AU2016230139A1

AU2016230139A1 - Fermented tea product

Info

Publication number: AU2016230139A1
Application number: AU2016230139A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Eiji Fukushima; Yuko YOSHIMOTO
Original assignee: Suntory Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: Suntory Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2015-03-09
Filing date: 2016-03-07
Publication date: 2017-09-21
Anticipated expiration: 2036-03-07
Also published as: JP2019011353A; JP6412248B2; AU2016230139B2; MY184881A; NZ734801A; JP6669829B2; WO2016143745A1; TWI681719B; TW201642753A; JPWO2016143745A1

Abstract

A composition for promoting energy metabolism, a composition for promoting sympathetic nerve activity, a composition for promoting fat burning, an antiobestic composition or a composition for elevating body temperature, each composition comprising 1-(3',4',5'-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2",4",6"-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol. The compositions according to the present invention have excellent effects of promoting energy metabolism, promoting sympathetic nerve activity, promoting fat burning, controlling obesity (i.e., suppressing body weight gain or reducing body weight) and elevating body temperature. Therefore, these compositions are possibly efficacious for elevating body temperature, ameliorating hypothermia, controlling obesity, reducing visceral fat, achieving cosmetic effects, promoting metabolism, stimulating immunity, relieving fatigue, ameliorating depression, etc.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE OF THE INVENTION: FERMENTED TEA PRODUCT TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a fermented tea product. More specifically, the present invention relates to various compositions containing a catechin metabolite which is a fermented tea product, a method for producing the composition, a method for producing foodstuff using the composition obtained by the method, and the foodstuff.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Teas that were fermented by microorganisms such as Awa-Bancha produced in Tokushima Prefecture, Goishicha produced in Kochi Prefecture, or the like have been known to have various efficacies, and some of them have reportedly shown higher effects than green tea (NonPatent Publications 1 and 2). Non-Patent Publication 1 has reported that Awa-Bancha shows an action for enhancing energy metabolism higher than green tea. If the energy metabolism is enhanced, a body temperature is elevated, which is considered to lead to various health-related issues such as improvement in sensitivity to cold, anti-obesity, and increase in metabolism, the effectiveness components in the microbially fermented tea have hardly been found. On the other hand, Non-Patent Publication 3 has reported that a microbially fermented tea contains l-(3’,4’,5’-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4’’,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol, which is reductively ring-opened epigallocatechin. So far, l-(3\4’,5’~ trihydroxypheny 1)-3-(2 ”,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol has been known to be produced by a certain intestinal bacterium (Non-Patent Publication 4), but the physiological activities thereof have not yet been reported.

RELATED ART REFERENCES NON-PATENT PUBLICATIONS

[0003] Non-Patent Publication 1: YAKUGAKUZASSHI 128(7), 1037-1044 (2008)

Non-Patent Publication 2: The Journal of Medical Investigation 56, 42-48 (2009)

Non-Patent Publication 3: Jpn. J. Food Chem. Safety, 18(1) (2011)

Non-Patent Publication 4: J. Agric. Food Chem. 58, 1313-1321 (2010)

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a composition for enhancing energy metabolism, a composition for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, a composition for lipid combustion promotion, a composition for anti-obesity, or a composition for body temperature elevation, each containing l-(3,,4,,5’-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol as an active ingredient.

[0005] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a composition containing the above active ingredient, foodstuff obtained by the production method, and a method for producing the foodstuff.

MEANS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS

[0006] The present invention relates to the following [l] to [8]: [1] A composition for enhancing energy metabolism, containing 1- (3 ’ ,4’ ,5 ’ -trihy droxypheny 1)-3 -(2 ” ,4’ ’ ,6 ” -trihy droxypheny l)-propan-2-ol.

[2] A composition for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, containing 1 -(3 \4 ’ ,5 ’ -trihy droxypheny 1)-3-(2 ” ,4 ” ,6 ” -trihy droxypheny l)-propan-2-ol.

[3] A composition for lipid combustion promotion, containing 1- (3 ’ ,4 ’ ,5 ’ -trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2 ”,4” ,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol.

[4] A composition for anti-obesity, containing l-(3’,4’,5’-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol.

[5] A composition for body temperature elevation, containing 1- (3 ’ ,4!, 5 ’ -trihy droxypheny 1)-3 -(2 ” ,4” ,6 ” -trihy droxypheny l)-propan-2 -ol.

[6] A method for producing a l-(3’,4’, 5’-trihy droxypheny 1)-3-(2’’,4’\6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol-containing composition, characterized in that the method includes fermenting a tea extract with a bacterium belonging to the genus Lactobacillus pentosus.

[7] A method for producing foodstuff, characterized in that the method uses a composition obtained by a method as defined in the above [6] as a raw material for the foodstuff.

[8] Foodstuff containing a composition obtained by a method as defined in the above [6].

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The composition for enhancing energy metabolism of the present invention exhibits an excellent effect of having an excellent action for enhancing energy metabolism. The composition for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity of the present invention exhibits an excellent effect of having an excellent action for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity. The composition for lipid combustion promotion of the present invention exhibits an excellent effect of having an excellent action of lipid combustion promotion. The composition for anti-obesity of the present invention exhibits an excellent effect of having an excellent anti-obesity action. The composition for body temperature elevation of the present invention exhibits an excellent effect of having an excellent action of body temperature elevation.

[0008] In addition, since the composition obtainable by the method of the present invention contains l-(3’,4,,5,-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4,,,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol in a high concentration, the composition exhibits some excellent effects of having an excellent action of enhancing energy metabolism, an excellent action of enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, an excellent action of lipid combustion promotion, an excellent anti-obesity action, and an excellent action of body temperature elevation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] [FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the results of a representative HPLC chart showing the production of l-(3’,4’,5’-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2’’,4’,,6’’-trihydroxyphenyI)-propan-2-ol in a fermentation liquid of a tea extract (A: a purified product of a fermented catechin, B: a tea extract before fermentation, and C: a tea extract after fermentation (after culture with TUA4337L for 72 hours)).

[FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is graphs showing an amount of l-(3’,4’,5’-» trihydroxypheny 1)-3 -(2 ” ,4 ” ,6 ” -trihy droxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol produced with the passage of time in a fermented liquid of a tea extract.

[FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a graph showing the results of the production of l-^^’-trihydroxyphenyOG-^’’,4^6^-trihydroxyphenyI)-propan-2-ol by various lactic acid bacteria.

[FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the results of enhancing sympathetic nerve activity with 1 -(3 ’ ,4 ’ ,5 ’ -trihydroxypheny 1)-3 -(2 ” ,4 ” ,6 ’ ’ -trihy droxypheny l)-propan-2-ol.

[FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is a graph showing consumed calories on Day 4 of administration in a consecutive administration of l-(3\4’,5’-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4’,,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol (*: p < 0.05 t-test).

[FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a graph showing changes in respiratory quotient with l-(3’,4,,5,-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol (*: p < 0.05 t-test).

[FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is a graph showing the results of a body temperature elevation with l-(3’,4’,5’-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol (*: p < 0.05 t-test).

[FIG. 8] FIG. 8 is a graph showing the results of controlling body weight gain with l-(3\4\5’-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2,\4,,,6,,- trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol (f: p < 0.1 t-test).

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] The composition for enhancing energy metabolism, the composition for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, the composition for lipid combustion promotion, the composition for anti-obesity, or the composition for body temperature elevation of the present invention is characterized in that the composition each contains l-(3\4’,5’-trihydroxypheny 1)-3-(2”,4” ,6’ ’-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol as an active ingredient. In other words, the composition of the present invention also serves as an agent for enhancing energy metabolism, an agent for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, an agent for lipid combustion promotion, an anti-obesity agent, or an agent for body temperature elevation, each containing l-(3,,4,,5,-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2’?j4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol as an active ingredient. The “energy metabolism” as used herein means a process of converting energy released upon conversion of ATP to ADP into muscle contraction, neurotransmission, substance constitution, body temperature control, or the like, which is calculated as an amount of energy consumption based on the amount of oxygen consumed and the amount of carbon dioxide discharged. The “sympathetic nerve” means sympathetic nerve in brown adipose tissues, which are heat-producing tissues, and when the sympathetic nerve activity is enhanced, the energy metabolism is enhanced, thereby leading to body temperature elevation, lipid combustion, and also anti-obesity or the like. The “lipid combustion” uses a respiratory quotient which is a volume ratio of an amount of carbon dioxide discharged to an amount of oxygen consumed as an index, which means that the lower the respiratory quotient, the more burned the lipid. The “anti-obesity” means that a gain in body weight is controlled, or body weight is lost.

[0011] 1 -(3 ’ ,4 ’ ,5 ’ -trihy droxypheny 1)-3 - (2’’,4”,6” -trihy droxypheny 1)-propan-2-ol has a structure represented by the following formula (I): [0012]

(I) ? [0013] which has been known as a metabolite of epigallocatechin, which is one kind of catechin.

[0014] 1 -(3 ’ ,4 ’ ,5 ’ -trihy droxypheny 1)-3 -(2’ ’ ,4” ,6” -trihy droxypheny 1)-propan-2-ol can be prepared in accordance with a known organic synthesis method, and the compound can be prepared by, for example, hydrogenation of epigallocatechin as a material utilizing a platinum group catalyst. In addition, l-(3,,4’,5,-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyi)-propan-2-ol has been known to be produced from epigallocatechin by a biological conversion (Non-Patent Publication 4). In the present invention, for example, the compound can be obtained by using a tea extract and culturing a bacterium belonging to the genus

Lactobacillus pentosus.

[0015] The bacteria belonging to the genus Lactobacillus pentosus are not particularly limited, so long as the bacteria are known ones, and, for example, Lactobacillus pentosus TUA4337L strain which is deposited at Patent Microorganisms Depositary, National Institute of Technology and Evaluation, Incorporated Administrative Agency (2-5-8 Kazusakamatari, Kisarazu-shi, Chiba-ken, Japan) with the identification reference of NRIC 0883, under the accession number of NITE BP-1479 dated with an international deposition date of December 10, 2012. The Lactobacillus pentosus TUA4337L strain is hereinafter simply referred to as TUA4337L strain.

[0016] Here, the processed product obtained may be subjected to a treatment such as filtration, centrifugation, concentration, ultrafiltration, freeze-drying, powdering, or fractionation, as desired in accordance with a known method. Accordingly, for example, a composition containing 1-(3’,4,,5,-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol can be respectively provided as an active ingredient of the composition for enhancing energy metabolism, the composition for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, the composition for lipid combustion promotion, the composition for anti-obesity, or the composition for body temperature elevation of the present invention.

[0017] The 1 -(3 ’ ,4 ’ ,5 ’-trihydroxypheny 1)-3 -(2 ” ,4” ,6” -trihydroxypheny 1)-propan-2-ol as obtained above stimulates sympathetic nerve activity of brown adipose tissues, so that the compound can be used in the activation of brown adipose tissues, for example, exhibition of an action for enhancing energy metabolism, an action for body temperature elevation, an action of lipid combustion, or an anti-obesity action.

[0018] The composition for enhancing energy metabolism, the composition for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, the composition for lipid combustion promotion, the composition for anti-obesity, or the composition for body temperature elevation of the present invention is not limited in its dosage form. Here, the administration or dose as used herein is intended to include all the embodiments of administration, ingestive intake, internal dose, and drinks.

[0019] The efficacy by administration of the composition for enhancing energy metabolism, the composition for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, the composition for lipid combustion promotion, the composition for anti-obesity, or the composition for body temperature elevation of the present invention is not particularly limited, so long as the efficacies are exhibited by those administrations. For example, the efficacies are exemplified by body temperature elevation, improvement in sensitivity to cold, anti-obesity, visceral fat loss, in-shape beauty, metabolism promotion, immunopotentiation, anti-fatigue, anti-depression, and the like.

[0020] The composition for enhancing energy metabolism, the composition for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, the composition for lipid combustion promotion, the composition for anti-obesity, or the composition for body temperature elevation of the present invention can be, for example, formed into a preparation such as a solid such as a tablet, granules, fine powders, powders, or a capsule, or a liquid such as ordinary liquid, a suspension, or an emulsion by adding a solvent, a dispersant, an emulsifying agent, a buffer, a stabilizer, an extender, a binder, a disintegrant, a lubricant or the like to l-^’^’^’-trihydroxyphenyl)^-(2”,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol as desired, in accordance with a known method.

