polysaccharides composed of xylose, arabinose, glucose, mannose, galactose, etc. The preferred content of saccharides when the heating residue is adjusted to 40 to 60% by weight is 50 mg / g or less.

[0050] Phenylenoids, acetic acid, formic acid, and 3-hydroxypyridine can be quantified using liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, etc. Sugars can be quantified using ion chromatography.

[0051] The form of the Sasa plant extract or Sasa extract disclosed herein may be a solution, a solid, or a mixture with other compounds. If it is a mixture, it may be subjected to treatments such as spray drying, freeze-drying, or the addition of a shaping agent such as dextrin. Furthermore, it may undergo sorting processes such as filtration, column purification, or solvent washing.

[0052] In the oral animal composition of this disclosure, the content of Sasa genus plants is, for example, 0.1 to 10,000 parts by mass, preferably 1 to 1,000 parts by mass, more preferably 10 to 200 parts by mass, even more preferably 50 to 150 parts by mass, and particularly preferably 80 to 120 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of Tamogitake mushroom. In the oral animal composition of this disclosure, the content of Sasa genus plant extract is, for example, 0.1 to 10,000 parts by mass, preferably 1 to 1,000 parts by mass, more preferably 10 to 200 parts by mass, even more preferably 50 to 150 parts by mass, and particularly preferably 80 to 120 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of Tamogitake mushroom extract. By including both Tamogitake mushroom and Sasa genus plants in the oral animal composition of this disclosure, a synergistic effect can be achieved.

[0053] The oral animal compositions disclosed herein may contain only the active ingredients, Pleurotus ostreatus and Sasa genus plants, but may further contain other optional ingredients as long as they do not interfere with the effects of the disclosure. Optional ingredients are not particularly limited and may include, for example, pharmaceutically acceptable ingredients (e.g., excipients, binders, lubricants, disintegrants, emulsifiers, surfactants, bases, solubilizers, suspending agents, etc.), food-acceptable ingredients (e.g., minerals, vitamins, flavonoids, quinones, polyphenols, amino acids, nucleic acids, essential fatty acids, cooling agents, binders, sweeteners, disintegrants, lubricants, colorants, flavorings, stabilizers, preservatives, sustained-release regulators, surfactants, solubilizers, wetting agents, etc.), and biologically acceptable carriers.

[0054] A bioacceptable carrier includes carriers that are inactive to the organism to which the oral animal composition is administered. A carrier that is inactive to an organism means that it does not interfere with the normal functions of the organism. Normal biological functions include metabolic functions, reproductive functions, motor functions, and neurological functions. For example, components that are metabolized by the organism's normal metabolic functions are included in bioacceptable carriers. Alternatively, components that are not digested or metabolized, or are metabolized with minimal effort, and that do not interfere with the functions of the organism are also included in bioacceptable carriers.

[0055] The oral animal compositions disclosed herein can be in any form, such as solid (powder), gel, or liquid. The oral animal compositions disclosed herein can also be made into a gel or liquid by adding a suitable solvent, such as water, at the time of ingestion. Furthermore, the oral animal compositions disclosed herein can be distributed in a frozen state.

[0056] Furthermore, the oral animal compositions disclosed herein may optionally contain additional components such as fragrances, colorants, flavorings, sweeteners, and seasonings. Known components with known preventive or therapeutic effects on periodontal disease can also be combined with the oral animal compositions disclosed herein. In addition, in oral animal compositions containing a chewable carrier, plant fibers or the like may be further added to provide a tooth-brushing effect.

[0057] The oral animal compositions of this disclosure are not particularly limited as long as they contain Tamogitake mushrooms and Sasa genus plants, preferably containing Tamogitake mushrooms and Sasa kurilensis or Sasa kurilensis, more preferably containing Tamogitake mushrooms, Sasa kurilensis and Sasa kurilensis, and even more preferably containing extracts of Tamogitake mushrooms and extracts of Sasa genus plants. Among these, the ratios of Tamogitake:Sasa = 1:0.001 to 100, Tamogitake:Sasa = 1:0.01 to 10, Tamogitake:Sasa = 1:0.1 to 2, Tamogitake:Sasa = 1:0.5 to 1.5, Tamogitake:Sasa = 1:0.8 to 1.2, etc.

[0058] In the oral animal composition of this disclosure, the content of Tamogitake mushrooms and Sasa genus plants can be formulated to be approximately 0.03 to 0.07 g per animal per dose, preferably 0.04 to 0.06 g per day. When incorporating the oral animal composition into feed, the amount of Tamogitake mushrooms and Sasa genus plants to be incorporated into the feed can be determined based on the body weight of the animal to be administered the oral animal composition of this disclosure and the daily feed intake.

