Astringent

Abstract

This astringent comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of Morinda citrifolia juice, an ume extract, a Saxifraga extract, a Sasa veitchii extract, a Lonicera japonica extract, and an apple extract.

Description

Astringent

[0001] The present invention relates to an astringent.

[0002] Astringents bind to proteins in the skin or mucous membrane to form a coating and reduce the permeability of cell membranes. Due to their low permeability, they only act on the cell surface and do not destroy the cells themselves. For example, skin astringents are formulated into cosmetics such as lotions. An astringent formulated in cosmetics acts on pores, sweat pores and the like on the skin to temporarily tighten tissues, and has an effect of suppressing secretion of excess lipid, sweat and the like. Thereby, it can improve the finish of makeup cosmetics, prevent makeup smudging caused by perspiration and the like, and suppress bleeding from fine cuts after shaving, among other effects.

[0003] Heretofore, as a skin astringent, a skin astringent comprising a protein-aggregating substance collected from prune pulp as an active ingredient has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-269057

[0005] Studies on materials having an astringent effect have been conducted to date. However, there is still a strong demand for new materials that have an astringent effect and high safety, and thus can be widely used as components in pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, cosmetics, research reagents and the like, and the current situation is that prompt development thereof is desired.

[0006] The present invention addresses solving the above-mentioned conventional problems and achieving the following object. Specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide an astringent that has an excellent astringent effect and high safety.

[0007] As a result of intensive studies conducted by the present inventors to solve the above-mentioned problems, they have found that noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, Sasa veitchii extract, Lonicerae folium extract, and apple extract, which are highly safe materials derived from natural products, have an excellent astringent effect.

[0008] The present invention is based on the inventors' aforementioned findings, and the means for solving the aforementioned problems are as follows: <1> An astringent characterized by containing at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract. <2> An astringent method characterized by administering the astringent described in <1> above or at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract to a target. <3> The use of at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract for use in astringency. <4> A method for tightening skin tissue, characterized by administering to a subject the astringent described in <1> above or at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract. <5> The use of at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract for use in tightening skin tissue. <6> A method for preventing or treating a skin disease, characterized by administering to a subject the astringent described in <1> above or at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract. <7> The use of at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract for use in the prevention and / or treatment of skin diseases to tighten the tissue on the skin. <8> A method for improving the appearance of pores, characterized by administering to a subject the astringent described in <1> above or at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract. <9> The use of at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract for use in improving the appearance of pores.<10> Use of at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition or cosmetic for skin diseases.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to solve the aforementioned problems in the conventional method, achieve the aforementioned objectives, and provide an astringent that has excellent astringent properties and is highly safe.

[0010] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional image analysis of a replica of the cheek on the side to which the lotion (containing noni juice) of test formulation 2-1 was applied to a male subject in Test Example 2. Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional image analysis of a replica of the cheek on the side to which the lotion (without noni juice) of test formulation 2-2 was applied to a male subject in Test Example 2. Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional image analysis of a replica of the cheek on the side to which the lotion (containing noni juice) of test formulation 2-1 was applied to a female subject in Test Example 2. Figure 4 shows a three-dimensional image analysis of a replica of the cheek on the side to which the lotion (without noni juice) of test formulation 2-2 was applied to a female subject in Test Example 2.

[0011] (Astringent) The astringent of the present invention contains at least one selected from the group consisting of noni fruit juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract as an active ingredient, and optionally contains other ingredients.

[0012] Although the details of the substances that exert astringent effects in noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract are unknown, it was previously completely unknown that noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract have excellent astringent effects and are useful as astringents. This is a new finding by the present inventors.

[0013] <Noni Juice> Noni (Morinda citrifolia), also known as Yaeyama Aoki in Japanese, is an evergreen small tree belonging to the genus Morinda in the family Rubiaceae.

[0014] Noni juice can be prepared from the fruit itself or a commercially available product can be used.