[0021] In addition, the content of l-(3\4\5’-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4”,6,,-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol in the above form may be, but not particularly limited to, an amount so that exhibition of the desired effects of the present invention can be obtained in considerations of those dosage forms, methods of administration, and the like. The content ratio (content) of l-(3’,4’,5’-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”54”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol is usually from 0.0001 to 100% by weight, preferably from 0.001 to 30% by weight, more preferably from 0.01 to 5% by weight or so. Here, the content of l-(3’,4’,5,-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol can be measured in accordance with a known method, and, for example, the content can be measured by subjecting to HPLC.

[0022] The composition for enhancing energy metabolism, the composition for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, the composition for lipid combustion promotion, the composition for anti-obesity, or the composition for body temperature elevation of the present invention is administered by an appropriate administration method depending upon those dosage forms. For example, the composition can be administered internally and externally, and can be injected. In the case of internal use, for example, the composition can be ingested orally, in the case of injection, the composition can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intradermally, or the like, and in the case of external use, the composition may be administered, for example, as an external agent such as suppositories by a suitable method of administration.

[0023] The dose of the composition for enhancing energy metabolism, the composition for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, the composition for lipid combustion promotion, the composition for anti-obesity, or the composition for body temperature elevation of the present invention is not a certain amount because the dose is properly set depending upon their dosage forms, methods of administration, purposes of use, and age, body weight, or symptoms of human or patient animal to be administered with the composition. For example, the effective human ingestion amount of 1-(3 ’ ,4 ’, 5 ’ -trihydroxypheny 1)-3 -(2 ” ,4” ,6 ” -trihy droxypheny l)-propan-2 -ol in the present invention is preferably from 1 mg to 10 g, more preferably from 10 mg to 3 g, and even more preferably from 100 mg to 1 g or so, per day for human with a body weight of 50 kg. In addition, the administration may be made in a single dose or in several divided doses in one day. The dose period is also optional.

[0024] The subject to be administered with the composition for enhancing energy metabolism, the composition for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, the composition for lipid combustion promotion, the composition for anti-obesity, or the composition for body temperature elevation of the present invention as used herein refers preferably to human in need of exhibition of an action of enhancement of energy metabolism, enhancement of sympathetic nerve activity, lipid combustion, control of body weight gain or loss in body weight, or body temperature elevation in treatment or prevention, and the subject may also be livestock animals such as cows and bulls, horses, and goats; pet animals such as dogs, cats, and rabbits; or experimental animals such as mice, rats, guinea pigs, and monkeys. In addition, as the subject to be administered, not only individuals in need of enhancing energy metabolism but also individuals in need of controlling body weight gain even though the energy metabolism is not low, individuals in need of controlling sensitivity to cold, individuals in need of controlling an increase in visceral fat, individuals in need of controlling the lowering in metabolism, individuals in want of treating or preventing cold flus, individuals in need of staying in-shape, and individuals in need of controlling fatigue are included.

[0025] The present invention also provides a method for enhancing energy metabolism, a method for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, a method for lipid combustion promotion, a method for controlling body weight gain or losing body weight, or a method for body temperature elevation, including administering 1 -(3 ’ ,4 ’, 5 ’-trihydroxypheny 1)-3 -(2 ” ,4 ” ,6 ” -trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol, or a composition containing l-(3’,4’,5’-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4”,6,,-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol in a therapeutically effective amount, to an individual in need of enhancement of energy metabolism, enhancement of sympathetic nerve activity, lipid combustion promotion, control of body weight gain or loss in body weight, or body temperature elevation. Here, the individual in need of enhancement of energy metabolism, enhancement of sympathetic nerve activity, lipid combustion promotion, control of body weight gain or loss in body weight, or body temperature elevation is the same as the subject to be administered with the composition for enhancing energy metabolism, the composition for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, the composition for lipid combustion promotion, the composition for anti-obesity, or the composition for body temperature elevation of the present invention mentioned above.

[0026] In addition, the therapeutically effective amount as used herein refers to an amount that enhances energy metabolism, an amount that enhances sympathetic nerve activity, an amount for lipid combustion promotion, an amount that controls body weight gain or amount of loss in body weight, or the amount that elevates body temperature, when 1-(3,,4,,5’-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2,,,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol is administered to the above individuals, as compared to individuals not administered. Specific effective amounts are not certain amounts and are properly set depending upon the dosage forms, the methods of administration, the used purposes, age, body weight, symptoms or the like of individuals.

[0027] In the method of treatment of the present invention, l-(3’,4’,5’-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol can be directly administered, or a composition containing l-(3’,4’,5’-trihydroxypheny 1)-3-(2’’,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol can be administered so as to have a therapeutically effective amount. Also, the methods of administration are not limited, and, the administration can be made by, for example, oral administration.

[0028] According to the method of treatment of the present invention, it is possible to enhance energy metabolism, to enhance sympathetic nerve activity, to promote lipid combustion, to allow anti-obesity (control of body weight gain or loss in body weight), or to elevate body temperature, without causing side reactions.

[0029] In addition, preferred examples of the composition of the present invention include, for example, a composition obtainable by a production method characterized in that the production method includes fermenting a tea extract with a bacterium belonging to the genus Lactobacillus pentosus. Here, the above production method may be described as the production method of the present invention.