[0059] The oral compositions for animals disclosed herein can achieve either the preventive effect or the therapeutic effect, or both, of oral diseases by administration to the oral cavity of an animal. Specifically, the disclosure provides a method for either the preventive effect or the therapeutic effect, or both, of oral diseases, comprising the step of administering a composition containing Pleurotus erythrosora and Sasa genus plants orally. In particular, a method for the prevention or treatment of oral diseases comprising the step of administering a composition containing Pleurotus erythrosora and Sasa genus plants orally to a human or non-human animal is a preferred embodiment in the disclosure. The compositions disclosed herein can be administered to the oral cavity of mammals in any form, such as solid, paste, gel, or liquid. Solid formulations can be administered by chewing or swallowing. Solid formulations can also be administered orally as oral tablets (so-called lozenges). Paste or gel formulations can be administered by application to oral tissue in addition to chewing or swallowing. Liquid formulations can be administered by spraying into the oral cavity, mouthwash, or gargling, in addition to swallowing.

[0060] The dosage of the oral animal composition containing the Tamogitake mushroom and Sasa genus plants of this disclosure can be appropriately set within the above range depending on the health condition of the animal ingesting it, the method of administration, and the combination with other agents.

[0061] The oral animal compositions disclosed herein may be administered once a day, or divided into multiple doses, such as twice a day or three times a day, as long as the daily amount of the active ingredient is within the range described above.

[0062] The oral animal compositions disclosed herein may be in any form, such as solid (solid composition), liquid, or paste. The forms of the oral animal compositions disclosed herein may be, for example, uncoated tablets, sugar-coated tablets, granules, powders, tablets, capsules (hard capsules, soft capsules, seamless capsules, etc.). The oral animal compositions disclosed herein can be prepared, for example, by mixing the active ingredients, Pleurotus ostreatus and Sasa genus plants, with other components as needed and forming them into the above dosage forms.

[0063] Mammals for which the oral compositions for animals in this disclosure are administered include pets such as dogs and cats, mammals kept in zoos, and humans. Examples of mammals include pigs, wild boars, goats, sheep, horses, cows, deer, donkeys, reindeer, rabbits, monkeys, gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, sloths, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, tapirs, wolves, hyenas, bears, pandas, red pandas, civets, foxes, raccoons, tigers, lions, leopards, cheetahs, otters, seals, sea lions, walruses, sea lions, dolphins, orcas, and whales. Here, mammals also include humans. In this disclosure, an oral composition for animals refers to a composition for administration into the oral cavity of the aforementioned animals. The oral composition for animals in this disclosure can also be rephrased as an oral composition.

[0064] Uses The oral compositions for animals described herein can be used to improve, alleviate, prevent, or treat oral diseases or symptoms. Specifically, oral diseases or symptoms include periodontitis, gingivitis, periodontal disease, pyorrhea, stomatitis, and bad breath. In other words, the oral compositions for animals described herein can be used, for example, for periodontitis, gingivitis, periodontal disease, pyorrhea, stomatitis, and bad breath. Furthermore, the oral compositions for animals described herein can be suitably used as oral care agents, such as anti-inflammatory agents. The oral compositions for animals described herein can be rephrased as periodontitis inhibitors, gingivitis inhibitors, periodontal disease inhibitors, pyorrhea inhibitors, stomatitis inhibitors, and bad breath inhibitors. Periodontitis is a disease in which inflammation occurs in the tissues that support the teeth (gums, alveolar bone, and other periodontal tissues), and is the result of progression of gingivitis. If not treated properly, the bone supporting the teeth may be destroyed, and teeth may fall out. Gingivitis is a condition in which inflammation occurs in the gums. This is the early stage of periodontal disease, caused by plaque, resulting in swelling or bleeding. Generally, recovery is possible with early care. Periodontal disease is synonymous with periodontitis and is a disease of the tissues that support the teeth. Gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, and further progression leads to the destruction of the alveolar bone, causing tooth loss. Pyorrhea is a condition where periodontal disease progresses and pus comes out of the gums. This is a serious stage where the bone supporting the teeth is severely damaged, and early intervention is necessary. Stomatitis is inflammation or ulcers that develop on the mucous membrane inside the mouth. Causes include stress, nutritional deficiencies, and weakened immunity. Bad breath is often caused by oral problems such as periodontal disease, gingivitis, and stomatitis. Gastrointestinal problems, diet, and smoking can also have an effect. Furthermore, the above oral symptoms include various symptoms related to oral health problems or oral diseases, such as bleeding gums, redness, swelling, pus, pain, itchiness, and stickiness in the mouth.

[0065] The pathogens of oral health problems or diseases mentioned above include, for example, the Porphyromonas genus such as Porphyromonas gingivalis; the Prevotella genus such as Prevotella intermedia; and the Treponema genus such as Treponema denticola. For example, since periodontal disease is caused by specific oral bacteria as described above, suppressing the number of these pathogens is also included in the alleviation, prevention, or treatment of oral health problems or diseases.

[0066] The oral animal compositions described herein can be used as immunomodulatory compositions. Furthermore, the oral animal compositions described herein can be rephrased as immunostimulatory compositions, etc. The oral animal compositions described herein can also be rephrased as immunomodulators, immunostimulants, etc. Here, immunomodulation is known to be caused by the suppression of inflammatory cytokine production. The inflammatory cytokines are not particularly limited and are selected from the group consisting of, for example, interleukin-1α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-2, interleukin-3, interleukin-4, interleukin-5, interleukin-6, interleukin-7, interleukin-8, interleukin-9, interleukin-10, interleukin-11, interleukin-12, interleukin-13, interleukin-14, interleukin-15, interleukin-16, interleukin-17, interleukin-18, and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF).

