JP2008156276A - Mental fatigue-improving agent for woman - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mental fatigue-improving agent for a woman, effectively improving the mental fatigue caused by the stress of daily life, especially the mental stress peculiar to a working woman in the environment. <P>SOLUTION: The mental fatigue-improving agent for the woman contains 16-androstene steroid and an essential oil of at least one kind of a plant selected from lavender, Cananga odorata, chamomile, clary sage, jasmine, cypress, sandalwood, cedarwood, celery, neroli, parsley, rose, bergamot, mandarin, melissa, orange, petitgrain, benzoin, geranium, Cymbopogon martini, peppermint, patchouli and rosemary. 4,16-Androstadien-3-one is preferable as the 16-androstene steroid to be used. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an agent for improving mental fatigue for women that can effectively improve mental fatigue in women.

  In modern society, mental stress is wide-ranging and the amount thereof is increasing. Therefore, many people suffer from mental fatigue and poor physical condition caused by mental fatigue. In particular, it has been pointed out that women's mental fatigue and the physical fatigue associated with this mental fatigue tend to increase. In recent years, the number of women engaged in work equivalent to that of men has increased, and psychological fatigue due to mental stress among working women has become a major problem.

  Therefore, various methods for improving mental fatigue have been developed and utilized so far. Methods such as massage, bathing, and intake of nutritional supplements are widely used in daily life. However, these coping methods are mainly for improvement of physical fatigue, and a sufficient improvement effect cannot be obtained for mental fatigue.

  Aromatherapy (natural remedies using aromatic components of plants) is the main purpose of reducing mental fatigue. Aromatherapy is also used at home as an easy way to improve mental fatigue, but it still does not have a sufficient improvement effect.

  A highly-flavored fragrance composition that is considered to be a development system of the aromatherapy has been proposed (Patent Document 1). This exfoliating fragrance composition is not intended to reduce mental fatigue, but it tries to combat mental stress by activating mental activity by the awakening and elevating effect of anisaldehyde as its active ingredient Is.

  In addition, although it does not specifically correspond to female mental fatigue, it can reduce general mental fatigue, maintain and enhance concentration, and maintain and enhance mental vitality. A composition for the purpose of improving the mental function of humans has been proposed (Patent Document 2). This composition contains a mixed component composed of caffeine, theanine and arginine contained in tea as an active ingredient. This composition is intended to reduce mental fatigue by using a component contained in tea leaves that have been drunk since it has an effect on mental relaxation since ancient times.

JP 2001-19992 A JP 2006-96768 A

  The elevated fragrance composition described in Patent Document 1 counters mental stress by elevating mood, and is considered not to have an effect of improving mental fatigue. The uplifting effect temporarily activates the mental state, and during that time, mental stress does not matter, but mental fatigue is not improved. When the uplifting effect disappears and the spirit returns to normal activity, it is recognized that mental fatigue still remains. In addition, it has been pointed out that the so-called rebound phenomenon, in which the remaining mental fatigue is felt stronger than before, is generally caused by returning from the elevated state obtained by ingesting an uplifting inducer to the normal conscious state. Yes. This is pointed out in general therapy by raising the spirit, and only a temporary effect to avoid mental stress can be expected. It is considered unsuitable for use for the purpose of improving mental fatigue, because mental fatigue remains, and in some cases, it can be exacerbated by rebound.

  The composition containing the tea leaf component of Patent Document 2 as an active ingredient needs to be taken before mental fatigue occurs, and if mental fatigue has already occurred, a sufficient effect cannot be obtained. There's a problem.

  Thus, the present condition is that the improvement agent which can improve mental fatigue effectively is not yet provided.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the said conventional situation, The subject is providing the mental fatigue improvement agent for women with the simple and high effect.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present inventors have made extensive studies, experiments, and studies, and obtained various findings. In other words, in order to improve mental fatigue, it is necessary to activate a reduced mental activity. Mental stress is only avoided during certain periods. However, we have come to know that mental fatigue can be effectively improved by providing deep mental and physical relaxation as well as active mental activity.

  Therefore, after repeated screening for substances capable of bringing about such mental and physiological conditions, it was confirmed that 16-androstene steroid had a mood-lifting effect and accompanying fatigue recovery effect, and also had a relaxing action. It is found that by using together with plant essential oil, deep relaxation can be obtained while maintaining an uplifted state, and the fatigue recovery effect by the 16-androstene steroid can be enhanced to effectively improve the mental fatigue of women. I arrived. The specific plant is lavender, ylang ylang, chamomile, clariage, jasmine, cypress, sandalwood, cedarwood, celery, neroli, parsley, rose, bergamot, mandarin, melissa, orange, petitgrain, benzoin, geranium, palmarosa, peppermint At least one plant selected from patchouli and rosemary.