[0030] It has been known that tealeaves contain various catechins, and so-called microbially fermented tealeaves (post-fermented tealeaves) which are fermented naturally in a fermentation barrel such as Awa-Bancha or Goishi-cha also contain a compound represented by the above formula (I). However, the species of the microbes producing a compound represented by the above formula (I) have not been known, and the tealeaves are not fermented with a specified species of microbes, but subjected to natural fermentation inefficiently as in the above post-fermented tealeaves, so that the compound represented by the above formula (I) is produced together with other compounds. Also, the post-fermented tealeaves are obtained by fermenting the raw materials in the state of solids (solid fermentation), and the finally fermented solids (tealeaves) are manufactured products, thereby necessitating separate extraction of an extract upon drinking. Therefore, there is a possibility that a compound represented by the above formula (I) may undesirably not be skillfully extracted, or may undergo degradation. The present inventors have surprisingly found for the first time that a composition containing a compound represented by the above formula (I) in a high content is obtained by contacting an extract from tealeaves with a bacterium belonging to the genus Lactobacillus pentosus, and the composition has an action of enhancing energy metabolism. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is based on the findings by the present inventors that a tea extract is fermented with a bacterium belonging to Lactobacillus pentosus, thereby promoting the metabolism from epigallocatechin to l-(3,,4,,5’-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol. Since the extract from tealeaves is fermented, the fermented liquid can be directly used, which is contrary to the post-fermented tealeaves from which an extract is separately extracted upon drinking, so that l-(3’,4’,5,-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol can be easily ingested. Hereinafter, 1-(3 ’,4 ’ ,5 ’ -trihydroxypheny 1)-3 -(2 ” ,4 ” ,6 ” -trihy droxypheny l)-propan-2-ol obtainable with a tea extract may be described as a fennented catechin of the present invention, and a l-(3,,4,,5’-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol-containing composition obtainable with a tea extract may be described as a fermented catechin-containing composition of the present invention.

[0031] As the tea extract usable in the present invention, for example, a tea extract obtained by extracting tealeaves with a known solvent can be used. In addition, in the present invention, an extract containing a large amount of epigallocatechin, which is a precursor of a fermented catechin of the present invention, may be used, from the viewpoint of producing an even larger amount of the fermented catechin of the present invention.

[0032] The “tealeaves” as used herein include tealeaves of green teas, black teas, oolong teas, and the like. The kinds of tealeaves include leaves of plants of Theaceae, for example, leaves from tea belonging to the genus Camellia (Camellia sinensis). In the present invention, tealeaves may be tealeaves per se, or powdered products thereof.

[0033] The solvent includes, for example, any one of water and hydrophilic organic solvents such as ethyl alcohol and isopropanol, or proper combinations thereof.

[0034] The extraction conditions are not unconditionally set because they depend upon the apparatus used and the amounts used, and, for example, an extraction temperature is from 30° to 100°C, and preferably from 40° to 80°C. Here, in the present invention, as a tea extract, a commercially available product may be used.

[0035] As the bacteria belonging to Lactobacillus pentosus usable herein, the ones as mentioned above can be similarly used.

[0036] Here, the bacterial strains in the present invention include various forms such as the bacteria belonging to the genus of Lactobacillus pentosus (live bacteria and dead bacteria) per se, products containing the lactic acid bacteria, and processed products of the lactic acid bacteria. The live bacteria can be obtained from products containing the lactic acid bacteria such as a lactic acid bacteria-containing culture medium. The dead bacteria can be obtained by, for example, heating, irradiating with ultraviolet rays, subjecting to formalin treatment, an acid treatment or the like of live bacteria. The live bacteria and the dead bacteria obtained can be further processed by grinding or disruption or the like to obtain a processed product. If the lactic acid bacteria in each of the above forms act on epigallocatechin to produce a fermented catechin of the present invention, it is preferable that the lactic acid bacteria are live bacteria, but some dead bacteria may be copresent therewith.

[0037] The fermentation conditions by the above bacteria are not particularly limited in other conditions, so long as the fermentation is carried out in a tea extract. For example, the fermentation may be carried out by adding additives including a carbon source, a nitrogen source, an inorganic salt, an organic nutrient, and the like. Specifically, for example, an yeast extract which is an extract in which an ingredient in an yeast is extracted by a treatment with an enzyme, hot water or the like can be added as a nitrogen source to a tea extract. The fermentation temperature is preferably 10°C or higher, more preferably 15°C or higher, and even more preferably 28°C or higher, and preferably 45°C or lower, more preferably 40°C or lower, and even more preferably 38°C or lower. In addition, the pH of the tea extract is preferably a pH of from 3.0 to 12.5, more preferably a pH of from 3.5 to 10.0, and even more preferably a pH of from 4.0 to 7.0. The fermentation time is not unconditionally determined because the fermentation time depends upon the fermentation temperature or the amount of the sample, and the fermentation time is, for example, from 16 to 96 hours. By fermenting a tea extract with a bacterium belonging to the genus of Lactobacillus pentosus as described above, although Awa-Bancha, which is a conventional, traditional microbially fermented tea, is allowed to naturally ferment by soaking tealeaves in a barrel and requires a preparation time of from 10 days to 3 weeks or so, a preparation time can now be greatly shortened, thereby improving productivity.

[0038] Thus, a tea extract is allowed to ferment with the above bacterium belonging to the genus of Lactobacillus pentosus, whereby a composition containing l-(3,,4\5,-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2,\4,,,6,,~trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol can be obtained.

[0039] The content of the fermented catechin of the present invention in the fermented catechin-containing composition obtained cannot be unconditionally determined because the content depends upon the kinds of tea extracts or bacteria, fermentation conditions, other subsequent treatment conditions described later, and the like, and the content is preferably 0.13 mg/mL or more, more preferably 0.5 mg/mL or more, and even more preferably 1.0 mg/mL or more.

[0040] In addition, in the present invention, since the metabolism from epigallocatechin to the fermented catechin of the present invention is promoted with a bacterium belonging to the genus of Lactobacillus pentosus, the content weight ratio of epigallocatechin to the fermented catechin (epigallocatechin/fermented catechin) in the fermented catechin-containing composition of the present invention is preferably 50/50 or less, more preferably 40/60 or less, even more preferably 30/70 or less, even more preferably 20/80 or less, and even more preferably 10/90 or less. In addition, the metabolism may be promoted to an extent that epigallocatechin is not substantially contained. Here, in the present specification, the phrase “not substantially contained” may be an amount below the detection limit in the measurement method shown in Examples set forth below, which refers to a content of 0.01 mg/mL or less.

[0041] The post-fermented tealeaves have been known to remarkably reduce epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate as compared to green tealeaves, and in the present invention, the reduction in epigalIocatechin-3-O-gallate is relatively mild, so that some effects as epigallocatechin-3-O-gaIlate can also be expected. The content of epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate in the fermented catechin-containing composition of the present invention is preferably 0.16 mg/mL or more, more preferably 0.5 mg/mL or more, and even more preferably 1.0 mg/mL or more.

[0042] In addition, the content weight ratio of the fermented catechin to epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (fermented catechin/epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate) in the fermented catechin-containing composition of the present invention is preferably 20/80 or more, more preferably 40/60 or more, and even more preferably 45/55 or more.