[0067] The oral animal compositions described herein can be used to improve the intestinal environment. These oral animal compositions can also be described as intestinal environment improving agents.

[0068] The oral animal compositions described herein can be used to suppress the odor of excrement. Examples of such excrement odors include fecal odor and urine odor. The oral animal compositions described herein can be rephrased as excrement odor suppressants, fecal odor suppressants, etc.

[0069] The oral animal compositions described herein can be used to improve the shine of an animal's coat. The oral animal compositions described herein can be rephrased as animal coat shine improving agents, etc.

[0070] Furthermore, the oral animal compositions described herein can be used in applications such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals (including quasi-drugs), and cosmetics.

[0071] The oral animal compositions disclosed herein can be used as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals (including quasi-drugs), and cosmetics themselves, as well as added to food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, and cosmetics.

[0072] Foods, beverages, or pharmaceuticals (including quasi-drugs) comprising the animal oral composition disclosed herein, or foods, beverages, or pharmaceuticals (including quasi-drugs) containing the animal oral composition disclosed herein, may be for animal oral use. "For oral use" can be rephrased as "oral care."

[0073] Food and beverages in this disclosure contain Tamogitake mushrooms and Sasa genus plants as active ingredients. Here, food and drink includes beverages and / or food. Food and beverages also include feed. Therefore, food and beverages include feed (including pet food such as dog food and cat food), health foods (including animal health foods), functional foods, nutritional supplements (including animal nutritional supplements), supplements (including animal supplements), and foods for specified health uses. Food and beverages can be rephrased as food and beverage compositions.

[0074] When using the animal oral composition disclosed herein as food or beverage itself, or added to food or beverage, the form of the food or beverage is not particularly limited. For example, it may be beverages (soft drinks such as coffee, juice, tea drinks, and jelly drinks, milk drinks, lactic acid bacteria drinks, yogurt drinks, carbonated drinks, etc.), spreads (custard cream, etc.), pastes (fruit paste, etc.), Western-style confectionery (chocolate, donuts, pies, cream puffs, gum, jelly, candy, cookies, cakes, puddings, etc.), Japanese-style confectionery (daifuku, mochi, manju, castella, anmitsu, yokan, etc.), frozen desserts (ice cream, ice pops, sherbet, etc.), food products (curry, beef bowl, rice porridge, miso soup, soup, meat sauce, pasta, pickles, jam, etc.), or seasonings (dressings, furikake, umami seasonings, soup bases, etc.).

[0075] When the animal oral composition of this disclosure is used as a food or beverage in which the tertiary function of the food or beverage is emphasized (for example, a health food, a food with functional claims (functional food), a nutritional supplement, a supplement, or a food for specified health uses) itself, or added to a food or beverage in which the tertiary function of the food or beverage is emphasized, the form of the food or beverage in which the tertiary function of the food or beverage is emphasized may be, in addition to the forms of food or beverages described above, for example, plain tablets, sugar-coated tablets, granules, powders, tablets, capsules (hard capsules, soft capsules, seamless capsules, etc.).

[0076] The above-mentioned food and beverages may use the aforementioned Tamogitake mushrooms and Sasa genus plants as they are, and may also contain, as necessary, excipients, vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, quinones, polyphenols, amino acids, nucleic acids, essential fatty acids, cooling agents, binders, sweeteners, disintegrants, lubricants, colorants, flavorings, stabilizers, preservatives, sustained-release regulators, surfactants, glazing agents, solvents, wetting agents, etc.

[0077] The aforementioned food and beverages include all food and beverages that can be ingested by mammals (including humans). Examples of the aforementioned food and beverage compositions include dairy products; fermented foods (yogurt, cheese, etc.); beverages (soft drinks such as coffee, juice, cocoa, tea beverages, sports drinks, and nutritional drinks; milk beverages, lactic acid bacteria beverages, lactic acid bacteria beverages, yogurt beverages, carbonated drinks, sake, Western liquor, and fruit wines); spreads (custard cream, etc.); pastes (fruit paste, etc.); Western-style confectionery (chocolate, donuts, pies, cream puffs, gum, gummies, jelly, candy, cookies, cakes, puddings, biscuits, etc.); frozen desserts (ice cream, ice pops, sherbet, etc.); food products (curry, beef bowl, rice porridge, miso soup, soup, meat sauce, pasta, pickles, jam, ham, sausage, bacon, etc.); and seasonings (dressings, furikake, umami seasonings, soup bases, miso, soy sauce, sauces, ketchup, oyster sauce, etc.).

[0078] The method for producing the aforementioned food and beverages is not particularly limited and can be carried out according to any known method as appropriate.

[0079] There are no particular restrictions on the dosage form when used as a supplement, and it can be selected as appropriate, but examples include tablets, capsules, granules, liquids, and powders.

