JP2006117644A - Composition containing kudzu flower - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a composition capable of easily utilizing a useful ingredient contained in a kudzu flower (flower of Pueraria lobata), by improving a flavor and stability specific to the kudzu flower. <P>SOLUTION: This composition contains a processed material of the kudzu flower and an organic acid, such as ascorbic acid, citric acid, and α-lipoic acid. The composition is preferably utilized as a food and an external preparation for skin. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a composition containing a processed kuzu flower and an organic acid. In more detail, it is related with the composition for foodstuffs and an external preparation for skin containing the katsuhana processed material and organic acid.

  Kuzu is a large vine plant of the legume family, and katsu starch collected from its roots has long been used as a raw material for Japanese confectionery. The roots and flowers are referred to as kudzu and kuzuka, respectively, and are used as raw materials for traditional Chinese medicines such as antipyretic drugs, analgesics, antispasmodics, and drugs for symptoms such as sweating. In particular, unlike other legumes, Kuzuka has been shown to have various effects such as an action for improving liver damage, an action for preventing hangover, and an action for improving urinary nitrogen metabolism (Patent Documents 1 to 3). .

As described above, Katsuhana uses the dried product itself or the dried powder of the extract as a raw material for Chinese medicine. However, despite the fact that the processed kuzuka product contains various components that may be useful, the processed kuzuka product is used as a food and skin preparation in terms of its unique flavor and discoloration (stability). There is almost no consideration for using it.
Japanese Patent No. 3454718 Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-32632 JP-A 64-68318

  An object of the present invention is to provide a composition that can efficiently use components contained in a processed kuzuka product, has good stability, and is provided with functionality.

  The present inventor has studied a composition that can improve the unique flavor and stability of the processed kuzuka product, and has a composition with good palatability and stability by combining the kuzuka processed product and an organic acid. It was found that a product was obtained.

  The present invention provides a composition containing a processed kuzu flower and an organic acid.

  In a preferred embodiment, the organic acid has a molecular weight of 60 to 400.

  In a preferred embodiment, the composition is in the form of a food product.

  In a preferred embodiment, the composition is in the form of a skin external preparation.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the component contained in a Kuzuka processed material can be utilized efficiently, and a composition with favorable stability can be provided. Therefore, it is possible to widely use the processed kuzu flower product as a food and a skin external preparation. Furthermore, the composition of the present invention imparts functionality (body fat reducing action and skin quality improving action) to the kuzu flower treatment product by containing an organic acid.

(Katsuhana treatment product)
Kuzuka, the flower part of Kuzu, contains flavonoids, saponins, and tryptophan glycosides. In the present specification, “Kuzuhana” refers to a flower collected at the stage from the bud to the fully opened flower. In the present invention, it is particularly preferable to use soot.

  In the present specification, the “Kuzuhana processed product” refers to a product obtained by subjecting Kuzuka to at least one of a drying process, a pulverizing process, and an extracting process. Examples of the kuzu flower processed product used in the composition of the present invention include a kuzu flower dried product and a kuzu flower extract.

  In the present specification, particularly when it is described as “dried kuzuka”, it means a product obtained by drying kuzuka, a dry powder obtained by crushing kuzuka after drying, and the following kuzuka Contains no extract.

  In the present specification, when particularly described as “Kuzuhana extract”, the extract of Kuzuka, the extract extracted from Kuzuka, the concentrate or the concentrate obtained by concentrating the extract, these juice Or the dry powder (extract powder) etc. which are obtained by drying an extract.

  Hereinafter, a method for preparing a dried kuzu flower and a kuzu flower extract, which are processed kuzu flowers, will be described.

  The dried kuzu flower is obtained by drying kuzu flowers, preferably kuzu flowers in the cocoon stage, by sun drying, hot air drying or the like. Preferably, it is dried until the water content is 10% by mass or less.

  Kuzuka powder (dry powder) is obtained by pulverizing the dried Kuzuka product. The powderization is performed by a method commonly used by those skilled in the art, for example, a ball mill, a hammer mill, a roller mill or the like.

  Alternatively, the Kuzuka powder (dried powder) is obtained by crushing the collected Kuzuka using a mass colloider, a slicer, a Komitrol, etc. to obtain a Kuzuka crushed product, and drying this Kuzuka crushed product .