[0043] The fermented catechin-containing composition of the present invention may contain, besides the fermented catechin and the compound mentioned above, caffeine, gallic acid, epicatechin, epicatechin-3-O-gallate, catechin, gallocatechin, gallocatechin-3-O-gallate, pyrogallol, or the like. The contents thereof are not particularly limited so long as they are within the range that would not impair the effects of the present invention. Here, in the present specification, the compound represented by the formula (I), epigalIocatechin-3-O-gallate, epigallocatechin, and other compounds can be measured in accordance with the measurement methods described in Examples set forth below.

[0044] In addition, the fermented catechin-containing composition of the present invention obtained may be subjected to one or more processes selected from the group consisting of filtration, centrifugation, concentration, ultrafiltration, freeze-drying, powdering, and fractionation in accordance with a known method, and the composition may be directly formed into preparations, or may be prepared into a form that can be used as raw materials for foodstuff (dietary supplements), or the like. Accordingly, one embodiment of the fermented catechin-containing composition of the present invention contains the above processed product.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, a composition for enhancing energy metabolism, a composition for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, a composition for lipid combustion promotion, a composition for anti-obesity, or a composition for body temperature elevation is used as foodstuff, and another embodiment is foodstuff in w hich the fermented catechin-containing composition of the present invention obtainable by the production method of the present invention is used as a raw material.

[0046] In a case of foodstuff in which the fermented catechin-containing composition of the present invention is used as a raw material, the production method thereof is not particularly limited in the amount used, the timing of addition, and the method of addition of the fermented catechin-containing composition, and other ingredients that are added and blended can be used without limitations, and the amount used and the method of addition can be properly selected in accordance with known techniques. Specifically, a carrier, a basal agent, and/or an additive or the like which is ordinarily used in the fields of preparations, foods, and the like can be properly blended within the range of accomplishing the purpose of the present invention. In addition, the foodstuff may be prepared by adding a fermented catechin-containing composition of the present invention to existing known foodstuff to dissolve and/or suspend. Here, the known foodstuff may originally contain the compound represented by the above formula (I).

[0047] In the foodstuff of the present invention, the content of l-(3’,4’,5’-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4,,,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol is usually from 0.00002 to 100% by weight, preferably from 0.0002 to 30% by weight, and more preferably from 0.002 to 5% by weight or so.

[0048] The forms of the foodstuff which are a composition for enhancing energy metabolism, a composition for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, a composition for lipid combustion promotion, a composition for anti-obesity, or a composition for body temperature elevation of the present invention, and the foodstuff obtainable by the production method of the present invention can be exemplified by, but not particularly limited to, for example, luxury beverages such as carbonated beverages, natural fruit juice, fruit juice-containing beverages, refreshing beverages (including those containing fruit juice), fruit pulp-containing beverages, fruit grain-containing fruit foods, vegetable-based beverages, soybean milk and soybean milk beverages, coffee beverages, green tea beverages, jello beverages, powder beverages, concentrated beverages, isotonic drinks, nutritive beverages, and alcoholic beverages; nutritive foods, supplements, pills, hard capsules, soft capsules, tablets [including uncoated tablets, dragees, orally disintegrating tablets, chewable tablets, foaming tablets, troches, film-coated tablets, and the like], and the like. Here, these forms of foodstuff may be prepared by adding the fermented catechin-containing composition of the present invention to the existing foodstuff during or after the preparation, and the timing of addition or the method of addition is not particularly limited.

[0049] The foodstuff obtainable by the production method of the present invention contain a compound represented by the formula (I), in the same manner as the foodstuff, which are a composition for enhancing energy metabolism, a composition for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, a composition for lipid combustion promotion, a composition for antiobesity, or a composition for body temperature elevation of the present invention. Accordingly, the foodstuff obtainable by the production method of the present invention can enhance sympathetic nerve activity, thereby making it possible to exhibit some physiological actions, such as, for example, an action for enhancing energy metabolism, an action for lipid combustion promotion, an action of body weight gain control or loss in body weight, or an action for body temperature elevation. Therefore, according to their purposes, the foodstuff obtainable by the production method of the present invention can be used as a composition for enhancing energy metabolism, a composition for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, a composition for lipid combustion promotion, a composition for anti-obesity, or a composition for body temperature elevation. Therefore, the present invention also provides foodstuff containing a fermented catechin-containing composition of the present invention as foodstuff obtainable by the method for producing foodstuff of the present invention. Here, the term “energy metabolism” as used herein means a process of converting energy released upon conversion of ATP to ADP into muscle contractions, nerve transmission, substance constitution, body temperature regulation or the like, which is calculated as an amount of energy consumption based on an amount of oxygen consumed and an amount of carbon dioxide discharged. The term “sympathetic nerve” as used herein means sympathetic nerve in the brown adipose tissues which are heat-producing tissues, and the enhancement of sympathetic nerve activity leads to enhancement of energy metabolism, leading to body temperature elevation, lipid combustion, anti-obesity or the like. The term “lipid combustion” as used herein uses a respiratory quotient which is a volume ratio of an amount of carbon dioxide discharged to an amount of oxygen consumed as an index, where the lower the respiratory quotient, the more lipids are burned. The term “anti-obesity” means control in body weight gain or loss in body weight.

[0050] The foodstuff obtainable by the production method of the present invention can be suitably used in symptoms that require exhibition of an action for enhancing energy metabolism, an action for body temperature elevation, an action for lipid combustion, or an anti-obesity action, in the same manner as the foodstuff, which are a composition for enhancing energy metabolism, a composition for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, a composition for lipid combustion promotion, a composition for anti-obesity, or a composition for body temperature elevation of the present invention. Specifically, for example, the foodstuff can be suitably used in body temperature elevation, improvement in sensitivity to cold, anti-obesity, visceral fat loss, in-shape beauty, metabolism promotion, immunopotentiation, anti-fatigue, anti-depression, or the like.

