Zanthoxylum Extract Modulating Period Gene Expression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods lack an effective agent to modulate the expression of clock genes, particularly the Period gene, which is crucial for regulating circadian rhythms and physiological functions, leading to various diseases associated with disrupted rhythms.

Innovation Solution

Zanthoxylum extract is identified as a modulator that induces and regulates the expression rhythms of the Period gene, including its promotion, which can be used in cosmetics for transdermal, oral, or inhaled administration to influence circadian rhythms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods are used to regulate circadian rhythms, then existing physiological functions can be maintained, but there is no effective agent to modulate clock gene expression leading to disrupted rhythms and associated diseases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircadian rhythm regulationVSAvoiddisrupted circadian rhythms causing disease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameter by identifying Zanthoxylum extract as a novel substance that modulates clock gene expression. This extract contains compounds that can alter the expression levels of Period genes, thereby changing the physiological state from disrupted rhythms to regulated circadian cycles, addressing both the reliability of rhythm regulation and eliminating harmful disease associations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Zanthoxylum extract serves as an intermediary substance between external environmental cues and internal clock gene expression. The extract acts as a mediator that can synchronize peripheral clock genes in tissues like skin with the central circadian rhythm, thereby regulating circadian functions and preventing rhythm disruption that leads to disease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If clock gene expression is not modulated, then natural physiological functions are maintained, but circadian rhythm disruption leads to various diseases including skin diseases and lifestyle-related conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisease preventionVSAvoidcircadian rhythm control
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using Zanthoxylum extract to proactively modulate clock gene expression before circadian rhythm disruption can occur. The extract prepares the biological clock system in advance by regulating Period gene expression, preventing rhythm disruption and associated diseases rather than treating them after they manifest

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of unregulated clock gene expression into a benefit by using Zanthoxylum extract to establish proper rhythmic expression patterns. The extract transforms the natural variability of gene expression into controlled, beneficial circadian rhythms that prevent disease while maintaining physiological health

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If Zanthoxylum extract is used as an expression modulator for Period gene, then circadian rhythm regulation is improved, but the mechanism and efficacy need to be established through controlled experimentation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePeriod gene expression modulationVSAvoidgene expression measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms through controlled experimentation to measure and verify Period gene expression changes. By using cell lines with known circadian rhythms and treating them with Zanthoxylum extract, the study establishes feedback loops where gene expression levels are monitored and correlated with rhythmic regulation, providing precise measurement of the extract's modulating effect

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2554178B1Expression modulator for clock gene period
Publication Date: 2016.01.13 SHISEIDO CO LTD
  • EP2554178B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2554178B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2554178B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a substance which can modulate expression of a Period gene effectively and with a wide range of application. Provided is an expression modulator for the Period gene comprising, as an active ingredient, one or more selected from the group consisting of arnica extract, nuphar extract, black tea extract, Zanthoxylum extract, juniper oil, cedar oil, lavender oil, clove bud oil, cypress oil, rose oil, ylang-ylang oil, galbanum oil, petitgrain oil, pepper oil, thyme oil, basil oil, and beta-caryophyllene.