JP2009007336A - Alpha-glycosylhesperidin-containing melanin reducing agent, skin brightness reduction inhibitor, skin viscoelasticity reduction inhibitor, sebum reduction inhibitor, scf production inhibitor and itch inhibitor for oral administration/ingestion - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide food and drink, a melanin reducing agent, a skin brightness reduction inhibitor, a skin viscoelasticity reduction inhibitor, a sebum reduction inhibitor, an SCF production inhibitor, and an itch inhibitor as oral administering agents by utilizing α-glycosylhesperidin. <P>SOLUTION: The melanin reducing agent, the skin brightness reduction inhibitor, the skin viscoelasticity reduction inhibitor, and the sebum reduction inhibitor contain α-glycosylhesperidin as an active ingredient, and the SCF production inhibitor and the itch inhibitor consist of α-glycosylhesperidin and/or hesperetin. Each agent is used as food and drink or an oral administering agent (for example, a soft drink, tableted confectionery, a candy, a supplement or the like). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an oral administration / ingestion containing α-glycosyl hesperidin as an active ingredient, a melanin lowering agent, a skin lightness lowering inhibitor, a skin viscoelasticity lowering inhibitor, a sebum amount lowering inhibitor, an SCF production inhibitor, and It relates to itching inhibitors. The present invention is applied to food and drink or oral preparations.

  Hesperidin contained as a main component in citrus peel is known to have vitamin P action, but its use is limited because it is sparingly soluble in water.

  On the other hand, α-glycosyl hesperidin made water-soluble by α-bonding sugars such as D-glucose to hesperidin at an equimolar amount or more using glycosyltransferase, and foods and beverages and cosmetics using this α-glycosyl hesperidin Various pharmaceutical compositions have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). Patent Document 1 discloses that one or more of thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin C, and vitamin E and α-glucosyl hesperidin (= hesperidin with sugar as an equimolar or more α-bond of D-glucose residue) are vitamin P. Foods and drinks containing a reinforcing agent, a yellow colorant, an antioxidant, a stabilizer, a quality improver or an ultraviolet absorber are described. Patent Document 2 discloses α-glucosyl hesperidin as a vitamin P enhancer, a yellow colorant, Cosmetics containing antioxidants, stabilizers, quality improvers, UV absorbers, skin-beautifying agents, or whitening agents and optionally containing vitamin E are described. Patent Document 3 discloses α-glucosyl hesperidin as an active ingredient. Optionally containing thiamine, riboflavin, etc., viral diseases, bacterial diseases, traumatic diseases, immune diseases, Machi, diabetes, a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for cardiovascular diseases or malignant tumors have been described.

  However, it has been found that α-glycosyl hesperidin has a melanin lowering effect, a skin lightness lowering suppressing effect, a skin viscoelasticity lowering suppressing effect, a sebum amount lowering suppressing effect, an SCF production suppressing effect and an itching suppressing effect. It has been specifically proposed so far to be used in foods and drinks or oral preparations as a reducing agent, skin lightness reduction inhibitor, skin viscoelasticity reduction inhibitor, sebum amount reduction inhibitor, SCF production inhibitor, and itching inhibitor. There wasn't.

  In addition, “Food and Science” (Non-patent Document 1) describes that enzyme-treated hesperidin (= α-glucosyl hesperidin) has an inhibitory action on tyrosinase and suppresses the production of melanin. Experimental data showing confirmation is not specifically shown. The inventors of the present invention confirmed that the melanin-lowering action of hesperetin (aglycone of α-glucosyl hesperidin. Α-glucosyl hesperidin exists as hesperetin in serum) is not dependent on tyrosinase. Further, this document neither describes nor suggests the relationship between α-glucosyl hesperidin and SCF production inhibition in keratinocytes.

Japanese Patent No. 3060227 Japanese Patent No. 3549436 JP 2004-123753 A Takashi Yumoto, “Characteristics and Utilization of Enzyme-treated Hesperidin”, Food and Science, Food and Science, February 1999, p. 90-94

  The present invention uses α-glycosyl hesperidin and is used as a food or drink or an oral preparation, a melanin lowering agent, a skin lightness lowering inhibitor, a skin viscoelasticity lowering inhibitor, a sebum amount lowering inhibitor, an SCF production inhibitor, and an itching An object is to provide an inhibitor.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a melanin-lowering agent containing α-glycosyl hesperidin as an active ingredient, which is used as a food or drink or an oral preparation.