  The kuzu flower extract is prepared by adding a solvent to a kuzu flower dried product such as kuzu flower, kuzu flower crushed product, kuzu flower dried product, or kuzu flower powder (dried powder), preferably kuzu flower dried powder, for example. Accordingly, the extraction is performed by heating, and the extract is collected by centrifugation or filtration.

  Examples of the solvent that can be used to obtain the Kuzuhana extract include water, organic solvents, and hydrous organic solvents. Examples of the organic solvent include methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, n-butanol, acetone, hexane, cyclohexane, propylene glycol, ethyl methyl ketone, glycerin, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, dichloromethane, edible oils and fats, 1, Examples include 1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethene and the like. Among these, a polar organic solvent is preferable, ethanol, n-butanol, methanol, acetone, propylene glycol, and ethyl acetate are more preferable, and ethanol is most preferable.

  Examples of the extraction method include a warm extraction method such as heating reflux, a supercritical extraction method, and the like. In these extraction methods, heating may be performed by applying pressure as necessary. When heating, it is necessary to prevent the solvent added to Kuzuka from volatilizing. When heating, the extraction temperature is preferably 50 ° C. or higher, more preferably 70 ° C. or higher, preferably 130 ° C. or lower, more preferably 100 ° C. or lower.

  The extraction time may be a time for sufficiently extracting soluble components from the extraction raw material, and may be set as appropriate according to the extraction temperature and the like. Preferably, it is 30 minutes to 48 hours. For example, when the extraction temperature is less than 50 ° C, it is preferably 6 hours to 48 hours, and when it is 50 ° C or more, it is preferably 30 minutes to 24 hours.

  The obtained extract may be concentrated or dried by a method such as concentration under reduced pressure or freeze-drying, if necessary, to form a liquid, a paste, or a powder (extract powder).

  The kuzu flower extract thus obtained may contain isoflavones, saponins and the like. The isoflavones contained in the Kuzuka extract are preferably 3% by mass or more, more preferably 5% by mass to 90% by mass with respect to the dry mass of the Kuzuka extract. The saponin contained is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 2% by mass to 50% by mass.

  The processed kuzuhana product has a characteristic reddish brown color and is easily discolored due to its strong water absorption in the dry state. Therefore, the raw materials are preferably stored in a cool and dark place under sealed conditions.

(Organic acid)
The organic acid used in the present invention is an organic compound exhibiting acid properties or a salt thereof, and examples thereof include carboxylic acid, oxycarboxylic acid, polycarboxylic acid, ketocarboxylic acid, amino acid, and salts thereof. Specifically, acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, gluconic acid, fumaric acid, α-ketoglutaric acid, succinic acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, pyruvic acid, malonic acid, caffeic acid, quinic acid, gallic acid, ellagic acid Examples include acids, chlorogenic acid, dicaffeoylquinic acid, tricaffeoylquinic acid, ferulic acid, ascorbic acid, lipoic acid, and salts thereof (sodium salt, potassium salt, etc.). In the present invention, an amino acid or a salt or derivative thereof is also included.

  Among these, the molecular weight of the organic acid is preferably 60 to 400 from the viewpoints of palatability, functionality, and stability of the organic acid itself. In particular, citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, and derivatives thereof are preferable from the viewpoint of palatability and functionality. Ascorbic acid, amino acid, caffeic acid, quinic acid, chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, α-lipoic acid, and derivatives thereof are preferable from the viewpoint of nutrition, function, and composition stability.

  Furthermore, ascorbic acid, citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and derivatives thereof are preferable in order to obtain the composition of the present invention in which the unique flavor of the processed kuzuhana product is further improved. In order to further stabilize the composition of the present invention, ascorbic acid, tyrosine, serine, threonine, and derivatives thereof are preferred. And in order to give functionality, for example, a body fat reduction effect, to the composition of the present invention, ascorbic acid, citric acid, α-lipoic acid, branched amino acids that can promote lipid metabolism (valine, leucine, isoleucine, etc.) ), Arginine, and derivatives thereof are preferable, and ascorbic acid, α-lipoic acid, proline, glycine, arginine, alanine, and derivatives thereof are preferable for imparting a skin improving action. From the above, among the above organic acids, ascorbic acid, citric acid, α-lipoic acid, and derivatives thereof are most preferable. Therefore, the composition of the present invention containing such an organic acid can be used as a body fat reducing agent, a skin quality improving agent, or the like.