[0015] There are no particular restrictions on the method of preparing noni juice; it can be selected appropriately depending on the purpose. For example, it can be obtained by squeezing the noni fruit using a juicer. Alternatively, juice obtained by naturally fermenting the fruit can also be used.

[0016] Although the specific substances in noni juice that exert astringent effects are unknown, noni juice with astringent properties can be obtained by preparing it using the method described above.

[0017] The obtained noni juice may be subjected to dilution, concentration, drying, purification, and other processes according to conventional methods in order to obtain diluted noni juice, concentrated noni juice, dried noni juice, crude noni juice, purified noni juice, etc.

[0018] Furthermore, the obtained noni juice may be further extracted and used as an extract. The extraction of noni juice can be carried out in the same manner as described in "Preparation of Extract" below.

[0019] The obtained noni juice can be used as an astringent as is, but concentrated liquid or dried product is preferred for ease of use. When obtaining the dried product, carriers such as dextrin or cyclodextrin may be added to improve hygroscopicity.

[0020] The noni juice obtained in the manner described above has excellent astringent properties, and therefore can be used as an active ingredient in astringents.

[0021] <Plum Extract> The plum (Prunus mume Siebold et Zuccarini) is a deciduous small tree belonging to the rose family.

[0022] Plum extract may be prepared from the raw material or a commercially available product may be used.

[0023] There are no particular restrictions on the parts of the plum that can be used as raw materials for extraction; they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include leaves, branches, bark, trunk, stem, flowers, buds, fruit, pulp, peel, and roots. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Among these, the fruit and pulp are preferred.

[0024] <Saxifrage Extract> Saxifraga stolonifera is an evergreen perennial plant belonging to the genus Saxifraga in the family Saxifragaceae.

[0025] Saxifraga extract may be prepared from the raw material or a commercially available product may be used.

[0026] There are no particular restrictions on the parts of Saxifraga stolonifera that can be used as extracting material; they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include the leaves, stems, flowers, buds, seeds, roots, and above-ground parts. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Among these, the whole plant is preferred.

[0027] <Kumazasa Extract> Kumazasa (Sasa veitchii RED.) is a plant belonging to the genus Sasa in the grass family.

[0028] You may use bamboo grass extract that you have prepared from the raw material, or you may use a commercially available product.

[0029] There are no particular restrictions on the parts of the bamboo grass that can be used as the raw material for extraction, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, but examples include the leaves, stems, and rhizomes. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Among these, the leaves are preferred.

[0030] <Honeysuckle Extract> Honeysuckle (scientific name: Lonicera japonica) is a plant belonging to the family Caprifoliaceae.

[0031] The honeysuckle extract may be prepared from the raw materials or a commercially available product may be used.

[0032] There are no particular restrictions on the parts of the honeysuckle that can be used as raw materials for extraction; they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include flower buds, leaves, branches, seeds, bark, roots, and stems. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Among these, leaves and stems are preferred.

[0033] <Apple Extract> The apple (Malus domestica) is a deciduous tree belonging to the genus Malus in the family Rosaceae.

[0034] Apple extract may be prepared from the raw material or a commercially available product may be used.

[0035] There are no particular restrictions on the parts of the apple that can be used as raw materials for extraction; they can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include leaves, stems, flowers, fruits, peels, seeds, and above-ground parts. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Among these, the fruit is preferred.

[0036] - Preparation of Extracts - Although the details of the substances that exert astringent effects in the plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract are unknown, extracts with astringent effects can be obtained by extraction methods that are generally used for plant extractions.

[0037] There are no particular restrictions on the shape, structure, or size of the raw materials used for extraction; they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0038] There are no particular restrictions on the form of the extract, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include the extract itself obtained from the raw material by the extraction process, a diluted extract, a concentrated extract, dried products thereof, crude products, and purified products.