[0051] In addition, the foodstuff which are a composition for enhancing energy metabolism, a composition for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, a composition for lipid combustion promotion, a composition for anti-obesity, or a composition for body temperature elevation of the present invention, and the foodstuff obtainable by the production method of the present invention have an action for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, thereby making them very useful in improvement or prevention of symptoms that require exhibition of an action for enhancing energy metabolism, an action for body temperature elevation, an action for lipid combustion, or an action for anti-obesity. In other words, the foodstuff which are a composition for enhancing energy metabolism, a composition for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, a composition for lipid combustion promotion, a composition for anti-obesity, or a composition for body temperature elevation of the present invention, and the foodstuff obtainable by the production method of the present invention serve as very useful compositions for not only, for example, individuals in need of enhancing energy metabolism, but also individuals in need of controlling body weight gain, individuals in need of controlling sensitivity to cold, individuals who are in need of controlling increase in visceral fat, individuals who are in need of controlling the lowering of metabolism, individuals who want to treat or prevent cold flu, individuals who are in need of staying in-shape, individuals in need of controlling fatigues, and the like, who do not have a low energy metabolism, as foods with health claims or dietary supplements having the purposes of preventing or ameliorating the above symptoms, or foods with the functional indications concerning functions owned by l-(3\4’,5’-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2 ” ,4 ” ,6 ” -trihy droxypheny l)-propan-2-ol.

[0052] The foodstuff which are a composition for enhancing energy metabolism, a composition for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, a composition for lipid combustion promotion, a composition for antiobesity, or a composition for body temperature elevation of the present invention, and the foodstuff obtainable by the production method of the present invention are assumed to be able to indicate their applications.

The contents of indications include, for example, applications originated from the function owned by lactic acid bacteria-fermented processed products, or 1-(3’,4’,5’-trihy droxypheny 1)-3-(2”,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol. The indications may be attached to the foodstuff themselves, or may be attached to a container or wrapping of the foodstuff.

[0053] The amount of ingestion of the foodstuff which are a composition for enhancing energy metabolism, a composition for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, a composition for lipid combustion promotion, a composition for anti-obesity, or a composition for body temperature elevation of the present invention, and the foodstuff obtainable by the production method of the present invention are not unconditionally determined because they are properly set depending upon their forms, the methods of ingestion, the purposes of ingestion, and the age, body weight, or symptoms of human which are subjects for ingesting the foodstuff, and the amount of ingestion can be properly set such that, for example, the amount of 1 -(3 \4 ’, 5 ’ -trihydroxypheny 1)-3 -(2 ’ ’ ,4 ’ ’ ,6 ” -trihy droxypheny 1)-propan-2-ol is preferably from 1 mg to 10 g, more preferably 10 mg to 3 g, and even more preferably 100 mg to 1 g or so, per day for human with a body weight of 50 kg. In addition, the foodstuff can be used in a single dose or plural doses within a day within the range of a desired amount of ingestion, and the time used or time period is also optional.

EXAMPLES

[0054] The present invention will be specifically described hereinbelow by the Examples, without intending to limit the scope of the present invention to the following Examples.

[0055] Example 1 A tea extract was fermented with TUA4337L strain to produce 1-(3,,4’,5’-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol. Specifically, the fermentation was carried out as follows. Here, 1-(3 ’,4’,5 ’-trihydroxypheny 1)-3-(2” ,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol is referred to as a fermented catechin. < Fermentation Procedures > (1) Inoculating 1 v/v% TUA4337L from glycerol stock to MRS (10 mL) (2) Culturing (30°C, 20 hr) (3) Centrifuging the culture medium (8,000 rpm, 5 min, 4°C), and removing supernatant (4) Washing with sterile water in the same volume as the culture medium (χ 2 times) (5) Diluting with sterile water to prepare a bacterial solution so as to have OD660 = 10 (6) To supernatant (Bx 11.9) obtained after adding 10 w/v% tea powder (manufactured by Cargill Japan) to sterile water to suspend, and centrifuging the suspension (8,000 rpm, 5 min) was added an yeast extract (manufactured by BD) in an amount of 0, 0.04, 0.2, or 1 w/v%, and a 1 v/v% bacterial solution prepared in (5) was added thereto. (7) Culturing (35°C) [0056] The culture medium obtained was diluted with pure water, and further diluted two-folds with 40% acetonitrile, and the dilution was treated with a 0.45 pm filter, to be subjected to the following analysis. A representative chart of HPLC is shown in FIG. 1, and the production results of the fermented catechin are shown in FIG. 2. < HPLC Analytical Conditions >

Column: capcell pak Cl8, 4.6 mmcp χ 150 mm, 5 pm (manufactured by Shiseido Co., Ltd.)

Mobile phase: A 0.05% TFA/H20, B 90% CH3CN, 0.05% TFA/H20 Gradient: B 5—>35 v/v% (0 —^ 13 min), B 35 —► 70 v/v% (13 —» 20 min), B 70 v/v% (20 -> 25 min)

Flow rate: 1.0 mL/min Detection: A225 nm Amount Injected: 10 pL

[0057] From FIGs. 1 and 2, a tea extract was fermented with TUA4337L, thereby lowering epigallocatechin (EGC) with the passage of time, to produce a fermented catechin. Also, an yeast extract was added thereto, thereby increasing the production rate. Here, it was confirmed by NMR that a new peak C in FIG. 1 is ascribed to the fermented catechin.

[0058] Example 2

Production of fermented catechin by various strains belonging to the lactic acid bacteria was studied.

[0059] Productivity of the fermented catechin using various bacterial strains of L. pentosus and L. plantarum as lactic acid bacteria was studied together with JCM standard strains. Studies were conducted on TUA4337L, AF43, AF48, AF51, AF64, and a JCM standard strain 1558T as L. pentosus, and AF70, AF71, AF62, AF63, and JCM standard strain 1149T as L. plantarum. The productivity of the fermented catechins was evaluated using these lactic acid bacteria by the same procedures as in Example 1 (studied with a tea extract in which an yeast extract was added in an amount of 0 w/v% and 1 w/v%). Specifically, the concentration of the fermented catechins in a culture medium after culturing for 72 hr was quantified. The results are shown in FIG. 3.

[0060] From FIG. 3, L. pentosus produced a fermented catechin regardless of the bacterial strains, and on the other hand, L. plantarum could not produce a fermented catechin in any one of the bacterial strains.

[0061] Example 3

The action for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity of brown adipose tissues by a fermented catechin obtained in Example 1 was studied. Here, the fermented catechin obtained in Example 1 refers to a product obtained by isolating a peak fraction ascribed to a fermented catechin from a culture medium in Example 1, concentrating the fraction, and thereafter precipitating by freeze-drying the concentrate.

