JP2019177140A - Transnasal brain function regulator and method for providing data for evaluating cranial nerve disease - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a manufacturing method of a brain activity variation map based on aroma for making sure of an effect of plant extract on a brain function and treating an alzheimer type dementia, and a manufacturing method of transnasal brain function regulator containing the plant extract as an active ingredient.SOLUTION: The method, for manufacturing a brain activity variation map based on aroma to treat the subjects having alzheimer type dementia, related with the activation or inhibition of the smell sense activity in specific places in the brain of a person transnasally administered with the extract extracted from plants. The manufacturing method of a brain activity variation map based on aroma which is characterized by performing a mapping through noninvasively detecting the blood flow volume in every area through the scalp by near-infrared spectroscopy: a method for finding a transnasal brain function regulator to treat alzheimer type dementia; a manufacturing method of a transnasal brain function regulator using the same method; and a brain activity variation map based on aroma are provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a nasal brain function regulator comprising an extract extracted from a specific plant as an active ingredient, and for evaluating a cranial nerve disease by administering the nasal brain function regulator, or Relates to a method of providing data for coordinating brain function activity.

It is known that extracts extracted from plants such as fragrances and essential oils can be used as symptomatic treatment for psychiatric symptoms.
However, its use is often only symptomatic treatment, and there are many unknowns about its effects, and it has been unclear whether or not the benefits can be obtained by using a prior examination or the like. Moreover, the individual difference of this effect is also strong, and it was not clear whether it was effective for everyone or always.

However, in Japan, even if such a situation is subtracted, aromatherapy using essential oil for medical treatment is being carried out.
Patent Document 1 describes a preventive or therapeutic agent for senile dementia containing a β-secretase inhibitor containing an essential oil component having a specific functional group. Such essential oil components include clove oil and tea tree. It is said to be contained in oil.

  Patent Document 2 describes an olfactory function improving agent containing sage essential oil as an active ingredient, and is said to be effective when administered to a patient with dementia.

Thus, it is thought that essential oil and a fragrance | flavor have various effect | actions, when the fragrance is sensorially received by the human body.
However, it is not clear whether the effect is effective for anyone or always, and the method in which the scent component is used more effectively has not been sufficiently studied.
In addition, the search for scent components, the study of the effectiveness of scent components, the determination of effective nasal doses of scent components, etc. are not sufficient, and further, activation of any function in any location of the brain, suppression of enhancement Also, evaluation methods such as adjustment were not sufficient, and further study was necessary.

  Under such circumstances, little is known about nasal brain function regulators supported by effective evaluation methods for brain function activation, hyperactivity suppression, adjustment, etc., and there is no clear support. Some nasal brain function regulators have been desired.

JP 2010-254607 A JP 2013-014537 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described background art, and its problem is to search for unknown actions of extracts extracted from plants such as essential oils and fragrances, in particular to confirm various effects on brain function, It is to provide a novel “nasal brain function regulator containing an extract extracted from a plant as an active ingredient” capable of effectively regulating brain function, and also the activity of brain function using the same It is to provide a determination or adjustment method.

As a result of intensive studies to solve the above problems, the present inventor has found that an extract from a specific plant can perform local adjustment of the brain with reproducibility. Thus, the present invention has been completed.
The present invention, which contains an extract extracted from a plant as an active ingredient, has been found for the first time a remarkable effect that is extremely effective in the medical field, etc. As a new thing.

  That is, the present invention is a transnasal brain function regulator that acts on a specific location of the subject's brain using the sense of smell and activates or suppresses the activity of the specific location of the brain, It is a nasal brain function regulator characterized by containing the extract extracted from the plant as an active ingredient.

  The present invention also provides a method for evaluating a cranial nerve disease, characterized in that the above-mentioned nasal brain function regulator is administered nasally, and the blood volume in the brain is detected by near infrared spectroscopy. Or a method of providing data for adjusting brain function activity.

  Further, the present invention provides a brain characterized by administering the above-mentioned nasal brain function adjusting agent nasally and detecting and mapping the blood volume at each location of the brain by near infrared spectroscopy. A method for determining or adjusting functional activity.

  The present invention also relates to a method for determining the dose of the above-mentioned nasal brain function regulator, wherein the amount of brain activity changes significantly by detecting the blood volume of the brain by near infrared spectroscopy. This is a method for determining a dose, characterized in that the amount is determined.

  The present invention also provides a method for providing data for treating cranial nerve disease or adjusting brain function activity, wherein a nasal brain function regulator is administered nasally, and near infrared spectroscopy is performed. This is a method for providing data characterized by detecting and mapping the blood volume for each location of the brain by an analysis method.

  Further, the present invention is data for treating cranial nerve disease or adjusting the activity of brain function, nasally administering a nasal brain function regulator, and by near infrared spectroscopy, It is a brain activity fluctuation map by a scent characterized by being obtained by detecting and mapping the blood volume for every place of the brain.

According to the present invention, the above-mentioned problems and the above-mentioned problems are solved, and brain function activation, brain activity activation, including the activity location of the brain, the degree of the activity, etc. An effective nasal brain function regulator that is clearly supported by the evaluation method can be provided.
In addition, it is possible to provide an effective nasal cerebral function regulator whose brain activation location and degree, inhibition suppression location and degree, etc. are clearly clarified.
In addition, it is possible to provide a nasal brain function regulator having a specific effect for a person having a specific disease, a person who wants to adjust the activity of a specific brain function, or the like.