  Moreover, this invention provides the skin lightness fall inhibitor which contains (alpha) -glycosyl hesperidin as an active ingredient used as food-drinks or an oral preparation.

  Moreover, this invention provides the skin viscoelasticity fall inhibitor containing alpha-glycosyl hesperidin as an active ingredient used as food-drinks or an oral preparation.

  Moreover, this invention provides the sebum amount fall inhibitor containing alpha-glycosyl hesperidin as an active ingredient used as food-drinks or an oral preparation.

  Moreover, this invention provides the SCF production inhibitor which consists of (alpha) -glycosyl hesperidin and / or hesperetin used as food-drinks or an oral agent.

  The present invention also provides an itching inhibitor comprising α-glycosyl hesperidin and / or hesperetin for use as a food or drink or oral preparation.

  The present invention also provides an oral preparation comprising both α-glycosyl hesperidin and / or hesperetin, which has both a melanin inhibitory action and an itching inhibitory action.

  According to the present invention, for oral administration and ingestion using α-glycosyl hesperidin, a melanin lowering agent, a skin lightness lowering inhibitor, a skin viscoelasticity lowering inhibitor, a sebum amount lowering inhibitor, an SCF production inhibitor, and an itching An inhibitor is provided. Each agent of the present invention is used as a food or drink or an oral agent. The oral administration / intake agent of the present invention can have a melanin lowering effect, a skin lightness lowering suppressing effect, a skin viscoelasticity lowering suppressing effect, a sebum amount lowering suppressing effect, an SCF production suppressing effect, and an itching suppressing effect.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.

  The α-glycosyl hesperidin used in the present invention is a known substance as described in the above-mentioned prior art documents, and sugars (for example, D-glucose, D-fructose, D-galactose, etc.) are equimolar or more α-bonded to hesperidin. It is water-soluble, substantially tasteless and odorless, has no concern about toxicity, is easily hydrolyzed into hesperidin and sugar in vivo, and has the physiological activity inherent in hesperidin. A representative example of α-glycosyl hesperidin, α-glucosyl hesperidin using D-glucose as a sugar (hereinafter referred to as “α-G hesperidin”) is a compound represented by the following (I), Hesperidin, which is an aglycon of G hesperidin, is a compound represented by the following formula (II). The aglycon of the hesperidin is hesperetin represented by the formula (III).

  α-G hesperidin is commercially available, for example, as “enzyme-treated hesperidin” (Hayashibara Corporation), and hesperidin is, for example, “Hesperidin” (Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., Wako First Grade, model number: 088-07341), etc. Hesperetin is commercially available, for example, as “4′-methoxy-3 ′, 5,7-trihydroxyflavuanone, 97%” (name: Hesperetin) (Alfa Aesar), etc. it can. However, it is not limited to these examples.

  α-G hesperidin is decomposed into rutin, hesperidin and the like by the small intestine α-glucosidase in the body, and these are further decomposed into quercetin, hesperetin and the like by β-glucosidase. Then, quercetin, hesperetin and the like are absorbed in the digestive tract and conjugated to form several active isomers (partially methylated). That is, α-G hesperidin is present in the blood as hesperetin in a form bound to a serum protein. The present inventors have now confirmed for the first time that this metabolized hesperetin exhibits an SCF production inhibitory action in keratinocytes, as shown in the Examples below.

  In addition to keratinocytes, melanocytes that produce melanin are present in the epidermis of the skin. Melanocytes are interspersed between basal cells along the basal layer.

  Melanin pigment production in melanocytes involves oxidation of tyrosine, which is the starting material, into dopa, which is further oxidized to produce dopaquinone. Although it is produced, it is also known that the presence of tyrosinase accelerates melanin pigment production. Therefore, melanin can be lowered by inhibiting the tyrosinase action in melanocytes. Melanin pigments produced in melanocytes migrate to neighboring keratinocytes through melanocyte dendrites.

  On the other hand, in keratinocytes, it is known that generation of melanocyte stimulating factors is induced by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation or the like. Melanocyte-stimulating factor exhibits melanocyte proliferative action. Therefore, melanin reduction can be aimed at by suppressing the production | generation of the melanocyte stimulating factor in a keratinocyte. Examples of the melanocyte stimulating factor include α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), stem cell factor (SCF), ET-1 (endothelin-1) and the like.

