JP2012162487A - Whitening agent, anti-aging agent and skin cosmetic - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To find a material having a whitening action or an anti-aging action among natural products having high safety; and to provide a whitening agent and an anti-aging agent using the same as an active constituent, and a skin cosmetic blended with them.SOLUTION: As the active constituent for the whitening agent and the anti-aging agent, an extract from one or more kinds of plants selected from the group consisting of a Kyou-mizuna, a Kyou-mibuna, Fushimi pepper, Manganji pepper and a Kujou green onion is incorporated. Further, a skin cosmetic is blended with the whitening agent and/or anti-aging agent.

Description

  The present invention relates to a whitening agent, an anti-aging agent, and a skin cosmetic.

  Melanin also plays a role in protecting the body from ultraviolet rays in the skin, but overproduction and uneven accumulation cause skin darkening and spots. Therefore, in order to prevent, treat, or improve skin darkness (skin pigmentation), spots, buckwheat, etc., it is conceivable to suppress the production of melanin.

  Conventionally, for the prevention, treatment or improvement of skin pigmentation, stains, buckwheat, etc., a treatment using a whitening agent containing a chemically synthesized product such as hydroquinone as an active ingredient has been performed. However, since chemical synthetic products such as hydroquinone may cause side effects such as skin irritation and allergy, development of a whitening agent containing a highly safe natural raw material as an active ingredient is desired. From this point of view, examples of those having a melanin production inhibitory effect include extracts from roots of castor bean (see Patent Document 1), extracts from plants belonging to the genus Southus (Saussurea), and the like (see Patent Document 2). It has been known.

  Glutathione is a tripeptide consisting of three amino acids, glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine, and is a compound having a major cysteine residue in the cell. Intracellular glutathione functions as a radical donor, regulation of cell function by redox, and an SH donor for various enzymes, and is also known as an antioxidant component. Its action expression is thought to be derived from cysteine residues. However, it has been reported that the amount of glutathione in the skin decreases with aging, and this is one factor that reduces the oxidative defense ability in the skin and damages cellular components such as DNA and proteins. It is believed that.

  Therefore, promoting the production of glutathione in the skin increases the defense against oxidative stress that declines with aging, and suppresses damage to oxidative stress caused by ultraviolet rays. It is considered that improvement for pigmentation can be expected. Based on this idea, extracts from tenninka (see Patent Document 3), extracts from plants belonging to the gardenia (see Patent Document 4), and the like are known as having a glutathione production promoting action.

  The skin is composed of the epidermis, basement membrane and dermis. The dermis is composed of fibroblasts and an extracellular matrix such as collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid secreted from the cells. In young skin, these skin tissues maintain their homeostasis, thereby ensuring moisture retention, flexibility, elasticity, and the like, and the skin is kept fresh and fresh with a firmness and gloss.

  However, when the skin is affected by external factors such as ultraviolet rays, significant air drying, excessive skin cleansing, stress, smoking, etc., or when aging progresses, collagen, elastin and the main components of the extracellular matrix The production amount of hyaluronic acid and the like is reduced, and decomposition and alteration are caused. As a result, the moisturizing function and elasticity of the skin are reduced, abnormal exfoliation of the keratin occurs, and changes accompanying aging of the skin, that is, wrinkles, dullness, disappearance of texture, reduced elasticity, and the like occur.

  As described above, changes associated with aging of the skin, that is, formation of wrinkles, disappearance of tension, decrease in elasticity, etc. involve reduction and degeneration of extracellular matrix components such as collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. . In recent years, cell damage caused by hydrogen peroxide or ultraviolet rays has been cited as a factor that induces changes associated with skin aging, and is considered to be a major factor such as skin wrinkle formation.

  Therefore, promoting the production of collagen, elastin or hyaluronic acid, or suppressing cell damage caused by hydrogen peroxide is important in preventing or improving skin aging.

  Conventionally, what has a collagen production promotion effect is known, for example, an extract from the leaf part of Pagoda (Patent Document 5), an extract from Kusunohagashi (Patent Document 6), and the like. Moreover, as what has an elastin production promotion effect | action, the extract from the plant which belongs to the genus Hippophae, for example, is known (refer patent document 7).

  As what has a hyaluronic acid production promoting effect, the extract from Kusunohagashi (refer patent document 6), the extract from the fruit part of a star fruit (5 coconuts) (refer patent document 8), etc. are known. Extracts from the flower parts of quince (see Patent Document 9) and the like are known as having an action of inhibiting hydrogen peroxide cell damage.

  The epidermis functions to alleviate external stimuli and control the loss of body components such as moisture, and starts with the basal layer, the lowest layer, and continues to the spiny layer, granule layer, and stratum corneum. It is composed of Most cells present in each layer are keratinocytes differentiated from the basal layer. The keratinocytes that divide and proliferate in the basal layer differentiate into keratinocytes while passing through the spinous layer and the granule layer, forming a stratum corneum composed of keratin protein fibers with strong cross-linking, Eventually it will fall off the stratum corneum as plaque.

  The stratum corneum is present in the outermost shell of the skin and serves as a physical barrier against irritation from the outside world. In order to have this barrier function in the skin, the cycle (keratinization) from the production of keratinocytes in the basal layer to the peeling off of the keratinocytes (keratinization) is usually repeated at a cycle of 4 weeks to perform epidermal metabolism. . However, the metabolic function of this stratum corneum also deteriorates with aging, and skin troubles such as wrinkles, dullness, pigmentation, and rough skin occur. Therefore, it is considered that skin aging such as wrinkles, dullness, and pigmentation can be improved by promoting the proliferation of keratinocytes and restoring the metabolic function of the skin. Based on such an idea, extracts from diatomaceous earth (see Patent Document 10), extracts from shellfish mothers (see Patent Document 11), and the like are known as having epidermal keratinocyte proliferation promoting action. .

  In the granular layer, the cell membrane is thickened to form a thickened cell membrane, and the transglutaminase-1 action causes glutamyl-lysine cross-linking between protein molecules to form strong keratin protein fibers. Furthermore, ceramide or the like is covalently bonded to a part of the ceramide to form a hydrophobic structure, thereby providing a foundation for the lamellar structure of the intercellular lipid and forming the basis of the keratin barrier function.

  However, when the amount of transglutaminase-1 produced in the epidermis decreases with aging, the keratin barrier function and the skin moisturizing function decrease, so that skin aging symptoms such as rough skin and dry skin may occur, or dry skin diseases ( For example, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, ichthyosis, etc.) may develop. Therefore, it is considered that skin aging symptoms, dry skin diseases, and the like can be prevented, treated, or improved by promoting production of transglutaminase-1 in the epidermis. Known examples of such transglutaminase-1 production promoting action include phlorizin and / or phloretin (see Patent Document 12), bittern or calcium chloride (see Patent Document 13) as a component thereof.