The nasal brain function regulator of the present invention can stimulate the brain and regulate blood flow in a specific part of the brain, which can be performed in a short-term or continuously.
The nasal brain function regulator of the present invention is a blood flow volume, blood volume, “amount of hemoglobin to which oxygen is bound”, “hemoglobin to which oxygen is bound and hemoglobin to which oxygen is not bound. The ratio of the quantity can be adjusted.

In addition, since the main action is obtained by the scent, it is possible to provide a nasal brain function regulator with less burden and side effects on the subject.
Therefore, the nasal brain function regulator of the present invention can be used not only as a pharmaceutical product, but also as a prophylactic agent for people who do not have a disease, cosmetics, aromatherapy products, fragrances, care products, etc. It can also be used effectively for further adjustment of brain function activity of healthy subjects.
There is no drug other than the nasal brain function regulator of the present invention that can selectively adjust the brain locally by a simple method.

In addition, the nasal brain function regulator of the present invention may be administered to provide data for evaluating cranial nerve disease by a specific technique, or to provide data for regulating brain function activity. it can.
If such a technique is used, it is also effective for determination of dose, determination of administration time, determination of administration method, and the like.
Since the amount of brain activity of the subject can be improved, the use of the nasal brain function regulator of the present invention leads to improvement of cognitive functions such as improvement of work amount.

  The nasal brain function regulator of the present invention reduces the risk of suffering from patients with psychiatric or systemic diseases that exhibit psychiatric symptoms such as dementia, patients with organic brain degeneration, and those who do not have the disease. It can be used effectively for people who want to have it, and for healthy people who want to adjust their brain function activities.

In addition, the present invention can treat cranial nerve diseases or adjust the activity of brain function, and by using the method of providing the data of the present invention, determination of dosage, determination of timing of administration, administration method It is also effective in determining
Since it is possible to improve the amount of brain activity, the use of the present invention can improve cognitive functions such as an improvement in the amount of work.

It is the figure by the near infrared spectroscopy which shows activation of the activity of the brain when the nasal brain function regulator containing the extract from chamomile as an active ingredient is administered. Indicates activation). (A) Head right side, (b) Head left side, (c) Head front It is the figure by the near infrared spectroscopy which shows the activation of the activity of the brain when the nasal brain function regulator containing the extract from the grapefruit as an active ingredient is administered. Indicates activation). (A) Head right side, (b) Head left side, (c) Head front It is the figure by the near infrared spectroscopy which shows the activation of the brain activity when the nasal brain function regulator containing the extract from lemon grass as an active ingredient is administered. Is activated). (A) Head right side, (b) Head left side, (c) Head front It is the figure by the near infrared spectroscopy which shows the activation of the brain activity when the nasal brain function regulator containing the extract from patchouli as an active ingredient is administered. Indicates activation). (A) Head right side, (b) Head left side, (c) Head front It is the figure by the near infrared spectroscopy which shows activation of the brain activity when the nasal brain function regulator containing the extract from frankincense as an active ingredient is administered. Indicates activation). (A) Head right side, (b) Head left side, (c) Head front It is the figure by the near infrared spectroscopy which shows activation of the activity of the brain when the nasal brain function regulator containing the extract from Clary sage as an active ingredient is administered. Indicates activation). (A) Head right side, (b) Head left side, (c) Head front It is the figure by the near infrared spectroscopy which shows activation of the brain activity when the nasal brain function regulator containing the extract from Cypress as an active ingredient is administered. Indicates activation). (A) Head right side, (b) Head left side, (c) Head front It is a figure by near-infrared spectroscopy showing activation of brain activity when a nasal brain function regulator containing an extract from sandalwood as an active ingredient is administered (brain activity closer to white) Is activated). (A) Head right side, (b) Head left side, (c) Head front It is the figure by the near infrared spectroscopy which shows the activation of the brain activity when the nasal brain function regulator containing the extract from the pepper as an active ingredient is administered. Indicates activation). (A) Head right side, (b) Head left side, (c) Head front It is the figure by the near infrared spectroscopy which shows the activation of the brain activity when the nasal brain function regulator containing the extract from bergamot as an active ingredient is administered. Indicates activation). (A) Head right side, (b) Head left side, (c) Head front It is the figure by the near infrared spectroscopy which shows the activation of the brain activity when the nasal brain function regulator containing the extract from benzoin as an active ingredient is administered. Indicates activation). (A) Head right side, (b) Head left side, (c) Head front It is the figure by near infrared spectroscopy which shows the activation of the brain activity when the nasal brain function regulator containing the extract from marjuram as an active ingredient is administered. Indicates activation). (A) Head right side, (b) Head left side, (c) Head front It is the figure by the near infrared spectroscopy which shows the activation of the brain activity when the nasal brain function regulator containing the extract from myrrh as an active ingredient is administered. Indicates activation). (A) Head right side, (b) Head left side, (c) Head front The result of administering lemongrass extracted by a low-temperature vacuum extraction method, which is agitated while being crushed with a stirring blade, extracted under reduced pressure while applying heat from the outside under crushing and stirring (cognitive function) It is a graph which shows a transition of a failure.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described, but the present invention is not limited to the following specific embodiments, and can be arbitrarily modified within the scope of the technical idea.