  As the organic acid, a material containing an organic acid such as the carboxylic acid described above may be used. Examples of such materials include materials derived from natural products (particularly plants). Specifically, orange, orange, apple, grape, pine, peach, grapefruit, lemon, Japanese pear, pear, ume, navel, strawberry, passion fruit, melon, lime, guava, apricot, sea quashshire, kabosu, Fruits such as Ponkan, Iyokan, Hassaku, Cranberry, Banana, Plum, Mango, Kiwi Fruit, Oyster, Acerola, Raspberry, etc .; Vegetables such as mugwort, sweet potato, spring chrysanthemum, and shiso; Beans such as coffee and cocoa.

  These materials derived from natural products may be used as they are, or processed products obtained by processing (pressing, concentrating, extracting, fractionating, fermenting, etc.) these materials may be used. Examples of such processed products include juices, concentrates, extracts, and vinegar. As the extract, a water extract, an ethanol extract, and an acetic acid extract are preferable.

  The said organic acid and the raw material containing an organic acid may be used independently, and may use 2 or more types together.

(Other ingredients)
The composition of the present invention contains other components such as excipients, extenders, binders, thickeners, emulsifiers, colorants, fragrances, other food ingredients, seasonings, and pharmaceutical ingredients as necessary. May be. Examples of such components include royal jelly, propolis, vitamins (A, B ₁ , B ₂ , B ₆ , B ₁₂ , niacin, C, D, E, K, folic acid, pantothenic acid, biotin, and derivatives thereof. Etc.), minerals (iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, selenium, etc.), chitin, chitosan, lecithin, polyphenols (flavonoids, derivatives thereof, etc.), carotenoids (lycopene, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, etc.), xanthine derivatives (cafe) In), protein or peptide (soy protein, collagen, elastin, degradation products thereof, etc.), mucopolysaccharide (hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, dermatan, heparan, heparin, ketalan, salts thereof, etc.), amino sugar (glucosamine, Acetylgluco Min, galactosamine, acetylgalactosamine, neuraminic acid, acetylneuraminic acid, hexosamine, salts thereof, oligosaccharide (isomalto-oligosaccharide, cyclic oligosaccharide, etc.), phospholipid and its derivatives (phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, ceramide, etc.) And sulfur-containing compounds (such as alliin, sepaene, taurine, glutathione, and methylsulfonylmethane), lignans (such as sesamin), animal and plant extracts containing these, and root vegetables (such as ginger).

(Composition)
The composition of the present invention contains a processed kuzuka product and an organic acid, and contains the above-described other components as necessary.

  Since the amount of the kuzu flower treatment product in the composition of the present invention varies depending on the form and dosage form, it can be appropriately adjusted. For example, when using a kuzu flower extract, the kuzu flower extract (dry mass) in the composition of the present invention is preferably 0.0001 to 50 mass%, more preferably 0.001 to 30 mass%. Contained. In the case of using the Kuzuka dry powder, the Kuzuka dry powder is preferably contained in the composition of the present invention in a proportion of 0.01 to 80% by mass, more preferably 0.01 to 50% by mass.

  Since the amount of the organic acid in the composition of the present invention varies depending on the form and dosage form, it can be appropriately adjusted, and is preferably 0.0001 to 20% by mass, more preferably 0.0005 to 15% by mass. Contained. When using the raw material containing the organic acid, the amount of the organic acid contained in the raw material may be within this range.

  The amount of Kuzuka intake is not particularly limited. When using a kuzu flower extract (dry mass), the oral intake of the kuzu flower extract (dry mass) per day for an adult is preferably 10 to 3000 mg, more preferably 30 mg to 1000 mg.

  In the case of using dried kuzu flower, the oral intake of dried kuzu flower per day for an adult is 0.1 g to 30 g, preferably 0.3 g to 10 g.

  Preferred embodiments of the composition of the present invention include foods and external preparations for skin. Furthermore, you may use the composition of this invention as a raw material for obtaining these foodstuffs and skin external preparations.

(Food)
When using the composition of this invention as a foodstuff, according to a use, it can be processed into forms, such as a drink, a granule, a tablet, a powder, a tea bag.