[0039] The extract can be obtained by drying the raw material and then subjecting it to extraction with an extraction solvent, either as is or after grinding it using a crusher. Drying may be done in the sun or using a commonly used drying oven. Alternatively, the raw material may be pretreated by degreasing with a non-polar solvent such as hexane before use. Pretreatment such as degreasing allows for more efficient extraction of the raw material with a polar solvent.

[0040] There are no particular restrictions on the extraction solvent, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include water, hydrophilic solvents, or mixed solvents of water and hydrophilic solvents.

[0041] There are no particular restrictions on the type of water that can be used as an extraction solvent, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include pure water, tap water, well water, mineral water, mineral water, hot spring water, spring water, fresh water, and water that has undergone various treatments. There are no particular restrictions on the treatments that can be applied to the water, and they can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include purification, heating, sterilization, filtration, ion exchange, osmotic pressure adjustment, buffering, etc. The types of water that can be used as an extraction solvent also include purified water, hot water, ion-exchanged water, physiological saline, phosphate buffer, and phosphate-buffered physiological saline. The water may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0042] There are no particular restrictions on the hydrophilic solvents that can be used as extraction solvents, and they can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include lower alcohols having 1 to 5 carbon atoms such as methanol, ethanol, propyl alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol; lower aliphatic ketones such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone; and polyhydric alcohols having 2 to 5 carbon atoms such as 1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol, and glycerin. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0043] There is no particular limitation on the amount of the hydrophilic solvent used relative to water in the mixed solvent, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. However, when a lower alcohol is used, it is preferably added in an amount of 1 to 90 parts by volume per 10 parts by volume of water; when a lower aliphatic ketone is used, it is preferably added in an amount of 1 to 40 parts by volume per 10 parts by volume of water; and when a polyhydric alcohol is used, it is preferably added in an amount of 1 to 90 parts by volume per 10 parts by volume of water.

[0044] It is preferable to use the extraction solvent at a temperature from room temperature to not higher than the boiling point of the solvent.

[0045] The extraction treatment is not particularly limited as long as soluble components contained in the extraction raw material can be eluted into the extraction solvent, and can be appropriately selected from conventional methods. For example, extraction can be performed using any arbitrary apparatus at room temperature or under reflux heating.

[0046] For example, an extract can be obtained by charging the extraction raw material into a treatment tank filled with the extraction solvent, allowing the mixture to stand for about 30 minutes to 4 hours while stirring as necessary to elute the soluble components, then removing solids by filtration. When the extraction solvent is distilled off from the obtained extract, a paste-like concentrate is obtained, and a dried product can be obtained by further drying this concentrate.

[0047] Extraction conditions can be appropriately adjusted according to the state of the extraction raw material, the extraction solvent, and the like. For example, when water is used as the extraction solvent, extraction is performed at 50 to 95°C for about 1 to 4 hours. When a mixed solvent of water and ethanol is used as the extraction solvent, extraction is performed at 40 to 80°C for about 30 minutes to 4 hours. When a mixed solvent of water and 1,3-butylene glycol is used as the extraction solvent, extraction is performed at 80 to 90°C for about 2 hours. These extraction conditions are merely examples and may be changed as appropriate. There is no particular limitation on the amount of the extraction solvent used, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0048] The obtained extract may be subjected to treatments such as dilution, concentration, drying, and purification in accordance with conventional methods to obtain diluted extracts, concentrated extracts, dried extracts, crudely purified products, purified products, and the like from the extract.

[0049] The obtained extract can be used as an astringent as is, but concentrated liquid or dried product is preferred for ease of use. When obtaining the dried product, a carrier such as dextrin or cyclodextrin may be added to improve its hygroscopic properties.

[0050] The plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract obtained in the manner described above have excellent astringent properties and can therefore be used as active ingredients in astringents.

[0051] The astringent may consist of only at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract, or it may be a formulation of at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract.