  Ceramide is produced by the action of an enzyme such as serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) known as a rate-limiting enzyme for ceramide synthesis based on serine and palmitoyl-CoA in the process of keratinization of epidermal cells. Ceramide exists specifically as the main component of the keratinocyte lipid covering the outermost layer of the skin, and plays an important role in maintaining the function of the skin itself as a barrier film between the living body and the outside world.

  The stratum corneum structure is compared to brick and mortar, and a strong barrier membrane is formed in such a way that intercellular lipids connect the stratum corneum stacked in about 15 layers. Keratinocytes retain water by containing natural moisturizing factors mainly composed of amino acids in the cells, while stratum corneum lipids are composed of approximately 50% ceramide as a main component, and parents such as cholesterol and fatty acids. It is composed of an amphiphilic lipid, and is characterized by a lamellar structure in which hydrophobic portions and hydrophilic portions are alternately repeated, so-called lamellar structure.

The decrease in the skin barrier function due to various internal and external factors increases the transepidermal water transpiration, causing skin roughness, desquamation, pruritus, etc., resulting in so-called dry skin. Moreover, the decrease in the barrier function of the skin increases the inflammation of the skin and falls into a vicious circle in which the protective function against various stimuli from the outside world is reduced. In recent studies, keratin ceramide components (so-called intercellular lipids) have been decreased and compositional changes have been reported in patients with atopic dermatitis known as aging or barrier disorders (see Non-patent Document 1). It is widely known that ceramide is important for maintaining and improving the barrier function of ceramide. Based on such a way of thinking, methods for improving the barrier function of the skin include a method of supplementing ceramide from the outside (see Non-Patent Document 2), a method of increasing the ceramide production ability inside the skin (see Non-Patent Document 3 ), and the like. Are known.

  In skin cells, it is known that aquaporins, known as water channels, are expressed on the cell membrane and play a role of taking in low-molecular substances such as interstitial water into cells.

  In humans, the presence of 13 types of aquaporins (AQP0 to AQP12) is known. In epidermal cells, AQP3 is mainly present, and it is considered to play a role of taking in low-molecular compounds such as glycerol and urea involved in water retention action in addition to water.

  However, AQP3 decreases with aging, and it has been suggested that this contributes to a decrease in water retention function. Therefore, by promoting the expression of AQP3, the water retention capacity and barrier function due to aging, etc. Can be controlled (see Non-Patent Document 4). Based on such an idea, for example, tocopheryl retinoate (see Patent Document 14), an extract obtained from a Nozenhalenaceae plant (see Patent Document 15) and the like are known as having AQP3 expression promoting action.

JP 2001-213757 A JP 2002-201222 A JP 2008-285422 A JP 2006-347934 A JP 2002-226323 A JP 2003-146837 A JP 2005-22993 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-300893 JP 2006-8571 A JP 2006-316028 A JP 2006-56854 A JP 2004-51596 A JP 2007-106712 A JP 2006-290873 A JP 2004-168732 A

Akimoto K et al., "J. Dermatol.", 1993, Vol. 20, p.1-6 "Fragrance Journal", 2004, Vol.32, No.11, p.23-32 Tanno O et al., "Br. J. Dermatol.", 2000, Vol.143, p.524-531 "Fragrance Journal", 2006, Vol.34, No.10, p.19-23

  The present invention provides a whitening agent or an anti-aging agent which has a whitening action or an anti-aging action among highly safe natural products, and provides a whitening agent and an anti-aging agent containing the same as an active ingredient, and a skin cosmetic containing these. Objective.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the whitening agent or anti-aging agent of the present invention is selected from the group consisting of one or more plants selected from the group consisting of Kyomizuna, Kyojou Nana, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togarashi and Kujo Negi. The extract is contained as an active ingredient. Moreover, the skin cosmetic of the present invention is characterized by blending the above-mentioned whitening agent and / or anti-aging agent.

  It is preferable that the extract contained as an active ingredient in the whitening agent has a melanin production inhibitory action and / or a glutathione production promotion action. In addition, the extract contained as an active ingredient in the anti-aging agent is a type I collagen production promoting action, elastin production promoting action, hyaluronic acid production promoting action, hydrogen peroxide cell damage inhibiting action, epidermal keratinocyte growth promoting action It preferably has one or more actions selected from the group consisting of transglutaminase-1 production promoting action, serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) mRNA expression promoting action and aquaporin 3 (AQP3) mRNA expression promoting action.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a whitening agent having an excellent whitening action and high safety, and an anti-aging agent having an excellent anti-aging action and high safety. Furthermore, according to this invention, the skin cosmetics excellent in the whitening effect | action or anti-aging effect | action can be provided.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.
[Whitening agent, anti-aging agent]
The whitening agent or anti-aging agent of the present embodiment includes, as an active ingredient, an extract from one or more plants selected from the group consisting of Kyomizuna, Kyoen Nana, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togarashi and Kujo Negi. It contains.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the “extract” refers to an extract obtained using the above plant as an extraction raw material, a diluted or concentrated solution of the extract, a dried product obtained by drying the extract, or these Either a crude product or a purified product is included.

  The extraction raw material used in this embodiment is Kyomizuna, Kyojou Nana, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togarashi or Kujo Green Onion.

  Kyomizuna is a variety of Mizuna (Brassica rapa var. Nipposinica), a perennial plant belonging to the Brassica family Brassica, and has been cultivated in the Kyoto region for a long time and can be easily obtained from these areas. Examples of the constituent parts of Kyoto mizuna that can be used as an extraction raw material include whole grass, ground parts such as leaves, stems, and flower parts, root parts, or a mixture of these parts. Part.

  Kyoto Kana is a varieties of Brassica rapa var. Nipposinica, a perennial plant of the Brassicaceae genus Brassica, which has long been cultivated in the Kyushu area of Kyoto City and can be easily obtained from these areas. it can. Examples of the constituent parts of Kyoto raisana that can be used as an extraction raw material include whole grass, above-ground parts such as leaves, stems, and flower parts, root parts, or a mixture of these parts, but preferably It is the ground part.

  Fushimi pepper is a variety of Capsicum annum, a perennial plant belonging to the genus Capsicum, which is cultivated in the Fushimi area of Kyoto City. It can be obtained. Examples of the constituent parts of Fushimi red pepper that can be used as the raw material for extraction include whole grass, aboveground parts such as leaves, stems, flower parts, fruit parts, root parts, or a mixture of these parts. Preferably it is a fruit part.

  Manganji Togarashi is a variety of Capsicum annum that is a perennial of the genus Capsicum (Annual Grass in Japan and other temperate zones) and is cultivated in the Manganji area of Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture. It can be easily obtained. Examples of the constituent parts of Manganji shrimp that can be used as an extraction raw material include whole grass, above-ground parts such as leaves, stems, flower parts, fruit parts, root parts, or a mixture of these parts. Preferably it is a fruit part.

  Kujo leek is a cultivar of Allium fistulosum belonging to the genus Allium, and has been cultivated in the Kujo area, Minami-ku, Kyoto, and can be easily obtained from these areas. Examples of the constituent parts of Kujo leek that can be used as an extraction raw material include whole grass, above-ground parts such as leaf parts, stem parts, leaf sheath parts, flower parts, root parts, or a mixture of these parts. The above-ground part is preferable.