  The present invention is a nasal brain function regulator that acts on the subject's brain using olfaction, and contains an extract extracted from a plant as an active ingredient. It is a nasal brain function regulator. Hereinafter, a plant containing a component useful as a nasal brain function regulator is abbreviated as “specific plant”.

  Since the present invention utilizes human olfaction, the extract extracted from a specific plant has a “scent”. Moreover, what is necessary is just the at least 1 plant which belongs to a specific plant, and what was extracted from two or more several plants may be sufficient.

The plant used in the present invention only needs to contain components useful as a nasal brain function regulator. The plant is preferably a herb (a medicinal plant or a plant having a good flavor and aroma).
Further, the plant used in the present invention was selected from the group consisting of chamomile, clary sage, grapefruit, cypress, sandalwood, patchouli, frankincense, pepper, bergamot, benzoin, lemon, lemongrass, myrrh, eucalyptus, hinoki and majuram. More preferably, it is at least one plant.

  Extraction from a specific plant may be performed from any tissue of the specific plant, and is extracted from leaves of the plant; stems; corolla such as petals; buds; fruits; seeds; However, it is preferable that each plant belonging to the specific plant is extracted from a tissue containing a large amount of scent components. Moreover, you may extract from the some structure | tissue in one plant.

  What is used for extraction may be any one that is sufficiently dried, one that does not dry at all (raw), or one that is moderately dried. Moreover, any of those that have been ground, crushed, cut (chopped), or not subjected to such physical treatment may be used. It is preferable to extract after processing so that a fragrance component can be extracted efficiently for every plant which belongs to a specific plant.

  The nasal brain function regulator of the present invention acts on a specific location of a subject's brain using olfaction, and activates or suppresses the activity of the specific location of the brain. Although it is a regulator and contains the extract extracted from the specific plant as an active ingredient, the extraction method is not specifically limited.

As an extraction method, for example, specifically, a method of separating by using a steam distillation method and separating an upper layer divided into two layers; a distillation component separated into two layers by direct immersion in water and evaporation by heating Direct extraction method for separating the upper layer from the solvent; solvent extraction method for extraction using a solvent; compression method for extraction by adding oily components; supercritical extraction method for extraction using a supercritical fluid; organic solvent, water Direct extraction method in which extraction is performed at a low temperature without using an extraction medium such as water vapor; low temperature at which extraction is carried out by crushing with a stirring blade and decompressing while applying heat from the outside under crushing and stirring Vacuum extraction method; and the like.
Hereinafter, the “low-temperature vacuum extraction method in which stirring is performed while crushing with a stirring blade and extraction is performed under reduced pressure while applying heat from the outside under crushing and stirring” is simply abbreviated as “low-temperature vacuum extraction method”.

In the low-temperature vacuum extraction method, the plant is stirred while being crushed with a stirring blade, and extracted under reduced pressure while applying heat from outside while being crushed and stirred.
In the low-temperature vacuum extraction method, it is essential to stir the plant while crushing it with a stirring blade and perform extraction under crushing and stirring. By extracting in this way, extraction becomes possible as soon as a freshly crushed surface is formed, so that denaturation due to thermal decomposition or the like of effective aroma components can be prevented.
The crushing / stirring is particularly preferably performed in an extraction apparatus having a movable blade and / or a fixed blade in order to obtain the above-described effect.

  The extraction apparatus used in the low-temperature vacuum extraction method includes, for example, a container that contains a plant, is stirred with a stirring blade, and is extracted under reduced pressure while applying heat from the outside under the crushing and stirring, and further comes out of the container A cooling tank for cooling the steam is provided.

Simultaneously with the stirring and crushing, heat is applied from the outside by supplying steam for heating into the container. The heat applied in the container is transferred to the plant, and the plant is stirred by the stirring blade, thereby promoting the extraction. This extraction is further facilitated by the plant being crushed and becoming smaller.
At that time, the temperature and amount of the heating steam fed into the container are adjusted so that the temperature of the plant falls within a preferable range described later.

By sucking with a decompression device such as an ejector or a vacuum pump, the gas in the container, that is, the vapor and air of the extract, is sucked through the piping, and the vapor of the extract contained in the plant in the container Water begins to evaporate.
At that time, the amount (pressure reduction) at the time of extraction is set to a preferable range described later by adjusting the amount of suction and the suction force with the decompression device.

“Vapor of the extract contained in the plant” and “water vapor” in the container are sucked through the pipe, introduced and liquefied in the cooling tank, and collected in the recovery tank as a recovery liquid.
When the recovered liquid (oil layer and aqueous layer) is stored in the recovery tank up to a predetermined amount, the recovered liquid is recovered. If necessary, the recovered liquid is allowed to stand for liquid separation, and an oil layer (oil phase, essential oil) and / or an aqueous layer (aqueous phase) is used. An extract is preferred.

  In the low-temperature vacuum extraction method, the extraction temperature is not particularly limited, but it is preferably performed so that the plant maintains a temperature of 70 ° C. or less, and may be appropriately adjusted according to the type of the plant. More preferably, the extraction is performed so that the plant maintains a temperature of 20 ° C. or higher and 65 ° C. or lower, particularly preferably 25 ° C. or higher and 60 ° C. or lower, and more preferably 30 ° C. or higher and 55 ° C. or lower. It is as follows.

