HMPA Parasympathetic Nerve Activation for Food-Safe Compositions

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a strong demand for a novel material that has a parasympathetic activation effect and is highly safe for use in food and drink products, pharmaceutical products, and research reagents, with 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propionic acid (HMPA) being identified as a compound with such properties.

Innovation Solution

A parasympathetic nerve activation agent and composition utilizing HMPA as an active ingredient, which can be formulated into various dosage forms and used in pharmaceutical, quasi-drug, and food products to enhance parasympathetic nerve activity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If thyme is used as a substance for activating parasympathetic nerves, then parasympathetic activation effect is achieved, but safety and applicability for food and drink products is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparasympathetic activation effectVSAvoidsafety for food and drink products

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical substance parameter from thyme (an herb with limited safety data for food use) to HMPA (3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propionic acid), which has demonstrated high safety profile and is suitable for food and drink products while maintaining parasympathetic activation effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent identifies HMPA as a compound that can be detected when lactic acid bacteria are cultured in a medium including specific substances, and replicates its use as an active ingredient in drink and food products, copying the successful application approach from dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity inhibitors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If HMPA is used as an active ingredient, then parasympathetic activation effect is enhanced, but novelty of the application is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparasympathetic activation effectVSAvoidnovelty of application

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the application of HMPA from its known use as a dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity inhibitor to a new function as a parasympathetic nerve activation agent, demonstrating multi-functionality and broadening its versatility in pharmaceutical and food applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent positions HMPA as an intermediary substance that mediates between lactic acid bacteria culture (where it is naturally produced) and parasympathetic nerve activation (its physiological effect), creating a novel application pathway

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250295618A1Parasympathetic nerve activation agent and parasympathetic nerve activation composition

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 MARUZEN PHARMA

AI summary

A parasympathetic nerve activation agent includes a compound represented by Structural Formula (1).