  The extract from the plant can be obtained by drying the extraction raw material, pulverizing it as it is or using a crusher, and subjecting it to extraction with an extraction solvent. Drying may be performed in the sun or using a commonly used dryer. Moreover, after performing pretreatment, such as degreasing, with a nonpolar solvent such as hexane, it may be used as an extraction raw material. By performing pretreatment such as degreasing, extraction treatment with the polar solvent of the plant can be efficiently performed.

  As the extraction solvent, it is preferable to use a polar solvent, and examples thereof include water and hydrophilic organic solvents. These are used alone or in combination of two or more at room temperature or a temperature below the boiling point of the solvent. It is preferable.

  Examples of water that can be used as the extraction solvent include pure water, tap water, well water, mineral spring water, mineral water, hot spring water, spring water, fresh water, and the like, and those subjected to various treatments. Examples of the treatment applied to water include purification, heating, sterilization, filtration, ion exchange, osmotic pressure adjustment, buffering, and the like. Therefore, the water that can be used as the extraction solvent in this embodiment includes purified water, hot water, ion exchange water, physiological saline, phosphate buffer, phosphate buffered saline, and the like.

  Examples of hydrophilic organic solvents that can be used as extraction solvents include lower aliphatic alcohols having 1 to 5 carbon atoms such as methanol, ethanol, propyl alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol; lower aliphatic ketones such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone; 1,3-butylene. Examples thereof include polyhydric alcohols having 2 to 5 carbon atoms such as glycol, propylene glycol and glycerin.

  When using the liquid mixture of 2 or more types of polar solvents as an extraction solvent, the mixing ratio can be adjusted suitably. For example, when using a mixed solution of water and a lower aliphatic alcohol, it is preferable to mix 1 to 90 parts by volume of a lower aliphatic alcohol with respect to 10 parts by volume of water. When using a mixed solution, it is preferable to mix 1 to 40 parts by volume of a lower aliphatic ketone with 10 parts by volume of water, and when using a mixed solution of water and a polyhydric alcohol, water 10 It is preferable to mix 10 to 90 parts by volume of a polyhydric alcohol with respect to the volume part.

  The extraction treatment is not particularly limited as long as the soluble component contained in the extraction raw material can be eluted in the extraction solvent, and can be performed according to a conventional method. For example, the extraction raw material is immersed in an extraction solvent 5 to 15 times (mass ratio) of the extraction raw material, the soluble components are extracted at room temperature or under reflux, and then filtered to remove the extraction residue. A liquid can be obtained. When the solvent is distilled off from the obtained extract, a paste-like concentrate is obtained, and when this concentrate is further dried, a dried product is obtained.

  In addition, although the extract obtained as mentioned above can be used as it is as an active ingredient of a whitening agent or an anti-aging agent, a concentrated solution or a dried product is easier to use.

  In addition, since the extract from the plant has a peculiar odor, it can be purified for the purpose of decolorization, deodorization and the like within a range not causing a decrease in its physiological activity. Since it is not used in a large amount when it is blended, etc., there is no practical problem even if it is not purified.

  Since the extract from Kyomizuna, Kyoennagara, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togarashi or Kujo green onion obtained as described above has an excellent whitening effect or anti-aging effect, use each action. It can be used as an active ingredient of a whitening agent or an anti-aging agent.

  Here, the whitening effect possessed by the extract from Kyomizuna, Kyoen Nana, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togarashi or Kujo onion is exhibited based on, for example, a melanin production inhibiting action and / or a glutathione production promoting action. However, the whitening effect of the extract from Kyomizuna, Kyoen Nana, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togarashi, or Kujo Green onion is not limited to the whitening effect exhibited on the basis of the above action.

  In addition, the anti-aging action of the extract from Kyomizuna, Kyoen Nana, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togarashi or Kujo onion is, for example, type I collagen production promoting action, elastin production promoting action, hyaluronic acid production promoting action, peroxidation 1 selected from the group consisting of an inhibitory action on hydrogen cell damage, an action for promoting keratinocyte proliferation, an action for promoting production of transglutaminase-1, an action for promoting expression of serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) mRNA, and an action for promoting expression of aquaporin 3 (AQP3) mRNA It is exhibited based on the action of two or more species. However, the anti-aging effect of the extract from Kyomizuna, Kyoen Nana, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togarashi or Kujo onion is not limited to the anti-aging action exhibited based on the above-mentioned action.

  In addition, the extract from Kyomizuna, Kyojou Nana, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togarashi or Kujo onion has melanin production inhibitory action, glutathione production promoting action, type I collagen production promoting action, elastin production promoting action, hyaluron. Acid production promoting action, hydrogen peroxide cell damage inhibiting action, epidermal keratinocyte proliferation promoting action, transglutaminase-1 production promoting action, serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) mRNA expression promoting action or aquaporin 3 (AQP3) mRNA expression promoting action Utilized, melanin production inhibitor, glutathione production promoter, type I collagen production promoter, elastin production promoter, hyaluronic acid production promoter, hydrogen peroxide cell disorder inhibitor, epidermal keratinocyte proliferation promoter, transglutaminase -1 production promoter, serine palmito Transferase (SPT) mRNA expression promoter or aquaporin 3 (AQP3) may be used as an active ingredient of mRNA expression promoting agent.

  The whitening agent or anti-aging agent of the present embodiment may be any one of the extracts from Kyomizuna, Kyojou Nana, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togarashi or Kujo Negi, and these may be used as the active ingredients. Two or more of these may be mixed and used as the active ingredient. When using as an active ingredient by mixing an extract from Kyomizuna, Kyojou Nana, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togarashi or Kujo Negi, the mixing ratio is Kyomizuna, Kyoto Nana, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togarashi or Kujo Negi What is necessary is just to adjust suitably according to the grade of the whitening effect | action or anti-aging effect which the extract from has.

  The whitening agent or anti-aging agent of the present embodiment may be composed only of an extract from Kyomizuna, Kyojo Nana, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togarashi or Kujo Negi, or a mixture thereof. An extract from Fushimi red pepper, Manganji red pepper, Kujo green onion or a mixture thereof may be used.

  When formulating the whitening agent or anti-aging agent of the present embodiment, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier such as dextrin and cyclodextrin and other optional auxiliaries are used in accordance with a conventional method, and are in the form of powder, granules, tablets Can be formulated into an arbitrary dosage form such as a liquid or a liquid. In this case, as an auxiliary agent, for example, an excipient, a binder, a disintegrant, a lubricant, a stabilizer, a flavoring / flavoring agent, and the like can be used. Extracts from Kyomizuna, Kyojou Nana, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togarashi or Kujo Negi, or mixtures thereof may be used in other compositions (for example, external preparations for skin, cosmetic foods and drinks, etc.) In addition, it can be used as an ointment, a liquid for external use, a patch and the like.