When the lower limit is within the above range, the extraction time can be shortened, so that the decomposition and loss of the aroma components are suppressed, and there is no unnecessary time loss, which is economical. Moreover, a fragrance component can fully be extracted.
In the low-temperature vacuum extraction method, the plant is stirred while being crushed with a stirring blade, and extraction is performed under the crushing and stirring. Therefore, the extraction can be quickly performed when a fresh crushed surface is formed. When the value is within the range, the effect of suppressing the decomposition and loss of the aroma component is further synergized.
On the other hand, when the upper limit is within the above range, the active ingredient can be prevented from being denatured by heat, and the aromatic component can be sufficiently extracted while suppressing decomposition of the aromatic component. Moreover, unnecessary components are not extracted.

  In the low-temperature vacuum extraction method, the degree of decompression of the extraction is not particularly limited, but it is preferably performed while maintaining a pressure lower than 80 kPa with respect to 101.3 kPa (1 atm). More preferably, it is carried out while maintaining a pressure of 85 kPa or lower relative to 101.3 kPa (1 atm), particularly preferably a pressure of 90 kPa or higher, and still more preferably a pressure of 95 kPa or higher. What is necessary is just to adjust suitably according to the kind of plant.

When the pressure is the above value (the degree of decompression is the above), it becomes possible to extract the aroma component at a low temperature, so that denaturation of the active ingredient can be prevented and the decomposition of the aroma component is suppressed, Aroma components can be extracted sufficiently. Moreover, since the extraction time can be shortened, decomposition and loss of the aroma components are suppressed, and there is no unnecessary time loss, which is economical. Moreover, it becomes possible to sufficiently extract the aroma component.
In the low-temperature vacuum extraction method, the plant is stirred while being crushed with a stirring blade, and extraction is performed with the crushing and stirring. When the value is as low as the above value, the effect of suppressing the decomposition and loss of the aroma component is more synergistic.

According to the low temperature vacuum extraction method, aromatic water is obtained from the aqueous fraction, and essential oil (essential oil) is obtained from the oily fraction.
In the present invention, the operation after extraction is not particularly limited, but usually, unnecessary components recovered at the same time are separated. For the separation, decantation, liquid separation treatment, or the like using a difference in specific gravity or the like is used. The present invention also has an advantage that the extract is obtained as aromatic water or essential oil that does not contain “a component not derived from plants”.

In the “low temperature vacuum extraction method”, an extraction medium such as an organic solvent, water, and water vapor is not used. An extraction method in which extraction is performed directly with is preferable.
The extract extracted from the plant may be oil-soluble or water-soluble. Moreover, essential oil (essential oil), resin, and a fragrance | flavor may be sufficient.

“Nasal brain function adjustment” refers to acting on a specific part of the subject's brain using the sense of smell and activating or suppressing the activity of that “specific part of the brain” In other words, the sensory organs are stimulated by sensing the scent, and the stimulus acts on a specific location in the brain to activate or suppress the activity at that location, or activate or suppress the excessive enhancement of the location. That means.
Activation or suppression of activity at a specific location in the brain is detected by, for example, blood flow at that location. Therefore, when the blood flow is detected, specifically, “brain function adjustment” is, for example, acting on a specific location of the brain to increase the blood flow at that location, or conversely It means reducing or balancing (for example, equalizing) a place where the blood flow is high and a place where the blood flow is low.
Brain function adjustment is quantitative and relative control of brain activity, and is reduction or treatment of reduction in brain activity caused by reduction of unnecessary increase in brain activity, decrease in blood flow in the brain, and the like.
Activation or suppression of activity at a specific location in the brain is detected by, for example, the “amount of hemoglobin bound to oxygen” or “the ratio of the amount of hemoglobin bound to oxygen to the amount of hemoglobin bound to oxygen”. Is done. Therefore, when detected by blood flow, specifically, “brain function adjustment” refers to the amount of “blood containing hemoglobin combined with oxygen” acting on a specific place in the brain. It means increasing the ratio, conversely decreasing the blood volume or the blood ratio, and balancing (for example, making uniform) a place where the blood flow is high and a place where the blood flow is low.
Brain function adjustment is quantitative and relative control of brain activity, such as reducing unnecessary hyperactivity of the brain, reducing the amount (ratio) of the brain's “blood containing oxygen-bound hemoglobin”, etc. It is the alleviation or treatment of the resulting decrease in brain activity.
In the present invention, “the amount of hemoglobin to which oxygen is bound” or “the ratio of hemoglobin to which oxygen is bound to hemoglobin to which oxygen is not bound” may be simply abbreviated as “blood volume” or “blood flow”.

Some of the “specific plants” are known to be used for aromatherapy, but as in the present invention, “transnasal brain function adjustment” as defined above is possible. There is no known nasal brain function regulator that acts on specific areas of the subject's brain using the sense of smell.
The present invention, which contains an extract extracted from a plant as an active ingredient, has found a remarkable effect effective for medical treatment as described above, and has been made as a “nasal brain function regulator”. It is a thing.

The “specific location of the brain” that regulates the brain function is preferably the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, limbic system or frontal orbital field.
In particular, a portion where an increase in blood volume (activation of activity) and a decrease in blood volume (inhibition of activity) can be easily controlled as an image (pattern) is preferable.