  Mental fatigue means fatigue perceived due to stress such as mental stress and physical stress without physical exercise. Symptoms include sleep disorders and emotional instability. Autonomic hypersensitivity, cognitive function, decreased motor function, and the like. Examples of stress include thermal stress, noise, pain / itchiness, thinking activities, and interpersonal communication.

  As is well known, 16-androstene steroids such as 4,16-androstadien-3-one have a pheromone-like action and are sexually biphasic (male and female, or male It has been reported that it has a positive effect on emotions. However, it has not been known whether this 16-androstene steroid has an effect of improving fatigue or recovering from fatigue.

  As described above, the present inventors use 16-androstene steroids with an effect of enhancing mood and recovering fatigue by repeated screening, and using the specific essential oil having the relaxing action in combination. As a result, it has been found that deep relaxation can be obtained while maintaining an uplifting mood, and the effect of improving fatigue is greatly increased.

  The present invention has been made based on such knowledge. That is, the female mental fatigue ameliorating agent according to the present invention includes 16-androstene steroids; lavender, ylang ylang, chamomile, clarisage, jasmine, cypress, sandalwood, cedarwood, celery, neroli, parsley, rose, bergamot, It contains at least one plant essential oil selected from mandarin, Melissa, orange, petitgren, benzoin, geranium, palmarosa, peppermint, patchouli, and rosemary. As the 16-androstene steroid to be used, 4,16-androstadien-3-one is preferable.

  The mental fatigue-improving agent for women according to the present invention can effectively improve mental fatigue that occurs in women due to stress in daily life, particularly mental stress in an environment specific to working women.

As described above, the female mental fatigue ameliorating agent according to the present invention includes 16-androstene steroids; lavender, ylang ylang, chamomile, clarisage, jasmine, cypress, sandalwood, cedarwood, celery, neroli, parsley, rose And essential oils of at least one plant selected from bergamot, mandarin, melissa, orange, petitgren, benzoin, geranium, palmarosa, peppermint, patchouli, and rosemary.
Below, the 16-androstene steroid which is an active ingredient of the mental fatigue improving agent for women according to the present invention and the essential oil of a specific plant having a relaxing action will be described individually.

  The 16-androstene steroid is a compound having a pheromone-like action, and specifically, mention may be made of 4,16-androstadien-3-one and 5,16-androstadien-3-ol. Can do. These have the effect of raising mood and improving mental fatigue for women. In particular, 4,16-androstadien-3-one exhibits a high fatigue improvement effect.

  When the 4,16-androstadien-3-one is blended as an active ingredient in the female mental fatigue relieving agent of the present invention, the blending amount is 0.01-1000 ppm (0.01 μg / mL-1000 μg / mL) is preferable, and more preferably 0.1 to 100 ppm (0.1 μg / mL to 100 μg / mL). If the blending amount is less than 0.01 ppm, the desired mental fatigue improvement effect cannot be obtained. Moreover, when it exceeds 1000 ppm, it may feel uncomfortable depending on the user.

The essential oil extracted from the following plants can be mentioned as an essential oil of a specific plant having a relaxing effect that increases the effect of improving mental fatigue in women by using it together with the 16-androstene steroid.
That is, lavender (Lamiaceae Labandula genus), Ylang Ylang (Ganodermaceae Kananga genus), chamomile (Asteraceae camomile genus or Asteraceae camomile genus), Clarisage (Lamiaceae Salvis genus), Jasmine (Asteraceae genus Saukei), Cypress (Cypress family Cytorus), Sandalwood (Circus santarum), Cedarwood (Circus genus), Celery (Ceraceae), Neroli (Citrus aurantium), Parsley (Circus genus), Rose ( (Rosaceae), Bergamot (Citrus bergamia), Mandarin (Citrus reticulata), Melissa (Lamiaceae), Orange (Citrus aurantium or Citrus sinensis), Puchigren (Citrus aurantium), Benzoin (Spiranidae Stylax) Genus), Geranium (Auroaceae) In combination with essential oils of plants such as Largonium), Palmarosa (Poaceae), Peppermint (Lamiaceae Menta), Patchouli (Lamiaceae Pogostemone), Rosemary (Lamiaceae Rosmarinus), and 16-androsten steroids This has the effect of increasing the fatigue recovery effect of 16-androstene steroids. Among these essential oils of plants, lavender, ylang ylang, clary sage, jasmine, rose, orange and peppermint essential oils are more preferable.