  When formulating the whitening agent or anti-aging agent of the present embodiment, the content of the extract from Kyomizuna, Kyoen fresh vegetables, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togarashi or Kujo green onion, or a mixture thereof is not particularly limited. And can be appropriately set according to the purpose.

  In addition, the whitening agent or anti-aging agent of the present embodiment, if necessary, other natural extracts having a whitening action or an anti-aging action, such as Kyomizuna, Kyoen Nana, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togarashi or Kujo Negi It can mix | blend with the extract from these, or these mixtures, and can be used as an active ingredient.

  Examples of the method for administering the whitening agent or anti-aging agent of the present embodiment to a patient include transdermal administration, oral administration, and the like. Depending on the type of the disease, a suitable method for the prevention / treatment, etc. can be selected as appropriate. That's fine.

  In addition, the dose of the whitening agent or anti-aging agent of the present embodiment may be appropriately increased or decreased depending on the type of disease, severity, individual differences among patients, administration method, administration period, and the like.

  The whitening agent of the present embodiment is a skin blackening, a stain, a buckwheat, through a melanin production inhibitory action and / or a glutathione production promoting action possessed by an extract from Kyomizuna, Kyojou Nana, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togarashi or Kujo Onion. It is possible to prevent and improve pigmentation. However, the whitening agent of the present embodiment can be used for all purposes that are meaningful in exhibiting a melanin production inhibitory action and / or a glutathione production promoting action in addition to these uses.

  The anti-aging agent of the present embodiment is Kyomizuna, Kyojou Nana, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togari or Kujo green onion extract type I collagen production promoting action, elastin production promoting action, hyaluronic acid production promoting action, peroxidation 1 selected from the group consisting of an inhibitory action on hydrogen cell damage, an action for promoting keratinocyte proliferation, an action for promoting production of transglutaminase-1, an action for promoting expression of serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) mRNA, and an action for promoting expression of aquaporin 3 (AQP3) mRNA Through the action of two or more species, skin aging symptoms such as skin wrinkle formation, reduced elasticity, and reduced moisturizing function can be prevented, treated, or improved. However, the anti-aging agent of the present embodiment is not limited to the above uses, but promotes type I collagen production, elastin production, hyaluronic acid production, hydrogen peroxide cell damage, epidermal keratinocyte proliferation Significance of exerting one or more actions selected from the group consisting of a transglutaminase-1 production promoting action, a serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) mRNA expression promoting action and an aquaporin 3 (AQP3) mRNA expression promoting action Can be used for all applications.

  Moreover, since the whitening agent or anti-aging agent of this embodiment has the respectively excellent whitening effect | action or anti-aging effect, it is suitable for mix | blending with a skin external preparation or food-drinks, for example. In this case, the whitening agent and / or anti-aging agent blended in the external preparation for skin or food and drink is composed only of an extract from Kyomizuna, Kyojou Nana, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togara or Kujo Negi, or a mixture thereof. It may be a thing, or it may be a formulation of an extract from Kyomizuna, Kyobu Nana, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togarashi or Kujo green onion, or a mixture thereof.

  Here, the external preparation for skin is not limited in its category, and includes a wide range of quasi-drugs and pharmaceuticals used transdermally, in addition to the skin cosmetics described below.

  The food and drink is not limited in its category, and includes a wide variety of foods such as general foods, health foods, health functional foods, quasi drugs, and pharmaceuticals that are taken orally.

  Further, since the whitening agent or anti-aging agent of the present embodiment has an excellent whitening agent action or anti-aging action, respectively, it can be suitably used as a reagent for research related to whitening or aging phenomenon.

[Skin cosmetic]
The above-mentioned whitening agent or anti-aging agent has an excellent whitening action or anti-aging action, and is therefore suitable for blending into skin cosmetics. In this case, the whitening agent and / or anti-aging agent to be blended in the skin cosmetic may consist of only an extract from Kyomizuna, Kyoen Nana, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togarashi or Kujo Negi, or a mixture thereof. In addition, an extract from Kyomizuna, Kyoen Nana, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togarashi or Kujo onion, or a mixture thereof may be used. By blending the above-described whitening agent and / or anti-aging agent into the skin cosmetic, it is possible to impart a whitening action and / or an anti-aging action to the skin cosmetic.

  The skin cosmetic that can be blended with the above-described whitening agent and / or anti-aging agent is not particularly limited, for example, ointments, creams, emulsions, lotions, packs, foundations, lip balms, bath preparations, hair arts, Hair lotion, soap, body shampoo, etc. are mentioned.

  When the whitening agent and / or anti-aging agent is blended in the skin cosmetic, the blending amount can be appropriately adjusted according to the type of the skin cosmetic, but the preferred blending ratio is the whitening agent or anti-aging agent. It is about 0.0001 to 10% by mass in terms of the mass of an extract from Kyomizuna, Kyoen Nana, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togarashi or Kujo green onion contained in the aging agent, or a mixture thereof, and a particularly suitable blending ratio Is about 0.001-1 mass%.

  The skin cosmetics of this embodiment are Kyomizuna, Kyojou Nana, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togarashi or Kujo onion extract or a mixture thereof, melanin production inhibiting action, glutathione production promoting action, type I collagen production promoting action , Elastin production promoting action, hyaluronic acid production promoting action, hydrogen peroxide cell damage inhibiting action, epidermal keratinocyte proliferation promoting action, transglutaminase-1 production promoting action, serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) mRNA expression promoting action or aquaporin 3 ( AQP3) Main agents, auxiliaries or other components used in the production of normal skin cosmetics, such as astringents, bactericides / antibacterial agents, whitening agents, UV absorbers, moisturizers, as long as they do not interfere with the mRNA expression promoting action Cell activator, anti-inflammatory / antiallergic agent, antioxidant / active oxygen remover, oil , Waxes, hydrocarbons, fatty acids, alcohols, esters, surfactants can be used in combination with perfumes. When used in combination, it becomes a more general product, and a synergistic effect with other active ingredients used in combination may lead to an excellent effect that is more than normally expected.

  The skin cosmetic of the present embodiment can prevent and improve pigmentation such as skin darkening, spots, and freckles through a melanin production inhibitory action and / or a glutathione production promoting action. In addition, the skin cosmetic of this embodiment has type I collagen production promoting action, elastin production promoting action, hyaluronic acid production promoting action, hydrogen peroxide cell damage inhibiting action, epidermal keratinocyte proliferation promoting action, transglutaminase-1 production. Formation of skin wrinkles and reduction of elasticity through one or more actions selected from the group consisting of promoting action, serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) mRNA expression promoting action and aquaporin 3 (AQP3) mRNA expression promoting action It is possible to prevent, treat or ameliorate skin aging symptoms such as reduced moisturizing function.

  The whitening agent, anti-aging agent, and skin cosmetic of the present embodiment are preferably applied to humans, but animals other than humans (for example, mice) can be used as long as their respective effects are exhibited. , Rat, hamster, dog, cat, cow, pig, monkey, etc.).