  When using the composition of this invention as a foodstuff, the quantity of the kuzuka processed material contained in foodstuff is not specifically limited. The processed kuzuhana (dry mass) in the food can be adjusted to achieve the above oral intake.

  The case where the composition of the present invention is a beverage will be described. The beverage is one embodiment of the food, and can be prepared from a solid (granule, tablet, powder, etc.) food that is another embodiment. For example, a beverage can be obtained by dissolving or dispersing a solid (granule, tablet, powder, etc.) food in a medium (hot water, water, hydrous alcohol, or alcohol).

  Moreover, you may prepare a drink by the method different from the above. First, the composition of the present invention is placed in an extraction device (pot, teapot, tea bag, etc.), and a medium (for example, water or hot water) is added. The obtained liquid can be made into a drink by eluting the components of the composition into a medium. If necessary, a beverage may be prepared by solid-liquid separation.

  When water or hot water is used as a medium, the amount of the medium is preferably 10 to 5000 masses with respect to 1 mass part of kuzuka (dry matter, dry powder, etc.) so that the components in kuzuka are sufficiently eluted. Part, more preferably 50 to 4500 parts by mass.

  About extraction temperature, it can set suitably with the boiling point of the medium to be used. Preferably it is 20-130 degreeC, More preferably, it is 70-100 degreeC.

  About extraction time, Preferably it is 1 minute or more, More preferably, it is 3 minutes-6 hours, More preferably, it is 3 minutes-2 hours.

(Skin external preparation)
The composition of the present invention can be used as a skin external preparation. In order to further improve the appearance, feel and storage stability of the external preparation for skin depending on the use, the composition of the present invention further contains bases and additives usually used for external preparations for skin. May be.

  These bases and additives include: glycerin; ethanol; butylene glycol; excipients such as dextrin; fragrances; dyes; preservatives such as parabens; thickeners such as acrylic polymers and carboxyvinyl polymers; Chelating agents; sweeteners such as sucralose; refreshing agents such as menthol; antiseptic / antifungal agents such as phenoxyethanol.

  As an external preparation for skin, for example, it can be processed into a form such as a lotion, emulsion, gel, cream, ointment, powder, granule and the like. Specifically, lotion, cosmetic cream, milky lotion, cream, pack, hair tonic, hair cream, shampoo, hair rinse, treatment, body shampoo, facial cleanser, soap, foundation, white powder, lipstick, lip gloss, blusher, eye shadow , Hairdressing agents, hair growth agents, aqueous ointments, oily ointments, ships, gels, sprays and the like.

  When the composition of the present invention is used as an external preparation for skin, the amount of processed kuzuka contained in the external preparation for skin varies depending on the application and is not particularly limited. The processed kuzuhana product (dry mass) is preferably contained in the skin external preparation in a proportion of 0.00001 to 40% by mass, more preferably 0.0001 to 20% by mass.

  EXAMPLES Hereinafter, although an Example is given and this invention is demonstrated in detail, this invention is not limited to this range.

(Example 1: Verification of palatability)
Kuzuhana extract (10% by mass of isoflavones, manufactured by Ota Gassan Co., Ltd.), organic acid (ascorbic acid (manufactured by Nippon Bulk Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), citric acid (manufactured by Saneigen FFI Co., Ltd.), malic acid (Nippon Bulk Chemical Co., Ltd.), tartaric acid (manufactured by Oishi Kasei Co., Ltd.)), crystalline cellulose, sucrose ester, reduced maltose, and trehalose are mixed in the proportions (mass%) described in Table 1 below. Four types of granules (test foods 1 to 4) were prepared.

  A control food was prepared by mixing Kuzuhana extract, crystalline cellulose, sucrose ester, reduced maltose and trehalose in the proportions (mass%) shown in Table 1.

  Next, 10 female panelists were allowed to taste the test foods 1 to 4 and the control food. The palatability of the test foods 1 to 4 was compared with the palatability of the control food, and was scored according to the following scoring criteria. The total points are shown in Table 1.

<Scoring criteria>
Test food is preferred over control food: +1 point Neither can be said: 0 point Control food is preferred over test food: -1 point

  As shown in Table 1, since the total score is positive, the food of the present invention (test foods 1 to 4) has improved palatability over the control food containing only the kuzu flower extract. I understood it. In particular, the test foods 1 to 3 containing the kuzu flower extract and ascorbic acid, the kuzu flower extract and citric acid, and the kuzu flower extract and malic acid had excellent palatability.