  As a method for extracting the essential oil from the plant, a known extraction method such as a steam distillation method, a pressing method, a cold immersion method, a digestion method, an organic solvent method or the like can be used. The part of the plant used for extraction is not particularly limited in its application part, but from the viewpoint of exerting its effectiveness, petals and petals of lavender, flowers of ylang ylang, flowers of chamomile, leaves of clarisage And flower parts, jasmine flowers, cypress leaves and cones, sandalwood heartwood (wood), cedarwood heartwood (wood), celery seeds, neroli flowers, parsley seeds, roses For petal, bergamot for pericarp, mandarin for pericarp, Melissa for pericarp, orange for pericarp, petitgren for leaves and branches, benzoin for resin, geranium for flowers and leaves, palmarosa for leaves, Flowers and leaves are preferred for peppermint, leaves for patchouli, and flowers and leaves for rosemary.

  The part can be cut into an appropriate size or pulverized after the part is left raw or dried. Other extraction conditions are not particularly limited, such as extraction temperature and extraction pH.

  When blending the essential oil as an active ingredient in the female mental fatigue ameliorating agent of the present invention, the blending amount is preferably 0.01 to 10% on a weight basis. If the blending amount is less than 0.01%, the human sense of smell is not recognized, and the desired relax effect and mental fatigue improvement effect cannot be obtained. If it exceeds 10%, some users may feel uncomfortable.

  In the mental fatigue improving agent for women according to the present invention, the preferred blending ratio of the 16-androstene steroid and each essential oil is preferably 1:10 to 1: 100,000, more preferably as the blending ratio in the final preparation. 1: 100-1: 10000 is preferable. If the 16-androstene steroid ratio increases beyond the above blending ratio, the odor of the 16-androstene steroid becomes too strong, and the good effects of the present invention may not be obtained. Moreover, if the blending ratio of 16-androstene steroid falls below the blending ratio, the olfactory stimulation of the 16-androstene steroid may be insufficient, and the good effects of the present invention may not be obtained.

  The female mental fatigue ameliorating agent according to the present invention can be applied to a wide variety of specific preparations. For example, the mental fatigue-improving agent for women according to the present invention includes environmental fragrances such as perfume, cosmetics, body cleaning agents, body care agents such as bathing agents, air cleaners, space fragrances, clothing care agents, clothing cleaners and the like. The composition can be used for body clothing materials and accessory materials such as fabric products, leather products, chemical fiber products, and plastic products, and a known blending component can be added depending on the final product. Examples of the additive component include surfactants, oils, alcohols, moisturizers, thickeners, preservatives, chelating agents, pH adjusters, fragrances, dyes, ultraviolet absorption / scattering agents, vitamins, and water. These can be appropriately blended as necessary.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below. The following examples are only suitable examples for explaining the present invention, and do not limit the present invention.

  In the examples and comparative examples shown below, 25 samples (Examples 1 to 25) of women's mental fatigue improving agents of Examples and 24 types (Comparative Examples 1 to 24) of fatigue improving agents of Comparative Examples are prepared. Then, as a scent of each sample, take time to avoid being affected by each trial, and have 5 female panelists immediately after applying a mental stress load aspirate through the atmosphere, 5 minutes after inhalation After a lapse, he was asked to answer his mood using a conventional psychological assessment method. Furthermore, after 1 hour, the mental fatigue was answered again, and the mental fatigue improvement effect of each sample was evaluated.

(Mental stress load and sample aspiration)
The Uchida-Kraepelin test was conducted for 15 minutes as a mental stress load on female panelists. Thereafter, the patient was rested while seated on a chair for 5 minutes, and each sample described later was naturally sucked through the atmosphere as a scent during this 5 minutes.

(Psychological judgment method)
After 5 minutes of the rest, the mood status was answered by VAS (visual analog scale) for the three items shown in the following (Table 1). VAS presents a 10.0 cm long horizontal straight line with the left end being the most negative (not felt) and the right end being the most positive (feeling), and to what level the panelist's own sense of each question item is It is a method used for psychological evaluation by having a person mark on a straight line. The measurement of the evaluation result was performed by measuring the position of the point marked by each panel as the distance from the left end and digitizing it. The most negative end (left end) was 0 point, and the most positive end (right end) was 10.0 point. The number of trials in each sample was 3, and the average value was used as the evaluation value.