  Hereinafter, although a manufacture example and a test example are shown and this invention is demonstrated concretely, this invention is not restrict | limited to each following example at all.

[Production Example 1] Manufacture of Kyomizuna extract 200 mL of 50 vol% ethanol aqueous solution was added to 20 g of ground product of dried Kyomizuna, heated and extracted at 80 ° C for 2 hours with a reflux extractor, and filtered while hot. . The obtained extract was concentrated under reduced pressure and dried to obtain 5.0 g of 50% ethanol extract of Kyoto mizuna (sample 1).

[Production Example 2] Manufacture of Kyojou Nana Vegetable Extract Add 50 mL of 50 vol% ethanol aqueous solution to 20 g of ground product of dried Kyojou Nana and heat extract at 80 ° C for 2 hours with a reflux extractor. Filtered. The obtained extract was concentrated under reduced pressure and dried to obtain 6.0 g of a 50% ethanol extract of Kyodon fresh vegetables (Sample 2).

[Production Example 3] Manufacture of Fushimi red pepper extract 20 g of 50 vol% ethanol aqueous solution was added to 20 g of the dried fruit part of Fushimi red pepper, heated and extracted at 80 ° C for 2 hours with a reflux extractor, and filtered while hot. . The obtained extract was concentrated under reduced pressure and dried to obtain 7.9 g of 50% ethanol extract of Fushimi red pepper (sample 3).

[Production Example 4] Production of Manganji Tofu extract Extract 20 g of 50 vol% ethanol aqueous solution was added to 20 g of pulverized dried Manganji Toga pepper fruit, heated and extracted at 80 ° C for 2 hours with a reflux extractor, and filtered while hot . The obtained extract was concentrated under reduced pressure and dried to obtain 7.1 g of 50% ethanol extract from Manganji shrimp (sample 4).

[Production Example 5] Production of Kujo green onion extract To 20 g of ground product of dried Kujo green onion, 200 mL of 50 vol% ethanol aqueous solution was added, heated and extracted at 80 ° C for 2 hours with a reflux extractor, and filtered while hot. . The obtained extract was concentrated under reduced pressure and dried to obtain 6.1 g of Kujo leek 50% ethanol extract (Sample 5).

[Test Example 1] Test for inhibiting melanin production on B16 melanoma cells Kyoto mizuna extract (sample 1), Kyoto rai extract (sample 2), Fushimi pepper extract (sample 3) obtained in Production Examples 1-5 In addition, Manganji Togarashi extract (sample 4) and Kujo green onion extract (sample 5) were tested for melanin production inhibitory action on B16 melanoma cells as follows.

B16 melanoma cells were cultured using Dulbecco's MEM medium containing 10% FBS, and then cells were collected by trypsin treatment. The collected cells were diluted with Dulbecco's MEM medium containing 10% FBS and 1 mmol / L theophylline to a cell density of 24.0 × 10 ⁴ cells / mL, and then seeded at 300 μL per well in a 48-well plate. Incubate for hours.

  After culturing, 10% FBS and 1 mmol / L theophylline-containing Dulbecco's MEM medium added with test samples (samples 1 to 5, see sample concentration below) or 10% FBS and 1 mmol / L theophylline containing no use were added. Dulbecco's MEM medium was added in an amount of 300 μL to each well and cultured for 4 days. After completion of the culture, the medium was removed from each well, 200 μL of 2 mol / L NaOH solution was added, the cells were disrupted with an ultrasonic disrupter, and the absorbance at a wavelength of 475 nm was measured to obtain the amount of melanin produced.

  In addition, in order to evaluate the melanin production inhibitory action per unit cell, after culturing in the same manner as above, the medium was removed and washed with 400 μL of PBS buffer, and 10% FBS at a final concentration of 0.05 mg / mL. 200 μL of neutral red dissolved in Dulbecco's MEM was added to each well and cultured for 2.5 hours. After incubation, the neutral red solution was removed, and 200 μL of ethanol / acetic acid solution (ethanol: acetic acid: water = 50: 1: 49) was added to each well to extract the dye. After extraction, the absorbance at a wavelength of 540 nm was measured.

  Furthermore, as a blank test, the absorbance at a wavelength of 475 nm and the absorbance at 540 nm were measured for cells cultured in the same manner as described above without adding a sample. From the obtained results, the melanin production inhibition rate (%) per unit cell was calculated by the following formula.

Melanin production inhibition rate (%) = {1− (B / D) / (A / C)} × 100
In the above formula, A represents “absorbance at 475 nm when no sample is added”, B represents “absorbance at 475 nm when a test sample is added”, C represents “absorbance at 540 nm when no sample is added”, and D Represents “absorbance at 540 nm when a test sample is added”.
The results are shown in Table 1.

  As shown in Table 1, Kyomizuna extract (sample 1), Kyojou fresh vegetable extract (sample 2), Fushimi pepper extract (sample 3), Manganji temple pepper extract (sample 4) and Kujo green onion extract (sample) 5) was confirmed to have an excellent melanin production inhibitory effect.

[Test Example 2] Glutathione production promoting action test The Manganji Tofu extract (Sample 4) obtained in Production Example 4 was tested for glutathione production promoting action as follows.

Human normal skin fibroblasts (NB1RGB) were cultured using α-MEM medium containing 10% FBS, and then cells were collected by trypsin treatment. The collected cells were diluted with 10% FBS-containing α-MEM medium to a cell density of 2.0 × 10 ⁵ cells / mL, then seeded at 200 μL per well in a 48-well plate and cultured overnight.

  After culturing, 200 μL of 1% FBS-containing Dulbecco MEM medium containing 1% FBS or sample-free 1% FBS-containing Dulbecco MEM medium supplemented with a test sample (sample 4, see Table 2 below) is added to each well for 24 hours. Cultured. After completion of the culture, the medium was removed from each well, washed with 400 μL of PBS buffer, and then the cells were lysed using 150 μL of M-PER (PIERCE).

  Of these, 100 μL was used to quantify total glutathione. Specifically, 100 μL of cell extract dissolved in 96-well plate, 50 μL of 0.1 M phosphate buffer, 2 μM NADPH and 25 μL of glutathione reductase (final concentration: 17.5 units / mL) were added and heated at 37 ° C. for 10 minutes, followed by 10 mM. 25 μL of 5,5′-dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) was added and the absorbance at a wavelength of 412 nm until 5 minutes later was measured to obtain ΔOD / min. The total glutathione concentration was calculated based on a calibration curve prepared using oxidized glutathione (manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.). After correcting the obtained value to the amount of glutathione per total protein amount, the glutathione production promotion rate (%) was calculated by the following formula.

Glutathione production promotion rate (%) = B / A × 100
In the above formula, A represents “the amount of glutathione per total amount of protein in the cell when no sample is added (control)”, and B represents “the amount of glutathione per total amount of protein in the cell when added to the test sample”. .
The results are shown in Table 2.