The frontal lobe has a role of managing mental actions such as thinking and judgment and voluntary movement.
The association area is located between the motor area and the sensory area and is involved in higher mental activities such as memory, judgment, and will, and is divided into the frontal association area, the parietal association area, the temporal association area, the visual prefrontal area, and the marginal lobe. . The frontal association area is an area ahead of the premotor area and consists of the frontal eye field, prefrontal area, orbital area, and frontal language area.

Further specific locations of the frontal lobe include the upper frontal gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, lower frontal gyrus, central previous, frontal pole, direct rotation, frontal gyrus, primary motor area, prefrontal cortex, or frontal orbital area, Or those vicinity parts are preferable.
Above all, the central previous time, frontal pole, prefrontal cortex, or frontal orbital field, or the vicinity thereof, it is easier to control the increase in blood volume (activation of activity) and the decrease in blood volume (inhibition of activity). This is particularly preferable.

Additional specific locations of the temporal lobe include upper temporal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, lower temporal gyrus, fusiform gyrus, lateral temporal gyrus, temporal pole, primary auditory cortex, and language areas including Wernicke area Or a temporal-parietal junction part or those vicinity parts are preferable.
Among them, the upper temporal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, lower temporal gyrus, lateral temporal gyrus, or temporal pole, or the vicinity thereof, increase blood volume (activate activity) and decrease blood volume ( It is particularly preferable in terms of easier control of activity suppression.

  The further specific location of the parietal lobe is preferably the central retrorotation, the upper parietal lobe, the lower parietal lobe, the front wedge, or the central paralobule, or the vicinity thereof.

  As a further specific location of the occipital lobe, a wedge portion, a lingual gyrus, a occipital pole, a primary visual cortex, or a vicinity thereof is preferable.

In the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, limbic system or frontal orbital field, the transnasal brain function regulator of the present invention can effectively regulate blood flow and regulate brain function. Such a place is easily controlled as a pattern of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) when the nasal brain function regulator of the present invention is administered.
Moreover, in the above-mentioned “further specific place”, the nasal brain function regulator of the present invention can regulate the blood flow more effectively to regulate the brain function. In other words, it is easy to control as a pattern of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).

  Further, the present invention was made by detecting the blood volume at each brain location by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) or functional near-infrared spectroscopy (NIS). The “specific location of the brain” is preferably a location where blood flow is easily detected by NIRS.

  Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is also called near-infrared light topography (“optical topography” is a registered trademark), and changes in oxygen hemoglobin (hemoglobin combined with oxygen) and hemoglobin concentration changes in the brain Can be detected and mapped for each location.

  FIGS. 1-13 is a figure by the near-infrared spectroscopy which shows activation of the activity of a brain when the nasal brain function regulator which contains the extract from a specific plant as an active ingredient is administered. 1 to 13, (a) shows the left frontal orbital field, (b) shows the right side of the head, and (c) shows the left side of the head.

  Subjects who received each extract (a nasal cerebral function regulator containing as an active ingredient) are characterized by their respective characteristics and regions, mainly in the prefrontal cortex, temporal lobe, and parietal lobe. Shows limited adjustment action. The shades of colors in FIGS. 1 to 13 indicate that the standard value is gray and that the activity of the brain is suppressed as it approaches black, and the activity of the brain is activated as it approaches white. .

  Extracts from chamomile, clary sage, grapefruit, cypress, sandalwood, patchouli, frankincense, pepper, bergamot, benzoin, lemon, lemongrass, myrrh, eucalyptus and cypress all significantly increase blood volume at each brain location (Activation of activity) or a significant decrease in blood volume (inhibition of activity) could be detected.

Fig. 1 is chamomile, Fig. 2 is grapefruit, Fig. 3 is lemongrass, Fig. 4 is patchouli, Fig. 5 is a nasal brain function regulator containing an extract extracted from frankincense as an active ingredient. It is a figure which shows activation of the activity of the brain by a near infrared spectroscopy.
1-5, the significant increase (activation) or the significant decrease (suppression) of the blood volume (activity) for every brain location has been detected.

FIG. 1 shows the case where an extract extracted from chamomile was administered, and an increase (activation) of blood volume (activity) was observed in the left frontal orbital field, the right temporal region and the left temporal region.
FIG. 2 shows a case where an extract extracted from grapefruit was administered, and a strong increase in blood volume (activity) (strong activation) was observed in the entire frontal orbital area.
FIG. 3 shows a case where an extract extracted from lemongrass was administered, but a slightly strong increase in blood volume (activity) was observed (somewhat strong activation) in the entire frontal orbital area.
FIG. 4 shows a case where an extract extracted from patchouli is administered, and a strong blood volume (activity) decrease (strong suppression) is observed in the left temporal region, and a slightly strong blood volume (activity) is observed in the right temporal region. ) (A somewhat strong suppression).
FIG. 5 shows a case where an extract extracted from frankincense was administered, and a slight increase in blood volume (activity) was observed from the upper temporal gyrus to the lower temporal gyrus of the right temporal lobe. .