[0080] When feed is given specifically to pets, it is called pet food. There are no particular limitations to pet food; examples include cat food, dog food, etc. A pet is a non-human animal kept for the purpose of appreciation or companionship. Therefore, animals raised for purposes such as meat, eggs, hair, or milk are usually included in livestock and are distinguished from pets. However, in some cases, working animals, such as police dogs and guide dogs, are given the same feed as companion animals. Even if the purpose of raising them is for work, if the same feed is given to the same animal species as pets, that feed is included in the definition of pet food in this disclosure. Furthermore, the term "food and drink" in this disclosure includes pet food, supplements, etc. When supplements are used for animals, they include animal supplements.

[0081] The food and beverages in this disclosure may contain not only Pleurotus ostreatus and Sasa genus plants, but also any optional components that are ingested as food or feed for mammals in addition to Pleurotus ostreatus and Sasa genus plants. The oral animal compositions in this disclosure may further contain carriers that are acceptable as food, pet food, or supplements. Such carriers are not particularly limited and include, for example, conventionally known food additives such as preservatives, antioxidants, sweeteners, colorants, flavorings, humectants, and seasonings.

[0082] The animal oral compositions disclosed herein may be used as additives to other foods and beverages. The animal oral compositions disclosed herein may also be animal oral supplements used as additives to pet food. Alternatively, they may be kits comprising the animal oral supplement and instructions for adding the supplement to pet food (for example, by sprinkling it on pet food). The animal oral compositions disclosed herein can be combined with ingredients widely used in foods and beverages, pet food, or supplements, such as grains, vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, milk, and eggs.

[0083] Generally, food and beverages contain carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, fats, water, dietary fiber, etc. Many of their raw materials are animal or plant tissues, microbial cells, and processed products thereof. Processed products refer to products obtained from these materials by heating, drying, freeze-drying, extraction, etc. Multiple different processes can be combined to obtain a series of processed products. Depending on the form, food and beverages may also have ingredients such as bulking agents, binders, and viscosity modifiers added. These ingredients can be naturally derived or synthetically produced. As described above, when consuming food and beverages that do not contain Tamogitake mushrooms and Sasa genus plants, the disclosed oral composition for animals can be obtained by mixing Tamogitake mushrooms and Sasa genus plants. Specifically, for example, before giving pet food to a companion animal, the disclosed oral composition for animals can be mixed with the pet food (for example, by sprinkling it on). Furthermore, the food and beverages described herein can also be obtained by adding Tamogitake mushrooms and Sasa genus plants to the materials used as food and beverages. There are no particular limitations on the amount of the oral animal composition relative to the food and beverages. For example, in the case of pet food, the amount will vary depending on the amount of pet food, the type and size of the pet, etc., but the oral animal composition described herein can be mixed into the pet food in the above-mentioned amounts.

[0084] The amount of food and beverages consumed can be appropriately determined according to various conditions such as the individual's weight, age, gender, and symptoms.

[0085] The amount of the oral animal composition containing Tamogitake mushrooms and Sasa genus plants added to the food and beverages in this disclosure is not particularly limited, but is usually 3 to 7 g per animal per dose, preferably 4 to 6 g per animal per day. In other words, the food and beverages in this disclosure may contain an oral animal composition containing Tamogitake mushrooms and Sasa genus plants in an amount of 0.03 to 0.07 g, preferably 0.04 to 0.06 g per animal per day, relative to the standard daily intake of the food and beverage composition or feed composition.

[0086] If the food or beverage in this disclosure is a nonessential food such as chewing gum, the dosage of the oral animal composition containing Tamogitake mushrooms and Sasa plants can be controlled by indicating the daily intake of the food according to the amount of the oral animal composition containing Tamogitake mushrooms and Sasa plants. For example, if the daily dosage is incorporated into one piece of chewing gum, it is recommended that the daily intake of chewing gum be one piece.

[0087] The food and beverages described herein can be formulated into conventionally known forms such as tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, chewable tablets, capsules, granules, powders, and oral liquids by conventionally known methods.

[0088] When the food or beverage in this disclosure is in the form of tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, chewable tablets, or capsules, various additives for forming the tablets may be added, such as excipients like crystalline cellulose, binders and disintegrants like gelatin, corn starch, tragacanth, and gum arabic, lubricants like magnesium stearate, and other nutrients.

[0089] When the food or beverage in this disclosure is an oral liquid preparation, it can be blended with water, juice, etc.

[0090] The oral animal composition containing Tamogitake mushrooms and Sasa plants in this disclosure can be combined with a chewable carrier to form a chewable oral composition. A chewable carrier is a component that is chewed when administered to the oral cavity of an animal. The chewable carrier may be a material that is easily crushed by chewing, or a material that is not easily broken into small fragments by chewing. There are no particular limitations on the chewable carrier, and examples include glucose, sucrose, maltose, sorbitol, xylitol, trehalose, starch, gelatin, alginic acid, alginate, cellulose, ethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, guar gum (polygalactomannan), glucomannan, xanthan gum, and carbopol.