  The evaluation was performed at room temperature in a meeting room without characteristic odor. First, the evaluation was performed under the condition where the sample was not diffused into the atmosphere, and then the evaluation was performed under the condition where the sample was diffused into the atmosphere. For the sample diffusion method, about 15 mL of the sample solution prepared for each evaluation group is put in a 90 mm glass petri dish, and the petri dish is put on the petri dish at the position 60 cm from the end on the panel side without performing the lid, A simple fan-type aroma fragrance (trade name “Aroma Breeze NOVA” manufactured by Alta Corporation) is installed immediately behind (opposite the subject), and the fan is operated in the direction of the face of the panel. The active ingredient of the sample that volatilizes from the water reaches the panel.

(Sample composition)
Samples of the examples were 4,16-androstadien-3-one (AND) or 5,16-androstadien-3-ol and one of 23 essential oils from lavender to rosemary or An active ingredient in combination with two kinds is dissolved in a solvent (propylene glycol). On the other hand, the sample of the comparative example was prepared by dissolving only 4,16-androstadien-3-one (AND) in a solvent (propylene glycol) as an active ingredient, or 23 kinds of essential oils up to lavender and rosemary. Of these, only one or two of them are dissolved in a solvent (propylene glycol) as an active ingredient. The combinations of components used in Examples 1 to 25 and Comparative Examples 1 to 24 were as shown in the following (Table 2) to (Table 9).

As 4,16-androstadien-3-one, “4,16-ANDROSTADIEN-3-ONE: trade name” manufactured by Steraloids was used. In addition, “4,16-ANDROSTADIEN-3beta-OL: trade name” manufactured by Steraloids was used as 5,16-androstadien-3-ol.
As propylene glycol as a solvent, “Propylene glycol: trade name” manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd. was used.

On the other hand, the following commercial products were used for each essential oil.
First, as the essential oil of lavender, “Lavender oil: trade name” manufactured by Ogawa Fragrance Co., Ltd. was used.
The ylang ylang essential oil used was made by Charabot.
As the essential oil of chamomile, “Chamomile oil: trade name” manufactured by Koei Kogyo Co., Ltd. was used.
As an essential oil of clari sage, a product made by Charabot was used.
As an essential oil of jasmine, a product made by Charabot was used.
As an essential oil of Cypress, a product made by Charabot was used.
As the essential oil of sandalwood, a product made by Charabot was used.
As an essential oil of cedarwood, a product made by Charabot was used.
As an essential oil of celery, a product made by Charabot was used.
As the essential oil of neroli, the one made by Charabot was used.
As the essential oil of parsley, a product made by Charabot was used.
As the essential oil of rose, a product made by Charabot was used.
As the essential oil of bergamot, a product made by Charabot was used.
The mandarin essential oil used was made by Charabot.
As an essential oil of Melissa, a product made by Charabot was used.
As an orange essential oil, a product made by Charabot was used.
As the essential oil of petitgren, a product made by Charabot was used.
As the essential oil of benzoin, a product made by Charabot was used.
As an essential oil of geranium, a product made by Charabot was used.
As the essential oil of Palmarosa, a product made by Charabot was used.
As the essential oil of peppermint, a product made by Charabot was used.
As the patchouli essential oil, a product made by Charabot was used.
As the essential oil of rosemary, a product made by Charabot was used.

  The evaluation was performed at room temperature in a meeting room without characteristic odor. First, the evaluation was performed under the condition where no scent was presented, and then the evaluation was performed under the condition where the sample was presented.

  As is apparent from the results shown in (Table 2) to (Table 9), the combined use of 16-androstene steroids and essential oils is synergistic in feeling that they are mentally tired compared to the case where they are used alone. A significant decrease is obtained. Moreover, the mental fatigue improvement sensation obtained by the improving agent of the present invention persists even after one hour has passed since the intake of the improving agent of the present invention, and mental fatigue by the improving agent of the present invention. It is understood that the improvement effect is not temporary due to uplift. Therefore, it can be confirmed that the improving agent of the present invention has an excellent effect of acting specifically and continuously on women.

  As described above, the mental fatigue-improving agent for women according to the present invention can effectively improve mental fatigue caused by daily stress, particularly mental stress in an environment peculiar to working women. it can.

Claims (2)

  16-androstene steroids; lavender, ylang ylang, chamomile, clarisage, jasmine, cypress, sandalwood, cedarwood, celery, neroli, parsley, rose, bergamot, mandarin, melissa, orange, petitgrain, benzoin, geranium, palmarosa, peppermint A mental fatigue-improving agent for women, comprising at least one essential oil of plant selected from patchouli and rosemary.   The female mental fatigue ameliorating agent according to claim 1, wherein the 16-androstene steroid is 4,16-androstadien-3-one.