  As shown in Table 2, it was confirmed that Manganji pepper extract (sample 4) has an excellent glutathione production promoting action.

[Test Example 3] Type I collagen production promoting action test The Kyojo fresh vegetable extract (sample 2) and Kujo green onion extract (sample 5) obtained in Production Examples 2 and 5 were used to produce type I collagen as follows. The promoting action was tested.

Human normal fibroblasts (NB1RGB) were cultured using Dulbecco's MEM medium containing 10% FBS, and then cells were collected by trypsin treatment. The collected cells were diluted with the above medium to a cell density of 1.6 × 10 ⁵ cells / mL, then seeded at 100 μL per well in a 96-well microplate and cultured overnight.

  After completion of the culture, the medium was removed, and the 0.25% FBS-containing Dulbecco MEM medium added with the test sample (Sample 2 and Sample 5, refer to Table 3 below) or the sample-free 0.25% FBS-containing Dulbecco 150 μL of MEM medium was added to each well and cultured for 3 days. After culture, the amount of type I collagen in the medium of each well was measured by ELISA. From the measurement results, the type I collagen production promotion rate (%) was calculated by the following formula.

Type I collagen production promotion rate (%) = A / B × 100
In the above formula, A represents “type I collagen amount when test sample is added”, and B represents “type I collagen amount when no sample is added”.
The results are shown in Table 3.

  As shown in Table 3, it was confirmed that the Kyodon fresh vegetable extract (sample 2) and the Kujo green onion extract (sample 5) have an excellent type I collagen production promoting effect.

[Test Example 4] Elastin production promoting action test The Manganji pepper extract (sample 4) obtained in Production Example 4 was tested for elastin production promoting action as follows.

Human normal fibroblasts (NB1RGB) were cultured using Dulbecco's MEM medium containing 10% FBS, and then cells were collected by trypsin treatment. The collected cells were diluted with the above medium to a cell density of 2.2 × 10 ⁵ cells / mL, then seeded at 100 μL per well in a 96-well microplate, and cultured overnight.

  After completion of the culture, the medium was removed, and 0.25% FBS-containing Dulbecco MEM medium to which a test sample (sample 4, sample concentration see Table 4 below) was added or 0.25% FBS-containing Dulbecco MEM medium to which no sample was added. Was added to each well and cultured for 2 days. After completion of the culture, the supernatant was collected, and the amount of elastin released into the culture supernatant was measured by ELISA as follows. From the measurement results, the elastin production promotion rate (%) was calculated by the following formula.

Elastin production promotion rate (%) = A / B × 100
In the above formula, A represents “the amount of elastin when the test sample is added”, and B represents “the amount of elastin when no sample is added”.
The results are shown in Table 4.

  As shown in Table 4, Manganji red pepper extract (Sample 4) exhibited an excellent elastin production promoting action.

[Test Example 5] Hyaluronic acid production promoting action test Kyomizuna extract (sample 1), Kyojo fresh vegetable extract (sample 2), Fushimi red pepper extract (sample 3), Manganji Togarashi obtained in Production Examples 1-5 The extract (sample 4) and the Kujo green onion extract (sample 5) were tested for hyaluronic acid production promoting effect as follows.

Human normal neonatal skin epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) were cultured using human normal neonatal epidermal keratinocyte medium (KGM), and then cells were collected by trypsin treatment. The collected cells were diluted with the above medium to a cell density of 1 × 10 ⁵ cells / mL, then seeded at 100 μL per well in a 96-well plate, and cultured for 24 hours.

  After completion of the culture, 100 μL of a KGM medium added with a test sample (samples 1 to 5 and sample concentration shown in Table 5 below) or a sample-free KGM medium was added to each well and cultured for 7 days. After the culture, the amount of hyaluronic acid in the medium of each well was measured by a sandwich method using hyaluronic acid binding protein (HABP). From the measurement results, the hyaluronic acid production promotion rate (%) was calculated by the following formula.

Hyaluronic acid production promotion rate (%) = A / B × 100
In the above formula, A represents “the amount of hyaluronic acid when the test sample is added”, and B represents “the amount of hyaluronic acid when no sample is added”.
The results are shown in Table 5.

  As shown in Table 5, Kyomizuna extract (Sample 1), Kyojou fresh vegetable extract (Sample 2), Fushimi Tofu extract (Sample 3), Manganji Tofu extract (Sample 4) and Kujo onion extract (Sample) 5) showed an excellent hyaluronic acid production promoting action. In particular, it was confirmed that the Kujo green onion extract (sample 5) has an excellent hyaluronic acid production promoting action even at a low concentration.

[Test Example 6] Cytotoxicity inhibitory effect test for hydrogen peroxide Kyoto Mizuna extract (Sample 1), Kyoto Kashiwa Green extract (Sample 2), Fushimi Tofu extract (Sample 3) obtained in Production Examples 1 to 5 In addition, Manganji Togarashi extract (sample 4) and Kujo green onion extract (sample 5) were tested for their cytotoxic effects against hydrogen peroxide by the following test method.

Human normal skin fibroblasts (NB1RGB) were cultured using α-MEM medium containing 10% FBS, and then cells were collected by trypsin treatment. The collected cells are diluted with 5% FBS-containing α-MEM medium to a cell density of 2.5 × 10 ⁵ cells / mL, then seeded at 200 μL per well in a 48-well microplate and cultured overnight. did.

  After culturing, the medium was removed, and a 1% FBS-containing α-MEM medium to which a test sample (samples 1 to 5 and sample concentration shown in Table 6 below) was added or a sample-free 1% FBS-containing α-MEM medium 200 μL was added to each well and cultured for 24 hours. After completion of the culture, the medium was removed from each well, washed with 400 μL of PBS buffer, and 200 μL of Hank's buffer (hydrogen peroxide final concentration: 1 mM) dissolved in hydrogen peroxide was added and cultured for 2 hours.

  In addition, 200 μL of Hank's buffer solution in which hydrogen peroxide was not dissolved was added and cultured under the same conditions. Furthermore, it culture | cultivated without adding a sample solution, and after culture | cultivation, 200 microliters of Hank's buffer solution which melt | dissolved hydrogen peroxide was added, and it culture | cultivated on the same conditions.

  After culturing, the plate was washed with 400 μL of PBS buffer, 200 μL of neutral red solution dissolved in 1% FBS-containing α-MEM medium at a final concentration of 0.05 mg / mL was added and cultured for 2.5 hours. Thereafter, the neutral red solution was removed, and 300 μL of an ethanol / acetic acid solution (ethanol: acetic acid: water = 50: 1: 49) was added to each well to extract the dye. Thereafter, the absorbance at 540 nm was measured using a microplate reader to determine the hydrogen peroxide disorder inhibition rate (%). In addition, the hydrogen peroxide disorder inhibition rate was calculated by the following formula.