FIG. 6 shows a case where an extract extracted from clary sage was administered, and a strong blood volume (activity) increase (activation) and / or decrease (strong suppression) was observed at the location shown in FIG. .
FIG. 7 shows a case where an extract extracted from Cypress was administered, and a strong blood volume (activity) increase (activation) and / or decrease (strong suppression) was observed at the location shown in FIG. .
FIG. 8 shows a case where an extract extracted from sandalwood is administered. In the place shown in FIG. 8, an increase (activation) and / or decrease (strong suppression) of a strong blood volume (activity) is observed. It was.
FIG. 9 shows a case where an extract extracted from pepper was administered, and a strong blood volume (activity) increase (activation) and / or decrease (strong suppression) was observed at the location shown in FIG. .
FIG. 10 shows a case where an extract extracted from bergamot was administered, and a strong blood volume (activity) increase (activation) and / or decrease (strong suppression) was observed at the location shown in FIG. .
FIG. 11 shows a case where an extract extracted from benzoin was administered, and a strong blood volume (activity) increase (activation) and / or decrease (strong suppression) was observed at the location shown in FIG. .
FIG. 12 shows the case where the extract extracted from the majuram was administered, and the increase (activation) and / or decrease (strong suppression) of a strong blood volume (activity) was observed at the location shown in FIG. .
FIG. 13 shows a case where an extract extracted from myrrh was administered, and strong blood volume (activity) increase (activation) and / or decrease (strong suppression) was observed at the location shown in FIG. .

On the other hand, extracts from plants other than the above could not detect or increase brain blood volume (activity activation) or blood volume decrease (activity suppression) within the experimental range. (Activation) width or decrease (suppression) width was small, but if the present invention expands the range of the experiment, even if it is an extract from a plant other than the above, an increase in brain blood volume (activity activation) Or there is a possibility that a decrease in blood volume (inhibition of activity) can be detected.
As described above, the “specific plant” in the present invention refers to a plant containing a component useful as a nasal brain function regulator, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the extract from the specific plant described above. .

The nasal cerebral function regulator of the present invention acts on the brain of a target person using olfaction, where the target person is a psychiatric disorder or systemic condition that exhibits psychiatric symptoms. It is preferable that the patient has a disease because the therapeutic effect is easily achieved.
In addition, it is also preferable that the subject person is a patient having organic brain degeneration because the therapeutic effect is easily achieved.
It is also preferred that the subject person is a person who does not have a disease and is administered prophylactically in order to reduce the risk of disease.
In addition, even if the subject person is a healthy person, it is also preferable that the person is a person who is administered to adjust the activity of brain function.

That is, the administration subject of the nasal brain function regulator of the present invention may be a healthy subject or a subject suffering from a disease.
By using the “nasal brain function regulator” or the “method for providing data for evaluating cranial nerve disease” of the present invention, a group of psychiatric disorders represented mainly by major depression and depressive neuropathy It is possible to alleviate the psychiatric symptoms and to adjust the brain activity of other organic cranial nerve diseases such as dementia, leading to effective treatment.

Among psychiatric diseases, the target diseases include all diseases that cause anxiety and mood disorders such as depression and depressive neurosis.
Furthermore, dementia includes Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, Pick's disease, Lewy body disease, Huntington's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy and other degenerative dementia; Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Dementia associated with infections such as HIV; and the like.
Furthermore, it is used not only for these therapeutic purposes but also for preventive purposes, and is used to adjust the activity of brain functions even in healthy individuals.

  Accordingly, the present invention is also a preventive and therapeutic agent for nasal mental disorders, a preventive and therapeutic agent for nasal depressive neurosis, a preventive and therapeutic agent for nasal organic brain degeneration, and a preventive treatment for nasal dementia. It is also an agent.

When the nasal brain function regulator of the present invention is administered nasally, data for evaluating cranial nerve diseases can be provided by detecting the blood volume in the brain by near infrared spectroscopy.
According to the present invention, a cerebral nerve disease as described above can be treated or prevented by nasally administering a nasal brain function regulator and detecting the blood volume of the brain by near infrared spectroscopy. Can also diagnose.

In addition, if the nasal brain function regulator of the present invention is administered intranasally, data for adjusting brain function activity is provided by detecting the blood volume of the brain by near infrared spectroscopy. it can.
According to the present invention, a nasal brain function regulator is administered nasally, and the activity of the brain function is adjusted by detecting the blood volume of the brain by near infrared spectroscopy, and the diagnosis can be performed. it can.

When the nasal brain function regulator of the present invention is administered nasally, the brain function having the step of mapping as described above by detecting the blood volume at each brain location by near infrared spectroscopy. A method for determining or adjusting the activity of a person can be provided.
A method for determining or adjusting brain function activity comprising a step of detecting and mapping a blood volume at each brain location by nasal administration of a nasal brain function regulator, by near infrared spectroscopy Can provide.

The dosage of the nasal brain function regulator of the present invention can be determined by determining the amount by which the amount of brain activity changes significantly by detecting the blood volume in the brain by near infrared spectroscopy.
The dosage of the nasal brain function adjusting agent can be determined by determining the amount by which the amount of brain activity changes significantly by detecting the blood volume of the brain by near infrared spectroscopy.
For example, the dose can be determined by observing the shading of the color representing the signal intensity of the measurement image of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).