(Example 2: Verification of stability)
Kuzuka extract used in Example 1, organic acid (ascorbic acid used in Example 1, tyrosine (Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), threonine (Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), and serine (Wako Pure) Test drinks 1 to 4 were prepared by mixing a cyclic oligosaccharide (manufactured by Yakuhin Kogyo Co., Ltd.)), a cyclic oligosaccharide (manufactured by Nikken Chemical Co., Ltd.), and purified water at the ratio (mass%) described in Table 2 below.

  A control beverage was prepared by mixing Kuzuka extract, cyclic oligosaccharide, and purified water in the proportions (mass%) described in Table 2 below.

  Next, 50 mL of each of the test beverages 1 to 4 and the control beverage were put in a glass shading bottle and sealed, and seven were prepared for each type of beverage. For each beverage, 5 out of 7 were stored at 50 ° C. for 2 weeks and the remaining 2 were stored at 4 ° C. for 2 weeks. Two weeks later, each beverage is transferred to a transparent glass container one by one and visually observed whether the color of the beverage stored at 50 ° C. is different from the color of the beverage stored at 4 ° C. Scoring at. The total score for the five is shown in Table 2. In any beverage, there was no color difference between the two beverages stored at 4 ° C.

<Scoring criteria>
There is no color difference between storage at 50 ° C: +1 point Discoloration is observed at 50 ° C storage: 0 points Discoloration is noticeably observed at 50 ° C storage: -1 point

  As shown in Table 2, the foods of the present invention (beverages: test beverages 1 to 4) all had a positive score, and discoloration was prevented. In particular, discoloration of the test beverage 1 containing the kuzu flower extract and ascorbic acid was significantly prevented. Therefore, it turned out that the foodstuff (beverage) of this invention has the outstanding stability.

(Example 3: Verification of body fat reduction effect)
About the foodstuff (feed) of this invention, the reduction | decrease effect of subcutaneous fat and visceral fat was verified with the following method.

(Preparation of test feed)
Standard feed containing 3% by weight of Kuzuka extract used in Example 1, 1% by weight of ascorbic acid used in Example 1, 40% by weight of beef tallow, and 9% by weight of granulated sugar Test feed 1 was prepared by adding to (MF feed, Oriental Yeast Co., Ltd.).

  Test feed 2 was prepared in the same manner as test feed 1 except that citric acid used in Example 1 was used instead of ascorbic acid contained in test feed 1.

  Test feed 3 was prepared in the same manner as test feed 1 except that valine (manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was used instead of ascorbic acid contained in test feed 1.

  Test feed 4 was prepared in the same manner as test feed 1 except that arginine (manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was used instead of ascorbic acid contained in test feed 1.

  Test feed 5 was prepared in the same manner as test feed 1 except that α-lipoic acid (manufactured by Oishi Kasei Co., Ltd.) was used instead of ascorbic acid contained in test feed 1.

(Preparation of comparative feed)
Compared to the test feed 1 except that a soybean extract (containing 10% by mass of isoflavones, manufactured by Fuji Oil Co., Ltd.) was used instead of the kuzu flower extract contained in the test feed 1 Feed 1 was prepared.

  Comparative feed 2 was prepared in the same manner as test feed 1 except that a soybean extract was used instead of the kuzu flower extract contained in the test feed 2.

  Comparative feed 3 was prepared in the same manner as test feed 1 except that the soybean extract was used instead of the kuzu flower extract contained in the test feed 3.

(Preparation of control feed)
A control feed was prepared by adding 40% by weight beef tallow and 9% by weight granulated sugar to the standard feed.

(Verification of body fat reduction effect)
Forty-five 7 week-old female ICR mice (Nippon Charles River Co., Ltd.) were fed with a basic feed and acclimated for one week. Next, each group was divided into 9 groups of 5 animals so that the average body weights were almost the same. Next, each group of mice was allowed to freely take test feeds 1 to 5, comparative feeds 1 to 3, and a control feed.

  On the 25th day from the start of free intake, the amount of subcutaneous fat was measured by X-ray CT for experimental animals (trade name: LATheata, manufactured by Aloka Corporation). Further, each group of mice was dissected and the retroperitoneal fat and periuterine fat were removed. The mass of each fat (visceral fat) was measured, and the average value was determined. The results are shown in Table 3.