Hydrogen peroxide damage inhibition rate (%) = {1− (C−A)} / (C−B)} × 100
In the above formula, A represents “absorbance at the time of test sample addition / hydrogen peroxide treatment”, B represents “absorbance at the time of no sample addition / hydrogen peroxide treatment”, and C represents “absorbance at no sample addition / hydrogen peroxide treatment”. It represents “absorbance without treatment”.
The results of the above test are shown in Table 6.

  As shown in Table 6, Kyomizuna extract (Sample 1), Kyojou fresh vegetable extract (Sample 2), Fushimi Tofu extract (Sample 3), Manganji Tofu extract (Sample 4) and Kujo onion extract (Sample) 5) was confirmed to have a hydrogen peroxide disorder inhibition rate. In particular, the Fushimi red pepper extract (Sample 3) had an excellent inhibition rate of hydrogen peroxide damage.

[Test Example 7] Epidermal keratinocyte proliferation promoting action test Kyomizuna extract (Sample 1), Kyojo fresh vegetable extract (Sample 2), Fushimi pepper extract (Sample 3) obtained in Production Examples 1 to 5, Manganji shrimp extract (sample 4) and Kujo green onion extract (sample 5) were tested for the epidermal keratinocyte proliferation promoting action as follows.

Normal human newborn epidermis keratinocytes (NHEK) were cultured using normal human epidermal keratinocyte long-term culture growth medium (Epilife-KG2), and then cells were collected by trypsin treatment. The collected cells were diluted with the above medium to a cell density of 3.0 × 10 ⁴ cells / mL, then seeded at 100 μL per well in a collagen-coated 96-well plate, and cultured overnight. After completion of the culture, 100 μL of EpiLife-KG2 medium to which a test sample (samples 1 to 5 and sample concentration is shown in Table 7 below) was added or EpiLife-KG2 medium to which no sample was added was added to each well and cultured for 3 days.

  The epidermal keratinocyte proliferation promoting action was measured using the MTT assay. After completion of the culture, the medium was removed, and 100 μL of MTT dissolved in PBS buffer at a final concentration of 0.4 mg / mL was added. After culturing for 2 hours, blue formazan produced in the cells was extracted with 100 μL of 2-propanol. After extraction, the absorbance at a wavelength of 570 nm was measured. At the same time, the absorbance at a wavelength of 650 nm was measured as turbidity, and the difference between the two was used as the amount of blue formazan produced. From the obtained results, the epidermal keratinocyte proliferation promotion rate (%) was calculated by the following formula.

Epidermal keratinocyte proliferation promotion rate (%) = A / B × 100
In the above formula, A represents “the amount of blue formazan produced when the test sample is added”, and B represents “the amount of blue formazan produced without the sample added”.
Table 7 shows the results of the above test.

  As shown in Table 7, Kyomizuna extract (Sample 1), Kyojou fresh vegetable extract (Sample 2), Fushimi Tofu extract (Sample 3), Manganji Tofu extract (Sample 4) and Kujo onion extract (Sample) 5) was confirmed to have an excellent epidermal keratinocyte proliferation promoting action. In particular, the Kyoen fresh vegetables extract (sample 2) and Manganji pepper extract (sample 4) had excellent epidermal keratinocyte proliferation promoting action.

[Test Example 8] Transglutaminase-1 production promoting action test Kyomizuna extract (Sample 1), Kyojou fresh vegetable extract (Sample 2), Fushimi pepper extract (Sample 3) obtained in Production Examples 1-3 and 5 ) And Kujo green onion extract (Sample 5) were tested for their transglutaminase-1 production promoting effect as follows.

Normal human neonatal epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) were cultured using normal human neonatal epidermal keratinocyte growth medium (KGM), and then cells were collected by trypsin treatment. The collected cells were diluted with the above medium to a cell density of 1 × 10 ⁵ cells / mL, then seeded at 100 μL per well in a 96-well plate, and cultured for 2 days.

  After completion of the culture, 100 μL each of KGM medium added with test samples (samples 1 to 3 and 5, for sample concentration, see Table 8 below) or KGM medium without sample was added to each well and cultured for 24 hours. After completion of the culture, the medium was removed, the cells were fixed to the plate, and the amount of transglutaminase-1 expressed on the cell surface was determined by ELISA using a monoclonal anti-human transglutaminase-1 antibody (Biomedical Technologies Inc.). It was measured by. From the obtained measurement results, the transglutaminase-1 production promotion rate (%) was calculated by the following formula.

Transglutaminase-1 production promotion rate (%) = A / B × 100
In the above formula, A represents “absorbance when a test sample is added”, and B represents “absorbance when no sample is added”.
The test results are shown in Table 8.

  As shown in Table 8, Kyomizuna extract (sample 1), Kyojou green extract (sample 2), Fushimi pepper extract (sample 3) and Kujo green onion extract (sample 5) are excellent transglutaminase- 1 was confirmed to have a production-promoting action. In particular, the Kyoto mizuna extract (sample 1) had an excellent transglutaminase-1 production promoting action even at a low concentration (0.78 μg / mL).

[Test Example 9] Serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) mRNA expression promoting action test Kyoto Mizuna extract (sample 1), Kyojou fresh vegetable extract (sample 2), Fushimi pepper extract (sample) obtained in Production Examples 1-5 3) Manganji Togarashi extract (sample 4) and Kujo green onion extract (sample 5) were tested for SPT mRNA expression promoting effect as follows.

Normal human newborn foreskin epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) were used in a normal human epidermal keratinized long-term growth medium (EpiLife-KG2) in an 80 cm ² flask under conditions of 37 ° C., 5% CO ₂ -95% air. The cells were precultured and cells were collected by trypsin treatment. The collected cells are diluted with Epilife-KG2 medium so as to have a cell density of 20 × 10 ⁴ cells / mL, and then seeded in 2 mL each in a 35 mm petri dish (manufactured by FALCON) (40 × 10 ⁴ cells / petri dish). ° _C., and cultured for 24 hours under the conditions of 5% CO 2 -95% air.

After culturing, the medium was removed, and 2 mL each of Epilife-KG2 medium to which the test samples (samples 1 to 5 and sample concentrations are shown in Table 9) were added or no sample added was added to each dish. ° _C., and cultured for 24 hours under conditions of 5% CO 2 -95% air. After culturing, the medium is removed, and total RNA is extracted with ISOGEN (Nippon Gene, Cat. No. 311-02501), and the amount of each RNA is measured with a spectrophotometer so that it becomes 200 ng / μL. Total RNA was prepared.

  Using this total RNA as a template, the expression level of SPT and mRNA of GAPDH as an internal standard was measured. Detection was performed by real-time 2-step RT-PCR reaction using a real-time PCR device Smart Cycler (Cepheid) and TaKaRa SYBR Prime Script RT-PCR kit (Perfect Real Time) (Takara Bio, code No. RR063A). . The expression level of SPT was calculated based on the total RNA preparation prepared from the cells cultured in “no sample” and “added sample”, respectively, and a correction value was obtained from the GAPDH value. The correction value of “sample addition” when the value was 100 was calculated. From the obtained results, the SPT mRNA expression promotion rate (%) was calculated by the following formula.