The present invention provides a method for providing data for treating cranial nerve disease or adjusting brain function activity, wherein a nasal brain function regulator is administered nasally, and a near infrared spectroscopy method is provided. Thus, it is also a method of providing data characterized by detecting and mapping the blood volume at each brain location.
Moreover, it is data for treating cranial nerve disease or adjusting the activity of brain function, and is also a “brain activity fluctuation map by scent” obtained by mapping as described above.
The “brain activity fluctuation map by scent” of the present invention is a patient having a psychiatric disorder or systemic disorder exhibiting psychiatric symptoms; a patient having an organic brain degeneration; It is useful for healthy people who want to do it.

  Some "specific plants" are used for aromatherapy. However, in general, it is not considered that aromatherapy is effective by adjusting the amount of brain activity. Even if it was assumed that aromatherapy was thought to act on the brain, in the case of aromatherapy, it would normally have been thought to simply stimulate parts of the brain, such as the olfactory brain and limbic system And because the details were unknown, it wasn't thought that aromatherapy would regulate brain activity. In that respect, the nasal brain function regulator and the aromatherapy material of the present invention are different.

  As described above, the present invention works directly on a specific part of the brain containing an extract extracted from a plant as an active ingredient to treat and prevent various diseases such as neuropsychiatric disorders. It has been found as a “nasal cerebral function regulator” by newly discovering remarkable effects effective for medical treatment.

The method for administering the nasal brain function regulator of the present invention to the subject is not limited as long as it is nasal, and any known method may be used. Is preferably diluted with a solvent such as ethanol or vegetable oil, and atomized using a diffuser (aroma diffuser).
Inhalation of the atomized product may reduce omission of administration to the subject using a mask or the like, and the atomized product may be distributed throughout the room.

  Further, the subject may sniff "extracts extracted from plants" such as essential oils and fragrances, or those obtained by soaking them with felt or the like. Moreover, you may make it a subject sniff the thing evaporated by heating. Moreover, you may make it contain in any raw material of what to wear.

The dose and administration time are preferably 1 second to 3 hours at a time, more preferably 10 seconds to 60 minutes, and particularly preferably 1 minute to 10 minutes.
The administration frequency is preferably once every 3 hours to 10 days, more preferably once every 6 hours to 3 days, and particularly preferably once every 12 hours to 1 day.

  In addition, it cannot be overemphasized that the administration method to the object of the nasal brain function regulator of this invention is not limited above.

The “extract extracted from plants” such as essential oils and fragrances contained in the nasal brain function regulator of the present invention may be one kind or plural kinds.
Moreover, the nasal brain function regulator of this invention may contain 1 type or multiple types of extracts from other than a specific plant.
Furthermore, the nasal brain function regulator of the present invention may appropriately contain other components usually used in inhalation preparations.

  The nasal brain function regulator of the present invention can be used for pharmaceuticals, quasi drugs, vaporizing and sucking agents, compositions for external use, blended fragrances, cosmetics, bath preparations, fibers and the like.

  EXAMPLES Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to examples and comparative examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples unless it exceeds the gist.

Example 1
For normal healthy people, camomile (Matricaria recutita), clarisage (Salvia sclarea), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), cypress (Cupressus sempervire), sandalwood (Santalum album), patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), frankincense (Boswellia carterii), pepper (Piper nigrum), bergamot (Citrus bergamia), benzoin (Styrax benzoin), lemon (Citrus limon), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), myrrha (Commiphora myrrha), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus), cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa), majuram (igan) Majorana) were extracted with sweat-like odor, garlic-like odor, propolis-like odor, city gas-like odor, and brain function changes were examined.

Extraction from each plant was performed in a preferred manner for each plant by steam distillation, pressing extraction or solvent extraction.
The obtained essential oil was used as a stock solution, and the essential oil or fragrance volatilized by the air compressor was administered to the subject by allowing it to flow into the nasal cavity of the subject for 30 seconds using a device prepared for fragrance exposure.
The apparatus is designed to allow air from a compressor to flow into a chamber containing an extract such as essential oil, and to flow the air through a gas mask worn by the subject. It is intended to be exposed to the subject.

  Transnasal brain function regulators were examined in 12 healthy subjects (9 males, 3 females, mean ± SD = 33.20 ± 15.19 years old) as all subjects.

  Within 1 second to 15 minutes after administration, non-invasive mapping was performed from the scalp by near infrared spectroscopy using a near infrared light topography apparatus (SMARTNIRS: manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation).

  As a result, blood volume (activity) in specific locations of the brain in chamomile, clary sage, grapefruit, cypress, sandalwood, patchouli, frankincense, pepper, bergamot, benzoin, lemon, lemongrass, myrrh, eucalyptus, majuram and cypress ) Increase (activation) and / or blood volume (activity) decrease (suppression).

On the other hand, extracts from other plants that were evaluated (including those known for aromatherapy) and especially simple substances such as sweat-like odor, garlic-like odor, propolis-like odor, city gas-like odor, etc. In the case of a single fragrance, an increase (activation) of blood volume (activity) and / or a decrease (suppression) of blood volume (activity) was not observed or was observed in a specific place in the brain Was very little.
If the range of the experiment is expanded, the range of plants in which an increase (activation) of blood volume (activity) and / or a decrease (suppression) of blood volume (activity) is observed is expanded.