[0052] At least one substance selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract can be formulated into any dosage form such as powder, granules, tablets, or liquid by conventional methods using pharmaceutically acceptable carriers such as dextrin and cyclodextrin, or other optional excipients. In this case, excipients such as excipients, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, stabilizers, and flavoring / odorizing agents can be used.

[0053] Noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0054] Furthermore, when using two or more of the following: noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract, there are no particular restrictions on the proportion of each ingredient used, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0055] There are no particular restrictions on the total content of at least one substance selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract in the formulated astringent, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose.

[0056] Other components in the astringent are not particularly limited as long as they do not impair the effects of the present invention, and can be appropriately selected depending on the form of use of the astringent. Examples include the components that can be used when formulating the astringent as described above. The other components may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0057] There are no particular restrictions on the content of other components in astringents, and they can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose.

[0058] Furthermore, if necessary, the astringent agent may be used as an active ingredient by combining it with at least one other ingredient having astringent properties selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract.

[0059] Formulated astringents can be used in combination with other compositions, and can also be used as ointments, topical solutions, and the like.

[0060] There are no particular restrictions on the method of administering astringents to individuals or other subjects; the method can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, for example, transdermal administration.

[0061] There are no particular restrictions on the dosage, site of administration, duration of administration, or interval between administrations of astringents (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "method of use, dosage, site of administration, duration of use, and interval between administrations"), and these can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0062] Astringents, through the astringent action of at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract, can tighten the skin and suppress the secretion of excess lipids and sweat. Therefore, they can be suitably used as skin astringents. They can also be used for the prevention and / or treatment of skin diseases. Examples of skin diseases include at least one selected from the group consisting of eczema, dermatitis, miliaria, photodermatitis, and hyperhidrosis. However, astringents can be used for any other purpose where exhibiting an astringent effect is significant.

[0063] Astringents have excellent astringent properties and are highly safe, so they can be suitably incorporated into cosmetics, for example. In this case, at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract may be incorporated as is, or a formulation of at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract may be incorporated.

[0064] There are no particular restrictions on cosmetics that can contain astringents, and they can be appropriately selected according to their purpose. Examples include ointments, creams, lotions, toners, serums, masks, gels, beauty oils, jellies, hair tonics, hair lotions, hair creams, hair liquids, pomades, shampoos, conditioners, treatments, body soaps, astringents, bath additives, soaps, lip balms, lipsticks, and foundations.

[0065] When an astringent is incorporated into a cosmetic product, there are no particular restrictions on the amount to be incorporated, and it can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the type of cosmetic product, but it is preferably 0.00001 to 20% by mass, and more preferably 0.00001 to 10% by mass, when converted to the total amount of at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract.

[0066] Cosmetics may be used in combination with main ingredients, auxiliary ingredients, or other components commonly used in the manufacture of cosmetics, such as antiseptics, antibacterial agents, whitening agents, UV absorbers, moisturizers, cell activators, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agents, antioxidants and free radical scavengers, oils and fats, waxes, hydrocarbons, fatty acids, alcohols, esters, surfactants, and fragrances, as long as they do not interfere with the astringent properties of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, or apple extract. Such combinations can result in more general-purpose products, and the synergistic effects between the combined active ingredients may produce superior results beyond what is normally expected.

[0067] There are no particular restrictions on the method of manufacturing the cosmetic product, and any known method can be appropriately selected.

[0068] Astringents are preferably applied to humans, but they can also be applied to animals other than humans (e.g., mice, rats, hamsters, dogs, cats, cattle, pigs, monkeys, etc.) as long as the astringent effect is achieved.

[0069] Furthermore, astringents can be suitably used as reagents for research on the mechanism of astringency.

[0070] As mentioned above, astringents have excellent astringent properties.

[0071] Accordingly, the present invention also relates to an astringent method characterized by administering to a subject the astringent agent of the present invention or at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract. More specifically, the present invention also relates to a method for tightening skin tissue characterized by administering to a subject the astringent agent of the present invention or at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract.