[0091] Furthermore, various gum bases are also included in the chewable carriers of this disclosure. Generally, gum bases utilize carriers that maintain a constant volume even when chewed in the mouth for a long period of time. There are no particular limitations on gum bases, and examples include plant resins, chicle, vinyl acetate resin, ester gum, polyisobutylene, calcium carbonate, and jelton (pontianac).

[0092] When the chewable oral composition in this disclosure is used as a pharmaceutical, it is a chewable pharmaceutical composition; when it is provided as food or beverage, it is a chewable food. Furthermore, when the oral composition for animals in this disclosure is used as a chewable feed, it becomes a chewable feed composition. In addition, in non-human animals, the size of the chewable oral composition can be adjusted to induce chewing behavior. That is, by processing it to a size that cannot be swallowed in one bite, chewing behavior can be induced in non-human animals. Furthermore, by increasing the hardness to suit the animal, more chewing behavior can be induced.

[0093] The oral animal composition containing Pleurotus erythrosora and Sasa genus plants in this disclosure can also be compounded with a paste-like carrier to form a paste-like oral composition. That is, this disclosure provides an oral composition comprising Pleurotus erythrosora and Sasa genus plants and a paste-like carrier. The paste-like carrier includes carriers having a semi-solid consistency, gel-like carriers, etc.

[0094] The paste-like oral composition is not particularly limited and can be prepared, for example, by adding a solvent such as water to a water-soluble polysaccharide or polymer compound. Examples of water-soluble polysaccharides or polymer compounds include glucose, sucrose, maltose, sorbitol, xylitol, starch, gelatin, pectin, alginic acid, alginate, cellulose, ethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, guar gum (polygalactomannan), glucomannan, carrageenan, xanthan gum, tamarind gum, carbopol, agarose, and agar. In addition, polymer compounds such as polyethylene glycol and polyvinylpyrrolidone can also be incorporated into the animal oral composition of this disclosure as a gel-like carrier.

[0095] Paste-like or gel-like oral compositions for animals can be administered, for example, by application to oral tissues. Oral tissues include the gingiva, teeth, sublingual area, buccal cavity, or buccal mucosa. For example, application to the gingiva is preferred because it allows direct administration to periodontal disease lesions. Application to the buccal cavity is also a preferred method of administration. Application of the paste-like composition to oral tissues is an administration method that can also be applied to non-human animals. Primarily as a method of administration to humans, the oral compositions for animals disclosed herein can also be administered as toothpaste. That is, a toothpaste containing Tamogitake mushrooms and Sasa plants is used as the oral compositions for animals disclosed herein. Of course, it goes without saying that the oral compositions for animals disclosed herein can also be administered as toothpaste to non-human animals if the individual accepts toothpaste.

[0096] Pharmaceuticals or Quasi-drugs The pharmaceuticals or quasi-drugs of this disclosure include the above-mentioned Pleurotus erythrosora and Sasa genus plants. The pharmaceuticals or quasi-drugs may use only Pleurotus erythrosora and Sasa genus plants, or they may be used in combination with other pharmaceutical ingredients listed in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia, such as vitamins and herbal medicines. The pharmaceuticals or quasi-drugs of this disclosure can be rephrased as oral compositions for veterinary use.

[0097] When the animal oral composition disclosed herein is used as a pharmaceutical or quasi-drug itself, or added to a pharmaceutical or quasi-drug, the form of the pharmaceutical or quasi-drug is not particularly limited and may be, for example, uncoated tablets, sugar-coated tablets, granules, powders, tablets, capsules (hard capsules, soft capsules, seamless capsules, etc.).

[0098] Specifically, when preparing the oral animal composition of this disclosure as a pharmaceutical product, the Tamogitake mushroom and Sasa plants can be prepared together with a non-toxic carrier, diluent, or excipient acceptable in pharmaceuticals, in the form of tablets (including uncoated tablets, sugar-coated tablets, effervescent tablets, film-coated tablets, chewable tablets, lozenges, etc.), capsules, pills, powders, granules, liquids, suspensions, emulsions, syrups, pastes, and injections (including cases where they are prepared as liquids by mixing them with distilled water or intravenous solutions such as amino acid solutions or electrolyte solutions at the time of use) to create pharmaceutical formulations.

[0099] The method of administering the drug is not particularly limited; for example, it can be administered orally.

[0100] The dosage of medication can be appropriately determined according to various factors such as the patient's weight, age, sex, and symptoms.

[0101] The method for producing a pharmaceutical or quasi-drug to which the veterinary oral composition of this disclosure is added is not particularly limited and may be carried out according to any known method. For example, a pharmaceutical or quasi-drug for use in the above-mentioned applications can be obtained by mixing the veterinary oral composition of this disclosure with an intermediate or final product in the manufacturing process of a pharmaceutical or quasi-drug.

[0102] The amount of the animal oral composition of this disclosure in a pharmaceutical or quasi-drug may be set appropriately according to the type of pharmaceutical or quasi-drug, etc., so that the amount of active ingredient ingested per day falls within the range described above.