SPT mRNA expression promotion rate (%) = A / B × 100
In the above formula, A represents “correction value when test sample is added” and B represents “correction value when sample is not added”.
The results are shown in Table 9.

  As shown in Table 9, Kyomizuna extract (Sample 1), Kyojou fresh vegetable extract (Sample 2), Fushimi Tofu extract (Sample 3), Manganji Tofu extract (Sample 4) and Kujo onion extract (Sample) 5) was confirmed to have an excellent SPT mRNA expression promoting action. In particular, it was confirmed that the Kyoto mizuna extract (sample 1) and the kyosei rape extract (sample 2) have an excellent SPT mRNA expression promoting action even at a low concentration (3.13 μg / mL).

[Test Example 10] Aquaporin 3 (AQP3) mRNA expression promoting action test About the Kyodon fresh vegetables extract (sample 2) and Fushimi pepper extract (sample 3) obtained in Production Examples 2 and 3, AQP3 was prepared as follows. The mRNA expression promoting effect was tested.

Normal human newborn epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) were used in a growth medium for long-term culture of normal human epidermal keratinocytes (EpiLife-KG2) in an 80 cm ² flask under conditions of 37 ° C., 5% CO ₂ -95% air. The cells were precultured and cells were collected by trypsin treatment. The collected cells are diluted with Epilife-KG2 medium so as to have a cell density of 20 × 10 ⁴ cells / mL, and then seeded in 2 mL each in a 35 mm petri dish (manufactured by FALCON) (40 × 10 ⁴ cells / petri dish). ° _C., and cultured for 24 hours under the conditions of 5% CO 2 -95% air.

After culturing, the medium was removed, and 2 mL each of Epilife-KG2 medium to which the test sample (samples 2 and 3, sample concentration was added) or the sample-free Epilife-KG2 medium was added was added to each dish. ° _C., and cultured for 24 hours under conditions of 5% CO 2 -95% air. After culturing, the medium is removed, and total RNA is extracted with ISOGEN (Nippon Gene, Cat. No. 311-02501), and the amount of each RNA is measured with a spectrophotometer so that it becomes 200 ng / μL. Total RNA was prepared.

  Using this total RNA as a template, the expression levels of AQP3 and the internal standard GAPDH mRNA were measured. Detection was performed by real-time 2-step RT-PCR reaction using a real-time PCR device Smart Cycler (Cepheid) and TaKaRa SYBR Prime Script RT-PCR kit (Perfect Real Time) (Takara Bio, code No. RR063A). . The expression level of AQP3 is calculated based on the total RNA preparation prepared from the cells cultured in “no sample added” and “added sample”, respectively. The correction value of “sample addition” when the value was 100 was calculated. From the obtained results, the AQP3 mRNA expression promotion rate (%) was calculated by the following formula.

AQP3 mRNA expression promotion rate (%) = A / B × 100
In the above formula, A represents “correction value when test sample is added” and B represents “correction value when sample is not added”.
The results are shown in Table 10.

  As shown in Table 10, it was confirmed that the Kyoto fresh vegetable extract (sample 2) and the Fushimi pepper extract (sample 3) have an excellent AQP3 mRNA expression promoting effect.

[Formulation Example 1]
A milky lotion was produced by a conventional method according to the following composition.
Kyoto Mizuna Extract (Production Example 1) 0.01g
Manganji Togarashi Extract (Production Example 4) 0.01g
Jojoba oil 4.00 g
1,3-butylene glycol 3.00 g
Arbutin 3.00g
Polyoxyethylene cetyl ether (20E.O.) 2.50g
2.00 g of olive oil
Squalane 2.00g
Cetanol 2.00g
Glyceryl monostearate 2.00g
Oleic acid polyoxyethylene sorbitan (20E.O.) 2.00g
Methyl paraoxybenzoate 0.15g
Stearyl glycyrrhizinate 0.10g
Twilight extract 0.10g
Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate 0.10g
Ginkgo biloba extract 0.10g
Conchiolin 0.10g
Oat extract 0.10g
Chamomile extract 0.10g
Fragrance 0.05g
Purified water remainder (total amount is 100 g)

[Formulation Example 2]
A cream having the following composition was produced by a conventional method.
Fushimi pepper extract (Production Example 3) 0.05g
Kujo green onion extract (Production Example 5) 0.05g
Kujin extract 0.1g
Ogon Extract 0.1g
Liquid paraffin 5.0g
Salami beeswax 4.0g
Squalane 10.0g
Cetanol 3.0g
Lanolin 2.0g
Stearic acid 1.0g
Oleic acid polyoxyethylene sorbitan (20E.O.) 1.5g
3.0 g glyceryl monostearate
Oil soluble licorice extract 0.1g
1,3-butylene glycol 6.0 g
1.5 g of methyl paraoxybenzoate
Fragrance 0.1g
Purified water remainder (total amount is 100 g)

[Composition Example 3]
A serum having the following composition was produced by a conventional method.
Kyoto Mizuna Extract (Production Example 1) 0.01g
0.01g of Kyodon fresh vegetables extract (Production Example 2)
Chamomile extract 0.1g
Carrot extract 0.1g
Xanthan gum 0.3g
Hydroxyethylcellulose 0.1g
Carboxyvinyl polymer 0.1g
1,3-butylene glycol 4.0 g
0.1g dipotassium glycyrrhizinate
Glycerin 2.0g
Potassium hydroxide 0.25g
Fragrance 0.01g
Preservative (Methyl paraoxybenzoate) 0.15g
Ethanol 2.0g
Purified water remainder (total amount is 100 g)

  The whitening agent, anti-aging agent, and skin cosmetic of the present invention are used to prevent and improve skin darkening, pigmentation such as spots and freckles; skin wrinkle formation, reduced elasticity, reduced moisturizing function, etc. Can greatly contribute to the prevention, treatment or improvement of aging symptoms.

Claims (5)

  A whitening agent comprising, as an active ingredient, an extract from one or more kinds of plants selected from the group consisting of Kyomizuna, Kyoen Nana, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togarashi and Kujo Green Onion.   The whitening agent according to claim 1, wherein the extract has a melanin production inhibitory action and / or a glutathione production promotion action.   An anti-aging agent characterized by containing, as an active ingredient, an extract from one or more plants selected from the group consisting of Kyomizuna, Kyojou Nana, Fushimi Togarashi, Manganji Togarashi and Kujo Green Onion.   The extract is a type I collagen production promoting action, elastin production promoting action, hyaluronic acid production promoting action, hydrogen peroxide cell damage inhibiting action, epidermal keratinocyte proliferation promoting action, transglutaminase-1 production promoting action, serine palmitoyltransferase The anti-aging agent according to claim 3, which has one or more actions selected from the group consisting of (SPT) mRNA expression promoting action and aquaporin 3 (AQP3) mRNA expression promoting action.   A skin cosmetic comprising the whitening agent according to claim 1 and / or the anti-aging agent according to claim 3 or 4.