[0072] The present invention also relates to the use of at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract for astringent use. More specifically, the present invention also relates to the use of at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract for tightening skin tissue.

[0073] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for preventing or treating skin diseases, characterized by administering to a subject the astringent agent of the present invention or at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract.

[0074] The present invention also relates to the use of at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract for tightening skin tissue for use in the prevention and / or treatment of skin diseases.

[0075] For use in the prevention and / or treatment of skin diseases, at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract is used to tighten the tissue on the skin in the prevention and / or treatment of skin diseases.

[0076] In this specification, prevention means preventing the onset of a disease and includes preventing recurrence. Treatment means curing a disease and also includes alleviating symptoms.

[0077] There are no particular restrictions on the skin diseases that can be selected; they can be appropriately chosen according to the purpose. For example, at least one of the following can be selected: eczema, dermatitis, miliaria, photodermatitis, and hyperhidrosis.

[0078] The present invention also relates to a method for improving the appearance of enlarged pores, characterized by administering to a subject the astringent agent of the present invention or at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract.

[0079] The present invention also relates to the use of at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract for use in improving the appearance of visible pores.

[0080] When used to improve the appearance of enlarged pores, at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract can tighten the skin tissue and improve the appearance of enlarged pores.

[0081] In this specification, improvement of pore visibility means reducing the area ratio of pores, reducing the depth of pores, or reducing the total volume of pores. These improvements may be made to any one of these properties, or to two or more properties.

[0082] Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of at least one selected from the group consisting of noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions or cosmetics for skin diseases.

[0083] There are no particular restrictions on the skin diseases that the pharmaceutical composition for skin diseases targets, and they can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, at least one selected from the group consisting of eczema, dermatitis, miliaria, photodermatitis, and hyperhidrosis.

[0084] The following describes test examples and formulation examples of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these in any way.

[0085] (Test Example 1: Astringent Effect Test) The astringent effect of the following test samples was tested using the following test method.

[0086] <Test Samples> - Preparation Example 1: Noni Juice - 100 g of noni juice was prepared by adding butylene glycol and purified water. The resulting liquid was dried to obtain the solid content of noni juice (5 g).

[0087] -Production Example 2: Plum Extract- 100 g of the pulp obtained from plum fruit was mixed with 50% by volume of butylene glycol and filtered. The resulting extract was dried to obtain plum extract (4 g).

[0088] -Production Example 3: Saxifraga Extract- 1,500 mL of 80% ethanol was added to 100 g of whole Saxifraga plant, and reflux extraction was carried out at 80-90°C for 2 hours, followed by filtration. The obtained extract was dried to obtain Saxifraga extract (7 g).

[0089] -Production Example 4: Kumazasa Extract- 1,500 mL of 50% ethanol was added to 100 g of Kumazasa leaves, and reflux extraction was carried out at 80-90°C for 2 hours, followed by filtration. The obtained extract was dried to obtain Kumazasa extract (5 g).

[0090] -Production Example 5: Honeysuckle Extract- 100 g of honeysuckle leaves or stems were added to 1,500 mL of 90% ethanol, and reflux extraction was carried out at 80-90°C for 2 hours, followed by filtration. The obtained extract was dried to obtain honeysuckle extract (7 g).

[0091] -Production Example 6: Apple Extract- 1,500 mL of 50% by volume butylene glycol was added to 100 g of fresh apple fruit, and after heated extraction, the mixture was filtered. The resulting extract was dried to obtain apple extract (4 g).

[0092] <Test Method> To measure various astringent effects, a protein aggregation test using an albumin aqueous solution, commonly used in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, was conducted. The specific test method is as follows.