[0103] This disclosure shows that the above-mentioned oral animal composition is effective against the diseases associated with it.

[0104] The present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these examples.

[0105] Example 1 (Oral Composition 1 for Animals (Combination 1)) Tamogitake extract (manufacturer: Three B Co., Ltd., concentration: approximately 10%) and Sasa extract (manufacturer: Toyo Chem Co., Ltd., concentration: approximately 50%) were diluted with water to a final concentration of 1% each, and mixed for 30 minutes using a stirrer (manufacturer: Jonan Automatic Machinery Co., Ltd., product name: Automatic Mucous Liquid Filling and Packaging Machine) until uniform to obtain Oral Composition 1 for Animals (Combination 1) (Tamogitake extract: Sasa extract = 1:1). Hereinafter, Tamogitake extract may be abbreviated as Tamogitake, and Sasa extract as Sasa. Also, an oral composition for animals containing Tamogitake and Sasa extract may be called a combination, Tamogitake extract alone may be called Tamogitake single agent, and Sasa extract alone may be called Sasa single agent.

[0106] Example 2 (Oral Composition 2 for Animals (Combination 2)) Oral Composition 2 for Animals (Combination 2) was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the final concentration of bamboo grass was diluted with water to half the amount (0.5%) (Tamogitake extract:bamboo grass extract = 1:0.5).

[0107] Comparative Example 1 (Control Group): The control group received no treatment.

[0108] Comparative Example 2: Bamboo extract (manufacturer: Toyo Chem Co., Ltd., concentration: approximately 50%) was diluted with water to a final concentration of 1%, and mixed for 30 minutes using a stirrer (manufacturer: Jonan Automatic Machinery Co., Ltd., product name: viscous liquid automatic filling and packaging machine) until homogeneous to obtain bamboo extract.

[0109] Test Example 1: Confirmation of Efficacy Against Oral Diseases At the animal testing facility (Food and Environmental Hygiene Research Institute Co., Ltd.), a total of nine Japanese mixed-breed cats (manufactured by Oriental Yeast Co., Ltd.) were used to confirm the anti-inflammatory effects on feline gingivitis of Example 1 (Animal Oral Composition 1 (Combination 1)), Example 2 (Animal Oral Composition 2 (Combination 2)), and Comparative Example 1 (Control Group). The cats were divided into three groups: six cats administered with Animal Oral Composition 1 (Example 1: Combination 1), six cats administered with Animal Oral Composition 2 (a combination adjusted so that the bamboo grass component of Animal Oral Composition 1 is half the amount) (Example 2: Combination 2), and three cats as a control group with no administration (Comparative Example 1: Control Group). Furthermore, for Example 1 (Combination 1) and Example 2 (Combination 2), forced oral administration was performed from the corner of the mouth to ensure that each group received the appropriate dose. The administration method and dosage were 8 packets (total 40 ml) per cat, administered every other day.

[0110] For the observation of gingival inflammation, the left maxillary molar (C) and left mandibular second premolar (P2) were scored before the start of the study (Pre) and after the 8th dose, according to a modified GI score (Table 1 below) based on the Gingival Index (GI) proposed by Loe & Silness. Scoring was performed by calculating the sum of the Gingival Index (GI) of two representative teeth observed for each individual, and recording the change in this value from 1 (the value before the start of the study).

[0111] Figure 1 shows a photograph (left) of a cat with severe gingivitis before administration of the animal oral composition 1 (combination 1) of Example 1, and a photograph (right) of the cat after eight administrations. Table 2 and Figure 2 show the changes in the gingivitis index (GI) for the animal oral composition 1 (combination 1) of this disclosure, the animal oral composition 2 (combination 2) of Example 2, and Comparative Example 1 (control group).

[0112]

[0113]

[0114] As a result, as shown in Table 2 and Figure 2, it was confirmed that oral animal compositions 1 and 2 of this disclosure (Examples 1 and 2), administered eight times every other day, reduced gingival inflammation compared to the control group (Comparative Example 1). In particular, combination 1 of Example 1 (1% Tamogitake + 1% Sasa) significantly reduced gingival inflammation compared to the control group (Comparative Example 1) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, combination 1 of Example 1 (1% Tamogitake + 1% Sasa) showed a more pronounced effect in reducing gingival inflammation compared to combination 2 of Example 2 (1% Tamogitake + 0.5% Sasa). Combination 1 of Example 1 consisted of 1% Tamogitake + 1% Sasa + 98% other components, and its gingivitis index was "0.57". Furthermore, in Example 2, the compound 2 consisted of 1% Tamogitake mushroom, 0.5% Sasa bamboo, and 98.5% other components, and its gingivitis index was "0.71". In contrast, the control group in Comparative Example 1 consisted of 0% Tamogitake mushroom, 0% Sasa bamboo, and 100% other components, and its gingivitis index was "1.08". The compound 1 containing 1% Tamogitake mushroom and 1% Sasa bamboo in Example 1 showed a greater gingivitis-reducing effect compared to the compound 2 containing 1% Tamogitake mushroom and 0.5% Sasa bamboo in Example 2. Therefore, an oral composition for pet animals intended for gingivitis, in which the content of Sasa bamboo plants is 80 to 120 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of Tamogitake mushroom, showed a greater gingivitis-reducing effect than an oral composition for pet animals in which the content of Sasa bamboo plants is 50 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of Tamogitake mushroom.