  As shown in Table 3, the mice that ingested the food of the present invention (feed: test feeds 1 to 5) had more body fat than the mice that ingested comparative diets 1 to 3 containing soy extract and organic acid. There were few. Therefore, it was found that the food (feed) of the present invention has an excellent body fat reduction (inhibition increase) action.

(Example 4: Verification of effect as an external preparation for skin)
About the composition of this invention, the effect (collagen production enhancement effect) as a skin external preparation was verified with the following method.

(Preparation of test coating solution)
A test coating solution 1 was prepared by adding 0.1% by mass of the Kuzuka extract used in Example 1 and 0.1% by mass of ascorbic acid used in Example 1 to purified water. Prepared.

  A test coating solution 2 was prepared in the same manner as the test coating solution 1 except that proline (manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was used instead of ascorbic acid contained in the test coating solution 1.

  A test coating solution 3 was prepared in the same manner as the test coating solution 1 except that glycine (manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was used instead of ascorbic acid contained in the test coating solution 1.

(Preparation of comparative coating solution)
Comparative coating solution 1 was prepared by adding the kuzu flower extract used in Example 1 to purified water so as to contain 0.1% by mass.

  A comparative coating solution 2 was prepared in the same manner as the test coating solution 1 except that the soybean extract used in Example 3 was used instead of the kuzu flower extract contained in the test coating solution 1.

  A comparative coating solution 3 was prepared in the same manner as the test coating solution 2 except that the soybean extract used in Example 3 was used instead of the kuzu flower extract contained in the test coating solution 2.

  A comparative coating solution 4 was prepared in the same manner as the test coating solution 3 except that the soybean extract used in Example 3 was used instead of the kuzu flower extract contained in the test coating solution 3.

  Furthermore, purified water was used as a control coating solution.

(Verification of collagen production enhancing action)
Forty male guinea pigs (Japan SLC Co., Ltd.) having an average weight of 261 g were acclimated for one week by giving a basic feed (CG-7: Nippon Claire Co., Ltd., vitamin C content 0.17% by mass). The guinea pigs were divided into 8 groups of 5 per group by total randomization. Next, the hair of each group of guinea pigs was removed with a clipper. Next, test coating liquids 1 to 3, comparative coating liquids 1 to 4, and purified water (control coating liquid) are once a day at a rate of 500 μL / 100 cm ² at the site where each group of guinea pig hair has been removed. It was applied and dried with cold air. This work was performed for 2 weeks.

  During the application period, each group of guinea pigs had free access to the basic feed. Two weeks after the start of application, the skin was removed and the amount of hydroxyproline (hereinafter referred to as Hyp) specifically contained in collagen was measured. The amount of Hyp was measured as follows. The extracted skin was dried at 60 ° C. overnight, and the dried product was pulverized. Next, 50 mg of the pulverized product was added to 5 mL of hydrochloric acid (6M), kept at 110 ° C. using a heating block, and hydrolyzed for 24 hours. The Hyp content in this hydrolyzate was measured by the chloramine T method. The results are shown in Table 4.

  As shown in Table 4, the guinea pigs to which the external preparation for skin of the present invention (test coating solutions 1 to 3) was applied had a higher amount of skin Hyp than the guinea pigs to which the comparative coating solutions 1 to 4 and purified water were applied. That is, it was found that the composition of the present invention enhances collagen production. Therefore, it turned out that the composition of this invention can exhibit the improvement effect of the outstanding skin by utilizing as a skin external preparation.

  According to the present invention, the flavor and stability peculiar to kuzuka can be improved by combining the processed kuzuka and the organic acid. Furthermore, the composition of the present invention has an action to suppress and reduce the accumulation of body fat (visceral fat and subcutaneous fat) (anti-obesity action), an action to improve skin quality, and the like. Therefore, it is useful because it can be used as foods, pharmaceuticals, quasi drugs, cosmetics, and toiletries having these functions.

Claims (4)

  A composition comprising a processed kuzu flower and an organic acid.   The composition of Claim 1 whose molecular weight of the said organic acid is 60-400.   The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition is in the form of food.   The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition is in the form of a skin external preparation.