[0093] (1) Prepared by uniformly stirring and dissolving a 0.5 mass / vol% albumin aqueous solution. (2) The solutions prepared as follows were used as test samples: - A solution obtained by dissolving the noni juice obtained in Production Example 1 in 50 vol% butylene glycol with a solid content of 1.00 mass - A solution obtained by dissolving the plum extract obtained in Production Example 2 in 50 vol% butylene glycol with a solid content of 2.00 mass - A solution obtained by dissolving the saxifrage extract obtained in Production Example 3 in 50 vol% ethanol with a solid content of 1.40 mass - A solution obtained by dissolving the bamboo grass extract obtained in Production Example 4 in 50 vol% ethanol with a solid content of 1.00 mass - A solution obtained by dissolving the honeysuckle extract obtained in Production Example 5 in 50 vol% ethanol with a solid content of 1.40 mass - A solution obtained by dissolving the apple extract obtained in Production Example 6 in 50 vol% butylene glycol with a solid content of 1.76 mass (3) Test solutions of the test sample were prepared at concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, or 8% by mass / volume (solvent: 10% ethanol solution). (4) 5 mL of the solution prepared in (1) and 20 mL of the solution prepared in (3) were placed in a test tube and mixed. (5) After 1 minute, the turbidity (NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit)) was measured using a 2100-type laboratory turbidimeter (Central Scientific Co., Ltd.). A blank test was also performed in the same manner without adding the test solution of the test sample. (6) The protein coagulation force was defined as the turbidity value obtained by subtracting the turbidity value obtained in the blank test from the turbidity value obtained when using the test solution of the test sample. This protein coagulation force is an indicator of astringent action (the higher the protein coagulation force value, the higher the astringent action).

[0094] The results are shown in Table 1.

[0095]

[0096] As shown in Table 1, astringent effects were observed in noni juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract.

[0097] (Test Example 2: Pore Concealment Improvement Effect Test) The pore concealment improvement effect was tested using the following test formulation and the following test method.

[0098] <Test Formulation> - Test Formulation 2-1: Contains Noni Juice - A lotion containing 2.00% by mass of noni juice (Wa-ism <Noni Juice>, manufactured by Maruzen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) was prepared according to the composition below. [Composition] ・ BG (Butylene Glycol) 5.00% by mass ・ Glycerin 3.00% by mass ・ PEG-8 1.00% by mass ・ PEG-32 0.50% by mass ・ Ethanol 3.00% by mass ・ PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil 0.10% by mass ・ Phenoxyethanol 0.30% by mass ・ Noni Juice 2.00% by mass ・ Water 85.10% by mass Total 100.00% by mass

[0099] -Test Formulation 2-2: Noni Juice-Free- A lotion was prepared in the same manner as Test Formulation 2-1, except that a 50% by volume aqueous solution of butylene glycol (50% BG aqueous solution) was added instead of noni juice. [Composition] ・ BG (butylene glycol) 5.00% by mass ・ Glycerin 3.00% by mass ・ PEG-8 1.00% by mass ・ PEG-32 0.50% by mass ・ Ethanol 3.00% by mass ・ PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil 0.10% by mass ・ Phenoxyethanol 0.30% by mass ・ 50% BG aqueous solution 2.00% by mass ・ Water 85.10% by mass Total 100.00% by mass

[0100] <Test Method> Two subjects were selected: a man in his 50s and a woman in her 40s. Each subject applied the lotion of test formulation 2-1 (containing noni juice) to one side of their cheek and the lotion of test formulation 2-2 (without noni juice) to the other side of their cheek, twice a day for 36 days.

[0101] Replicas were taken on the start date of the test, 20 days after the start of the test, and 36 days after the start of the test, and evaluated by three-dimensional image analysis of the surface shape. Specifically, after washing the face, the subjects were allowed to acclimate for 20 minutes in an environmental test chamber (room temperature 22°C, humidity 50%), and then, with their eyes lightly closed in a semi-Fowler position, replicas of each cheek were taken using a replica agent (product name "SILFLO", manufactured by Amic Group Co., Ltd.). For the obtained replicas, a 10 mm square was defined as the analysis area, and the analysis was performed by aligning the position of the analysis area. For the analysis, a three-dimensional surface shape measuring device, PRIMOS-CR (manufactured by Canfield Scientific), and analysis software were used to extract the pore area, and then the area ratio, average depth, and rate of change of total volume of the pores were calculated and evaluated.