[0115] Test Example 2: Confirmation of Immunomodulatory Effects Immunomodulatory tests were conducted using Example 1 (combination agent 1) and Comparative Example 2 (1% bamboo grass extract). Specifically, blood samples were collected from cats with severe gingivitis before administration of Example 1 (combination agent 1) and after eight administrations, and feline interleukin-1β (manufactured by Thermo Fisher Scientific Co., Ltd., Kingfisher), an inflammatory cytokine, was analyzed. Furthermore, blood samples were collected from seven Japanese mixed-breed cats (manufactured by Oriental Yeast Co., Ltd.), different from those in Test Example 1, before administration of Comparative Example 2 (1% bamboo grass extract) and after eight administrations, and feline interleukin-1β was analyzed in the same manner as above.

[0116]

[0117] As a result, in two cats with severe gingivitis that had high IL-1β levels before administration, it was confirmed that the IL-1β levels in both individuals were reduced after administration of the animal oral composition 1 of this disclosure (Example 1 (combination 1)). In contrast, administration of bamboo grass alone did not result in the detection of feline interleukin-1β levels. Therefore, it was found that the animal oral composition 1 of this disclosure (Example 1 (combination 1)) has a synergistic effect compared to the single agent.

[0118] Example 3 (Dog Food Composition) The animal oral composition 1 (combination 1) of Example 1 was mixed in 5 g with approximately 50 g of dog food that each of the individuals 1 to 7 shown in Table 4 was routinely given to obtain dog food compositions 1 to 7, each containing the animal oral composition of the present disclosure.

[0119] Test Example 3: Bad Breath Suppression Effect Seven dogs (0.5 to 12 years old) kept in ordinary households were given the above dog food compositions 1 to 7 orally a total of 3 to 8 times, generally at intervals of every other day (Table 4).

[0120] A questionnaire survey regarding bad breath was conducted among dog owners whose dogs were administered pet food compositions 1 to 7 of this disclosure, respectively. The question was, "Was there a change in bad breath?" and respondents were asked to answer one of the following: • Change present (reduced bad breath) • No change (no change was observed) • Worsening bad breath The results are shown in Table 4 and Figure 3.

[0121]

[0122] As a result, six out of the seven owners of the tested dogs reported a "change," meaning a reduction in the condition. No owners reported a "worsening" condition. These results confirm that the oral composition for animals disclosed herein has an effect on improving the oral environment in dogs. It is suggested that bad breath can be suppressed by reducing inflammation and the associated decrease in volatile sulfur compounds due to the reduction of periodontal pathogens. In addition, it was found that the oral care effect can be exerted even by oral administration through feeding rather than forced oral administration from the corner of the mouth.

[0123] Example 4 An oral composition for animals according to the present disclosure was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1. After preparation, it was stored in a cool, dark place until use (for example, storage conditions: 25°C or below, protected from light, humidity 75% or below; storage period: 15 months from preparation (unopened)).

[0124] Comparative Example 2: A single-component solution of bamboo grass (final concentration 1%) was prepared. It was then stored in a cool, dark place until use.

[0125] Comparative Example 3: A single-component solution of Tamogitake mushroom (final concentration 1%) was prepared. It was then stored in a cool, dark place until use. Specifically, Tamogitake extract (manufacturer: Three B Co., Ltd., concentration: approximately 10%) was diluted with water to a final concentration of 1%, and mixed using a stirrer (manufacturer: Jonan Automatic Machinery Co., Ltd., product name: viscous liquid automatic filling and packaging machine) for 30 minutes until homogeneous to obtain Tamogitake single-component solution (Comparative Example 3).

[0126] Test Example 4: Synergistic Effect Twelve Japanese mixed-breed cats (manufactured by Oriental Yeast Co., Ltd.) were used in the animal testing facility (Food and Environmental Hygiene Research Institute Co., Ltd.). Six cats were assigned to receive the oral animal composition 2 of this disclosure (Example 4 (combination 1) group), six to receive the bamboo grass monotherapy (Comparative Example 2 (bamboo grass monotherapy) group), and six to receive the Tamogitake mushroom monotherapy (Comparative Example 3 (Tamogitake mushroom monotherapy) group). Each formulation was administered orally by force through the corner of the mouth to ensure that each cat in each administration group received approximately four packets per week. A total of eight administrations were given for each formulation. The dosage of the Tamogitake mushroom monotherapy (Comparative Example 3) was set to match the dosage of the combination formulation of 1% Tamogitake mushroom and 1% bamboo grass (Example 4).

[0127] For the observation of gingivitis, the left maxillary molar (C) and left mandibular second premolar (P2) were scored according to the same gingivitis index as in the example, before the start of the study (Pre) and the day after the 8th dose. Scoring was performed by calculating the sum of the gingivitis index (GI) of two representative teeth observed for each individual, and recording the change in this value from 1 (the value before the start of the study).