  Among the above factors, the expression of SCF (also known as kit ligand [KL] or mast cell growth factor [MCF]) is increased in the skin spot or the like, and the expression of SCF may be increased by UV irradiation. (LH Kligman et al., Photochem. Photobiol. Vol. 63, No. 2 (1996) pp. 123-127). SCF is a protein produced in keratinocytes, fibroblasts, vascular endothelial cells and the like. The action of SCF includes proliferation of undifferentiated hematopoietic stem cells, differentiation of germ cells, promotion of mast cell proliferation, pigment cell proliferation, etc. (Bio Science Terminology Library Cytoikain / Growth Factor Yodosha 1995) Kozo Miyazono, Kazuo Kashimura). It is known that SCF includes a membrane-bound type (SCF-2) and a secreted type (SCF-1) that is released from a membrane cleaved by the action of a proteolytic enzyme. SCF-2 binds to the SCF receptor of the pigment cell while binding to keratinocytes and the like and activates proliferation of the pigment cell, and SCF-1 is cleaved at the cleavage site and released from the cell membrane. Binds to the SCF receptor, activates pigment cell proliferation, and leads to mast cell proliferation activation and degranulation (T. Kunisada et al., J. Exp. Med., Vol. 187, No. 10, (1998) pp.1565-1573). Abnormal production of SCF leads to abnormal proliferation of pigment cells, increases melanin production, and causes spots, freckles, dullness and the like. It also leads to abnormal growth and abnormal degranulation of mast cells, and enhances the release of chemical mediators such as histamine, serotonin, and LTB4 (J. Grabbe et el., Arch Dermatol Res (1984) 287: 78-84) Cause itching, rough skin, and sensitive skin. Therefore, suppression of SCF can be said to suppress the above-mentioned phenomenon and symptom.

  The present invention relates to an oral administration and ingestion containing α-glycosyl hesperidin as an active ingredient, a melanin lowering agent, a skin lightness lowering inhibitor, a skin viscoelasticity lowering inhibitor, a sebum amount lowering inhibitor, an SCF production inhibitor, It is an itching inhibitor, and each of these agents is a food or drink or an oral agent. In the present invention, α-G hesperidin is preferably used as α-glycosyl hesperidin.

  The food or drink or oral preparation of the present invention can be used as, for example, a beverage, food, health food, nutritional functional food, health functional food, food for specified health use, beauty food and the like.

  α-glycosyl hesperidin is extremely water-soluble compared to hesperidin. Moreover, since it is substantially tasteless and odorless, it can be freely seasoned and scented.

  As a form of the food / beverage products of this invention, it can shape | mold arbitrarily, for example at granular form, a granular form, a paste form, a gel form, solid form, or a liquid form. These include various substances known to those skilled in the art that are known to be contained in foods, for example, binders, disintegrants, thickeners, dispersants, absorption enhancers, flavoring agents, buffering agents, and surfactants. Excipients such as agents, solubilizers, preservatives, emulsifiers, tonicity agents, stabilizers and pH adjusters can be contained as appropriate. Specific examples of food and drink include soft drinks, gummi, candy, and tablet confectionery. However, it is not limited to these examples.

  Oral preparations can be administered in the form of solid preparations such as tablets, hard capsules, soft capsules, granules or pills, and liquid preparations such as solutions, emulsions or suspensions. In preparing these formulations, additives that are acceptable for formulation, such as excipients, stabilizers, preservatives, wetting agents, emulsifiers, lubricants, sweeteners, coloring agents, flavoring agents, tonicity agents. , Buffering agents, antioxidants, pH adjusters and the like can be formulated.

  It is specifically described in Examples below that α-glycosyl hesperidin has a melanin lowering effect, a skin lightness lowering inhibitory effect, a skin viscoelasticity lowering inhibitory effect, a sebum amount lowering inhibitory effect, an SCF production inhibitory effect and an itching inhibitory effect. explain.

  The administration / intake amount can be appropriately adjusted depending on the content, administration / intake route, administration / intake frequency, and the like. Usually, α-G hesperidin is preferably in the range of about 0.001 to 10.0 g per day for an adult.