[0102] Figure 1 (male subjects) and Figure 3 (female subjects) show images of subjects who applied the lotion of test formulation 2-1 (containing noni juice), and Figure 2 (male subjects) and Figure 4 (female subjects) show images of subjects who applied the lotion of test formulation 2-2 (without noni juice) (in each figure, the left side shows the image on the start of the test, the center shows the image 20 days after the start of the test, and the right side shows the image 36 days after the start of the test).

[0103] The pore area ratio is the percentage of the area recognized as a pore relative to the entire analysis area.

[0104] The average pore depth is the sum of the average depths of all pores within the analysis area (in μm).

[0105] The total volume of pores is the sum of the 3D volumes of all pores within the analysis area (mm²). ３ )

[0106] Tables 2-4 show the results of calculating the pore area ratio, average depth, and total volume for male subjects. Note that the values ​​in each table are calculated with the values ​​on the start of the study set as 100%.

[0107]

[0108]

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[0110] Tables 5-7 show the results of calculating the pore area ratio, average depth, and total volume for female subjects. Note that the values ​​in each table are calculated with the values ​​on the start of the study set as 100%.

[0111]

[0112]

[0113]

[0114] As shown above, in the areas where the lotion of test formulation 2-1 was applied, all subjects showed a decrease in pore area ratio, average depth, and total volume 36 days after the start of the study compared to the start date, indicating an improvement trend.

[0115] (Formulation Example 1) A lotion having the following composition was manufactured by a conventional method: • Noni juice from Production Example 1 0.02% by mass • Modified 95% ethanol 15.0% by mass • Dipropylene glycol 2.0% by mass • Citric acid 0.03% by mass • Sodium citrate 0.05% by mass • L-ascorbic acid 0.05% by mass • Methylparaben 0.1% by mass • P.O.E. (15) oleyl alcohol ether 0.5% by mass • Fragrance 0.1% by mass • Appropriate amount of colorant • Purified water (residue)

[0116] (Formulation Example 2) An aftershave lotion having the following composition was manufactured by a conventional method: • Plum extract from Production Example 2: 0.01% by mass • Saxifraga stolonifera extract from Production Example 3: 0.005% by mass • Denatured 95% ethanol: 40.0% by mass • Glycerin: 1.0% by mass • Sodium dihydrogen phosphate: 0.1% by mass • Sodium citrate: 0.1% by mass • Allantoin: 0.05% by mass • Pyridoxine hydrochloride: 0.2% by mass • P.O.E. (60) hydrogenated castor oil: 0.5% by mass • UV absorber: 0.05% by mass • Fragrance: 0.1% by mass • Appropriate amount of pigment • Purified water (residue)

[0117] (Formulation Example 3) A hair tonic having the following composition was manufactured by a conventional method: • Bamboo grass extract from Production Example 4: 0.004% by mass • Honeysuckle extract from Production Example 5: 0.007% by mass • Apple extract from Production Example 6: 0.007% by mass • Modified 95% ethanol: 60.0% by mass • Polyethylene glycol 400: 1.0% by mass • Hinokitiol: 0.01% by mass • Pyridoxine hydrochloride: 1.0% by mass • P.O.E. (60) hydrogenated castor oil: 0.5% by mass • l-Menthol: 0.05% by mass • UV absorber: 0.1% by mass • Fragrance: 0.1% by mass • Appropriate amount of colorant • Purified water (residue)

[0118] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-028858, filed on 26 February 2025, and the entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-028858 are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An astringent characterized by containing at least one selected from the group consisting of noni fruit juice, plum extract, saxifrage extract, bamboo grass extract, honeysuckle extract, and apple extract.

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