[0062] Specifically, in the experiment, Wistar male rats (about 9-week old, each group n=3) each with a body weight of about 300 g, which were previously bred in 12-hour light-dark cycles (lights on for 12 hours from 8 o’clock) for one week were fasted for 3 hours, and anesthetized with urethane. A cannula for duodenal administration was inserted, and thereafter centrifugal branches of sympathetic nerve of interscalpular brown adipose tissues were hung up with silver electrodes, to measure the electric activity of the nerve. At the timing where the measurement values of this nerve were settled (about 13 o’clock), the mice were subjected to duodenal administration from the cannula with a 1 mL each test sample (control: sterile water, fermented catechin: 1 pg/mL aqueous dispersion), and changes in the sympathetic nerve activity of the brown adipose tissues were electrophysiologically measured. The results are shown in FIG. 4.

[0063] From FIG. 4, a significant elevation of the fermented catechin in BAT-SNA value was found as compared to the control. Therefore, it was considered that the fermented catechin enhanced the sympathetic nerve activity in the brown adipose tissues. In addition, since it was considered that this enhancement of the sympathetic nerve activity served as a mechanism for enhancing energy metabolism, it was verified as follows.

[0064] Example 4

The action for enhancing energy metabolism and the action for lipid combustion by a fermented catechin obtained in Example 1 were studied. Here, as the fermented catechin, a product prepared in the same manner as [0065] Specifically, C57BL/6J mice (7-week old, male) were orally administered with 250 pL of sterile water for five consecutive days, to habituate the mice to oral administration. Thereafter, mice were grouped into the control group and the fermented catechin group in a manner that would not have a difference in an average of body weights (each n=4). Mice were placed in a chamber of an energy metabolism measurement apparatus (Oxymax, Bioresearch Center) for two days to be habituated to the environment, and thereafter the feed was switched to a high lipid diet (60 kcal% FAT, Research Diet), and the measurements of an amount of oxygen consumed (V02 (mL/kg/hr)) and an amount of carbon dioxide discharged (VC02 (mL/kg/hr)) for each of the mice were started. Each of the mice was orally administered with a 250 pL test sample per day (control: sterile water, fermented catechin: a 5 mg/mL aqueous dispersion) for eleven consecutive days. The consumed calories and the respiratory quotient were calculated by the following calculation formula.

Consumed Calories: V02 x(RERxl.232+3.815)/1000 wherein RQ (Respiratory Quotient) = VC02/V02 [0066] By administering a fermented catechin, an increase in the consumed calories was seen as compared to that of the control group. The consumed calories up to Day 11 were compared, and the data for the consumed calories before administration and Day 4 are shown in FIG. 5. The results are analysis of consumed calories during light phase (rest phase: AM 7:00 to PM 19:00), in which the consumed calories were significantly increased in the fermented catechin group. Since this is an effect in a rest phase, it is considered that the basal metabolism is improved by the fermented catechin, and it was confirmed that the fermented catechin has an action for enhancing energy metabolism. In addition, in order to verity the changes in the lipid combustion effects before and after the administration of the fermented catechin, the respiratory quotient was measured. The respiratory quotient refers to a volume ratio of an amount of carbon dioxide discharged to an amount of oxygen consumed by degrading nutrients in a live body to be converted to energy in a certain time. The respiratory quotient has been widely used as an index for outline understanding on in what proportion the nutrients are combusted in a body. In other words, the respiratory quotient reflects the energy source, and generally, a nutrient showing a highest respiratory quotient is carbohydrates (RQ = 1.0), and a nutrient showing a lowest respiratory quotient is lipids (RQ = 0.7). In other words, when the lipids are combusted in a larger amount, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged to the amount of oxygen consumed is smaller, so that the value of the respiratory quotient is lowered. It is considered that the lower this value, the higher the lipid combustion effect which shows the lipid combustion. FIG. 6 shows some differences in respiratory quotients at Day 11 of administration, in which the respiratory quotient when a fermented catechin is administered is lowered as compared with the control group, so that it is considered that the lipid combustion effect is promoted.

[0067] Example 5

An action for body temperature elevation by a fermented catechin obtained in Example 1 was studied. Here, as the fermented catechin, a [0068] Specifically, C57BL/6J mice (10-week old, male) previously bred with a high lipid diet (60 kcal% FAT) for a period of two weeks were orally administered with a 250 pL test sample per day (control: sterile water, fermented catechin: a 1.6 mg/mL aqueous dispersion) (each n = 11 to 12). After 5 minutes and 60 minutes from the oral administration, the rectal temperatures were each measured with a microprobe thermometer (BAT-12, muromachi), and a change range of rectal temperatures was calculated. The results are shown in FIG. 7.

[0069] From FIG. 7, the fermented catechin significantly elevated rectal temperature, based on the control. Therefore, it is considered that the fermented catechin has an action for body temperature elevation.

[0070] Example 6

An anti-obesity action by a fermented catechin obtained in Example 1 was studied. Here, as the fermented catechin, a product prepared in the same manner as in Example 3 was used.

[0071] Specifically, C57BL/6J mice (7-week old, male) were bred with a high lipid diet (60 kcal% FAT) for a period of two weeks. During the breeding, the mice w'ere orally administered with 250 pL of sterile water for five consecutive days, to habituate the mice to oral administration. Thereafter, mice were grouped into the control group and the fermented catechin-administered group in a manner that would not cause a difference in an average of body weights (each n=4). Each of the mice was orally administered with a 250 pL test sample per day (control: sterile water, fermented catechin: a 5 mg/mL aqueous dispersion), and body weights were measured with the passage of time. The transition of the body weight gain is shown in FIG. 8.

[0072] From FIG. 8, it is found that there is a tendency of controlling body weight gain by administering the fermented catechin, so that it is considered that the fermented catechin has an anti-obesity action. As the action mechanism, an action for enhancing energy metabolism is considered in the same manner as the effect for body temperature elevation.

[0073] Specific formulations of the compositions of the present invention will be illustrated hereinbelow. These compositions can be prepared in accordance with known methods.