  EXAMPLES Hereinafter, although this invention is demonstrated further in detail based on an Example, this invention is not limited to a following example. In the following examples, α-G hesperidin is “enzyme-treated hesperidin” (Hayashibara Corporation), and hesperidin is “Hesperidin” (Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd. Wako first grade, model number: 088-07341). Hesperetin used “4′-methoxy-3 ′, 5,7-trihydroxyflavuanone, 97%” (name: Hesperetin) (Alfa Aesar). All compounding amounts are shown in mass%.

Example 1
The effect confirmation test (small-scale human effect test) of α-G hesperidin was conducted by the following method.
1. Group composition (subject group)
Subjects (n = 25) were divided into two groups, an active group (α-G hesperidin administration group, n = 13) and a placebo group (control group, n = 12).
2. Test sample Test product: Active group administration sample. Tablet confectionery (containing 100 mg of α-G hesperidin / 1 tablet). Daily dose of 5 tablets (= daily intake of α-G hesperidin 500 mg).
Control product: Placebo group administration sample. A product obtained by removing α-G hesperidin from the above test product. 5 tablets per day.
3. Test sample ingestion method The subject orally ingested the test product or the control product once a day from the start date of intake and 5 tablets after breakfast for 12 weeks.
4). Test Implementation Schedule Measurements were taken at the start of test sample intake, intermediate measurements were made 6 weeks after the start, and final measurements were made 6 weeks later (= 12 weeks after the start of intake).
5). Skin measurement method At the time of measurement (at the start of ingestion, 6 weeks after the start, 12 weeks later), measurement was performed after the skin was acclimated under constant temperature and humidity conditions for a certain period of time.

[Skin color [L ^* (lightness), melanin amount]]
The skin color of a certain part of the cheek was measured with a spectrocolorimeter CM-2600d (manufactured by Konica Minolta Holding Co., Ltd.), and L ^* was measured.
Also, the absorption spectrum of the skin is calculated from the skin reflection spectrum obtained at the same time using the Lambert-Beer equation, and it is assumed that the absorption spectrum can be expressed by the sum of the absorption spectra of melanin and hemoglobin, which are the main absorption components of the skin, The amount of melanin was calculated by multiple regression analysis using 21 reflection spectra every 10 nm in the range of 500 to 700 nm (see Japanese Patent No. 3727807).

The results of L ^* variation (Δ) (0 week, 6 weeks, 12 weeks) are shown in FIG. As is clear from the results of FIG. 1, the active group suppressed L ^* reduction more than the placebo group.
Moreover, the result of melanin amount change ((DELTA)) (0 week, 6 weeks, 12 weeks) is shown in FIG. As is clear from the results of FIG. 2, the decrease in melanin amount was lower in the active group than in the placebo group at 6 weeks and 12 weeks, and a statistically significant difference was observed at 6 weeks. .

[Sebum amount]
The amount of sebum in a certain part of the cheek was measured using a cebumeter (Courage + Khazaka Electronic GmbH). The results of the amount of change in sebum amount (Δ) (0 week, 6 weeks, 12 weeks) are shown in FIG. As is clear from the results of FIG. 3, the active group suppressed the decrease in the amount of sebum more than the placebo group.

[Skin viscoelasticity]
The skin viscoelasticity of a certain part of the cheek was measured using a shock wave measuring device / Levis Cometer (Courage + Khazaka Electronic GmbH). FIG. 4 shows the results of changes in viscoelasticity at 135 degrees (Δ) (0 week, 6 weeks, 12 weeks). As is clear from the results of FIG. 4, the active group suppressed the decrease in viscoelasticity of the skin compared to the placebo group.

  From the results of Example 1 above, it was confirmed that the product of the present invention has a melanin lowering effect, a skin lightness lowering suppressing effect, a skin viscoelasticity lowering suppressing effect, and a sebum amount lowering suppressing effect. The oral administration / ingestion agent of the present invention can have a melanin lowering effect, a skin lightness lowering suppressing effect, a skin viscoelasticity lowering suppressing effect, and a sebum amount lowering suppressing effect.