[0128] Table 5 and Figure 4 below show the changes in the gingivitis index (GI) for Example 4 (combination agent 1), Comparative Example 2 (bamboo grass single agent), and Comparative Example 3 (Pleurotus ostreatus single agent).

[0129]

[0130] As a result, as shown in Table 5 and Figure 4, the oral animal composition containing 1% Tamogitake mushroom and 1% Sasa bamboo (Example 4) showed a significantly greater reduction in gingivitis compared to Sasa bamboo alone (Comparative Example 2) and Tamogitake mushroom alone (Comparative Example 3). Specifically, the gingivitis index (GI) of Sasa bamboo alone (Comparative Example 2) decreased by 23.1%, and the gingivitis index (GI) of Tamogitake mushroom alone (Comparative Example 3) decreased by 30%, while the gingivitis index (GI) of the oral animal composition of this disclosure (Example 4) decreased by a remarkable 43%. Therefore, it was confirmed that the oral animal composition of Example 4, due to the combination of Tamogitake mushroom and Sasa bamboo, has synergistic effects such as downregulation of inflammatory immune responses.

[0131] Example 5 An oral animal composition 5 of the present disclosure was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1. After preparation, it was stored in a cool, dark place until use.

[0132] Test Example 5: Confirmation of Effect on Fecal Odor Seven dogs (0.5 to 12 years old) and five cats (2 to 12 years old) kept in ordinary households were given 5 g of the animal oral composition 5 (combination) from Example 5 to their daily dog ​​food or cat food (equivalent to a typical single serving) to obtain pet food compositions 8 to 19 containing the animal oral composition of this disclosure. Pet food compositions 8 to 19 were administered orally to the corresponding dogs (individuals 16 to 22) or cats (individuals 23 to 27) a total of 3 to 8 times, generally at intervals of every other day (Table 6).

[0133] A questionnaire survey regarding fecal odor was conducted among owners of dogs and cats that were administered pet food compositions 8 to 19 of this disclosure. The question was, "Was there a change in fecal odor?" and respondents were asked to answer one of the following, and the results were compiled: • Change present (reduced odor) • No change (no change was observed) • Worsening The results are shown in Table 6, Figure 5, and Figure 6.

[0134]

[0135] As a result, as shown in Table 6 and Figure 5, the owners of 6 out of 7 dogs tested reported a "change," meaning a reduction in symptoms. No responses indicated a "worsening" condition. Similarly, as shown in Table 6 and Figure 6, the owners of 4 out of 5 cats tested reported a "change," meaning a reduction in symptoms. No responses indicated a "worsening" condition. These test results confirm that the oral animal composition of Example 5 not only reduces gingivitis in cats as described in Test Examples 1 and 2, but also suppresses fecal odor in dogs and cats. This suggests that oral administration of Tamogitake mushrooms and bamboo grass improved the intestinal environment. This finding indicates that the oral animal composition of this disclosure can contribute not only to improving the oral environment but also to improving the intestinal environment, and may lead to improved immunity. Furthermore, it was found that the oral animal composition of this disclosure improved the overall coat shine of the animals. In particular, dog number 21 clearly developed a shinier coat.

[0136] This application is based on a Japanese patent application, Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-196447, filed on November 11, 2024. Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-196447 is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An oral composition for pet animals containing Pleurotus erythrosora and Sasa genus plants, which is for the treatment of gingivitis.

2. The oral composition for pet animals according to claim 1, wherein the Tamogitake mushroom is an extract of Tamogitake mushroom.

3. The oral composition for pet animals according to claim 1, wherein the Sasa genus plant includes Sasa veitchii and / or Sasa kurilensis.

4. The oral composition for pet animals according to claim 1, wherein the Sasa genus plant is an extract of a Sasa genus plant.

5. The oral composition for pet animals according to claim 1, wherein the content of the Sasa genus plant is 80 to 120 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of Tamogitake mushroom.

6. An oral composition for pet animals according to claim 1, which is for immunomodulation.

7. The oral composition for pets according to claim 6, wherein the immunomodulation is caused by the suppression of the production of inflammatory cytokines.

8. The oral composition for pets according to claim 7, wherein the inflammatory cytokine is interleukin-1β (IL-1β).

9. An oral composition for pet animals according to claim 1, for use in treating bad breath or improving the intestinal environment.

10. An oral composition for pet animals according to claim 1, for suppressing the odor of excrement.

11. The oral composition for pet animals according to claim 1, which is for use in food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or quasi-drugs.

12. A pet food and beverage composition for treating gingivitis, comprising the oral composition for pets described in claim 1.

13. A pet animal feed composition for gingivitis, comprising the oral composition for pet animals described in claim 1.

14. A pet food composition for companion animals, for treating gingivitis, comprising the oral composition for companion animals described in claim 1.

15. A pet animal pharmaceutical or quasi-drug for gingivitis, comprising the oral composition for pet animals described in claim 1.

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