[0074] Formulation Example: Green-Tea Beverage 1 A culture medium of Example 1 is dried, and thereafter mixed with 9 times the amount of dextrin to prepare a fermented catechin mixture, and the above mixture and a powdered tea are added to water, and sterilized at 121°C for 20 minutes to prepare a green-tea beverage.

[0075] Formulation Example: Coffee Beverage

Boiling water is added in an amount of about 10 times by weight to 200 g of coffee beans (L value: 27), to give 2,000 g of a coffee extract having Bx. 2.6. A mixture prepared during the preparation of the above green-tea beverage, granulated sugar, milk, and a pH adjustment agent are mixed with this extract, to prepare a coffee beverage.

[0076] Formulation Example: Carbonated Beverage A mixture prepared during the preparation of the above green-tea beverage is dissolved in water, and thereafter a pH of the solution is adjusted to 3.8 with phosphoric acid. An antioxidant, a flavor, an acidulant, a sweetener, and a caramel pigment are each added in proper amounts thereto, and the mixture is stored for about 24 hours. During the storage, a carbon dioxide gas is added in a proper amount, and subsequently subjected to process of filtration, binning and sterilization (heating at 65°C or higher for 10 minutes), to give a carbonated beverage.

[0077] Formulation Example: Green-Tea Beverage 2 A fermented catechin is isolated from a culture medium of Example 1 and dried, and thereafter a dried product is mixed with 9 times the amount of dextrin, to prepare a fermented catechin mixture. The above mixture and a powdered tea are added to water, and mixed, and thereafter the liquid mixture is sterilized at 121°C for 20 minutes, to prepare a green-tea beverage.

[0078] Therefore, the present invention also embraces the following embodiments.

[1] An agent for enhancing energy metabolism containing l-(3’,4\5’-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4,,,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol as an active ingredient.

[2] An agent for enhancing energy metabolism containing a composition containing 1 -(3 ’,4’,5 ’-trihydroxypheny 1)-3-(2”,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol as an active ingredient.

[3] An agent for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity containing 1-(3 ’ ,4’ ,5 ’-trihydroxyphenyl)-3 -(2 ” ,4 ” ,6 ” -trihydroxypheny l)-propan-2-ol as an active ingredient.

[4] An agent for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity containing a composition containing 1 -(3 ’ ,4 ’ ,5 ’-trihydroxypheny 1)-3-(2 ”,4’ ’,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol as an active ingredient.

[5] An agent for lipid combustion promotion containing 1 -(3 ’ ,4’ ,5 ’-trihydroxypheny 1)-3 -(2 ” ,4” ,6” -trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol as an active ingredient.

[6] An agent for lipid combustion promotion containing a composition containing 1 -(3 ’ ,4’, 5 ’ -trihydroxypheny 1)-3-(2” ,4” ,6” -trihydroxypheny 1)-propan-2-ol as an active ingredient.

[7] An anti-obesity agent containing l-p’^’^’-trihydroxyphenyl)^-(2”,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol as an active ingredient.

[8] An anti-obesity agent containing a composition containing 1-(3,,4,,5’-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol as an active ingredient.

[9] An agent for body temperature elevation containing 1-(3’,4’,5’-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol as an active ingredient.

[10] An agent for body temperature elevation containing a composition containing 1-(3 ’,4’, 5’-trihydroxypheny 1)-3-(2 ”,4”,6”-trihydroxypheny 1)-propan-2-ol as an active ingredient.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0079] The composition for enhancing energy metabolism, the composition for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, the composition for lipid combustion promotion, the composition for anti-obesity, or the composition for body temperature elevation of the present invention has an excellent action for enhancing energy metabolism, action for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, action for lipid combustion promotion, antiobesity (body weight gain control or loss in body weight) action, or action for body temperature elevation, which can be expected to have an effect of, for example, body temperature elevation, improvement in sensitivity to cold, anti-obesity, visceral fat loss, in-shape beauty, increase in metabolism, immunopotentiation, anti-fatigue, or anti-depression, or the like. In addition, the l-(3,,4’,5,-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyI)-propan-2-ol-containing composition obtainable by the production method of the present invention has an excellent action for enhancing energy metabolism, action for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, action for lipid combustion promotion, action for body weight gain control or loss in body weight, or action for body temperature elevation, which can be expected to have an effect of, for example, body temperature elevation, improvement in sensitivity to cold, anti-obesity, visceral fat loss, in-shape beauty, increase in metabolism, immunopotentiation, anti-fatigue, or anti-depression, or the like.

Claims

CLAIMS [Claim 1] A composition for enhancing energy metabolism, comprising 1-(3’,4,,5,-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol. [Claim
2] A composition for enhancing sympathetic nerve activity, comprising 1 -(3 ’ ,4’ ,5 ’ -trihydroxypheny 1)-3 -(2 ” ,4 ” ,6 ” -trihy droxypheny l)-propan-2-ol. [Claim
3] A composition for lipid combustion promotion, comprising 1- (3 ’ ,4 ’, 5 ’ -trihydroxypheny 1)-3 -(2 ” ,4 ” ,6 ” -trihy droxypheny l)-propan-2-ol. [Claim
4] A composition for anti-obesity, comprising 1-(3’,4’,5’-trihydroxypheny 1)-3-(2 ”,4”,6’’-trihy droxypheny l)-propan-2-ol. [Claim
5] A composition for body temperature elevation, comprising 1- (3’,4’,5’-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol. [Claim
6] A method for producing a l-(3’,4’,5’-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4”,6”-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol-containing composition, characterized in that the method comprises fermenting a tea extract with a bacterium belonging to the genus Lactobacillus pentosus. [Claim
7] The method according to claim 6, wherein the content of l-(3’,4’,5’-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2”,4”,6’’-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol in the composition is 0.13 mg/mL or more. [Claim
8] A method for producing foodstuff, characterized in that the method uses a composition obtained by the method as defined in claim 6 or 7 as a raw material for the foodstuff. [Claim
9] The method according to claim 8, wherein the foodstuff are for enhancing energy metabolism. [Claim 10J Foodstuff comprising a composition obtained by a method as [Claim 11] The foodstuff according to claim 10, which are for enhancing energy metabolism. [Claim 12] The foodstuff according to claim 10 or 11, attached with a functional indication ascribed to a composition obtained by a method as defined in claim 6 or 7.