Example 2
In Example 1 above, it was confirmed by a human efficacy test called tablet confection administration containing α-G hesperidin that it had a melanin-lowering effect, but the action mechanism of the melanin-lowering effect was not confirmed. .
Therefore, in Example 2, the following experiment was conducted in order to elucidate the action mechanism of the melanin lowering effect of α-G hesperidin.

1. Examination of the effect on melanin production from B16 melanoma cells:
Tyrosinase, an enzyme that is specifically present in normal melanocytes and melanoma cells, converts L-tyrosine into a melanin pigment. Therefore, it was examined whether or not the mechanism of action of α-G hesperidin for melanin lowering was tyrosinase-dependent.
First, the effect on melanin production from B16 melanoma cells was examined by the following test method.
Mouse-derived B16 melanoma cells were seeded in 24-well plates at a cell density of 5 × 10 ⁴ cells / well using 10% FBS-DMEM medium, pre-cultured for 1 day, and then hesperidin (a-G hesperidin aglycon) (Mass molecular weight: 610.56) and hesperetin (mass molecular weight: 302.30), which is an aglycon of the hesperidin, were added to give concentrations of 1 μg / mL, 3 μg / mL, 10 μg / mL, and 30 μg / mL, respectively (final concentration). And dissolved in a medium containing 0.5% DMSO). After culturing for 3 days, the medium is removed, and after washing with PBS, 2N-NaOH is added to each well to lyse the cells. By measuring the absorbance of this cell lysate (measurement wavelength: 405 nm, reference wavelength: 690 nm) The amount of melanin was measured.
As a result, with the addition of hesperidin, no melanin production inhibitory effect was observed up to a concentration of 30 μg / mL. In addition, when hesperetin was added, the production of melanin was promoted in a concentration-dependent manner, and the amount of melanin was about 3 times that of the control at 30 μg / mL.

  As described above, since hesperidin and hesperetin did not have an inhibitory action on melanin production from B16 melanoma cells, the melanin-lowering action and lightness-lowering action of α-G hesperidin observed in the human efficacy test of Example 1 were observed. Was not due to tyrosinase dependence but to another mechanism.

2. Examination of the effect on the production of keratinocyte-derived melanocyte stimulating factor:
Therefore, the effects of hesperidin and hesperetin on the production of melanocyte-stimulating factor induced by UV irradiation of cultured human keratinocytes were examined. Since the melanocyte stimulating factor exhibits the proliferation action of melanocytes, melanin production can be suppressed by suppressing the production of melanocyte stimulating factor. In this example, SCF was used as a melanocyte stimulating factor.
(Test method)
Foreskin-derived normal human keratinocytes; NHEK (F) (Cascade Biologics, Inc.) was seeded in a cell culture dish and cultured until subconfluent (n = 3).
Subsequently, immediately after irradiation with UVB 20 mJ / cm ² , drugs (hesperidin and hesperetin. Tranexamic acid known as a whitening component was also used as a reference drug) were added, and the amount of SCF in the culture supernatant after 2 days was determined by SCF. kit ^{(Quantikine (R) Human SCF kit} , R & D Systems) were quantified using.
The possibility that the amount of SCF produced decreases due to the cytotoxicity of the drug is also considered. Therefore, the number of living cells when the drug was added was also measured. The results are shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, the leftmost bar graph shows the number of viable cells when UVB irradiation is not performed and no drug is added, and the second bar graph from the leftmost side shows no life when UVB irradiation is performed without drug addition. The cell number is indicated. As is clear from the results shown in FIG. 5, since no cytotoxicity was observed in any of hesperidin, hesperetin, and tranexamic acid, it can be said that the SCF inhibitory action acts to some extent in the living body.

FIG. 6 shows the SCF value per 10 ⁶ cells. In FIG. 6, the leftmost bar graph shows the SCF value in the supernatant when no UVB irradiation was performed and no drug was added, and the second bar graph from the leftmost side showed no UVB irradiation but was subjected to UVB irradiation. The SCF value in the supernatant is shown.

  As is apparent from the results of FIG. 6, it can be seen that when hesperetin is added, particularly when about 10 μg / mL or more is added, the SCF value is lowered. Moreover, compared with tranexamic acid (TA) known as a whitening component, the SCF value is remarkably reduced, and is dose-dependent and statistically significant at 100 μg / mL.