Figures 1-4 and 6-13 show the results of extracts from chamomile, grapefruit, lemongrass, patchouli, clary sage, cypress, sandalwood, pepper, bergamot, benzoin, marjuram, and myrrh, respectively.
FIG. 5 shows the result of an extract from frankincense, which is a plant according to the present invention, in which an increase or decrease in blood volume was observed but not remarkably.
Thus, in addition to the presence or absence of the effects of the present invention, such as high effects, low effects, and intermediate effects, a difference in degree was also observed.
It was shown that the nasal brain function regulator of the present invention has a local brain function regulating action.

Example 2
Next, the harvested lemongrass was put in a dryer and dried in air at 30 to 50 ° C. for 24 hours.

The dried lemongrass was extracted in an extraction device.
The extraction conditions were as follows.
(1) Lemongrass temperature: 30-40 ° C
(2) Set temperature in the apparatus: 30 to 40 ° C
(3) Pressure: 93 to 97 kPa lower pressure than 101.3 kPa (1 atm) (4) Rotation speed of stirring blade (movable blade): 4 rpm (rotation / min)

  Of the recovered liquid collected in the recovery tank, the liquid in the aqueous layer (aqueous phase) was used as the target extract.

Example 3
The difference in the components contained in the lemongrass extract extracted by the low-temperature vacuum extraction method and the lemongrass extract extracted by the steam distillation method was compared using a gas chromatography method.
The results are shown in Table 1. In Table 1, “%” indicates “mass%”, and “RT” indicates “retention time”.

Of the four main components contained in the lemongrass extract extracted by steam distillation, 78% are aldehyde-type components (Neral and Geranial), and 12% are alcohol-type components (Nellore and Geraniol). I found out.
On the other hand, among the four main components contained in the lemongrass extract extracted by the low-temperature vacuum extraction method, the alcohol-type component is 39%, which is more contained than that extracted by the steam distillation method. I found out.
Further, it is said that the alcohol type component is safer and less toxic and irritating than the aldehyde type component, and has a sedative effect.

Example 4
We investigated the improvement of intelligence function (cognitive function) by lemongrass extract extracted by low-temperature vacuum extraction.
A commercially available ultrasonic humidifier was installed on the wall of the cafeteria in a nursing home for the elderly, and the lemongrass extract was administered to the subject using the humidifier. Nineteen residents (average age ± standard deviation; 83.2 ± 8.61 years old) in nursing care health facilities were targeted. When it was difficult to obtain informed consent from the person himself, the parent was given consent after explaining to the parent.
The administration time was about 2 hours every day for 16 weeks. In order to examine the results of administration of the lemongrass extract, the GBS scale Japanese version (GBSS-J, Japanese version of the aging dementia assessment scale) was implemented, and the subordinate items of GBSS-J were also implemented. (Homma A, Niina R, Ishii T and Hasegawa K: Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 5: 40-48, (1991)).

Among the 19 subjects described above, GBS-JA (intellectual function evaluation) was performed on 4 (average age ± standard error; 85.53 ± 3.00 years) diagnosed as mild to moderate Alzheimer's dementia. FIG. 14 shows the result of the above. The vertical axis of the graph in FIG. 14 indicates that the larger the number, the worse the intellectual function (cognitive function) disorder.
As a result, at 16 weeks after the start of the test, the cognitive impairment was significantly improved as compared to before the start of the test. This suggests that the lemongrass extract has an action of suppressing the development of cognitive impairment.

  Since the nasal brain function regulator containing an extract extracted from the plant of the present invention as an active ingredient is excellent in regulating the local function of the brain, of course, as a pharmaceutical, aromatherapy supplies, It is widely used in the fields of fragrances, care products, cosmetics and the like.

Claims (8)

A method for producing a brain activity fluctuation map by scent for treating Alzheimer's dementia in a target person,
Regarding activation or suppression of olfactory activity for each specific location of the brain of a person who has been administered nasally with an extract extracted from a plant, blood flow from each location is measured from above the scalp by near infrared spectroscopy A method for producing a brain activity fluctuation map by a scent characterized by non-invasively detecting and mapping.   The scent brain activity according to claim 1, wherein the extraction is performed by a low-temperature vacuum extraction method and is performed without using an extraction medium so that the plant maintains a temperature of 65 ° C or lower. A manufacturing method of a variation map.   The plant is at least one plant selected from the group consisting of chamomile, clary sage, grapefruit, cypress, sandalwood, patchouli, frankincense, pepper, bergamot, benzoin, lemon, lemongrass, myrrh, eucalyptus, cypress and majuram The manufacturing method of the brain activity fluctuation | variation map by the fragrance of Claim 1 or Claim 2.   The scent according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the specific location of the brain is the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, limbic system, or frontal orbital field. A method for producing a brain activity fluctuation map.   The method for producing a cerebral activity fluctuation map according to claim 4, wherein the specific location of the brain includes at least the frontal orbital field.   A nasal cerebral function regulator for treating Alzheimer's dementia, characterized by using the method for producing a brain activity variation map by fragrance according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Method. A method for producing a nasal brain function regulator, comprising using the method for finding a nasal brain function regulator for treating Alzheimer-type dementia according to claim 6,
The method for producing a nasal brain function regulator, wherein the nasal brain function regulator comprises an extract extracted from a plant as an active ingredient.   A scent brain activity fluctuation map produced by using the scent brain activity fluctuation map manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.