  That is, since the SCF inhibitory effect of hesperetin existing in the body was recognized by the addition of α-G hesperidin, it was confirmed that α-G hesperidin exhibits a melanin lowering action due to the SCF inhibitory action. Moreover, since the SCF inhibitory effect was shown, it is considered that skin troubles such as pruritus, rough skin, and sensitive skin due to increased SCF production are also suppressed.

  A prescription example is shown below.

Formulation Example 1: Supplement (Tablet)
(Mixed component) (mass%)
Vitamin C 33.0
Reduced maltose starch syrup powder 25.7
α-G Hesperidin 17.0
Crystalline cellulose 10.0
Starch degradation product 10.0
Sucrose fatty acid ester 2.0
Flavangenol 1.3
Arabic gum 0.5
Titanium dioxide 0.5
(Ingestion example)
Take 6 tablets of 500mg per day.

Formulation Example 2: Supplement (Hard Capsule)
(Mixed component) (mass%)
α-G Hesperidin 90.0
Starch 10.0
(Ingestion example)
Take 4 capsules of 280 mg per capsule.

Formulation Example 3: Supplement (Granule)
(Mixed component) (mass%)
Powdered sugar 35.0
Starch 31.0
α-G Hesperidin 21.0
Vitamin C 10.0
Vitamin E 2.5
Fragrance 0.5
(Ingestion example)
Take 1 pack (1.2 g) per day.

Formulation Example 4: Soft drink (combined component) (mass%)
Fructose dextrose liquid sugar 30.0
α-G Hesperidin 1.0
Citric acid 0.5
Perfume appropriate amount Purified water residue

Formulation Example 5: Gummy (combined component) (mass%)
Reduced water tank 40.0
Granulated sugar 20.0
Glucose 19.0
Water 9.3
Gelatin 5.0
α-G Hesperidin 5.0
Citric acid 1.0
Fragrance 0.6
Dye 0.1

Formulation Example 6: Tablet confectionery (combination component) (mass%)
Glucose 40.0
Lactose 30.0
Granulated sugar 19.0
Starch 5.0
Sucrose fatty acid ester 2.0
Citric acid 1.5
α-G Hesperidin 1.0
Cellulose 1.0
Fragrance 0.5

Formulation Example 7: Candy (Mixed component) (mass%)
Sugar 50.0
Minamata 47.5
Citric acid 1.5
α-G Hesperidin 0.5
Fragrance 0.5

It is a graph which shows the L ^* change amount ((DELTA)) of a cheek of the (alpha) -G hesperidin administration group (active group) and the placebo group in Example 1 (0 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks). It is a graph which shows the amount of melanin amount change ((DELTA)) (0 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks) of a cheek of the alpha-G hesperidin administration group (active group) and the placebo group in Example 1. FIG. 2 is a graph showing changes in cheek sebum amount (Δ) (0 week, 6 weeks, 12 weeks) in the α-G hesperidin administration group (active group) and the placebo group in Example 1. FIG. It is a graph which shows skin viscoelasticity fall change ((DELTA)) (0 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks) in a cheek (135 degree | times) of the alpha-G hesperidin administration group (active group) and a placebo group in Example 1. . In Example 2, it is a graph which shows the influence (live cell number) of hesperidin and hesperetin addition with respect to the keratinocyte irradiated with UV. It is a graph which shows the influence (SCF suppression effect) of hesperidin and hesperetin addition with respect to the keratinocyte irradiated with UV in Example 2. FIG.

Claims (7)

  A melanin-lowering agent containing α-glycosyl hesperidin as an active ingredient, used as a food or drink or an oral preparation.   A skin lightness decrease inhibitor containing α-glycosyl hesperidin as an active ingredient, used as a food or drink or oral preparation.   A skin viscoelasticity reduction inhibitor containing α-glycosyl hesperidin as an active ingredient, used as a food or drink or oral preparation.   A sebum amount lowering inhibitor containing α-glycosyl hesperidin as an active ingredient, used as a food or drink or an oral preparation.   An SCF production inhibitor comprising α-glycosyl hesperidin and / or hesperetin, which is used as a food or drink or oral preparation.   An itching inhibitor comprising α-glycosyl hesperidin and / or hesperetin used as a food or drink or oral preparation.   An oral preparation comprising both α-glycosyl hesperidin and / or hesperetin, which has both a melanin-inhibiting action and an itching-inhibiting action.